2022 IHSA XC Season Previews - 1A Girls Teams

 

By Michael Newman [email protected]

 

The first race of the day last November at Detweiller Park came down to the final mile of the 1A Girls race. Tolono Unity and Winnebago were separated by 21 points at 2-miles, but the Bago team was surging. The final 400-meters, one of Winnebago’s top runners collapsed and never completed the race. That sealed the win for Unity.

 

It was something that drove Winnebago during last track season.

 

Unity comes in this season as the top team in the state. They do have some minor injuries that they are dealing with right now. Winnebago could have three runners in the top 12 but will need to figure out who will step into their fourth and fifth runners spot. Father McGivney is a team on the way up. Rosary could be a surprise again even without their #1 runner from a year ago.

 

It should be a fun season to watch in this classification.

 

There are so many storylines that we will follow this fall in Class 1A. Let’s look at some of those teams that will toe the line this season.

 

1 Tolono (Unity)

Coach – Kara Leaman; 2021 Finish – 1st, 1A State

Top Runners -  Olivia Shike JR (19, 18:23), Erica Woodard JR (26, 18:30), Reagen Stringer JR (33, 18:43), Emily Decker SO (122, 19:50), Mackenzie Pound FR, Camryn Reedy SO, Audrey Remole SR, Ashlyn Denney SO, Josie Cler SO, Sophia Stierwalt SR

 

Notes – Unity ran so strong in their final four meets of last fall that culminated with a state championship. Pack running got the Rockets to win the title. Four runners finished in the first 33 in that race. That is the kind of running again this fall. That was then. Tolono Unity has turned the page to a new season with four runners returning from that top seven. “We had a great summer and were thankful to be back on a full summer schedule,” said their coach, Kara Leaman.

 

It should actually five runners back. One of their runners, Caelyn Kleparski, will not run in her junior season due to an injury. “She had a significant stress injury in her foot early in March, which kept her out of track all season and summer training,” said Leaman.  “We hope she will be healthy and ready for a great 2023 track season.”

 

Olivia Shike was normally the second through fourth runner throughout last season. She stepped up in a big way at Detweiller as the team’s top runner. “It’s hard to imagine how Olivia gets everything done,” Leaman said. “She is involved in FFA and competes in agriculture events all over the Midwest all summer, but still finds time to train. She has had some significant gains in volume this summer and I look forward to seeing how it pays off for her. She was our most consistent force in 2021 and I expect the same this season.”

 

Erica Woodard was the top runner for some meets last fall. She missed all-state honors by one place. That won’t happen this fall. She has the talent and potential to finish in the top 15. “Erica has learned a lot about herself and sees setbacks, including disappointing races, as opportunities to learn more,” Leaman said. “She had several highlights her sophomore year, but neither season ended the way she wanted. She was 26th in xc and that fueled a strong start to indoor track, setting our school record indoor in the 3200. She has big goals and may now have what she needs to reach them.”  Reagan Stringer was another runner in this group that is interchangeable able run anywhere from the first through fourth spots. Striker was the fourth runner at state but just 20 seconds behind Shrike. “Cross country comes second to basketball for Raegen,” added Leaman. “She competes all year on club teams when not in season. But she also loves to run, and if she stays healthy, I have faith she’ll come through when we need her most late in the season.”

 

Olivia Decker was the team’s fifth runner at state but had a great summer of training running with their front pack. Fellow sophomores Josie Cler and Camryn Reedy also had good summers and will be part of the team’s fifth through seventh runners. Their contribution becomes more important with Kleparski not running. Mackenzie Pound will contribute immediately into five. The incoming freshman was the IESA 2A State Champion last year. She was also the 3A 8th grade State Champion in the Pole Vault.

 

This team just continues to reload. They could have three runners that are all-state along with getting their fourth and fifth runners in the first 50. This team needs to stay healthy this fall. That happening could mean defending their state title.

 

“Winning state last year was so monumental for that special group of young women,” said Leaman. “They went into that day with incredible confidence in who they were as people and ready to savor every moment. They learned that believing in what’s possible is more important than what anyone predicts. I’d say the amount of summer running girls have done on their own because of juggling several schedules is most impressive. They are great communicators and make training a priority – a recipe for success.”

 

2 Aurora (Rosary)

Coach – Vic Mead; 2021 Finish – 5th, 1A State

Top Runners – Chiara Surtz SO (25, 18:30), Natalie Goettsch SO (78, 19:21), Vivian Wyller JR (93, 19:32), Olivia Kunio JR (125, 19:54), Megan Molenhouse JR, Ana Hathaway SR, Jade Ochoa SR, Christina Ferrairo JR.

 

Notes – With three runners graduated including two-time state champion Liana Surtz, you would think that Rosary would claim that they are rebuilding this fall. Instead, this is a better team than people think if they can stay healthy.

 

This is a team that will have a good four runner pack. It will start with two sophomores in the front. Chiara Surtz really came on strong at the end of last fall finishing up all-state placing 25th. Surtz came back during the spring to qualify for the state meet in both the 3200 and 1600. She is discovering how good she could become. Fellow sophomore Natalie Goettsch also had a good summer of training. She was the team’s six runner in the two meets before state. She ran as the fourth runner for the Royals. She could close the gap on Surtz this fall. Vivian Wyller was the team’s fifth runner most of last fall including state. Olivia Kunio finished anywhere from second runner to seventh all last season. This team is better when Kunio is closer to the front.

 

If every runner is at their best, Rosary could have four runners in the top 40, Megan Molenhouse and Ana Hathaway were the top JV runners last season. They could finish from 80 to 85 seconds on the pack. The perfect scenario would be that 40 second split. Rosary could also get some freshmen in that we do not know about yet. The second through tenth spots are so wide-open behind Unity. For right now, it is Rosary.

 

3 Winnebago

Coach – Janet & Joe Erb; 2021 Finish – 2nd, 1A State

Top Runners – Grace Erb SR (10, 18:07), Marissa Roggensack SR (12, 18:11), Kaylee Woolery SR, Reese Erdahl JR (160, 20:23), Sydney Longanecker SR, Anna Palmer JR, Emma Woolery SO, Campbell Schrank SR. Hannah Roggensack FR

 

Notes – What happened with Winnebago at the end of last year’s state meet will never leave them. Then again, they can do something special again in this season. Winnebago starts this season looking to win a state championship. That could happen. Anything can happen in a state meet.

