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Illinois High School Cross Country Previews - 1A Girls TeamsPublished by
Three in four? Tolono Unity hopes for one more
By Michael Newman
It seems like a broken record when we talk about 1A Girls Cross Country. There are many teams that look to get to the top of the mountain in this classification every year. For the past four years, it has been Tolono Unity and St. Joseph-Ogden that have been on top. St. Joseph-Ogden has won two state championships in four years. Tolono Unity has won two state championships in the last three seasons. Last season, it came down to furious movement in the final 400-meters of the race at Detweiller Park before a winner was decided. Tolono Unity won the state title by just two points ahead of St. Joseph-Ogden. The principle teams in 1A are still there as we start the 2018 season. Tolono Unity has the talent to win the 1A crown for the third time in four years and starts this season in the 2018 ILXCTF 1A Girls Team Rankings as the top ranked team. St. Joseph-Ogden is just one step back ranked second. It looks like it will be more than a two-team battle in November. Rock Falls did have their best race in the state meet last November finishing seven. The Rockets have all their runners back with a chip on their shoulder looking for the top trophy. Herscher just missed a trophy a year ago. The could be in contention but will need to get healthy to be in the hunt. Here is a look at some of the top 1A 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 Tolono Unity 2017 Finish – 1A State Champions Coach – Kara Leaman Top Runners – Caroline Bachert SO (13, 18:08), Jordan Harmon SR (21, 18:23), Evelyn Adkins SO (25, 18:25), Kylie Decker JR (46, 18:54), Audrey Hancock SR (70, 19:18), Miranda Fairbanks SR (85, 19:36), Maci Kraft JR, Taylor Joop SO, Elizabeth Hulick SO, Lily Styan SO, Riley Milsap JR, Malia Fairbanks FR, Kaitlyn Reedy FR, Krystal Crossin FR, Harper Hancock FR, Katelyn Allen FR, Destiny Williamson FR. Preview – The finish of last year’s 1A Girls State race was memorable as the Rockets won their second state championship by two points ahead of St. Joseph-Ogden. Part of that win was due to the efforts of Jordan Harmon. The senior missed most of her meets in October due to a stress reaction in her first metatarsal. She did race at state as the team’s second runner placing 21st overall. Her race was one of the reasons why Unity won the state title. Harmon appears to be back after missing all the spring track season due to a stress fracture in her femoral neck. “Jordan is back, but on a very slow progression to full-time running,” said Unity Coach Kara Leaman. “She has been a perfect patient for sports-med and her body chemistry is responding exactly as her doctors wanted. She is much stronger overall and has been working so incredibly hard the last few months in the pool. She will need to see how all the changes stack up, but I'll tell you, there isn't one much hungrier to compete.” Unity returns their top six from last fall’s state team led by Caroline Bachert and Evelyn Adkins who both earned All-State honors along with Harmon. Even though this was two state titles in three years, there is no complacency on this team. “I think this was our best summer of the past four,” said Leaman. “We have several pillar training-centered team activities that keep the motivation high and help the team develop a personality in the summer. Our off-grid, 48-hour camping trip is one of those. This year every single girl carved time out of their summer to attend. We have a gifted group of senior leaders - not only do they know what it takes to consistently get the training in, they are involved in many other things that also develop their overall leadership skills. The younger girls look up to them and they show genuine care for each other.” Audrey Hancock was the team’s fifth runner at state and has showed the most improvement of the team according to Leaman. Kylie Decker finished in the top 50 at state and gives the team a strong core behind the front three. Both could move closer to the top 30 in the state meet. Unity has a good freshman group entering this fall led by Malia Fairbanks and Harper Hancock. That just makes the Rockets that much stronger heading into the 2018 campaign. The state title in 2018 is not a given for the defenders. Leaman and her team knows that. “We'd like to see ourselves on the podium again,” added Leaman. “It is motivating to draw from the experiences of the last three years. I know the seniors especially are aiming to do something they were not able to do in 2016.” It is always a tough task to repeat as state champion, but this squad has the experience and the depth to accomplish that. A healthy Harmon will help as well as moving their three to seven runners closer to the pack.
2 St. Joseph-Ogden 2017 Finish – 2nd, 1A State Coach – Jason Retz Top Runners – Hannah Rajlich JR (31, 18:35), Cassidy Bagby SR (34, 18:36), Emmy Houston SO (37, 18:38), Ally Monk JR (66, 19:14), Brianna Suits SR (68, 19:15), Jillian Plotner JR, Hanna Eastin SO (89, 19:42), Haley Griebat SR, Maclayne Taylor SR, Attleigh Hamilton SO, Hailey Birt JR. Preview – It hurts to finish second in a state race and to finish out of a state title by only two points. That is what the Spartans had to experience last November finishing behind area rival Tolono Unity. Don’t cry for this team. They are always battling for a state championship winning two state championships in the past four years. “With such a great summer, we just want to put ourselves in position to be successful in November,” Coach Jason Retz said. “Returning 6 of our 7 runners from last year's state line up, their excited and hungry. There will be a healthy competition to earn a top 7 spot. That should be fun to be a part of.” The heart of the team last fall and the team’s top runner Faith Houston has graduated. There may not be just one runner leading this team in 2018. The team placed five runners in the first 66 last fall at Detweiller and could better that this season. “We have four runners who have really taken up a leadership role this summer with Cassidy Bagby, Brianna Suits, Hannah Rajlich, and Ally Monk,” Retz added. I cannot say enough positive things about these young ladies. The conversation has already been had, they don't care who is #1 they just want to run fast and have fun along the way. It takes a great deal of maturity to lead the way these ladies are leading.” An addition on this team could be junior Jillian Plotner who missed last season due to a stress fracture. She ran 18:59 her freshman season and could help this top five. Retz also has a good group of freshmen led by Mara Burkhalter and Malorie Sarnecki coming in that could contribute to the top seven by the time the state series arrives. The power of the pack drives this team as we saw last year when two through four runners Rajlich, Bagby, and Emmy Houston finished within three seconds of each other. All three could finish in the top 25 in November. The key will be tightening up the four through seven pack and getting them 15 to 20 seconds within the front group. Achieving that could get the Spartans a state championship.
