2021 IHSA State Cross Country Season Previews - 1A Girls Teams

 

Winnebago dynasty should continue one more year; Monticello and Tolono Unity should have something to say about that

 

By Michael Newman

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The question of would be there be a championship at the end of the year even with COVID-19 procedures making it tough to do that. The same question was asked to me from Janet Erb of Winnebago when I went to see their team run in early September.

 

We got the answer after that. The IHSA announced there would be state series meets but no state meet. The ShaZam Club Championships was created as a substitute for last season. Winnebago wanted a chance to show what kind of special team they had. The Indians did just that doubling the score of the next closest team Rosary. IC Catholic Prep was third.

 

Those three teams are ranked in the top five beginning this season. It was not a true title with Monticello and Tolono Unity sending a couple of runners but not their full team. They are ranked 2-3 behind Winnebago and ahead of IC Catholic Prep and Rosary.

 

Four teams out of the top five will have questions they will need to answer before they get to Detweiller Park in November. The only question of this driven Winnebago team is if they can repeat again.

 

Cheer up. We are back to normal. We will be running a championship race at a championship location with runners running against each other and teams running in seven runner packs. How nice that will be when we get going on August 23.

 

The rules changed for qualifying last year. It will take real effect this fall with five sectionals with six teams qualifying for the state meet from each group. For that, ILXCTF.com will rank the top 30 teams weekly beginning with the first update on September 7. This preview includes the top 30 ranked teams to begin the season and 20 more teams that are close to making the next jump into the group.

 

 

 

1A Girls Top 30 Teams

 

1 Winnebago

 

Coach: Janet & Joe Erb | Big Northern Conference

 

Preview -  The dynasty for Winnebago in this classification began for this program when four sophomores and three freshmen finished fourth in the 2018 1A State Meet. Their determination to be the best has grown and been hard to stop since. They dominated the 2019 1A State Meet scoring only 63 points. Even without a state meet last year, the Indians still dominated the ShaZam Club Championships scoring only 43 points.

 

What is next for Winnebago this fall? Maybe an “unofficial” three-peat. “The girls are really driven and a focused group,” said their Coach Janet Erb. “They are willing to work to be successful no matter what they face.”

 

They will miss 1A 1600 Meter Run champion Natalia Martino who has graduated and now attending the University of Portland. The Indians return the rest of their top seven from last year. There could be up to four runners that could be the #1 runner for this team in this season. Grace Erb (JR), Kaylee Woolery (JR), Marissa Roggensack (JR), and Katie Erb (SR) all could be all-state at Detweiller. There could be only a 30 second split between those four. There is depth on this team. Sophia Martino (SR) had a good summer of training coming off a good track season according to Coach Erb. Renee Rittmeyer (SR) could be close to Martino giving this team a solid first six.

 

“We had a later than normal start and which forced us to change up some of our training,” Coach Erb added. “We want to make sure we position ourselves at having a shot at winning a state title.” They are in good position right now. Winnebago has the confidence from the two prior cross-country seasons. They also have the confidence from a second-place finish in June at the 1A State Track & Field Championships. The Indians’ top four is the best quartet in Class 1A heading into this season. The development of the fifth runner position will be something to watch as the season progresses. My guess is that this team will be ready when the gun fires in Peoria on that first weekend of November.

 

2 Monticello

 

Coach: David Remmert | Illini Prairie Conference

 

Preview – If there was any team that was searching for normalcy heading into this season, it was Monticello. The Lady Sages had to struggle through some health issues in 2020 but still won the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional after finishing second in the Decatur St. Teresa Regional. Monticello also won the Illini Prairie Conference, one of the toughest 1A conferences in the state. This team is built to challenge for a state title returning five runners.

 

“I think for myself and our squad what I realized the most was how much we missed our regular season schedule,” said Coach David Remmert about last season. “We couldn’t run in many of our usual meets due to the state requirement to stay within our region for all competitions.  We adapted quite well but going to areas and courses we’d never set foot on before was challenging and I’m glad to be back to our normal routines.”

 

Mabry Bruhn (JR) adapted extremely well last season going undefeated in all her races up to the sectionals where she finished second. Estella Miller (JR) stepped up as the second runner for the team. She finished 12 at ShaZam behind Bruhn’s third-place finish. Rachel Koon (SR) had a rocky season with health and COVID-19 tracing issues. She is 100% and gives the Lady Sages a tough 1-2-3 punch in the front. Rose Talbert (JR) and Kyara Welter (SR) are having great summers and could solidify them in top five positions. Freshman Sylvia Miller could make an impact on the top five according to Remmert.

 

“The summer training cycle felt rushed,” added Remmert. “Our top returning runners go to Colorado for a week at altitude to train and we had a very short window to get those trips in this summer.” Forget the top five splits for this team since their top three presence in the front could be more important. The split between the third and fourth runners is project around 60 seconds heading into this season. The improvement of Talbert will be something to watch for in pertaining to that gap. Do they have the depth to counter that of Winnebago’s this fall? We will get an idea of that over the next couple of months.

 

3 Tolono (Unity)

 

Coach: Kara Leaman | Illini Prairie Conference

 

Preview – One of the benefits that Tolono Unity has every season is that they are in perhaps one of the toughest 1A areas in the state. East Central Illinois produces great teams every year in Monticello, St. Joseph-Ogden, and Unity. The Illini Prairie Conference in which those three schools are a part of is the toughest in Class 1A. Unity will be challenged in every race this season…again. The COVID-19 season of 2020 produced many things for this team. They finished winning the regional meet and finishing second in the sectional at Decatur.

 

“We are stronger than we think we are as individuals, but the TEAM aspect of cross country is why many of them choose cross country,” Coach Kara Leaman said about the 2020 season. “Athletes were able to find out how much the team aspect means to them and are cherishing our together times even more this year as we get back to a more normal rhythm.”

 

The Rockets should be in contention for one of the top three spots when we get to state. Four runners are back from that sectional team. A fifth, Brianna Ritchie, chose not to come out for the team this fall. Sophomores Erica Woodard, Caelyn Kleparski, and Olivia Shrike gives Unity a solid front three. Woodard could be one of the top 1A runners this fall. Seniors Malia Fairbanks and Harper Hancock should be part of a good top seven. Freshmen Emily Decker and Camryn Reedy could also contribute in the top five. Arianna Pruitt-LeFaivre (SR) ran a 2:25 split for Unity’s 4x8 team at state last June. She could be a surprise for the team according to Leaman.