 

There is potential where their three top seniors could finish in the top 10. Grace Erb and Marissa Roggensack finished 10 and 12. Kaylee Woolery was one of the top runners on the team last fall. Her progressed showed last spring where she was part of Winnebago’s 4x800m Relay that was state champions. She came back later in the meet to earn all-state honors. “Grace and Marissa had a really good summer,” said their coach, Janet Erb. “Their training went really solid. They ran together more days than they didn’t run together. They built on very good track seasons.”

 

The fourth and fifth runners is something that will need to be looked at since three seniors have graduated. Reese Erdahl was the team’s sixth runner at last year’s state meet and will step in. Sydney Longanecker had a good summer of training according to Coach Erb and could step into the fourth or fifth spots.

 

Winnebago’s strength is up front in big meets. Like we said before, this team could have three all-state runners in the top 10.There could be close to a two minute gap before the fourth and fifth runners. This team will contend for a trophy this fall. They could contend for another state title if those splits narrow behind G Erb, Roggensack, and Woolery.

 

4 Glen Carbon (Father McGivney)

Coach – James Helton; 2021 Finish – 27th, 1A State

Top Runners – Elena Rybak SO, Kaitlyn Hatley JR (43, 18:55), Jane Cummins SO (187, 20:47), Alyssa Terhaar SR (196, 21:08), Sofia Luna SR (232, 21:58), Isabella Harris SO

 

Notes – There are a lot of questions about this team entering this season. The Griffins lost three runners that decided not to come out for the team this fall including their state #2 runner Claire Stanhaus. The roster numbers shrunk meaning this team is only six runners deep.

 

Elena Rybak did not finish the way she wanted to last fall. She was dominant until her sectional race. Things were different last spring when Rybak anchored her team to all-state in the 4x800m Relay and then winning the 1600 Meter Run at state. Her races then her summer she will be on a mission this fall. “The end of last cross season was not written the way Elena/I had projected,” said her coach, James Helton.  There were several factors that combined to have a DNF at State. 1)hydration/nutrition; 2) just didn't look fluid from the get-go at Sectionals, went down, staggered across the finish line; 3) the Alton paper published several photos of her laying on the ground (not in control of her 14 year-old body, mentally or physically).  I was able to get the online phones taken down, but the print version ran the story.  It was quite a week for mental/physical preparation for State; 4) when she started feeling odd at State, (in my opinion) there was no way she was going to be in the papers again in that uncompromising position.  Elena's worked hard on the physical and mental preparation in the past year and continues to do so.  A solid winter of training.  We didn't do a lot of indoor track, but it was successful. Outdoor, she was a dual-sport athlete in soccer.  Practiced with track unless she had a soccer game; controlled what we could control.  Had a great track State meet. This fall, we are increasing the physical and mental expectations.  I know she will give her best.”

 

Kaitlyn Hatley stepped in as the #1 runner at the state meet. She has put herself in position to finish in the top 25 this November. “Kaitlyn has gained tremendously in all facets of cross country,” added Helton. “Originally as a freshman, she played volleyball, then tried cross country late (after COVID derailed indoor sports). She ended up running well for us and had a 3 mile PR of 19:03.  In the following spring, she became the first female track athlete to medal at the State Track meet (800m - 2:25 7th, and 1600m - 5:28 7th), then last fall as a sophomore competed "too often" in practice w/Elena and overworked at times.  She had a 3m PR of 18:14, but more importantly learned how to train...carried over into track, where she led off our 4 x 800m relay, and 4 x 400m relays + 3rd in State in 2:18.  Kaitlyn has had a strong/smart summer of training and can have an All-State type of year this fall.

 

Jane Cummins and a healthy Alyssa Terhaar give this team a solid third and fourth runners. Sofia Luna will step into the #5 spot. It is hard to tell what kind of pack running we will see since Cummins and Terhaar have improved dramatically.  The big key is health. They have to stay healthy this fall. One runner dropping off can take this team from a top five team to a finish similar to last fall. “We continue to work on TEAM; in a small school, the training paces are vast, but that doesn't mean we cannot help each other through workouts, and other facets of training,” said Helton.  A very humid summer in the metro east, but I saw smiles for the majority of the summer.”

 

5 Eureka

Coach – Olivia Morris; 2021 Finish – 3rd, 1A State

Top Runners – Laurel Munson SR (18, 18:22), Claire Albertson JR (62, 19:09), Meika Bender SO (109, 19:42), Elle Hoffman SR (202, 21:19), Sophia Musselman SO (234, 22:04), Cora Strawn JR, Grace Donovan JR, Adeline Hubert FR, Janae Walder FR, Alayna Garza FR, Lucy Grimm FR, Haley Sauder FR

 

Notes – Eureka left Detweiller Park with a third-place trophy last season and would like to repeat that again. Five runners are back from that state team. Eureka do lose last year’s #1 runner Anna Perry who won the 1A 3200 Meter Run at last spring’s state meet. Laurel Munson is the runner that will step into that spot this season. She also earned all-state honors last fall finishing 18th. “She had a strong summer,” said their coach, Olivia Morris. “We are looking forward to her and the other seniors leading Eureka XC this year.  Fortunately for Laurel, she has had other teammates step up and train with her.  She's definitely realized how important that is for those teammates, herself, and the team as a whole.”

 

Four runners besides Munson are back. Claire Albertson and Meika Bender will lead the pack behind Munson. The two runners ran within 23 seconds of each other in the final four meets of the season. The key is keeping those two runners within 30 seconds of Munson. Elle Hoffman, Sophia Musselman, and Cora Strawn will also challenge four top five spots. Morris has a good freshman class coming to Eureka led by Adeline Hubert and Janae Walder. The 2021 top seven included two freshmen. We could see two or maybe three freshen running in November. “I think the incoming freshmen showed the most growth, lengthening their runs from the beginning of the summer to the end,” said Morris.