3 Rock Falls 2017 Finish – 7th, 1A State Coach – Mark Truesdell Top Runners – Alex Gomez JR (16, 18:11), Bryahna Ganther SO (26, 18:26), Erin Porter JR (28, 18:32), Sydney Reyes SO (120, 20:20), Belen Mendoza JR (146, 20:48), Kacey Estrella SO (159, 21:11), Bailee Fortney JR (177, 21:30), Abbi Jones SR, Whitney Schwindenhammer JR, Nalleli Diaz JR. Preview – It was not the way that the Girls team from Rock Falls had envisioned after the state meet. The Rockets finished seventh in the state after being one of the top ranked teams at the end of the year. Rock Falls returns with a chip on their shoulder returning all their top seven. Three runners from Rock Falls finished in the top 28 last year and it would have been four. Bailee Fortney, who was the team’s top runner for most of the season finished 177th suffering from severe dehydration that kept her in the hospital until the following Monday after state. Alex Gomez finished 16th earning All-State honors with Bryahna Gardner and Erin Porter. The four runners were part of Rock Falls 3200 Meter Relay squad that finished fourth at state last May giving this team even more confidence heading into this fall. “This year I expect to see four girls packed together,” said their coach Mark Truesdell. “The exact group that was 4th at state for track 2A 4x800m. Right now, any one of them could be our number one runner that's how close they are to each other.” The strength of their team was the four runners. The weakness in 2017 was the gap from four to five. At state, it was 108 seconds. Those numbers could dramatically come down in 2018. Kacey Estrela, the team’s sixth runner at state, has showed dramatic improvement and should be closer to the front pack. The addition of Calin Gualrapp, a freshman who Truesdell believes will make an impact in the front, makes this team even tougher. “Last year was an obvious disappointment and we are not holding back this year,” Truesdell added. “We kind of flew under the radar the first half of last season. This year, we are willing to put the bulls-eye squarely on our back from the start because we believe that we have all the pieces of the puzzle to be the top team.” We should see how strong this team will be in Peoria on September 8. My guess is that they could leave Peoria with a trophy. What place that trophy will be is the question. The chip on their shoulder could bring the Rockets a state title.
4 Eureka 2017 Finish – 5th, 1A State Coach – Olivia Morris Top Runners – Emma Argo SR (1, 17:34), Alexi Fago SO (32, 18:35), Tessa Wiegand SR (33, 18:36), Lexi Grober SR (74, 19:23), Kaitlyn Sapp JR (149, 20:54), Hannah Walder SO (167, 21:20), Nora Robinson JR (171, 21:22), Katelyn Knapp SO, Amanda Albertson SO, Katy Detweiler SO. Preview – The Hornets are another the 1A Girls teams that are loaded to chase after a state trophy. All seven runners from that state team are back led by defending 1A State Champion Emma Argo. The senior is coming off a strong block of summer training according to her Coach Olivia Morris. It’s nice that Argo will be supplying the single digit numbers in the front for Eureka. They have a solid pack behind her led by Alexi Fago and Tessa Wiegand who finished 32nd and 33rd at state. Lexi Grober will be a strong fourth runner for the team. Something to watch is their pack behind Grober moving closer. Fifth-runner last year at state Kaitlyn Sapp was 93 seconds back of Groeber. In other meets, that gap was even wider. “I think keeping the focus on making and executing race plans each week, doing the little things to stay healthy, and pack running will help us make the jump we want from last year to this year,” Morris said.
5 Herscher 2017 Finish – 4th, 1A State Coach – Rick Livesey Top Runners – Josie Mendell SO (14, 18:09), Jillian Milton SR (45, 18:50), Kylie Lockwood SR (71, 19:19), Molly Raymond JR (92, 19:44), Natalie Rink SO (119, 20:18), Kaylee Jefferson SO (121, 20:21), Alison Borschnack JR, Jillian Cotter SO, Gwen Meyer JR. Preview – Herscher was one of the team’s that surprised some at state last fall finishing fourth overall missing a trophy by 18 points. It is a possibility that the Tigers start out slow in September due to their top runner Josie Mendell’s health status. “Josie was 14th in the state but suffered a stress fracture in her foot during track,” said Rick Livesey the Herscher coach. “We are bringing her back slowly to be ready for the 2018 state meet. Last year's race should boost her confidence.” Herscher was to return their entire top seven from last year’s state team but their fourth runner Mady Rogers will not be a part of the team according to Livesey. A plus for the squad could be the improvement of Natalie Rink who last year was the team’s sixth runner and could move into the top five. Jillian Milton has run in the state meet three years and provides leadership and strength up front along with Mendell. A pack of Kylie Lockwood, Molly Raymond, and Rink gives the Tigers a strong pack behind two possible all-state runners. Lockwood was on an average 30 seconds behind Milton at the end of last year. That gap will need to close down with the three to five runners within 20 seconds of each other. A key will be watching to see how Mendell comes back from her injury. A healthy sophomore (Mendell) could mean this team chasing after a state trophy at Detweiller Park.
6 Williamsville 2017 Finish – 6th, 1A State Coach – Tyler Casson Top Runners – Caroline Gwaltney JR (19, 18:18), Lexy Henrikson JR (43, 18:49), Audra Koechle SR (81, 19:34), Katie Kennedy SO (100, 19:55), Jenna Rodemacher SO (170, 21:22), Riley Sanders SR, Christina McGinley SR. Preview – The Bullets just missed the top five placing sixth at state last fall. Moving up closer to the front of the rankings is a possibility for this group. Five are back from last year’s top seven. Caroline Gwaltney was in the top 25 last fall at state and should move closer to the top ten this season. Lexy Henriksen was 31 seconds back of Gwaltney at state but was closer to her in some of the final races of last season. Henriksen in the top 25 at state would not surprise me. Audra Koechle and Katie Kennedy are returning top five-runners but will need to be within 30 seconds of Henriksen. Finding a fifth runner that can stay within 10 seconds of the three/four group will be something to keep an eye on.
7 Pleasant Plains 2017 Finish – 12th, 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Derek DeBarr Preview – Caroline Jachino JR (6, 18:00), Bernadette Tournoux SR, Brigid Tournoux SR (both Tournouxs transfer from Springfield Lutheran), Madison Utterback SR, Analise Brewer SO, Emily Higginson SR, Kortney Klockenga SR, Maddie Dossett SR, Heidi Hergenrother JR, Izzy Dossett FR, Anna Moore FR, Anna Cochran SO. Preview – The Cardinals were viewed to be a middle of the pack kind of team this fall until they received the news that Bernadette and Brigid Tournoux were transferring in from Springfield Lutheran for their senior season. “They had very productive summers and we are excited to see what they can do,” said Pleasant Plains Coach Derek DeBarr. Caroline Jachino, who finished sixth at state last year had a good track season finishing second at 3200-meters and fourth at 1600-meters in the 1A Girls State Meet. This fall could be big for her. “Caroline dedicated her summer to running. She's an amazing basketball player as well but gave up summer hoops to dedicate to summer training,” commented DeBarr. “She's only missed five running days all summer when she was forced to miss 3-4 days per week last year training. She's running her foundation miles at a pace that feels easy to her (conversational pace) that's already 30 seconds a mile ahead of where she was at the end of last year.” Five runners are back from the sectional team that placed 12th. The addition of the Tournoux sisters along with senior Madison Utterback and freshman Izzy Dossett makes this squad interesting to watch over the next couple of months. “Our goal this season is to have all 17 girls run personal bests,” DeBarr added. “If that happens, we could have a runner at 17:45, our 2-3 at 18:30 or faster, our 4 sitting at 19:15, and our 5 at sub 20:30. I'm not sure where that puts us with other teams points-wise, but if that happens we'll be excited.”
