The move to Class 1A makes Surtz one of the favorites

 

By Michael Newman

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Photo: ©2018 Laura Duffy

 

When the classifications for the next two years for cross country came out last December, one of the bigger surprises was when Rosary was moved from Class 2A to 1A .It meant that NXN National Qualifier Lianna Surtz would be running in this classification even though I am guessing she would rather be running in the big class.

It makes Class 1A that much tougher this fall which includes Lydia Roller and Amelia McClain. Surtz enters this season with over a 40 second personal best over the rest of the pack. Iron does sharpen iron so I am guessing that gap will get closer.

Here is a look at some of the top runners that will participate in Class 1A this fall.

 

Lianna Surtz

SO – Aurora (Rosary)

Notes – This quiet soft spoken sophomore lets her running doing the talking. She showed that in her first high schools seasons. She displayed that she could run with anyone in the state regardless of classification when she finished sixth at the Richard Spring Invitational last September. She went on to finish second in the 2A State Cross Country Meet. She earned a trip to the Nike Cross Nationals where she finished 24^th overall. She was the second freshman in the race to cross the line.

Lianna went through a growth spurt during her track season causing shin splints and causing her to miss most of her track season. When she came back, she was part of Rosary’s fourth-place quartet in the 3200 Meter Relay. She came back to win the Class 2A 1600 Meter Run State Championships. Almost two weeks later, she ran 4:57.09 to finish third at Magis Miles.

Her potential is limitless. We could see that in her state race last May where she controlled the pace. She is understanding racing better which will only improve over the next three years. It will be interesting to see how she handles running Class 1A in the state series since she will be the big favorite when we get to Peoria. She could also be one of the elite runners that we will see nationally. She’s ready to make that next step.

2018 XC Finish – 2^nd, Class 2A State Meet (16:35)

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 4:55.53 (Magis); 1 Mile Run – 4:57.09; 3200m – 11:14.63

 

Lydia Roller

JR – Staunton

Notes – The one thing that I continue to see from Lydia Roller is the drive that she has especially since she has to do her training on her own. She displayed so much improvement last season finishing second in the Class 1A State Cross Country Championships. Her track performances perhaps out did what she did in the fall finishing seventh at Distance Night in Palatine. She showed that she is ready for this fall by finishing fourth in the Class 2A 3200 Meter Run and second behind Surtz in the Class 2A 1600 Meter Run. The 4:59.6 that she ran at Festival of Miles shows that she is hungry to take her talent another step up. It will be interesting to see how high she climbs in the next couple of months.

Her Coach Steve Moore said: “Lydia's work ethic continues to impress me.  She has been running around 50 miles per week and is confident after going sub-5 minutes in the mile at the end of track season.  Needless to say, she will be a force to be reckoned with this season.”

2018 XC Finish – 2^nd, Class 1A State Meet (17:18)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:19,25; 1600m – 5:04.99; 1 Mile – 4:59.60; 3200m – 11:24.96

 

Amelia McLain

SR – Benton

Notes – Amelia is a three time Illinois All-State Runner finishing third in last year’s Class 1A State Meet. The ultimate competitor, McLain knows she will have to run her best especially with Surtz and Roller projected ahead of her. But having seeing her run, she has that drive to keep that distance between them and her minimal. Her track season was great finishing second in the Class 2A 1600 Meter Run and then eighth in the Class 2A 1600 Meter Run. In the two day period, she ran 2:20.50 and 5:14.83 on Friday morning, then 2:21.12 and 5:16.81. That’s four great races in a 24 hour period.

Her father and coach Brent McLain said: “She knows will have to run sub 17:00 to be in top 3 this year and has been training according.”

2018 XC Finish – 3^rd, Class 1A State Meet (17:26)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:20.50; 1600m – 5:12.64; 3200m – 11:28.99

 

Ella Bittner

JR – Normal (University)

Notes – Ella made the step to the next level during last spring’s track season. She anchored U-High’s quartet to the Class 2A State Championship in the 3200 Meter Relay. She came back later in the meet in the 1600 Meter Run to finish third. Although she finished 11^th last fall in the Class 2A State Meet, the move for her school down to Class 1A will put her among the elite runners in this classification. Bittner could also lead the Pioneers to a state championship.

