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Illinois High School Cross Country Previews - 2A Girls TeamsPublished by
Belvidere North looks to get their second state championship; Vernon Hills ready to step up from third-place trend
By Michael Newman
The 2017 season ended with one of the best 2A Girls team races that we have seen. Who would have thought that scoring 111 points would get them third-place? In other years, that point total would have won a state title. For Vernon Hills, it was finishing third for the third time as in many years. Belvidere North finished second behind powerhouse Dunlap where both teams finished in only double-digit numbers. Belvidere North enters the season as the top ranked team in 2A looking for their second state title in three years. It again will be a tough road for them. Five of the top ten teams in the state come from the Northern Sectional this year located at Woodstock North. Three of the top four (Belvidere North, Vernon Hills, Lakes) are talented enough to win this state meet. A mini “state meet” should happen the week before Detweiller. What about Waterloo? The power team from the southern part of the state returns all their runners with hopes of tasting a top three teams. It does help when you have the individual champion like Jenna Schwartz leading your team. Don’t forget about defending champion Dunlap. The Eagles may start in the “back of the pack” at the beginning of this year. You just cannot ever count out the heart of a defending champion. We thought that the 2017 was memorable 2A state meet. We could be in store for one that is just that better this November. Here is a look at some of the top 2A Girls teams in Illinois for the start of the 2018 Illinois High School Cross-Country Season. Remember, the only rankings that count are the ones that are posted after the race is over state meet day.
1 Belvidere North 2017 Finish – 2nd, 2A State Coach – Ken Husser Top Runners – Gianna Sagona JR (7, 17:21), Madison Diercks JR (21, 17:48), Sydney Elder SO (42, 18:25), Kayla McGuire JR (53, 18:36), Olivia Zaluckyj JR (96, 19:11), Katie Luna JR, Alexandria Reza JR, Natalie Horgan SO, Caitlin Corso JR, Chelsey Recendez SR, Anna Hulstedt JR, Ainsley Dean SO. Preview – The Blue Thunder will look for their second state title in the past three years this November. Belvidere North ran a great race last year but ran into a steamroller named Dunlap who had four all-state runners. Belvidere North had three that finished into the top 25. Things look good for North as they return 5 of their top seven runners. Madison Diercks was the team’s top runner for most of last season but did not have her best race of the season at state. “My perception is it was a combination of overtraining and nourishment,” said her coach Ken Husser. “Madison is also an all-area basketball player and she spends significant time in the summer training for basketball and cross country. I think by the end of the season she was worn out physically and emotionally. This year it will be extremely important to be aware of her stress levels in relation to her performance. There were indicators last year and while some adjustments in training were made, I have to do a better job of managing that with her this year.” Gianna Sagona ran close to Diercks last year and stepped up as the team’s top runner at state where she finished seventh overall. Without a question, both runners should be in the top five this November at state. Sydney Elder and Kayla McGuire showed improvement during the track season and could be among the top 30 at Detweiller. Olivia Zaluckyj should be the team’s fifth runner but could be challenged for that spot by Alex Reza or Katie Luna. Their split on the top five at state last year was 75 seconds. That could be worrisome for some teams but not this one. It does help when you have two runners up front giving you single digit points. With some many 2A teams with good tight packs, the possibly of the top 50 needs to be in vision. Thoughts of last year’s state meet should be driving these runners as well. “We still have some unknowns heading into the season,” Husser added. “Madison and Gianna will give us low points and we have several runners poised to step up in the 3 thru 7 spots. Sydnie Elder had a solid track season finishing with a 5:17 in the mile so she will be in the mix and Olivia Zaluckyj has had a solid summer and may play a very important role as a four or five runner. As long as we stay healthy, our prospects for the year look pretty good and our goal is to compete for a state title.”
2 Vernon Hills 2017 Finish – 3rd, 2A State Coach – Suzanne Curry Top Runners – Carly Sear JR (28, 18:09), Leah Wilkowski SR (40, 18:24), Ryan Schofield SR (41, 18:24), Kathryn Wilkowski SR (47, 18:31), Hannah Ray SR (69, 18:53), Payton Makowskyj SR (70, 18:54), Vivian Tsai SR, Lily Blasé JR, Ellie Zaczek SR, Kassie Woolard SO, Bryan Ziemke JR, Katelyn Dohler SR. Preview – The Cougars left Peoria last November with their third third-place trophy in a row. That’s not bad. I know that other schools would want just one state trophy, but this program continues to raise the bar. Vernon Hills did lose their multi All-State Runner Lauren Katz to graduation. They do return the rest of last year’s state team. “This group has a strong desire to break out of that third-place position. Many of them have been on all three of those teams so they are hungry and willing to work for it,” Coach Suzanne Curry said. “We have the majority of the top seven back and have a number of other athletes that could contribute.” This team is extremely deep and runs with a tight pack. All seven of their state runners in 2017 finished in the top 70 with their top five at 47th place or higher. Their split on five last year was only 57 seconds off Katz’s 11th place finish. The gap from two to five was a miniscule 22 seconds with Carly Sear leading the way with a 28th place finish. Ryan Schofield with sisters Leah and Kathryn Wilkowski gives the team stability in the top five. Hannah Ray, Payton Makowskyj, and Vivian Tsai are among other runners that could challenge for one of those top spots. You know that the Cougars will again have a tight pack. It will be interesting to see if there is one runner that steps into the shoes of Katz as a front runner. A finisher in the top 20 at state would be helpful for this squad. “We'll have a large team again and our goal is to have each athlete run their best at the end of their season,” Curry added. “At the varsity level, we expect to have another successful season as we only lost one of our top seven. It's always difficult when you lose your top runner, but we believe with the depth and experience of this group we can be a strong team again this season.”
3 Waterloo 2017 Finish – 11th, 2A State Coach – Larry Huffman Top Runners – Jenna Schwartz SR (1, 17:05), Ella King SR (39, 18:23), Sydney Haddick JR (72, 18:56), Colleen Slument JR (137, 19:45), Emma Rick SO (149, 19:50), Laurin Lunk SO (162, 20:02), Lauren Cooper SO (196, 20:46), Rachel Patterson JR, Marina Rodriguez SR, Christina Martin JR. Preview – Expectations should be high for the Bulldogs this fall after finishing 11th in the state meet. Waterloo is deep returning there entire top seven as well as having several runners that could challenge for a spot in the top seven. They will also be looking for their third straight sectional championship. Rachel Patterson is one of the “other runners” that could challenge for a spot in the top five. The junior was the team’s second runner at the First to the Finish Invitational in early September. An injury sidelined her for over a month. She tried to run at sectionals running as the team’s fourth runner but could not run at state. “She has been working hard this summer and we are hoping for a full recovery by October,” her coach Larry Huffman said. It does help that your top runner Jenna Schwartz is the defending state champion. Schwartz came on strong at the end of last season to get that state title as well as winning the 3200 Meter Run this spring. It will be tough to catch her this fall as she clock a time under 17-minutes at the Det. One thing to watch is the split on their two through five-runner pack. Ella King finished 39th a year ago leads this pack behind Schwartz. King is a good possibility to finish in the top 25. The split on the group at state was 87 seconds. The week before in their sectional race, it was 89 seconds. If Patterson gets the thumbs up to run in October and she is 100% ready to go, she will challenge King for the second spot. It could also slice down that split to 75 to 80 seconds. That large of a split will not get this team into the top three. Cutting the gap on Schwartz/King to under 55 seconds would be a good thing. “We are hoping to keep our sectional champion streak along with placing higher at state with a healthy team,” Huffman added. That means getting Patterson into their top five. This team is deep and could finish into the top three. Work on their pack behind Schwartz in September would be something to keep an eye on.
