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2020 Illinois High School Cross Country Individual Previews - Class 1A GirlsPublished by
2020 Illinois High School Cross Country Individual Previews - Class 1A Girls
Roller to challenge defending champion Surtz one more time at Detweiller (we hope)
By Michael Newman
Take a snapshot of last year’s Class 1A state meet race between Lianna Surtz of Rosary and Lydia Roller of Staunton.
Now apply it to the 2020 season and hope we get to Detweiller Park in November.
Both runners have improved since the last time the faced each other at Detweiller last year. It would be great the two to face off one last time. Surtz was 17 seconds ahead of Roller last season. I am certain the two runners will be closer this time around.
19 out of the top 30 runners in last year’s state meet are back. It will make this classification just that more exciting this fall.
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.
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.
Top 5 Class 1A Girls Runners
1 Lianna Surtz – JR – Aurora Rosary
Comments – It is the stride on a cross country course or a track by Lianna Surtz that is mesmerizing. It is effortless. Her stride going uphill, going downhill never changes. She just finds that click at the start and goes ahead on her run.
Surtz starts this season as the defending Class 1A state champion. She ran by herself in most of her races last fall. Surtz finished second at the Richard Spring Invitational with Katelynne Hart ahead of her by 44 seconds. Surtz finished nine seconds ahead of Ava Parekh. The order was different at the Naperville Twilight Invitational with Hart winning, then Parekh, then Surtz three seconds behind. The rest of the races were all a solo effort. Remember, she finished second as a freshman in the Class 2A State race just barely behind Brooke Stromsland.
The junior had good finishes in her three national races that she raced in. Surtz finished third in the Roy Griak Invitational in Minnesota. She finished 12 in both the NXR Midwest Regional and the Foot Locker Midwest Regional. She missed qualifying for the Foot Locker Nationals by two places. With the Foot Locker Nationals still not cancelled, she still may get on of the top 10 regional places to make it to San Diego if that meet is held. She showed her fitness level at the end of July when she ran 10:53 for 3200-meters then coming back to run 5:00.83 for the 1-Mile Run at the Illinois Meet of Champions at the end of July.
If the state meet is held, we can expect Surtz being in front. Her schedule again does not look like she will have anyone pushing her. We could see a fast race from her from one of the meets that Rosary has scheduled at Harvest Christian Academy. When all is said and done this season, she will be running again solo.
2 Lydia Roller – SR – Staunton
Comments – A race that I hope I get to see at Detweiller Park in November (if we have it) would be the usual first scheduled race on the course. I would guess from after a strong spring summer of training, we would see Lydia Roller closer than the 17 seconds she was behind Lianna Surtz at last year’s state meet. It seemed like every time that I went on social media, Roller was finding a track to do workouts in. It a track was locked down in her town, she would drive another place to find a place to run quarters. That is the heart of a champion. But we knew that about Roller already.
Her senior season could take a detour if there is no state meet. She will make the best out of the situation that is presented to her. We saw that from this senior in her racing last fall. In the eight races that she competed in other than the state meet, she won six of them including the Class 1A race at the First to the Finish Invitational along with the Shelbyville Regional and St. Anthony Sectional.
Her track season was cut short last winter before the pandemic hit in March. In that time, Roller ran 11:11 for 3200-meters and 5:16 for 1600-meters at indoor meets. She did run a 5:10 time-trial at the end of April solo.
“Lydia has set a standard of excellence both in sports and in the classroom,” said Staunton Coach Steve Moore. “She gives our student body a peer role model to look up to. Her work ethic and maturity are uncanny for a high school athlete. As for her legacy, she revitalized our program from the moment she came in as a freshman. The SCC title we won that season was only the school's third overall, and our Regional title and State appearance were both firsts for SHS cross country. Her individual achievements at the state level make her one of the greatest athletes in school history.”
3 Anna Perry – JR – Eureka
Comments – Perhaps the one of the most improved runners in Illinois last year. It showed for Anna Perry in her fourth-place finish at state last fall. Consider what she did her freshman season when she ran 19:10 to finish 81st overall at state. She dropped her time down by three minutes to running 17:09 at state. Her confidence began to grow at the beginning of October when she won five races in a row before getting to the state meet. It also helps that she has Alexi Fogo, another all-state runner, to train with. Big things are ahead for Perry the next two years.
4 Natalia Martino – SR – Winnebago
Comments – One of the reasons why Winnebago won a state championship last fall and why they will be ranked #1 in Class 1A this season. Natalia Martino is a three-time all-state runner and will look for a fourth if we get to that point. Nevertheless, she will be one of the top runners in Class 1A. Martino started in 2017 as a freshman finishing 10th. That was followed by her finishing 13th but dropping her time down to 17:45 in that state race as a sophomore. Her time dropped down last year when she ran 17:41 to finish sixth at state. Martino won the regional race on her home course, then followed that the following week by finishing third at the Oregon Sectional behind Lianna Surtz and Bailee Fortney.
