2020 Illinois High School Cross Country Team Previews - Class 1A Girls

 

 

Winnebago goes after one for the history books; with Monticello chasing after them

 

By Michael Newman

[email protected]

 

 

This is one of those times that I hope and pray that we have a state meet in November. I want  to see how fast this Winnebago team can go. I also want to see if Monticello can catch them. Two teams in two different regions of the state. We just might not see them face each other.

 

This would have been the year that the selection committee would have chosen the third team from the Midwest. That team would have been Winnebago.

 

Class 1A might have been tougher this season with the teams following Winnebago and Monticello. Normal University may have improved as has Tolono Unity.

 

The main thing is that these kids get to run with their friends and race. That is what this sport is all about. It might not be invitational meets. It might be just dual meets and that is okay with me.

 

In February, when things changed with the formatting of sectionals in the state series, I made the decision to increase the weekly rankings that I do from 25 to 30 teams to reflect the change with the IHSA. At this time, I have yet to determine if we will do weekly rankings due to the fact that it is mathematically tough to compare teams on just dual meets (That might change).

 

The previews that have been written are focused on IF we have a state series and IF we have a state meet. As of this time, that is yet to be determined.

 

There was never the chance that these would not be written for the upcoming season. It is more of a tribute to the student/athletes that did not get a chance to compete this spring and now have that opportunity this fall. This preview is for all of you.

 

 

 

Class 1A Girls Teams

 

 

 

1 Winnebago

 

Coach – Janet & Joe Erb

 

2019 Finish – Class 1A State Champions

 

Runners to Watch – Natalia Martino SR (6, 17:41), Kaylee Woolery SO (10, 17:46), Katie Erb JR (24, 17:58), Grace Erb SO (25, 18:04), Marissa Roggensack SO (26, 18:05), Sophia Martino JR (77, 19:09), Renee Rittmeyer JR (79, 19:11), Miyah Brown JR, Aurora Insko SR, Maddie Bertram SR, Taylor Ward SR.

 

Preview – One of the “ifs” of this iffy 2020 season was to see how far this Winnebago team would have gone. With no Nike Cross Nationals, this team would not get a chance to show how good they could be on the national level. The Indians are one of top five teams in the state regardless of classification. They are also one of the top 40 teams nationally. Not bad for a school from the smallest classification in the state.

 

Then again, Winnebago does not run like a typical 1A team. They ran over the competition last November at Detweiller Park in winning the state title. All seven runners that toed the line at last year’s state meet are back putting them with the targets on their back. It is a spot that they relish being in.

 

“The work that they did in the spring, continued into the summer,” Janet Erb said. “We believe that are team is significantly ahead of where they were last year, as a team and individually.”

 

Natalia Martino was the team’s top runner last year and again should take that top spot. Winnebago had five runners in the top 26 at state with four of them, Martino, Kaylee Woolery, Katie Erb and Grace Erb, in that top 25. Marissa Roggensack missed all-state by one spot. She could be in the top 25 if they get to Peoria. Renee Rittmeyer has improved the most according to Coach Erb this summer and could be with that top pack along with Sophia Martino.

 

It would have been interesting to see how this team would have run last spring on the track. The pandemic struck that down. They still found ways to get better.

 

“We communicated through text, having two daughters on the team- helped keep us in the loop,” Coach Erb added. “Kids would share pictures of their GPS watches after runs they were particularly proud of. Our kids were very encouraging and motivated each other. We are big believers of educating them about training.  So when we gave them an outline of what they should be doing, they had a good understanding.   We are really proud of the work our kids put in throughout the spring.”

 

The smaller meets that we will see this fall robs us from the chance to see this team run in a big meet atmosphere. Teams running against them will try to make that push competing against a state championship team. The small meets should not phase this group.

 

“Our message has been to be prepared for the opportunity whenever it comes,” concluded Coach Erb. “Because this is going to be a different type of season, due to COVID-19, we don’t know when that opportunity will come.  But when it does we will be ready to seize it and showcase the work they have put in.”

 

 

 

2 Monticello

 

Coach – David Remmert

 

2019 Finish – 2nd, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Mabry Bruhn SO (13, 17:47), Rachel Koon JR (19, 17:51), Grace Talbert SR (33, 18:18), Emma Brown SR (44, 18:35), Kyara Welter JR (89, 19:16), Estella Miller SO, Clara Rudolph JR, Cora Sowinski JR, Emma Kallembach SR, Rose Talbert SO.

 

Preview – Track last spring would have been a good starting point for the 2020 Cross Country season after finishing last fall. That never happened for Monticello and for other schools across the state. “I think what happened during track was especially difficult,” said Monticello Coach David Remmert. “The teams trained well in the winter, had an indoor meet or two, and then all of a sudden things were on hold.  I think the approach of kicking the can down the road week after week, month after month was an entirely worse outcome than just saying at the front end, the season is cancelled. It becomes an emotional train wreck.”

 

The Lady Sages will be the one team that again will challenge for the Class 1A State Championship. Their top six runners from the 2019 second-place team are back led by all-state runners Mabry Bruhn and Rachel Koon who finished in the top 20. Grace Talbert finished 33 and could be in the mix for a top 25 finish. Emma Brown and Kyara Welter give the team strong runners in the fourth and fifth spots. Estella Miller missed most of last year due to a stress fracture but still ran in Peoria. She is heathy and could be a bonus for this team in 2020.

 

Monticello got through a tough spring but are ready to benefit the great training they put in. “IHSA wouldn’t allow coaches to have any contact with their runners,” Remmert said. “The runners were left to their own schedules with a workout plan that was hard to implement without teammates around.  Things have been much better this summer.  We do the required screenings, and we have met up 2-3 times a week to run informally and check in with one another.  I tried some Zoom meetings, but I’m a socially awkward dude anyway and that was weird.”

 

 

 

3 Normal University

 

Coach – John Neisler

 

2019 Finish – 4th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Ella Bittner SR (27, 18:10), Lizzy Zacharias SR (34, 18:19), Adriana Crabtree JR (40, 18:30), Lyndsey Wolters SR (45, 18:36), Mackie Madix SR (68, 19:02), Mya Kaeb SR, Lynnae Wollenweber SO, Rachel Simmons SR, Madison Negele SR, Abby Mussey JR.

 

Preview – The Pioneers just missed out on a trophy in their first year in Class 1A finishing fourth. Their nucleus is back with their top five state runners ready to toe the line. The big thing that may slow them down is the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“We spent some time on zoom just being social, seeing each other, and chatting,” said their coach John Neisler. “As far as training went, I was very flexible. With varied facility access and activities allowed family to family, I did not want the kids feeling like they were not doing something they should be doing. I gave them some ideas of the kinds of runs to do, how often to do them, and total weekly mileage and let them...run...with it.”

 

U-High has two possible all-state runners Ella Bittner and Lizzy Zacharias leading them. Both runners finished in the top 35 last year and should place higher in 2020. Adrianna Crabtree, Mackie Madix, and Lyndsey Wolters also ran state last year. All three could finish among the first 50 if they get to state.

