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The level and quality of runners in the 3A classification in Illinois keeps getting stronger. Last year at the NXR Midwest Regional Championships, the top three 3A teams from the IHSA State meet finished in the top four. State Champion Naperville North made it to Portland as an automatic qualifier. 3A Third-place Minooka received an at-large bid. For some reason, 3A 2^nd place team was ignored for one of those bids.

To get to Portland via Terre Haute, you need to survive the Illinois High School cross-country season. There are as many as seven 3A schools that could take home the championship trophy on November 4.

Naperville North is the defending champion and has the talent to repeat. The WSC-Silver could show why they are the toughest conference in the nation as Glenbard West, Hinsdale Central, and Lyons Township all have the talent to take home the top prize. Yorkville and Minooka were in the top three last November. It is possible they can duplicate those places. Downers Grove South snuck up on some and finished fourth. They will not sneak up on anyone this fall.

As you can see the talent in this classification is deep. Extremely deep.

To get a sneak preview of the state meet, head to the Naperville Twilight Invitational on the Naperville North campus on October 4. Six of those seven schools will be racing against each other.

We previewed 75 3A schools for the upcoming season. Here is a look at those teams.

3A Girls Top 25

1 Naperville North

2016 Finish – 3A State Champions

Coach – Dan Iverson

Top Runners – Sarah Schmitt SR (6, 16:51), Hannah Ricci SR (18, 17:14), Alex Morris JR (19, 17:15), Gabby Champion SR (51, 17:58), Claire Hill JR (102, 18:23), Samantha Prazma SR, Jillian Fitz SR, Sophia Bruce JR, Megan Driscoll JR, Julia O’DeKirk SO, Wagner Osborne SO, Madeline Cody FR, Nora Fitzgerald FR, Jillian Carroll FR, Kate Donaldson FR.

Notes – Look at the IHSA record books as well as the results of the Nike Cross Nationals. You will see Naperville North listed all over the place. The Lady Huskies won their first state championship under Coach Dan Iverson in 2001. They won their seventh title last fall dominating what was one of the toughest Girls fields in state history. As they enter the 2017 season this fall, there you will see Naperville North once again at the top of the list vying for another state title. There are five runners back from that state championship team. Add in all the other runners looking at making the top seven and you could have as many as 17 runners wanting a chance to run in the state meet.

There is no junior varsity. There is no frosh/soph runners. Everyone is a varsity runner in Iverson’s eyes. Naperville North will split their team on the weekend where the top eight runners go to Minnesota to run in the Roy Griak Invitational while the rest of the team stayed home to race at the Naperville Girls Invitational. After their “9 through 15” runners won the Varsity race at Naperville, he was asked afterwards how he felt that his JV team won this race. His reply was simple: “We do not have any junior-varsity runners. We tell our entire team that they are on the varsity. If there are not working on improving to try to make the top seven, why are they on the team.” It is a simple “Iversonism” that everyone on the Naperville North team agrees on.

“We had a very solid summer of training,” Iverson said. “It was on par with the best of what we have done previously, but our numbers were consistently good all summer, and all the kids are in the best possible shape, so we are certainly optimistic that the summer has put us in a position to achieve our potential this season.” The potential is great with this team. Sarah Schmitt finished sixth in last year’s state race and should be one of the top runners up front for the team and in the state. Hannah Ricci and Alex Morris finished together last year as all-state runners and should repeat that again. Schmitt, Morris, and Ricci all ran under 10:47 for 3200-meters. That is an effective way to start with your first three runners.

The one runner to keep an eye on is Claire Hill who is entering her junior season. She had a great summer of training and could close the hap on the first three. “Claire Hill is a returner for us,” added Iverson. “She has definitely moved to a different level, often training with our top three runners. She looks very good.” You also have runners back like Gabby Champion, Samantha Prazma, and Jillian Fitz that could step into the top five. The Lady Huskies have a good freshman class entering. They could have freshmen like Madeline Cody or Nora Fitzgerald that could contribute right away.

This Naperville North could be better than last year’s state championship team. But remember, we are still in August waiting for the first meets of the year to start. While the Lady Huskies have improved, so have so many other teams. This squad does realize that. “We will have very high expectations, I’m sure,” concluded Iverson. “They have certainly behaved that way all summer with their perseverance and dedication. But with that said, we are aware that many programs throughout Illinois and the country will pose formidable challenges, so we are excited for the possibilities, but we also know that we must earn it every day.”

2 Glen Ellyn Glenbard West

2016 Finish – 9^th 3A State

Coach – Paul Hass

Top Runners – Katelynne Hart SO (1, 16:31), Lindsey Payne SR (2, 16:34), Chloe Connolly JR (75, 18:05), Abby Hoffman JR (157, 18:52), Emma Hall SO (186, 19:21), Katie Hohe JR, Marika Tammaru SR, Claire Kenwood SR, Alena Tammaru FR, Lauren Pappas JR, Grace Oh JR, Haley Yeager SO, Brooke Engel SO, Mary Kate Shaver SR, Bailey Jackson SO.

Notes – It was not the way that Glenbard West wanted to finish the season as a team. Injuries and illnesses rattled this squad. For most other teams, the losses that the Lady Hilltoppers experienced would have dropped them out of contention to advance out of a sectional or place low at state. Glenbard West finished ninth last fall. They are hungry for a state championship just like they were at the beginning of last season. What will stoke the fire within these runners was what their track team accomplished last May when they won the 3A state title. You win one championship and you want more. It can be greedy, but it is a good greed that can drive you.

West has a good core to work from with five runners back from that team plus some depth waiting to contribute. One loss for the team was last year’s #6 runner at state Nicole Kaiser moved to Arizona with her family. It means another opportunity for this deep and talented team. “The training this summer was fairly typical of past summers in that the girls worked very hard and got in their mileage at our summer camp when they were not on vacation or on mission trips,” Paul Hass said. “Girls who were out of town, nevertheless, got their running in so I feel that the team has developed a very good mileage base.”

It helps that you have two of the top runners in the state as your top two runners. We all know what Katelynne Hart did on the track last fall. With a summer of high altitude training, this sophomore is ready to go. Lindsey Payne had a tough junior year but still finished second behind Hart at state. Payne suffered from chronic respiratory problems throughout most of last season. Nevertheless, she finished second for the team. The biggest addition for the team will be the return of junior Katie Hohe who missed regionals, sectionals, and state after she was diagnosed with mononucleosis right after the conference meet. She showed last spring that she was healthy helping her team place 4^th at state in the 3200 Meter Relay. Before she got sick, she ran within 30 seconds of Hart and Payne. She is the big plus for the team that could finish in the top 15.

Having small numbers in the first three spots will be great for this team. It will be seeing who will step into the next two scoring spots. It could be four to five runners that will rotate in that area. Chloe Connelly ran at state but wants to better her 18:05 run at state last November. Grace Oh and Lauren Pappas did not finish the season because of injuries but will be fighting for those spots. Abby Hoffman, Claire Kenwood, and Emma Hall all are possibilities in the first five. If two runners can place in the 50’s at the state meet, Glenbard West could be tough to beat.

You can have more talent than anyone in the state but it does not matter if you don’t have that heart and desire to compliment that. This team has that desire. “once the season begins the team’s success will truly be dependent upon two factors,” stated Hass. “First: how well the girls come together as a team to support one another throughout the ups and downs of a fall campaign. ) Second: how much desire the girls have to put forth quality efforts and make the sacrifices necessary to achieve our team goals. If the girls are willing to positively address each of these key elements, there is no doubt that we will fulfill our potential as a quality team; if not, the results will speak for themselves.”

Glenbard West should have the top two runners in 3A with Hart and Payne. Health will be a big key as it effected the team last year. It is something that will stay on their mind as they go after a state championship.

“2016 did not conclude in the manner that we had hoped despite a seventh-straight top-ten state finish (ninth),” Hass stated. Thus, perhaps more than in past years, the girls are exceptionally committed to improving upon last season both as a team and with individual performances. Winning the state track title last spring certainly provided the girls with a tangible feeling of how sweet it is to reach the proverbial “mountaintop”; more importantly, however, is the knowledge the girls gained from the experience: that consistent effort, sacrifice, and focusing upon what only they can control leads to positive outcomes; we hope to draw upon these lessons this fall.”

3 Yorkville

2016 Finish – 2nd 3A State

Coach – Chris Muth

Top Runners – Nicole Greyer JR (13, 17:04), Alyssa Edwards SR (31, 17:27), Olivia Borowiak JR (53, 17:50), Victoria Crawford JR (181, 19:13), Emily Eberhardt JR, Helena Kleronomos FR, Sara Klemm FR, Hailey Simmons FR, Nikki Vergara FR, Ana Penland FR, Madysen Klebenow SO, Sam Moreno SO, Kimberly Batdorf SR, Emily Berge SR.

Notes – The first full season for Yorkville was nearly the same as when they won five 2A state championships in five years. The Lady Foxes came on strong at the end of the year finishing second in the 3A state meet. The following week at the NXR Midwest Regional they finished fourth overall. They did not receive an at-large bid to the Nike Cross Nationals. It was something that they deserved.

“Training was consistent throughout the varsity top 14 girls,” said Coach Chris Muth. “This year we took a very concerted effort to put three different training plans together to maximize strengths and minimize injuries. Experienced runners ran higher mileage than we have in the past, while the freshman ran in our normal mileage range, and athletes that have been coming back from injuries or have a history of injury are on very low running mileage and a high amount of cardio non-impact work. To this point in the process, we are in great shape and looking forward to starting workouts.”

Four runners are back from that state team but are deeper than what most people think. Emily Eberhardt was one of the team’s top five early last season before an injury forced her out at the end of September. “One of the best work ethics I’ve ever worked with. She has had to fight for everything she has been able to accomplish so far and she deserves everything coming to her this season. The list of adversity that she has had to overcome is long, including, Type 1 diabetes, two stress fractures the last two cross seasons (because of low bone density), low iron, and a breathing condition,” Muth added. “Despite these adversities she continued to work hard and find solutions and not excuses. She has a ton of upside and I can’t wait for her to finally show that off this season. She looks great and feels better than she has since joining our team two years ago.”

This team has the depth but needs to stay healthy. Their top returnee Nicole Greyer was diagnosed with a stress fracture at the end of the track season. She will be ready to go by the time they go to Peoria at the beginning of September. The injury has allowed Alyssa Edwards to step into the top spot. She was the team’s #1 runner at Detweiller at Dark where she ran 17:36. Eberhardt was eight seconds back. Olivia Borowiak was the team’s #5 runner and looks to have improved looking at the July results. The team needed a fifth runner and they might have found one in freshman Helena Kleronomos who was the team’s fourth runner at Det at Dark.

Yorkville steps up their schedule this fall heading to Minnesota this September to the Roy Griak Invitational with other Illinois schools Downers Grove South and Naperville North. The Lady Foxes could have as many as three all-state runners. Their fourth and fifth runners are not that far behind. “We (the coaches) just want them to stay happy, healthy, motivated, and progressing throughout,” Muth concluded. ”As far as Detweiller at Dark, I didn’t expect those times this early. We have only done recovery base work miles to this point.” One thing is for sure that Yorkville will be in the hunt for another trophy this fall.

4 Hinsdale Central

2016 Finish – 13^th 3A State

Coach – Mark McCabe

Top Runners – Reilly Revord SR (30, 17:26), Grace McCabe SR (71, 18:04), McKenna Revord SO (85, 18:11), Kayla Byrne JR (105, 18:26), Taylor Waldron JR (141, 18:43), Caitlin Chval JR (156, 18:52), Taylor Wagner SO, Bella Pisani JR, Lisa Fischer SO, Melanie Chaffin JR, Olivia Beargie SO, Rachel Wagner SO, Melanie Chafin JR, Sophia Horowicz SR.

Notes – Leaving Detweiller Park after their team had finished 13^th in the state meet, Coach Mark McCabe knew that the best was ahead of the Red Devilettes. He knew that he would have six runners that would have that state meet experience coming back. They knew they had a track season ahead to build for this fall.