8 Kankakee McNamara 2017 Finish – 13th, 1A State Coach – Ken Klipp Top Runners – Eden Rainbolt SO (18, 18:16), Faith Provost SR (50, 18:58), Madison Hamilton SO (77, 19:29), Anna Latham SO (139, 20:42), Kaylee Woolman SO (200, 23:06), Jade Baker SO, Shelby Corbett FR. Preview – The Irish could be a team that moves into the top ten this fall after placing 13th at state in 2017. McNamara returns five from last year’s team starting with All-State runner Eden Rainbolt. As a freshman last season, Rainbolt surprised some by finishing 18th at state. That year of experience could push her up to the front. Watch for big things from Faith Provost this fall. She was injured towards the end of last season but finished 50th at state. A top 25 finish is within her range. Newcomer Jade Baker, a sophomore, will just make their top five even stronger along with Madison Hamilton. Also watch for Anna Latham and Kaylee Woolman that have showed improvement from their freshmen season and could give this team a boost. A top ten finish is a possibility in 2018 but staying healthy and continued improvement from their pack runners could mean good things for the Irish by the time the state series begins.
9 Stanford Olympia 2017 Finish – 8th, 1A State Coach – Mike Neisler Top Runners – Payton Wille SR (55, 19:06), Savannah Beavers SO (59, 19:10), Renee Hallstein SR (82, 19:34), Sydnee Usherwood JR (96, 19:49), Mary Grace Cleinmark SR (112, 20:11), Ellen Springer SO (122, 20:22), Gabrielle Kaeb SR (138, 20:42), Kaiden Fick SO, Hannah Lawless SO, Grace Litwiller SR, Abby Stine SO, Maddie Litwiller SO. Preview – It was a good way to end last season finishing in the top ten placing eight at state for the Spartans. Olympia returns all their top seven which would be a good thing in every other year. The problem is so does everyone else ahead of them it seems. “It is going to be tough. So many teams with everyone or most everyone back,” said Olympia Coach Michael Neisler. “Our goal will be to better our finish from last season, that will not be an easy task. We will have to stay positive and healthy and run our best at sectional and state and see where the chips fall, hopefully they will fall our way. Peyton Wille was consistently the top runner last year and is presumed to be in the top spot again in 2018. Savannah Beavers was the team’s second runner as state despite injuries and should be close to Wille. “Our training has gone pretty well considering the way the summer started,” added Neisler. “We were pretty beat up after track season - tendonitis, stress reaction, IT band issues, and just plain exhausted. So, it took us a while to get rolling but several of the girls (especially our top 3) are getting in some solid miles now.” The Spartans ran a 61 second split in their sectional race on their top five. The week following at the state meet, that split inched up to 65 seconds. This team has so much experience that will pay off by the time they get to the state series. Stanford Olympia getting their five-runner split between 50 to 55 seconds could put themselves into a top five position.
10 Monticello 2017 Finish – 3rd, 1A State Coach – David Remmert Top Runners – Alyssa McPike SR (42, 18:47), Grace Talbert SO (61, 19:11), Mackenzie Murphy JR (65, 19:13), Samantha Zocher JR, Claire Keating SO, Audrey Fain JR, Shelby Bowsher SO, Emma Brown SO, Emma Kallenbach SO, Makenzie Berry SO. Preview – Monticello left Detweiller Park last fall with a state trophy placing third. They accomplished that with no all-state runners among the top seven. That is a demonstration of what pack running means to this team. The Sages could again contend for a trophy, but work will need to be done to get to that point. Four of the top seven from that team are back led by Alyssa McPike. “I feel that Alyssa McPike solidified herself as our team captain this summer,” said David Remmert. “She trained more this summer than she ever has, but more importantly, played a big role in gathering teammates around her, encouraging others to get out the door.” Grace Talbert was the team’s top runner until state when she finished 24 seconds behind McPike. She could give the team a solid 1-2 in the front. Mackenzie Murphy could also close the gap in the front. Two of the three runners could end up finishing in the top 25. Samantha Zocher will lead the pack behind the three. Finding a fifth runner for this squad is a must. It could come from an incoming freshmen runner. The gap last year from Zocher and next returning runner Claire Keating was close to one minute.
11 Tremont 2017 Finish – 7th, 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Mike Lynn Top Runners – Lizzy Freidinger JR (23, 18:24), Tressa Scheuermann JR, Sarah Leitner JR, Ava Pfederer SO, Sarah Finnegan JR, Janie Manninghham SO, Marissa Leitner JR. Preview – All-state runner Lizzy Freidlinger leads this Tremont team that returns their top six runners that finished seventh at the Elmwood Sectional. Freidlinger, who finished 23rd a year ago, has the talent to be among the top 15 in 2018. The pack led by Tressa Scheurmann will need to be watched to see if it develops a little more closeness. The second through five runners were separated by 109 seconds last year and over a minute behind their all-state runner. Both splits need to come down to contend for a sectional top five finish.
12 Freeburg 2017 Finish – 11th, 1A State Coach – Carl Florczyk Top Runners – Breanna Chandler JR (12, 18:06), Reagan Lucas SO (95, 19:49), Abby Holcomb SO (118, 20:17), Grace Marlen JR (134, 20:40), Maddie Mense JR (185, 21:50), Brandy Stambaugh SR, Jamie Hock SR, Hailie Peterson JR, Shelbie Hansen SO, Paige Lee SR, Katherine Marler SR, Carmen Stein FR, Kalee Marshall FR, Macey Slightom FR. Preview – The Midgets will look to improve on last year’s 11th place finish returning five of their top seven from that team. They will miss last year’s fourth runner Ellie Hatter who moved. This is a young squad with experience with their top five all underclassmen. Brandy Stambaugh had a good summer of training and could move into the team’s top seven providing them with some senior leadership. It does help to have an all-state runner like Breanna Chandler leading your team. Chandler finished 12th as a sophomore and has eyes on a top ten finish this fall. Regan Lucas leads the pack behind Chandler that will need to close their split to under 70 seconds and within a minute of Chandler. “The girls have some big goals for the fall and are very motivated,” said Carl Florczyk. “We have had a great summer with our training. The girls have worked extremely hard.”
13 Rockford Christian 2017 Finish – 14th, 1A State Coach – Christine Regan Top Runners – Madison Franseen SR (15, 18:09), Renate Toldo JR (104, 20:00), Cecily Holliday SR (132, 20:36), Mackenzie Park SO (147, 20:53), Emily Kirkham JR (150, 20:55), Gracie Kreissler JR (166, 21:19), Madeline Ingram SO (179, 21:33), Jessica Fuja SO, Brandie Haas JR, Karah Putnam JR. Preview – The Royal Lions could be among the top ten teams by the time we get to the state series in October. All seven runners are back for the 14th place state team. Madison Franseen finished 15th last fall at Detweiller and again will be the key piece of this team. The pack behind Franseen will be one of the reasons why this team will show improvement. 55 seconds separated the next four at state last season. That time should come down in 2018 led by Renate Toldo and Cecily Holliday.