 

This team has the talent to challenge for a trophy. “John Wooden said, "Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out,” Neisler stated. “We are emphasizing that we are happy to have a season, whatever it looks like, and the chance to train and race.”

 

 

 

4 Tolono Unity

 

Coach – Kara Leaman

 

2019 Finish – 3rd, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Taylor Joop SR (35, 18:19), Evelyn Atkins SR (41, 18:30), Caroline Bachert SR (56, 18:50), Elizabeth Hulick SR (57, 18:50), Malia Fairbanks JR (93, 19:20), Audrey Remole SO (127, 20:01), Harper Hancock JR, Anna Clark SO, Lilly Styan SR, Emma Stratton SO.

 

Preview – Tolono Unity was one of the elite Class 1A teams last fall and it showed when they toed the line at Detweiller Park. They brought home another trophy to Tolono as they finished third. The Rockets are loaded with talent as six of last year’s top seven are back. They will also add a group of freshmen that could make an immediate impact this fall.

 

One of the mysteries for the team was Caroline Bachert. The senior was all-state as a freshman and a sophomore. She seemed to struggle in some races. Bachert ended last year as the team’s fourth runner at state. “Her state race was remarkable considering what she was going through,” her coach Kara Leaman said. Her parents took their daughter from one doctor to the next trying to find out why she was having trouble to train hard and compete at an elite level that she was used to.

 

She was diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Right now, doctors are trying to balance that with medication that would still allow her to run which she has been. However, she has not been able to complete the more intense training sessions due to her condition.

 

(We wish Caroline best wishes, prayers, and a healthy recovery sooner than later)

 

The team is deep enough where someone will step up to Bachert’s place. Taylor Joop and Evelyn Atkins were within six places of each other at state and should be close together again this fall. Maila Fairbanks and Anna Clark stepped up with her training and could be closer to the front.  It could be the freshmen that could be difference makers.

 

“I am impressed with a handful of our freshmen,” added Leaman. “In particular, the two that have stood out from summer work are Erica Woodard and Olivia Shike, but there are several others that are also solid potential for our top 7.  Bri Rithie, Caelyn Kleparski, and Raegen Stringer are all showing they can run with our veterans.”

 

It is a good guess that this pack should move closer to the front. Their top five split at state was 31 seconds. Keeping this tight pack combined with two runners in the top 25 if we have a state meet puts Unity back in trophy contention.

 

“The message the team chose for the season is “None of us are a strong as all of us”.  I can’t think of a better way to summarize how they feel about having the team together again,” Leaman concluded.

 

 

 

5 Eureka

 

Coach -Olivia Morris

 

2019 Finish – 6th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Anna Perry JR (4, 17:09), Alexi Fogo SR (11, 17:47), Elle Knapp JR (67, 19:01), Laurel Munson SO (142, 19:05), Claire Wilson SO (142, 20:13), Katelyn Knapp SR (168, 20:35), Elle Hoffman SO, Sophie Kaufman SO, Claire Albertson FR.

 

Preview – The Hornets have showed improvement during the down time. It could push them among the top five teams this fall. Six runners are back from their sixth-place state team. They will also welcome Shelby Logan from Volleyball as well as freshman Claire Albertson. Both could make the top seven according to their coach Olivia Morris.

 

“We continued track workouts and track time trials (800, 1600, 3200) until the middle of May.  We wanted to replicate the track season as much as possible, this is where a majority of their speed training comes from,” Morris said. “I am not the track coach, so I wasn't communicating with them until the end of May when we were moving into our summer training.”

 

Morris does have two runners back that will be in the front in every race they are in. Anna Perry showed steady improvement throughout last year which resulted in a fourth-place finish at the state meet. Alexi Fogo was also all-state finishing 11th at Detweiller Park.  Morris has a strong sophomore group led by Laurel Munson and Claire Wilson that could push this team to the next level. Elle Knapp should move closer in races this year to Perry and Fogo.

 

There are two phrases that Eureka has been using during the summer training period. One of them is “If you focus on team success, individual success will follow.” Eureka has the talent to be among the top teams this year in Class 1A. “We have all the tools to be great this season,” Morris stated.  “We just need athletes to step up and do the ‘hard’ things.”

 

 

 

6 Aurora Rosary

 

Coach – Vic Mead

 

2019 Finish – 9th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Lianna Surtz JR (1, 16:41), Maia Italia SR (58, 18:50), Katie Ubertino JR (77, 19:10), Brooke O’Carroll JR (103, 19:34), Kate Lifka SR (139, 20:11), Ann Molenhouse SR (149, 20:22), Grace Ixpata JR (179, 20:49), Maria Panagakis JR, Mary Tuck SR.

 

Preview – Rosary will look for a higher finish if we have a state series this year. The Royals finished ninth in last year’s state meet. They return all seven runners that they had in that race.

 

It does help when you have the defending state champion on the line with your team. Lianna Surtz has won two state titles in her career. One of which happened in last year’s state meet. She is the defending champion hoping for her second state title.

 

Ignore the five runner split for this team since Surtz will be so far ahead of her teammates. The second through five split in last year’s state race was 81 seconds. That will be too big to get them into the top five. Maia Italia will lead the pack again that needs to close that split and under 90 seconds behind their teammate Surtz.

 

 

 

7 Rock Falls

 

Coach – Mark Truesdell

 

2019 Finish – 5th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Bryahna Ganther SR (50, 18:46), Tayli Hulten SO (80, 19:11), Gracie Rippy SO (83, 19:13), Calin Gaulrapp JR (96, 19:21), Sydney Reyes SR, Kacey Estrella SR, Lilyana Spotts SO, Emily Spooner JR

 

Preview – Class 1A was so tough last season in getting within the first three. The quality of teams is so high. Such is the case this season where teams may have used the spring and summer to get even stronger. Rock Falls ran a good race at state but still finished fifth. They have four runners back from that state team. Some of which have showed dramatic improvement. This team will be competitive this fall.

 

One of the runners that made a huge step up is Tayli Hulten. The sophomore trained with former Rock Falls all-state runner Bailee Fortney. “Tayli Hultin worked hard this summer,” said Rock Falls coach Mark Truesdell. “I have tabbed her as Bailee Fortney's understudy. Bailee had taken Tayli under her wing after cross country season and the progress showed at the beginning of track season. Frustrating the track season ended the way it did. Fortunately, Tayli is continuing to show the possibility she can be every bit as good as Bailee.”

 

Bryahna Ganther should be the team’s top runner pushed by Hulten. Grace Rippy, Calin Gaulrapp, Kacey Estrella, and Sydney Reyes will challenge for spots in the top five.

 

“My message for this season is to stay in the moment, stay positive, and act "as if" the season will happen in some type of normal fashion,” Truesdell stated.

 

 

 

8 St. Joseph-Ogden

 

Coach – Jason Retz

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Ava Knapp JR (71, 19:04), Ashlyn Lannert JR (73, 19:06), Malorie Sarnecki JR (100, 19:28), Addie Allen JR (102, 19:34), Kailyn Ingram JR, Hanna Eastin SR, Kendra Riddle JR, Hope Rajlich JR.