4 Lake Villa Lakes Community 2017 Finish – 9th, 2A State Coach – Keith West Top Runners – Brooke Stromsland SO (4, 17:15), Olivia Schmitt JR (58, 18:41), Megan Knuettel SR (88, 19:08), Alex Bryant SO (95, 19:11), Morgan Gillespie SR (122, 19:30), Simone Lippmann SR (129, 19:37), Hannah Grant (174, 20:12), Rae Dwyer SR, Tegan Baker SO, Ashley Whitis JR, Breanna Lippmann SO. Preview – The Eagles finally made that step to state finishing fourth at the Kaneland Sectional and then ninth the following week at state. They were only 31 points out of fifth. Expectations are high for this team is that all their top seven runners from the state meet are back. “Last year was a breakthrough season for the Lakes Girls,” Keith West said. “We have been knocking on the door steps of a state finals berth for the last 4 years. The girls were not to be denied as they punched their ticket with a 4th place finish in Kaneland. The girls were not satisfied with just qualifying for state and made it a goal to finish on a high note.” Brooke Stromsland emerged as the top runners in 2A as a freshman finishing fourth at state. Olivia Schmitt was injured for most of the season before coming back to finish 58th at state. At the beginning of the year, the two were only four seconds apart with Schmitt ahead. A healthy Schmitt gives Lakes a strong 1-2 in the front. The pack from their third to fifth runner at state was a mere 22 seconds. The two low numbers in the front will be a definite help. The pack getting all three runners under 19-minutes as well as closing the deficit on the front makes this team dangerous in November. “We are working on doing all of the little things and taking control of what we can,” West added. “Combining that attention to detail with a desire to compete to the best of our ability will put us in the mix at every meet. They want to build on last year’s performance and have set high expectations. We asked the girls to leave it out on the course each race and we fully anticipate that they will be ready and able to step up in the moment.”
5 Normal University 2017 Finish – 7th, 2A Normal University Sectional Coach – Lester Hampton Top Runners – Lyndsey Wolters SO (9, 17:18), Emmy Mussey SR, Markie Madix SO, Elle Bittner SO, Mya Kaeb SO, Katie Spaulding JR, Tasha Schuckman JR, Alexandra Eisenreich JR, Britany Ziemer JR, Lizzy Zacharias SO, Madison Neagle SO, Rachel Simmons SO. Preview – A team that could be a surprise on the state level. The Pioneers had five freshmen and two sophomores in their top seven when they finished seventh in their sectional race. U-High could be hungry for their season to finish one week later than it did the year before. Inexperience with five freshmen in the sectional race could have affected this team last fall except for Lyndsey Wolters. She made it to state finishing fifth overall. “She definitely exceeded my expectations,” said U-High assistant coach John Neisler. “Unfortunately, Lyndsey’s track season wasn’t what I had hoped for (11:47 3200 at Sectional). She’s got asthma and it was a major factor this spring in her training and racing. We’re hoping some changes in her treatments will help this fall and she’ll bounce back as strong as she was last fall.” Emma Mussey and Markie Madix were solid two and three runners for the Pioneers and should continue that in 2018. Getting that gap behind Wolters to under 48 seconds will be a key. Their four-runner split behind Wolters was 65 seconds in their conference race to 115 seconds at sectionals will need to be corrected. Tessa Schuckman was at times in the top five and could help. The addition of Lizzy Zacharias, who was on the swimming team last year, could be a surprise in the top seven. “We’d like to continue our streak of Bloomington-Normal Intercity championships (currently at 8) and win the Central State 8 Conference again (we won last year in our first year in the conference),” Neisler said. “Last year we fell just short of State, and I think it’s given the girls some motivation. We were young in a loaded Sectional, plus an injury and someone sick. The freshmen have learned a lot, especially with a strong track season and qualifying for State is probably at the top of most of their lists.”
6 Dixon 2017 Finish – 6th, 2A State Coach – Evan Thorpe Top Runners – Paige Stees SO (32, 18:16), Nicquelette Fazakas JR (36, 18:20), Jade Miller SO (61, 18:43), Taylor Renkes JR (113, 19:24), Taylor Hills SO (159, 20:01), Grace Johnson SO (183, 20:21), Aaliyah Baker JR, Maddie Roach SR. Preview – Prospects look good for the Duchesses this fall returning six from last year’s sixth-place state team. The team could struggle in September. “Nicquelette (Fazakas) is coming off an untimely stress reaction from track. She was diagnosed the week before conference and missed the end of the track season. She is just back to running so you will probably not see her until late September.” Fazakas forms a strong 1-2 with Paige Stees leading the way. Stees finished four seconds ahead of her teammate at state and could finish in the top 25 this November. Stees competes in soccer instead of track during the spring. Still, she had a great summer of training reading herself for this fall. Taylor Hills showed improvement during the track season and could move into the third or fourth spot. Grace Johnson, also a sophomore is another runner that could jump into the top five with Jade Miller and Taylor Renkes. Dixon had a 68 second split on their scorers at state. The talent on this team shows that they can go lower in 2018. With possibly two runners in the top 25 at state, the Duchesses will need to get that split under 60 seconds to secure a better finish than that of 2017.
7 Chatham-Glenwood 2017 Finish – 15th, 2A State Coach – Mike Garber Top Runners – Ali Wynn SR (48, 18:31), Kiersten Patzia SO (63, 18:47), Abby Teaman SO (99, 19:13), Maggie Toepfer SR (145, 19:48), Jade Anderson JR (146, 19:49), Taylor Shamhart SO (176, 20:14), Jill Eastman SR (185, 20:26), Reagan Weichold SO, Nia Gibson FR, Katie Curry SR, Hannah Reeves SO, Brooklyn Smith SR. Preview – The Titans will challenge Normal University and Springfield for the Central State Eight Conference title this fall. Glenwood finished second behind U-High last fall. Their sights could be on a top five finish at the end of the year. They certainly have the depth to get to that point with all seven runners back from the 2017 team. Up to ten runners could challenge for the seven varsity spots. “Summer running has been great. Our top girls have been putting in more miles than ever before and want to match the success of previous Girls teams at Glenwood,” Coach Mike Garber said. “They are a really tight knit bunch and always have fun running as a team. We have a mix of upper and underclassmen this year, so there will be both youth and experience working together.” The team will need to live with a stronger pack this small running a 78 second spread on their top five at state. Ali Wynn was the team’s top runner from the week before their conference meet until the end of the season. She will be challenged by two runners for the top spot. Reagan Weichold was the team’s top runner at Peoria at the end of September until an injury sidelined her for the rest of the season. Garber also believes that freshman Nia Gibson could immediately make an impact in the top group. Kiersten Patzia and Abby Teaman have showed improvement from track into summer and will make their top five even stronger. This is a team that I would keep an eye on in their first three meets at Granite City, Springfield, and Peoria. The Titans could have something special in the making. “We are excited to just get out and race. I can't tell you how many times I've had girls on the team tell me they are ready for cross season...even during track season,” Garber added. “The Central Illinois area has some good teams and we would like to be one of the top teams in this region. Depending on our growth, we have eyes to be a top 10 team at State. We have the pieces to do it, but we need to keep our focus on short term goals too.”