14 Kewanee Wethersfield 2017 Finish – 12th, 1A State Coach – Creston Fenn Top Runners – Rachel Gomez SR (30, 18:34), Whitney Johnson SR (40, 18:42), Rachel Cook SR (72, 19:20), Cora Rusk SO (103, 20:00), Emily McClelland SR (208, 24:41), Chiara Hendrix JR, Crystal Musgrave FR. Preview – This could be a surprise team that could find their way into the top ten and perhaps even a higher finish at Detweiller Park. The key for the Titans is just staying healthy with their roster not that deep. The quality is there in the top five to see improvement in 2018 for this squad. “This was probably our best training ever as a squad, said Coach Creston Fenn. “It was for sure the most miles our top five has ever run. No injuries and they had fun, I can’t ask for anything more. I saw the three seniors (Cook, Gomez, and Johnson) progress very nicely compared to last summer. The miles were a lot more, but it felt easier.” Fenn has a solid top three led by Rachel Gomez followed with Whitney Johnson and Rachel Cook. Gomez was All-State last year finishing 20th. A plus is that Cora Rusk is now running cross-country full time instead of combining it with Volleyball. Her summer has also been great now that she is concentrating on running. Fenn also likes what he sees from freshman Crystal Musgrave who could challenge for one of the top two spots. This could be a sneaky good team if they can stay healthy. “There are so many things I am excited about with this group,” added Fenn. I can’t wait to see Crystal bring her toughness onto the cross-country course pushing the pace with the veteran runners of the team. If the girls stay healthy, confident, and run relaxed, they could have a very successful journey of a season. With that said, I am not sure I have any specific expectations but to go all in with their pursuit of greatness.”
15 El Paso-Gridley 2017 Finish – 18th, 1A State Coach – Michael Melick Top Runners – Cate Atkins SR (41, 18:43), Sophia Allen SR (78, 19:30), Julia Reid JR (125, 20:24), Molly Holt JR (168, 21:21), Tori Witzig SO (169, 21:21), Hannah Ludy JR (174, 21:27), Allison Kelly JR (186, 21:51), Mya Gramm JR, Megan Endress SR, Carmen Sant Amour SR. Preview – The Titans could be a “wild-card” team in 1A this fall. “We have lost a few girls to our outstanding golf program. Another talented young lady will be doing cheerleading for football,” said Coach Michael Melick. “Unfortunately, not knowing who is even going to be on the team makes it hard for postseason predictions. I never would have predicted making it out of the Elmwood Sectional last year, but our girls always seem to surprise me.” Cate Atkins and Sophia Allen again will be the nucleus of this team. Both could finish in the top 25 in November. Atkins is coming on strong entering her senior season earning All-State in both the 3200 Meter Run and the 1600 Meter Run in the 1A State Track and Field Meet last May. El Paso-Gridley could see some bumps in the road in September. Just like last year, the Titans could find their way back to the state meet.
16 Johnsburg 2017 Finish – 16th, 1A State Coach – Chris Setzler Top Runners – Sam Schmitt JR (56, 19:07), Katelyn Davis SR (110, 20:19), Hannah Anderson JR (131, 20:34), Sammy Knutilla JR, Allysa Peete JR (151, 20:58), Denali Nett JR (157, 21:08), Traci Bennett SO, Erin Ispen JR. Preview – Johnsburg has the talent to improve on last year’s 16th place state finish. Six runners return from that squad with Sam Schmitt leading up front. The junior finished 56th at state and could have hopes of getting close to a finish in the top 25. Katelyn Davis leads the group behind Schmitt that will need to keep the four runners within 40 seconds of each other and within 55 seconds of Schmitt to finish ahead of what they accomplished in 2017. “We have almost everyone back training,” said Chris Setzler. “We will pick up steam as the season goes on & our goal is to train through the early races & be ready to compete on all cylinders come the state meet series. Our expectations are to qualify for the state meet for the third straight year.”
17 Elmwood-Brimfield 2017 Finish – 8th, 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Kyle Anderson Top Runners – Alexa Perrow SR, Julie Dunkel JR, Sydney Hartwig JR, Katy Meyers JR, Ali Wagner SR, Julia Bledsoe SR, Christine Karn SO, Greta Inskeep JR, Trinity Brandt JR, Sadie Rumbold SR. Preview – The Trojans could be one of those surprise teams to make it out of the ultra-tough Elmwood Sectional. Five runners from last year’s sectional team are back. Sadie Rumbold, Greta Inskeep, and Julia Bledsoe all were battling injuries last season. All are healthy and could contribute to the top seven. “Since I started with the girls two years ago, each summer has gotten better,” Kyle Anderson stated. “This summer was the best as far as attendance goes. The enthusiasm and morale are high. Mileage as a group is higher than last summer and quality of those miles has improved over last year as well.” Alexa Perrow and Julie Dunkel will need to form a front pack leading this team. Sydney Hartwig will lead the group behind the two with hopes of closing the gap down among the top five. Keeping within 50 seconds of each other and improving 20 seconds per runner could get this team close to a sectional top five finish and a trip to Peoria. “I think our summer training has given us a great chance to compete for a top 5 place in our sectional,” said Anderson. “It won't be an easy task as there are so many good teams to chase. If we stay healthy and can race as well as we train, I expect them to be in the mix.”
18 Champaign St. Thomas More 2017 Finish – 10th, 1A State Coach – Andrew Wszalek Top Runners – Fran Hendrickson JR (5, 17:59), Amy Bohlen SR (135, 20:40), Morgan Sanders JR (141, 20:44), Sydney McMahon JR (148, 20:53), Josie Carmein JR, Anna Carapi SO, Bella Ramshaw FR. Preview – Despite losing three runners to graduation, the Sabers could again be in position to qualify for the state meet. It does help when you have Fran Hendrickson back leading your team. Hendrickson, now a junior, finished fifth last fall at Detweiller Park and was all-state last spring at 800 and 1600-meters. Morgan Sanders, Amy Bohlen, and Sydney McMahon all were in the team’s top five last year and will lead the pack behind Frederickson. Bella Ramshaw, who finished second last fall in the IESA 1A State Meet last year, should make an immediate impact on this team. “My charge to the girls this season is to rise to the challenge of replacing the leaving seniors,” said Coach Andrew Wszalek. “They will need to grow as leaders as well as runners and to make the team their own. We have several individuals who are more than capable of this task. If they’re able to come together and answer the bell, they will have a great shot at continuing their State streak.”
