2021 IHSA State Cross Country Season Previews - 2A Girls Teams

 

Vernon Hills, Chatham-Glenwood, and Prairie Ridge headline what could be a classic classification

 

 

By Michael Newman

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We got a hint of what was to come in this classification at the end of the last season. Benet Academy and Latin School had a classic race in Lincoln Park to end their IHSA season. Benet Academy claimed that race and were thought to be the top two 2A teams in the state. That was it for their seasons. Both teams did not send full squads the following week to the ShaZam Club Championships. Enter the “Class of 2021”

 

The top four teams in the ShaZam race were separated by only five points. Chatham-Glenwood was crowned champion with Vernon Hills two points back. Grayslake Central was another point back in third then Lakes Community.

 

The storyline almost stays the same. Benet Academy is gone now up in Class 3A. Latin School lost the core of their scorers, but still will be tough. All they need to do is find a fifth runner. For the other teams, the song remains the same.

 

Vernon Hills has the edge starting this season especially with their three runners in the front and a good freshman class coming in. Chatham-Glenwood is back, and their top runners are healthy. It makes it intriguing when these two teams finally meet up. Then there is a rash of schools from the northern sectional of this state. Once the assignments are released in mid-September, you will see why. Prairie Ridge, Crystal Lake South, Dixon, and Lakes Community will join Vernon Hills at Woodstock North at the end of October. Thank goodness seven teams advance out of sectionals.

 

All I am saying is that you should be at Detweiller Park at 11:00 AM on November 7. It will be cross-country racing at its finest.

 

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 four sectionals with seven 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.

 

 

 

2A Girls Top 30 Teams

 

1 Vernon Hills

 

Coach: Suzanne Curry | Central Suburban League

 

Preview – This classification should be close this season like it was a year ago. It all starts with the Cougars. Vernon Hills is in the toughest 2A area in the state. They still were able to finish second in the Antioch Regional, second in the Lakes Sectional, and then finishing second in the ShaZam Club Championships. “We learned a lot about our flexibility, resiliency, and commitment last season,” said the Vernon Hills coach, Suzanne Curry. “The 2020 summer of training was definitely not our usual and some of the girls really felt the difference early in the season.  We were able to make some changes to the way we trained and worked within the constraints.  As coaches, we learned that these girls are even more driven and tough than we thought. Often, we found ourselves in meets running with only our own teammates, as the competition would run separately.  From top to bottom, our girls continued to push themselves as if a competitor was right next to them. It was impressive to witness this week after week and often on our same, (boring) Covid course!”

 

This team has the runners to win the state championship in November with all seven runners back from their state series teams. You can also a good group of freshman runners coming in that makes this team even stronger. Their trio in the front could be the toughest in the state. Reina Hill (JR), Rose Sheridan (JR), and Anna Todd (JR) are interchangeable as the team’s top runner. They were only separated by seven seconds in last year’s sectionals. All should be among the top 15 2A runners in the state this fall.

 

Jadyn Parker (SO) showed improvement during the track season and could push the above-mentioned top three. Emma Wakefield (SR), Ashlee Shoemaker (JR), and Hannah Thomas (JR) all were in that top seven and will again contribute this fall. Freshmen Clara Sheridan and Jori Ellen ran well at Detweiller at Dark in July and could jump into that top five. “We weren’t sure what this year’s crop of freshmen would look like given that they did not really have a season in 2020 but we’re really excited about this young class,” added Curry. “They’ve jumped right into our system and are progressing very nicely.”

 

This could be one of the deepest Girls teams in the state regardless of classification. If one runner falters, there will be another ready to pick their teammate up. That is how state championships are won. “We had a terrific camp this summer with the most girls ever participating.  Continuity and consistency were excellent, and the girls regained their usual summer training habits.  We continued to focus on building our base, including a lot of strength, flexibility, & mobility work.  We started a little later and built up a little slower due to the length of the track season,” Curry stated. “This team will have a lot of depth and a good amount of experience.  Normally, I’d say a  lot of experience with the group of juniors we have but considering last season, they didn’t get those traditional meet experiences.  We have a number of girls who can pack run so we hope to return our focus there.”

 

2 Chatham-Glenwood

 

Coach: Mike Garber | Central State Eight Conference

 

Preview – It was hard to get a grip on how good this team was before they got to the state series last fall. All we had to judge was dual, tri’s, and quads against a conference that is not one of the strongest in the state. The Titans did not even have a conference meet to judge how good this squad was. Then they sowed everyone in the state winning the Jacksonville Regional, the Richland County Regional, and the ShaZam Club Championships. Chatham-Glenwood did that and they were not even at full strength. Five runners are back from the state series squad.

 

“'I’ve always known our athletes are resilient, but they showed versatility and character all 2020 season,” said their coach, Mike Garber. It was tough to be stuck in Central Illinois at times, but we made the best out of a bad situation. The kids had fun, competed against one another, and looked to the future. I learned as much from them as they did from me. If you aren't moving forward as a coach, you are moving back.”

 

This team is moving forward in 2021. Ava Gorrie (SO) was the team’s top runner as a freshman and again should take on that leader’s role. You can expect her to be one of the top 20 Class 2A runners. Seniors Mia Gibson and Emma Leahy along with junior Carly Wilcoxen give the Titans a solid core in their top five. Lydia Gurnsey (SO)  missed the tail end of last year with an injury when she was hitting her peak. Who knows how far up she will go on the team’s top five? The Titans have a great freshmen class coming in that will give their top five a boost in Rachel Behrens and Kamryn Robbins. “Rachael is going to have an immediate impact on our varsity. She is a talented young runner and will push to stick with our big top 4 girls,” Garber added. “Kamryn is a grinder. She went on a 10-mile run this summer just to see if she could. As a coach, I couldn't be happier with that sentiment.”

 

This team is like the depth that Vernon Hills has. That will make for an interesting fall especially when the two squads meet up in November. The Titans have a solid #1 runner in Gorrie and then a pack behind her that could be within 40 to 43 seconds of the front. That could be tough to beat especially if that split gets lower. “There was some unfinished business at the end of last season. Lydia Gurnsey, our #3, had a stress fracture in her foot with 4 weeks left in the season. She ran 18:42 and was really hitting her stride when it happened,” concluded Garber. “We had the depth to cover her position, but she hadn't raced her best 3 miles yet. The girls won Shazam, but there is an asterisk on that win for many people. You add Lydia into that group, and it isn't nearly as close as it was on the day. These girls have the talent and drive to be a contender this year. They are out to prove it.”

