Stromsland returns as the defending Class 2A champion

 

By Michael Newman

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Photo: ©2018 Laura Duffy

 

This classification will be missing one of the runners from the finish of the 2A Girls race at last year’s State meet with Lianna Surtz now running in Class 1A. Defending champion Brooke Stromsland is back and is improved as evidenced by her track season last spring.

She will be the favorite in this classification but will have a quality of group of runners chasing after her including the duo from Latin School Ava Parekh and Marianne Mihas. You do also have mysteries such as Olivia Rosenstein who missed almost all of last fall due to injury. She is back and ready to go. You also have freshman Tatum David who is the mystery in what kind of times she could put up after a summer of great times.

Here is a look at some of the top runners that will participate in Class 2A this fall.

 

Brooke Stromsland

JR – Lake Villa (Lakes Community)

Notes – Brooke made one huge step from her freshman year to sophomore year. This was especially so in her track season where she had missed most of her freshman year due to injury. She is one of three Illinois runners back to defend her IHSA State XC championship. Brooke finished fourth as a freshman. She learns from every race and is determined to run her best. Her Peoria race last September when she let Aspen Gordon get ahead of her while finishing second. That changed in the state race where she would not let Lianna Surtz by on her way to the title.

Her track season was fantastic earning All State honors in both distance races. Brooke finished second in the Class 3A 3200 Meter Run and then fourth in the Class 3A 1600 Meter Run. Se did not run in any post season races last fall. We will see if she enters NXR MW and FL MW in November.

Her Assistant Coach Travis Shepherd said: “Brooke had an incredible 2018 season. Equally impressive was her 2019 IHSA State Track meet. She continues to bring her "game" to new levels because of her dedication and tenacity. The toughest situations seem to bring out the best in her, whether it's practice or a meet. An athlete who does everything the right way. She is a FIERCE competitor who is only the scratching the surface of her potential. I would be remiss if I did not mention that she is also a tremendous teammate. Brooke has a vested interest in all of her teammates and sincerely wants the best for them. She is a tremendous asset to our team. We are lucky to have her. Looking forward to the many opportunities that come her way this season.”  

2018 XC Finish – 1^st, Class 2A State Meet (16:32)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:19.63; 1600m – 4;57.00; 3200m – 10:45.77

 

Ava Parekh

SO – Chicago (Latin School)

Notes – Ava’s track season signified that she could be one of the elite runners in the nation. She took a step up from cross country last year to track. I think she takes another step up this cross country season. Ava finished behind her teammate Marianne Mihas last year at state. This year, we could see Ava challenge for the Class 2A state title. Parekh had a strong track season starting with finishing third at Distance Night in Palatine over a strong field. She won her first state championship easily winning the Class 1A 3200 Meter Run. Ava finished second behind Mihas in the Class 1A State 1600 Meter Run. The two helped Latin School finish second in the Class 1A State Championships. Parekh ended her season winning at New Balance Outdoor Nationals in the Freshman 2 Mile Run and Freshman 1 Mile Run.

2018 XC Finish – 4^th, Class 2A State Meet (17:08)

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 4:53.58 (Magis); 1 Mile – 4:55.38; 3200m – 10:27.35

 

Marianne Mihas

JR – Chicago (Latin School)

Notes – Marianne had a great sophomore season picking up her second and third state championships in the spring. She finished third during the fall in the 2A State Meet. Mihas controlled the 800 Meter Run race at the Class 1A State Meet winning the state championship. She came back later that afternoon to win the Class 1A 1600 Meter Run finishing ahead of her teammate Ava Parekh. Both athletes helped Latin School finish second in the team standings in the Class 1A State Meet.

2018 XC Finish – 3^rd, Class 2A State Meet (17:04)

2019 Track Bests – 400m – 1:03.11; 800m – 2:13.91; 1600m – 4:55.52 (Magis); 1 Mile – 4:57.05

Coach Dan Daly said about Ava Parekh and Marianne Mihas: “Ava and Marianne took a short break after track and since then they have been working very diligently towards the cross country season. They enjoy being the two pillars that hold up and support the team from the front end of any race. They work well together, challenge each other, make each other better runners and Latin is very fortunate to have them compete within the same window of time. Together they are a coaches blessing. Not only are the talented but they are great teammates, leaders and easy to collaborate with. They have lofty and attainable goals for themselves and the team including Conference, Regional, Sectional Championships and a team podium spot at state in 2A.