19 Liberty 2017 Finish – 10th, 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Jared Schmitt Top Runners – Carrie Balzer JR, Katelyn Robbins SR, Kaela Wellman SR, Courtney Riley SR, Larissa Neisen FR, Emma Brinkman FR. Preview – This year’s Liberty team will be a work in progress after finishing 10th in their sectional meet a season ago. Health will be a key since there are only six runners on this squad. Carrie Balzer stepped into the top spot last and has improved having a good summer of training. Katelyn Robbins has been hit by various injuries the past couple of seasons. Her senior season should be better. “Katelyn had a stress fracture develop after track season ended so she is slowly working back to herself. We've had some really unfortunate bad luck with her the last couple seasons and her end results do not show the runner she is or the shape she was in last spring,” said Liberty Coach Jared Schmitt. “I look for her to get back to her old form by seasons end and put herself in the hunt where she belongs.” Robbins finished sixth at state as a freshman and 14th her sophomore year in 2016. Larissa Nielsen finished 8th in the IESA 1A State Meet last October and will be an asset in the top five. Kaela Wellman and another freshman, Emma Brinkman, should round out the top five. There is no room for injuries for this small team. “I think we are a comparable team to last year's squad on paper, potentially better if we get things in gear,” added Schmitt. “We will be a work in progress as we move throughout the season. I hope that we can keep everyone healthy and train like I know we can. I'd like to send this senior group out with a good last Fall. I expect to have our group in the hunt to try and snag a qualifying spot out of Elmwood, but as always that's a tall task again this year.”
20 Urbana University 2017 Finish – 10th, 2A Normal University Sectional Coach – Doug Mynatt Top Runners – Anika Kimme SR (108, 19:19), Anya Kaplan-Hartnett JR, Danbi Choi SO, Rani Ramrattan SO, Faizah Rauther JR, Erin Minor JR, Ali Taylor SO, Allie Kim SO, Zona Hrnjak JR. Preview – U-High returns to 1A after a two-year IHSA sentence due to the “Success-Factor” in Class 2A. The Illiniwek could make it back to state meet as a team. Four runners are back from the 10th place finish in the 2A Normal University Sectional. An infusion of a strong incoming freshman class will certainly help. Graduated Arielle Summitt will be missed in the front. The Illiniwek do have Anika Kimme back who could contend for a top 25 state finish. Anya Kaplan-Harnett and Danbi Choi will lead the group behind Kimme. The addition of freshmen Yeowoon Jung, Erin Smith, and Maxine van der Donk will give the team an immediate boost in the top five. “Our expectation, as always, is to qualify as a team for the state meet,” Doug Mynatt said. “Having the good fortune to return to 1A competition this season makes me breathe a little easier given the age of our very young team, with 13 of our 20 being freshmen or sophomores. We’ll still have to run against schools like SJO and Unity on a regular basis, so making it back to state as a team after a 2-year hiatus will still take some hard work and a team effort.”
21 Beecher 2017 Finish – 15th, 1A State Coach – Larissa Swanson Top Runners – Hailey Janssen SR (51, 18:58), Kasey Swanson JR (80, 19:33), Tori Fasano JR (116, 20:14), Regina Gianotti SR (181, 21:35), Isabella Olson SO (192, 22:25), Morgan Walsh SO (193, 22:22), Christina Wang JR. Preview – Six of the top seven runners come back for Beecher that finished 15th in the state meet in 2017. Hailey Janssen again will be the team as the front runner. It would not surprise me if she is among the top 25 individual finishers at state. Kasey Swanson is another of the returners that will be a difference maker in races. She will just need to stay within 30 seconds of Janssen during the season. The pack behind these two needs to cut down their split getting within 20 seconds of Swanson and closing the group split down under 90 seconds.
22 Nashville 2017 Finish – 19th, 1A State Coach – Jean Orr Top Runners – Grace Machhoff SR (101, 19:57), Brittnie Bartling SR (127, 20:27), Haralen Pierce SO (158, 21:10), Sabrina Kollbaum JR (160, 21:14), Destyn Hausner JR (183, 21:43), Kiley Heidel SO (191, 22:02). Preview – The Hornets again will challenge Freeburg as one of the 1A teams in the southern part of the state. Six runners are back from the group that finished 19th in last year’s state meet. Grace Machoff will lead this team that will need to improve by 15 to 20 seconds a runner and keep their five-runner split under 100 seconds.
23 Decatur St. Teresa 2017 Finish – 9th, 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Todd Vohland Top Runners – Veronica Hein JR (8, 18:03), Katie Dunscomb JR, Morgan Brummer SO, Sydney McNamara JR, Clara Ruiz SR, Miki Couch, Marie Delaney, Vanessa Gillespey, Mya Nored, Mary Shupenus, Megan Dunscomb FR. Preview – It could be an interesting year for the Bulldogs. Only three runners are back from last year’s sectional team with top seven runners Grace Lehmann and Hannah Stoneburg not running this fall. Eighth runner Jill Alwardt will also miss the season due to a hip stress fracture. Veronica Hein had a big sophomore season placing 8th at state. The sky is the limit for her junior season. Katie Dunscomb, Morgan Brummer, and freshman Megan Dunscomb will be some of the runners in the top five. “The top goal every year is to qualify for State as a team,” Todd Vohland said. “We know that is going to be a tall order with how much talent there is in this area.”
24 Winnebago 2017 Finish – 6th, 1A Oregon Sectional Coach – Joe & Janet Erb Top Runners – Natalia Martino SO (10, 18:05), Aurora Insko SO (84, 19:36), Averi Pavlak JR, Maddie Bertram SO, Flynne Sargent JR, Grace Baldwin SR, Katie Erb FR, Sophia Martino FR, Renee Rittmeyer FR, Ella Maher SR. Preview – The Indians just missed a state appearance last fall finishing sixth at the Oregon Sectional. This year should be different for Winnebago with six of their top seven back with Natalia Martino leading the way. Martino qualified individually for state finishing 10th at Detweiller Park last November. Aurora Insko made it state last fall individually and will lead the pack behind Martino. A strong freshman group led by Sophia Martino and Katie Erb could challenge for top seven positions. “We expect to be a greatly improved team over last year’s season, and to compete at the state meet,” added Winnebago Coach Joe Erb.