Her coach John Neisler said: “Whatever clicked in Ella at the end of her freshman year of track has stayed clicked. Ella is going to be a strong leader for our team this year, both on and off the course. She’s had another good summer of running and she’s learned a lot from races this spring. Ella is becoming more confident as a runner and I think she’s ready for another great fall.”

2018 XC Finish – 11^th, Class 2A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – 400m – 1:04.04; 800m – 2:19.59; 1600m – 5:04.98; 3200m – 11:35.73

 

Karlie Hey

JR – Sterling (Newman Catholic)

Notes – Karlie had two great high school seasons earning all-state honors her freshman and sophomore year. It appears she will be in the hunt for all-state honors the next two seasons. Hey won the regional and sectional individual titles last fall. She was all-state in track twice her freshman season. She battled illness during her track season still making it to the state meet finishing 16^th in the Class 1A 3200 Meter Run and 12^th in the Class 1A 1600 Meter Run. Watch for her to be among the leaders this fall.

Her Coach Patrick Warkins said: “Karlie had a disappointing track season due to some illness. After taking about 6 weeks off after track we had her start from the beginning with mileage. She participated in the USA junior Olympic s and qualifying for the nationals. With very little base, she ran as well as could be expected. I look forward to her junior year and expect her to be back up near the front by the time the state series begins. Her competitive nature works to her advantage and I know she will work hard in practice. I match her up with some of our boys at practice to help her push herself in practice. Overall, I expect another great season from her.”

2018 XC Finish – 5^th, Class 1A State Meet (17:29)

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 5:29.39; 3200m – 11:39.41

 

Class 1A Runners to Watch (In alphabetical order)

 

Caroline Bachert

JR – Tolono (Unity)

Notes – Caroline was the top runner on Unity’s team that finished third last year. She also earned all-state honors her sophomore year when she finished 13^th. A runner that has not been on the state showcase the first two years. A top ten finish is a possibility for her in 2019.

Her Coach Kara Leaman said: “Caroline should be ready to roll.  She has had a great summer.  She will need to step a bit more out of her comfort zone to race like she is capable.  Cross country is where her heart is and when she wants something, look out.  She hasn’t cracked top ten yet at state, but it might be her year.

2018 XC Finish – 19^th, Class 1A State Meet (18:02)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:30.33; 1600m – 5:27.89i; 3200m – 11:50.02

 

Kennedy Calcagno

SO – Elmhurst (IC Catholic Prep)

Notes – The finish that Kennedy had at the end of last cross country season was not indicative to what she could do. She ran ahead of teammate Carly Manchester in her regional and sectional races last fall. We learned that during the track season when she finished fifth in the Class 1A State Meet in the 800 Meter Run and fifth in the Class 1A State 1600 Meter Run. Kennedy also competes in triathlons.

Her mother and Coach Dawn Calcagno said: “Kennedy Calcagno also had a solid freshman track season giving her confidence going into cross country. Kennedy continued to train with her triathlon team for the entire track season through the summer , and just finished up at the beginning of August.  She is eager to get back to preparing for cross country with her teammates.”

2018 XC Finish – 54^th, Class 1A State Meet (18:49)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:20.45; 1600m – 5:19.19

 

Katie Erb

SO – Winnebago

Notes – Surprised some her freshman season coming on strong at the end of the year finishing sixth in her sectional race and then finishing 23^rd at state. Katie qualified for the state track meet when she ran 5:24.61 to win the 1600 Meter Run at the Class 1A Oregon Sectional. One of the reasons why Winnebago will contend for a trophy this fall.

2018 XC Finish – 23^rd; Class 1A State Meet (18:11)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:28.34; 1600 – 5:24.61

 

Alexi Fogo

JR – Eureka

Notes – Alexi steps up as the team’s top runner after the graduation of state champion Emma Argo. Fogo was all-state last fall as the team’s second runner finishing 14^th. She should be among the top runners in Class 1A this fall.