 

3 Crystal Lake (Prairie Ridge)

 

Coach: Kelly McDonald | Fox Valley Conference

 

Preview – I would never count out this program. No one thought they could finish third in the state in 2018 and 2019. Now they get a chance to prove the doubters wrong once again. The Wolves would have returned all their top seven from last year’s team. However, Rylee Lydon, who finished 23rd at the ShaZam Club Championships and was the team’s #2 runner, decided to concentrate on track after winning the 3A 400 Meter Dash and finishing second in the High Jump last June. Still, a team to watch for in 2021. Prairie Ridge finished fourth in the Antioch Regional, third at the Lakes Sectional, and fifth at the ShaZam Meet.

 

“This was a very strange summer as many of us were competing in Track until mid-June. So, our summer running started about 2 weeks later,” said their coach, Kelly MacDonald. “We are also starting school really early this year, so we are missing close to 3 weeks of summer training. We did not rush things and tried to follow our normal progression. We are playing it safe. Also, many kids were missing due to an abnormally high number of extended family vacations. It always seemed as if half of the team was traveling every week.”

 

This is a deep and talented team that will persevere without Lydon. Rachel Soukup (JR) had a great track season after finishing 10 at ShaZam. Watch for big things from her this fall. Seniors Colette Janik and Bridget Jewell will challenge for the vacated second spot. Leah Walters (SR), Grace Turman (SO), Olivia McPherson (SO), Sophie Robertson (SR), and Ella Stark (SO) all have state series experience and should challenge for spots in the top five. Prairie Ridge does have a great group of freshmen coming in this fall that might have problems getting into this deep top seven. I would keep an eye on Lydia Jensen, Katie Jewell, McKenna Moore, and Nella Robinson in the next couple of years or maybe this season.

 

This squad will miss Lydon but could replace that second front runner with a strong pack behind Soukup. It will help that they are in the Fox Valley Conference as well as  a tough 2A area that will test them and get this team ready for state. “It seems that the girls did what was expected and I feel our overall tempo on runs improved, but it will be hard to replace a top-notch runner like Lydon,” added MacDonald.  “Knowing this team though, they set lofty goals and I would expect them to rise to the occasion. They will fill the gap somehow. It will be exciting to see what they have in store for the upcoming season.”

 

4 Crystal Lake (South)

 

Coach: Ken Greenfield | Fox Valley Conference

 

Preview – The Gators will be in the mix for a to three finish at state as well as winning the tough Fox Valley Conference. Crystal Lake South finished fourth in their conference meet before easily winning the Belvidere Regional and then winning a tough Lakes Sectional. “Despite all the challenges unique to last fall, we had the most competitively successful season in our program’s history,” said their coach, Ken Greenfield. “I was particularly proud of how our girls took ownership of their own training and preparation during a time of limited coaching contact. I feel that has continued into this summer’s training.”

 

The Gators do return their top three runners. One of the things to watch is how they build the rest of their pack. Isabella Gonzalez (JR) did run at ShaZam finishing eighth. She will be one of the elite 2A runners in the state in 2021. Her teammate Abby Machesky (SO) was one of the reasons why the wins happened in regionals and sectionals. It will not surprise me if she finishes in the top 25 at year’s end. Addie Frisch (SR) was within 12 seconds of Machesky at sectionals. Keeping that type of split will mean good things for this team. Gianna Pinta (JR), Elise Gorman (SR), Jacqueline Buehler (SR), Katie Lorenz (JR), and Anna McDermott (JR) are some of the runners that will challenge for the next two top five spots. Freshmen Olivia and Victoria Pinta also could make a push into the top seven. Sophomores Colette Bacidore and Brie James have showed improvement in the summer and could be surprises in the top seven.

 

Crystal Lake South has the firepower up front. The key is the development of the top seven and keeping their top five split under 90 seconds. It could mean big things at the end of the season. “I think competitively our main goal is right now to get some of our younger runners to match that ability to step up in big meets,” said Greenfield. “I want to see our team continue to build a family atmosphere. They’ve done a nice job so far. I’ve been pleased with the steady progression of almost all our runners. They have really bought into what we do, and their consistency and dedication is really paying dividends.”

 

5 Grayslake (Central)

 

Coach: James Centella | North Lake County Conference

 

Preview – The fourth team in the top five teams that are in the northern region of the state. The Rams are another team that could fight for a finish in the top three at state. Grayslake Central finished third in the Antioch Regional and sixth in the Lakes Sectional. They bounced back the next week to finish third at the ShaZam Club Meet missing the championship by three points.

 

“Last year’s season was a challenge, but I realized overall that both kids and coaches are very resilient and will adapt to whatever challenges are thrown at them,” said their coach, James Centella. Six of last year’s top seven are back and ready to go. It all starts with Bella Domier (SO) who had a good season last fall that grew even bigger during last spring’s track season. She will be one of the top 2A runners in the state. Seniors Bryn Sato, Caroline Kokkin, and Grace Kokkin bring a good core to this top five. Katie Armstrong (JR) and sophomores Sarah Armstrong and Sofia Witt should be a part of the team’s top five. The Kokkin sisters did not have their best junior season. Watch for them to bounce back making this team even stronger. Domier could be close to 70 to 80 seconds ahead of their pack. Pack running will be a blessing for this team with a two to five split as small as 30 seconds.

 

6 Morton

 

Coach: Joe Zeller | Mid Illini Conference

 

Preview – It is the ifs and would haves for this team entering this season. Two of last year’s top seven runners, #2 Arlie Akers and #5 Salah Parnham, elected not to come out for the team this fall. The Potters now have five runners back that won the Metamora Regional and Peoria Notre Dame Sectional before finishing seventh at the ShaZam Club Championships. This team learned to fight back last year and should again this fall. Morton did finish third in the Mid Illini Conference just three points away from the win before they went on their run in the state series.

 

“I think the athletes had to transition their normal mindset from the typical large pack racing to a more head-to-head strategy like we see in track,” said Morton Coach Joe Zeller about last year. “Racing in flights taught them how to pick their man and gave them a more straight-forward understanding of how their placement relative to their counterpart affected the team score.”

 

Emma Skinner (SR) finished 11th at the ShaZam race and should be among the top 10 Class 1A runners this season. Sophie Krueger (SO) and Addy Smith (SR) were regulars in the top five last fall. Sophomores Taygen Beyer, Eve Armstrong, and Kaitlyn Griffin are all ready to take the next step up into the top five. The gap between Skinner and the pack could be close to 80 seconds starting the season. The pack behind her will need to stay within 35 seconds of each other.

 

This team has the experience in the big meet. The loss of two of their top five makes this team a challenger into the top three instead of challenging for a state championship. I would not count a championship out for the Potters. “The track season extending into late June definitely impacted our summer plans. However, rather than limit our general prep phase we opted to push our base work further into the school year than what is typical,” Zeller stated. “Overall though, I don't anticipate this having a significant impact on our performance this year.”