 

“Our athletes have been attentive to achieving mileage increases for the summer and I am probably more confident in what I’ve seen from our varsity team than I have been in the last couple of years,” added Leaman. “We have girls that have been dedicated to additional cross training as well as making big strides in weekly volume.  We have laid off the watch this summer and focused on running by feel, with focused attention on building their aerobic engines. I am sure that most of them will enter the season this year more prepared for the training ahead and will continue to improve through late October.”

 

4 Elmhurst (IC Catholic Prep)

 

Coach: Dawn Calcagno | Metro Suburban Conference

 

Preview – One of the amazing things about the Lady Knights from last year came from their performance at the ShaZam Club Championships in November. IC Catholic Prep finished third in that meet even with their #2 runner Kennedy Calcagno having a bad race and finishing as the team’s seventh runner. It was a testament of the depth of this team. This squad should be in the hunt for a trophy this fall with four runners back . Their #6 runner, Ava Falduto, decided to return to playing volleyball this fall and will not run.

 

“What I learned about myself and the team after coming out of the COVID-19 season was that consistency and positive attitude breeds improvement and success,” said their Coach Dawn Calcagno. It showed in their performances from a year ago. It should show up again in 2021.

 

Carly Manchester (SR) had a great track season culminating with fourth place finishes in the 3200 Meter Run and 1600 Meter Run. She also qualified in the 800 at that meet. She finished seventh at the ShaZam Championships and should be in the top five in 1A this fall. Kennedy Calcagno (SR) did not run track in the spring but had a successful triathlon season. She ran on an average between five and ten seconds of Manchester last fall. It would not surprise me if she were in the top 15 in Peoria this fall. Hayden James (JR), Kelsey McDonough (SO), and Megan Van Koughnet (SO) give the team a solid top five. A freshman, Graziella Narcisi, could make it to the top five by the time they get to the state series according to Coach Calcagno. The key is getting McDonough and the pack within 55 seconds of Manchester and Calcagno. Keeping their third through fifth runners within 30 seconds of each other could be big for the Lady Knights.

 

“Due to the extended sports seasons well into the summer, I took the approach to give my student athletes a much-needed break, both physically and mentally,” Coach Calcagno added. “We started back building a base with summer conditioning and I expect the team to be rejuvenated and ready to go for the upcoming season. I know my veterans are looking forward to competing at a greater variety of meets , as was originally planned before the start of the pandemic.”

 

5 Aurora (Rosary)

 

Coach: Vic Mead | Metro Suburban Conference

 

Preview – The one thing about Rosary last year is that they found races against teams in higher classes to better themselves for this season. The Royals come into this fall on a high having finished third in the 2A State Track & Field Championships. The 2020 Cross Country Season ended by finishing second at the Harvest Christian Regional and ShaZam Club Championships. Sandwiched in between was winning the Harvest Christian Sectional. This team has the talent to contend for a trophy returning five.

 

Lianna Surtz (SR) enters this fall as the 2019 1A State XC Champion and will look forward to adding one more state title. One big addition to this team is freshman Chiara Surtz who was the team’s second runner in last month’s Detweiller at Dark. We will watch her improvement over the next season. Olivia Kunio (SO),  Katie Ubertino (SR), and Vivian Wyller (SO) gives the team depth behind the Surtz sisters. Beth Gettsch is another freshman that could contribute in the top seven. It will be the three to five pack that will be difference makers later in the season. It was 58 seconds in last year’s sectional race. That time needs to come down to be among the top three teams at Detweiller Park.

 

6 Eureka

 

Coach: Olivia Morris | Heart of Illinois Conference

 

Preview – The Hornets ran tough during the year only to be slowed down at the end due to health issues. They won the Olympia Regional. The following week, they were missing some of their top five runners as they finished 10th at Elmwood. They were still not at full strength as Eureka finished seventh at the ShaZam Championships. Alexis Fogo was one of their top seven but has graduated. Eureka lost one of their top seven returning to Volleyball. They still have five runners that are back that could push the Hornets among the teams challenging for the top three trophies.

 

Anna Perry (SR) enters her final high school season as one of the top runners in Class 1A. She finished fourth in the 2019 1A State Finals. She went undefeated except for one race last season but still ended up winning at ShaZam. She has a good group of runners behind her with Ellie Knapp (SR), Laurel Munson (JR), and Callie Schumacher (SO) leading that group. Ellie Hoffman (JR) and Natalie Roth (JR) will challenge for spots in the top five. I would not count out freshmen Meika Bender and Sophia Musselman who could give this team’s scorers a boost.

 

This classification is tough again in 2021 which Eureka knows all about. Perry will get low numbers for her team up front. They will be watching the split on their next four runners behind her. 50 seconds looks to be the gap on those four runners as we enter this year. The gap between Perry and the team at ShaZam was over two minutes. Watch for those splits during the year. The splits coming down means this team will be moving up in the rankings.

 

7 Urbana (University)

 

Coach: Rachel Brewer | East Central Illini Conference

 

Preview – Another team in the East Central area hotbed that could be in contention for a trophy by the time we get to November. The Illineks ran strong in the Decatur state series races placing third in the regional and fourth in the sectional. U-High finished 12 at the Shazam Club Championships but did not run their regular top seven in that meet. Two of last year’s top seven runners Mikayla Blanke and Isabel Tolman-Bronski chose to compete in another sport this fall. “The girls program had a great season even with Covid-19,” said their coach Rachael Brewer. “Even with all the road bumps throughout the season the team still found a way to work together and have fun. I’m excited to see what this season holds with many returning athletes.”

 

Their top runner again will be Kate Ahmari (JR) who again should be one of the top runners in Class 1A. She finished sixth to end the year at ShaZam. Blanke was their #2 runner at the end of last year so it could hurt this team early on. Five other senior runners from the state series in Erin Smith, Cadi Hu, Madeline Keenan, Maxine Vanderdonk, and Stephanie Dzhaman return and should challenge for spots in the top five. Kara Mathias (JR) was the team’s second runner at ShaZam and Detweiller at Dark and could be in that top five mix as well. Brewer also has a good freshmen group coming in that includes Bonnie Weaver Marina Bowers-Wong, Alina Bijoy, and Ana Olson that could be ready for the top seven by the time they get to the state series.