Her Coach Olivia Morris said: “She has been working hard and has been taking care of the little things to stay healthy and set herself up for a successful year.  It’ll be an adjustment running workouts without Emma Argo, but she has gained a lot of experience from her sophomore year that will help her navigate this year.”

2018 XC Finish – 14^th, Class 1A State Meet (17:46)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:25.61; 1600m – 5:12.88

 

Bailee Fortney

SR – Rock Falls

Notes – It was a big comeback season for Bailee after her 2017 finish when she suffered severe dehydration at the state meet and had to be hospitalized for two days. She finished 12^th in last year’s state meet. I believe we have not seen her best state meet race yet.

Her Coach Mark Truesdell said: “Bailee Fortney is twice removed from her incident at the state meet that landed her in the hospital.  That really affected her mentally/emotionally last year and hurt her confidence.  This year she is running much more aggressive in workouts.  Her confidence is also helped by the fact Alex Gomez is back up running alongside her like they did together their sophomore year.”

2018 XC Finish – 12^th, Class 1A State Meet (17:44)

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 5:21.81

 

Caroline Gwaltney

SR – Williamsville

Notes – Caroline returns as the top runner for Williamsville. She finished 15^th in last year’s state meet aiming this year for a top ten finish. Gwaltney did make the state meet in track when she finished fourth in her sectional race. Caroline finished 15^th in the state finals.

2018 XC Finish – 15^th, Class 1A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 5:50.44; 3200m – 12:03.01

 

Bailey Harris

SO – Knoxville

Notes – After having a freshman season where she earned all-state honors finishing 18^th, Bailey is ready to have a better sophomore season. She forms a tough duo with teammate Breena Shreeves that could push Knoxville to a possible top ten team finish. Harris qualified for the state meet in the 1600 Meter Run. She as also a part of the state championship quartet in winning the Class 1A 4x800 Meter Relay.

Her Coach Tom Hillier said: “Bailey Harris is a fierce competitor and will do whatever it takes to help the team advance or score a win. She and Breena worked well together and are setting their goals higher for this season.”

2018 XC Finish – 18^th, Class 1A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – 400m – 1:04.44; 1600m – 5:26.23;

 

Fran Hendrickson

SR – Champaign (St. Thomas More)

Notes – It was not the way that she wanted her season last November. Fran finished 11^th in last year’s state meet after winning six of the ten races she competed in. She earned all-state honors her sophomore year when she finished fifth. Her track season earned her a win in the 1600 Meter Run at Illinois Top Times in March. Fran finished fourth in the Class 1A 1600 Meter Run last May.

Her coach Andrew Wszalek said: “After falling short of a few of her post-season goals in both XC and Track, Fran has re-energized herself for a promising senior campaign. After revamping some of her training regimen and putting in great summer work, Fran is excited and expectant for the season. She looks to end her high school career with a bang and hopefully turn some heads at State.

2018 XC Finish – 11^th, Class 1A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:26.77; 1600m – 5:10.63; 3200m – 11:46.96i

 

Lexy Henrikson

SR – Williamsville

Notes – I have a hunch that Lexy could be among the Top 25 Class 1A runners after a strong track season last spring. She will be one of the top runners for her team again this fall. What gave her a boost was when she finished second in the 800 Meter Run and then fourth in the 1600 Meter Run at Illinois Top Times. Lexy qualified for both events in the state meet in May. Henrikson finished all-state honors by finishing eighth in the Class 1A 800 Meter Run.

2018 XC Finish – 70^th, Class 1A State Meet (19:03)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:20.51; 1600m – 5:20.17

 

Caroline Jachino

SR – Pleasant Plains

Notes – I think we see better things from Caroline the next few months than we saw at state last fall when finished 33^rd. She finished 12^th as a freshman and 6^th as a sophomore. She bounced back during the track season earning all-state honors finishing third in the Class 1A 3200 Meter Run and sixth in the 1600 Meter Run.