“We have high hopes for the upcoming season,” said McCabe. “We have a couple of great seniors leading a group of strong sophomores and juniors. We are a program that emphasizes the middle-distance races in track (800m, 1600m) but are a strength based program in terms of training which has led to our success in cross-country.”

Reilly Revord and Grace McCabe did not have their best races at the end of last season but bounced back in the spring. Revord was the anchor runner for Hinsdale Central’s team that finished second in the state in the 3200 Meter Relay after winning the event in 2016. She ran a 2:12 split in the state meet for 800-meters as well as 4:57.99 at 1600-meters. The senior had run 4:53 the year before. Grace McCabe was also part of the 3200 Meter Relay. She had personal bests of 2:15.07 for 800-meters and then at Magis Miles when she ran 4:57.39 for the 1 Mile Run (4:55.78 for 1600-meters) to win the High School race. Both McCabe and Revord should be among the top 25 runners in November.

The pack behind these two runners is strong. McKenna Revord, Melanie Chaffin, and Kayla Byrne lead a group of 8 to 10 runners that could have a chance for the other five spots in the top seven. McCabe expects Lucy Fischer to be a surprise in this group after having a great summer of training.

If there is any team in the state that has a chip on their shoulder, it would have to be this one. Their talent and track season show that they should have two runners in the top 25 at Detweiller Park. The split on five last year off Revord’s 30^th place finish was 65 seconds. That split should come down this season to be between 40 to 45 seconds. With two all-stat runners leading the way, it would put Hinsdale Central in position for a trophy. “Our summer training went extremely well as did our team trip to Wisconsin,” McCabe said. “We typically run very well at the end of the season when it counts. Last year at state was one of the few times that wasn’t the case. We are all eager to make sure that 2017 is a return to form at state. Good things lie ahead!”

5 LaGrange Lyons Township

2016 Finish – 5^th 3A State

Coach – Alex Lyons

Top Runners – Sarah Barcelona JR (11, 17:03), Emily Henkel JR (16, 17:10), Cara Paliakas SR (48, 17:48), Lily Kedzuch SR (112, 18:28), Kirsten Meyer SR (132, 18:39), Maddie Cranny SO (145, 18:46), Martha Kogucki JR, Leah Paliakas SO, Nora Whelton JR, Maggie Vear SO, Kate Dickman FR, Maddie Ohm FR, Claire Williams FR, Mary Grace Lansing FR, Kate Farrell FR, Olivia McLean FR.

Notes – The Lions caught some by surprise last fall when the finished fifth at the state meet. You would not have been surprised if you looked at the talent on their roster as well as their races within the WSC-Silver Conference. This team is fully loaded for this season with their top six runners from last year’s team all back.

“We had a solid, unspectacular summer--just lots of kids doing low-key workouts that will hopefully pay off toward the end of the year,” said Coach Alex Lyons. One area of concern at the beginning of the summer was the health of their top runner Sarah Barcelona who had to drop out of the 3200 Meter Run at the Sectional Meet in May. “Sarah had a thigh/knee injury that's resolved now, but she's currently dealing with a shin issue,” Lyons added. “We're taking it one day at a time and seeing how she's feeling.” Emily Henkel came on strong last fall that built this spring earning all-state honors in the 3200 Meter Run. Barcelona and Henkel ran side-by side in the regional and sectional races finishing 1-2. Only five spots separated the two at state with Barcelona 11^th and Henkel 16^th. Both finishing in the top ten at state would not surprise me.

For Lyons Township to be in the mix for a trophy, they will need to get all five of their scorers in the top 75 at state. Cara Paliakas finished 48^th last year but has come on strong during track and the summer. She is a possibility to challenging for a top 25 all-state position. Their top five split at the state meet was 96 seconds. That’s not bad considering that you have two runners so far in the front. With the talent that is coming back in the state, the Lions will need to see that split come down.

“I can't point to one particular athlete that's made a huge jump, but many kids are quietly taking lots of little steps in fitness. They're a committed group,” Lyons stated. “We want to run our best over the final month of the season. If we do that, it's a successful year.”

6 Minooka

2016 Finish – 3rd 3A State

Coach – Kevin Gummerson

Top Runners – Emily Shelton SR (3, 16:42), Vivian Van Eck JR (23, 17:20), Julia Dames SO (121, 18:32), Sarah Weed SR (134, 18:40), Katelyn Gall JR (169, 18:57), Nina Shanahan SO, Katelynn Egteimeier JR, Amanda Wilson SO, Alexis Marti JR, Angelica Leal SR, Olivia Kies SO.

Notes – Minooka returns five runners from last year’s team that finished third at state. Coach Kevin Gummerson does lose two all-state runners Mackenzie Callahan and Ashley Tutt who have graduated. Losing two all-state runners hurts. Having two all-state runners returning diminishes that hurt. The desire to be on the podium to pick up their third trophy in as many years is in every step every runner on this team takes.

“The effort from these girls has been there this summer,” Gummerson said. “These girls have done the things that they needed to do to prepare for this fall season. There is an attitude that is present that this is a different team and the roles have changed; however, the hard work needs to be there if we are going to continue with the success we have had the last few years.”

It seems that Emily Shelton was in the shadows of Glenbard West’s duo of Katelynne Hart and Lindsey Payne. Shelton finished third at the Naperville Twilight Invitational in October behind those two. The same 1-2-3 finish was duplicated at state with Shelton eight seconds back. She has continued to improve as her track season demonstrated. She will end the year as one of the top runners in this state as well as the nation. Vivian Van Eck came on slowly last season slowly closing the gap of the big three (Shelton, Callahan, Tutt). It paid off at the end as she finished 23^rd at state. Some injuries slowed her down during track but she should be back closer to Shelton this fall. The two were separated by 38 seconds at state.

The Indians will not be able to replace the points that their graduated all-state runners gave them last year. It will be a matter of moving that pack closer to Van Eck. 25 seconds separated Julia Dames, Sarah Weed, and Katelyn Gall last state meet. Watch that gap to maybe even closer this season. The key will be closing the gap on Van Eck down to 45 to 50 seconds. That could put Minooka in trophy territory.

“We definitely have some great talent returning and we have some kids that have had great opportunities to compete on a very big stage,” Gummerson said. “I expect us to continually improve throughout the course of the season. We will be focused all year on putting ourselves in the best position possible in early November.”

7 Downers Grove South

2016 Finish – 4^th 3A State

Coach – Doug Plunkett

Top Runners – Brenna Cohoon SO (38, 17:36) Melissa Weidner JR (63, 17:57), Becky Versaskes JR (67, 18:01), Erin Reidy SO (73, 18:04), Kennedy Warden SO (107, 18:27), Olivia Duax JR (162, 18:56), Allison Calek JR, Gillian Thomas SR, Rebecca Diddia FR, Olivia Meyer FR, Madison Wies FR, Julia Lalonde JR, Riya Bhasin SR, Hailey Rodden SR, Carlirose Smid SR.

Notes – Downers Grove South has won 20+ straight WSC-Gold Conference Championships so you expect the Mustangs to be there at the end of the year. They sneak up on you in the big meets. That happened last year at state when they finished fourth overall. They could sneak up on teams again this fall returning six from last year’s team as well as a good group of incoming freshmen as well as a talented JV group. Short on talent this team is not.

“While I feel the girls have done a great job with all I've asked them to do, we have taken some slower, more careful steps than previous years by doing more mileage and less workouts. I'm not sure if that's better or not, but we are in good health right now,” Coach Doug Plunkett said. “My girls ran just about exactly what I expected at the Detweiller at Dark race last week, but what I didn't expect was everyone else running so fast. To be honest, that worries me a little. But I'm going to trust that we will continue to improve and be at our best in October/November.”

Brenna Cohoon started her freshman season as the four to five runner on the team. At the end of the year, she was the team’s top runner in the state meet (38^th place). She has stepped in on the leadership role that graduated Katie Stapleton had. The key to this team last year was their pack running. In October at the Peoria Central Invitational, the split on their top five was 22 seconds. At state, it stayed in that area at 26 seconds. With the same group back, keeping that split intact will be important especially if Cohoon finishes in the top 25. Melissa Weidner and Becky Versaskes are part of the leaders of that pack. The freshmen group led by Rebecca Diddia could contribute sometime during the season. 12 to 13 runners fighting for 7 spots. That is a nice problem to have.

“If we can stay healthy, I expect us to compete for a spot among the top 10,” Plunkett said. “If we are fortunate enough to do that and be in the mix, anything can happen at the State meet.”

Class 3A has improved entering the 2017 season. Downers Grove South is one of those team. They could run a better race at state this fall but still finish 7^th or lower. Keeping their pack together during the season will make or break this team. Their schedule has changed now running at the Roy Griak Invitational in September and the Naperville Twilight Invitational in October. Good things lie ahead for the Mustangs.

8 Park Ridge Maine South

2016 Finish – 11th 3A State

Coach – Jeff Downing

Top Runners – Olivia Niziolek SR (12, 17:03), Kathleen Glockner SR (101, 18:20), Laura Downey JR (109, 18:28), Lauren May JR (131, 18:39), Alexis Kachiroubias SR (133, 18:40), Amanda Walbert SR, Madison Purtell JR, Klaudia Wachnik JR, Marlowe Bargeman SR, Keely Flynn FR, Abby Ciprian FR, Carley Bomrad JR.

Notes – Five runners are back from Maine South’s 11^th place state team. With the talent that is coming back, it would not be surprising to see this team end the year in the top ten. It does not hurt to have Olivia Niziolek leading you on the course. Her junior year started with at 12^th place finish at Detweiller followed in the spring by a third-place state finish in the 1600 Meter Run. She will provide small numbers up front for her team this fall.

The Hawks will need to rely on tight pack running behind Niziolek. Kathleen Glockner and Laura Downey will be the leaders of the group. A key for this team is keeping the four other scorers within 20 seconds of each other. Glockner was from 75 to 77 seconds of Niziolek at the end of the year. If the group can close the gap down to 55 to 58 seconds, this team could surprise some. “As we move through our tough invite schedule, we will get a sense of where we stand against the other good team in the state,” said Coach Jeff Downing. “We will continue to set the team goal to be to qualify to the state meet. With the depth in our sectional, we know that there are no guarantees, so we will push hard to make that happen. After that point, we would like to see our pack move forward to the point of finishing in the top 10 at state.”

9 Batavia

2016 Finish – 18th 3A State

Coach – Chad Hillman

Top Runners – Marygrace Golden SR (62, 17:57), Audrey Pellico SO (87, 18:14), Mia Gianfrancesco SO (104, 18:25), Daphne Kolody SR (120, 18:32), Erika Mansfield SR (151, 18:49), Alexa Andrews JR (166, 18:59), Emma Stephens SR, Anna Malay SR, Erin O’Brien SO, Josie Adams SO, Jenna Schifferer FR, Annie Sellenberg FR, Lydia Sydlowski FR.

Notes – It has haunted the Batavia runners in a good way for the past year. The state meet in 2016 was not their best race of the year as they finished 18^th overall. “We had a very strong summer,” Coach Chad Hillman said. “We are very motivated to improve from last year.”

This team worked on pack running during last season. They ran a 25 second top five split in their conference meet to finish second. In their sectional meet, it moved up to 41 seconds. It grew even more at the state meet when it was 52 seconds. The combination of the split with not having a runner in the first 50 solidified their fate. With their entire top five coming back, the future looks bright for this team.

Mary Grace Golden was the top runner for most of the meets last year and most likely will again this fall. Sophomores Audrey Pellico and Mia Gianfrancesco will push Golden in the front. Gianfrancesco could be the surprise for the team. “She feels like she is a lot better than she showed last season and is working hard to get where she wants to be,” added Hillman. Seniors Erika Mansfield and Daphne Kolody should solidify the top five. A good pack of freshman led by Jenna Schifferer could help.