 

The top three is pretty much set led by the senior Munson. Figuring the rest of the top five we will see in the first month of the season. The Hornets will again be in contention for a trophy when we get back to Peoria in November. “The girls did a great job of being consistent and making summer practices a priority,” said Morris. “Our group grew in number and trained consistency.”

 

6 Robinson

Coach – Tony Cork; 2021 Finish – 13th, 1A State

Top Runners – Katelyn Jones JR (34, 18:43), Ella Tingley SO (82, 19:23), Quinn Wesley JR (87, 19:27), Rylee Young JR (141, 20:03), Leighanna Welsh SR (174, 20:38), Sophie Stark SO (194, 21:04), Brynn Forman JR (221, 21:46), Taylor Blank JR, Emma Dorfmueller SR

 

Notes – Robinson had the reputation of their Boys team of finishing in the top five in state meets. The Girls team took notice and are now doing special things in the school. The Maroons had not run at the state meet since 2007. They changed that last season first qualifying for state placing fifth in the tough St. Teresa Sectional. They followed that up by finishing 13th in Peoria.

 

The experience at the end of last year should benefit this team in this upcoming season. The Maroons return their entire top seven from last year’s team. This is a squad that will not be able to fly under the radar in 2022.

 

Their racing style was one individual, a pack a two, and a pack of four. Katelyn Jones stepped up to lead the team and will do so again this fall. The junior finished 34 in Peoria. We could see her in the top 25 this November. Ella Tingley and Quinn Wesley were within four seconds of each other. The two will need to continue to race that way. Rylee Young and Leighanna Welsh will lead the pack behind the first three runners.

 

Robinson becomes a top five state team with Jones all-state, Tingley and Wesley closing their gap on Jones down to 40 seconds from 48 seconds, and the pack behind closing what could be a 45 second split on that group.

 

7 Chicago (DePaul Prep)

Coach – Stephanie Stecz; 2021 Finish – 12th, 1A State

Top Runners – Lorelei Travers SO (61, 19:08), Alexis Hallgren SR (104, 19:37), Erin Mannion JR (113, 19:44), Abigail Arseneau SO (127, 19:56), Grace Moeller JR (131, 19:58), Sydney McLeod SR (134, 19:59), Isabella Shifrin SO (137, 20:01), Gabrielle Walker JR, Maeve McCarthy SO, Piper Houghton SO.

 

Notes – DePaul’s Girls team is taking the same path the Boys squad is traveling down. The Rams finished third in the 1A Boys State Meet last fall and have ambitions of a state championship in November. The Girls team has quietly improved to 12th place last year and now in the hunt this fall to go after a trophy.

 

DePaul Prep returns their entire top seven. In fact, the top 22 runners from last year’s squad were all underclassmen. Lorelei Travers was in the #1 spot last year as a freshman. The experience that Travers along with the rest of the team had last November will pay dividends at the end of this season. Travers finished 61st last year and will improve on that finish. This team exhibits great pack running. Their split from second runner Alexis Hallgren to seventh runner Isabella Shifrin was only 24 seconds. The split from Hallgren to fifth runner Grace Moeller was only 21 seconds. Erin Mannion, Abigail Arseneau, and Sydney McLeod were part of that group. Gabrielle Walker, who was all-state in the 2A 800 Meter Run last spring at the State Meet, could find her way into the top seven.

 

The main theme of this team this year could be just moving up. The rams will move up in the rankings to start the year. They should be moving Travers and the rest of the pack closer to the front. Travers could be in the top 35. Their projected split will be close to what they ran last fall. Packing will get them to high places during this season.

 

8 Springfield (Sacred Heart-Griffin)

Coach – Josh Bluhm; 2021 Finish  - 14th, 1A State

Top Runners – Vivian Rahmel SR (39, 18:50), Kaitlyn Lee SR (77, 19:19), Grayson Hady JR (89, 19:21), Reese Watson SO (132, 19:58), Paige Mattiuz SR (219, 21:41), Kysis Kinnel SO (220, 21:45), Olivia Paul SO (transfer from Chatham-Glenwood), Emma Johnson FR, Karrigan Bools FR

 

Notes – A team that could challenge for a state top five finish after placing 14th last November. The Blazers have strength up front led by Vivian Rahmel and Kaitlyn Lee. Both runners had great track seasons. The two runners were within 30 seconds of each other. “Both girls had their best summers in regard to training,” said their coach, Josh Bluhm. “Their summer work follows up on very strong showings during the Spring track season.”

 

Grayson Hady and Reese Watson were a solid third and fourth runners for this team a year ago. Both runners could be close to Lee. SHG only graduated their fifth runner from last year’s team. Olivia Paul, a sophomore transfer from Chatham-Glenwood, would have been a top 10 returning runner for her old school. She could make an immediate impact for this team. Freshmen Emma Johnson and Karrigan Boots should also contribute to the team in the top 7. “We will have a smaller team this year,” said Bluhm. “So, it will be very important for us to manage mileage early in the fall and closely monitor racing to be certain that we are good to go come the end of October.”

 

9 Monticello

Coach – David Remmert; 2021 Finish – 6th, 1A State

Top Runners – Mabry Bruhn SR (9, 17:56), Sylvia Miller SO (36, 18:49), Estella Miller SR (88, 19:28), Joe Walker JR (158, 20:20), Rose Talbert SR, Katie Mesplay SR

 

Notes – It is hard to tell where the Sages will land at the end of this season. They finished sixth in the 1A State Meet last year and graduated three runners from that team. Monticello could be a team hovering around this place. They could also contend for a state trophy.

 

Mabry Bruhn has been one of the top runners in Class 1A for all three years of her high school career. The senior once again will be one of top runners in the state. Sylvia Miller had a great freshman season finishing at her best when it counted the most. She could earn all-state honors this fall. Estella Miller did not have the year that she wanted. A foot injury sidelined her for a month before the state meet. She was still the team’s fourth runner at state. Miller ran 18:20 at Peoria Notre Dame in September before the injury indicating how she can run when healthy. If she can avoid the injury bug, this senior could finish in the top 15.