 

Olivia Rosenstein

SR – Urbana

Notes – I had a sense that this runner would be back when after missing all cross country season, Olivia was back on the starting line to run in post season meets in Terre Haute and Kenosha. She was not in the front but showed the desire of getting back to where she was and then beyond that. Olivia showed that she was back when she finished second in the 1600 Meter Run at Illinois Top Times in March. She ran a personal best in May at the Class 2A State Meet in finishing second just behind friend Jordan Harmon who passed her in the final 10-meters. She finished fifth in the 2A State Meet as a sophomore. I think there is so much drive in her that she could challenge for the state title in this classification.

2018 XC Finish – did not run state (injured); 5^th, 2017 Class 2A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 5:06.14 (Magis); 1 Mile – 5:07.88; 3200m – 11:09.82

 

Tatum David

FR – Olney (Richland County)

Notes – It is something that I do not like doing spotlighting a freshman in this type of preview. For this freshman, I am making the exception. Tatum David jumped into the state spotlight at the end of May at the Festival of Miles. You keep an eye on a Girls high school runner when she breaks five-minutes. When that athlete is in eighth grade, well then you really pay attention. Tatum won the junior high race in this meet running 4:57.09 almost 21 seconds ahead of the rest of the field.

She caught my attention at Detweiller at Dark in 16:55 finishing third. Again, an eighth-grader entering high school and you need to take a better look.  Her first big race of the season is at the First to the Finish Invitational at Detweiller Park on September 14. She started her season Tuesday at the Fairfield Invitational where she ran 17:46 for 3-miles. She won by almost three minutes with a new course record.

 

2A Runners to Watch (in alphabetical order)

 

Mackenzie Aldridge

SR – Crystal Lake (South)

Notes – Mackenzie should be among the top 15 runners in Class 2A this fall after finishing 19^th at state. She had three individual wins during the 2018 season including wins at the Fox Valley Conference and the Class 2A Woodstock Regional Meet the following week. Her school runs in 3A for track during the spring. Mackenzie dropped her personal best from 11:44 to 11:20.

Her Coach Ken Greenfield said: “Mack had an excellent summer. She's always had some nagging runner pain (ankles, shins, knees) that have limited her training. This summer she's really been feeling good and her training is the best I've ever seen it. Her dedication and discipline has been exceptional. I'm really excited about her potential this upcoming season. She's also really coming into her own as a leader.”

2018 XC Finish – 19^th, Class 2A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 5:23.10; 3200m – 11:20.40

 

Katie Castelli

JR – Arlington Heights (St. Viator)

Notes – Castelli had the expected freshman to sophomore improvement last year achieving some all-state honors in the process. Katie improved from 60^th place in 2017 finishing 9^th last year in Peoria. She ended up with individual wins at the ESCC Championships and then the following week in her regional. Katie just missed the finals at state in May in the Class 2A 1600 Meter Run by one spot. She did earn all-state honors when she finished fifth in the Class 2A 3200 Meter Run.

2018 XC Finish – 9^th, Class 2A State Meet (17:38)

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 5:20.69; 3200m – 11:17.61

 

Madison Diercks

SR – Belvidere (North)

Notes – If Belvidere North wins the Class 2A title, it would be the third team title that Madison has been a part of. That is saying a lot of what a good team runner she has been in her career. She was the second runner for her team when she finished seventh a year ago. She finished 21^st as a sophomore in 2017, and 4^th as a freshman in 2016. Madison qualified for the state meet last spring in the Class 3A 3200 Meter Relay.

Her Coach Andrew Pivoras said: “Madison has been involved with a summer basketball league for the last four summers; although she puts in miles on her own,  she usually starts practicing with the team a little later in the summer. Since she’s been back running with the team, she’s been looking strong, and should be ready for a great season of competition.”

2018 XC Finish – 7^th, Class 2A State Meet (17:30)

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 5:12.98

 

Sydnie Elder

JR – Belvidere (North)

Notes – The junior runner of a strong Belvidere North trio with Diercks and Sagona. Sydnie earned her first all-state honor by finishing 21^st at last year’s state meet. It’s tough to stop a team that has three all-state runners leading them. That is the case with the Blue Thunder. Sydnie was part of Belvidere North’s quartet that qualified for the Class 3A State Track Meet in the 3200 Meter Relay.

Her Coach Andrew Pivoras said: “Sydnie has been one of the most consistent runners on the team this Summer.  She has been looking very strong, and based on the work she’s been putting in, she should have a big season this year.”