Moving their pack closer to the front and holding that through the state series is something that the Bulldogs will be concentrating on this fall. A tight split is an important thing but only if you have a presence in the front. The thoughts of an 18^th place finish still is on their mind. The talent that they have can get them into the top ten this fall.

10 Naperville Neuqua Valley

2016 Finish – 6^th 3A State

Coach – Amanda Ameling

Top Runners – Julia Rushing SO (52, 17:48), Brynne Winiarski SR (77, 18:06), Keara Ginell SR (83, 18:11), Corinna Pena SR (96, 18:19), Sofi Medina JR, Paige Hardy SR, Amirah Yessafou SR, Adriana Contreras SR, Katie Kingsbury SO, Mikenna Robinson JR, Megan Ng SR, Annie Amundsen SO.

Notes – Change has happened for this team in the past week as long-time coach Tim McCoskey stepped down as coach to spend more time with his family. Amanda Ameling steps in as the new coach. Ameling was a freshman on McCoskey’s first team in 2002. She was also the first all-state athlete that McCoskey coached. There might be a little transition in styles of coaching. But with Ameling having run in the program, that transition will not take that long.

The Lady Wildcats had their best finish in the Girls program’s history by finishing sixth despite the fact the team was riddled by injuries last year. There are four runners back from that team led by sophomore Julia Rushing who was the team’s second runner. Brynne Winiarski, Keara Ginell, and Corinne Pena were only separated by 13 seconds at the state meet. That kind of pack will help this year. Neuqua will also get back Sofi Medina who missed most of last season due to injuries. As a freshman, Medina ran 18:00 at Detweiller.

The projected top five of near 30 to 35 seconds will keep this team fighting for a top ten spot. Health will be something to watch for this team. The squad is not as deep as last year. “We have a lot of young talent that still needs to develop and we have a strong senior class of leaders,” Ameling said. “Expectations for this team would be to get back to state. But, beyond that as a program we are turning a new leaf. I want this to continue to become a stronger program working from the bottom up. Our big goal, as mentioned already, is to make it to state. As a program goal, we are looking for unity as well as to create a stronger culture within the team.”

11 Edwardsville

2016 Finish – 16^th 3A State

Coach – George Patrylak

Top Runners – Abby Schrobilgen JR (66, 18:00), Melissa Spencer SR (80, 18:09), Jaycie Hudson JR (93, 18:18), Abby Korak SO (114, 18:29), Maddie Miller JR (169, 19:02), Payton Flowers JR, Emiley England FR, Katelyn Singh SR, Hannah Stuart JR, Kiara Delgado JR, Kennison Adams SR.

Notes – The 3A sectional in the southern part of the state has been recognized by some as one of the weakest in the state. With Yorkville and Minooka coming out of that sectional and taking home state trophies last year, more notice of the sectional was given. The improvements by Edwardsville and O’Fallon could make this sectional one of the toughest in the state. Edwardsville has a good group with five runners coming back from last year’s 16^th place state team.

“We have worked on have the athletes build a base and increase mileage,” Coach George Patrylak said. “We have implemented one workout a week and one long run a week. This is year three of the new program Coach Davis, Coach Dust and I have created for the team and we are seeing the girls run further, while also increasing their paces. Having Coach Davis work with the distance crew in track has been crucial in the overall conditioning of the ladies.”

This team as showed improvement this summer. Their overall team time at this July’s Mud Mountain 5k held on the sectional course was 29 seconds faster than what they ran in their sectional race last October. Abby Schrobilgen has improved over the past year and should be the team’s top runner. She finished 66^th last year at state and could place 40^th or better this fall. The Tigers ran a 29 second split on their first four last year at state led by Melissa Spencer. Abby Korak should also be part of the pack along with Katelyn Smith and freshman Emily England whom Patrylak will be part of the top five.

The implementation of the new training program has showed improvement over the past few seasons. That should continue over the next couple of months. Keeping their pack around 35 to 40 seconds off Schrobilgen would be a good start. “Last year we finished 16th in the AAA Girls State XC Championships. This year our goal is to be in the top ten,” Patrylak said. “The past few seasons we have dealt with some of our runners having low iron. That impacted two of our key members last year. We think we have a better grasp on this condition and we have had nutritionist talk with our girls and their families. Hopefully that ugly beast will not show its head this year.”

12 Lincolnshire Stevenson

2016 Finish – 19^th 3A State

Coach – Maureen LeVanti

Top Runners – Isabelle Sparreo SR (17:39, 41), Natalie Sparreo SR (64, 17:58), Kendall Roberts JR (137, 18:42), Gabriella Jagielo SR (143, 18:44), Caimin Xi SO (150, 18:48), Michelle Yu SO (154, 18:51), Shea Kirby SR (206, 20:12), Taylor Yen JR, Lauren Appell SR, Natalie Sorensen JR, Alyssa Collins JR.

Notes – All seven runners from last year’s 19^th place team return for Stevenson. Isabelle Sparreo, who finished 10^th her sophomore year, did not have her best race at state finishing 41^st overall. Injuries forced her out of the outdoor track season. She did run 5:03.26 indoors for 1600-meters. She showed she was ready in July by running 18:17 at Detweiller at Dark. We could see her in the top ten this fall.

Her sister Natalie was 19 seconds behind at the state meet after running more than a minute behind her sister most of the year. The pack behind the two Sparreos only had a nine second spread from their third through sixth runners. If they could move their pack to within 20 seconds of Natalie, this team could push for a top ten finish.

13 O’Fallon

2016 Finish – 21^st 3A State

Coach – Neil James

Top Runners – Brooke Witzel SR (33, 17:28), Kaitlyn Walker SO (97, 18:20), Sophie Wichlac SO (153, 18:50), Emma Jordan SO (159, 18:54), Katie Mank JR (171, 19:03), Madeline McKittrick SO (176, 19:10), Maddie Collins SR (202, 19:50), Kylie McElroy FR, Kalleigh Perrier SR, Abby George JR.

Notes - Here is the “other” Southwest Conference team that finished second behind Edwardsville last year in the conference meet. The Panthers return all their top seven from last year’s 21^st place state team. “We had another solid summer of training,” Coach Neil James said. “A couple of our freshmen who ran varsity last year really worked hard this summer and have made significant strides. We had a smaller group than in the past but the group that was there got in some solid work and looks ready for the season ahead.”

One of the best runners in the southern part of the state is O’Fallon’s #1 runner Brooke Witzel. She finished 33^rd last season with her sights set on a top 20 finish this fall. There were four freshmen in the top seven last year led by Kaitlyn Walker. The state experience should pay off for them this fall. An incoming freshman Kylie McElroy could also step into the top five.

Their split on the second through fifth runners blew up to 43 seconds at state. In their sectional race, it was 33 seconds. The conference split was 36 seconds. A split on the four scorers of under 30 seconds would be sweet. Keeping that pack to within 45 seconds of Wetzel would even be better. “We would definitely like to improve upon last season’s finish,” James said. “Each year we go in with the goal of winning conference and regional as well as qualifying for state. With such a young team last season, we had our struggles early but then had our best race of the season at state. We feel that the year of experience will really be beneficial and push to even better performances this season.

14 Oswego

2016 Finish – 8^th 3A West Aurora Sectional

Coach – Eric Simon

Top Runners – Isabelle Christensen JR (9, 17:01), Grace Pagone SR, Caitlin Guist JR, Megan Berg SR, Ava Weyrich JR, Jaycie Simon JR, Sydney Luchyn JR, Ella Hale FR, Madison Etheridge SO, Isabele Santiago SR, Emma Nelson SR, Jazmin Russell SO.

Notes – What Oswego can’t control is what sectional they will be in this fall. With two schools in the Granite City Sectional moving into Class 2A, possibly two schools could move south including Oswego. We will have a better idea of that in the middle of September. What Oswego did control this summer was the training that they did. Their 8^th place finish at the West Aurora Sectional was not the finish of the 2016 season that they were shooting for. Their sights are higher in 2017.

“Training has gone well this summer with our core group,” Coach Eric Simon said. “They have been motivated, consistent and following our training plan.” Six runners are back from that team led by all-state runner Isabelle Christiansen. She ran with a stress fracture at the end of the track season and has come on slowly this summer. She will be at full strength sometime in September. Grace Pagone did not have the best of track seasons but Simon noted she is better on the course than the track. She could be within 25 seconds of Christensen this fall which would put her in all-state territory. Junior Jaycie Simon and sophomore Jazmin Russell have improved during the summer and could be factors in the top five with Megan Berg and Caitlin Guist.

Keeping Pagone and the rest of the pack within 45 seconds of each other could mean big things this fall for the Panthers. They don’t want to end their season at sectionals. Oswego would like to extend it for one more week. “The team had some great momentum the back half of last season and understands they had a bad day at sectional and may have let one get away,” Coach Simon said. “They are extremely motivated to get to the next level and have high goals.”

15 Geneva

2016 Finish – 7^th 3A State

Coach – Bob Thomson

Top Runners – Sophia McDonnell JR (46, 17:42), Adrine Larsen SO (72, 18:04), Taryn Christy SR (74, 18:05), Ebony Trout SR (139, 18:43), Emily Belanger JR (179 19:12), Grace Brolly SR, Brittany Caskey SR, Holly Nusser SR, Sarah Mozden SR.

Notes – The pack running up front with Sophia McDonnell, Adrine Larsen, and graduated Emily Eberhardt leading the way paid off getting the team ready for the state meet. The Vikings finished seventh in the state meet and will return five runners from that team. McDonnell will be a key for the team this year but maybe not right at the beginning. An IT Band injury will hold her back a little according to Coach Bob Thomson. We might not see her early in the season.

Larsen will be one of the front runners and Taryn Christy could join the pack up front. She ran within a second of her at state and 17 seconds in the sectional race. Ebony Trout gives them a solid fourth runner. Finding a fifth runner with Trout is needed to help this team get into the top ten. “I think our conference will be competitive with 4 teams being pretty equal given that everyone has some lead talent,” Thomson said. “It may come down to everyone's 3-5 runners. In our case, it may come down to the health of our team. We have some talent but lack some experience and depth. Our goal is always to qualify to state.”

16 Arlington Heights Hersey

2016 Finish – 10^th 3A State

Coach – Danielle Freeman

Top Runners – Teagan Beckley JR (49, 17:43), Katie Fredian SO (100, 18:20), Erin Barton SO (144, 18:44), Aubrey Hasley SO (183, 19:16), Hannah Kersemeier SO, Jane Stefaniak FR, Katie O’Brien FR, Claire Durand SR, Veronica Makowski JR.

Notes – The Huskies may take a small step back this season but still could make it back to the state meet. They will miss top two Hailey Bowes and Sarah Harden who have graduated. There could be a young tone to this team with a junior and four sophomores possibly in the top five. Hersey finished tenth last season.

“Our training was solid this summer,” said Coach Danielle Freeman. “The girls are hungry and they spent a lot of time doing team bonding trips and activities together. We did have key members of our team in and out (each trading off weeks it seemed) with trips planned so I'm excited to get all of them together, consistently. With such a young team (most likely one junior, 4 sophomores and 2 freshman), I expect us to take some time to show what we can be this season. We will not be coming out with guns blazing in September.”

Teagan Beckley closed the gap at the end of the year with Harden and Bowes which could pay off this season. She finished 49^th as a freshman. She could finish this fall in the top 25. Their team, as Freeman said, will be young behind Beckley. Pack running could help this team mature even more. Freshman Jane Stefaniak finished 15^th in the IESA Sate Meet and could contribute right away. “While we are returning young talent and have some amazing middle school girls that will add to our roster next season, we have our eye on the long term,” said Freeman. “We would like to compete for a second MSL East Division Championship, finish in the top few teams at Conference, and qualify for the state meet. The rest would be the cherry on top.”

17 Elmhurst York

2016 Finish – 23^rd 3A State

Coach – Lauren DeAngelis

Top Runners – Sarah May JR (21, 17:17), Erin Davies SR (124, 18:36), Maya Curry SO (175, 19:09), Katherine Tomaska (192, 19:28), Anna Morley JR (204), Emma Kern SO, Lydia Hickey SO, Franseca Mordini JR, Margaret Clink SO, Sarah Pinkowski JR, CeCe Stumpf JR, Sarah Gutierrez JR, Abby Moriarity SO.