“Natalia has been a picture of consistency,” said Winnebago Coach Janet Erb. “She works hard and continues to improve. This spring she time trialed a 1600 in 5:13 and has continued to build off that.”
5 Julia Wolke – JR – Arlington Hts. Christian Liberty Academy
Comments – Julia Wolke is one runner that could be a surprise in Class 1A this fall for some people. Her record speaks for herself so anything that she does will not surprise me. Wolke has been all-state in her first two years of high school. She finished seventh in both state meets. She ran 17:35 in her freshman year. She ran 17:45 last year at Detweiller Park. The races that she ran in got a little runner against runners in either Class 2A or Class 3A. She finished 10 in The Palatine Invitational. The following week she ran at Niles West where she placed fourth. She will not have those big meets this fall. One meet to watch her in is at Harvest Christian Academy on September 5. Rosary is also scheduled to be there led by defending 1A state champion Lianna Surtz.
“Julia is very motivated this season,” said her mother and Christian Liberty coach Lissette Wolke. “We are still unsure as to what the season will look like in terms of meets and a State series, but Julia has been able to continue to work hard and stay positive through it all. She has been very consistent in her training this summer, running a lot of miles in the heat. She placed 7th at State both freshman and sophomore year. She is working to move up from that position this year.”
Next Class 1A Runners (In Alphabetical Order)
Isabel Arthur – SO – Marshall
Comments – Watch for a bounce back sophomore season for Isabel Arthur this fall. She finished in the top five in the first eight high school meets that she raced in. That included finishing second in the Little Illini Conference behind Tatum David. The following week, Arthur won her regional race at Robinson.
She was not up front in the St. Anthony Sectional race. Arthur still qualified for the state meet as the fifth individual qualifier. The following week she finished 104th in the state meet.
Kate Ahmari – SO – Urbana University
Comments – Kate Ahmari put up some great races in her freshman year of high school running. I think the best is still yet to come for this sophomore. She finished in the top four in the nine races before the state meet. She had the most success at Tuscola’s Wimple Park where she won her only races of the season. She ran 18:28 to win the Tuscola Classic. She returned for the Tuscola Regional Meet where she ran 18:16 for the win. Ahmari missed all-state in the state meet running 18:13 to finish 28th.
“Kate has been putting in consistent work throughout the entire summer,” said U-High Coach Rachael Brewer. “Kate was looking forward to a strong Spring, and while she had to shift her priorities she did not get discouraged. She is coming into the season injury free and really setting herself up as a leader with her work ethic and dedication. She is transforming from a quiet, shy freshman to a strong leader.”
Evelyn Atkins – SR – Tolono Unity
Comments – Evelyn Atkins again will be one of the top runners for Tolono Unity. She was the team’s third runner in last year’s state meet when she finished 41st overall. She did earn all-state honors her freshman season when she ran 18:25 to finish 25th. She also ran at state as a sophomore in 2018 finishing 57th. Atkins had top 10 finishes last fall at the Tuscola Classic and the Illini Prairie Conference Meet.
“Evelyn Atkins did not run the little bit of an indoor season that we had but has been steadily getting back into her training routine since late spring,” said Unity Coach Kara Leaman. “Her experience will be on her side as she embraces her current levels of fitness and squeezes into our top pack. She brings a lot of life and love to our team and has come through for the team when we need her most. I do not expect her senior year will be any different.”
Ansley Bailey – SR – Metropolis Massac County
Comments – A name some of you may not be familiar with. Fans in the southern portion of the state certainly know Ansley Bailey. She ran at the Peoria Central Invitational for the first time last fall when she ran 18:12 to finish 11 in the Class 1A/2A race. A month later at the state meet, Bailey ran a personal best of 17:49 to finish 14th. She has run in the state meet three times. She finished 29th her freshman year running 18:34. She finished 63rd as a sophomore in 2018 running a 18:56 finishing time.
“Her training over the summer for this year has been consistent/similar to years past as she a course at her house that she is able to train on,” said Massac County Coach Cory Hastings. “Goals for the season include staying below 18:00, winning conference, regionals, sectionals and being top 5 at state and winning all regular season meets. These are pretty high goals but with her dedication and work she has put in over the summer they are definitely attainable goals. She also verbally committed to SIU Carbondale over the summer for cross country and track.