8 Dunlap 2017 Finish – 2A State Champions Coach – Chris Friedman Top Runners – Abby Johnson SR (25, 17:59), Macy Priess SO (62, 18:44), Sierra Cenek SR (97, 19:12), Jordan Serrahn JR, Abby Banister JR, Sophie Roberts JR, Paige Acklie FR, Natalie Morris SO, Sarah Rufener SO, Aasiyah Adnan SO, Molly Siebenaler JR, Kylie Webb SR, Reagan Smith JR, Tatum Hussey JR. Preview – It could be a transition year for the Eagles according to Coach Chris Friedman. Four of last year’s top seven have graduated along with Campbell Petersen and Delicia Chen transferring to other schools. There are three runners back from last year’s state team looking to prove the doubters wrong. “People will call us the defending champions. While that is true, it’s a different year with a different team,” said Friedman “We will start this year with the same goals as every year: improve every day, win the conference title, qualify for state. After that, the girls will define themselves. The depth we have had over the past four years will be tested this year.” Abby Johnson has earned All-State honors three times in her high school career including a 25th place finish a year ago. She should be the top runner on this team. Macy Priess and Sierra Cenek have big meet/state meet experience and will be part of the team’s top five. Jordan Serrahn and Abby Banister are juniors that had a good summer of training. Expect them to be into the top five along with promising freshman Paige Acklie. Though that most of the upcoming top seven will need September to get into the roll of big meets, they have experienced on how the team from last year dealt with the expectations. “The best part is they have seen what it takes to succeed in this sport,” added Friedman. “Their role models brought home three state trophies over the past four years. Now it is their turn.” We could see some growing pains early in the season. It would not surprise me to be challenging for a state trophy by the time they get to the state series.
9 Chicago Latin School 2017 Finish – 14th, 2A State Coach – Dan Daly Top Runners – Marianne Mihas SO (18, 17:45), Olivia Syftestad SO (71, 18:55), Claire Hardeman JR (111, 19:20), Olivia Baker SR (177, 20:15), Ava Parekh FR, McKenna Fellows FR, Paige Hosbein JR, Amanda Aparti SR, Allison Roehm JR, Kendall Pollard JR, Lizzie Nash JR. Preview – I don’t think this team showed their true potential last November when they finished 14th in the 2A State Meet. Part of that had to do with Marianne Mihas being sick at that meet. We saw what she could do on the track last spring winning the 1A state title at 1600-meters. She could be among the top five runners this fall in 2A. Three other runners with state experience are back. It could be a freshman, Ava Parekh, that could run right with Mihas. Parekh won the 2A IESA state title in eighth-grade following that up with wins at state at 800 and 1600-meters. What was more convincing was the 5:05 she ran at Magis Miles. The freshman up front with Mihas gives the Romans a strong 1-2. Olivia Syftestad and Claire Hardeman gives this team a strong three/four. Finding a fifth runner will be something to watch in the first month of this season.
10 Crystal Lake South 2017 Finish – 9th, 2A Kaneland Sectional Coach – Ken Greenfield Top Runners – Mackenzie Aldridge JR, Emma Murphy SO, Emma Heuck SR, Olivia Beckwith SR, Chelsea Greene SO, Laina Driver JR, Emily Jones JR, Madison Safraniec JR, Noelle Szczepanski SR, Connie Lin JR, Addie Frisch FR, Elise Gorman FR, Lily Worline FR. Preview – The Gators could be one of the surprise teams this fall out of a tough Woodstock North Sectional. Five runners are back from the team that finished ninth at the Kaneland Sectional. The sky could be the limit for Crystal Lake South this fall. “I was really happy with our summer,” their coach Ken Greenfield stated. “Our returning top 5 especially were much more focused than last year. I think having a year under their belt and now realizing how every little thing contributes to late season race performance helped them value quality training more.” Three of the top five runners back are underclassmen. Mackenzie Aldridge and Emma Murphy should be trading off the top spot for this team. Emma Heuck and Olivia Beckwith were within 3 to 13 seconds behind Murphy at sectionals. Aldridge ran 18:50 at Detweiller at the end of last September. Watch for her times to drop this fall. A good group of freshmen led by Addie Frisch could also jump into their top five. Good pack running this fall by the Gators could mean a trip to Peoria in November and then who knows. “We've really focused on some core values that we want to strive to be mindful of every day,” added Greenfield. “We have talked a lot about "Evidence of Excellence" (a term I heard from Arkansas women's basketball coach Mike Neighbors). My expectation is that every day we develop an understanding of what "excellent" looks like with respect to what we value and then translate that into action.”
11 Washington 2017 Finish – 5th, 2A State Coach – Troy Walcott Top Runners – Jadyn Jacobs SO (16, 17:43), Joy English JR (64, 18:47), Hannah Bennett SR (125, 19:33), Brooke Evans JR (128, 19:36), Erin Earl JR, Callie Danks JR, Emily Biagini JR, Katie Geisz SO, Karli Milestone SO, Madeline Kogelis SR, Tobey Klungseth JR, Emily Baker FR, Celie Fischer SO. Preview – Four runners are back from the Panthers’ team that finished fifth at state. Jadyn Jacobs, who finished 16th at state as a freshman and again will lead this team. “I know she wants to improve on last year's state meet performance and has the tenacity to do just that,” Washington Coach Troy Walcott said. Jo English, the team’s third runner last fall, will lead the pack behind Jacobs. It is up for grabs for the third through seven spots led by Brooke Evans, Emily Baker, Hannah Bennett, Callie Banks, and Celie Fischer the runners most likely that could get those spots. “I think our core group has shown improvement due to their work ethic. They are inspiring to the others and have helped them run faster in return,” Walcott added. “They have made sure that they and everyone else who trains with them will be fit when the season starts.” This is a team that I would watch for at the end of September at East Peoria and then two weeks later at Metamora. They could be tough to beat by that time in the season.
12 Springfield 2017 Finish – 13th, 2A State Coach – Dan Devlin Top Runners – Varsha Iyer JR (73, 18:57), Ella Kurmann JR (93, 19:10), Shay Doty (118, 19:27), Ruth Edwards SR (123, 19:30), Lucy Souva SO (150, 19:50), Abigail Norris SR (192, 20:58), Maggie O’Brien JR, Lily Peralta SR, Aurora Barnes SO, Madison Ridley SR. Preview – Coach Dan Devlin has a good group back from the team that finished 13th at last year’s state meet. They only lose graduated Gabby Wood returning the rest of their state team. Varsha Iyer was the Senators’ second runner most of last year and should be the #1 runner for the squad in 2018. A tight pack will be needed led by Ella Kurmann to get this team into the top ten in this state. 33 seconds separated two through five last November at Detweiller Park. Moving the pack up and keeping their top five split off Iyer near 50 seconds could be the formula for a higher finish than 2017.
13 Maple Park Kaneland 2017 Finish – 8th, 2A State Coach – Doug Ecker Top Runners – Rachel Richtman JR (12, 17:35), Grace Purcell SR (43, 18:26), Olivia Franklin SO (55, 18:37), Aubrey Broz SO (134, 19:44), Mackenzie Egert SO (139, 19:46), Tessa Brennan SR (172, 20:11), Emma Ball SR, Erin Ball SR, Bethany Duffey JR, Lauren Sparber SR, Emma Hockey JR, Sophia James SO. Preview – The key for a team in the 2A Northern sectional is first finding a way to advance out of this tough sectional and then start to think about the state. Such it was for Kaneland last fall first finishing fifth in their own sectional and then the following week eighth at state. The Knights are ready for another run for the state meet returning six runners from that state team. “Our summer went well,” Kaneland Coach Doug Ecker said. “We had good numbers running this summer and most of the girls have shown improvement in their conditioning. We will to have wait till October to see if it translates into improved racing.” Rachel Richtman again will be the team’s top runner. She finished 12th last fall as a sophomore with eyes on a top ten finish in November. Grace Powell and Olivia Franklin are the leaders of a solid pack behind Richtman. Getting their scorers to within 50 seconds of each other and 50 seconds to Richtman could mean good things for this team. “Our expectations are that everyone reaches their individual goals and for the varsity members, it is also being competitive in invitationals and the conference,” added Ecker. We would like to put ourselves in a position to have an opportunity to qualify as a team for the state meet.”