Her Coach Rob Havens said: “Caroline has had an incredible summer of training and is ready to go this season. She has increased her summer mileage from last year and has participated in strength training twice weekly over the summer. She is perhaps in the best shape she’s ever been in during her past three years in high school. Jachino is definitely running with a purpose this season and has set the goal high, a top five finish at State, looking to atone for last year’s state performance. While Caroline has yet to commit, she will be running somewhere next season in college. However, she is not looking beyond this season and is focused on the ultimate goal, the IHSA Cross Country State Meet this November.”

2018 XC Finish – 33^rd, Class 1A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 5:21.23; 3200m – 11:31.03

 

Audrey Jenkins

SO – Seneca

Notes – We could see Audrey finish in the top 25 after finishing 30^th last year. She stepped into the spotlight early in September when Jenkins finished fifth in the Class 1A race at First to the Finish running 18:24 on the state meet course. Audrey qualified for the state track meet last May in the Class 1A 3200 Meter Run and 1600 Meter Run.

Her Coach Kim Foster said: “Audrey trained a lot on her own this summer following our training plan.  She was a very busy person between summer school, vacations, and other important obligations, but she is very dedicated and worked hard all summer.  She had a decent run at Detweiller at Dark, running a 19:39.  She has been struggling with a little hip soreness lately, so she has started seeing our athletic trainer to get her back on track.  Her goals are to make top 25 at state this year. She really wants that All-State Honor.”

2018 XC Finish – 30^th, Class 1A State Meet (18:20)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:25.33; 1600m – 5:30.73; 3200m – 11:40.14

 

Rachel Koon

SO – Monticello

Notes – I think Rachel is one of those runners that should keep an eye on this fall. Koon emerged halfway through last fall as one of Monticello’s top runners. She qualified for the state track meet last fall in the Class 2A 3200 Meter Run and Class 2A 1600 Meter Run. She earned all-state honors by finishing ninth in the 3200 Meter Run. Koon also helped her team by running a leg in the 3200 Meter Relay that had the fourth fastest time in the prelims qualifying for the finals.

Her Coach David Remmert said: “She is 100%.  She came in a year ago and was dialed in immediately.  Although she had a good XC season, her track season really showed what a talented runner she is placing in the 3200m as a freshman, helping a 4x800 team through prelims, and qualifying for the state finals in the 1600m as well in 2A competition.  If we want to do well as a team, she will need to rise up and lead. Rachel is a very talented runner who came in with a great attitude, 100% and dialed in.  I think she even surprised herself during the track season and I think she is going to be a huge factor for our team.

2018 XC Finish – 28^th, Class 1A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:26.1; 1600m – 5:15.10; 3200m – 11:14.92

 

Carly Manchester

SO – Elmhurst (IC Catholic Prep)

Notes – Carly save her best race for last with her 8^th place state finish last fall. If her track season is any indication, we could see some big things from her this fall. Manchester qualified for the state meet last spring in both the Class 1A 1600 Meter Run and the Class 1A 3200 Meter Run. Carly earned all-state honors by finishing fifth in the 3200 Meter Run.

Her Coach Dawn Calcagno said: “I’m looking forward to watching Carly Manchester race cross country again after coming off a successful track season as a freshman. She has been putting in her time over the summer at Charlie Kern camp and will be strong this season.”

2018 XC Finish – 8^th, Class 1A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 5:26.06; 3200m – 11:25.93

 

Natalia Martino

SO – Winnebago

Notes – Natalia was extremely tough in her freshman season finishing in the top four in her first nine races before finishing 13^th at state. Martino qualified for the state meet last spring in the Class 1A 3200 Meter Run and 1600 Meter Run. A top ten finish this fall is not out of the question.

Her Coach Janet Erb said about her (and Katie Erb): “They had another strong summer. They are talented kids that like to train and race hard. They set the standard for hard work for their teammates.”

2018 XC Finish – 13^th, Class 1A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:26.01; 1600m – 5:19.06; 3200m – 11:49.00i

 

Ailey Mitchell

SR – Shelbyville

Notes – Ailey concludes her high school career this fall looking for another all-state finish. She has finished in the top 25 all three of her high school seasons including finishing second as a sophomore in 2017. You will se her in the top ten again in November. Ailey was all-state last spring by finishing second in the Class 1A 3200 Meter Run and third in the Cass 1A 1600 Meter Run.