Notes – We could see improvement from York’s Girls team this fall in the second year under Coach Lauren DeAngelis. Five runners are back from last year’s 23^rd place state team. “Our summer training was great,” DeAngelis said. We had 85 girls in the camp that really pushed themselves and progressed consistently. The number of girls in group 1 had doubled since last summer. There is a huge sense of community to really improve on all levels throughout the program.”

Sarah May again will be the leader of this team. She was all-state last fall finishing 21^st. A sub-par track season should have her focused on a top 15 finish this fall in 3A. The talent is there to have a good pack of five to six runners. Katherene Tomaska was the sixth runner for the team at state but was #2 most of the season. She along with Erin Davies should give York a solid 2-3 behind May. Sophomores Emma Kern and Lydia Hickey had strong freshmen seasons in track. Watch for them to challenge for top five spots.

Keeping a five-runner split of 25 to 32 seconds on the pack behind May is possible with the talent that they have. Keeping that pack 50 seconds behind May could help York better their state performance from 2016. “The team is ready to improve upon their conference and state finishes,” DeAngelis stated. “The entire team is committed to being a stronger force in the WSC on all levels and are really focused on not only making it to state, but performing at a much higher level than they did last year. The coaching staff feels this team are on the break of something very special.”

18 Palatine

2016 Finish – 12^th 3A State

Coach – Joe Parks

Top Runners – Kate Lechowicz JR (82, 18:10), Liz Lechowicz JR (84, 18:11), Lauryn Simons SR (119, 18:31), Anne Marie Jordan FR, Jaclyn Frank SR, Daniella Casillas SO, Holly Van De Cotte SO, Nicole Sobkowiak SO, Kate Dauman SR, Ivonne Malagon JR, Ellie Roy FR, Jennifer Lopez FR.

Notes – Don’t let this ranking fool you at the beginning of the year. This team will improve as the season progresses. The program led by Joe Parks traditionally does that starting out slow and peaking when the time is right. Only three runners are back from Palatine’s 12^th place state team.

“Our training has gone very well,” Parks said “Our top girls have been around daily, have been consistent in the work and have been healthy. The vets have done a good job working with the younger girls and have been quite receptive to the incoming class.” Senior Lauryn Simons and junior sisters Kate and Liz Lechowicz ran close together to each other last year and should lead this season. Simons had her first fully healthy summer in three years and could take the biggest jump with the Lechowicz sisters close behind. A big addition is Anne Marie Jordan. The freshman won the lower class IESA State Meet last year. Her mom (Kristen Abrahamsen) was an all-state runner at Palatine 20+ years ago. Jordan could contribute right away and become one of the top runners on this team.

With possibly 5 underclassmen runners projected in the top 7, I might take this team a little bit to reach their potential. It is a team that I think could place 10^th or higher at state. “I don't see us running with the very best teams from day one,” added Parks. “We don't have the fire power or experience to do that just yet, but I think like last year when we won regional and sectional, we can be very good by the end. We are likely going to need to rely on at least one freshman before it's all said and done and I don't envision that happening until the end.”

19 Aurora Metea Valley

2016 Finish – 8^th 3A State

Coach – Eric Anerino

Top Runners – Terri Scarlett JR (65, 18:00), Keely Weber SR (95, 18:19), Carly Cast JR (164, 18:57), Megan Fitche SO (194, 19:30), Jenna Boyle SO, Emily Alt JR, Sophia Sandy SO, Kate Jordan SR, Chloe Kurkjian SO, Aabha Vyas SO.

Notes – It could be a rebuilding year for Metea Valley after finishing fourth at the West Aurora Sectional and eighth at the state meet. Four runners are back from that team with the question of who will step into the top spot. It could be Terri Scarlett that finished 65^th a year ago or Keely Weber that finished 19 seconds behind Scarlett. Finding three runners that could stay 40 seconds behind Weber will help. Their split on five could be over 70 seconds. That will need to come down for this team to return to Peoria.

20 Wheaton-Warrenville South

2016 Finish – 14^th 3A State

Coach – Rob Harvey

Top Runners – Laurel Moneysmith JR (94, 18:19), Maria Rucoba SO (138, 18:38), Haley Ansiel SO (148, 18:47), Amanda Obrist JR (152, 18:49), Kaitlyn Nenninger SO (191, 19:27), Sarah Kulkarni JR, Jennifer Schaeffer JR, Grace Johnston JR, Rebecca Hauenstein FR, Samantha Poglitsch FR, Kendall Reid SR.

Notes – When your team had had the same top two runners for the past four years, it is tough to replace. Such is the case of Wheaton-Warrenville South who lost their top runners Sara Atkins and Allison McGrath to graduation. The question will be who will step up as the leader of the team on and off the course. Five runners are back from last year’s 14^th place state team.

“We are a very young team who needed to learn how to train. We came a long way in a short amount of time,” said Coach Rob Harvey. Laurel Moneysmith could be the top runner on this team after a sub-par track season riddled with injuries. Moneysmith could lead a strong but young pack that will be necessary for the team’s success. Maria Rucoba, Hailey Ansiel and Amanda Obrist ran within ten seconds of each other last fall in some of the meets. Obrist could be closer to Moneysmith in races this year. She ran within five seconds of the junior at their conference meet. Freshmen Rebecca Hauenstein and Samantha Poglitsch ran 5:33 for 1600-meters in eighth grade and could be in the Tigers top five by the beginning of October.

It is doubtful that there will be any seniors in the top seven so you could see some growing pains from this team early in the year. South should be a tough team by the time they get to the state series. “Losing Atkins, McGrath and the rest of the senior class will be difficult. Sara and Allison were our 1-2 for four years,” Harvey said. “We have an unusually small senior class. We will need the seniors and juniors to step up and fill the leadership void.”

21 Glenview Glenbrook South

2016 Finish – 7^th 3A Niles West Sectional

Coach – Meaghan Fastert

Top Runners – Lauren Hayes JR (29, 17:25), Kayleigh Pitterman SR (32, 17:28), Emily Noone SR, Kate Jortberg SO, Lila Frick JR, Claire Williams JR, Catherine Nowak JR, Sarah Bhaldani SO, Gigi Walsh SO, Bridget Wall SR.

Notes – This could be one of the surprise teams in Illinois this fall. They did not make it to state last year finishing seventh at the Niles West Sectional. Six runners are back from that sectional team. “Summer running went really well in terms of attendance as well as training. The girls have been training at less of a volume but with more focus on strength and development versus miles,” said Meaghan Fastert. “I am hoping that this shift in training will keep my female athletes less prone to injury.”

Lauren Hayes and Kayleigh Pitterman qualified individually for state last year with both finishing in the top 35 at the state meet. Both runners could finish in the top 25 at state. A big addition for the Titans could be the return of Emily Noone. The senior missed all last cross-country season due to injury. She ran 2:19 for 800-meters last spring. Her best time at Detweiller Park has been 18:21 her sophomore year. She could give South a strong third runner. Sophomore Kate Jortberg could be running with Noone. There are three to four runners that will vie for the fifth spot but are almost 80 seconds behind Jortberg. That needs to be addressed if the Titans have visions of making it to state.

Fastert’s expectations for her team are simple. “I want them to create goals that they are proud of as an individual,” she said. “With that focus, they truly feel a sense of accomplishment. They set a goal for the season, a personal goal, and a life goal. I value goal setting because it gives my athletes a chance to reflect and be open to change whether it be in their lives right now or their future.”

22 Winnetka New Trier

2016 Finish – 15^th 3A State

Coach – John Burnside

Top Runners – Caroline Trukenbrod JR (110, 18:28), Savannah Noethlich SR (123, 18:35), Elizabeth Finnigan JR (126, 18:28), Meagan Rittmanic SR (177, 19:10), Marne Sullivan JR, Molly Gallagher SR, Rachel Weix SR, Charlotte Fondren SO, Bridget Forbes SO, Eliza Tilson SR, Lilian Ryan SO, Mary Burke SO.

Notes – The key for success for the Trevians this fall will be just the same in any other year. They will need to run as a pack. New Trier did so last year running a 48 second split on their top five. They finished 15^th overall at Detweiller as their top runner finished 54^th. Four runners from that state team are back.

“We were able to add some strength work to our summer training and thankfully we were able to get some solid work and remain healthy,” said Coach John Burnside. “Our entire sophomore class showed huge improvement this summer.“ What the tendency was last year is that there was usually a gap between their first runner and the pack or the top two runners and the pack. The team can improve on their finish with a 30 second split and their first runners between 35 to 40 at state. Caroline Trukenbrod and Savannah Noethlich should be the top runners on this team. Marnie Sullivan is out for cross-country for the first time. She ran 57.9 for 400-meters and 2:20 for 800-meters last track season. She should be an asset for this team. “We are looking to capitalize on the development we saw in the 2017 track season. We will, once again, depend on depth and strong racing 1-7 all season long,” added Burnside.

23 Fox Lake Grant

2016 Finish – 20^th 3A State

Coach – Jeff Durlak

Top Runners – Danielle Osmon JR (14, 17:05), Eva Cardy JR (26, 17:23), Jana Nehila JR (156, 18:56), Roxanne Temple SR (195, 19:34), Samantha Kaye SR (208, 20:24), Samantha Barnes SR, Allie Johnson SO, Karleigh Bolton SR, Rebekah Brown JR, Drue Polka SO, Taylor Bushman SO, Eliza Scoggin SO.

Notes – Grant has qualified for the state meet two years in a row. Can they make it three? They return five of their top seven from last year’s 20^th place team. “Our summer training went really well,” said Jeff Durlak. “There has been a big focus on being consistent not only with our daily training but with our weekly mileage as well. At the same time, making sure we are progressing in a smart way while including rest days and recovery weeks. The important thing is that the girls have a good foundation and are healthy transitioning from the summer into the season.”

The Lady Bulldogs have a good start with two runners back that finished in the top 26 last fall. Danielle Osmon finished 14^th last fall and had a good spring qualifying in both the 3200 and 1600 Meter Run. The 10:45.78 that she ran for 3200-meters indicates she could finish in the top 10. Eva Cardy just missed all-state last year finishing 26^th. She will look to move into those all-state spots this fall. Both are juniors.

Grant will get small numbers from their first tow. It is the other scorers that work need to be completed on to make that Peoria trip again. Jana Nehila ran 90 seconds behind Cardy most of last year. That gap needs to get closer together. They will need also to get runners close to Nehila. “After qualifying for the State Finals for the second straight season, the girls have trained throughout the summer with that purpose once again in mind,” Durlak said. “While the target this season is to not only to get back downstate but also improve upon our finish from a year ago, that is not the daily focus. The group has been very consistent with their training this summer and that will hopefully transition well into the season. They will keep working on getting better each day and improving throughout the season which will hopefully lead to a successful end to the season.”

24 Barrington

2016 Finish – 7^th 3A Waukegan Sectional

Coach – Debbie Revolta

Top Runners – Joecelyn Long SR (7, 16:55), Alyssa Norris SO, Eve Hoeltgen JR, Shelby Petersen JR, Sarah Messerschmidt SR, Isabella Fier SO, Sophie Hoeltgen JR, Maddy Dervin JR, Delaney Brienen SO, Jackie Rundle SR, Annalise Bordenet SR, Catherine McMahon SR, Molly Fitzpatrick FR, Anne Berquist FR, Katherine Shein FR.

Notes – The Fillies did not get to state last year having finished seventh at the Waukegan Sectional. Six runners are back that could make that trip to Peoria as a team. One runner who will be back in Peoria is Jocelyn Long. She finished seventh last year at state and at the NXR Midwest Regional. It will be a young but experienced team behind Long with five of the six runners will either be sophomores or juniors.