14 Grayslake Central 2017 Finish – 11th, 2A Kaneland Sectional Coach – Jimmy Centella Top Runners – Maura Fitzgerald SR, Mali Chiodi SR, Abby Tonkery SR, Greta Ruhlmann SR, MK Drevline SO, Emily Siman SO, Anissah Groark SO, Ruthie Baldwin JR, Megan Morrissey SO, Maeva Kleinofen SO, Lauren Brunk SR, Caroline Kokkin FR, Grace Kokkin FR, Bryn Sato FR. Preview – The Rams could be the surprise team (to some) to make it to the state meet in November. Four runners are back from the sectional team that finished 11th in their sectional. “Unfortunately, our returning #3, Abby Tonkery, was diagnosed with Leukemia last spring,” said Coach Jimmy Centella. “She will still be on the team, but her priorities are now focused on her recovery. She will most likely support us in a manager role this season.” Maura Fitzgerald, Greta Ruhlmann and Mali Chiodi again should be challenging a spot in the front. What will be a good addition for the Rams is the addition of three freshmen: Caroline and Grace Kokkin along with Bryn Sato. The three ran in IESA State Meets in cross-country and track the last year. All three will push for top five spots. The addition of Lauren Brunk, who missed most of last season due to an injury, is healthy and should also be a part of the team’s top five. The team ran a 68 second spread in their sectional race. With their team improving, we could see that split dip under 55 seconds. “This year our team looks to bounce back to the state level. We add our three strong freshmen to the mix, plus seniors Lauren Brunk, Mali Chiodi, and Greta Ruhlmann have been really putting in the work this summer,” Centella said. “As a team we will be chasing Lakes and Grant in the conference and trying to sweep the JV and Open races to show our depth and dedication. Hopefully we are vying for a top 5 spot at sectionals. This has the potential to be one of best teams in school history, but we will have to gain experience with our youth and work hard all season long in order to put ourselves in a position to be back down at Detweiller in November.”
15 Mahomet-Seymour 2017 Finish – 4th, 2A State Coach – Kristin Allen Top Runners – Brisa McGrath SR (24, 17:53), Madi Balbach JR (49, 18:32), Kelsey Jacobs SO (138, 19:46), Olivia Bunting SO (153, 19:54), Gretchen Scheele SO, Amy Jassman JR, Alexa Franklin JR, Klein Powell FR, Chloe Allen FR, Preview – Kristin Allen steps in replacing Hall of Fame Coach Bonnie Moxley as the team’s new Head Coach. Allen has been an assistant for the Bulldogs for the past two years. Allen inherits a team that finished fourth in last year’s state meet with five runners back. They will miss last year’s third runner Megan Churm who moved to Michigan this summer. Brisa McGrath was All-State last fall placing 24th and will lead this team. Big things could be in store for her this fall. Madi Balbach finished in the top 50 at Detweiller and gives this team a strong second runner. There will need to be some rebuilding for their third through fifth runners. It could be freshmen, like Klein Powell and Chloe Allen, that could jump into the top five. Alexa Franklin played basketball last year. The junior could also make an impact in the top five. “All the returning runners are running faster than they were at the same time last year according to the Polar data. They are all demonstrating more maturity with their runs and their team presence,” Coach Allen said. “All 9 freshmen have had great mentoring from the veterans all summer. Brisa McGrath has really stepped up into a leadership position for her Senior year. She has set some hefty personal and team goals for this season. She had an outstanding run at Detweiller at Dark last week earning an 11th place finish. She has set herself up for a great season.” The large group of nine freshmen gives this team a little more mystery heading into the 2018 campaign. We could see how good this team is by the middle of September. By the time the Bulldogs get to the state series, they could be in the top five. “The slogan Sole Sisters represent that and was developed by the team,” Coach Allen added. “The runners developed the Team Standards (rules) together this year and fully expect every runner to hold each other to them. We were 4th last year at the State Meet, the veterans have already expressed to the Freshmen that they want a trophy.”
16 Geneseo 2017 Finish – 11th, 2A Normal University Sectional Coach – Kelly Timmerman Top Runners – Josie Brown SR, Lauren Belvel JR, Julia Poel SR, Anna Pierce JR, Anna Girten JR, Claire Hill JR, Megan Soria SO, Tricia Elden SO, Adia Raya SR, Morgan Laxton JR. Preview – One of the surprise teams to keep an eye on in the 2A top 25 this fall. The Maple Leafs return all seven runners back from the sectional team that finished 12th at the Normal University Sectional. With most of the teams in the sectional reloading instead of rebuilding, it could be a tough task for Geneseo making it to state. They have improved, so anything is possible. Josie Brown again will be the top runner on this team. She improved last spring making it to the 2A 800 Meter Run finals at state. That could drive her to bigger things this season. The team’s top five split at sectionals was 78 seconds. The split should be something to watch throughout September. Getting Brown closer to the front in races and getting their top five split under 65 seconds could mean bigger things in October and beyond.
17 Burlington Central 2017 Finish – 8th, 2A Kaneland Sectional Coach – Vince Neil Top Runners – Brooke Barkocy SO, Natalia Rodriguez SR, Erin Jossart SO, Lauren Dowd SO, Jocelyn Victoria SO, Annalise Daniels SO, Grace Camparone SO, Jenna Dinges JR, Emily Stark JR, Lauren Leegard JR, Faith Cassata JR (Transfer from South Elgin). Preview – Burlington Central is another one of those 2A Northern sectional teams that has a chance this October to advance to the state meet. The Rockets have six runners back from last year’s eighth-place sectional team. The only runner missing was last year’s top runner Chloe Bilyk. As a freshman last fall, Brooke Barkocy was consistent second runner for the team. Watch for her to be pushed by Natalia Rodriguez in the front. Barkocy is coming off a strong track season where she earned All-State honors in the 300 Hurdles. “We had great attendance this summer and the girls are hungry to compete,” Coach Vince Neil said. “Many of the girls are coming off a very successful track season. We anticipate that their experience and desire to compete will make this group of girls a fun team to coach.” The way this team will progress this fall is keeping their pack close together in races. Their split on two through five behind Bilyk was only 26 seconds. It could start as close to 40 seconds at the beginning of this season. Improvement by 10 to 15 seconds per runner in that group could make this team dangerous by the time they get to the state series.
18 Riverside-Brookfield 2017 Finish – 17th, 2A State Coach – Blair Jensen Top Runners – Tara Janney SR (51, 18:35), Nadia Kaczmarz SR (77, 18:59), Melissa Oliveira SR (155, 19:56), Cora Lutes SR (165, 20:04), Niela Callahan SR (173, 20:12), Tess Bruno SO (182, 20:21), Viktoria Hanson SO, Selena Axinte JR, Emma Fortman JR, Gabrielle Nolan SR, Sophie Jebb JR. Preview – The Bulldogs should again repeat their journey down to Peoria this November. RB finished 17th in last year’s state meet with six of their top seven back. Tara Janney and Nadia Kaczmarz give this team a good 1-2 pack in the front. Janney has showed improvement over the past year and could find her into the top 25 individually at state. The pack behind the front pack should be tight perhaps between 15 to 20 seconds. Getting that pack to within 30 seconds of the front pack guarantees the bulldogs a trip back to Detweiller after sectionals. It could also guarantee a top ten finish on that first Saturday in November.