25 Aurora Central Catholic 2017 Finish – 9th, 2A Wheaton Academy Sectional Coach – Troy Kerber Top Runners – Lesley Viveros JR (100, 19:14), Hannah Doherty SR, Vivianna Pena JR, Marin Childers JR, Seriana Ballard SR, Shaley Gonzalez JR, Christy Lewis JR, Jenna Stuck FR, Laura Anna Ponce FR, Mary Canning SR, Amber Lopez SO, Liliama Velasquez JR. Preview – The Chargers could make an impact in 1A in 2018 after all these years put in 2A. Aurora Central Catholic returns five of their top seven from the ninth-place finish in the 2A Wheaton Academy Sectional. A good group of freshmen joining their program just makes this team even better. The trip to the state meet is a possibility. Lesley Viveros made it to Peoria individually and ran 19:14 in the 2A state race. A finish in the top 30 for her could happen. Shaley Gonzalez had a good summer of training and could be among the top five runners along with Hannah Doherty. Freshmen like Jenna Stuck and Laura Anna Ponce will also be an asset in the Chargers’ top five. “The transition to 1A should be viewed as a gift, especially since we were one girl away from becoming a fringe team state qualifier in 2A last season,” Troy Kerber said. “Last season, we were four runners deep. In 2018, it appears that we are about 10 runners deep (and counting) and will feature some great internal team competition for the top seven spots. Competition within the team, is always a great thing. I’m just hoping the girls are hungry enough to invest in a great opportunity to compete in the state meet as a potential team qualifier this season. If all goes well, and we stay healthy and injury free, this could be a very good team by the state series. The team dynamic seems to reflect that we could have an outstanding front runner to go with an awesome chase pack.”
Next 15 1A Girls Teams
Des Plaines Willows Academy 2017 Finish – 12th, 1A Lisle Sectional Coach – Sara Danielewiz Top Runners – Kailey Mongoven SR, Emma Dunaway SO, Penelope Rodriguez SO, Bridget Mongoven JR, Fransi Iguanti SR, Faye Chapello SR, Carmila Martinez JR, Joanna Kryczka SO. Preview – This could be a surprise team that could make it to Detweiller Park in November. Six of their top seven return from the team that finished 12th in the Lisle Sectional. Their top five return led by Kailey Mongoven who finished in the top 40 in that sectional race. Emma Dunaway could be the one runner leading the pack behind Mongoven. Their split on the top five in that sectional race was 94 seconds. Getting that margin under 70 seconds could mean good things during the state series for the Eagles.
Staunton 2017 Finish – 22nd, 1A State Coach – Steve Moore Top Runners – Lydia Roller SO (17, 18:13), Dana Jorden SO (155, 21:03), Bailey Scroggins SO (176, 21:28), Paige Scroggins SO (187, 21:57), Erica Pickerell SO (190, 22:01), Mackenzie Fisher JR, Sonali Jain JR, Mackenzie Sievers SR, Brooke Kinder FR. Preview – The Bulldogs qualified for the state meet for the first time in 2017 finishing 22nd overall. Chances are good that Staunton could make a repeat trip as they return five runners from that team. Lydia Roller was all-state as a freshman placing 17th. She should be one of the top 1A Girls runners this fall. This team did lose #3 runner Hallie Bekeske who will concentrate on Volleyball. A freshman Brooke Kinder could step into the top five spot according to Coach Steve Moore. “We had a solid summer with pretty good numbers participating in our workouts. We started earlier and added more mileage which I hope translates into a successful fall for our program,” Moore said. “Our main goal is to get back to State and improve on last season's 22nd place performance.” Forget about the one to five split for this team. Roller averaged three minutes ahead of the pack. A 40 to 45 second split from two to five could get the Bulldogs a trip back to Peoria in November.
Elmhurst IC Catholic Prep 2017 Finish – 10th, 1A Lisle Sectional Coach – Dawn Calcagno Top Runners – Frankie Chaidez SO (3, 17:47), Alia Johnson SO, Annie Guinan JR, Jaida Smith SR, Juanita Herrera SR, Peyton James SR, Kennedy Calcagno FR, Carly Manchester FR. Preview – This a young program that possibly could make it to Peoria in November. The Knights did get one runner last fall as Frankie Chaidez finished third as a freshman. Expectations should build this fall campaign. Alia Johnson was the team’s second runner last fall despite the fact she did not train last fall. A full summer of training with Chaidez and Annie Guiman just make this team even stronger. Freshmen Carly Manchester and Kennedy Calcagno both ran under 12-minutes for 2-miles on a cross-country course last fall and will be a plus on this squad. “The work rate from the first year of barely fielding a team, to this year of having girls running throughout the summer is the beginning of the culture we strive to establish,” Coach Dawn Calcagno said. “Our goals are to constantly improve throughout the season, win the regional, get a trip down state and compete at Detweiler.” That is a possibility for this team. “It was fifteen years ago when I took my daughter, as an infant, down to watch the Long Green Line in action,” added Calcagno. “We want the girls to have that same great experience Mr. Newton gave to all of the York Dukes.”
Downs Tri-Valley 2017 Finish – 15th, 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Todd Schneider Top Runners – Natalie Garneau SO, Caitlin McCane SO, Natalie Johnson SO, Abby Levingston SO, Charlotte Watson SO, Hanna Christianson SR, Layna Spratt JR. Preview – Tri-Valley will look to improve on last year’s 15th place finish in their sectional race. Things are looking good considering the Vikings return their entire top seven from that squad. The top five runners, led by Natalie Garneau, were all freshman. That experience will pay dividends in 2018. The pack at times last fall was over two minutes behind Garneau. The split on the two five runners, however, averaged close to 30 seconds. Closing that gap on their leader will move this team up the sectional ladder.
Elmhurst Timothy Christian 2017 Finish – 9th, 1A Lisle Sectional Coach – Dick Zylstra Top Runners – Hope Clark JR (62, 19:11), Elise Terpstra JR, Olivia Reamer SR, Jill Forgac SR, Kate Forgac SO. Preview – Five of last year’s top six runners are back for the Trojans as they hope to improve their ninth-place sectional finish at Lisle. Hope Clark will again lead this team. She qualified individually for Peoria finishing 62nd in the state finals. Work on their pack behind Clark, which could average over three minutes, will need to be worked on to get it lowered by the time they get to the state series.
Clifton Central 2017 Finish – 8th, 1A Lisle Sectional Coach – David Ladehoff Top Runners – Kendall Antons SO (64, 19:12), Kaleigh Ladehoff SR, Olzea Smolinski SR, Katlin Gerard SR, Fallon Gray SR, Mikayla Caspary SR. Preview – It’s the same scenario for Clifton Central as it is for Timothy Christian. Five of their top six are back from the team that finished eighth at Lisle. The Comets are led by Kendall Antons that finished 64th at state. Their split on the pack behind Antons is concerning. It potentially could be over three minutes on the group making it tough to get a spot on the startling at Detweiller Park.
Macomb 2017 Finish – 11th, 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Randy Ames Top Runners – Maya Stovall SR (38, 18:42), Halle Evans JR, Sylvia Barclay SO, Sophie White SO, Maren McIlvaine-Newsad JR, Willow McIlvaine-Newsad SR, Laura Dunlap SR, Aleksandra Grigortsuk SO. Preview – Macomb delegated to the toughest 1A sectional in the state makes their chances getting to Detweiller as a team kind of tough. The Bombers have four runners back from their 11th-place sectional team in 2017. Maya Stovall had an “off” race last year at state placing 38th. She was All-State her first two years. Watch her to rebound this season. Halle Evans and Sylvia Barclay were top five runners last year and should battle for the second position. It could be a little rough for this team early in the season searching for a fourth and fifth runner. Answering that question could put them into a top five sectional finish at the end of October.