 

Preview – Four runners are back from last year’s seventh-place state team for Coach Jason Retz. Their top five runners back are all juniors. A strong freshman group, led by Helene Jones and Chloe Burkhalter, could be an immediate impact in the top seven.

 

“During the spring we ran several time trials to get the best looking track season we could. We communicated with Zoom, group messages, and phone calls,” Retz said. “I think they are ready for some scene of normalcy or purpose.”

 

The Lady Spartans start and end with their pack running. The four runners back from the state meet, led by Ava Knapp and Ashlyn Lannert, were only separated by 30 seconds. Moving that pack up in races earlier in the season could make this squad tough to beat. The main thing is they will be back running together on a cross country course this fall.

 

“I believe there has been a transition,” added Retz. “This time has been stressful for athletes and coaches alike. Many are in different places physically and mentally. It will take time, but we'll do our best to help them get to where they want to be.”

 

Retz has built on the strong tradition that has been in this school. If any team can ride this wild wave that we have been on, it could be St. Joseph-Ogden. “Our purpose has not changed,” stated Retz. “We are trying to make better people. What better circumstance for athletes to see a side of themselves they may never have seen. There may be several bumps in the road, but this will demonstrate to each person how strong their core is.  It allows us to work on the things we struggle with.”

 

 

 

9 Marshall

 

Coach – Ryan Arthur

 

2019 Finish – 6th, Class 1A St. Anthony Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Isabel Arthur SO (104, 19:35), Brooklyn Bender, Emma Gord, Cailin Morris, Ally Compton, Kaelin Wilson JR, Ashley Sanders JR.

 

Preview – It looked by the time they got to the state series, Marshall would be making that trip to the state meet. That never happened as Marshall missed qualifying for the trip to Peoria as they finished sixth in the St. Anthony Sectional. Their top six runners from thar race return.

 

Isabel Arthur made it to state as an individual qualifier. She did not have her best race of the season finishing 104th in the state finals. The sophomore should bounce back this season and be one of the top 20 runners in Class 1A.

 

Their pack running was not the best when they ran their sectional race. The top five split at their conference meet was only 66 seconds. Two weeks later at sectionals, that split climbed to 98 seconds. Brooklyn Bender ran close to Arthur most of last year. Emma Gord will lead the pack behind these two. Gord needs to lead the pack staying within 20 seconds of Bender.

 

 

 

10 Urbana University

 

Coach – Rachael Brewer

 

2019 Finish – 10th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Kate Ahmari SO (28, 18:13), Erin Smith JR (92, 19:20), Danbi Choi SR (94, 19:20), Maxine Van der donk JR (115, 19:50), Cadi Hu JR (124, 19:59), Madeline Keenan JR, Isabel Tolman-Bronski JR, Edie Haganson SO.

 

Preview – Rachael Brewer steps in as the new cross-country coach at the school replacing Doug Mynatt who no longer teaches at the school. This is the third year that Brewer has been teaching at the school. She familiar with this team which will be a plus heading into this season. That started with transitioning the team during the cancelled track season.

 

“Our number one priority as coaches was to make sure the student’s physical and emotional health was a priority,” Brewer said. “Staying in shape became less important than staying a family. Our team participated in Zoom meetings, had a team t-shirt design contests, and even a scavenger hunt around town. Student’s got “points” for taking selfies with various city landmarks and the coaches delivered “prizes” to athlete’s mailboxes. The head track and field coach, Dean Kamps has annually created a scavenger hunt for the athletes so this year’s scavenger hunt looked a little different. We had a great turnout and I think it helped with keeping morale high. All things considered, we still sent workouts out to athletes, but there was no pressure to do the them unless the athletes wanted to. Many of them did and we got great feedback.”

 

Kate Ahmari was the quiet freshman last year and just missed all-state finishing 28th at Detweiller Park. Watch or her in her sophomore season take a step up to the next level. U-High’s pack behind Ahmari was more than a minute behind her at state. That gap should close led by Erin Smith and Danbi Choi.

 

The change by the IHSA of seasons will bring some more athletes onto this team. Mikayla Blake joins the team from soccer and basketball. She did run in middle school qualifying for state in the 1600 Meter Run. Stefania Dzhaman joins the team after two years on the swim team. Her work ethic could push this team.

 

In a strong East Central region of the state, the Illineks will not sneak up on teams. They will also not shy away from the competition. “Our message this year is “go with the flow.” We don’t really know what this season will look like,” added Brewer. “We are going to continue to control the controllables and be ready to adjust if things change. We will run each race like it could be our last, but also to enjoy the season. This will be unlike any season, ever, so we just have to take it in stride and adjust to whatever comes our way.”

 

 

 

11 Elmhurst IC Catholic Prep

 

Coach – Dawn Calcagno

 

2019 Finish – 8th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Carly Manchester JR (12, 17:47), Kennedy Calcagno JR (51, 18:46), Frankie Valdez SR (61, 18:55), Alia Johnson SR (114, 19:50), Liz Closterides SO (184, 20:56), Hayden James SO (195, 21:10).

 

Preview – IC Catholic Prep has developed into a Class 1A power in the west suburban area of Chicago. They advanced to the state meet last year by winning the Lisle Sectional. The Knights finished eight in last year’s state meet. IC Catholic Prep returns six of their top seven runners from that race.

 

Carly Manchester again will lead the team again like she did a year ago. Kennedy Calcagno was a solid second runner that was on an average 50 seconds behind her teammate during the state series. That gap should close down this fall. Frankie Valdez was all-state as a freshman but did not have a good race the following year. Valdez was within nine seconds of Calcagno at last year’s state meet. Valdez and Calcagno moving up would be a big plus for this team. The team split on five at Peoria was over two minutes. Keeping that split between 90 to 100 seconds would get the Knights closer for a trophy.

 

 

 

12 Stanford Olympia

 

Coach – Mike Neisler

 

2019 Finish – 17th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Savannah Beavers SR (8, 17:45), Anna Bieber SO (111, 19:45), Maddie Litwiller SR (118, 19:55), Ellen Springer SR (122, 19:59), Madison Bales SO (185, 20:57), Emily Litwiller SR, Emily Mayberry JR, Abby Litwiller SO, Rachel Andris FR.

 

Preview – A team that could be on the rise in central Illinois this fall. The Spartans return five runners from last year’s state team that placed 17th. “This spring was tough,” said their coach Michael Neisler. “I sent team communications via text and email weekly.  The girls filled out a workout form daily so we could all see what everyone was doing. When we found out that track season was cancelled I gave them two weeks to deal with that and we transitioned to cross-country  training the first week in May.  Most of the kids have been regularly running since then.”

 

Savannah Beavers finished in the top ten at last year’s state meet. She could be among the top five Class 1A runners this fall. They should have a tight second through fifth runner split this fall led by Anna Bieber and Maddie Litwiller along with the addition of Rachel Andris and sophomore Abby Litwiller. The sophomore ran in middle school but was on the swim team last year. Both Andris and Litwiller could be in the low 19’s this fall according to Neisler. “Everyone was pretty excited on July 28 when the IHSA published the email that the season would begin on August 10” Their main phrase they will follow this fall is prepare for the best, expect the worse. It is a message that will be echoed across the state.