The key is keeping their pack within 30 seconds of each other. Sophomores Isabella Fier and Alyssa Norris along with juniors Shelby Peterson and Eve Hoeltgen will be in contention for those spots. Sophie Hoeltgen will be a plus. She missed all last season due to injury. She could push for the second spot. “The girls have had a good summer of training. They have logged a fair number of miles and they are committed to running as a pack,” Coach Debbie Revolta said. “Our goal for the season is to close the gap between Jocelyn and the rest of the runners to have a nice pack.”

25 Plainfield North

2016 Finish – 24^th 3A State

Coach – Tammy Gummerson

Top Runners – Megan Patton SR (42, 17:39), Juliana Stogsdill JR (47, 17:43), Lauren Super SR (188, 19:22), Emily Bedford SO (189, 19:25), Mariam Hussain SR (205, 20:05) Becca Lau SR, Kiki Mazza SO, Riley Frankel SO, Emily Milton SR, Sarah Conley SO, Madison Stoltz SR.

Notes – Plainfield North finally made it over the hump making it to the state meet last year. Five runners are back from that team. Julianna Stogsdill and Megan Patton finished in the top 50 last year and could challenge for top 25 spots. Stogsdill had a rough end of the year as she was diagnosed with mononucleosis after the state meet. She had been running with that during the state series.

“With qualifying last year, they are hoping to be back there again this year,” said Tammy Gummerson. “Therefore, they know they will need to keep working hard and doing the little things to keep them healthy.” North could make it back but work will need to be made on the pack behind Stogsdill and Patton. At state and some other meets last year, the gap was close to 100 seconds. Work needs to be done to lower that gap.

The Next 25

Schaumburg

2016 Finish – 22^nd 3A State

Coach – Kristen Zillmer

Top Runners – Madison Marasco SR (8, 16:56), Rachael Vaccaro SR (158, 18:54), Katie Smith SO (203, 20:02), Mikealie Jensen JR, Victoria Treni SO, Elizabeth Sadimu JR, Margie Volkommer JR, Zenah Gammad JR, Izzy Hernandez SO.

Notes – It could be tough for the Lady Saxons to make it back to state considering how much the teams in their sectional have improved. Schaumburg does have four runners returning from their state team that finished 22^nd but will not have their #2 runner Lauren Kubinski who will focus on her studies instead of running. “The summer training went well this summer. With construction going on at Schaumburg High School, the girls were very flexible and determined to proceed as normal on their summer training. We put in a lot of time on the roads and in the weight room. With no injuries thus far, the team is looking strong,” said Coach Kristen Zillmer. “This season we are looking to qualify for the state meet again and place in the top 10 as a team.”

Madison Marasco will be again the team’s top runner as she enters her senior year. She could be among the top five runners in the state. The loss of Kubinski will hurt Schaumburg’s chances of getting back to Detweiller Park. There is a gap of almost two minutes between Marasco and their next runner Rachel Vaccaro. Sophomores Victoria Treni and Katie Smith will need to move closer to Marasco. A tighter pack on their two through five runners along with getting that pack closer to their all-state runner is the formula in getting the Lady Saxons back to Peoria in November.

Naperville Central

2016 Finish – 6^th 3A West Aurora Sectional

Coach – Matt Blondell

Top Runners – Meghan Donovan SR (78, 18:08), Emily R. Scott SO, Natalie Sarris SR, Victoria Mineo, Noelle Veone SO, Ellen Spencer JR, Natalie Stephens JR, Kate Serina SO, Claudia Mallin SR, Carya Sokol SO, Michelle Loar SO, Madeline Engels JR, Carly Auld SR, Kayla Zimmer SO.

Notes – Naperville Central came close to the trip to Peoria but finished sixth in the tough West Aurora Sectional last year. Meghan Donovan did qualify finishing 78^th at state. Four other runners are back with hopes of running an extra week this fall. “The summer went well,” said Coach Matt Blondell. “As with any new year and losses to graduation, we began putting the pieces of the new puzzle together. We had a few key workouts which helped show us that we can have a strong pack like last season. If this pack continues to improve together, we will be ready to achieve our team goals.”

Pack running will be the key to their season’s success. The team will need to run a 30 to 35 second spread on their first five. With Donovan expected to be closer to the front, the possibilities of higher finishes increase. Emily Scott, Natalie Sarris, Victoria Mineo, and Noelle Veone all were part of their top five at some points last year. That is a good core to work off. Natalie Stephens is new to cross-country having been on the school’s diving team. Blondell thinks that she could contribute. “After finishing 6th in the sectional a year ago, we hope to compete for a top-5 finish at Sectionals that will qualify us for state,” said Blondell. “It is a goal the girls have set and want to achieve.”

Oswego East

2016 Finish – 13^th 3A West Aurora Sectional

Coach – Lisa Cook

Top Runners – Kendra Standish SR, Abby Flammersfeld SR. Amanda Bonczkowski SR, Isabelle Gyori SR, Morgan Ede SO, Elyssa Gall JR, Samantha Garcia FR, Kara Webb SO, Katherine Sim, Kitty Scherenberger JR.

Notes – This is a team that I would keep an eye on. Even though Oswego East finished 13^th at the West Aurora Sectional last fall, this team has improved and could be one of the top seven teams in the sectional. Six of their top seven are back from that team. “Summer training was great,” Coach Lisa Cook said. “Every summer has improved, and our returning team members were logging more miles and second runs this summer than in years past. Workouts were strong, and long run paces have really come along in the past 2 years for this group.”

Abby Flammersfeld could be one of the top runners on this team. She has improved over the past year qualifying for state at 800-meters last spring. Teammates Kendra Standish, Amanda Bonczkowski, and Morgan Ede also had great training summers and will be a part of their top five. Keeping the pack closer to Flammersfeld will be a key. A spread on five of 45 seconds or under could unlock some good things at the end of the year. “Our expectations this season are high,” added Cook. “We only graduated 4 seniors, and Alexis Henz was the only one in our top 7 last year. Confidence is going to be the name of the game. If we can put it all together, this could be the best team results we've seen in a few years.”

Evanston Township

2016 Finish – 6^th 3A Niles West Sectional

Coach – Rosette Ochoa

Top Runners – Enyaeva Michelin SR (117, 18:30), Samantha Steman SO, Eavan Norman SO, Grace Naquin JR, Gabrielle Horton SO, Zoe Hadley SR, Elinor Rosenberg JR, Margaret Eisfelder SR, Riley Cleave SO, Lia Kelly JR, Alexis Larson JR, Caroline Jacobs SO.

Notes – The Lady Wildkits surprised some last fall placing sixth at the Niles West Sectional after finishing fifth in their conference meet. This team could be in the hunt for a state berth with six runners coming back from that sectional team. Watch for Enyaeva Michelin in the top 25 this fall. She had a great track season that ended at the end of July winning the USATF Junior Olympics for her age group (4:32.81). She is running with confidence right now. We will see if her track successes transfer over to the cross-country course. Samantha Steman was a strong #2 runner for Evanston as a freshman. She could run close to Michelin like she did last year. The split on their top five could be over 90 seconds. That needs to decrease for this team to better their 2016 finish.

Mt. Prospect-Prospect

2016 Finish – 6^th 3A Waukegan Sectional

Coach – Pete Wintermute

Top Runners – Marissa Valenti JR, Jenna Baltes JR, Mikayla Olsen SR, Cori Drew JR, Julia O’Grady JR. Lia Skoufos SO, Reese Letton FR, Elena Barbaric FR, Sydney Kitzmiller SR, Emily Hubbard SO, Paula Paliwoda JR, Kaitlyn Rouse SR, Lora Zalesny JR.

Notes – The saying “third time is a charm” would apply well to the Prospect Girls Cross Country team. They have missed qualifying for state the last two years by finishing sixth in their sectional race. Losing all-state runner Brooke Wilson to graduation will hurt. The Lady Knights do have five runners back from last year’s top seven hungry for a Peoria trip in November. “Our training has been solid this summer as we have had consistent turnouts at summer camp,” said Coach Peter Wintermute. “Our summer training focuses on building the foundation and the building blocks necessary for work load in the next two to three months. I am proud of the Girls and their commitment. We are ready to turn the dial as we enter August and September.”

With Wilson gone, this team will need to have a tight pack for success. There are plenty of runners that could step to the front. Cori Drew had a great summer and could have a breakout year according to Wintermute. Mikayla Olsen, Julia O’Grady, Marissa Valenti, and Jenna Baltes give Prospect a strong front five. Watch early on to see if their five-runner split can stay under 46 seconds. “During the summer months, the team has written down specific goals,” added Wintermute. One goal is to learn from the past two years and qualify for state. We will use what we have learned from ourselves and the previous meets/workouts to prepare for the moment.”

Libertyville

2016 Finish – 8^th 3A Waukegan Sectional

Coach – Bill Entyre

Top Runners – Melissa Manetsch SR, Maggie Shetts SR, Nora Tucker SR, Jenna Ocheltree SR, Margaret Buchert SO, Sarah Townsend SR, Brilyn Dawson SR, Alex Houser JR, Sydney Donovan JR, Payton Golwas JR, Alanna Naftizger SR, Analeese Chudy FR.

Notes – Five of the six runners that return for Libertyville’s 8^th place sectional team are seniors. That experience could pay off in their final go around. “Our team is very senior heavy and they know this is their last chance as a team together,” Bill Entyre said. “They trained hard this summer and we had more miles ran than ever before. Hopefully that'll lay a good foundation for a successful season.”

Melissa Manetsch is ready for a good cross-country season. She started last season injured. She ended it with an illness that slowed her down in the sectional meet. She came back strong last spring in the 3A state meet when she finished sixth in the 3200 Meter Run. Good things are in store ahead for Manetsch. The key for the pack is staying within 60 seconds of Manetsch and 30 seconds of each other. That is the formula that could get them to state. “We really think we're a talented team. The girls all came off track healthy, and we had 6-7 girls who broke 12 in the 3200,” stated Entyre. “In Melissa, we have a top 5 runner in the state that has the ability to win nearly any meet. The real key is going to be how close we can place 2-5 behind her. We know we have a lot to prove, and will have to stay healthy through October.”

Chicago Northside Prep

2016 Finish – 6^th 2A State

Coach – Carolyn Adams

Top Runners – Sara McCoy SR (32, 17:58), Gwendolen Casey SO (115, 19:19), Erin Franke JR (118, 19:21), Kendra Lachcik JR (125, 19:25), Erin Goldman JR (158, 19:53), Faith Zehfuss JR, Ella Neurohr SR, Emma Aufdrencamp SO.

Notes – Northside prep will have changes this fall. After their sixth-place finish in 2A last November, they were moved back into the 3A classification. Carolyn Adams also steps in as the new head coach. She was an assistant coach at Northside in 2012. She has a good group of runners to work with as five runners from that state team are back.

Sara McCoy was the team’s top runner last year finishing 32^nd in 2A. A key for this team is working on their gap on five which could be close to two minutes. Their two through five pack should be tight (near 25 seconds). The goal is to move within one minute or faster to McCoy. “We have five returners from our state team last year, and they're all under 20 minutes,” Adams said. “I think the team's main goal will be to compete well at the City Championship meet. Hopefully, we can defend our City title again. After that, we'll do our best to qualify for State again this year, but moving up to 3A will make it a lot more difficult.”

Hoffman Estates

2016 Finish – 10^th 3A Waukegan Sectional

Coach – Kirk Macnider

Top Runners – Vanessa Peinado SR, Jada Byndom JR, Allison Schrader SR, Megha Ramanathan SR, Anna Miller JR, Jenna Cochran SO, Bella Alansari JR, Fabi Garciapavon JR, Nikki Rong JR.

Notes – Five runners are back from Hoffman Estates’ team that finished 10^th at the Waukegan Sectional. The talent is there to better that finish including getting close to a top five sectional finish. Vanessa Peinado and Megha Ramanathan traded off the #1 spot last year and again should lead this team. Anna Miller had a breakout season last spring running 2:16 for 800-meters. She had a good summer and could jump into the top five. Moving up the pack could move them up in the results. “Our expectations never change,” said Kirk Macnider. “I expect all the girls to be outstanding teammates, to bring positive energy to the team every day, and to fully commit to our excellence. We will focus on week-to-week improvement. The potential is there for a special season.”