Elgin Harvest Christian Academy 2017 Finish – 9th, 1A State Coach – Steven Bland Top Runners – Rebecca Gefrick SR (105, 20:02), Hannah McHugh SR (142, 20:45), Hope Mylin JR (178, 21:33), Ella Richter FR, Maddy Martin JR, Jessica Fuja SO, Isabella Gonzalez SO, Lydia Camp JR, Kailey Weidman SR. Preview – This could be a year of rebuilding for the Lions as they lost All-State runner Nygia Pollard to graduation along with top-seven runners Carsen Forte and Elena Porrata who transferred out. Forte was also All-State last year (22nd-place). Their #3 runner at state Rebecca Gefrick should step into the top spot with Hannah McHugh and Hope Mylin close behind. Maddy Martin, who was all-state on their 3200 Meter Relay last May, should be a plus in the top five. Freshman Ella Richter along with Lydia Camp and Kailey Weidman could also jump into the team’s top seven. “This team is relatively young in terms of running experience,” said Coach Steven Brand. “We lost our #1,2,4,6 runners from last year’s 9th place team. This will also be the smallest team we’ve fielded in 3 years. We will be challenged.”
Teutopolis 2017 Finish – 20th, 1A State Coach – Tim Bower Top Runners – Jessica Runde SO (98, 19:53), Morgan Mette SR (123, 20:23), Rebecca Habing SR (163, 21:15), Jenelle Vogt (198, 123:00), Micah McWhorter JR (206, 24:25), Ashley Bressendorf SO (207, 24:39). Preview – Teutopolis made the trip to Detweiller Park last November finishing 20th. The Wooden Shoes could make the trip back despite losing their top runner Kara Weichman to graduation. They return the rest of their top seven that now have state meet experience. Jessica Runde placed in the top 100 in last year’s state meet with teammate Morgan Mette 30 seconds behind her. Their projected top five split close to five minutes could prevent them from returning to Peoria. Their split on five last November was 3:38. It needs to be at or below three minutes to have thoughts of the state meet.
Belleville Althoff Catholic 2017 Finish – 9th, 1A Benton Sectional Coach – Mike Sanders Top Runners – Tiffani Siekmann SR, Claire Hill SR, Nariah Parks SO, Hanna Ertel JR, Cleo Lebeau SR, Megan Schmidt SR, Grace Hrabusicky SR, Kyra Humbert SR, Julia O’Neil SO, Azia Douglas FR, Anna Harla FR Preview – Belleville Althoff came close to a state appearance last fall finishing ninth at the Benton Sectional. Tiffani Siekmann leads four back with hopes of making the Peoria trip. “We've been working pretty hard in our conditioning this summer, especially in our aerobic conditioning, and we seem to be working well in our anaerobic zones focusing on both ATP/PCr and Glycolytic workouts like hills and short tempo efforts,” Coach Mike Sanders said. “Most important is that we hope to stay injury free but if not, we adapt and roll with the depth that we have and praising God for what He gives.” Newcomers Brianna Heibel and Julia O’Neill have stepped up and could strengthen their top seven. The Crusaders were solid with a top five split of 70 towards the end of the year. Moving their pack closer to the front and keeping that split could be the formula to finish in the top five in their sectional race.
Litchfield 2017 Finish – 6th, 1A Carlinville Sectional Coach – Jeremy Palmer Top Runners – Madison Throne SR (60, 19:10), Caroline Quarton JR, Hailey Bolte SR, Anna Baugher JR, Summer Beckham JR. Preview – Litchfield just missed out on qualifying for state placing sixth at the Carlinville Sectional. Five are back from that team led by state qualifier Madison Throne who finished 60th. A top 30 finish is possible for this senior. Caroline Quarton was 25 to 30 seconds behind Throne in most races last year and could cut that gap down this fall. Their top five split was over three minutes last year. That will need to come down by 50 seconds for the Panthers to get into the sectional top five.
Princeville 2017 Finish – 10th, 1A Oregon Sectional Coach – Jeremy Mellick Top Runners – Sorin Hilsabeck JR (75, 19:23), Grace Dearing SO, Libby Martin SO, Carrie Gill SO, Chloe Stahl SR, Haylee Wilkins SO, Lilly Coats SO. Preview – Princeville moved up into the sectional spotlight finishing 10th in the Oregon Sectional. Sorin Hilsabeck did qualify for state placing 75th. All seven sectional runners are scheduled to return with five of them sophomores. This will be a young team in 2018 but with improvement strong. “My expectations are always for each athlete to improve individually, both from beginning of the season to the end of the season, but also from last season to this season, for those who are returning,” Coach Jeremy Mellick said. “It's going to be tough, though. We need to a couple more girls to join the team before we can even figure in the team scoring.”
Pinckneyville 2017 Finish – 24th, 1A State Coach – Ryan Bruns Top Runners – Kyla Epplin SR (111, 20:09), Dakota Krone JR (153, 21:02), Olivia Buza JR (180, 21:33), Aubrey Bruns JR (194, 22:35), Gayle Winter SO (199, 23:01). Preview – Pinckneyville rose at the end of the last season finishing fourth at the Benton Sectional followed by a 24th-place finish at state. Five of their top seven runners are back from that team. It could be tough though losing last year’s second and third runners to graduation. Kyla Epplin should again be the top runner on this team. Dakota Krone leads a pack that needs to cut their split to under 60 seconds. That pack getting within 40 seconds of Epplin could mean good things for the Panthers in this 2018 campaign.
1A Girls Teams to Watch (In Alphabetical Order)
Amboy 2017 Finish – 25th, 1A State Coach – Bob Halberg Top Runners – Katlin Ortgiesen SR (144, 20:46), Kelynn Boyce SR (154, 21:03), Ashley Althaus JR (156, 21:06), Margaret Vaessen JR (189, 22:01), Macy Mershon SO (201, 23:47). Preview – Amboy made it to Peoria finishing fifth at the Oregon Sectional. The Clippers will look to improve on last year’s 25th-place state finish. Five runners are back from that team led by Kaitlin Ortgiesen. Their top three could be within 15 seconds of each other this season. Getting their fourth and fifth runners closer to the front will be a key on whether Amboy is back on the Detweiller Park starting line in November.
Carterville 2017 Finish – 8th, 1A Benton Sectional Coach – Nancy Adams Top Runners – Reese Herrin SR, Madison Fleege JR, Annika Jansen SR, Julia Stroud JR, Metali Bahinipati JR, Laney Wagner SO. Preview – Expectations could be higher in 2018 after Carterville finished eight last October at the Benton Sectional. The Lions do have five back from that team. Reese Herrin was the team’s top runner last fall and again should lead this team. Herrin finished 16th in the sectional race missing a qualifying position by five spots. Their top four again should be within two minutes of each other. Getting a fifth runner in that pack and lowering the split on 90 seconds would help Carterville’s chances.