2018 XC Finish – 21^st, Class 2A State (17:55)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:25,03; 1600m – 5:25.93

 

Chelsea Gale

JR – Crystal Lake (Prairie Ridge)

Notes – Chelsea is looking for her third all-state finish this November after finishing 13^th last year and 10^th as a freshman. Gale is a two-sport athlete competing in both running and soccer. One of the reasons why the Wolves brought home a trophy last season. She again will be the top runner for this team.

Her Coach Kelly MacDonald said – “Chelsea is a very motivated and busy girl. She participates in 2 sports (soccer and running) plus has an almost full-time job. Unfortunately, we do not see her as much as we would like during the summer. I have confidence that she will be in shape and ready to go on the first day of practice. Since I know she plays a lot of soccer my biggest concern is that she does not get hurt and does not do too much. We are hoping that during the season she will step up into a leadership role and follow in her big sister's footsteps.

2018 XC Finish – 13^th, Class 2A State Meet (17:44)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:38.46; 1600m – 5:37.07

 

Nia Gibson

SO – Chatham-Glenwood

Notes – It will see what kind of year Nia has transitioning from her freshman season to the sophomore campaign. She ran at Detweiller Park three times last fall improving in each race. Nia went from 18:44 at the Richard Spring Invitational, to 18:22 at the Peoria Invitational, to 18:15 at state. She trends to run under 18-minutes this fall and be in the top 15. The top runner on a team looking for a state trophy.

Her Coach Mike Garber said: “Nia had a learning curve to adjust to last season. She had never been a number one runner before, so figuring out how to race at the front each week was new. After a season of pushing herself and her teammates, she is ready to breakout again this season. Her mileage and confidence are both up over summer and I think it will push her beyond last season's boundaries. We have discussed training with the boys team. She is excited about the new challenge. She has her sights set high from the first meet of the season and will accept nothing less than our school record by season's end. If I were a betting man, I'd put my money on her.”

2018 XC Finish – 29^th, Class 2A State Meet (18:15)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:25.55; 1600m – 5:38.49

 

Jadyn Jacobs

JR – Washington

Notes – It is doubtful that we see Jadyn run this fall. She had an ACL injury in February playing soccer.

Her Coach Troy Walcott said: “In February, Jadyn Jacobs tore her ACL while playing soccer and is still in the process of rehab.  We must wait for her Doctor to approve her return to practice and racing.  When that will be is anyone's guess. I don't expect to see her race much - if at all.  She is still rehabbing the ACL tear.

2018 XC Finish – 31^st, Class 2A State Meet (18:18)

 

Jade Miller

JR– Dixon

Notes – Jade surprised some last year by finishing 25^th at Peoria. You can expect more of the same from her this fall as she should improve on that finish. Jade was part of the quartet that placed second in the Class 2A 3200 Meter Relay in Charleston last May.

2018 XC Finish – 25^th, Class 2A State Meet (18:00)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:31.92; 1600m – 5:36.48;

 

Rhiannon O’Keefe

SR – Chicago (St. Ignatius College Prep)

Notes – Rhiannon qualified for the Class 3A State Meet as an individual. This year in Class 2A, she should have teammates around her. She has a good chance to finish from 15^th to 25^th in the state meet, maybe higher. O’Keefe also qualified for the Class 3A State Meet in the 3200 Meter Run.

Coach Matt Haffner said: “Rhiannon has her sights on a top-25 finish.  In 3A the last two years her State meet time would have put her near #25 in 2A.  She's had a great summer of training.  She'd probably eyeing our Detweiler school record of 17:37.”

2018 XC Finish – 84^th, Class 3A State Meet (18:03)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:25.90; 1600m – 5:10.88 (Magis); 1 Mile – 5:12.71; 3200m -11:21.60

 

Kaylie Politza

SO – Lemont

Notes – Kaylie had set herself up for a great sophomore cross country season. She earned all-state honors in the Class 3A 800 Meter Run finishing ninth. She ran her best 800 time in the state prelims. She showed she was ready to go when she ran 17:15 at Detweiller Park. Now an injury (stress fracture) that will slow her down the next couple of months. “So, no running or swimming for 6 weeks but she can stationary bike while her  stress fracture is healing which will allow her to keep up her aerobic fitness levels. It is now looking really good for her to start running again in October with us looking to try to get ready for the state series.” Hopefully she heals quickly. She finished 12^th last November as a freshman.