 

7 Mahomet-Seymour

 

Coach: Jama Grotelueschen | Apollo Conference

 

Preview – The Bulldogs look to be the best southern 2A team in the state outside of Chatham-Glenwood to start the 2021 season. Mahomet-Seymour finished strong in 2020 winning the Taylorville Regional and then placing second at the Richmond County Sectional. They ended the season by finishing 14 at the ShaZam Club Championships. Things look good for this team with six of their top seven back.

 

“Our team last year came together nicely in the post season,” said their coach, Jana Grotelueschen. “Cross Country proved to be some much-needed normalcy for all of us last year, and our team certainly made the best of our time together. Running was therapeutic for the athletes and the coaches alike.”

 

Elizabeth Sims enters her senior season again as the top runner on this squad. Klein Powell (SR) leads the pack behind Sims. Ava Boyd (SO) and Callie Jansen (JR) are top five returning runners. Ava Jansen and Chloe Bundren are two freshmen that could step into the top seven. Seniors Emily Bednar, Delaney King, Grace Lietz, and Alyssa Christensen should also be among the runners that will also challenge for top seven spots. The split is projected to start the season at 115 seconds for the top five and close to 60 seconds for the second through fifth spots. The times need to drop in these splits for the Bulldogs to challenge in the top five.

 

8 Dixon

 

Coach: Simon Thorpe | Big Northern Conference

 

Preview – A team will be in the tough Northern area sectional in the state but good enough to make the state trip to Detweiller Park. The Duchesses won the Kaneland Regional and finished fourth at the Lakes Sectional to finish the 2020 season. Four of their top seven runners are back from the 2020 team.

 

“The elongated track season pushed back my own attention and focus off XC for a couple more weeks than usual. It was a quick turnaround as a coach, but the runners handled it in stride,” said Coach Simon Thorpe. “The girls team runs a relatively low amount of mileage and did not take long to resume their normal weekly mileage.”

 

Emma Smith (SO) had an up and down track season but still qualified for state in the 3200 Meter Run. She is back at full strength and could be a top 2A state runner this season. Emily Conderman (JR) and Keeley Mick (SO) should again be among the team’s top five. Layni Lappin (SO), Teyla Wendt (SO), Kate Knipple (JR), Paige Riley (SR), and Emily Smith (SO) should give the Duchesses good depth for the top seven. Ava Williams (FR) could be a surprise in that top seven. Emma Smith should be the team’s top runner and will get her team single digit numbers. Keeping their top five split under 100 seconds will be a big thing for this squad.

 

9 Lake Villa (Lakes)

 

Coach: Travis Shepherd | North Lake County Conference

 

Preview – It will be a big difference for this team in their first meet not having Brooke Stromsland leading the way like she had the past four years. Stromsland has graduated. It does not mean that this team will not make it back to state again. The Eagles won the Antioch Regional, finished fifth at their own sectional, and then finished fourth at the ShaZam Club Championships where they missed winning the meet by five points.

 

“Training went well for the most part. Most of our athletes (except the 4x8) were able to start training in early June,” said their coach, Travis Shepherd. “Those athletes are getting the typical Summer training. However, I think the biggest thing, especially for athletes who raced longer into the season, is the need for a break. The circumstances with which the school and athletic year were conducted took a mental and emotional toll. Our goal was to encourage our athletes to fill up their mental and emotional tank before really resuming serious training.”

 

Madison Twarling and Paige Elicia Caruth, both sophomores, appear to be the runners that will step into the #1 spot. Rebecca Runyan (JR) and Madison Perez (JR) are also back with top five experience. Hunter Savell (SR), Riley Beerbower (SO), and Julia Veres (JR) are also possibilities among the top five runners. Lauren Rymer (FR) could also be part of that top five group.

 

The four returning runners could have a tight pack of 25 to 30 seconds. A key will be watching that group develop and move closer to the front. The fifth through seventh pack needs to move to within 45 seconds of their first four for this team to advance to race in November.

 

10 Dunlap

 

Coach: Chris Friedman | Mid Illini Conference

 

Preview – The Eagles are team to watch for at Detweiller Park in November. They survived the 2020 season finishing third at the Metamora Regional and fifth at the Peoria Notre Dame Sectional. “ We never got into a groove with any lineup due to quarantines, injuries, and schedule conflicts. Somehow, we still finished top five at the sectional and would have qualified for the state meet,” said their coach, Chris Friedman. “What I think the team took away from the season was a renewed appreciation for what cross country can and has been in the past. Hopefully this translates into a tougher team that loves the sport just a little more.”

 

Five runners are back from last year’s team led by Morgan Phillips (SO) and Saniya Mathew (JR) who should again challenge for the #1 spot. Faith Meghrian (JR), Abbie Gleason (SO), and Paige Acklie (SR) are runners that have the big meet experience which will help in their top five. Dunlap, as usual, has a good freshman group coming in with Abby Tudeen, Dakota Rousseau, and Kate Robertson all with the ability to make a difference in the scoring group.

 

Dunlap will need to stay healthy in 2021. They do have the depth that could attend to those problems. This team should have a top five spit under 50 seconds. Watching that pack moving closer to the front will be a key.

 

11 Chicago (Latin School)

 

Coach: Dan Daly | Independent School League

 

Preview – The IHSA had projected to move the Girls team down to 1A for the next two cross country season. That changed in July when the school was informed that the Girls team would remain in Class 2A. Latin School won the 2A state track title last June and was one of the top 2A teams in the state last fall. They won the St. Ignatius Regional and then finished second behind Benet Academy in their own sectional.

 

“The Varsity Top 5 put in the needed work this summer,” said their coach, Dan Daly. “We should have a solid 5 and we'll see how our depth looks as we continue along before school starts.” They will miss top five runners Marianne Mihas and Olivia Syftestad who have graduated. It is nice to have Ava Parekh back as the team’s top runner. The senior enters her final campaign as the state’s top runner and one of the top runners in the United States. Mia Kotter (FR) joins the team and could be the team’s second runner according to Daly. McKenna Fellows (SR) had a solid track season and could be in the top 25 along with Kotter. Marin Creamer (SR) missed last fall due to an injury. She came on strong during track and should be in the top five along with Reese Bedford (SO).

 

Latin School’s top five is solid but they will need to stay away from the injury / health bug. One loss of a runner that is in the top five could hurt state chances. On the other hand, we should see the Romans down state and could have three all-state runners. This team may be ranked in this spot to start the season. Let’s see where they land in November.