 

“We started summer training in July after athletes took a break post track/soccer season,” Brewer added. “I am looking forward to see the improvement that some of the younger athletes who attended summer running. I’m excited to see our seniors compete in their final season, albeit sad, because of their positive impact on our team throughout their time at Uni.”

 

8 St. Joseph-Ogden

 

Coach: Jason Retz | Illini Prairie Conference

 

Preview – A team that I could see leaving Detweiller Park in November with a trophy. The Lady Spartans had a solid finish in the 2020 season finishing fourth in their regional and fifth in their sectional held in Decatur. They followed that up by finishing fifth at the ShaZam Club Championships.

 

“When they work as a group, they can achieve some wonderful things,” said Coach Jason Retz. “Showing up to be the best versions of themselves will take them a long way.”

 

All their top seven runners return. Their top 10 runners are also back. Add in a good freshman group like SJO usually has and this team could be tough. Ava Knap (SR) provides senior leadership up front and in races. Fellow seniors Kailyn Ingram, Malorie Sarnecki, Ashlyn Lannert, Addie Allen, and Taryn Seton will be vying for top seven positions along with sophomores Helene Jones and Chloe Burknalter. Freshmen Savanna Franzen and Maddison Clampitt should also make an impact on who runs in the state series.

 

“I left a lot of the training to them,” Retz added.  “With track going so late into June, I told them to come back to training when they were ready to start. I believe they'll be ready when it's time.” This team has the potential to be splitting between 55 to 60 seconds on their top five by the time the state series begins. Racing against teams in East Central Illinois will benefit them in the final races of this season.

 

9 DuQuoin

 

Coach: Eric Kirkpatrick | Southern Illinois River to River Conference

 

Preview – DuQuoin is one of the benchmark teams in the southern portion of the state. It can be catastrophic being a small school if you do not have returning runners back to your team like we have seen with other squads in the state. “All eligible runners that could return to us decided to come back,” said Coach Eric Kirkpatrick. “We are thankful for that. It is difficult to replace experience in this sport. You can't just walk in the halls and find someone willing and able to perform at a high level.”

 

The stability in this team is one of the reasons why this program is among the tops in the state. The Indians were unstoppable in last year’s state series winning their races at the Marissa Regional and Belleville Althoff Sectional. Six of the top seven runners are back from that team led by Olivia Phillips. The senior is the heart and soul of this team as we witnessed in her many races at last June’s state track meet. Phillips finished 15 at ShaZam last November. She could be in the top 10 at this year’s state meet. Seniors Laura Heape, Alexis George, and Grace Alongi along with sophomores Kellie Oestreicher and Lainey Miller give the team a good nucleus behind Phillips. Kirkpatrick also has a good freshman group coming in led by Maggie Kellerman, Issy Phillips, Grace Phipps, and Abby Hill that will be the future of this program and could contribute this fall.

 

“We are nowhere near where we would like to be. Because of the extended track season, we got started a little late. We felt like the kids needed some rest after a whirlwind of a spring season.  We will see if we were right in 82 days,” stated Kirkpatrick. “Everyone is about where we expected. We expect another season of consistent improvement.” Phillips will be fighting the battles up front in all races this fall. A key to watch for is keeping a 50 second split on their next four and within 40 second of Philips.

 

10 Marshall

 

Coach: Ryan Arthur | Little Illini Conference

 

Preview – The Lions were roaring at the end of last season winning the Chrisman Regional and then finishing third in a tough Decatur St. Teresa Sectional. This team will be tough again this fall with nine of their top ten runners coming back. Six of their top seven runners from their sectional race are back.

 

Brooklyn Bender (JR) had a breakout sophomore season having a 18:25 best to her credit. She leads a strong to five that includes Cailin Morris (SR), Isabel Arthur (JR), Emma Gard (SR), and Ashley Sanders (SR). Sophomores Sophie Smith and Bethany Jauer should also challenge for top five spots. This team has the experience with a runner that will score in the single digits in every meet. The team ran an 82 second split n their top five in the sectional race. The gap between two and five in that race was 58 seconds. Watch for the split on the pack to come down during the season. It could mean big things for Marshall when they get to state series meets.

 

11 McLeansboro (Hamilton County)

 

Coach: Sam Wilson | Black Diamond Conference

 

Preview – This is a team that will sneak up on teams as the season goes on this fall. In the end, they could be the top 1A team in the south. Hamilton County was close to that in 2020 finishing second in their own regional and second in the Belleville Althoff Sectional. The Foxes return their entire top seven from that sectional race.

 

Senior Maddie Karcher was the team’s #1 runner most of last season and again will lead this team. Caroline Lueke (SR), Hannah Moore (SO), and Ashlee Wellen (SR) were within 33 seconds of each other in their conference meet. Kaylie Brake (SO), Kaelee Karcher (SO), and Jessica Hargrove (SR) give the Foxes a solid 5-7 group. Karcher is a possibility to finish in the top 30 in November. The key is having a top five split under 62 seconds for this team to do good things at the end of October.

 

12 Springfield (Sacred Heart-Griffin)

 

Coach: Joshua Bluhm | Central State Eight Conference

 

Preview – One of the things that benefits the Cyclones is that they run against larger schools and are in a conference that has primarily 2A schools. That prepares them for the 1A state series. Sacred Heart-Griffin did not have a conference meet last year. They did run in the state series finishing second in the PORTA Regional and then an impressive third in the Elmwood Sectional. Good things are ahead for this team as all  their top seven runners are back.

 

Keep an eye on Vivian Rahmel (JR) this season. She is ready to take the next step up on the state level. Her times started to drop during track. That trend should continue this fall. Kaitlyn Lee (JR) leads the pack that includes Maggie Fleischli (SO), Grayson Hady (SO), and Paige Mattiuz (JR). The four runners were within 33 seconds of each other in their sectional race. There will be a gap between Rahmel and Lee. Keeping that under 75 seconds means that this squad could be running in Peoria in November.

 

13 West Chicago (Wheaton Academy)

 

Coach: Chris Felinski | Metro Suburban Conference

 

Preview – The Warriors were in the shadows of 1A area powers Rosary and IC Catholic Prep last fall finishing third in the regional and sectional races held at Harvest Christian. This is a squad that could surprise some by climbing into the top 10 sometime this year. Wheaton Academy should be a state qualifying squad returning five from last year’s sectional team.