 

 

 

13 Elgin Harvest Christian Academy

 

Coach – Steven Bland

 

2019 Finish – 15th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Annika Learned SO (65, 19:00), Eva Camp SO (107, 19:39), Jessica Fuja SR (146, 20:18), Ella Richter JR (164, 20:33), Eva Serrato SR (173, 20:43), Faith Winkelman SR (196, 21:14), Madi Scheiderwind SR.

 

Preview – A team to watch again this fall. The Lions return six of their top seven after finishing 15th in last year’s state meet. The top two runners for Harvest Christian Academy should be sophomores Annika Leonard and Eva Camp. Leonard ran 19:00 in the state meet while Camp finished 39 seconds behind Leonard. Camp finished ahead of her teammate at times last fall. The two should be separated by less than 10 seconds in races this fall.

 

The top five split entering this season is projected to be near 77 seconds. One of the keys will be just moving that pack closer to the front. In a Class 1A environment, a split between 60 to 80 seconds is not that bad.

 

 

 

14 Rockford Christian

 

Coach – Christine Reagan

 

2019 Finish – 13th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Kelly Giardina JR (75, 19:08), Avery Demo SO (121, 19:58), Emma Joiner SO (128, 20:01), Mackenzie Park SR (131, 20:02), Brodie Scrogin SR, Paige Gardner JR, Mandy Nelson SO, Marin Carlini FR.

 

Preview – The Royal Lions will be a good bet to keep an eye on as one of the top five teams in the Oregon Sectional Region. The team lost their top two runners from last year’s state team but return everyone else.

 

“Many of the girls on our XC team were also on the track team.  Fortunately, a number of them

 

were able to get in a few indoor meets.  During the stay-at-home order, we encouraged them to

 

continue training on their own for their track events, since at that time there was the possibility of some sort of competition late summer to wrap up the season, said Coach Christine Reagan. Unfortunately, that ultimately was not to be.  Once we got into June, the girls switched focus from track to cross country. We used Strava to help keep track of the girls’ mileage and workouts, especially once the summer started.  We also have a team group chat, which we used to regularly communicate.”

 

Kelly Giardina is the top runner returning from last year’s team. Mackenzie Park and Emma Joiner had strong summers and close the gap on Giardina. Marin Carlini is the top freshman joining the team and could contribute immediately.

 

“I am grateful for the summer conditioning and contact that we were allowed to have as a team. 

 

Obviously, this is going to be a different fall, and most of these girls have already dealt with losing the past spring track season,” said Reagan. “We are training for a full season but enjoying each day that we have, knowing how quickly things could change.  I am pleased with the growth the girls have shown over the summer and hope that they will have the opportunity to see the fruits of their labors and get to race in the fall.”

 

 

 

15 Benton

 

Coach – Brent McLain

 

2019 Finish – 12th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Mia Wills SO (60, 18:54), Hailey Wallace JR (101, 19:30), Addisyn Miller SR (119, 19:57), Peyton Tieffel JR (163, 20:32), Braelyn Miller SO (194, 21:08), Blakely Johnson FR.

 

Preview – Benton will miss multi all-state runner Amelia McLain and her sister Madilyn who both graduated. Both McLain sisters were in the top five last fall. The nucleus of their team, however, is back and should be the top team in their sectional region.

 

“Not having track was hard but being in a small town helped,” said Coach Brent McLain. “I was able to keep in touch with them frequently and having daughters that was seniors helped.” The team had a good summer of training led by Mia Wills. The sophomore split her time with cross-country and volleyball last fall. Wills concentrating on just running could place her among the elite runners in her sectional. The addition also of Blakely Johnson, a freshman, will just make their top five stronger. Hailey Wallace, Addisyn Miller, and Braelyn Miller give this team a strong group in the top five. Peyton Tieffel, who was the team’s sixth runner at state in 2019, has showed improvement during the summer. She could be near the front for this team according to McLain.

 

 

 

16 Roxana

 

Coach – Scott Edwards

 

2019 Finish – 18th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Janelynn Wirth SR (39, 18:27), Riley Doyle SO (86, 19:15), Jennifer Palen SR (137, 20:11), Gabrielle Woodruff SO (165, 20:33), Zoey Losch SO (170, 20:37), Mariah Carlisle SO (176, 20:47), Delaney O’Donnell SR (213,23:26), Kendall Kamp SO.

 

Preview – The Shells should again be one of the top Class 1A teams in the southern most sectional in the state. They return all seven runners from the team that finished 18 in the 2019 state meet. Janelynn Wirth has gone through two injuries since the state meet has been run. The last one was a stress reaction injury to her tibia. “The miles aren’t there but her strength is improved greatly along with her speed,” said her coach Scott Edwards. “I am hoping that less miles, but more strength and speed will get us close to last year’s times.  She is an excellent student of the game and is always looking to be better.” Wirth is still a runner that we could see as one of the top 20 runners in Class 1A this fall.

 

Riley Doyle gives Roxana a solid second runner that will need to stay within 65 seconds of Wirth. Jennifer Palen will lead the team’s pack as the third runner. The team top five split last year at state was 110 seconds. It could go lower in 2020.

 

“To have a season we have to do our part to fight this pandemic,” Edwards said.  This was to be our best team ever in Roxana High School history.  I had envisioned us placing in the top 15 maybe with a little luck top10.  But we are now focused on PR’s and being the best team in our Region which is no slouch but still not as good as running in Peoria.”

 

 

 

17 West Chicago Wheaton Academy

 

Coach – Chris Felinski

 

2019 Finish – 22nd, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Lily Lebo JR (74, 19:06), Kelly Bickart SR (141, 20:13), Amy Alexander SR (152, 20:24), Sarah VanderKlok (153, 20:24), Sarah Jane Lester SR (199, 21:17), Cora Gregerson SR, Elia Keys SR, Claire Bittner SR.

 

Preview – This could be the final year in Class 1A for Wheaton Academy. Their enrollment continues to climb to the point where it may shift them up a class. The Warriors have four of their top five runners back from their state team that finished 22nd a year ago.

 

This team will have a solid top four. It will be finding someone to step into the fifth spot that can stay close to their four other scorers. Lily Lebo should be the #1 runner for her team with hopes of running under 19-minutes this fall. Kelly Bickhart leads their second through fourth pack that could be within 15 seconds of each other. Amy Alexander and Sarah Vander Klok appear to be their runners in that pack. Sarah Jane Lister could be one of three runners to find herself at the fifth spot. A key will be keeping her within 20 seconds of the three runner pack. The second through fifth pack could have a 46 second projected pack. They will just need to keep it within 45 seconds of Lebo.

 

 

 

18 Elmwood

 

Coach – Kyle Anderson

 

2019 Finish – 6th, Class 1A Elmwood Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Chloe Kelly SO, Caroline Gallagher SO, Sophie Bedell JR, Melody Glenn SO, Catherine Karn JR, Bre Turner SO, Ashley Wolcott SO, Allie Crisco SO.