Her Coach Chris Mosley said: “Ailey is coming off a successful track season. She has logged over 400 miles in a 9 week window. Winning the high school girls division of the Quad City Times Bix7 7 mile race in under 46 minutes was a testament to her summer fitness.”

2018 XC Finish – 10^th, Class 1A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:25.54; 1600m – 5:11.67; 1 Mile – 5:14.15; 3200m – 10:57.66

 

Amanda O’Donnell

SO – Chicago (University)

Notes – Amanda could sneak up on Class 1A competition this fall. Her school moves down to this classification after she finished 16^th last year in the Class 2A State Meet. Amanda also qualified for the Class 2A State Meet in May at 3200-meters.

Her Coach Debbie Ribbens said: “Amanda O'Donnell is very talented and determined to improve on her 16th place at State.  Amanda is also a Nationally Ranked Fencer. We are now for the 1st time in 1A and look forward to the new competition.”

2018 XC Finish – 16^th, Class 2A State Meet (17:47)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:30.24i; 1600m – 5:26.37; 3200m – 11:33.36

 

Molly Raymond

SR – Herscher

Notes – Molly made a huge jump last year earning all-state honors by finishing 17^th in the Class 1A State Meet. She was also honored as the ILXCTF.com 1A Girls Most Improved Cross Country Runner of the Year. Raymond has the talent this fall to finish in the top 10.

2018 XC Finish – 17^th, Class 1A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – 3200m – 12:57.93

 

Breena Shreeves

SR – Knoxville

Notes – Breena could be in for a great senior season after finishing 26^th last fall in her first year of cross country, Her track season was just as great as she anchored her team to the Class 1A State Championship in the 3200 Meter Relay. She also qualified for state at 800-meters and finished third at the Midwest Distance Classic.

Her Coach Tom Hillier said: “Last year was Breena"s first year for cross country so she really hadn't trained until the beginning of the season last year so looking for great things from her this year. Brenna and Bailey Harris worked well together and are setting their goals higher this season.”

2018 XC Finish – 26^th, Class 1A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – 400m – 1:02.08; 800m – 2:20.05; 1600m – 5:17.88 (Magis in route); 1 Mile – 5:19.64

 

Gabrielle Spain

SO – Shelbyville

Notes – Gabrielle is one of the top all around athletes running cross country. She made the finals last year in the 800 Meter Run as a freshman. She earned all-state honors in the Pole Vault finishing third. Gabrielle is also a talented cross country runner that could be among the top 10 this season.

Her Coach Chris Mosley said: “In addition to a great summer of running, Gabby has been just as dedicated to her swim practice putting in two or three hours a day in the pool. Those aerobic gains have always translated well for her.”

2018 XC Finish – 16^th, Class 1A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:21.86; 1600m – 5:27.83; 3200m – 12:16.59; PV – 11’ 0”

 

Payne Turney

SR – Clinton

Notes – Payne took a step up in the last year. She was all-state for the second time in cross country finishing ninth. She finished seventh as a freshman. Her track season was even better winning the 800 Meter Run and 1600 Meter Run at Illinois Top Times. That led to the Class 2A State Championship at 800-meters.Payne also qualified for the finals in the 1600 Meter Run. Those track performances should translate to great things in the next couple of months.

Her Coach Daniel Andrews said: “Payne is looking forward to the cross season.  She and the rest of the team did a summer time-trial just before the IHSA blackout and she a ran 5:27 full mile which was nine seconds  faster than the one we did back at the end of June.  This season again we will be working on pacing and negative split strategies.  She wants to compete for the state title which may have actually gotten tougher than last year in 1A, but she's motivated and looking to improve upon last year.  Her summer mileage is probably right where it needs to be and she's probably really close to having the correct intensity on those runs at this time of year judging by her long run tempo and distance as well as her time trial results.”

2018 XC Finish – 9^th, Class 1A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – 400m – 1:00.98; 800m – 2:15.59i; 1600m – 5:05.70; 3200m – 11:15.21