19 – Urbana 2017 Finish – 7th, 2A State Coach – Forrest Farokhi Top Runners – Olivia Rosenstein JR (5, 17:16), Chian Scott JR (23, 17:54), Madeline Janczewski SO (152, 19:54), Ashley Gilbert SO, Sofie Skottene SO, Phoebe Gerstenecker SO, Megan Paluska JR, Miranda Kowalski JR, Eliza Abbamonte SR, Molly Sweeney JR. Preview – It could be a good group of freshmen that energize this squad in the 2018 season. The Tigers have three runners back from last year’s seventh-place state team. They also lost their third runner Sophia Dowling who will not run this fall due to concentrating on academics and playing soccer. Coach Forrest Farokhi can fall back on their top two returning runners Olivia Rosenstein and Chian Scott who were both All-State last year. Rosenstein finished fifth and could contend for the individual title. Scott placed 22nd and could be among the top ten in November. A good freshman group with Celia Barbieri, Lanie Scott, and Macy Wirtz could jump into the top five. “They’ve had an impact on team culture thus far and will surely impact the team results in the future,” Farokhi said. Rosenstein and Scott will lead this team. Rosenstein being plagued with shin splints the past couple of seasons could change things for this team. The two runners will give the team low points but how the freshman and returning runners develop in the first few meets will be something to keep an eye on. “Our expectations have evolved over the years,” stated Farokhi. “We have gradually raised the bar each of the last several seasons, without being too overbearing and demanding. We have the general expectation that our athletes commit themselves to training, but more importantly to their teammates and holding each other accountable for their behavior and their actions in and outside of practice.”
20 Arlington Heights St. Viator 2017 Finish – 22nd, 2A State Coach – Kelli Wosick Top Runners – Katie Castelli SO (60, 18:42), Payton McDonnell SR (124, 19:32). Maura Hogaboom SR (181, 20:20), Sophie Limberakis SO (187, 20:23), Claire Bottcher SR, Zaphia Perez SO, Mia Raftery JR, Julia Hornberger SR, Maddie Wissor SO, Sophia Dominguez JR. Preview - The Lions should be back in Peoria in November having the best team in the Fenton Sectional heading into the 2018 campaign. They could also make some other noise when they get back down to Peoria. Four of their top five runners are back ready to make another trip to Peoria. Katie Castelli could finish in the top 35 this fall after finishing 60th as a freshman. Payton McDonnell is a strong second runner that will need to stay within 30 seconds of Castelli. Work on the pack needs to happen before the state series. Senior Maura Hogaboom should lead this group. St. Viator most likely will be in one of the weakest 2A sectionals in the state making their trip to state a 95% certainty. Lowering their split to 90 seconds on their top five could get this team in the top 15 instead of placing between 20 to 25.
21 Peoria Notre Dame 2017 Finish – 10th, 2A State Coach – Dan Gray Top Runners – Rachel Ehrhart SR (67, 18:52), Abby Miller SR (89, 19:08), Irene Ehrhart SO (90, 19:08), Kaylie Wolter SR, Chelsea Sanchez JR, Rebecca Foti SR, Allyson Parks JR, Victoria Kurtz SR, Genevieve Scoby JR, Addison Ginghen JR, Teagan Cover FR, Anna Wolter JR, Maci Cave FR. Preview – The Irish finished off strongly at state last fall finishing tenth overall after finishing fourth in the tough Normal University Sectional. Four runners are back that team looking to continue that momentum. Coach Dan Gray does lose three-time All-State Runner Grace Breitbach who will be attending Bradley University this fall. Notre Dame will have a strong group in the front with Rachel and Irene Ehrhardt, Abby Miller, and Kaylie Wolter part of that group. They should only be separated by 20 to 30 seconds this fall. Junior Anna Wolter and freshmen Teagan Cover and Maci Cove appear to be the runners that will challenge for the final scoring spot. This team could have a spread of under 60 seconds for the top five. Moving that pack closer to the front of races could give this team a better chance to make the short trip to Detweiller Park.
22 Morton 2017 Finish – 6th, 2A Normal University Sectional Coach – Joel Zehr Top Runners – Aspen Gordon SR (30, 18:13), Meagan Moreno SR (45, 18:29), Tenley Dowell SR, Sarah Honegger SR, Abigail Dryden SR, Emily Klopfenstein SR, Olivia Knight JR, Aly Cigelink JR, Chloe Siscoe SR. Preview – The Potters missed a state qualifying berth by one spot finishing sixth at the Normal University Sectional. Morton would like to move up one spot in 2018. Aspen Gordon and Meagan Moreno both made it to Detweiller Park individually and could both place in this fall’s top 25. Gordon culminated a great track season by finishing third in the 2A 3200 Meter Run in last May’s state track meet. A plus for this team is the addition of freshman Emma Skinner who finished sixth in the IESA 3A State XC Meet. Coach Joel Zehr believes that Skinner could be close to Gordon and Moreno. Tenley Dowell leads the other potential scorers pack that could have a 55 to 60 second split on the three runners. Gordon and Moreno and possibly Skinner could be giving the team single digit numbers throughout the season. Getting the pack closer to these three is a priority if the Potters want to make it to the state meet. “The girls were 6th at the Normal sectional last year and although there was a gap in points, I know they are looking towards making a state appearance this fall,” Zehr said.
23 Mascoutah 2017 Finish – 19th, 2A State Coach – Darren Latham Top Runners – Julia Kapp JR (94, 19:11), Naya Busbea JR (116, 19:26), Madison Krieg SR (117, 19:27), Arianna Climaco JR (142, 19:47), Kailee Chau SR (151, 19:53), Bella Dixon JR (164, 20:04), Elizabeth Byington SR (184, 20:25), Madeline Zurbrugg SR, Heaven Koerner SR, Natalie Hart JR. Preview – A team that could be making statements first in the southern part of the state and then the entire state. Coach Darren Latham welcomes back all seven runners that finished 19th in last November’s state meet. The key to their success last fall was tight pack running. It was only 42 seconds at state after a 70 second split in their sectional race where they finished fifth. Julia Kapp appears to be the top runner for this team. She held that spot in the final two races in 2017. The experience that Mascoutah gained last fall should pay off in 2018. Keeping a split in the 40 second range as well as moving this group closer to the front could mean some good things for the Indians at the end of this year.
24 Aurora Rosary 2017 Finish – 23rd, 2A State Coach – Vic Mead Top Runners – Maia Halia SO (103, 19:15), Katie Lifka SO (154, 19:54), Ally Tippett SR (156, 19:57), Julie Botlarini SR (170, 20:08), Sophia Chiesa JR (189, 20:35), Bridget Buckley SR (198, 20:51), Lianna Surtz FR, Megan Ronzone SR, Melanie Meyer SR, Ann Molenhouse SO, Taylor Obbish SR, Anna Michel JR. Preview – Keep an eye on the Royals this fall. By the end of the year, Rosary could end up in the top ten in 2A. Six of their top seven runners from that state team are back. The biggest addition is incoming freshman Lianna Surtz. She started off this season by running 17:18 to finish fourth at Detweiller at Dark. I don’t think she will have trouble adapting to high-school cross country as evidenced by that race. She could be among the top five runners in 2A. The team had an 80 second split on their second through fifth runners last year led by the 103rd place finish from Maia Halia. Megan Ronzone encountered injuries during last fall and was the team’s fifth runner early in the year. She could be among the top five. The Royals will get the low points from Surtz, but the split on the pack behind her needs to be near 45 seconds. Times coming down individually and the team-wise will mean big things at the end of the season. . 25 Canton 2017 Finish – 9th, 2A Normal University Sectional Coach – Chancy Whittington Top Runners – Claire Wheelwright SO, Eleanor Fournier SO, Isabella Kaes SO, Haley Woodcock SR, Alex Chamberlin SR, Kaitlyn Driskell FR. Preview – The Giants moved up through the pack in 2017 as they finished third in the Mid-Illini Conference and ninth at the Normal University Sectional at the end of 2017. This team should continue to grow with five of their top seven back led by three sophomores. Claire Wheelwright had a good summer of training at the University of Wisconsin Summer Camp and again will look to lead this team this fall. Eleanor Fournier will solidify the pack with freshman Kaitlyn Driskell a possibility in the top five. “We have had a good summer of training concentrating on building our base,” said their Coach Chancy Whittington. “The girls have really increased their mileage from last year and our paces have been faster.”