 

Preview – Elmwood just missed making it to the state meet finishing sixth in their own sectional last year. Things look promising for the Trojans as five of their top seven runners are back from that team. All five runners are underclassmen.

 

Chloe Kelly and Sophie Bedell traded off the #1 spot in the final three meets of the season The two should be within five seconds of each other. Caroline Gallagher was the team’s second runner in the sectional race and should stay close to the front two. Their projected top five split should be around 68 seconds. The pack will need to move up about 15 seconds for this team to improve on what they did last year.

 

 

 

19 DuQuoin

 

Coach – Eric Kirkpatrick

 

2019 Finish – 14th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Olivia Phillips JR (59, 18:52), Lauren Heape JR (63, 18:57), Grace Alongi JR (143, 20:14), Jacqueline Crain SR (177, 20:47), Alexis George JR (202, 21:23), Robin Horton SO (207, 21:53), Ryleigh Ridgeway SO, Maddie Decker JR, Kallie Oestreicher SR.

 

Preview – DuQuoin will look to better their 2019 14 place finish. They will miss their team leader Gabby Alongi who graduated. They return the rest of their top seven. “She will obviously be missed for both her performance on the course and her leadership at every workout,” said their coach Eric Kirkpatrick.

 

Olivia Phillips and Lauren Heape should be the team leaders on the course. They were part of the team’s top three in 2019. Jacqueline Crain is entering her final year at DuQuoin and could be the surprise for this team. “Jacqueline has come back for her senior season with a purpose,” said Kirkpatrick. “She has approached every single voluntary workout we have done this offseason with a competitive edge and she pushes our group every single day.” Alexis George is healthy after running through some health issues last fall. She could be a factor again for this team. Kallie Oestreicher joins the team with a good chance to jump into the top five.

 

DuQuoin was caught off guard like everyone else but appear again to be one of the top teams in the Benton Sectional. “We communicated via group messages,” Kirkpatrick added. “Although we were not allowed to meet as a team, several of our upperclassmen would get the group together and do a workout that I provided each week.  As the season went along we even added simulated meet days where we put them in events and would time trial.” The Indians will be a team that will toe the line at Detweiller in November if we get to that point.

 

 

 

20 Chicago University

 

Coach – Josey Mintel

 

2019 Finish – 21st, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Amanda O’Donnell JR (21, 17:53), Sophia Park JR (95, 19:20), Sana Shaliuil SR (154, 20:25), Viviana Glick SR (169, 20:36), Iris Xie SR (182, 20:52), Aanika Atluri SR (192, 21:07), Karina Escobedo SR, Maya El Shamsy SO.

 

Preview – It could be a dicey start of the season for U-High. They are still waiting for the approval from their school board to be allowed to compete and practice as a team for the upcoming season according to Boys Coach Alex Clark. He is now just focusing on the boys team for 2020. Josey Mintel steps in as the new Girls Coach.

 

Mintel has a good group awaiting her. Six of last year’s top seven runners are back. Amanda O’Donnell earned all-state honors for the second year in a row in 2019 and should be one of the top 15 runners in Class 1A. Sophia Park leads the pack behind O’Donnell. The split from their second through fifth runner at the state meet was 92 seconds. That time will need to come down as the season progresses.

 

“I’m really excited to see how our team will come together. As a new coach during the pandemic, I am have not gotten a chance to meet our incoming freshmen or other new team members, but our Girls’ team is currently the strongest it has ever been,” Mintel stated. “Our team hasn't been able to meet in person or do any training together. However, I am happily surprised by how well our team has adapted to running on their own and doing individual time trials. They amaze me with how high they keep their spirits and motivation, despite the circumstances.”

 

 

 

21 Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin

 

Coach – Josh Bluhm

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 1A Elmwood Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Kaitlyn Lee SO, Vivian Rahmel SO, Ashlyn Nicoud JR, Paige Mattiuz SO, Sterling Scarlette SO, Sophie Billingsley SO, Erin Murphy SR, Abigail Hemmer JR.

 

Preview – The move down to Class 1A was beneficial for SHG last fall even though they did not make it to state finishing seventh in the tough Elmwood Sectional. There were times last fall that they were rated in the top 25. Things again should look good for the Cyclones returning six of their top seven runners from that sectional race.

 

Kaitlyn Lee and Vivian Rahmel were in the team’s top five most of last year as a freshmen. They could be the team’s top runners along with Ashlyn Nicoud. Things are promising in the future for Sacred Heart-Griffin. Five of their six returning runners will be sophomores this fall.

 

 

 

22 Aurora Central Catholic

 

Coach – Troy Kerber

 

2019 Finish – 6th, Class 1A Oregon Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Isabelle Orosco SO (36, 18:19), Maggie Dervis SR, Analaura Ponce JR, Jenna Stuck JR, Katelyn Dineen JR, Isabella Mendieta SO, Kate McDonnell SO.

 

Preview – It was heartbreak for Aurora Central Catholic in last fall’s Oregon Sectional. They finished sixth just missing qualifying for the state meet. They missed that fifth place spot by six points. With the IHSA changing the number of teams advancing from a Class 1A sectional from five to six teams, the Chargers could be among the top six teams if there is a state series. Five runners of their top seven in that race are back.

 

Isabella Orozco qualified as an individual to run at state finishing 36th overall. The sophomore could be among the top 25 Class 1A runners this fall. What will have to be watched is the team’s top five split. It was 199 seconds in their sectional race. It is projected to be 189 seconds to start this season. It needs to come down another 25 seconds for this team to challenge as a top 20 team in this classification.

 

 

 

23 Williamsville

 

Coach – Tyler Casson

 

2019 Finish – 16th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Katherine Walker JR (105, 19:35), Allie Henrikson SO (172, 20:40), Katie Kennedy SR (175, 20:46), Marisa Jeffers SO (178, 20:47), Jenna Rademacher SR (181,20:50), Goldeen Kabylarczyk SO, Lindsay Law JR.

 

Preview – Williamsville lost their top two runners to graduation after finishing 16th in the Class 1A state race. The five other runners from the team return led by Katharine Walker. The junior figures to be almost a minute ahead of the rest of her teammates heading into this season. The success for this team will come down to their great pack running. Their split from their fourth runner at state Allie Henrikson and their seventh runner Jenna Rademacher was only 10 seconds.

 

The key for this team is moving Walker closer to the front. The key for the pack is keeping that split but moving closer to Walker by at least 20 seconds.

 

 

 

24 Seneca

 

Coach – Kim Foster

 

2019 Finish – 8th, Class 1A Oregon Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Audrey Jenkins JR (90, 19:17), Amber Vroman SR, Marie Cheshareck SR, Ashley Alsvig SO, Riley Samburg SO, Delaney Welsh SR, Emily Hess SR, Grace Steffes FR, Lauren Cronkrite FR, Kaitlyn Ehler JR.

 

Preview – The Irish are a team that looks to improve for this 2020 season. Seneca will look to improve on last year’s eighth-place sectional finish. Five runners return from that team.