 

Three runners all-state is probable if the three runners are healthy. The fourth and fifth runners is a question that will need to be answered before the state series starts. Joe Walker ran at state last fall but was almost 90 seconds behind the then freshman Miller. Rose Talbert ran 19:52 as a sophomore. She ran more than two minutes slower last fall. Her returning to her previous bests could mean good things for the Sages. It could be a freshman or freshmen that we don’t know about that could step in. We will get a better understanding of this team in their opening meets.

 

10 Stanford (Olympia)

Coach – Brendan Hoskins; 2021 Finish – 22nd, 1A State

Top Runners – Chrystal Cornwell SR (118, 19:46), Anna Bieber SR (133, 19:59), Abby Litwiller SR (159, 20:21), Madison Bales SR (166, 20:31), Raquel Birky SO (191, 20:58), Rachel Andris JR (195, 21:08), Amelia Kistner SO (217, 21:39), Cam Lawson SR, Emma Swartzendruber SO

 

Notes – The Spartans will take a huge step up after placing 22 at the State Meet. Last year’s team was young and should learn from their racing experiences. All seven runners from that state team are back.

 

“Our girls squad is coming in very strong from this summer of training,” said their coach Brendan Hoskins. “This core group of seniors is highly motivated to make this a successful season.” The team had a 72 second split at state last year on the top five. There are four runners that realistically become the team’s top runner. Chrystal Cornwell finished as the top runner at state. Anna Bieber and Abby Litwiller continued to improve over the past six months and will be leading. Litwiller was the team’s top runner at some meets the past fall. Amelia Kistner is ready to step up after an up and down freshman season. A great summer of training could put her into the top five.

 

This now is a veteran squad with four seniors leading this team. This group will move up and the pack split will come down. There are good things ahead for the Spartans this fall.

 

11 Seneca

Coach – Kim Foster; 2021 Finish – 23rd, 1A State

Top Runners – Evelyn O’Connor SO (44, 18:55), Ashley Alsvig SR (129, 19:57), Gracie Steffes JR (190, 20:56), Natalie Misener SO (201, 21:19), Lauren Cronkite JR (235, 22:05), Lily Mueller R, Lila Coleman FR, Ruthie Steffes FR

 

Notes – The Irish should take a huge step up from last year where they finished second at the Oregon Sectional and then 23 the following week in Peoria. Five runners are back from that team. Their sixth runner, Keeli Pumphprey, will not be running this fall. “I think training went great this summer,” said their coach, Kim Foster. “The majority of the girls did a great job building their base and increasing mileage as asked. My top 4 are looking very strong so far.”

 

Evelyn O’Connor and Ashley Alsvig should again be the team’s top two runners. O’Connor made some huge strides up at the end of her freshman season which should continue this fall. “Evelyn will be a star again this season,” said Foster. “She has a solid base and is coming off of a great track season. Evelyn is so easy to coach and understands all of the ins and outs of training. I think we will see Evelyn sub 19s at First to the Finish and hopefully sub 18 at state.” Alsvig was the team’s top runner in 2020 and should be running closer to O’Connor this fall. “Ashley will have the best season yet,” added Foster. “Like Evelyn, Ashley had a great track season and really worked hard increasing her mileage this summer.  She has already shown improvement and is very strong.  Last season she wasn't 100% healthy, but I think we found the root of the problem.  This season I think we will see her sub 19s later in the season.”

 

Gracie Steffes and Natalie Misener had huge summer training months and should be somewhere in their top seven. Foster has a good freshman class coming in. She believes that Lily Mueller, Lila Coleman, and Ruthie Steffes could contribute on the Varsity level immediately.

 

“I was impressed that the girls followed the training plan that we discussed at the end of the school year,” Foster added. “They have worked very hard and have the best attitudes. This is a special group of young ladies.  Our numbers are small, but the girls are mighty. I'm so very proud of them and can't wait to watch them compete this season.”

 

12 Elmwood

Coach – Kyle Anderson; 2021 Finish – 24th, 1A State

Top Runners – Addie Symonds JR (55, 19:04), Chloe Kelly SR (145, 20:08), Ashley Wolcott SR (153, 20:12), Olivia Stage SO (173, 20:37), Bre Turner SR (243, 22:45), Natalie Babcock FR, Addy Turner FR, Abby Dawson FR

 

Notes – One of the Class 1A teams that will move up the rankings to start the season. The Trojans return five of their top six runners that finished 23 in the 1A State Meet last fall. Fifth runner Aleah Zehr opted not to run this fall. “The quality of miles was really good from what I saw,” said their coach, Kyle Anderson.  “It seems like we always had at least one athlete gone on vacation, so it's been nice to have the whole team together these first couple of practices. I think the freshmen have added a lot of potential to this team. They have jumped in and embraced what we do as a program.”

 

There were only six runners on the Girls roster last fall. The addition of the freshmen runners will give the top five a boost. Addie Symonds came on strong at the end of last fall. She could finish near or under the top 25 at state. “Addie has been checking all of the boxes this summer,” said Anderson. “She's stepped into a leadership role as an upperclassmen. This role has made her a better trainer individually and her enthusiasm and tenacity has rubbed off on the others. She's really good at accepting a challenge. She's putting in the miles and has high expectations for herself this fall.

 

Olivia Stage had a great training summer and should challenge Chloe Kelly and Ashley Wolcott for the second spot. Freshmen Natalie Babcock, Addy Turner, and Abby Dawson should be part of that top five mix. “I think this team has matured and shows they understand the work that needs to be done to be successful,” said Anderson. “I think the quality of the miles they ran this summer has been really good and the way that  the freshmen have joined in puts them in a good place to have success this fall.”

 

13 Elmhurst (IC Catholic Prep)

Coach – Joe Hughes; 2021 Finish – 7th, 1A State

Top Runners – Graziella Narcisi SO (15, 18:21), Kelsey McDonough JR (130, 19:57), Megan Van Koughnet JR (130, 19:57), Hayden James SR (206, 21:22), Chloe Brandt FR, Ashley Putz SO

 

Notes – Losses of top three runners Carly Manchester and Kennedy Calcagno due to graduation may sting a little at the beginning of this season. New Coach Joe Hughes does have a good group coming back including all-state runner Graziella Narcisi. “Our returning core had a good summer of training,” said Hughes. “They are much more advanced at this point compared to last year (based on the splits of our most recent Monday 400's).”