 

12 Darien (Hinsdale South)

 

Coach: Kimberly Johnson | West Suburban Conference Gold

 

Preview – One of the surprises last year could ramp that surprise up this season. This team is deep with all their top 10 runners being underclassmen last fall. The Hornets finished third at the St. Francis Regional and then tied for seventh at the Latin Sectional. That experience at the end of last year should benefit this team.

 

Abby Peterson (JR) will be back as the top runner on this team with possibilities of being in the top 30 by the end of the year. Yuliya Drabchuk (SO) and Charlotte Gold (SO) will lead the pack behind Peterson. The two will need to be between 35 to 40 seconds behind Peterson in races. Elena Garcia (JR) and Victoria Cius (SR) are solid runners in the top five. Natalie Fernandez-Cin (JR), Olivia Rogers (SR), and Kate Haffner (SR) are runners that we can see in the top five.

 

Hinsdale South is not your noticeable name that you will see in the 2A Girls’ rankings yet here they are. Their four and fifth runners need to stay within 20 seconds of the top three, then stay within 20 seconds of each other. The Hornets are a good bet to make it to the state meet provided they can keep their split down.

 

13 Lake Forest

 

Coach: Steve Clegg | North Suburban Conference

 

Preview – Lake Forest is one of those schools on the enrollment borderline that flip-flops between 2A and 3A every couple of years. It is their turn to move down a class for at least the next two years. They would have made some noise in 3A this fall. The Scouts finished second at the 3A Grant Regional and then finished sixth at the Hoffman Estates Sectional. In a normal year, they would have advanced to the state meet. They should still have that chance even though the sectional that they most likely will be placed in could be tough to get out of.

 

“Our team goal for the season is a return trip to the state meet,” said their coach, Steve Clegg. “The shorter summer meant we had to contract our normal summer training into a smaller window, but we had good participation from our top kids and got in the miles of training we had hoped for.” Six of their top seven runners are back from last year though they lose their #1 runner Skyler Kreunen to graduation. Isabella Marasco (SO), who finished ninth in her sectional race, should be one of the leaders for the team up front. Sophia Lane (SO) had a good summer of training and should be close to Marasco in the front. Sophomores Olivia Marasco and Paige Gibbons will need to stay within 60 seconds off the pace the front runners set. Alexandra Palmberg (SO) and Alexandra Fontana (JR) will also push for top five spots. Olivia Palmberg (SO) missed last season due to an injury. She could be a bonus in that top seven group along with Gaby Brown (SR).

 

Even with being in a tough a sectional as they could be in, this predominantly sophomore team will be tough this year and a team contending for a state championship in 2022. The possibility is there to have two runners in the top 25 in Peoria. The key is keeping their pack between three and five tight.

 

14 LaGrange Park (Nazareth Academy)

 

Coach: Joe Wejman | East Suburban Catholic Conference

 

Preview – A team that s also on the rise in Class 2A for the 2021 season. The Roadrunners were strong at the end of last year finishing second at the St. Francis Regional, fourth at the Latin Sectional, and 13 at the ShaZam Club Championships. She team should be tough with all their top seven runners back.

 

“Our summer training was a big concern of mine. All of our top 10 returners did either soccer or track,” said Coach Joe Wejman. “It seemed like both had at least 2 games/meets a week so we didn't start our summer mileage until late June and didn't start camp until after July 4th.  So, our mileage was lower than most years, which I am fine with.  I really hope I'm wrong, but I'm concerned with athletes breaking down physically/ mentally.  We also got our varsity girls into the weight room more than in years past, we plan on keeping that going through the season.”

 

Four of their top five runners last fall were freshmen. That made the team’s accomplishments interesting to look at. Colette Kinsella (JR) again was the team’s top runner and is back ready to shoot for a top 25 state finish. The sophomores of Hannah McCarthy, Samantha Rozmus, Jane McNamara, and Evelyn Sitterman will continue to get stronger in races. Keeping that pack within 55 seconds of Kinsella and staying 35 seconds of each other will move this team up the rankings.

 

15 Cary-Grove

 

Coach: Mark Anderson | Fox Valley Conference

 

Preview – Cary-Grove moves from 3A to 2A for the next two years and should be in the mix to qualify for the state meet. The Trojans won the Grant Regional before finishing eighth at the Hoffman Estates Sectional in Class 3A. Four runners from their top seven are back.

 

Cary-Grove is solid in the first two spots with Maggie Mason (SR) and Jocelyn Onstot (JR) leading the way. The two runners were separated by on an average 40 seconds at the end of last season. That gap should come down. Mason did not race much during the spring but did run 11:36 for 3200-meters. She won’t surprise me if she is in the mix to finish in the top 25 in November. The key for this team will be the development of the rest of the runners in the top seven. Morgan Haslow (SO) and Ada Saletnik (JR) were in the top seven last year. Sophomores Aeryn Costello, Kate Aniolkowski, and Zoe Hubka also will challenge for top five positions. The gap from three to five is projected to be at 68 seconds to start the year. That will need to come down. The split from the first two to the pack is a 45 second projection.

 

16 Chicago (St. Ignatius Prep)

 

Coach: Matt Haffner | Girls Catholic Athletic Conference

 

Preview – The Wolfpack again should be in the mix to return to the state meet considering what sectional they will be placed in. St. Ignatius had a good finish to last season finishing second in their own regional, finishing third at the Latin Sectional, and then finishing 18th at the ShaZam Club Championships.

 

Five runners of the top seven are back led by Megan Semmer (SO) and Ella Hwang (SO). Hwang had a good track season qualifying for state in the 1600 Meter Run with a 5:14 best during the season. Haley Reickelman (SR) also had a good track season with hopes that it will translate to great things over the next few months. Elyse Fernando (JR), Lexi Noonan (JR), and Reese Crowley (JR) will give the top five a boost. This team should thrive on pack running this fall with a top five split projected to be under 46 seconds.

 

17 Metamora

 

Coach: Gene Jones | Mid Illini Conference

 

Preview – It seemed like it was an up and down year for the Redbirds in 2020. They won the tough Mid Illini Championship to start racing season. Metamora followed that by finishing fifth in their own regional, fourth at the Peoria Notre Dame Sectional, and then finishing 11th at the ShaZam Club Championships. Six runners are back that have state series / post season experience.

 

Katie Lalumandier (SR) should be the team’s top runner with Audrey Heil (SO) and Alayna Ruach (JR) close behind. The three runners were separated by 22 seconds at the ShaZam meet. Rachel Fisher (SR) should be part of the top five challenged by Audrey Hodgen (SO), Lily Sturgell (JR), and Mallory Bennett (JR). A freshman group of Catie Sturgell, Adi Sparry, and Ruthie Stamm could be contributing in the top five by state series time.