Savanah Beavers – SR – Stanford Olympia
Comments – It appears that Savanah Beavers took a step up to the next level during this spring and summer off time. She ran a personal best of 11:31.35 for 3200-meters and 5:18.52 for the 1 Mile Run at the Illinois Meet of Champions at the end of July. Beavers took her first step up in last year’s state meet when she ran a personal best 17:45 to finish eighth. She had run in the state meet two other times placing 59th as a freshman and 36th as a sophomore. Her state race last November were set up by a third-place finish on her home course at the regional meet and fourth-place in the Elmwood Sectional.
“What a worker, she loves to run, and is a highly motivated young lady,” said Olympia Coach Michael Neisler. “She has put in over 500 miles since the first of May and ran some pretty decent times at the Illinois Meet of Champions. She could have a great year.”
Ella Bittner – SR – Normal University
Comments – Ella Bittner should be U-High’s top runner this fall. She should be one of the top Class 1A runners this fall. She missed all-state last year running 18:10 and finishing 27th. She was all-state as a sophomore when she ran 17:40 to finish 11th in the Class 2A State Meet.
“Ella has been dealing little nagging "injuries" since April,” said U-High Coach John Neisler. “Nothing that really prevents her from running, but things that prevent us from being comfortable with pushing her limits. She is in shape, running regularly, and once we are able to up the intensity, Ella and Lizzy (Zacharias) would be a great 1-2 for our team.”
Mabry Bruhn – SO – Monticello
Grace Erb – SO – Winnebago
Comments – The younger of the Erb sisters. Grace had a strong freshman season that culminated with a 25th place finish earning her an all-state honor. Her fastest time of last fall was when she ran 17:54 to finish second at the First to the Finish Invitational. Erb could end up anywhere from second to sixth runner on this strong Winnebago team. She should be among the top 20 1A runners this fall.
“She is ahead of where she was last year,” said her mother and Winnebago Coach Grace Erb. “She continues to work hard and improve. This spring she time trialed 3/4 mile in 3:53. Her training has been very consistent.”
Katie Erb – JR - Winnebago
Comments – Katie Erb was Winnebago’s third runner in last year’s state meet finishing one place ahead of her sister Grace. Katie’s time of 17:58 placed her 24th and an all-state position. Erb also was all-state as a freshman when she finished 23rd. She came down towards the end of the year finishing second in the Winnebago Regional and seventh in the Oregon Sectional.
“Katie has a very consistent approach to her training and brings it every day,” said her mother and coach Janet Erb. “She is a grinder that continues to improve. Her 3/4 mile time trial was 3:55.”
Alexi Fogo – SR – Eureka
Comments – Alexi Fogo gives Eureka a strong dup in the front with Anna Perry. The two runners train together during the summer according to Eureka Coach Olivia Morris. Just getting better every day means more problems for Eureka’s teams that they run against. Fogo was consistant all last season heading into the state meet. In the eight races that she was in, Fogo finished either second or third. She finished second behind Perry in both the Olympia Regional and the Elmwood Sectional. She ended last year finishing 11th in the state meet with a 17:47 time.
Taylor Joop – SR – Tolono Unity
Comments – Taylor Joop was Unity’s second runner at state running 18:19 and finishing 35th. Joop ran a personal best when she ran 17:59 to finish fifth at the Illini Prairie Conference Meet. Joop also finished sixth in the Tuscola Regional and 22nd at the St. Anthony Sectional.
“Taylor Joop is every bit the senior leader we knew she would be,” said Unity Coach Kara Leaman. “Each year she struggles early to find her way. She is an avid softball player in the spring and summer. However, she also maintains a decent amount of running throughout those seasons. Her desire to win is as strong as ever. She is one we always see shine once the weather cools down a bit.”
Jolee Larson – SO – Shabbona Indian Creek
Preview – finished 15th in last year’s Class 1A State Meet. Will not be running cross-country this fall according to her coach Jody Olive.
Rachel Koon – JR – Monticello
Comments – One of the top runners for Monticello last fall. Rachel Koon gives the Sages a strong duo in the front with Mabry Bruhn. Koon missed all-state as a freshman running 18:19 to place 28th. She bettered that finish last year as the team’s second runner and placing 19th with a 17:51 time. She finished fourth at the Patriot Invitational and the Tuscola Regional. She finished third the week before the state meet at the St. Anthony Sectional.
Carly Manchester – JR – Elmhurst IC Catholic Prep
Comments – The top runner for the Knights over the past two years. Carly Manchester could be one of the top five Class 1A runners this fall. The junior has been all-state for two years. She ran 17:39 to finish eighth at state as a freshman in 2018. She ran 17:47 to finish 12th in last year’s state meet. Manchester won three races last fall including in meets at the HCA Mid-Season Classic, the Latin Prep Classic, and the Walther Christian Regional. Manchester had second-place finishes at the Metro Suburban Conference Meet and the Lisle Sectional.