 

Narcisi made huge strides last fall in finishing 15th at last year’s state meet. Part of that had to do with training and racing with multi all-state runner Carly Manchester. It may have been just for one season. That experience will be with her for the next three high school seasons. She could finish in the top 10 this fall. “Extremely confident girl with a work ethic that can make her potentially great,” Hughes said. “She is faster than she believes herself to be. It’s on me to make sure she both sees and understands the depth of her talent.”

 

Kelsey McDonough and Megan Van Koughnet had great summers of training with their improvement curve going up. Freshman Chloe Brandt is raw in talent but show grow as the season progresses according to Hughes.

 

14 Tremont

Coach – Mike Lynn; 2021 Finish – 8th, 1A Elmwood Sectional

Top Runners – Lydia Snider JR (119, 19:48), Alidia Proehl SR, Lisa Kirschner JR, Claire Koch SO, Anna Wagenbach JR, Allie Hellrigel SO, Megan Ward JR

 

Notes – The Turks missed state meet last fall finishing eighth at the Tremont Sectional. Six runners of their top seven are back from the 2021 team. Lydia Snider qualified individually for state. She did run 18:57 in her regional race and could match or go under that time this fall. Alida Proehl and Lisa Kirschner give Tremont a solid second and third runners. The pack in their sectional race from their second to fifth runners was only 41 seconds. The improvement of that pack could get that split down even more. The split off Snider was over two minutes in that race. The team could make it to state if this gap closes up.

 

15 Pleasant Plains

Coach – Rob Havens; 2021 Finish – 12th, 1A Elmwood Sectional

Top Runners – Jaidlynn Albers SR (32, 18:41), Abigail Wolters SO, Megan Derrick SR, Teagan Galloway SO, Lauren Hegele SO, Joanna Harney SO, Caroline Willenborg FR, Alaina Hawker FR

 

Notes – Their 12th place finish is not indicative how good they were last year. Their top runner Abigail Wolters suffered an injury just before regionals. She was held out of the regional but ran in the sectional race but could not finish. The return of a healthy Wolters and new freshmen class to bolster their top seven could lead this team to some big things. “Our training went extremely well this summer,” said Coach Rob Havens. “Focus was on distance endurance and core strength & stabilization in the weight room.”

 

Jaidlynn Albers stepped up with the absence to lead the team down the stretch finishing 32nd as an individual at state. “This senior should improve by 30 seconds or more over last season's PR at the State Meet,” said Havens. “I fully expect to see this improvement by the conference meet. Foot injury over the summer (swimming accident) hampered summer workouts but she'll bounce back quickly. Jaidynn is one of three team captains and should be one of our top three by the conference meet, possibly our #2 runner. She is generating quite a bit of interest from college coaches, from D3 to smaller D1 schools, and fully expects to run in college next fall.”

 

Wolters improvements showed on the track last spring when she ran 2:20 to finish seventh in the 800 at state. The sky could be the limit for her as the team’s top runner. “One of the more talented athletes we've had the privilege to coach,” said Havens. She set the school 800 Meter record at this year's State T&F Meet. We held Abigail out of the regional at Liberty as she was experiencing some knee pain. No sense risking further injury as we felt certain we'd qualify for Elmwood as a team even without her on the course. At Elmwood she was running strong with under 800 meters remaining until she was overcome with what we believe was a severe lactic buildup. She was unable to complete the race. However, she is ready for this season, running strong thus far and for now looks as if she'll be our number one. She was our number one last season as well.”

 

Megan Derrick and Teagan Galloway give the team a solid nucleus of their pack. “With five freshmen on the fall roster, (a total of nineteen athletes on the roster), each is expected to compete for a varsity spot. Caroline Willenborg and Alaina Hawker lead a group of talented freshmen expected to contribute this fall. Willenborg could be our number 2  behind sophomore Abigail Wolters, Alaina could be a four or five,” said Havens. “Several other runners showed big improvement, sophomores JoAnna Harney, Teagan Galloway and Lauren Hegele to name a few. Freshmen Willenborg, Hawker, Peyon Howell, Jazmyne Albers, and Alison Hegele all showed vast improvement, June to the end of July.”

 

16 Des Plaines (Willows Academy)

Coach – Sara Danielewicz; 2021 Finish – 7th, 1A Lisle Sectional

Top Runners -  Francoise Lechner SR (117, 19:46), Lucy James SR, Isabella Avila SR, Emily Elder JR, Helena Vining SO, Jane Potter SO, Lola Keller SO

 

Notes – The Eagles were a young team last fall that surprised some people finishing seventh in the Lisle Sectional. Their top seven are back from the team looking to finish this year in the top six at Harvest Christian Academy.

 

Francoise Lechner qualified for state individually and again will lead this team. Lucy James, Isabella Avilla, and Emily Elder were within 20 seconds in that sectional race giving this team a strong pack behind Lechner. Lola Keller and Jane Potter ran together in that race giving this team a fast top six. The team is projected to have a 90 second split on their top five this fall. That could move this team to the top six sectional finish and a state trip.

 

17 Bloomington (Central Catholic)

Coach – Bill Rhodes; 2021 Finish – 7th, 1A Elmwood Sectional

Top Runners – Nora Brady SR (14, 18:20), Lauren Jones SO, Avery Cross JR, Lilly Blankenship SR, Abby Eckhoff JR, Lucy Herr SO

 

Notes – A team that could surprise some this fall after finishing seventh at the Elmwood Sectional. Nora Brady continues to run better. Her 14 place finish in last year’s state meet is evidence to that. A top 10 finish in November is possible. A two minute gap between Brady and the rest of the pack is something you can expect. The pack split should be cut down even though they lost their second and third runners to graduation. Lauren Jones, Avery Cross, Lilly Blankenship, and Abby Eckhoff will be part of that pack. A 60 to 70 second split on their pack could work to get the Saints to state. Brady’s low numbers in races will play a big part.