Lockport Township

2016 Finish – 17^th 3A State

Coach – Erin Truesdale

Top Runners – Madison Polinski SO (79, 18:09), Aubrey Friedrich SR (167, 19:01), Alexandra Skibicki SO (168, 19:01), Abbey Kozak SO (187, 19:21), Kate Kojaikiewicz JR, Maggie Bollanger JR, Anna Kozak SO, Alexa Kemp SO, Ashley Canny JR.

Notes – The Lady Porters will look to get back to the state meet after finishing 17^th last year. It could be tough losing their top two runners and getting four runners back with state meet experience. Madison Polinski was the team’s #3 runner at the end of the year and should step up to the top spot. She was more than 50 seconds ahead of the rest of the returning runners at the end of the year. That gap will need to close. “Training went well this summer especially considering our low number of seniors and high number of new girls to our program,” said Coach Erin Truesdale. “The team is looking to continue its tradition having success during the season and qualifying for the state meet.”

DeKalb

2016 Finish – 14^th 3A West Aurora Sectional

Coach – Mike Wolf

Top Runners – Katherine Olsen JR, Sarahi Porcoyo JR, Inga Collin SO, Anaiah Rollins JR, Jadyn Ensign JR, Cyan McGee SR, Megan Leblanc JR, Aly Moore SR, Bella Gentile SO, Holly Trapp SR.

Notes – DeKalb finished 14^th at last October’s West Aurora Sectional and return five form that top seven. They do lose last year’s #1 runner Christina Ryzhov who moved to the soccer team and will not run this fall. Katherine Olsen was the top runner for the Barbs at times last fall and should lead this team. Tight pack running behind Olsen could move the team into a sectional top ten finish. “Katherine Olsen has run some great tempo runs and I think she will continue to improve from her strong track season. She is physically stronger and has alot of confidence right now,” Mike Wolf said. “We were 14th at the West Aurora Sectional last season and we have improved.”

Huntley

2016 Finish – 12^th 3A West Aurora Sectional

Coach – Brad Gallaugher

Top Runners – Chloe Smith SR, Olivia Boncescky SR, Madison Overly JR, Emily Glass SO, Mary Raclawski JR, Rachael Morrison SR, Gen Porsche SO, Brooke Cirenza SR, Natalie Stratton SR.

Notes – A top ten finish is possible for Huntley when they get to sectional competition. Five runners are back from last year’s 12^th place sectional team. Mary Raclawski had a bad sectional race but was the team’s #1 runner most of the year. I could see her running under 18 minutes at Detweiller this fall. Chloe Smith and Olivia Boncascky will lead the pack behind Raclawski. The four-runner group was only separated by 12 seconds at the end of the year. Keeping that pack within 53 to 57 seconds of their front runner would be good. “We are aiming for the conference championship,” Brad Gallaugher said. “The FVC has a lot of new faces and I honestly believe it is a very open year for the team title. “We are also aiming for our 4th straight regional title, the seniors would love to accomplish this feat.”

Lombard Glenbard East

2016 Finish – 15^th 3A Niles West Sectional

Coach – Joe Latala

Top Runners – Lexi Welten SR, Cailyn Biegalski SR, Katie Schaefer SR, Melisa Flores SR, Ali Lilijestrand SR, Laura DeLaTorre SO, Allyson Griffith SO, Emily Anderson SO, Lindsay Novak JR, Hannah Krause SO, Sarah Makoui SO, Lauren Huber FR, Maddie Welten FR, Sonja Wise FR.

Notes – Senior leadership plus a touch of freshman talent could have Glenbard East a surprise squad. They finished 15^th at the Niles West sectional last fall returning all their top seven. “Our varsity will likely be dominated by our senior class this year and our top group has really progressed this summer running more miles than last year as well as faster times at both of our summer time trials,” Joe Latala said. “We had a lot of newcomers and there was an impressive amount of dedication from all four classes. Lots of hard tempos, long runs and hill workouts and great attendance throughout the summer.”

Lexi Welten was the #1 runner last year and should take that role again in 2017. Five runners on their varsity level should be seniors. Freshman Lauren Huber dropped her 800-meters time down to 2:20 this past summer. Latala sees this freshman helping at some point this season. The senior experience that this team has could pay off at the end of the year. “Our team goals are to win the Upstate Eight - Valley Division and hopefully jump into the top 4 overall,” Lahtala said. “After just missing out on state two years in a row last year was a disappointment to both the girls and the staff. I think we can seriously challenge the top-5 at our Sectional again this year after a down season last year & hopefully surprise some folks along the way.”

New Lenox Lincoln-Way Central

2016 Finish – 6^th 3A Edwardsville Sectional

Coach – Jack Young

Top Runners – Mackenzie Browning JR (127, 18:38), Lexy Sams SO, Rachel Baumgartner SO, Gretchen Zirgartis SR, Kelly Robbins JR, Samantha Waters JR, Dane Boucher SR, Abby Gammble SR, Audrey Bulow SO, Hannah Cherry JR, Jamie Furlek SR, Kylie White SO.

Notes – The Knights missed the state meet by two points by finishing sixth at the Edwardsville Sectional. Their top five runners are back from that sectional team. Mackenzie Browning qualified individually and will be one of the leaders on the course along with Kelly Robbins. The team could make the Peoria trip in November. They do need to have Robbins and Browning up closer to the front as well as their top five running under 50 seconds as a group.

Frankfort Lincoln-Way East

2016 Finish – 25^th 3A State

Coach – Wendy Hegarty

Top Runners – Jenna Couwenhoven JR (60, 17:56), Makenna Hamilton JR (172, 19:04), Olivia Jacobs SO (180, 19:13), Jordan Jacobucci JR (184, 19:17), Sydney Marchal SR, Calli Hall SR, Katie DeJulius SR, Isabel Rossarelli JR, Elyse Ditusa-Rios JR, Hallie Butterfield SR, Gabby Slaviero JR.

Notes - The Griffins made it to state by finishing fifth in the 3A Edwardsville Sectional two points ahead of rival Lincoln-Way Central. The top four runners from the state team return. One big concern is who will step up as the fifth runner this fall? Jenna Couwenhoven is the team’s #1 runner having placed 60^th at state. A finish of 40^th or better could happen this November. Makenna Hamilton leads a tight pack that needs to be at least 55 seconds of Couwenhoven in meets. Seniors Sydney Marchal and Calli Hall could step into the top five.

Cary-Grove

2016 Finish – 13^th 3A Waukegan Sectional

Coach – Mark Anderson

Top Runners – Allison Drage SO, Libby Hanson SR, Jessie Hill SO, Teagan Hayes SO, Delaney Blohm FR, Ellie Miller FR, Morgan Dieschbourg FR, Claire Wallis SO, Olivia Stewart SR, Jenna Kiermas SR.

Notes – It could be tougher for Cary-Grove to repeat or better their 13^th place finish in their sectional. Last year top five runners Sam Gagliano and Sophia Galfano decided not to run this fall. They do have a good group back that could get the Trojans into the top ten in their sectional. “Training went very well. There were no excuses, no whining about wanting to run shorter mileage,” said Coach Mark Anderson. “Fast kids ran with fast kids. Upperclassmen who belonged up front put themselves there. Freshmen who could run with the big dogs did so - no arm-twisting was needed on my part to convince kids that they were good enough to run with the varsity. The returning varsity kids set a good tone. It was a complete culture shift from what had unfortunately permeated the team throughout the past 2-3 seasons.”

The one runner that could have a breakout fall is sophomore Allison Drage who ran 17:29 during last season at Detweiller Park. Senior Libby Hanson along with sophomores Teagan Hayes and Jessie Hill will be the nucleus of their pack. “We have an almost completely revamped and retooled lineup from 2016, but the returning athletes got a taste of success at the end of last season and showed this summer that they want to build on that,” Anderson said. “This freshman group has been solid - they've inserted themselves seamlessly not just into our training routine, but into the team culture and chemistry as well. They're competitors. We're going to be young - I anticipate most of our top 7 will be underclassmen - so there may be some growing pains but in the end, I think we'll be alright.”

Aurora Waubonsie Valley

2016 Finish – 11^th 3A West Aurora Sectional

Coach – David Severence

Top Runners – Sarah Vitro JR, Katelyn Mullinax SO, Ashley Heidenrich SO, Shaelyn Iyer SR, Brooke Suplee JR, Ali Barnard FR, Alex Vulich FR, Megan Harrison JR, Jamie Elenbaas SR, Olivia Makris SR, Carolie Kittridge SR, Alyssa Wagner SR.

Notes – The Warriors should be a team on the rise in the DuPage Valley Conference. This team is young with five of their top seven returning from the 11^th place West Aurora Sectional team. Sarah Vitro looks to be the top runner this fall but will be challenged by Ashley Heidenreich and Katelyn Mullinax. Freshmen Ali Barnard and Alex Vulich provide Coach David Severence with some needed depth this season. This pack should move up closer to the front this season. A split of 70 seconds or under on their top five would be a good thing.

Chicago Marist

2016 Finish – 13^th 3A Marist Sectional

Coach – Patrick Quinn

Top Runners – Colleen Murphy JR (106, 18:27), Jill Borza JR, Nora Doyle SR, Briget Engelhart SO, Amanda Tracy SO, Annie Stinites JR, Fiona Murphy JR, Grace Stinities SR, Anna Kloehn SR, Maddie Langford SO, Megan Kelly JR, Grace Murphy JR.

Notes – Five runners are back from Marist’s 13^th place sectional team which included state individual qualifier Colleen Murphy. Jill Borza should be close to Murphy this year as she was in 2016. You could see both runners qualifying individually for state. The pack is projected to have over a two-minute split on their top five. That needs to come down for this team to finish in the top ten of their sectional.

Lake Zurich

2016 Finish – 9^th 3A Grant Regional

Coach – Ian Silverman

Top Runners – Emily Burns JR, Melody Multra SR, Carley Peldiak SR, Jillian Baffa JR, Tristan Sorrells SR, Gretchen Quinn SO, Olivia Miller SR, Meghan Furlong SR.

Notes – The Bears missed the sectionals last year finishing ninth at the Grant Regional. Their season should extend by at least one week as six of their top seven runners are back. Emily Burns and Melody Multra ran in the sectionals last year and again should be the top runners on this team. Last year’s experiences should push Lake Zurich to some better finishes this season.

Mundelein

2016 Finish – 17^th 3A Waukegan Sectional

Coach – Caryson Rodriguez

Top Runners – Clarissa Wienckowski JR, Andrea Cordova JR, Jeanelle Jimenez SO, Claire Schoenfeld SO, Beth Clow JR, Kelly Delgado SR, Abigail Ambrose JR, Annie Corbin JR, Leslye Rodriguez JR.

Notes – Mundelein will look to improve on last year’s 17^th place sectional finish by returning six of the top seven runners from that team. Andrea Cordova was the top runner for most of last year and again should be the top runner along with Clarissa Wienckowski on her side. The team’s split on five needs to drop. It was over two minutes towards the end of the year.

St. Charles East

2016 Finish – 7^th 3A West Aurora Sectional

Coach – Bradley Kaplan

Top Runners – Hannah Willging SR, Ashley Stepien JR, Alice Abbott FR, Klaudia Wyszynski JR, Kara Sanchez JR, Grace Jackson SO, Clarissa Kelly SO, Stephanie Martens JR, Melanie Williams SO, Tristen Keene SO.

Notes – Losing four runners from last year’s seventh-place sectional has not worried new St. Charles East Coach Bradley Kaplan. He does have three runners back. The runner to watch is freshman Alice Abbott who will run in the front with senior Hannah Willging. Junior Ashley Stepien and sophomore Grace Jackson should lead the pack behind. “This team is still finding an identity but I think we will surprise ourselves in what we can become in the state series,” Kaplan said. “Our goal is to work hard and be ready to fight for a chance to run at state. The girls have shown that they are willing to put in the work that is necessary for that goal to be met.”