 

Audrey Jenkins qualified individually for state for the second year in a row. Look for her to bounce back after finishing 90th in Peoria. Seniors Amber Vroman and Marie Cheshareck will lead the pack behind Jenkins. Freshmen Grace Steffes and Lauren Cronkrite could be among their top seven. Kaitlyn Ehler is running for the first time after playing volleyball. She might have a chance also in the top seven.

 

“This season will be different than in the past,” said Seneca Coach Kim Foster. “My message to them is to have fun and train like we are going to state.  We are just grateful that we get to have a season and look forward to our new season schedule.”

 

 

 

25 Champaign St. Thomas More

 

Coach – Andrew Wszalek

 

2019 Finish – 11th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Kennedy Ramshaw SO (70, 19:04), Reese Hogan SR (98, 19:24), Claire Monahan SO (185, 20:27), Skyler Anderson FR, Emily Herges FR, Gianna Krepps FR, Emma Devocelle FR.

 

Preview – This could be a reloading year for the Sabers after finishing 11th at last year’s state meet. St. Thomas More loses their top two runners as Fran Hendrickson graduated and Bella Ramshaw transferred.

 

“Assistant Head Coach Maris Wszalek has been in touch remotely with the team since we learned of the cancellation of the spring seasons. We had some strong veteran leadership this off-season and the girls were able to build a community with the incoming freshmen without much oversight.,” Head Coach Andrew Wszalek said. “We already had a strong report and work ethic at the start of summer conditioning and that has carried into the start of the season.”

 

Reese Hogan is one of three runners that has state experience along with Kennedy Ramshaw and Claire Monahan. Wszalek will need to count on a strong freshman group to fill in the other spots. “I have been very impressed with Reese Hogan,” added Wszalek. “Not surprising that a senior is bought in, but she has been an exceptional model of responsibility and positive attitude. The younger runners have had an excellent role model this summer.”

 

 

 

26 El Paso-Gridley

 

Coach – Michael Melick

 

2019 Finish – 8th, Class 1A Elmwood Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Ruby Slightom (38, 18:21), Jenna Kent JR, Charlene Hamilton JR, Tori Witzig SR, Hillary Gramm SO, Annabelle Younse SO.

 

Preview – El Paso-Gridley finished eight in the Elmwood Sectional and return five of their top seven runners from that race. Ruby Slightom was an individual qualifier and finished 38th at state. Watch for the pack behind Slightom to move closer. That split was 98 seconds in their sectional race led by Jenna Kent. This should be a year or learning with a focus towards the 2021 season. Five of the top six runners are underclassmen.

 

 

 

27 Westmont

 

Coach – Steve Wolf

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 1A Lisle Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Lizzy Szynal JR (134, 20:07), Mikayla Hickey JR, Isabella Greaney SR, Lily Kaestner SO, Evelyn Kostal SR.

 

Preview – The Sentinels should be a team to watch for in the Lisle Sectional region. They return five of their top seven runners from last year’s sectional team. Sophomore Abbey Strohmaier, their third runner last year, will not be out for the team. She will miss the fall season due to medical reasons but should be track in the spring according to their Coach Steve Wolf.

 

Lizzy Szynal qualified for state as an individual last year. She is in top shape according to Wolf. She would like more of her teammates on the starting line in the state meet. “All we can do is take it day to day,” added Wolf. “We will rain to compete like any other season. We will just have to stay positive and stay safe.”

 

 

 

28 Freeburg

 

Coach – Carl Florczyk

 

2019 Finish – 20th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Abby Holcomb SR (144, 20:15), Reagan Lucas SR (145, 20:17), Shelbie Hansen SR (161, 20:31), Carmen Stein JR (198, 21:16), Kalcee Marshall JR (200, 21:20), Natalie Peterson SO, Izzy Hoerchler SO, Megan Weilmuenster SR.

 

Preview – Freeburg’s top two runners at the state meet have graduated. The Midgets finished 20 at last year’s state meet returning the remaining five that ran in that race. “Our team has worked extremely hard this summer,” said their Coach Carl Florczyk. “Our athletes have showed tremendous dedication.”

 

Seniors Abby Holcomb and Reagan Lucas are ready to step up as the top runners on this team. Freeburg is projected to have a top five split at 87 seconds heading into this season.

 

 

 

29 Newton

 

Coach – Brock Tarr

 

2019 Finish – 11th, Class 1A St. Anthony Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Rylea Borgic JR, Lucy Yager SR, Taylor Slough SO, Payton Kinder SO, Alexis Hetzer SO.

 

Preview – A team that could find its peak in 2021. Four of their top five runners back are all underclassmen. Lucy Yager is the only senior projected to be in the top five for Newton. Rylea Borgic was the team’s second runner in their sectional race. She could be close to a minute ahead of the rest of the pack. Their second through five group needs to stay within 70 seconds of each other and within 50 seconds of Borgic for good things to happen for this team this fall.

 

 

 

30 Anna-Jonesboro

 

Coach – Matt Denny

 

2019 Finish – 9th, Class 1A Benton Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Brodie Denny SO (130, 20:01), Kristin Edmonds JR, Julia Hall SR, Marisol Zamora JR, Kaylee Stover SO, Olivia Bowen SR, Amiyah Hart SR, Jessie Sartin SO.

 

Preview – A team that is usually not among top teams list at the beginning of the season. Anna-Jonesboro should be among the top five teams in the Benton Sectional. All of their top seven runners are back from last year’s ninth-place sectional team.

 

Brodie Denny concluded a successful freshman campaign by qualifying for the state meet and missing going under 20-minutes by one second (20:01). Kristin Edmonds and Julia Hall should lead the pack behind Denny. Keeping the next four scorers within 55 seconds of each other and within 60 seconds of Brodie could make the Lady Wildcats among the elite Class 1A teams in the southern most sectional in the state.

 

 

 

Next 20 Schools (In Alphabetical Order)

 

 

 

Belleville Althoff Catholic

 

Coach – Michael Sanders

 

2019 Finish – 8th, Class 1A Benton Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Julia O’Neill SR (106, 19:37), Nariah Parks SR, Kiersten Scheibel SO, Dariona Heavens JR, Eris Nelson SO, Azia Douglas JR, Angelica Brown SR, Emily Cange SO, Glorya Chemakova JR.

 

Preview – It would not surprise me to see this squad among the top six in the Benton Sectional. Julia O’Neill made it to state as an individual last year and should make it back among the runners at Detweiller Park. We know Nariah Parks for her abilities on the track. She could round out her high school career in Peoria. Towards the end of last year, she was within an average of eight seconds of O’Neill. The key for this team is getting their third through fifth runners closer to the front pack and closer within each other. The projected split right now is near 110 seconds for those three runners.

 

“It’s been tough on so many people this summer that we are just trying to be safe and trust God in all His sovereignty,” said their coach Mike Sanders.  “Having hope and praying often has brought peace to our team just knowing that being in God’s will is our blessing. We are often reminded with the current situation that we want to remain compassionate, kind, and loving to all around us...it is a tough time right now and we do not need to add fear to the list. Remaining positive and doing things right will get us through together...being a family is what’s driving this team this season.”