 

Lily Lebo (SR) should again be the team’s top runner with a chance to be among the top 25 when state rolls around. Coach Chris Felinski does lose a top five runner Anna Africa who will concentrate on club soccer this fall. He does have freshman Rachel Nelson entering the program. Felinski feels if she can stay healthy, she could be in the front near Lebo. Seniors Emma Chatfield and Emma Vega, Junior Britta Love, and sophomore Annabelle Glover return. They should be part of the team’s top five. Lebo and Nelson could give this team a solid presence in the front. If the pack can stay within 45 seconds of each other and within 40 seconds of Lebo, this team could make some noise come state series time.

 

14 Roxana

 

Coach: Scott Edwards | South Central Conference

 

Preview – There are two scenarios that Roxana could face this fall. One is their team is moved to the southernmost sectional where they could be a sinch to advance to the state meet. The second is where they were a year ago. With that, the Shells finished second in the Carlinville Regional and then would have just made it to state when they finished sixth at the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional. Either way, Roxana could be a good bet to make it to Peoria. They return six from that sectional team. Roxana also finished 10 in the ShaZam Club Championships.

 

Riley Doyle (JR) was the top runner most of last season and should secure that spot again this fall. Gabrielle Woodruff (JR), Keiko Palen (SO), and Zoey Losch (JR) are returning top five runners. Macie Lucas (SO) and Jessi Ponce (SR) will push for spots in the top seven. Doyle was 45 seconds ahead of her teammates in the sectional race. Keeping that type of split as well as a top five split under 80 seconds could get this team back to Detweiller Park.

 

15 Williamsville

 

Coach: Tyler Casson | Sangamo Conference

 

Preview – The Bullets fought through a tough 2020 season finishing fourth in the PORTA Regional and then sixth at the Elmwood Sectional. “We had amazing summer running turnouts, and we are very excited to see how our young talented team progresses throughout the year,” said their Coach Tyler Casson. “Our solo senior leader Katherine Walker  put in some mileage this summer and we are looking forward to her leading this team to a great season.”

 

Walker is the only senior of the six returning sectional runners. She could be among the top 40 1A runners by the time this season concludes. Juniors Allie Henriksen, Marisa Jeffers, and Emma Good along with sophomores Riley Mendenhall and Makenna Reedy also are back and ready to push for top spots. Casson hinted also that there could be a couple of freshmen ready to contribute by the time they get to the state series. Williamsville should have a tight two to five split of near 25 seconds this season. The key is keeping that pack within 40 seconds of Walker for good things to happen for this squad.

 

16 Rock Island (Alleman)

 

Coach: Scott Stoll | Western Big Six Conference

 

Preview – The Pioneers had a good finish to last season winning their own regional and then finishing fifth at the Seneca Sectional. Three of their top five runners are back with Tess Hendrickson (SO), Rylee Noack (SR), and Clarissa Ostrowski (SO) all with the talent to run in the #1 spot. Their two other possible returnees decided not to come out for the sport. Work will need to be done to find runners for those spots.

 

“Our team learned to be flexible and adaptable. We also learned to embrace dual meets and smaller meets. Having said that, we look forward to getting back to normal meets for 2021,” said Coach Scott Stoll. “Coming out of track, I probably kept the summer format more low-key so that our runners could recover and have plenty of time to just enjoy running.” Anna Mickelson, Genesis Reyes, and Belle Stroud are sophomores that could contribute for the team in the top seven.

 

17 Shelbyville

 

Coach: Chris Mosley | Central Illinois Conference

 

Preview – Shelbyville had a good fall in 2020 winning the Carlinville Regional, finishing seventh at Decatur, and then finishing 11th at the ShaZam Club Championships. They fund out afterwards that their top runner Gabrielle Spahn would be moving with her family to South Dakota. “I’ve spoken to Gabrielle several times since the move and it’s going great for her and we wish her nothing but the absolute best,” said Coach Chris Mosley. “Without Gabrielle it would be easy to feel bad for ourselves, but these girls have stepped up big.”

 

Even without Spahn, Shelbyville still will be in the mix in qualifying for the state meet. Six runners are back from their state series teams. Carolyn White (SO), Brook Schutt (SR), and Ellie Nohren (JR) all could step into the #1 spot for this team. Emma Congiene (SR) and sophomores Anna Tynan and Jordynn Mayhall are other returning runners that could contribute in the top five. Freshmen Katie Nohren and Lilly Woolery could contribute to the top five by the state series according to Moseley.

 

“Summer 2021 has been great, and we are right on schedule with our training,” said Mosley. “The overall commitment has been high with almost all of our girls attending 80%+ of practices. Our expectations are to take the next step in 2021 as a program.”

 

18 Sherrard

 

Coach: Joe Lopez | Three Rivers Athletic Conference

 

Preview – Sherrard just missed advancing to sectionals finishing sixth at the Alleman Regional. Two runners from last year’s team did not come out. Four runners are back from that team. Addison Knox (SR) and Sarah Gibson (JR) should be the top runners again on this team. Sophomores Madison Mathis and Samantha Phipps are also back and will contribute in the top five. Hailie Shemek (JR) is back and will push for a top spot.  Freshmen Alli Nielsen and Beth Churchill could be an impact as one of the front runners by state series time. Kayla Ann Cresap (FR) could also be a factor.

 

19 Joliet (Catholic)

 

Coach: Mark Clarke | East Suburban Catholic Conference

 

Preview – Joliet Catholic returns six from the teams that won the McNamara Regional and finished fifth in the Harvest Christian Sectional. Sophomores Claire Blotnik and Ella Dwyer were the team’s top runners at the end of last season. Both again should battle for the first spot. Ella Farris (SR), Annie Tibbot (SO), and Jordan Reeves (SO) are the runners that should fill the next three scoring positions. Four of the projected five runners have that big meet experience and they are only sophomores. The top five split is projected to be near two minutes. That needs to drop if this team wants to race in November.

 

20 Rockford (Christian)

 

Coach: Christine Reagan | Big Northern Conference

 

Preview – The Royal Lions had another successful season in 2020 finishing second in the Oregon Regional and fourth in the Seneca Sectional. Rockford Christian ended their season by finishing 17 at the ShaZam Club Championships. Six runners are back that have state series experience.