 

18 Breese (Mater Dei)

Coach – Colton Strotheide; 2021 Finish – 19th, 1A State

Top Runners – Isabella Hacker SO (103, 19:37), Alexis Kampwerth SR (105, 19:39), Coryn Toennies JR (110, 19:42), Avery Rahden SR (179, 20:41), Julia Korte SR (244, 22:59), Kayla Zurliene SR (253, 24:07)

 

Notes – Six runners are back from the Knights’ team that finished 19th in last year’s 1A State Meet. This team made it to state with some tight pack running. That will need to happen again this season. Isabella Hacker, Alexis Kampwerth, and Coryn Toennies were separated by only five seconds in that state race. Lowering their overall times by 30 seconds could be big for Mater Dei. Amy Rahden should lead the pack behind these three. The top four split is projected to be near 55 seconds. Work will need to happen with the top five split. Right now, that split is projected to be close to three minutes.

 

19 Joliet (Catholic Academy)

Coach – Mark Clarke; 2021 Finish – 10th, 1A State

Top Runners – Claire Blotnik JR (41, 18:53), Ella Dwyer JR (67, 19:13), Sophia Mihelich JR (157, 20:18), Annie Tibbot JR (182, 20:43), Kathryn Hammel JR (208, 21:23), Erin Nash SR (245, 23:06), Molly Ryan SO

 

Notes – This team surprised some last year finishing 10 last year in Peoria. It may take a little growing early this year even with six runners coming back. Their top runner Ella Ferris just missed all state by three places but has graduated. There will be a hole meaning runners will move up but so will their corresponding splits.

 

Claire Blotnik will be the top runner for this team and could contend for a top 25 state finish. Ella Dwyer will lead the pack behind Blotnik with Sophia Mihelich, Annie Tibbot, and Kathryn Hammel following. Their top five split at state with Farris in the lineup was 128 seconds. This year’s top five to begin the season projected to be near 160 seconds. There is plenty of time this fall to improve on that.

 

20 Mackinaw (Deer Creek-M.)

Coach – Sam Ingram; 2021 Finish – 9th, 1A Elmwood Sectional

Top Runners – Kaitlyn Burge JR (22, 18:24), Libby Medlin SO, Lena Schwarting SO, McKenna Carithers SR, Abby Sauder JR, Sarah Christopher JR, Jaycee Brownlee JR

 

Notes – The Chiefs came close to qualifying for state finishing ninth at the Elmwood Sectional. The team returns six runners back including Kaitlyn Burge who last fall was all-state. Burge ran strong at the end of the season finishing third at the Eureka Regional, sixth at Elmwood, and then Peoria where she finished 22nd. Abby Sauder was the team’s second runner in the sectional race but was more than two minutes behind Burge. The team had a 45 second split in their top five. They will need to close that gap on their star runner so they can begin thinking of making it to state.

 

21 Rock Falls

Coach – Mark Truesdell; 2021 Finish – 21st, 1A State

Top Runners – Tayli Hultin SR (58, 19:07), Hana Ford JR (106, 19:39), Gracie Rippy SR (192, 21:01), Brooke Howard SR (209, 21:25), Emma Hultin SO (250, 23:30), Makenna Arickx SR, Noelia Ibarra SR

 

Notes – The Rockets made it to state last fall finishing fourth at the Oregon Sectional before finishing 21st at state. Five runners are back from that team. Their pack was spread out in their state race with the first five at 138 seconds. The week before it was 172 seconds. Tayli Hutlin and Hana Ford were closer than normal at state and again should lead this team. Gracie Rippy will lead the pack. The split could be an issue again with their top five split over three minutes. It will not hurt them at the Oregon Sectional since it is not as strong as the other five in Class 1A. It could hurt this team finishing in the top 20.

 

22 Williamsville

Coach – Tyler Casson; 2021 Finish – 16th, 1A State

Top Runners – Louisa Wilson SO (3, 17:34), Emma Good SR (99, 19:35), Riley Mendenhall JR (198, 21:13), Hannah Nation SO (218, 21:39), Emily Pounder SR (228, 21:54), Caitlin Noonan SO (238, 22:15), Clair Carter SO

 

Notes – Williamsville introduced Louisa Wilson to the Illinois Cross Country world last fall. We will be talking about her a lot over the next three years. Wilson finished third in the 1A State Meet race leading her team to a 16th place finish. All seven runners on that team are back. Two of them will be seniors this fall.

 

When you have such a quality runner leading your team up front, the five split becomes a non-factor. You tend to focus on the split on the next four split. Emma Good was two minutes behind Wilson at state and will be the team’s second runner after running third behind graduate Katherine Walker. The split on the next four at state was 142 seconds. It was 169 in their sectional race. It starts the year at 164 seconds. This team was sixth in their sectional race last year. Good will be moved up in races. The split just needs to come down for this team to return to state.

 

23 DuQuoin

Coach – Eric Kirkpatrick; 2021 Finish – 11th, 1A State

Top Runners – Maggie Kellerman SO (120, 19:49), Isabella Phillips SO (156, 20:18), Kallie Oestreicher JR (180, 20:41), Claire Rose JR, Ava Gregory FR, Addison Ichou FR, Lainey Miller JR, Grace Phipps SO

 

Notes – This will a rebuilding year for DuQuoin after finishing 11 in the state meet. They lost four runners to graduation including all-state runner and leader Olivia Phillips. “We have tried to stay consistent with what we have done in the past<” said their coach Eric Kirkpatrick. “It has seemed to work for us in that our athletes seem to peak in the later part of the year.  Our girls have had pretty good numbers all summer long and they have all attended almost every workout since June. They are a hard working group.”

 

This team will be all underclassmen this season. The top three runners back will be stepping up to lead this team. Maggie Kellerman is the top returning runner from the 2021 team. “Maggie is someone we are excited about this year,” said Kirkpatrick. “She burst on the scene last year as a freshman late in the year and continued to improve all the way through the state XC meet.  She also had a tremendous track season this past spring.  She is a tireless worker who has the most positive attitude I have ever had in an athlete. I am hoping that combination will help her continue to improve.”