Next 15 2A Girls Teams
Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge 2017 Finish – 13th, 2A Kaneland Sectional Coach – Kelly MacDonald Top Runners – Chelsea Gale SO (10, 17:28), Carsen Forte SO (22, 18:23; transferred from Harvest Christian Academy), Chloe Gale SR, Delaney Minutillo SR, Katte Harth SO, Emily Zanzola SR, Michaela Pieroni SR, Madeline Carey SR, Kennedy Garner JR, Liliana Franklin SO. Preview – It would not surprise me if the Wolves are challenging for a state berth in their sectional race. Prairie Ridge returns their top four runners from last year’s 13th place sectional team. Chelsea Gale had a fantastic freshman season ending with a 10th place finish at state. She will get some help in the front with the addition of Carsen Forte who transferred in from Harvest Christian Academy. Forte finished 22nd in the 1A race last fall and then placed 2nd in the 800 Meter Run in the 1A State Meet last May. Forte’s times should drop under 18-minutes sometime this fall. A key will be getting the pack behind these two sophomores closer to the front. Chelsea Gale, Jayden Forte, and Delaney Minutillo look to be the three runners that could get the job done. “We believe that our team should be much improved this year,” said Prairie Ridge Coach Kelly MacDonald. “The girls have worked hard all summer and have had a great attitude. Our primary focus is to work hard and have a lot of fun. If we keep those goals at the forefront, we will see a lot of improvement from last year.”
Grayslake North 2017 Finish – 10th, 2A Kaneland Sectional Coach – Anthony DeStephano Top Runners – Kelli Tosic JR (35, 18:18), Caroline Riss SR (56, 18:38), Gabrielle Conceicao JR, Ashlyn Castagna SO, Leialani Akalaonu JR, Madison Kubas JR, Anahid Jerikian SR, Eden Hartigan JR. Preview – It could be a rough climb for the Knights in the ever-tough Woodstock North Sectional. Grayslake North finished 10th in their sectional race qualifying two individuals to state in the process. Kelli Tosic finished 35th with Caroline Riss 20 seconds back. Both could make a repeat trip to state. Tosic could be among the top 15 finishers. Gabrielle Conceicao could be close to these two averaging 10 to 15 seconds behind Riss in the final three races. Moving their pack closer to the front three will improve the Knights chances of advancing out of their sectional.
Highland 2017 Finish – 6th, 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional Coach – Doug Bradley Top Runners – Samantha Hengehold JR (37, 18:21), Jessica Borror SO (59, 18:42), Grace Meyer SO, Julia Loeh SO, Sarah Kampworth SR, Paige Schaible SO, Mackenzie Nigh SR. Preview – It could be a tough year for the Bulldogs even though they finished sixth in their sectional missing state by eight points. It does not help that they are in a powerhouse conference like the Mississippi Valley Conference that had three teams make it to state last fall. Still, this team has a group back led by four of their top five in the sectional race. Samantha Hengehold and Jessica Borror both made it to state individually and again will lead this team. Kate Marti, who has experienced three knee surgeries in the past three years due to club soccer, is healthy and should contribute to the top five like she did her freshman year. “This team has a lot of talent and experience, but they also have a lot of obstacles in the way. Sam Hengehold, Jessica Borror and Kate Marti have all ran under 19 in a state meet and Lily Becker under 20. Grace Meyer qualified for state in the 3200M while Julia Loeh and Paige Schaible had very encouraging track seasons. However, Marti has lots to overcome. Hengehold has been battling nagging injuries since track season and Borror (soccer) hasn't raced since November,” their coach Doug Bradley said. “The biggest obstacle though is the strength of the Mississippi Valley Conference (esp. Waterloo, Triad, Mascoutah). All three of those teams qualified for state a year ago and two of them had no seniors in their top seven. For us, the path to success will hinge on whether we can develop a pack mentality. Without Marti the last two seasons we've come up short at sectionals due to our inability to keep that 1:5 split small enough. We need six girls in a tight pack to make a go of it. It'll certainly take a lot of work and lot of good health, but it isn't out of the realm of possibility.”
Woodstock 2017 Finish – 12th, 2A Kaneland Sectional Coach – Jay Fuller Top Runners – Kylie Hagmann SR (13, 17:35), Shannon Kascinski JR, Theresa Presisto SO, Lauren Wietermann SR, Madeline Scolio SR, Julia Walsdorf SR, Sydnie Heidtke SR, Cara Orndahl JR, Megan Weber JR. Preview – The top six runners are back for Jay Fuller’s squad that finished 12th in the Kaneland Sectional as well as second in the Kishwaukee River Conference. Kylie Hagmann finished 13th at state last fall and should finish higher up in 2018. Hagmann placed 22nd as a sophomore in 2016. It appears that five seniors will be among the top five this fall but it will be a junior Shannon Kascinski that leads the pack behind Hagmann. Their summer training went well according to Fuller with bigger expectations in store for the Blue Streaks in 2018
Lemont 2017 Finish – 18th, 2A State Coach – Tim Plotke Top Runners – Julianne McClatchy SR (106, 19:18), Marin Schiffman JR (160, 20:01), Cassandra Hamilton JR (171, 20:10), Kailey Wasylw SO (175, 20:14), Daina Malieska SR (195, 20:42), Jennifer Martinez SO, Anna Borzecki JR, Taylor Elwood JR, Natalie Halper SO. Preview – Lemont’s chances are good to return to state since the Wheaton Academy Sectional does not look as strong as a year ago. Five runners are back from last year’s 18th place state team. Moving the pack will need to be accomplished during the season. Julianne McClatchy was the team’s third runner at state and could be challenged by Marin Schiffman. “Marin started believing in herself even as her training became more and more difficult consistently running tempos runs in the low 6’s and slaying the hills at Swallow Cliff,” Lemont Coach Tim Plotke said. “After a year of running she is starting to tap into her potential. Last year was her first year running distance and was learning how to race 3 miles. I am real excited to see what she will accomplish this season.” Lemont always seems to lose two to three runners from their top seven every year and always find a way back to Detweiller Park reloading their team rather than rebuilding. This is one of those reloading years. “As always our goal is to see continual improvement as the season progresses culminating in another SSC Blue Conference Title and running well in the state series,” added Plotke. “We have a nice group of girls returning whom have had plenty of experience and a nice group of newcomers.”
Mt. Zion 2017 Finish – 7th, 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional Coach – Kelly Fox Top Runners – Jenny Baumann SR, Lilly Griffith SO, Lucy Griffith SO, Rhiannon Held SO, Taylor Fox JR, Celeste Wolf SO, Grace Roundecount SO, Ashlyn Mackling SR. Preview – Mt. Zion is a team on the rise after finishing seventh last year in their sectional race. Their top six runners from that team are back led by Jenny Baumann. She should be the only senior in their top seven. The team’s split of 55 seconds on their top five last year was good, but there was no runner challenging in the front. Baumann placed 21st in that sectional race. It should not be that tough for this team to be in the mix for a top five finish. The top five improving by 10 to 13 seconds a runner could get the Braves to the next level and onto state.
West Chicago Wheaton Academy 2017 Finish – 12th, 2A State Coach – Chris Felinski Top Runners – Yesica Brown SR (107, 19:19), Mary Frost SR (143, 19:47), Cora Gregersen SO, Lydia Garrett JR, Anna Jardee JR, Mariel Martin SR, Mia Rynbrandt SR, Lily Lebo FR, Bella Polizzotto FR. Preview – There was supposed to have been four runners returning after the Warriors finished 12th last year at state. First, #2 runner from last year Stephanie Gregersen needed to have surgery this summer and will miss the entire 2018 cross-country season. One of their top five runners during the season Sophie Lindquist has decided to play club soccer and will not run this fall. “We aren’t in the running (at least right now) for a state qualifying position, so our focus is going to improve during the season so that we have a strong conference race, which will lead us into a strong regional and hopefully qualify for sectionals,” Coach Chris Felinski said. “If Stephanie comes back, we could have a serious shot at a state position as her and Mia Rynbrandt would be a strong 1-2 combo. But that injury does change our outlook for the entire team to focus on individual improvement and not worry about state.” Seniors Yesica Brown and Mary Frost look to be the team’s top runners this fall.