 

A runner that has state meet experience is Kelly Giardina (SR). She again should be the team’s #1 runner. Juniors Emma Joiner and Mandy Nelson, Brodie Scrogin (SR), and sophomores Jorlee Beaver and Marlin Carlini are the group behind Carlini that could lift this team to the next level. Giardina most likely will be ahead of her teammates by a minute in races this fall. Their split on five needs to be 2 minutes or under for this team to finish in the sectional top six.

 

21 Palos Heights (Chicago Christian)

 

Coach: Jake Christensen | Metro Suburban Conference

 

Preview – A team that could be sneaky good this fall. The Knights did win the McNamara Regional followed by a sixth-place finish at the Harvest Christian Sectional. It is a small team. They do have five runners back from that sectional team. Anna Enderle (JR) is Chicago Christian’s top returning runner. She ended last year finishing 20th at the ShaZam Championships. She did run 12:41 last spring for 3200-meters. Juniors Katie Steinhagen and Molly Bugos give the Knights a solid 2-3 behind Enderlee. Elizabeth Friesen (SR) and Kaylee O’Sullivan (SO) should also play a part in the top five. Keeping the top five split on Enderle at 90 seconds or faster might be something to watch for this team in the next few months.

 

22 Rock Falls

 

Coach: Mark Truesdell | Big Northern Conference

 

Preview – This could be an interesting year for the Rockets. Rock Fals won the Peru St. Bede Regional before finishing a distant second behind Winnebago at the Seneca Sectional. Four runners are back from the sectional team with Calin Gaulrapp leading the way. The senior had a god fall that included winning the regional individual title. She could have some company in the front. This will be the first year of cross country for Hanna Ford (SO) after competing in track last spring. “Hana Ford in my opinion is our team's "game changer”, said their Coach Mark Truesdell. “This will be her first year running cross country, but she will be our number one runner.” Grace Rippy (JR), Tayli Hutlin (JR), and Brooke Howard (JR) are the runners that Truesdell feels that will be their top five. The team’s top five split is projected to be 88 seconds off Gaulrapp / Ford. Two low numbers in the front could be big for the Rockets this fall.

 

23 Normal (University)

 

Coach: John Neisler | Central State Eight Conference

 

Preview – U-High could have some rebuilding to do after finishing second in the Olympia Regional and winning the Elmwood Sectional. Four of their top seven runners are back from those teams. Three of the runners that graduated were in the top five.

 

Adrianna Crabtree (SR) should step in as the team’s top runner this season. Delaney Fitzgerald (SR) and sophomores Ryann Bossard and Talia Luallin are the other returning runners. Grace Hany (SO) and Madison Sargent (JR) are some of the runners that will challenge for the fifth scoring position. Crabtree has the potential to finish in the top 25 in Peoria. Their top five split looks big right now. That will need to come down for this team to advance to the state meet.

 

24 Elmwood

 

Coach: Kyle Anderson | Prairieland Conference

 

Preview – It could be a rebuilding year for the Trojans after finishing third in the PORTA Regional and eighth in their own sectional. Three runners are back from the 2020 team. Three other runners that were in the top seven decided not to come out for the team.  “We are going to make the best of each day. After what the past year and a half has brought, we are going to enjoy the moment and be thankful for every opportunity we have,” said their coach, Kyle Anderson. “We are going to have a smaller team this year. The summer started later and slower because of track season. Once we got going, good things happened.”

 

Addy Symonds (SO) had a good summer of training and returns as the team’s top runner. Ashley Wolcott (JR) and Aleah Zehr (SO) also are back giving this team solid runners in the top five. Olivia Stage (FR) should step into a top five spot according to Anderson. Chloe Kelly (JR) missed most of last year to injury. She is having a good summer of training and will give this team a boost. Symonds should be able to get low numbers for her team in the front. Pack running for the rest of the top five will be the name of the game if this team wants to race in November.

 

25 Pinckneyville

 

Coach: Ryan Bruns | Southern Illinois River to River Conference

 

Preview – A trip to Peoria in November is possible for the Panthers. Pinckneyville finished second in the Marissa Regional and then followed that up by finishing fourth at the Belleville Althoff Sectional. The talent is there to make that trip with six runners from that team returning. “I felt like my team was more hungry and ready to run every meet last year, than years before,” said their coach, Ryan Bruns. “I think they realized that everything could come to a screeching halt, so they took every day and made the most of them.”

 

There are several runners that could be the #1 runner for this team. That is a good problem for Bruns to have. Taylor Kurtz (SR) was the team’s top runner in the regional race. Ashlee Hirsch (SR) stepped up as the team’s #1 runner in the sectional race. Sophomores Sofia Castellano and Emily Baggett as well as junior Madison Morganthaler should also contribute as scorers. Freshmen Vanessa Teel and Zoey Conway could also jump into their top five. “I’m not sure if we will have any superstars, but I think our strength is going to be in the pack,” added Bruns. “As always, if we can stay healthy and hungry, I think we will have a good year.”

 

26 Tremont

 

Coach: Mike Lynn | Heart of Illinois Conference

 

Preview – Depth cold be a problem for the Turks this fall. Coach Mike Lynn stated that the talent up front is solid with runners stepping into other scoring positions inexperienced. It will be interesting to see how Lynn develops those runners as the season progresses. Tremont missed making it to sectionals finishing seventh at the Olympia Regional. In a normal year, that would have given the team another week of racing. The team should be solid up front with Sara Scheurmann (SR), Lydia Snider (SO), and Alida Proehl (SO) leading the way. Bella Porritt (JR) could be close to the trio. There could be close to a two-minute gap between that quartet and Grace Smalley (SR), Megan Ward (SO), and Anna Wagenbach (SO).

 

27 Lombard (Montini Catholic)

 

Coach: Gail Casey | Girls Catholic Athletic Conference

 

Preview – The Broncos missed out on a chance to race at sectionals last fall finishing seventh at the Harvest Christian Regional. Things look good for Montini this fall as five runners return from that regional team. Izzy Juda (SR) did advance to sectionals as an individual and should be one of the top runners of this team. The runner to keep an eye on however is Katherine Gertsen. The junior did not run in the state series races but was the team’s top runner in their conference meet 45 seconds ahead of Juda. Kathryn Peters (SR), Audrey Kekstadt (SR), and Marin Ferris (SO) give the team a solid pack behind Gertson and Juda. The split on their top five runners is projected to be near 75 seconds. That gap needs to be narrowed for good things to happen for this team in the next couple of months.