Oak Park-River Forest

2016 Finish – 6^th 3A Marist Sectional

Coach – Tom Tarrant

Top Runners – Talia Brookstein-Burk SR, Molly Ryan SR, Natalie Guarino SR. Elanore Kellay JR, Ruby Harper JR, Audrey Lewis SO, Emily Iseli SO, Violet Harper JR.

Notes – It could be a rebuilding year for the Huskies after finishing sixth in 2016 at the Marist Sectional. It will also be a tough year emotionally as one of their teammates Gillian Lundgren took her own life on July 22. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Oak Park-River Forest community.

Only two runners return from that sectional team. Talia Brookstein-Burk will be the top runner for Oak Park. She is almost one minute ahead of the rest of her team. There could be growing pains for this team early in the year as this young team figures out who will be in the top five.

Rockton Hononegah

2016 Finish – 10^th 3A West Aurora Sectional

Coach – Darryl Rohrer

Top Runners – Alicia Repka JR (43, 17:40), Taylor Frommer JR (98, 18:20), Jordan Tresemer JR, Kaela Stewart JR, Emily Hawley SR, Lauren Johnston FR, Megan Peterson SO, Kameron Ali SR, Hannah Pickard SO.

Notes – A team that should move up from their tenth-place sectional finish last year. Five runners return from that team including individual qualifiers Alicia Repka and Taylor Frommer. Repka is recovering from a stress fracture but Coach Darryl Rohrer expects her to again make it to state. Frommier has improved over the past year including this summer. She could be close to Repka. “Summer training has been solid for the top 20 or so kids that are really committed to the sport,” Rohrer said. “hope to see us in the top 8 or better by the time we get to sectionals.”

Chicago Whitney Young

2016 Finish – 9^th 3A Niles West Sectional

Coach – Bob Geiger

Top Runners – Zyanna Cabrera JR, Ellie Odom JR, Ella Behrens JR, Eleanor Sherline JR, Helena Dickens SR, Alana Berry SO, Emma Young FR, River Curry FR, Alex Barr SO, Ava Hunter JR, Alissa Ringo SR.

Notes – Five of the top six runners are back from last year’s team that finished ninth at the Niles West Sectional. It will also be the final year for long-time coach Bob Geiger who will step down after the state meet in November. The Dolphins also lost #2 runner Maansey Rishi who moved with her family to California. Sophomore Alana Berry, who has never run cross-country but ran 2:22 for 800-meters, could step into a top five spot. Zyanna Cabrera should be the #1 runner again for Whitney Young. “Like every coach in the state of Illinois, we are optimistic. A lot of the season will depend on who among the newcomers will step up,” Geiger said. “We have a very competitive team and the competition within the team could lead someone to blossom nicely. This team may have the most runners under 21:00 that we have ever have. We will see who can step under 20, and 19.”

St. Charles North

2016 Finish – 9^th 3A West Aurora Sectional

Coach – Shari Hayes

Top Runners – Natalie Galvan JR, Rylie Kaufmann JR, Maddie Wiltorut JR, Claire Norman SO, Kadence Murphy SO, Madeline Bell SR, Alyssa Forsythe JR, Sarah Martin JR, Claire Drewers SR, Ella Townsend FR, Grace Dorrance FR.

Notes – It could be a rebuilding year for the North Stars after finishing ninth last year in their sectional. Their biggest loss is their #1 runner Audrey Ernst who will be out for the team this year. “Audrey has a stress fracture and will be in a boot for 6-8 weeks,” said her coach Shari Hayes. “She plans to cross training this season on swim team but hope to be ready to go for Footlocker and Nike Nationals. Her goal is to be ready to run full strength by track season.” Natalie Galvan and Rylie Kaufmann should be the leaders for St. Charles North up front. “We had a lot of new runners or incoming freshman this year in summer camp. Many of them had never even run 3 miles before camp began,” Hayes said. “We lost our top two runners from last season (Madison Kaufmann graduation and Audrey Ernst) so we will just have to see what our girls can do once we start racing. We will have a lot of fresh faces on our varsity team.”

Palatine Fremd

2016 Finish – 9^th 3A Waukegan Sectional

Coach – Joe Marcin

Top Runners – Marisa Ban SO, Rebecca Markham SO, Jordyn Iannuzzelli JR, Fiona Jordan SR, Nupur Pokharkar SR, Hannah Ban SR, Claire Oehler-O’Sullivan SR, Lucy Jiang SO, Julia Finegan SO, Julia Laduke SO, Emma Odle SO.

Notes – This is a young team with the top three returning all underclassmen. Fremd finished ninth in their sectional race last fall. You can expect some tight pack running from this team led by Marisa Ban and Rebecca Markham. “Training went really well, especially for the varsity prospects and contenders,” said Joe Marcin. “Our girls consistently put in quality aerobic running with emphasis on a quality long run each week. In addition, girls have gained great strength from consistently focusing on non-running activities such as core and leg strength routines.”

Teams to Watch

(In Alphabetical Order)

Algonquin Jacobs

2016 Finish – 7^th 3A Grant Regional

Coach – Kevin Christian

Top Runners – Alyson Doherty SO, Cameron Goll SO, Kamila Makal FR, Patrycja Makal FR, Meghan Lemke JR, Jenna Skuza JR, Lindsey Loga JR, Monika Ziemann SR, Jessica Ruiz JR.

Notes – Jacobs just missed making the sectionals finishing 7^th in their regional race. Four of their top five are back led by sophomore Alyson Doherty. It could be freshmen Kamila and Patrycja Makal give this team a big boost up front. “After getting 6th place in the FVC last year and just missing qualifying for sectionals, we expect both of those finishes to change after the improvements we have seen this summer,” said Coach Kevin Christian.

Bartlett

2016 Finish – 15^th 3A West Aurora Sectional

Coach – Amy Ehmen

Top Runners – Jennifer Luna JR, Leah Kern SR, Abby Brinkman SR, Jessie Fagan SR, Camille Buchanan FR, Aasma Haidler JR, Madison Sharko JR, Alexandria Wnorowski SO, Kimberly Monroy JR.

Notes – Bartlett lost many seniors to graduation but still have the talent to better last year’s 15^th place sectional race. Jennifer Luna, Leah Kern, and Abby Brinkman all ran in sectionals and should be in the top five. Freshman Camille Buchanan could also make an impact in their top-five according to Coach Amy Ehmen. Senior Jessica Fagan will be a welcome addition. She missed most of last fall and all spring with an injury. She was one of the top runners for the Hawks last fall and could make a difference up front.

“I think the main goal that we have every season is for each runner to earn a personal best,” said Ehmen. “The expectations the girls have set for each other are to work hard every day, be committed, and encourage each other to help the team. We have been working on becoming a tighter pack and staying strong mentally during difficult workouts. The girls on this year's team are very positive and focused!”

Bolingbrook

2016 Finish – 12^th 3A Marist Sectional

Coach – John Sullivan

Top Runners – Madison Shroda SR, Alyssa Kucan SR, Natalia Hernandez SR, Hannah Smith SR, Camille Cabas JR, Lizbeth Comocho JR, Emily Romero SR.

Notes – Six runners are back from Bolingbrook’s 12^th place sectional team. Five of their top seven runners should be seniors. Madison Shroda again will be the top runner for this team. The Raiders could jump in the rankings only if they improve by 25 seconds per runner and lower their split to 75 seconds for their top five.

Carpentersville-Dundee Crown

2016 Finish – 8^th 3A Grant Regional

Coach – Tyler Carlson

Top Runners – Sylvia Waz SR (86, 18:13), Skyler Finucane SR, Mary Florance SO, Jessica Kolros JR, Juliana Radisi SR, Michelle Batad SR, Jessica Schmidt JR.

Notes – It could be tough for Dundee-Crown to better last year’s 8^th place regional finish. “Training was frustrating,” Tyler Carlson said. “After a tough season last year, we spent a lot of time reflecting and coming together to prevent another disappointing season. There were quite a few excuses for missing runs and team workouts, and many of the same symptoms of last year’s failure are present in this summer’s training.” Hopes are that there is improvement in this squad. The one runner to watch is Sylvia Waz who qualified individually finishing 86^th. She could should a major improvement in November. “We expect Sylvia to take the next step in her racing and finally break 18 minutes. We expect her to be a two-time state qualifier,” added Carlson. “As a team, we expect to finish in the middle of conference and have at least two all-conference runners. Last year the goal was a team trip to sectionals, and hopefully with a couple surprise performances that’s a possibility.”

Chicago Jones College Prep

2016 Finish – 11^th 3A Niles West Sectional

Coach – Sarah Reynolds

Top Runners – Katie Murray SO, Madison Barrera JR, Helen Laboe SR, Katie Farr SO, Anika Brennan JR, Noa Wedren JR, Justine Yan JR.

Notes – Sarah Reynolds steps in as the new Girls coach at Jones College Prep. Three runners are back from last year’s 11^th place sectional finishing team. Katie Murray should step into the top spot having a faster time by almost one minute ahead of the rest of the team’s returners. The talent is there to have a five-runner split of 80 seconds or under. That could be good enough to find a 10^th place or better finish in the sectional.

Chicago Lane Tech

2016 Finish – 13^th 3A Niles West Sectional

Coach – Kris Roof

Top Runners – Maddie King JR (111, 18:28), Camille Forte JR, Emma Loew SR, Avery Moss SO, Hannah Vandermeulen JR, Sheridan Waldock SR, Meggann Lawler SO.

Notes – Lane Tech could be in rebuilding mode for the 2017 season. They lose Maggie Scholle to graduation as she heads to the University of San Diego. They could also lose junior Maddie King for the season. She broke her leg at the end of the track season and she may be lost for the season according to Coach Kris Roof. Watch for tight pack running led by Camille Forte and Megann Lawlor. They should still be one of the top teams in the Chicago Public League.

Chicago Mother McAuley

2016 Finish – 11^th 3A Marist Sectional

Coach – Hilary Sterk

Top Runners – Maddie Knightly JR, Brenna Keaty JR, Lia Munoz JR, Claire Sheehan JR, Maggie O’Malley SO, Tara O’Malley SR, Keely Leary SR, Rena Cedecki JR.

Notes – A team that we could see among the top ten teams in their sectional. Mother McAuley returns six of their seven runners from their 11^th place sectional team. Maddie Knightly and Brenna Keaty could trade off for the top spot. This team exhibited tight pack running last year. We should see the same this fall.

Chicago St. Ignatius Prep

2016 Finish – 19^th 2A State

Coach – Matt Haffner

Top Runners – Kristina Dalton SO (67, 18:47), Rhiannon O’Keefe SO (89, 19:00), Maddie Semmer SO (160, 19:54), Abigail Gaughan SR (175, 20:08), Sadie Reese JR, Bizzy Brumfield SR, Emma McGarrity JR, Jenna Winfrey SR.

Notes – After one season in 2A, St. Ignatius moves back up to 3A for the 2017 season. Four runners are back from their state finishing 19^th place team. Three of those returners are sophomores. The Wolfpack could take some lumps in early meets but should be ready to go by the state series. Kristina Dalton, their top runner last year, was injured most of track season but is good to go according to Coach Matt Haffner. Fellow sophomore Rhiannon O’Keefe ran 5:17 for 1600-meters in the spring. She could have a breakout sophomore season.

Chicago Taft

2016 Finish – 16^th 3A Niles West Sectional

Coach – Garrett McLinn

Top Runners – Caroline Young SR, Sydney Partyka SO, Jacqueline Mendoza SR, Mia Cinquini JR, Hope Marr SO, Aoife Mulkerrias JR, Marisa Guidone JR, Seneca Nicklas SR.

Notes – This is a team that could be a surprise in the Chicago Public League. Six runners are back from the team that finished 16^th in their sectional race. The Eagles finished seventh in last October’s city championships. Senior Caroline Young and sophomore Sydney Partyka should be the team’s top two runners.