Cowden-Herrick 2017 Finish – 10th, 1A Carlinville Sectional Coach – Andy Nohren Top Runners – Morgan Nohren JR, Carsen Burks SO, Jaelyn Robertson JR, Sydney Lorton SO, Jacque Wittenburg SO, Madison Blaine JR, Darby Moon JR, Tabitha Endsley SR. Preview – This team surprised me at the end of last season finishing 10th at the Carlinville Sectional. Six runners are back from that sectional team with Morgan Nohren leading the way. Moving their pack closer to the front with improvement of 10 to 15 seconds a runner and keeping their five-runner split consistently under 80 seconds could get the Bobcats closer to a state qualifying spot.
DuQuoin 2017 Finish – 23rd, 1A State Coach – Eric Kirkpatrick Top Runners – Gabrielle Alongi JR (44, 18:49), Jacqueline Crain SO (165, 21:27), Lindsey Gossman SO (202, 23:49), Maddie Robison SO (203, 23:52), Chloe Hill SR (205, 23:55), Carli Harris SO, Grace Alongi, Maddie Decker FR, Alexis George FR, Olivia Phillips FR. Preview – DuQuoin could be reloading this fall after finishing 23rd in the 1A state meet. The Indians do return five with state meet experience. Coach Eric Kirkpatrick does have a strong freshman group entering that could find themselves in the top five. Gabrielle Alongi finished 44th last year leading the team at state. Her ninth-place finish at 800-meters last May gave her confidence for this fall as well as All-State honors. What hurt the team last all was a five-minute split on their top five. With the addition of freshmen like Grace Alongi and Maddie Decker, that split should come down. “This is my 5th year as the head coach and my goals have been the same each year,” Kirkpatrick said. “We want every athlete to improve as the season moves along and run their best from the conference meet until someone tells us we can no longer compete. We always hope that is the last day of the IHSA season at Detweiller.”
Fairbury Prairie Central 2017 Finish – 7th, 1A Oregon Sectional Coach – Scott McGuire Top Runners – Becca Conlisk JR, Lexi Zimmerman SO, Tanya Fehr SO, Jadyn Stephens JR, Anna Hale JR, Marie Strong JR, Haleigh Buff SR, Paola Leon JR, Vivian Walter SR, Kylie Bazzell JR. Preview – Prairie Central should find their way into the top 25 rankings sometime this fall. The Hawks won their first regional title in the program’s history and followed up with a seventh-place finish at the Oregon Sectional. Six are back from that team led by Becca Conlisk. It could be Jadyn Stephens that is the team’s top runner this fall. Stephens was the team’s MVP her freshman year. Last year Stephens was ill towards the end of the season effecting her performance. She’s had a good summer of training. “The girls team have a goal of advancing to state for the very first time in girls XC history,” Coach Scott McGuire said. “We do not expect to have a "front runner" at many meets, but our goal is to beat teams with our tight pack. If we can develop a consistent #4 and #5 I think we will have a very good season.”
Neoga 2017 Finish – 8th, 1A Carlinville Sectional Coach – Tim Mueller Top Runners – Emmalyn Walk SR (67, 19:14), Kylee Phillips SO, Allison Kingery SR, Ellie Clark JR, Olivia Holt SR, Kaitlin Howard SR. Preview – On paper, Neoga could have problems improving on last year’s eighth-place sectional finish at Carlinville. We don’t run a cross-country season paper. Five are back from that team including four of their top five. Emmalyn Walk, who finished 67th at state, again should be the team’s front runner. A projected five runner split of close to five minutes could prevent this team of improving their sectional performance.
Oregon 2017 Finish – 11th, 1A Oregon Sectional Coach – Tim Gipper Top Runners – Leah Watters SO (79. 19:31), Cynthia Nyderek JR, Katlyn Ramirez SO, Katelyn Byerley SR, Lydia Ceremak SO, Madison Byerley SO, Olivia Lambrigtechn JR, Megan Butters JR, Breanna Dehaan JR. Preview – The Hawks return their entire top seven that placed 11th last October at the Oregon Sectional. Leah Watters qualified for state as a freshman in 2017 placing 79th. A top 50 finish for her is possible. Oregon ran a 100 to 105 second split on their second through fifth runners at the end of last season. Dropping the gap on the pack to Watters from 80 seconds to 50 seconds as well as improving the pack split under 75 seconds moves this team close to a top five sectional finish.
Paxton-Buckley-Loda 2017 Finish – 13th, 1A Lisle Sectional Coach – Dustin Franckey Top Runners – Evie Ellis SR, Gracie Smith JR, Alyssa Hofer SR, Emily Graves SR, Yami Domingo SO, Olivia Wilson SO, Tammra Degarmo SO. Preview – Three runners are back from the PBL team that finished 13th at the Lisle Sectional. A group of freshmen entering the school this fall could help this team climb up the mountain a little higher in 2018. Evie Ellis was the top runner for the team last year and again will be the front runner for the Panthers. Keep an eye on this team in September to see how this teams shapes up.
Springfield Lutheran 2017 Finish – 6th, 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Doug Reynolds Top Runners – Elizabeth Eck SO, Grace Henderson SO, Kylie Goldstein SO, Julie Elmore SR, Ysabella Adubato SO. Preview – This could be a rough fall for Springfield Lutheran having lost Brigid and Bernadette Tournoux as the seniors transferred to Pleasant Plains. Sophomore Elizabeth Eck was the team’s fourth runner last fall should step into the top spot for the Crusaders.
Toledo Cumberland 2017 Finish – 9th, 1A Carlinville Sectional Coach – Jim Miller Top Runners – Jasmyn Dittamore SO (52, 18:58), Victoria Ault SR, Eve Brown SO, Leah Brown SR, Oliver Pruemer SO. Preview – It could be an interesting year for the Pirates with five runners back from the 2017 ninth-place sectional team. Jasmyn Dittamore was another of the fantastic group of 1A freshmen runners last year placing 52nd at state. Watch for a higher finisher for her in 2018. Senior Victoria Ault leads the pack behind Dittamore. The four-runner pack behind their lead sophomore needs to stay under 120 seconds for this team to have a chance for a state trip.
Toulon Stark County 2017 Finish – 8th, 1A Oregon Sectional Coach – Bob Rennick Top Runners – Olivia Frail JR, Josie Price JR, Lena Becker SO, Trinity Shimmin SO, Sarah Fairfield SO. Preview – Stark County finished eight at the Oregon Sectional last fall and would like to repeat or better that this fall. Four runners from that sectional team are back led by Olivia Frail. Finding a fifth-runner to add on to the returning pack will be a key for the Rebels for success in 2018. |