 

 

 

Bloomington Central Catholic

 

Coach – Bill Rhodes

 

2019 Finish – 9th, Class 1A Elmwood Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Nora Brady SO, Anna Zlatic JR, Isabella Evans JR, Kaylie Eckhoff JR, Penny Bordewick JR, Ellen Brouillette SO, Sara Vose JR, Sophia Dappen JR.

 

Preview – A team to watch for in the next couple of years. All of their top 10 runners for Bloomington Central Catholic heading into this season are underclassmen. Nora Brady, a sophomore, should again be the top runner on this team. Anna Zlatic and Isabella Evans should lead the pack behind Brody. Their top five split at the end of last year averaged near 135 seconds. That needs to come down by seven seconds per runner to put this team among the top six in the Elmwood Sectional.

 

 

 

Breese Central

 

Coach – Kurt Peters

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 1A Benton Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Kristin Ess SR (91, 19:19), Alyssa Santel SR, Haley Huelsmann SO, Elizabeth Detmer SO, Regan Albers SR, Emma Wesselmann SR, Elizabeth Schroeder JR, Lucia Knapp JR.

 

Preview – Individual state qualifier from 2019 Kristen Ess again should be the team’s top runner heading into this season. This squad has the experience return six from last year’s top seven. The key for this team to improve on last year’s seventh-place finish is to cut their top five split from an average of 160 seconds down to 110 seconds. Alyssa Santel should be the next runner behind Ess leading the pack.

 

 

 

Breese Mater Dei

 

Coach – Dave Kohnen

 

2019 Finish – 26th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Alexis Kampworth SO (113, 19:47), Avery Rahden SO (116,19:51), Julia Korte SO (193, 21:07), Alyse Monken SO (204, 21:27), Mailee Toennies JR (210, 22:17), Morgan Oertel SR, Mallory Emig SR.

 

Preview – Not too many teams can make it to the state meet with four of their top five runners as freshman. Mater Dei did that in 2019. A year older, that experience could grow to better things in this fall cross country campaign. They have a solid one-two punch in the front with Alexis Kampworth and Avery Rahden leading the way. The top five split in their state race was 100 second. That will need to come down for this team just to get back to Peoria.

 

 

 

Casey-Westfield

 

Coach – Lynnae Yates

 

2019 Finish – 2nd, Class 1A Robinson Regional

 

Runners to Watch – Payton Ross JR, Jasmyn Self SO, Eva Richardson SR, Grace Towles SO, Britney Wright SR.

 

Preview – Only five runners toed the line in last fall’s St. Anthony Sectional after finishing second the week before at the Robinson Regional. The Lady Warriors only had four runners finish and did not show up in the final sectional standings. This year should be different for this team as they return all of their top five runners led by Payton Ross. There could be some freshmen in this team this fall. It something we will just have to wait and see.

 

 

 

Decatur St. Teresa

 

Coach – Todd Vohland

 

2019 Finish – 8th, Class 1A St. Anthony Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Ellie Stahr SO, Megan Dunscomb JR, Hannah Hollis SR, Morgan Brummer SR, Demi Drake JR, Alexis Raphell SO.

 

Preview – Ellie Stahr should step into the #1 runner role for the Bulldogs now that their all-state runner and multi state meet qualifier Veronica Hein has graduated. Four other top seven runners besides Stahr is back. The key will be getting their pack closer to this sophomore. The average gap last year was close to 125 seconds. Megan Dunscomb and Hannah Hollis should be the leaders of that pack.

 

 

 

Des Plaines Willows Academy

 

Coach – Sara Danielewicz

 

2019 Finish – 11th, Class 1A Lisle Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Francoise Lechner SO, Penelope Rodriguez SR, Emma Dunaway SR, Lucy James SO, Maureen Penner SR, Maria Jose Estrada SR, Joanna Kryczka SR.

 

Preview – The Eagles are a team that we could see move up this fall within the Lisle Sectional. Six runners are back from last year’s top seven. Francoise Lechner and Penelope Rodriguez traded off the top spot most of last year. Both should push each other to faster times. Their top five split towards the end of last year was over two minutes. It could be under85 seconds by the time we get to the state series.

 

 

 

Kankakee McNamara

 

Coach – Preston Provost

 

2019 Finish – 9th, Class 1A Lisle Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Madison Hamilton SR, Addie Langelett SO, Jade Baker SR, Eden Rainbolt SR, Krista Suprenant SO, Anna Latham SR, Kaylee Woolman SR.

 

Preview – If we have a state meet, another team that could find their way into the top six at the Lisle Sectional. All seven runners are back from the 2019 sectional team. Five of those seven runners enter this fall as seniors. Madison Hamilton and Addie Langelett should be the top runners for the Irish.

 

 

 

Litchfield

 

Coach – Jeremy Palmer

 

2019 Finish – 9th, Class 1A St. Anthony Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Kylie Eiting JR, Myka Fenton SO, Delanie Ulrich SO, Karly Kruse SR, Elizabeth Dawson SR, Carson Lemon SR.

 

Preview – Myka Fenton and Kylie Eiting should be the top runners on this squad that return five of last year’s top seven. Eitling was the team’s second runner in the South Central Conference Meet and sectional race. Fenton was the team’s second runner at the Shelbyville Regional. The team will need to work on their projected almost five minute top five split in order to be among the top six sectional qualifying teams.

 

 

 

Lombard Montini Catholic

 

Coach – Gail Casey

 

2019 Finish – 12th, Class 1A Lisle Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Katherine Gertsen SO (53, 18:47), Kathryn Peters JR, Heather Sledzinski SR, Audrey Kekstadt JR, Diane Maimonis JR, Anna Carrigan JR, Natalie Scalamera SR.

 

Preview – The Lady Broncos are a team that we could see in the top 30 list by the end of September. The talent is on this roster with five runners back led by state qualifier Katherine Gertsen. She finished 53 last fall as a freshman. The sky could be the limit for her this fall. Their second through fifth runner split will need to be worked on this fall. It is projected to be at 100 seconds heading into this season.

 

 

 

Orion

 

Coach – Morgan Leffel

 

2019 Finish – 9th, Class 1A Oregon Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Maryn Bollinger SR, Izzy Nordstrom JR, Hayley Vanduyne JR, Melaina Meisenburg SO, Lily Moen SR, Avery Noble SR, Rachel Vanduyne SR.

 

Preview – The Chargers snuck up on some in last year’s state series. They first finished third in the Rock Falls Regional. They followed that up by finishing ninth at the Oregon Sectional. We could see more of the same this fall with the exception that Orion will not be a surprise. Six out of their top seven are back from that 2019 team. Maryn Bollinger again should emerge as the team’s top runner. Izzy Nordstrom should lead the pack behind Bollinger but will need to stay within 42 seconds of her teammate. The Nordstrom-led split on two through five will need to stay under 115 seconds.