 

18 Mt. Zion

 

Coach: Kelly Fox | Apollo Conference

 

Preview – A team that we could see in the top 15 by the end of September. The Braves finished last year winning the Apollo Conference, finished second in the Jacksonville Regional, placed fourth at the Richland County Sectional, and then finishing 19th at the ShaZam Club Championships.

 

Mt. Zion should be better than last year especially with six of their top seven back including their entire top five. Ashleigh Anderson (SR) and Renee Ballard (SO) traded off the top spot at the end of last year and should again be the team’s top runners. Emma Mallory (SR) is another runner we could see in the front for this team. Sophomores Brooke Doyle, Ellie Fritzscke, and Hailey Betzer along with juniors Sofia Munoz and Alexia Finch could contribute in the top five. This team will need pack running to advance to the state meet. A split of 55 to 60 seconds on their top five will be necessary.

 

19 Chicago (Payton Prep)

 

Coach: Kelly Block | Chicago Public League

 

Preview – This Chicago school could surprise some by advancing to the state meet this fall. Those who know they have their top nine runners all back would not be surprised and knowing their 2020 history. The Grizzlies finished second in the Chicago Public League Championships last year by two points. They finished third at the St. Ignatius Regional behind Latin School and St. Ignatius. Payton finished fifth at the Latin Sectional then 15 at the ShaZam Club Championships.

 

This team has a solid duo in the front with juniors Josephine Dziedzic and Veronica Fuller. Seniors Katie Gillespie and Kaitlyn Fardy, juniors Kate and Lola Feurer, and sophomores Fiona O’Toole and Tyler Glunz give Payton a strong nucleus for their top seven. This team making it to Peoria is good especially with seven schools advancing out of each sectional. The team had a 63 and 65 top 5 split in their league and sectional races. Keeping that type of split while moving that pack up could mean big things for this team in 2021.

 

20 Crystal Lake (Central)

 

Coach: Brett Willhoit | Fox Valley Conference

 

Preview – The Tigers would have qualified for the state meet in any normal year. It was just 2020 was not a normal season. Central finished seventh in a tough Fox Valley Conference, then placed second in the Belvidere Regional and seventh at the Lakes Sectional. “We started our summer training schedule the same day as we usually do,” said their coach, Brett Willhoit. “This presented some issues with track going into June.  I essentially had two practices a day, 1 for track and one for summer XC.”

 

Five runners are back from the sectional team led by Annette (JR) and Hope Ferrero (SO). Hadley Ferrero (FR) joins her sister on this team and could give the team a boost in the top five. Emma Macke had her freshman season interrupted last fall by an emergency appendectomy. She was the team’s fifth runner at sectionals. She could also challenge for one of the top spots for the Tigers. Juniors Grace Moore and Gwenyth Brickey along with freshman Bryn Matthaei will give this team a boost by the state series. A top five split of 70 seconds or less will get this team up in the rankings and a better chance for a state appearance.

 

21 Mascoutah

 

Coach: Darren Latham | Mississippi Valley Conference

 

Preview – It could be a rebuilding year for the Indians after winning the Highland Regional and finishing third at the Richland County Sectional. Four runners are back from that sectional team. Amelia Martin (SO) and Jayda Williams (SR) should be the top runners on this team separated by only 10 seconds. The rest of their top seven will need some work. Abigail Uptergrove (SR) and Addison Heard (SO) gained big meet race experience last fall. Emily White (SR), Chloe Latour (JR), and Annabelle Kowalski (JR) could be in line to step into the top seven. Work will need to be done on their third through fifth runners. The split is projected to be 90 seconds entering this season.

 

22 Peoria (Notre Dame)

 

Coach: Dan Gray | Big 12 Conference

 

Preview – It could also be a rebuilding year for the Irish. Again, it could be reloading since this program usually gets in a good class of freshmen annually. Notre Dame finished second at the Metamora Regional and their own sectional before finishing eighth at the ShaZam Club Championships. Four runners that have state series experience are back.

 

Six of last year’s top 10 were underclassmen. The Irish was slowed down like other teams were with health issues. Maria Stedwill might be the runner to watch on this team. The junior ran two of her final three races at Detweiller Park with a 17:55 time at her conference meet and 17:49 at sectionals. She will be a runner to watch this fall. Eileen Zopel (JR) will lead the pack behind Stedwill. Olivia Finch (JR) and Maci Cave (SR) also ran in the regional race. Teagan Cover (SR) and Olivia Munson (SR) should give the team senior leadership in the top seven. Freshmen Meghan Zopel and Sarah Couri could boost the top seven by the time they get to the state series races. The split is projected to be 90 seconds from Stedwill to the pack, and then another 90 seconds from their second through fifth runners to start the season. There is plenty of time to lower those splits.

 

23 Oak Park (Fenwick)

 

Coach: Kevin Roche | Girls Catholic Athletic Conference

 

Preview – Rebuilding or reloading? That is the question for the Friars entering the 2021 season. Fenwick finished second in the GCAC, fifth in the St. Francis Regional, and tied for seventh at the Latin Sectional. Three runners from last year’s state series squad return. “We just want to be mentally present each day,” said their coach, Kevin Roche. “We are doing our summer training later into august since we started later. We are staying focused on the foundations a little longer this year because of that and since the current sophomores didn’t necessarily have the best foundation last year since it was such a goofy year.”

 

Bella Daley (JR) has improved from the last season and should be the team’s top runner. She should be within reach of a top 25 finish in November. Ava Martinez (JR) had a great summer of training and could be close to Daley. Mia Scharpf (SR) ran in the regionals and sectionals and will be a solid #3 runner for the team. Emma Salzman (SR), Camille Nourie (SR), Mikaela Burns (SR), Sarah Zawacki SR), and Molly Weber (JR) will challenge for top five spots. Rozlyn Plazas (SO) transferred in from crosstown Oak Park-River Forest and could help this team at state series race time.

 

24 Wheaton (St. Francis)

 

Coach: Scott Nelson | Metro Suburban Conference Blue

 

Preview – The Spartans could be in the hunt for one of seven sectional qualifying spots depending what sectional they are sent to. St. Francis finished fourth in their own regional before pacing sixth at the Latin School Sectional. They would have gone to Peoria if last year was normal. Six of their top seven runners are back. Leann Ringsrud (JR) was the team’s top runner in the final three races of last season. Ava Swiatek (SO) was within five seconds of Ringsrud in the sectional race. Alyssa Falco (JR) is close enough where she can challenge for the second spot. Senior Leah Gaul and sophomores Anna Nauman and Charlotte Obrochta got big meet experience last year. The top five split is projected to be at 104 seconds with only 34 seconds separating the first three runners.