Downers Grove North

2016 Finish – 10^th 3A Marist Sectional

Coach – Tim McDonald

Top Runners – Ellie Gross SO, Claire Korarik SR, Eva Bednard SO, Grace Puc SR, Gianna Ferraro SO, Lauren Egan SO, Victoria Miller SO, Melissa Jachim FR, Katie Figliomieni FR, Rylan Gaspar FR.

Notes – Three runners are back from last year’s 10^th place sectional team led by Ellie Gross and Claire Korarik. September’s meets will be a time for this team to learn and grow. It will be interesting to see what this team brings when we get to the state series. “The DGN girls team is in a rebuild mode this year,” Tim McDonald said. “We graduated a lot of seniors and we have a few more questions than answers at this point. I love our work ethic this summer and the toughness some of our younger runners have shown, but it will be a little while into the season before we have any idea if we are a very competitive team.”

Highland Park

2016 Finish – 15^th 3A Waukegan Sectional

Coach – Andy Butler

Top Runners – Kaitlyn Twadell SR, Jillian Butler SO, Stephanie Kriss SO, Rachel Hsu JR, Isabella Wilson SO, Alyssa Gutierez SR, Jessica Livney SR.

Notes – With three runners returning from the 15^th place sectional team, it could be a reloading year for the Lady Giants. One runner that was not on the sectional team but should be watched is Stephanie Kriss. The sophomore was all-state last spring in the 800 Meter Run. It will be interesting to see if the confidence of her running carries over to the cross-country course. Kriss was the team’s #3 runner at the CSL Championships. “Stephanie Kriss will be one to watch,” Coach Andy Butler said. “Last cross-country season she was limited due to injury. She had a break out track season last year in the 800. After a solid summer of training, we are excited to see what she can do in cross country. As a team, we need the back of pack to continue to improve and close the gap with our leaders. We expect to compete at high level at the sectional and are hoping to squeak some runners out to the state meet.”

Joliet West

2016 Finish – 9^th 3A Edwardsville Sectional

Coach – Matt Almon

Top Runners – Maddie Blaauw SR (130, 18:38), Yesenia Suarez SO, Ashley Long SO, Isabella Bettejoski JR, Pamela Sanchez SR, Madison Kasprisin SR, Jessica Newby SR, Dakota Wascom SR.

Notes – Chances are good that the Tigers could improve on their 9^th place sectional finish at Edwardsville. All seven runners from that team return. Maddie Blaauw qualified for state meet individually running 18:37 on the state course. She could be close to 18 minutes this fall. The split on five was over two minutes most of last fall. Watch for this team to close the gap to 90 seconds.

Lake Forest

2016 Finish – 12^th 3A Waukegan Sectional

Coach – Steve Clegg

Top Runners – Emma Milburn SR (55, 17:52), Brett Chody SR (91, 18:17), Courtney Schmidt JR, Mary Gregg SR, Grace Duggan SR, Kate Wildman SO, Chloe Tzau SO, Lauren Zarek FR, Erika Marchant SR.

Notes – Emma Milburn and Brett Chody both qualified individually last year for state. It was not the best race for either of them as Milburn finished 55^th and Chody placed 91^st. Chody has recovered from a leg injury that forced her to miss most of the outdoor season. Both runners could finish in the top 25 this fall.

Six runners are back from their 12^th place sectional team. Courtney Schmidt has showed the most improvement according to Coach Steve Clegg giving the team a strong third runner. “This season will resemble last year’s in many ways. Brett and Emma will obviously lead the way for us, with Courtney right behind,” Clegg said. “Our team performance will hinge on how well we can fill out the next two scoring spots. I am encouraged that we have some hard-working kids that have put in a lot of effort this summer to be the runners who can fill those roles.”

Lisle Benet Academy

2016 Finish – 3A Marist Sectional

Coach – Scott Brooks

Top Runners – Mae Tully JR (90, 18:17), Beth Croll SO, Isabell Anderson JR, Colleen McCabe JR, Colleen Lipa SO, Grace Barz SO, Greta Maras JR.

Notes – After finishing in a tie for sixth in their regional meet, the Redwings came back to finish seventh the following week in their sectional race. It is a testament of their toughness. Four runners are back from that team led by state qualifier Mae Tully. They will be a team to watch if they can only keep their top five split under 85 seconds.

McHenry

2016 Finish – 16^th 3A Waukegan Sectional

Coach – Kevin Horst

Top Runners – Ariel Patel SO, Emily Bromley SR, Taylor Stebbins SO, Breanna Banker SR, Alexis Crites SO, Katie Huff SO, Rhyanna Oeffling SO.

Notes – McHenry will have top runner from last year Ariel Patel back from their sectional team that finished 16^th overall. With their second and their third runners graduated, the Warriors will seek to build up their top five to improve on their sectional finish. Emily Bromley showed improvement during the summer and could step into the #2 position. “I'm excited for the season to start,” said Kevin Horst. “Attendance at summer running and training volume was greatly improved this year.”

Normal Community

2016 Finish – 10^th 3A Edwardsville Sectional

Coach – Tom Patten

Top Runners – Lauren Feldner JR, Alexa Thomsen SR, Anita Cavalcante SO, Larin Harr SR, Murial Bean SR, Samantha Churchey JR, Callie Melton JR.

Notes – Normal Community had a 69 second split on their top five last year when they finished 10^th at the Edwardsville Sectional. The name of the game will be moving that pack closer to the front with six runners returning. Lauren Feldner and Alexa Thomsen should lead that pack.

Northbrook Glenbrook North

2016 Finish – 14^th 3A Waukegan Sectional

Coach – Bob Leblanc

Top Runners – Maya Epstein SO, Emma Cintado SR, Chloe McMillin SO, Sarah Sandlow JR, Alexandra Chertok SO, Julia Morris SR, Megan Fahrney SO.

Notes – A team that I would keep an eye on this year. The Spartans could improve on their 14^th place sectional finish with six runners coming back. Maya Epstein will be their top runner. The key is keeping the four other runners within 74 seconds of her. “We had a nice, hard-working dedicated group at our summer running program. We managed to stay relatively healthy and are working hard at building a solid base of training,” said Bob Leblanc. “We always plan to work hard, stay healthy, and have fun. If we do that we can put forth our best effort and improve each day. Then, success will follow.”

Oak Park Fenwick

2016 Finish – 8^th 3A Niles West Sectional

Coach – Kevin Roche

Top Runners – Margaret O’Brien SR, Laura Durkin JR, Arlene Amaya JR, Sarah Winkel SR, Marie O’Brien SO, Delaney Gibbons JR, Mary Bridget Donahue JR, Franny Lorenzini SR

Notes – Fenwick will be one of the best teams again in the GCAC. I also see them improving on their eighth-place sectional team. Six runners come back from that team led by Margaret O’Brien and Laura Durkin. The team should have a five-runner split under 60 seconds this season. Moving the pack up will be the key.

“Before we started summer training I said that as fun as the 2016 season was, both winning at conference and regionals, I am sick of being an average team,” said Fenwick coach Kevin Roche. “I believe that we put in too much work and have too much talent to not be regularly racing into November. We hope to be in the mix as we head into the state series. We hope to be a team that other teams respect. But these are not expectations, these are goals that we want to achieve. What we expect? Well we expect the talent of Illinois distance running to be as good, if not better, as it always has been. Our competition will humble us, challenge us to align our priorities, force us to be poised, tenacious, & unified, which will ultimately make us better. I love the talented and dedicated athletes and coaches of Illinois. We are so lucky to be in such a competitive state because I know that it makes all of us improve.”

Pekin

2016 Finish – 7^th 3A Normal Community Regional

Coach – Erika Gilmore

Top Runners – Paige Arseneau JR (113, 18:29), Alex Bassen JR, Chloe Powell SO, Jayna Riley SR, Brianne Nye SO, Madison Vicary JR, Kylie Johnson SO.

Notes – Pekin missed making it to sectionals finishing 7^th at the Normal Regional. All seven runners are back led by state qualifier Paige Arseneau. Their five-runner split off Arseneau was almost three minutes in the regional. Getting into sectional competition would mean dropping that split down by one minute.

Plainfield South

2016 Finish – 9^th 3A Marist Sectional

Coach – Janeen Carlberg

Top Runners – Cassidy Martin JR, Kelsey Rice SO, Megan Worm SO, Kierstan Ricko SO, Sara Dyer SR, Julia Subeck SO, Emily Siemek SO.

Notes – The Cougars lost their top two runners to graduation after finishing ninth at the Marist Sectional. Five runners are back but it could be tough to duplicate the 2016 finish. Cassidy Martin will be a solid first runner for her team. A possible five-runner split of near two minutes will need to come down.

Quincy

2016 Finish – 12^th 3A Edwardsville Sectional

Coach – Matt McClelland

Top Runners – Lydia Kurfman JR (122, 18:33), Valerie Howerton JR, Kendall Marks SR, Katie Volger SR, Sophie Shackleton SO, Keela Fleming JR, Hailey Simons SR.

Notes – The Blue Devils return six of their top seven with hopes of improving on their 12^th place sectional finish. Lydia Kurfman qualified individually in 2016. We could see her run under 18 minutes in November. The split of four minutes on five-runners at sectionals should come down this season.

South Elgin

2016 Finish – 16^th 3A West Aurora Sectional

Coach – Jorie Bartholomew

Top Runners – Hannah Anderson JR, Olivia Cabaj SR, Jasmine Hernandez SR, Taylor Pray SR, Anjali Patel SR, Lindsay Alvarado SR, Rileigh Swanson SR.

Notes – All seven runners return from South Elgin’s 16^th place sectional finish. They have a solid first two with Hannah Anderson and Olivia Cabaj running within 40 seconds of each other and only two seconds in the sectional race. The team could move up in their conference and sectionals but will need to cut down their five-runner split to 75 to 79 seconds.

West Aurora

2016 Finish – 8^th 3A Batavia Regional

Coach – Andrea DiDonato

Top Runners – Alyssa Mayhew SO, Josslin Scull SO, Kaitlyn Hollar SO, Kayla Harderson JR, Caireann Griffin JR, Robeka Iniguez JR, Riley McCabe SR.

Notes – This is a team that I see improving after failing to get out of regionals last year. Alyssa Mayhew improved during the track season and should be the team’s top runner with Josslin Scull and Riley McCabe close behind. It would not surprise me if they finish 12^th or better at sectionals in October if they can stay healthy.

Wheaton North

2016 Finish – 10^th 3A Niles West Sectional

Coach – Brian Zeglin

Top Runners - Emma Riley SO, Ella Kannegiesser SO, Abigail Noyes JR, Olivia Jeanette SO, Sophia Daigle SO, Isabel Keup SR, Holly Brown SO.

Notes – This is team that I would watch in the state series. They are young returning four sophomores and one junior from last year’s sectional team. “Unfortunately, freak injury and vacations have led to a lot of question marks for our team,” Coach Brian Zeglin said. “We do return a very young team with potential. Several athletes have been on a modified training schedule due to severe iron ferritin deficiencies or freak accidents like cutting the bottom of one's foot at the start of summer. Early in the season we will not be a team sneaking up on anyone and I intend to let my returning varsity runners who ran varsity as sophomores run down at the start of the season.”

Wilmette Loyola Academy

2016 Finish – 12^th 3A Niles West Sectional

Coach – ChrisJon Simon

Top Runners – Payton Hoag SR, James Rekoske SO, Raegan Robertson JR, Emily Plodzeen SR, Anne Foley SR, Hannah Kelly JR, Ellie Slattery JR.

Notes – Five runners are back from a team that finished second in the GCAC trailing Fenwick by four points as well as finishing 12^th in their sectional. Annie Foley was their top runner at conference but had a bad race at sectionals and was the team’s sixth-runner. She should be up front along with Payton Hoag. This can be a “sneaky-good” team if they can keep their five-runner split at 50 seconds and move the pack up closer to the front.

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	mikemarasco Thanks Mike 0·Like·Reply·Aug 17th 2017, 9:19pm

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