 

 

 

Palos Heights Chicago Christian

 

Coach – Jake Christiansen

 

2019 Finish – 13th, Class 1A Lisle Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Katie Steinhagen SO, Anna Enderle SO, Molly Bugos SO, Elizabeth Friesen JR, Kayla Yukawa SO, Holland Rumbuc SO, Emma Enderle SR, Julia Schipma SR.

 

Preview – Chicago Christian returns six of their top seven from last year’s 13th place sectional team. Katie Steinhagen should again be the team’s top runner. The Knights should have a strong top four runners with an average 54 seconds separating all four runners. Their key is improving the split on their final scorer. It was three minutes in last year’ s sectional race.

 

 

 

Pinckneyville

 

Coach – Ryan Bruns

 

2019 Finish – 6th, Class 1A Benton Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Ashlee Hirsch JR (132, 20:03), Taylor Kurtz JR, Cagney Kwiatowski JR, Gayle Winter SR, Emma Francis JR, Lindsey Geffers JR, Olivia Wiggers SO, Kassity Lee SR.

 

Preview – The Lady Panthers just missed qualifying for state in 2019 finishing sixth at the Benton Sectional. The rules have changed for 2020 with six schools advancing to Peoria in Class 1A. Ashlee Hirsch qualified as an individual finishing 132nd and leads four other runners back from that sectional team. Taylor Kurtz was within 23 seconds of Hirsch in the sectional race. Staying that close to her teammate this year will be a bonus for Pinckneyville. Their top five split off Hirsch is projected to be between 145 and 150 seconds. That might be good enough for them to punch their ticket to the state meet.

 

 

 

Pleasant Plains

 

Coach – Rob Havens

 

2019 Finish – 10th, Class 1A Elmwood Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Megan Derrick SO (112, 19:47), Vianne Taft SO, Izzy Dossett JR, Analise Brewer SR, Campbell Beeler JR, Anna Cochran SR, Anna Moore JR.

 

Preview – Three-time XC all-state runner Caroline Jachino has graduated. There is not a hole to fill in the top spot. It could be Megan Derrick that claims it. Derrick qualified for state last year as a freshman. Four other runners are back joining Derrick in the top five. Work will need to be done on the top five split. It is projected to be close to six minutes heading into their first meet.

 

 

 

Quincy Notre Dame

 

Coach – Kristin Sturhahn

 

2019 Finish – 13th, Class 1A Elmwood Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Teresa Drofar JR, Georgia Wilson SR, Morgan Patton SO, Josie Lewis JR, Lyla Graham SO.

 

Preview – Five of the top six runners from Quincy Notre Dame’s sectional team that finished 13th are back. Reese Terstriep was the team’s top runner throughout last year but has transferred to crosstown Quincy High School. Teresa Drofar should step into that top spot. The talent is on this roster to get into the top 10 at Elmwood’s sectional. They will just need to keep their top five split under three minutes.

 

 

 

Shelbyville

 

Coach – Chris Mosley

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 1A St. Anthony Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Gabrielle Spain JR (47, 18:40), Ellie Nohren SO, Brook Schutt JR, Emma Congenie JR, Trinity Wade JR, Ella Tynan JR, Caroline White FR.

 

Preview – The Rams will miss multi all-state runner Ailey Mitchell who graduated last spring. They do return Gabrielle Spain. Not only is she a great distance runner, she is just as good in the Pole Vault. Spain was all-state as a freshman (16). She finished 47 in 2019. Watch for Spain to bounce back this fall.

 

The key for this team is building a strong pack behind Spain. Sophomore Ellie Nohren should be the runner to lead that group.

 

“Directly following the sectional meet last fall I spoke to the team about going all in and how different we would look in 2020 if we did,” said Shelbyville Coach Chris Mosley. “While a lot has changed about the 2020 season, our commitment has not. This is the most fit group of Shelbyville girls I have ever been around. We will have 4 girls who ran over 500 miles in a 12 week window, and 3 more who will be around 400. Last year our number 3 girl was just under 400 for comparisons sake.”

 

 

 

 

 

Staunton

 

Coach – Steve Moore

 

2019 Finish – 10th, Class 1A St. Anthony Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Lydia Roller SR (2, 16:58), Brooke Kinder JR, Bailey Scroggins SR, Dana Jarden SR, Lexi Pfeiffer SO, Hannah Dustman SR.

 

Preview – It will be the last time around Detweiller Park for Lydia Roller as she enters her senior season. We hope we have state to see her get that chance. “I continue to talk about finding the silver lining in every situation and to try and appreciate what "normalcy" was like in the past,” said Coach Steve Moore.

 

Staunton should improve on last year’s 10th place sectional finish. The senior oriented with Roller, Bailey Scroggins, and Dana Jarden leading the way.

 

 

 

Teutopolis

 

Coach – Brooke Hoene

 

2019 Finish – 13th, Class 1A St. Anthony Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Jessica Runde SR, Tory Tenson SR, Ella Zumbahlen SO, Katherine Kingery JR, Aubrey Collins JR, Kylie Hoelscher SR.

 

Preview – Another team that we should see climb up in the St. Anthony Sectional. The Lady Shoes return six runners from their sectional team led by Jessica Runde. The senior could be in position to qualify for state as an individual. She could have her teammates with her on the starting line if they can only close their split on their second through fifth runners.

 

 

 

Toulon Stark County

 

Coach – Bob Rennick

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 1A Oregon Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Ashley Orrick SR, Paige Rewerts SO, Alyssa Dyken SR, Trinity Shimmin SR, Lena Becker SR, Sarah Fairfield SR.

 

Preview – The Lady Rebels will enter the 2020 season looking to replace two of their top five runners. This team still has the nucleus to better their seventh-place sectional finish and put themselves in position to qualify for the state meet.

 

“I was impressed with how much work my girls have put in, which can be tough when you are forced to work on your own for the most part,” said their Coach Bob Rennick.” Ashley Orrick was the second runner last year and looks to be the team’s #1 runner. Lena Becker had a great summer of training and could run closer to the front this fall. Mackenzie Stahl and Riley Menssen are sprinters on the track team and play volleyball in the fall. The move of volleyball to the spring could push these two runners into the top seven. Freshman Kimora Barnwell is also a sprinter in track. She could factor into the team’s lineup. “We just want to keep a positive focus,” Rennick added. “All it is for us is to work and train day to day and do not let the prospect of future set-backs stand in our way of success.  We just have to keep our eye on our team and individual goals.”

 

 

 

Tremont

 

Coach – Mike Lynn

 

2019 Finish – 19th, Class 1A State

 

Runners to Watch – Alida Proehl SO (133, 20:07), Sada Scheurmann JR (158, 20:29), Ada Pflederer SR (205, 21:32), Stephanie Buck SR, Abby Scott SR, Grace Smalley JR, Alice Gioranetto SO.

 

Preview – This could be a rebuilding year for the Turks after finishing 19 in last year’s state meet. Only three of the top seven state runners return. Alida Proehl and Sada Scheurmann have that state meet experience and should lead this team. The top five split could be close to 130 seconds. Moving the pack closer to the front and condensing the split on their five could push this team into the top six in the tough Elmwood Sectional.