 

25 Deerfield

 

Coach: Jeff Beaumont | Central Suburban League

 

Preview – The Warriors take their what it seems like annual hop down to Class 2A for 2021 and 2022. Deerfield finished second in the Central Suburban League North meet followed by finishing ninth at the Loyola Regional in 3A. The move down could be a blessing for this squad this fall. They return five runners from the regional race, all seven runners from their varsity conference race.

 

“I've been very pleased with the training, especially as our summer running camp was closing down,” said their coach, Jeff Beaumont. “Our top girls are running faster than they were a year ago, and with about 5 weeks less training. A combo of starting early last year and starting late this year, means there are less miles on their legs, but they're still running strong. They'll continue to build until about Conference time, but I'm excited about where they are right now.”

 

Madeline Trella (SR) and Lexi Schott (JR) were only separated by a second in their conference race and should lead this team. Caroline Reich (SR), Ally Geren (SR), and Annie Fisher (SR) are good bets to return to the top five. Leah Ryan (JR) and Hannah Rush (JR) will push for a spot in the top five. A pair of freshmen, Brooke Bernstein and Maya Garcia, could find their way into the top seven by the state series meets.

 

26 Maple Park (Kaneland)

 

Coach: Doug Ecker | Interstate Eight Conference

 

Preview – The Lady Knights will look to defend their conference title and then get themselves ready for what will be a tough sectional race. Kaneland finished second in their own regional and then placed eighth in the Lakes Sectional. Four runners are back from their regional and sectional teams.

 

“It is not that I really learned anything new from last season, as much as it reinforced how responsible and adaptable most distance runners are,” said their coach, Doug Ecker said about the 2020 season. “I was very proud of them for the way they followed the covid guidelines which allowed us to complete the entire season with only one of them having to miss a race (one race) due to the virus.” Rose Dallal (JR) was the team’s second runner most of the season and should step into the #1 position. Juniors Lindsey Andrae and Jacqueline Nettnin along with senior Caroline Nosek should be a part of the top five. Jade Unzueta leads a talented group of freshmen that could storm into the top seven by mid-October. Abby Fitts (SO) Jessica Phillipp (JR) could also find their way into the top seven.

 

27 Washington

 

Coach: Troy Walcott | Mid Illini Conference

 

Preview – Washington lost their top three runners from the ShaZam Club Championships to graduation. It could be a rebuilding year for the Panthers as they return four from teams that finished fourth in the Metamora Regional, third at the Peoria Notre Dame Sectional, and tenth at the ShaZam meet. “We started summer workouts about 2 weeks later than normal, but the runners did a good job transitioning over  to XC summer training,” said their coach, Troy Walcott. “We have a smaller team than we have had in the past so we will have to address problems more proactively with limited runners.”

 

Several runners could challenge for the top spot including Maggie Horsthemke (SO) and Rachel Caruthers (JR). Adelyn Davidson (SR) ran 2:26 during track and is coming out this fall. She could contribute in the top five. Emily Baker (SR), Sophia Nordhielm (JR), and Grace Leining (SR) are runners to watch in the top seven.

 

28 Geneseo

 

Coach: Todd Ehlert | Western Big Six Conference

 

Preview – It will be an interesting year to watch this team. The Maple Leafs lost their top two runners to graduation. They do return their next five from teams that won the Morris Regional, finishing sixth at the Peoria Notre Dame Sectional, and placed ninth at the ShaZam Club Championships.

 

Jade Flowers (JR) and Lacey Laxton (SR) were separated by on an average 20 seconds with Flowers the third runner in regionals and Laxton third runner at sectional. Either one could be the top runner on this team. Anna Snyder (SR), Jessalyn Belvel (JR), and Joselyn Reiser (JR) will be a part of a top five that will need to lower a projected 132 second split.

 

29 Chicago (Northside Prep)

 

Coach: Jon Hootman | Chicago Public League

 

Preview – Another Chicago Public League team that could qualify for the 2A state meet. The Mustangs finished sixth in the Chicago Public League Championships, won the Mather Regional, and then ninth at the Latin Sectional. The potential is there to make the Peoria trip with all their top seven runners coming back. The one runner that we should see down in Peoria regardless is defending 2A 1600 Meter Champ Elia Ton-That. The senior finished eighth in her sectional race. Expectations should be higher when she gets to Peoria. Seniors Arianna Holbrook, Allison Feeney, and Nora Hill, juniors Annika Nelson, Rachel Vosowitz, and Tessa Myatt, and sophomore Sofia Weber will all be challenging for top seven spots.

 

30 Waterloo

 

Coach: Larry Huffman | Mississippi Valley Conference

 

Preview – Their top four runners last fall were all freshmen. That year of experience will benefit this team in 2021. The Bulldogs finished third at the Highland Regional and sixth at the Richland County Sectional. Five runners are back from that top seven. Angelynn Kanyuck (SO) was the team’s top runner last fall. She could earn all-state honors in November. Sophomores Danielle Mudd, Ali Kloeppel, and Chloe Aubushcon should again be the team’s second through fourth runners. Molly Grohman (SR) should be the team’s fifth runner unless a runner from their freshman class steps in.

 

Teams to Watch (In Alphabetical Order)

 

Antioch

 

Coach: Chris Bailey | Northern Lake County Conference

 

Preview – Antioch missed making it to sectionals finishing sixth in their own regional. Five runners are back from last year’s regional team.  “Sarah Benes had a phenomenal sophomore season by placing 6th in a very loaded Northern Lake County Conference (NLCC) and qualifying for the IHSA state championships,” said her coach, Chris Bailey. “She was having her best XC season as a junior running a PR of 18:42 before suffering an injury at the IHSA Regional meet that ended her season.  We're excited to see what she can do in her final XC season as she comes off a very successful track season running PR's of 5:29 and 2:29.” Benes again should be the team’s top runner. Seniors Juliana Gonzalez, Hannah Benes, and Alexa Phillips along with Addison Lane (SO) are returning runners from last year’s top seven. Lane had a good track season after an injury plagued season a year ago. Freshmen Piper Ipsen, Milena Ivanove, and Annalise Lowrance could find their way into the top seven.

 

Arlington Heights (St. Viator)

 

Coach: Wayne Edelman | East Suburban Catholic Conference

 

Preview – Coach Wayne Edelman believes that this could be one of the best team’s ever and he could be right. The Lions finished second at the Mather Regional and tenth at the Latin Sectional. All seven runners are back from that sectional race. That dd not include Mary Grace Hegberg (JR) who missed all last season due to injury. She rebounded in track earning all-state honors in the 3200 Meter Run and 1600 Meter Run. What could she do this fall? Stay tuned. Nadia Diaz (SO will lead the pack behind Hegberg. Juniors Madeline Reddin and Sidney Jones should be the lead runners alongside Diaz in that pack.