 

Isabella Phillips and Kallie Oestreicher are the other runners back who expect to be in their top five. A big surprise on this team has been Claire Rose who is out for the team for the first time. “I have tried to get Claire to run for me for three years now and she finally decided to give it a try as a junior,” said Kirkpatrick. “We hope she can have a successful season and help our team in the process.” Freshmen Ava Gregory and Addison Ichou should contribute in the top 7. Gregory has success in middle school on the track at 800-meters. She could be in the top five immediately.

 

24 Clinton

Coach – Rachel Lyons & Leann Sosamon; 2021 Finish – 7th, 1A St. Teresa Sectional

Top Runners – Makayla Koeppel JR (92, 19:30), Amerie Hemphill SO, Alkexa Harris SR, Chloe Barth SR, Missy Hale SR, Addie Koritz JR, Lydia Cahill SO, Maddie Leonard SO

 

Notes - Losses from last year will make this team grow a little more after missing state finishing seventh at the St. Teresa Sectional. Three runners individually qualified for the state meet. Only one of those runners will be back. One graduated. The other will not run due to health issues. “Unfortunately, for health reasons, Lexi Lord will be out for this season,” said Rachel Lyons, their coach. “However, we are returning Junior MaKayla Koeppel (she finished 91st at state last season, 27th at sectionals, 8th at regionals).

 

Koeppel showed improvement during last fall and will step up and lead this team. Amerie Hemphill has also stepped up to be a strong second runner. “Last season, when we raced First to the Finish she ran 22:30,” said Lyons. She ran at Detweiler at Dark this past month and finished in 21:33.”

 

Work will need to be done on their top five split. The split on their top five will be at 160 seconds to start the year.

 

25 Aledo (Mercer County)

Coach – Peter Nelson; 2021 Finish – 20th, 1A State

Top Runners – Eden Mueller SR (48, 18:59), Sophia Santiago JR (128, 19:56), Ingrid Hays SO (185, 20:45), Mia Ward SR (205, 21:20), Macy Gray SO (249, 23:15), Caidel Monson SR, Isabel Colon JR

 

Notes – Mercer County qualified for state for the first time in the school’s history. They will look to repeat that trip after finishing 20th a year ago. Eden Mueller, who finished 48 at state, will be the team’s top runner hoping for a top 25 individual finish. Sophia Santiago was almost another minute behind Mueller but gives this team a strong #2 runner. The Golden Eagles lost their third and sixth runners to graduation. Work will need to be done to fill those places. The top five split at state last year was 141 seconds. The split on five beginning this year is projected to be close to four minutes.

 

26 Rockford (Christian)

Coach – Brandy Forward; 2021 Finish – 25th, 1A State

Top Runners – Emma Joiner SR (107, 19:40), Mandy Nelson SR (172, 20:36), Marin Carlini JR (216, 21:37), Liz Hulsebus JR (223, 21:50), Paige Giardina SO (225, 21:53), Jor’ae Beaver JR (236, 22:12)

 

Notes – Brandy Forward enters as the new Girls Coach at Rockford Christian. She has a good group coming after the team finished 25 in last year’s 1A State Meet. They do lose their #1 runner Kelly Giardina, who missed all-state by two places, to graduation. “ I couldn't be happier with how summer training went this year,” said Forward. “We had a solid group of athletes that put in the miles, built up our team culture, and grew stronger because of that time spent together. This is a great group of ladies. We are looking forward to the season ahead.”

 

Emma Joiner looks to be the runner that will lead this team this season. Joiner is the only runner back that has run under 20 minutes. “Emma along with Mandy Nelson are Captains and our seasoned veterans for the team this season,” Forward said. “Emma Joiner's dedication and strong work ethic are admirable. She works hard as an athlete, but she is also a great leader and cares deeply for the team.”

 

The next two runners are separated by a minute. That gap could close between Nelson and Marin Carlini. “She has seen an upward progression for the last few years but this summer she has had a lot of growth,” said Forward. “I wouldn't be surprised to see her running alongside Emma and Mandy this season.” It will be tough to replace the low numbers that Kelly Giardina did in races. This is a veteran team that close that gap down in order to return back to Peoria this November.

 

27 Urbana (University)

Coach – Rachael Brewer; 2021 Finish – 9th, 1A State

Top Runners – Kate Ahmari SR (2, 17:29), Kara Mathias SR (171, 20:35), Edie Hoganson SR, Marlow Tracy SR, Clara Wood SR, Bonnie Weaver SO, Marina Bowers-Wong SO

 

Notes – It will be a rebuilding year for the Illineks after losing five runners to graduation. U-High finished ninth in last year’s State Meet. “Overall training went well for the athletes that attended our summer running practices,” said their coach, Rachael Brewer. “Those that did not attend/run this summer had quite a rude awakening at our first practice. Some of our top athletes had a good summer of training.”

 

The two runners that are back should both qualify for state individually if the team does not finish in the top six in sectionals. Kate Ahmari is the top returning runner in Class 1A and will look to winning a state title. “Kate has been putting in great work all season,” said Brewer. “In our first workout today, she was the top athlete on my team for boys and girls. I am hoping this is a positive way to start the season for her.” Kara Mathias did not run a great race at state last fall as she was the team’s seventh runner. Mathias was the team’s fourth runner in their regional and sectional races. Watch for big things from her in her senior season.

 

28 Princeville

Coach – Jeremy Melick; 2021 Finish – 11th, 1A Elmwood Sectional

Top Runners – Alyvia Cowser SO (64, 19:09), Montana Hoerr SO, Kyra Hilsabeck SR, Emma Stutzman JR, Brinae Rice JR

 

Notes – This will be a small team number wise. We should see improvement from the five runners back that finished 11th last October at the Elmwood Sectional. “While training can always be more consistent, we had decent participation this summer” said their coach, Jeremy Melick. “A couple of the girls started strong and as summer went on, it appeared other commitments might have taken priority over getting their runs in.  That said, I'm still hoping they can get back up to shape quickly and improve on their times from last year.”