Her Coach Tim Plotke also said about Kaylie: “Kaylie’s confidence has grown by leaps and bounds. I guess being All State in XC and Track as a freshman will do that. In my 26 years of coaching I have had the opportunity to coach some amazing girls who were very successful. Kaylie has a work ethic that is rivaled by few others. She is all in and works to be the best that she can be. She understands all the components of her training (she is a running geek which is so awesome, we discuss performances of many different runners). Obviously the running component (I have her cross train 1-2 days a week), diet (eating the right things (carbs, protein, fat and staying properly hydrated), but most importantly rest and getting enough sleep. Her attitude and demeanor is infectious.

2018 XC Finish – 12^th, Class 2A State Meet (17:41)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:13.46; 1600m – 5:13.12

 

Macy Priess

JR – Dunlap

Notes – Macy stepped up as the team’s top runner last year after the core of the 2017 state championship team graduated. She earned all-state honors last year as a sophomore. She looks to be better than last year after her race at Detweiller at Dark. Priess qualified for the Class 3A State Meet in the 800 Meter Run missing the finals by one place.

Her Coach Chris Friedman said: “Macy took a huge step last year. As a freshman, she had the 6/7 runner on our state champion team. As a sophomore, through graduations, departures, and injury she was suddenly our number one runner. She learned as the season went on to handle the pressure and expectations of being a number one. She also learned how to race near the front of the race. All those lessons lead to her all-state performance at Detweiller in November (24th place). She used that performance as a springboard for a great track season (nearly making finals in the 800 in 3A). She has had a strong summer, putting in the miles and helping our new runners adjust to high school running. Her 20th place finish at Detweiller at Dark is the tip of the iceberg on how good she can be.”

2018 XC Finish – 24^th, Class 2A State Meet (17:57)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:19.06; 1600m – 5:15.46; 3200m – 11:47.82

 

Rachel Richtman

SR – Maple Park (Kaneland)

Notes – Rachel will look for her fourth time in the top 25 this November. She finished 15^th last year as a junior, 12^th last year as a sophomore, and 15^th last year as a freshman. She ran her best the end of her track season when she qualified for the Class 3A State Track Meet in the 800 Meter Run. She achieved a personal best in the prelims. Rachel came back to easily win the 1 Mile Run in June at the Midwest Distance Classic.

Her Coach Doug Ecker said: “Rachel had a good summer. She was able to up her weekly mileage during summer while balancing several college visits. I think she is in the best running shape both mentally and physically that she has ever been in which is what the goal is for all your senior runners. Three of her goals for the season are to set a PR for 3 miles, to place in the state meet as an individual for the 4th time and run with her teammates for the 4th time in a state meet.”

2018 XC Finish – 15^th, Class 2A State Meet (17:47)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:20.59; 1600m – 5:18.15; 1 Mile – 5:10.76; 3200m – 11:45.70i

 

Gianna Sagona

SR – Belvidere (North)

Notes – It will be interesting to see what Gianna does after missing all of track season due to an injury. She has been all-state in cross country all three years. Se finished 6^th last year, 7^th as a sophomore, and 11^th as a freshman.

Her Coach Andrew Pivoras said: “Gianna is just now coming off of an injury that she got during track season, so she has been limiting her miles for much of this summer until she’s fully recovered. Once she is fully recovered,  we expect her to continue to work back into a leadership position in practice and on race days.”

2018 XC Finish – 6^th, Class 2A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – Missed track season due to injury

 

Elizabeth Sims

SO – Mahomet-Seymour

Notes – When a runner finishes in the top ten as a freshman, then it is worth taking notice. Elizabeth did that last November finishing eighth. The Class 2A field has toughened up for the 2019 season. She could still finish in the top five come November. Sims also qualified in May for the Class 2A State Meet in the 3200 Meter Run.

Her Coach Kristin Allen said: “Sims is one hard worker and has motivated a few of her teammates to step up this summer.”

2018 XC Finish – 8^th, Class 2A State Meet (17:34)

2019 Track Bests – 800m 2:29.71; 1600m – 5:25.32; 3200m – 11:35.65

 

Kaitlin Skeate

JR – Bloomington

Notes –Kaitlin came on strong in her second season of cross-country. Her seasonal best at Detweiller Park as a freshman was 19:20. In last year’s state meet, she improved by 88 seconds running 17:52. She had run 18:13 earlier in the year at the Peoria Invitational. Improving on her time and her place at state is definitely in her future.