 

Bethalto (Civic Memorial)

 

Coach: Jake Peel | Mississippi Valley Conference

 

Preview – The Eagles just missed making it to sectionals by nine points finishing sixth at the Jacksonville Regional. Five runners are back from that regional team. #3 runner Avari Combes and #7 runner Aubree Wallace decided not t come out this fall. Hannah Meiser (JR) will be the team’s #1 runner with a chance to individually qualify for state. Alyssa Mann (JR) will lead the pack. “It's really hard to gauge where we are at right now,” said their coach, Jake Peel. “With summer sports extending into June and families taking vacations in July, there have been a lot of training disruptions. After missing the sectional by nine points last fall, we have a tough road ahead of us to get the team back there.”

 

Burlington (Central)

 

Coach: Vince Neil | Fox Valley Conference

 

Preview – It should be a rebuilding year for the Rockets with three runners back from teams that finished third in the Kaneland Regional and ninth at the Lakes Sectional. Corryn Kester was the team’s top runner as a freshman in 2020 and should hold that position again. Michaela Kruse (JR) and Tessa DiDomenico (SR) were in the top seven last year and both runners return. Kristina Brennan (JR) and Kenzie Andersen (SO) could also challenge in the top five.

 

Champaign (Central)

 

Coach: Guthrie Hood | Big 12 Conference

 

Preview – Champaign Central just missed advancing to sectionals by two points finishing sixth at the Taylorville Regional. Five of the seven regional runners are back. “We had very consistent training this summer, especially from our incoming freshmen,” said their coach, Guthrie Hood. “With the track season ending later we just cut out the last two weeks of our usual training plan. I still gave our girls the option of some time off after the track season and most of our girls took advantage of it. In general, we have made a bit of a shift in our training philosophy and are putting a greater emphasis on intensity over duration.” Maiike Niekerk (SR) advanced individually to sectionals last year and will be the team’s top runner. Lula Randolph (SO) and Kyla Conales (JR) should lead the next pack. Hood believes that freshman Maria Buznig could be one of the top runners on this team. “Maria has already established herself as an athlete who won't shy away from work,” Hood said. “I imagine she is going to reap the rewards of that work.”

 

East Peoria

 

Coach: Brooke Potendyk | Mid Illini Conference

 

Preview – Brooke Potendyk steps in for Brendan Shaver as the new Girls Coach at East Peoria. Potendyk was previously a coach for five years at East Peoria Junior High. The Raiders finished seventh at the Metamora Regional and return six from that team. Kerrigan Vandel had a strong freshman season and returns as the team’s top runner. Kelsey Koch (SO)  and Tressa Tucker (SR) will lead the pack behind Vandel. Freshmen Kylie Moeller and Addison Wiley should make an immediate impact on this team’s top seven. “This summer we worked on building a solid foundation for the season,” said Potendyk. “Most of the girls were able to take 3 weeks off after track season. Kerrigan Vandel took 2 full weeks off after State track. We started our summer running a little later than a typical year due to the track season going so far into the summer. East Peoria girls' cross country has a rich history in the State finals. We are looking to turn the program around and get back to being a competitive program.”

 

Highland

 

Coach: Doug Bradley | Mississippi Valley Conference

 

Preview – The Bulldogs may have some rebuilding to do losing six seniors to graduation. Highland finished second in their own regional on a tiebreak. The next week, they finished fifth at the Richland County Sectional. The Bulldogs finished 20 at the ShaZam Club Championships. Three of their top seven return. Liv Heinzmann (JR) should step up as the team’s top runner after finishing the year as the #2 runner. Faith Brindley (SR) and Tarryn Keeney (SO) should be close behind. “Faith Brindley (Sr.) and Liv Heinzmann (Jr.) have been part of the Bulldog top seven for all of their high school years and they’ll be depended on to lead what appears to be a deeper than usual team on a long run into the postseason,” said their coach, Doug Bradley. “If the youngsters, who are quite capable of becoming varsity contributors, accept the challenge of racing alongside the best teams in the southern half of the state, the team could evolve into one that has a chance to be racing on the first Saturday of November.”

 

Lemont

 

Coach: Tim Plotke | South Suburban Conference Blue

 

Preview – This team will be young according to their Coach Tim Plotke with mainly freshmen and sophomores. Lemont had five freshmen in their top seven when they finished second at the Morris Regional and eight at the Peoria Notre Dame Sectional. “We had a nice summer of training, focusing primarily on our aerobic base. Our summer training didn't start until the last week of June,” Plotke said. “We are going to be a real young team, mostly freshman and sophomores, with a ton of potential. It's going to be wonderful watching them develop as xc runners.” Sophomores Casey Kittridge, Caylee Hamilton, Lauren Magdziarz, and Lydia Staubus all have that sectional experience. Jordan Bartman (SO) ran track last spring and will run in this sport for the first time. Nora Galateo leads a strong group of freshmen that could be among the top seven when all is said and done.

 

Lincoln

 

Coach: Andrew Hite | Apollo Conference

 

Preview – Could be a surprise team in the central part of the state. The Railsplitters finished fifth in the Jacksonville Regional and eighth in the Richland County Sectional. Three runners are back from the sectional team led by Becca Heitzig. The sophomore had a great track season that should translate nicely on the cross-country course this fall. Heitzig finished 12th at the ShaZam Club Championships. Reese McCuan (SR) leads the pack behind Heitzig.

 

New Lenox (Providence Catholic)

 

Coach: Richard McCarthy | Girls Catholic Athletic Conference

 

Preview – The Celtics finished their 2020 season finishing third at the Morris Regional and then eighth at the Peoria Notre Dame Sectional. Five runners are back from that team led by Kaley Wolniakowski (SR). Their top five split is projected to be close to three minutes starting this season. Their team needs to be in the top seven to advance to the state meet. Sophomores Bella Morey and Ava Dudak were in the top five and should lead this pack. Megan Whitten (SR) and Samantha Costello (JR) also return with that big meet experience they had in last year’s state series.

 

Oak Forest

 

Coach: Donnald Hamrin | South Suburban Conference Red

 

Preview – Four runners return for Oak Forest from last year’s teams that won the Agricultural Science Regional and placed tenth at the Peoria Notre Dame Sectional. Mia Nutile (JR) had a breakout sophomore season as the Bengals’ top runner. She should do more of the same this fall and could make it to the state meet individually. Hailey Gibbs (SR), Olivia Baxa (JR), and Isabella Garlinski (JR) ran in the top seven in 2020 and should solidify the teams top five. Abby Frias (SO) should step into the fifth spot. The team top five split looks big to start the year. Getting it  under 150 seconds will be a plus for this squad.