 

28 Stanford (Olympia)

 

Coach: Brendan Hoskins | Illini Prairie Conference

 

Preview – The Spartans finished strong at the end of last fall placing third in their own regional, second in the Elmwood Sectional, and sixth at the ShaZam Club Championships. They will miss their top runner Savanah Beavers who graduated. They do have four runners that return from their sectional team. Abby Litwiller (JR) should step in as the team’s top runner and could challenge for a top 25 spot at state. Anna Bieber missed racing in October but did return as the team’s third runner at ShaZam. She will be a plus for the team this fall if she can stay healthy. Rachel Andris (SO), Chrystal Cornwell (JR), and Cam Lawson (SR) are runners you can expect to see in Olympia’s top five. The top five split off Litwiller to start the season is 91 seconds. That should come down as the season progresses.

 

29 Bloomington (Central Catholic)

 

Coach: Bill Rhodes | Illini Prairie Conference

 

Preview – The Saints could be in contention for one of the six sectional qualifying spots this fall. Bloomington Central Catholic finished fifth in the Olympia Regional. They bounced back to finish seventh at the Elmwood Sectional. Their entire top seven from the state series teams are back. Nora Brady (SO) emerged as the team’s top runner finishing fifth in her sectional race. She could be one of the top 20 1A runners this season. Anna Zlatic (SR) and Kaylee Eckhoff (SR) had good summers of training and could be ready to take the next step up. Isabella Evans (SR), Avery Cross (SO), and Penny Bordewick (SR) will be challenge for scoring spots in the pack. Lauren Jones (FR) could be a surprise for the team by the time they get to the state series. The two through five split is projected to be at 70 seconds to start the season. Brady should be getting single digit numbers for her team up front. The key is keeping the pack within 70 seconds of their front runner.

 

30 Benton

 

Coach: Brent McLain | Southern Illinois River to River Conference

 

Preview -  A team that we could again see in Peoria in November. The Rangers had a good 2020 winning the Hamilton County Regional and placing third at the Belleville Althoff Sectional. Benton then traveled up to the ShaZam Club Championships where they finished 16. Five of their top seven runners from the sectional team return. Benton should have a solid top three with Mia Willis (JR), Hailey Wallace (SR), and Peyton Tieffel (SR) possibly separated by 30 to 35 seconds of each other. A thing to watch from this team is who steps into the next two scoring spots. Sophomores Blakely Johnson and Brooklyn Frailey along with Jacey Eubanks (SR) and Addy Krueger (JR) will challenge for those spots. The gap between the top three runners and the pack is close to two minutes to begin the season. It will be something to watch for as the season goes on.

 

Teams to Watch (In Alphabetical Order)

 

Aledo (Mercer County)

 

Coach: Peter Nelson | Lincoln Trail Conference

 

Preview – Mercer County could be a team on the rise this fall after finishing fifth at the Alleman Regional and then seventh at the Seneca Sectional. Six of their seven runners are back from the 2020 team. They did lose #2 runner Maddie Hoffman who did not come out for the sport. Eden Mueller (JR) should again be the team’s top runner. The junior had a great track season including earning all-state honors in the 3200 Meter Run. That could translate to big things this fall. The Golden Eagles will have Sophia Santiago (SO) and Bailey Hardin giving good leadership in the pack behind Mueller. Olivia Hacke (SR), Cora Whitenack (JR), and Mia Ward (JR) will again be a part of that pack. Claire Adolphson (SO) ran track last spring and could be part of their top seven. Freshmen Ingrid Hayes and Macy Gray could be difference makers for this team by the time they get to the state series. The split from their second to fifth runners this year will need to stay within 100 seconds of each other. Getting that group within 55 seconds of Mueller could mean big things for this team. “We have a lot more mileage and experience than we have before, so we had a great summer of training and have our goals set for big things this season,” Coach Peter Nelson said. ”We hope to be in the mix for a conference and regional championship. The main goal is to get our 1st team state qualification.”

 

Cambridge

 

Coach: Karen Clark | Lincoln Trail Conference

 

Preview – This school located southeast of the Quad Cities could find their way to the state meet this November. The Spartans return five of their top seven runners that finished third at the Rock Island Alleman Regional and then eighth in the Seneca Sectional. Kendra Downing (JR) was the top runner last year and returns after finishing 37th at the ShaZam race. Miranda Reed (SO) was the team’s second runner and could close the 25 second average gap that she had with Downing last fall. Their other three returning runners (Kira Messerly SO, Brooklyn Humphrey JR, and Mollie Bennett SR) give Cambridge a good pack behind their two-star runners. Keeping their pack within 100 seconds and then within 90 seconds of each other will be something to watch for if this team has intentions of getting to Peoria in November

 

Centralia (Christ Our Rock Lutheran)

 

Coach: Tim Koch | Independent

 

Preview – We first found out about this small school in southern Illinois in 2019 when their Boys team basically came out of no where qualifying for the state meet. Now it is the turn for the Girls team to make some noise in the 2021 season. The Silver Stallions did not make it to sectionals in 2020 finishing fifth in the Freeburg Regional. Seven teams advance this fall to sectionals from regionals. CORL could be one of those teams with their top five runners all back. Sarah McKowen (SO) did advance to sectionals where she finished sixth in that race. I would keep an eye on her this fall. Emeline Rincher (SR) leads a pack that will need to stay within 60 seconds of McKowen for good things to happen for this team.

 

Champaign (St. Thomas More)

 

Coach: Andrew Wszalek | Illini Prairie Conference

 

Preview – It could be a rebuilding year for the Sabers. Their #1 runner Kennedy Ramshaw transferred to Champaign Centennial. Their #4 runner Claire Monahan moved to Indiana. St. Thomas-More finished fifth in the regional and eighth in the sectional at Decatur. They return four runners from that team.

 

“Summer training has gone as well as we can remember,” said STM Coach Andrew Wszalek. “Perhaps it was the fact that track was later and allowed the athletes to remain in shape a little longer. It could also be the excitement after a taste of success last season and wanting to get back to work and improve. Our "veteran" leadership has been very evident, and the team is gelling quickly, even with several runners being absent for periods of travel. We expect the girls to surprise some folks (and themselves) early in the season and continue to grow as a unit and individuals.”