2018 XC Finish – 18^th, Class 2A State Meet (17:52)

2018 Track Bests – 800m – 2:36.28; 1600m – 5:34.53i; 3200m – 12:13.74

 

Emma Skinner

SO – Morton

Notes – Emma had a great freshman season both in the fall and spring earning all-state honors in both track & cross country. Skinner finished sixth in the Class 2A 1600 Meter Run last May. She had Aspen Gordon and Meaghan Moreno to train and learn from last year. This fall, she will be pushing herself to the next step on the mountain.

Her Coach Joel Zehr said: “Emma is a special runner and did a great job of learning from Aspen Gordon and Meagan Moreno last fall. Throughout the season she grew in her own racing ability and confidence and I am looking forward to watching her lead our ladies this fall.”

2018 XC Finish – 20^th, Class 2A State Meet (17:54)

2019 Track Bests – 400m – 1:07.29; 800m – 2:29.63; 1600m- 5:12.78; 3200m – 11:21.12

 

Emily Spellman

JR – Lisle (Benet Academy)

Notes – Emily again should be the top runner on this team that will look to compete for  state championship this fall. Spellman’s time from last fall indicates she should be around the top 25. Her track times show that she could finish higher in the top 20.

Her Coach Scott Brooks said: “Emily Spellman was our #1 last year in the State Meet and is significantly better now than she was at this time last season.  She had a really good track season (that didn't end the way she'd hoped), and I think it has changed how Emily views herself.  She knows she's good now, not in an arrogant or cocky way, just a confident way.  She expects to run well and be competitive with good runners in a way she didn't before. I think the fact that her CC season ended so well last year, and that track didn't go as planned was a blessing that has motivated her to work really hard this summer.  She is faster and stronger than she's ever been and I'm pretty excited to see how that translates not just in her performances this season, but how it impacts the girls she runs with every day in practice.  I know this summer it has helped Elisabeth Camic a lot in terms of her taking the next step in her development as a runner.”

2018 XC Finish – 56^th, Class 3A State Meet (17:44)

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 5:15.90; 3200m – 11:19.81

 

Paige Stees

JR – Dixon

Notes – Dixon could have a team that will contend for a top three finish this fall. Paige will be one of the runners that will lead the way. She qualified for the state meet as an individual last year and finished 23^rd. She was also a part of Dixon’s team that finished second last May in the Class 2A 3200 Meter Relay.

2018 XC Finish – 23^rd, Class 2A State Meet (17:55)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:29.23; 1600m – 5:30.76; 3200m – 12:10.76i

 

Ella Ton-That

SO – Chicago (Northside Prep)

Notes – The move down to Class 2A should benefit Ella this next year. She again will be one of the top runners in the Chicago Public League. I also think that she will challenge at state for a top 25 finish. She earned all-state honors last track season when she finished fifth in the finals of the Class 2A 1600 Meter Run.

2018 XC Finish – 62^nd, Class 3A State Meet (17:48)

2019 Track Bests – 800m -2:25.30; 1600m – 5:13.36; 3200m – 11:47.34

 

Kelli Tosic

SR – Grayslake (North)

Notes – Kelli took a step up during her cross country season finishing in the top 25 for the first time placing 14^th. Her track performances were even more impressive as she improved her personal bests in both the 1600 Meter Run and 3200 Meter Run. Big things could be ahead for her this fall.

2018 XC Finish – 14^th, Class 2A State Meet (17:45)

2019 Track Bests – 400m – 1:03.73; 800m – 2:23.40i; 1600m – 5:10.63; 3200m – 11:01.15

 

Emma Wakefield

SO – Vernon Hills

Notes – Emma stepped up at the end of last year to be the team’s top runner in the state meet just missing all-state honors by one place. Vernon Hills lost the majority of their top seven due to graduation. It will be up to Emma to lead this team on and off the course.

Her Coach Suzanne Curry said: “Emma is coming off a tremendous track season where she mainly ran the 1600m and gained a lot of speed.  She also showed a lot of promise in the 800m, in addition to the 3200m.  She's extremely versatile, competitive and a hard worker.  With a year of HS experience behind her I know she has some lofty goals for this season.  Finishing 26th at the state meet will fire you up.  She lost most of her pack to graduation, but she learned invaluable lessons from those girls. She'll be the leader on the course and will have a few teammates go with her and push her.  Her summer training has been outstanding and we're looking forward to a great sophomore season with her.”

2018 XC Finish – 26^th, Class 2A State Meet (18:03)

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 5:15.79; 3200m – 11:36.13