Amanda O’Donnell – JR – Chicago University
Comments – Amanda O’Donnell is a two time all-state runner in two different classes. O’Donnell ran 17:54 to finish 21st in last year’s Class 1A State Meet. She ran 17:47 to finish 16th in the Class 2A Meet in 2018.
“Amanda has been putting in consistent training during the pandemic,” said U-High Coach Josey Mintel. “Her determination and hard work earned her incredible performances in the Illinois Meet of Champions this past week. She ran an 11:28 3200m, 2:26 in the 800m, and a 5:14 in the mile. I'm so proud of all that she has accomplished, and I can't wait to see what the next year will bring for her and our team.”
Isabell Orozco – SO – Aurora Central Catholic
Comments – Isabell Orozco made it to the state meet as a freshman last season. She ran a personal best 18:19 to finish 36th at Detweiller Park. If we have a state meet this fall, Orozco is a runner that we could see in the first 25. She had five races where she finished in the top five in 2019. A few of those races included finishing third at the Metro Suburban Conference Meet and then fifth to qualify individually for the state meet at the Oregon Sectional.
Marissa Roggensack – SO – Winnebago
Comments – The fifth runner for Winnebago’s state championship team at last year’s state meet. Marissa Roggensack missed all-state by one spot by placing 26th right behind teammates Katie and Grace Erb. She had some great races as a freshman last season including placing 5th at the Big Northern Conference Meet and then a sixth-place finish at the Oregon Sectional.
“Marissa started last season with an ankle injury and ended with a foot injury,” said Winnebago Coach Janet Erb. People did not get to truly see how great she is. She is healthy and is a hard worker. She brings a great attitude and is ready for a breakout year.”
Gabrielle Spain – JR – Shelbyville
Comments – Gabrielle Spain is a great example of an all-around athlete. She excels in two different disciplines. During the track season, not only did she qualify in two distance events in the 2019 Illinois State Track Meet, she earned all-state honors by finishing third in the Pole Vault. Spain has run in the state cross country meet twice. She earned all-state honors as a freshman running 17:54 to place 16 in 2018. She finished 47th in last year’s state meet. It is a good bet that we see Spain bounce back this fall.
“Gabrielle continues to amaze with her commitment and capacity for hard work,” said Shelbyville Coach Chris Mosley. “In addition to running 40+ miles a week she is in the pool swimming 10-15 hours a week. I know she has extremely high expectations of herself and it drives her to always get better.”
Janelynn Wirth – SR – Roxana
Comments – Janelynn Wirth could emerge this fall as one of the top Class 1A runners in the Benton Sectional. She has run in the state meet twice. Wirth ran 19:42 to finish 107th at Detweiller Park in the 1A State race as sophomore in 2018. Wirth improved last year when she dropped her time down to 18:27 to finish 39th at state. Wirth ran faster than that earlier in the season at Detweiller Park running 17:57 to finish eighth in the 1A/2A race at the Peoria Invitational.
“Janelynn went through two injuries since state,” said Roxana Coach Scott Edwards. “One was a stress reaction in her tibia. Needless to say, the miles are not there but her strength is improved greatly along with her speed. 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. She keeps close with God and that is where her confidence and strength come from.”
Kaylee Woolery – SO – Winnebago
Comments – Another great freshman runner from Winnebago’s state championship team. Kaylee Woolery came on strong as her season progressed. Her season finished as an all-state runner when she ran a personal best of 17:46 to finish 10th at the state meet. Her races before that state race were also great. Woolery finished sixth at the Big Northern Conference Meet, third at the Winnebago Regional, and eighth at the Oregon Sectional.
“She had a great spring training. Kaylee took a break at the start of summer and is back at it now,” said Winnebago Coach Janet Erb. “She is definitely ahead of where she was a year ago at this time. Her confidence and ability have really grown from last year.”
Lizzy Zacharias – SR – Normal University
Comments – Lizzy Zacharias will be in front for U-High with teammate Ella Bittner this fall. She started running cross-country at U-High her sophomore year. Zacharias has run in two state meets. She finished 75th in the Class 2A race as a sophomore in 2018. Zacharias ran a personal best of 18:19 to finish 34th last year in the Class 1A race.
“Lizzy was excited and motivated about track in the spring, and I know losing that season has her ready to get out and push herself,” said U-High Coach John Neisler. “As far as I can tell, she is healthy and ready to go. When we get to the season and start elevating the intensity, it will be fun to see how much Lizzy progresses.”
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