 

Emma Devocelle (JR) should step in as the top runner on this team. Skyler Anderson (SO), Gianna Krieps (JR), and Emily Herges (SO) are the other returning runners for this team. Izzie Jimenez (SO) ran track last spring and will run this fall. Freshmen Paige Stark, Ashley Wells, and Francie Williamson could immediately step into top seven spots along with Jimenez.

 

Chicago (DePaul College Prep)

 

Coach: Molly Oliver | Girls Catholic Athletic Conference

 

Preview -  This Chicago school could make it to Peoria this fall after winning the Latin Regional and then finishing tenth at the Harvest Christian Sectional. Their entire top seven is back along with a group of newcomers that could boost the success of this team. “We have been a work in progress for the last 5 years I have been coaching, with this squad having depth and a vast array of talent,” said their Coach Molly Oliver. “We're expecting to be tough, prepared, and ready to compete.” Gabi Walker (SO) and Allison Taballione (JR) emerged as the team’s top runners at the end of last year and should be leading this group again. Maggie Taylor (SO), Madeline Fleming (JR), Alexis Hollgren (JR), and Grace Moller (SO were part of the top five last year and will push for a top five spot again. A strong freshmen group with Lorelei Travers, Abby Arseneau, Izzy Shiffrin, and Adrian Blair could challenge for top seven spots. Their top five split at sectionals was at 89 seconds. Lower that gap could provide a trip to the state meet for this group.

 

Chicago (University)

 

Coach: Josey Mintel | Independent School League

 

Preview – A team that we could see advance out of the Chicago 1A sectional. U-High finished second last year at the Latin School Regional. They followed that up with a ninth-place finish at Harvest Christian. Five runners are back from that sectional team. Sophia Park (SR) and Amanda O’Donnell (SR) give the Maroons a solid 1-2 punch in the front of this team. Park and O’Donnell finished in the top 30 in the sectional race. The expectations should be higher for these two runners in 2021. The top five split for this season is projected to be between three and four minutes. That time will need to be reduced for this team to race in November.

 

Chillicothe (Illinois Valley Central)

 

Coach: Dennis Fraikes | Illini Prairie Conference

 

Preview – The Grey Ghosts usually have a tough but short road to get to the state meet having to travel through the always tough Elmwood Sectional. It should again be tough for IVC, but they do have the talent to be one of the six qualifying sectional teams with six of their top seven runners back. IVC finished sixth last year at the Olympia Regional. Aryanah Vonk (SO) stepped up during the state series to be the team’s top runner. She finished 30th in the sectional race. Cassidy Earleywine (JR) and Mackenzie Mercer (SO) should push Vonk for the #1 spot this fall on this team. This team is young with three of their top five runners are sophomores. Their top five split needs to be near two minutes this season to advance out of regionals and sectionals.

 

El Paso-Gridley

 

Coach: Michael Melick | Heart of Illinois Conference

 

Preview – The Titans came on strong at the end of last season finishing fourth at the Olympia Regional and ninth at the Elmwood Sectional. Five runners are back from the sectional team led by their top runner Jenna Kent (SR). The biggest addition back to the team is the return of Ruby Slightom (SR) who missed most of last fall due to injury. She did run 19:52 at Metamora last September. Slightom was also the team’s anchor on the 4x8 team that finished 11th at state in June. “We have work to do if we want to get back to State,” said Coach Michael Melick. “With a sport that relies so heavily on delayed gratification and a clientele that relies so heavily on instant gratification, finding the way to bridge that gap is becoming one of my top challenges as a coach.” They will have a lot of work to accomplish for this small team to make it to Peoria in November. Freshman Nellie Mellick had a good summer of training and could jump into the top five. Returning runners Lizzie Uphoff (SO) and Madi Ehrhardt (JR) lead the pack behind Slightom and Kent that will need to stay within 80 seconds of the front dup for this team to get to a November race at Detweiller Park.

 

Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy)

 

Coach: Steven Bland | Northeastern Athletic Conference

 

Preview – The Lions were in one of the toughest regionals and sectionals in 2020 where they finished fourth in both races on their home course. Four runners are back from that team led by Eva Camp (JR) and Ella Richter (SR). Camp finished 17th in that sectional race. “Our summer went okay,” said Coach Steven Bland. “We are rebuilding and hope to qualify for state as a team.” Richter, who was the team’s fourth runner in that race should be closer than the 50 seconds she was during last season. Annika Learned (JR) ran close to Richter last year and gives this team a solid third runner. Learned was the team’s top runner in some of the team’s races last season. Emma Leslie (SO) and Gloria Gonzalez (SO) are some of the runners that will challenge for a spot in the top five.

 

Elmhurst (Timothy Christian)

 

Coach: Rachel Mirra | Metro Suburban Conference

 

Preview – Timothy Christian just missed advancing to last year’s sectional finishing sixth at the Harvest Christian Regional. Abby Bechtel (SO) was the team’s top runner at the end of last year. All their top seven runners from their conference meet return led by Carley Schurmann (JR) and Chloe Leppink (SO). The Trojans could have a solid top five split under 62 seconds this season. The key will be moving that pack up closer to the front in races.

 

Freeburg

 

Coach: Carl Florczyk | Cahokia Conference

 

Preview – Freeburg will have some rebuilding to do after finishing 18th in the ShaZam Club Championships. The Midgets won the Cahokia Conference, won the Freeburg Regional, and finished third at the Althoff Catholic Sectional. Alexis Vogel (SR) was the team’s top runner in the final 1A state series meets. She will challenge Karlee Marshall (SR) for that first spot. Fellow senior Bailey Stambaugh and Macy Slightom will lead the pack behind the front duo. The top five split is projected to be near 120 seconds. Freeburg could make it back to state if their split stays near 90 seconds.