 

Olney (Richland County)

 

Coach: Amy Julian | Little Illini Conference

 

Preview – This year could be both rebuilding and at the same time learning for this extremely young team. Only two runners are back from the team that finished third in the Taylorville Regional and 11 in their own sectional. Their two top returning runners are not back. Emily Nuttall moved to Edwardsville with her family. Bre Holden will be on the swimming team. Bently Farris (SR) and Allyson Mitchell (SO) are the only runners with big meet experience in high school and will lead this team. Six of the eight new runners on this team have never run high school cross -country before. Makenzie Thomas (FR) is someone that we could see as the top runner of this team. “This summer we added yoga to our training and have spent more time on grass and soft surface than we did last year,” said their coach, Amy Julian. “We are working really hard to try to avoid injuries. We certainly hope to advance out of regionals as a team.  Our focus each week will remain on each girls' improvement and decreasing times as my runners learn how to race the 3-mile course.”

 

River Forest (Trinity)

 

Coach: Johann Gonzalez | Girls Catholic Athletic Conference

 

Preview – It could be a rebuilding season for the Blazers after they missed qualifying for sectional by 11 points finishing sixth at the St. Francis Regional. Three runners from the top seven are back from this team led by state track qualifiers Laura Murphy (JR) and Amanda McGreal (JR). Murphy was the team’s third runner and should step into the #1 position for the team. Delaney Burns (JR) also returns and could push for a top three spot. Ella Miller (JR) had a good summer of training and will be in the mix for the top five. Cross Country newcomer Jasmine Arzuaga (JR) has adjusted to her new sport and could be part of the top five. “The few times we met during the week we made it a point to do quality runs including meeting at Waterfall Glen every Friday,” said coach Johann Gonzalez. “We had a lot of fun and focused on team building activities.  Not only is our focus on the varsity team  but we made it our goal to help the rest of the girls have an opportunity to move up to the varsity level and have a chance to run in the postseason.  I imagine there will something special about being back at Detweiller in November, as a team we'd like to be a part of that experience. “

 

Rochester

 

Coach: Bill Owens | Central State Eight Conference

 

Preview – A young team that should be ready to go by mid-October and state series time. The Rockets finished fourth at the Jacksonville Regional and then ninth at the Richland County Sectional. Four runners are back from that team led by Colleen Zeibert. The junior had a strong 2020-2021 year finishing ninth at the ShaZam Club Championships last November and then earning all-state honors during track last June. She should be among the top 2A runners in the state again this season. Trinity Hicks (JR), Addi Schmideke (JR), and Jillian Conlon (SO) also return. Freshman Brooke Zeibert will give the team a boost in their top five.

 

Rockford (Boylan)

 

Coach: Linda Schmitt | NIC-10 Conference

 

Preview – Boylan will look to improve on their 2020 finish of third in the Belvidere Regional and tenth in the ever-tough Lakes Sectional. The Titans also finished second in their conference meet and will look to chaise after that title in October. Five of the top seven runners are back led by Ella Maher (JR) and Isabella Anderson (SR). Cecelia Hatfield (SR), Ella Linnabary (SO), Natalia Ayala (JR), and Claire Kirkham (SO) all look to challenge for one of the top five spots.

 

Springfield

 

Coach: Dan Devlin | Central State Eight Conference

 

Preview – The Senators look to bounce back after finishing third at the Jacksonville Regional and 12 at the Richland County Sectional last fall with four of their top five runners back. Maddie Kim (JR) was the team’s #1 runner in 2020 and should resume that role this season. Payton Heise (JR), Melia Muschinske (JR), and Hannah Elson (JR) lead the pack that will effort to stay close to Kim. Their projected top seven are all underclassmen having a projected top five split of 156 seconds.

 

Sterling

 

Coach: Megan Grady | Western Big Six Conference

 

Preview – Megan Grady steps in as the new Sterling Girls’ coach. Sterling will look to improve on last year’s fifth-place finish at the Kaneland Regional and then 15th at the Lakes Sectional. Five runners are back from that team led by Kylie Nicklaus (JR) and Sarah Navarro (SR). “I believe we will have a good group of girls out this year,” said Grady. ”I have not had enough practice time to get to know each girl's skill set yet, but I know that their attitudes are positive, and they are ready to get to work.” 

 

Sycamore

 

Coach: Adam Bezinovich | Interstate Eight Conference

 

Preview – Five runners from their top seven are back from the teams that finished fourth at the Kaneland Regional and 12th at the Lakes Sectional. Lily Baker (SR) will be the team’s top runner as she was a year ago. The key for the pack led by Hayley King (SO) and Emma Doyle (SR) will need to close the gap on Baker for this team to improve on last year’s end of season finishes. “We have more depth on this team than we have in past years,” said their coach, Adam Bezinovich. “We had a few people out last year, and we had many step up and contribute to the varsity team. This team had great chemistry last year and it seems to have transferred over to this team so far for the summer workouts.”

 

Troy (Triad)

 

Coach: Andrew Brendel | Mississippi Valley Conference

 

Preview – Chances are good that Triad could earn a spot on the starting line for the 2A state meet in November. The Knights return five of their top seven from the teams that finished fourth at the Highland Regional and seventh at the Richland County Sectional. Chloe Gough was the team’s second runner at the end of last season. The junior could step into the #1 spot. Clare Schott (SR) and juniors Kailey Peterson and Blaire Cunningham lead what should be a tight pack for Triad. A good freshman group led by Kennedy Bowman, Michaela Niehaus, and Hannah York could give this team’s top five group a boost. “We have a super strong group of ladies this season that have all shown vast improvements to this point,” their coach Andy Brendel said. “It’s hard to pinpoint or pick out just one or two which is exciting.”

 

Wauconda

 

Coach: Emily Morzy | North Lake County Conference

 

Preview – A team that could take the next step up after finishing fifth at the Antioch Regional and 11 at the Lakes Sectional. All their top seven runners are back. Jessie Pakaski ran a season’s best of 18:17 at last year’s conference meet. The senior will be the team’s top runner and could challenge for a top 25 finish at the state meet. Sara Meyer (SR) had a good summer of training and could close the gap up front on Pakaski. Alyssa Vodicka (SO) and Katherine Karecki (SR) will lead the pack behind the top two. The top five split is projected to be just over 200 seconds. That will need to come down for this team to be in the state meet hunt. “Our training was a bit different this year due to the extended track season, we gave some more time for our athletes to rest,” said their coach, Emily Morzy. “Many of my athletes did back-to-back sports with winter sports ending and spring sports starting, that rest time was very important for them.”