Carbondale 2017 Finish – 8th, 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional Coach – Greg Storm Top Runners – Madeline Prideaux SO (83, 19:04), Rose Kippenbreck JR, Sage Nelsen SR, Kara Holub SO, Sadie Torre SO, Audrey Meador JR. Preview – Carbondale could take a step closer to advancing to state this fall after finishing eight in their sectional race. Six of their top seven runners return including their entire top five. Madeline Prideaux qualified individually placing 83rd. In her freshman track season, she dropped her 1600-meter time from 6:02 to 5:27 at the end of the year. Their split on the pack behind Prideaux needs to stay at 40 seconds and within 45 seconds of Prideaux could get them into the state qualifying conversation.
Troy Triad 2017 Finish – 16th, 2A State Coach – Andy Brendel Top Runners – Alyssa Kowalski SO (65, 18:47), Sydney Hartoin SO (136, 19:34), Alyssa Postma JR (147, 19:49), Samantha Kilzer JR (190, 20:35), Allison Dempsey SO (201, 20:54), Mya Bain JR, Melissa Kafer SR. Preview – The Knights made it to state last fall placing 16th. Triad returns five runners from that team but will need to work on their second and third runners who have graduated. Alyssa Kowalski had a good freshman season leading the Knights placing 65th. Then there is the gap between Kowalski and their fourth runner last year Sydney Hartoin which was 47 seconds. Their overall top five split at state was 62 seconds. Coming into this season, it is projected to be over two minutes. This team improved cutting their split down during last season. That will need to be repeated in 2018. “Our girls would love to make it back to the state meet and be competitive in the MVC,” Andy Brendel said.
Mundelein Carmel Catholic 2017 Finish – 9th, 2A Kaneland Sectional Coach – Jim Halford Top Runners – Abigail Kuderna JR, Brigit Hull SO, Ezzie Posner JR, Carly Sasman SO, Gabby Terselic SR, Lauren Harrison SR, Mallory Machala JR, Ainsley Dean JR. Preview – It could be a year where the Cosairs again will fight for a spot in the top ten in their sectional. Carmel finished ninth in the sectional last year with four runners back. Tight pack running will be the name of the game for this team. Their top three returnees at sectionals was only separated by six seconds led by Abigail Kuderma and Brigit Hull. Finding a fifth runner close to the pack will be something to watch for form this squad.
Breese Mater Dei 2017 Finish – 17th, 1A State Coach – Dave Kohnen Top Runners – Elyse Faust (109, 20:07), Gretta Stark JR (113, 20:12), Mya Albers SR (117, 20:16), Faith Rackers JR (130, 20:30), Mallory Emig SO (161, 21:14), Madeline Sullivan SR (164, 21:16), Morgan Oertel SO, Meredith Wilke SR. Preview – The Knights make the move up to 2A after finishing 17th in 1A in 2017. Six runners are back from that team led by Elyse Faust. The team had a good pack on their first four last season (23 seconds at state). To compete in 2A, they will need those four runners at least under 20 minutes to compete for a top ten finish at the end of the year in their sectional race
Charleston 2017 Finish – 10th, 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional Coach – John McInerney Top Runners – Megan Garrett SO (57, 18:40), Elizabeth Beescher SR, Gracie Spoonhour SO, Anna Sipes JR, Lydia Madlem JR, Olivia Lane JR, Isabella Kiefer SO. Preview – Megan Garrett qualified individually as a freshman placing 57th at the state meet. Four other runners are back from the sectional team that finished 10th at Decatur. Garrett is a possibility that could finish in the top 25. The pack behind Garrett could be have a split close to three minutes. We will see if that goes down if the Trojans want a chance at a state bid.
Wheaton St. Francis 2017 Finish – 7th, 2A Wheaton Academy Sectional Coach – Scott Nelson Top Runners – Claire Kolker JR, Gabby Hernandez SO, Katie Harvey SR, Sabrina Eichenberger SR, Leila Kral SR, Minnie Rolston SO, Sarah Garcia JR, Molly O’Donnell SO, Mary Faith Murray SO, Evy Fang SR, Elizabeth Brouch SR. Preview – Watch for the Spartans to take that step to the state meet this fall. Their top five runners are back form the seventh-place sectional squad. Claire Kolker and Gabby Hernandez were separated by less than ten seconds most of last year. The two will need to repeat that in 2018. Their split on five was between 80 to 90 seconds most of last season. That could be enough to advance them to Peoria in November.
Metamora 2017 Finish – 12th, 2A Normal University Sectional Coach – Gene Jones Top Runners – Tessa Schwarzentraub SR, Aly Gillum JR, Karissa Hefferman SO, Morgan Joyner SR, Audra Fite SO, Taylor Hines SO, Sarah Kimbro JR, Brianne Roley JR, Karissa Koval SO. Jordyn Hanson SO, Maddie Bennett JR. Preview – Metamora has qualified for one state meet since 2009. They would like to make it for a second time, but it could be tough to accomplish that. Two runners are back from the top seven that finished 12th last year in their sectional. It also hurts that their third returning runner Makenna Youngquist will not be back this fall concentrating on other sports. The Redbirds do have top runner from last year Tessa Schwarzentraub along with Aly Gillum back. Karissa Heffernan and Maddie Bennett should also challenge for top five spots. “We know that we want to be better than we have been in the past couple years,” Coach Gene Jones said. “Our Conference will have several teams that will be in the mix for Conference honors and then on to the State Series with the prize being to run on November 3rd at the AA State Meet. From 2001 to 2008, we missed only one year going to State as a Team. From 2009 through 2017, the Girl’s made it to State only once as a Team. So, a major goal is to return to Detweiller on November 3rd as a State Qualifying Team.”
Mattoon 2017 Finish – 9th, 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional Coach – Troy Haacke Top Runners – Quincy Collings JR (80, 19:00), McKenzie Schofield JR, Kylie Haacke SO, Chaselyn Himes JR, Larisse Steffins SR, Megan Wiarda SO, Thea Whitley SR. Sage Owen FR. Preview – The top three runners are back for Mattoon including state qualifier Quincy Collings who placed 80th last November. The Green Wave finished ninth in their sectional race. McKenzie Schofield and Kylie Haacke were up to 60 seconds behind Collings most of last season. Watch for that split to drop. Freshman Sage Owen gives the pack some depth behind the top three. We will get a better idea how good this team is at the end of September. Work will need to be done on the four through seven pack.
Glen Ellyn Glenbard South 2017 Finish – 24th, 2A State Coach – Mark Tacchi Top Runners – Ellie Stewart SO (130, 19:40), Ania Gniatczyk SR (133, 19:42), Julia Clingen SR (194, 20:57), Alison Salt (202, 20:57), Kelly Anderson SO, Abby Knight SO, Gisela Hagedorn SR, Danae Kay JR, Mikayla Jacoby SR, Beatrice Borelli SR. Preview – Four runners are back from Glenbard South’s 24th place team at state. The Raiders also move to the Upstate Eight Conference this fall where they will challenge district rival Glenbard East for the title. The experience that this team has will be a help. Finding a fifth runner that will be close to the four will be something to watch for. Ellie Stewart and Ania Griatczyk were within two seconds of each other at state and should lead this team. Julia Clingen should lead the pack behind these two. The Raiders averaged 80 seconds on their top five split in 2017. Getting that time down 10 seconds and finding a strong fifth runner should help this team get back to state.