 

Glen Carbon (Father McGivney)

 

Coach: James Helton | Prairie State Conference

 

Preview – It will not surprise me if the Griffins make it to the state meet. They were in the Decatur Sectional last year where they finished 11. Father Mac placed third the week prior in the Carlinville Regional. All their top five runners are back. Add in a group of good freshmen joining the team makes this squad one to watch this fall. “Late track and other sports compressed into the spring made it difficult to bring everybody along at the same rate,” said Coach James Helton. “Currently we are at different points in our fitness, and hopefully will be able to bring things together by state series time.” Kaitlyn Hatley (SO) had a strong track season finishing seventh in both the 800 Meter Run and 1600 Meter Run at last June’s state meet. She is a good bet to finish in the top 25 in November. Juniors Alyssa Terhaar and Claire Stanhaus led the pack behind Hatley giving this team a strong nucleus. Elena Ryback, who ran 5:24 in eighth grade, and Jane Cummins lead the freshman group that could find two of those runners in the top five.

 

Kankakee (McNamara)

 

Coach: Haven Provost | Metro Suburban Conference

 

Preview – The Irish finished seventh last year at the Harvest Christian Sectional. In a regular year, they would have missed the state meet by one place. It could be a rebuilding year for McNamara as they return four runners from last year’s squad. All four runners are sophomores. Evita Martinez again should be the team’s top runner. Ellen Latham again should be the team’s second runner. Carlyn Rencham and Izzy Quigley were sixth and seventh runners last year and will be expected to jump into the top five.

 

Knoxville

 

Coach: TBA | Prairieland Conference

 

Preview – Knoxville had success towards the end of last season with their campaign ending with a 14th place finish at the ShaZam Club Championships. The Blue Bullets return five of their top six runners that finished fifth at the Elmwood Sectional and won the Liberty Regional. Bryn Bahnks (JR), who was the top runner in their regional and sectional meets, and Lauren King (SO) who was the top runner at ShaZam, should challenge for the team’s top position. The split on this group should be under 100 seconds for the scorers. King and Bahnks towards the front could mean good things at state series time.

 

Newton

 

Coach: Brock Tarr | Little Illini Conference

 

Preview – This team is small with only seven runners on their roster. The Eagles just missed making it to sectionals finishing sixth at Chrisman Regional. Rylea Borgic is the only senior on this team and was the top runner most of last season. A car accident caused her to miss most of the track season. She is back and ready to go. Alexis Hetzer (JR) and Elly Bennett (SO) should lead the group behind Borgic. Freshmen Ella Radke and Natalie Kistner could be an immediate impact in the team’s top five. “Summer training seemed short this year due to track running longer but the kids have done well,” their coach Brock Tarr said. “We started in July, but I think the carryover from track left the kids in pretty good shape and I don't feel we are far  behind where we need to be.”

 

Paxton-Buckley-Loda

 

Coach: Dustin Franckey | Illini Prairie Conference

 

Preview – The Panthers could be a team on the rise in 2021. Six of the top seven runners are back from the group that finished fourth at the McNamara Regional. PBL finished 11th the following week at the Harvest Christian Sectional. Trixie Johnson had a standout freshman season winning the regional title and then finishing ninth at her sectional. Johnson finished 23d at the ShaZam Club Championships. She earned all-state honors placing sixth in the 2A 800 Meter Run last June. The group behind Johnson is projected to be around two minutes behind their star runner. The group led by Madeline Royer (SR) and Lorena Arnett (JR) will need to get closer to Johnson.

 

Pleasant Plains

 

Coach: Rob Havens | Sangamo Conference

 

Preview – Pleasant Plains could make a difference first on the conference level and then in the state series this fall. The Cardinals just made it out of the PORTA Regional placing fifth. They finished 11th at the Elmwood Sectional. Those finishes should improve this fall with six of their top seven coming back. “We are simply hoping for a normal year of racing, invites, etc,” said their coach Rob Havens. “As a warmup for the season the girls begin at Clinton on August 28th, with a nighttime race under the lights. Then we go to the Rochester Invite, where we hope to be in contention for the team title against the likes of Rochester, Tremont, Bloomington Central Catholic, Williamsville and Auburn. We’ll see where we stand early on this season.”  Megan Derrick (JR) was the team’s top runner most of last fall and should lead the pack again. Derrick was over one minute ahead of the pack in races last fall. That time will need to come down. Izzy Dorsett (SR) and Vianne Taft (JR) will be the top runners in that pack. Anna Moore (SR) showed improvement from last fall to track last spring and could push this team up in the rankings. The pack split from their second to fifth runner is projected to be under 50 seconds. If that gap is kept and the group can stay within 45 seconds of Derrick, a trip to Detweiller in November could be attainable.

 

Princeville

 

Coach: Jeremy Melick | Lincoln Trail Conference

 

Preview – The Lady Princes just missed out on sectionals last fall placing sixth at the PORTA Regional after finishing fifth in the Lincoln Trail Conference. The team has the talent to move up with six runners back from last year’s team. The key will be finding a runner to step up to their fifth runner spot. Kyra Hilsabeck (JR) and Makenna Sears (SO) qualified individually for sectionals last fall. Hilsabeck was their top runner throughout last year and should be again in 2021. Emma Stutzman (SO) and Brianna Rice (SO) will give the team support in the three / four positions. Their top four split is projected to be near 100 seconds. From four to five it could be that same gap.

 

Robinson

 

Coach: Tony Cork | Little Illini Conference

 

Preview – The Maroons are another team outside of the top 30 that I will keep a close eye on this fall. Robinson finished second in the Chrisman Regional before finishing ninth at the St. Teresa Sectional the following week. Six of their top seven runners coming back have state series experience. All of them are sophomores entering this season. The top of those sophomores is Katelyn Jones who finished 12th in the sectional race in a 19:19 time. Elizabeth Shea, Quinn Wesley, and Rylee Young should be the top runners behind Jones. Their top five split in last years sectional was near three minutes. The gap between Jones and the pack should be under 60 seconds with the top five split near two minutes for good things to happen for this team.

 

Teutopolis

 

Coach: Bethany Parker | Apollo Conference

 

Preview – Another team from the Chrisman Regional area that could be difference makers on the sectional level. The Lady Shoes finished fourth in that regional race. Teutopolis finished 13th in their sectional race at Decatur. Seven runners are back that have state series experience. Six of those runners ran at Decatur led by Olivia Kopple. The sophomore was more than a minute ahead of her teammates in that race. Katelyn Schumacher (SR) and Kaitlyn Vahling (SO) lead the pack behind. The potential to have a 35 second split on their two through five runners is there. It is keeping that pack closer to Kopple that will be the key.