2A Girls Teams to Watch (In Alphabetical Order)
Bloomington 2017 Finish – 7th, 2A Metamora Regional Coach – John Szabo Top Runners – Kaitlin Skeate SO, Ibby Smith SO, Paige kaeb SO, Bethany Reeser JR, Alyson Ficca SO, Eline de Winter SR, Cris Rodriguez SR, Natalia Medrano SO. Preview – The Purple Raiders just missed making the sectionals last fall finishing seventh in the tough Metamora Regional. Sophomores Katlin Skeate and Ibby Smith both advanced to sectionals and five runners back from their regional team. Watch for their split to drop from three minutes on five to close to 120 seconds by the time the state series starts.
Chicago Solorio Academy 2017 Finish – 6th, 2A Chicago University Sectional Coach – Jason Beer Top Runners – Kaylani Esteban JR (119, 19:28), Teresa Dominguez SR, Ana Garcia SR, Aryam Jaimes JR, Marky Vargas SR, Delila Vargas SR, Sophia Martinez SR, Jasmine Reyes SO, Lesley Garcia SO, Destiny Rodriguez SO. Lupe Marquez SR. Preview – This could be the year that Solorio Academy makes their inaugural team appearance to the state meet. The Sun Warriors missed qualifying by four points placing sixth. Five runners are back from the team including state qualifier Kvlani Esteban who finished 119th overall. “Every year our goal is to simply improve,” Jason Beer said. “We were 6th at our sectional last year and missed qualifying for state as a team by a mere 4 points. It would be a great accomplishment for us to qualify as a team this year. We need to continue to look for ways to improve together and feed off each other in a positive way.” This sectional is not as strong as last year with state qualifiers Payton Prep and Deerfield now in 3A. Esteban should be the top runner on this team followed by Teresa Dominguez and Ana Garcia. The team could have a five-runner split on five. That should be enough to get Solorio to state. “I feel like it was our best summer of training we've ever had,” said Beer. “Our numbers were the highest they've been, and our dedication and work ethic were outstanding. We have a group of special kids who have learned and shown tremendous growth.”
Crystal Lake Central 2017 Finish – 6th, 2A Kaneland Sectional Coach – Brett Willhoit Top Runners – Kylie Smith SO, Becca Orvis SR, Emma Flemming SR, Meghan Eastaday SO, Nadia Sandjev SO, Taylor Fisher SR, Dominique Delshingaro SR. Preview – The Tigers missed qualifying for state by seven points last year placing sixth at the Kaneland Sectional. It could be a rebuilding year for this program only returning three of their top seven. Projected top five runners Alyssa Tomlinson and Aislynn Gildea both moved out of state. Kylie Smith and Becca Orvis should be the top runners on this team.
Lombard Montini Catholic 2017 Finish – 6th, 2A Wheaton Academy Sectional Coach – Gail Casey Top Runners – Julianne Billote JR, Isabella Reilley SR, Hannah Ruddy JR, Kate Harrington SR, Heather Sledzinski SO, Natalie Scalamera SO, Lianna Vego JR, Maddie Merker SR, Maggie Connelly JR, Katie Peters FR, Hailey Cabon FR. Preview – The Lady Broncos have a good chance to advance to state after placing sixth in their sectional in 2017. Six runners are back from that squad. Bella Reilley appears to be the top runner entering the season according to Coach Gail Casey. Julianne Billotte should be close to Reilley. The team had a good pack last season with only 45 to 50 seconds separating the top five. Moving that pack by five to ten seconds a runner could be the difference of this team making the trip to Peoria. “We all want to finish the season strong as we have in years past,” Casey said. “We are looking towards building something better than we had the previous season. There is always room for improvement with time invested and hard work.”
River Forest Trinity 2017 Finish – 21st, 2A State Coach – Johann Gonzalez Top Runners – Alexis Cohn SR (180, 20:19), Sylvia Ritzler SO (186, 20:29), Kate Foley SO (203, 21:00), Bridget O’Bryan SR, Valeria Fuentes JR, Maura Flanagan SR, Nora Clements SO, Mary Jacobs SO, Annabel Halloran SO, Larissa Cano SO. Preview – Another team from that could make it back to Peoria. The Blazers have three runners back from the 21st state team but have a strong group of sophomores ready to step in. Alexis Cohn could be one of the top runners that could be challenged by Bridget O’Bryan who is ready to bounce back from a “so-so” junior season. Sylvia Ritzler has state meet experience and should lead the sophomore group. “I am confident when I say that we have the pieces to get back to Detweilller in November,” Trinity Coach Johann Gonzalez said. “It's going to take some of our young athletes to step up. We have about 5-8 athletes that can claim those spots on varsity.”
Rochelle 2017 Finish – 7th, 2A Belvidere Regional Coach – John Dobbs Top Runners – Katherine Bakken SR, Hannah Cruz JR, Brittany Baez JR, Anne Hickey SR, Abigail Wagner SR, Heidi Cruz SO, Julissa Hernandez JR, Faith Fitch SR, Amber Fitch SR. Preview – The Hubs just missed making it to sectionals finishing seventh in the Belvidere Regional. Four of their top five are back led by Katherine Bakken who advanced to the sectional meet individually. Their top five split needs to come down by at least a minute to advance this season by at least one week.
Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin 2017 Finish – 11th, 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional Coach – Josh Bluhm Top Runners – Mikayla Hady JR, Julia Curry SR, Kaya De Castro JR, Lily Thompson JR, Erin Murphy SO, Isabella Murphy SO, Claire Becker JR, Lauren Smith SO, Grace Bracca JR, Abigail Hemmer FR, Ashlyn Nicoud FR, Katie Luker FR, Brigid Fahey FR. Preview – Coach Josh Bluhm has five runners back from the team that would like to improve on last year’s 11th place sectional finish. Mikayla Hady and Kaya De Castro had a good summer of training and should lead this team. A freshman class led by Abigail Hemmer could make their top five even stronger. The sectional split on their top five was 98 seconds last October. That time could come down by 30 seconds by the time they get to the state series.
Sterling 2017 Finish – 14th, 2A Kaneland Sectional Coach – Tyler Gaumer Top Runners – Mika Martinez SO, Madisyn Nicklaus JR, Madilyn Barnhart JR, Jenna Truesdell SR, Aaliyah Gaffey JR, Andrea Cervantes JR, Shayla Moorman SR, Katelyn Thorobaugh JR, Madison Anderson SR, Madison Bland JR. Preview – The Golden Warriors should be taking another step up the sectional mountain in 2018. They finished 14th in the Kaneland Sectional returning their top six from that group. Mika Martinez and Madisyn Nicklaus traded off the top spot at the end of last season and should push each other up front. The team was close to 70 seconds on their top five. Moving that pack forward in the races moves them up in the sectional rankings. “We are in an extremely competitive sectional and know that we must make continuous progress all year if we are to continue our season into November,” said Tyler Gaumer. “That is the goal though.
Wauconda 2017 Finish – 7th, 2A Antioch Regional Coach – Emily Morzy Top Runners – Morgan Thompson JR, Dakota Thompson SR, Abigail McHugh SR, Emily Trela SO, Karly Pikel JR, Olivia Kuch SR, Kelly Kroegel SR, Ritka Jawale SO, Rebecca Kholodovsky JR, Billie Sullivan SR. Preview – Emily Morzy steps in as the new coach replacing Jeff Helberg who accepted a position at Lake Park. The Bulldogs finished seventh in their own regional returning six runners from that group. Sisters Morgan and Dakota Thompson both advanced to sectionals and should lead this team. Their splits on five tended to be near or over three minutes last year. That needs to dip lower to get to the sectional meet. More news |