 

Alyvia Cowser could be the one runner to keep an eye on. Cowser qualified as a freshman last year placing 64th at state. She should improve going into her second year of high school running. Montana Hoerr, Kyra Hilsabeck, Emma Stutzman, and Brinae Rice round out the top five behind Cowser. “Alyvia had a very strong season last year,” said Melick. “She was a medal/trophy contender at nearly every meet she competed in last year.  She is goal-oriented, hard-working, competitive, and fearless, all great qualities for a distance runner to have!  She ran into some breathing issues last spring and some of those have continued to hang around this summer, leading her to maybe not have the summer she was hoping for.  She's a tough, determined kid.  I think she still has goals ahead of her that she wants to achieve.  I'm expecting another strong season from her this fall.”

 

29 Pinckneyville

Coach – Ryan Bruns; 2021 Finish – 18th, 1A State

Top Runners – Vanessa Teel SO (53, 19:03), Zoey Conway SO (146, 20:09), Emily Baggett JR (231, 21:57), Sofia Castellano JR, Moe Morgenthaler SR, Michaela Skorch JR, Rori Wright SR

 

Notes – Graduation hit the Panthers hard last fall after finishing 18th in the state meet. The team will be missing four runners from last year’s team. This team will need to stay healthy in order to challenge for a trip back to Peoria.

 

Vanessa Teel had a strong freshman season finishing 53rd in Peoria. “Vanessa is our leader,” said her coach, Ryan Bruns. “I think she is able to make a jump this year, time will tell.” Zoey Conway should step up to be the second runner. Emily Baggett is the other state returning runner.

 

30 El Paso-Gridley

Coach – Michael Melick; 2021 Finish – 17th, 1A State

Top Runners – Nellie Melick SO (20, 18:23), Valerie Hamilton JR (193, 21:02), McKayla Harms SO (226, 21:53), Caroline Wettstein FR, Sophie Hinthorne FR, Madi Ehrhardt SR, Laura Schafer SO, Hillary Gramm SR, Maci Ehrhardt SR, Ella Kibler SR

 

Notes – It might be tough for the Titans losing three runners to graduation and Lizzie Uphoff not running concentrating on Pole Vault Club this fall. EPG finished 17th in last year’s state meet.

 

Nellie Mellick had a fantastic freshman season earning all-state honors placing 20th. She could place higher as a sophomore. “Her consistency is unmatched,” said her coach and father Michael Melick. “We have a friendly streak challenge going, and she is ahead by one day.  Neither one of us is going to take a day off.  While that may seem irresponsible and dangerous as rest is a necessary component of improvement, we also know that the only way our streak will end is through an injury-- so both of us are quick to pull the plug on a day when "something doesn't feel right".  She is self-motivated, so my role is to be her best cheerleader and supporter as we go through the season.  A lot of our work this summer has been on how to be a good team leader and to pull the other girls along with her, as she wants nothing more than to see team success.  Her time goal for the season is just to be a few seconds faster on the courses we actually race, and weather permitting, try to be sub18 at State.”

 

Caroline Wettstein and Sophia Hinthorne both had better PR’s than Nellie Mellick in middle school. These two freshmen should contribute immediately in their first high school year. Laura Schafer is also a newcomer to xc running and could be another addition to the team’s top seven.

 

Teams to Watch (In Alphabetical Order)

 

Anna-Jonesboro

Coach – Matt Denny; 2021 Finish – 12th, 1A Trenton-Wesclin Sectional

Top Runners – Brodie Denny SR, Zoe Jones SO, Kaylee Stover SR, Reese Jones FR, Raegan Jones FR, Aleah Box FR, Kenzie Miller FR, Bree Hazelrigg JR

 

Notes – A team that should show vast improvement after finishing 12 last year in their sectional race. Brodie Denny did not run her best race at her sectional placing 34th. That should change this fall. She did run 19:15 at FTTF early in the year. She could contend for all-state. “Brodie should be our team leader on and off the course,” said her coach, Matt Denny. “She has worked super hard this summer and is in good as shape as she ever has been. She has a little something to prove after having the worst race of her life at sectionals last year.”

 

Zoe Jones give this team a strong #2 runner behind Brodie Denny. There is a great group of freshman entering this team including Reese and Raegan Jones, Kenzie Miller, and Aleah Box. If this team makes it to the state meet in November, they will be one of the reasons why.

 

Beecher

Coach - Ann Graniczny; 2021 Finish – 13th, 1A Lisle Sectional

Top Runners – Aaralyn Martinez JR (97, 19:35), Brooklyn Burdick SO, Sydney Bonham SR, Trinity Bonham SR, Allison Sadus SO, Grace Huenerberg SO

 

Notes – Their top six runners are back for the Lady Bobcats as they try to improve on last year’s 13 place sectional finish at Lisle. Aaralyn Martinez qualified individually and could make it back to Peoria possibly finishing in the top 50. Brooklyn Burdick was just 24 seconds behind Martinez in the sectional race. Their team split was three minutes in that race. Their runners from three to five will need to move up in races.

 

Belleville (Althoff Catholic)

Coach – Michael Sanders; 2021 Finish – 15th, 1A Trenton-Wesclin

Top Runners – Eris Nelson SR, Kiersten Scheibel SR, Kennadi Hebel SR, LilliAna Roberson SO, Isabelle Holas SR

 

Notes – The big key this fall is if the third time is the charm for Eris Nelson. This all-state athlete has been able to finish her last two XC seasons due to injury. She’s having a good summer of training and should be ready to go. “I’m very excited for Eris this season,” said her coach Mike Sanders who will retire after this season. “She’s absolutely looking and feeling healthy right now and we are hoping to maintain it and get to the State Meet this last year of her high school career. She will be the low stick and most likely be out on her own a lot this season as she’s running very consistently with the boys team. She’s also been diligent about getting her workouts in even while on vacation. We were kind of on the same path last year but battled a mid- to late-season injury (stress fracture) that put her on hold. However, she got stronger and bounced back well competing in 2A Track this year. With that said, I’m hoping to see Eris put it all together this season and really just enjoy it and have some fun…she’s a gifted and blessed athlete.”

 

When Nelson was sidelined, sophomore Claire Nash stepped in as the top runner. She will not run this fall as she is turning her attention to soccer. Kiersten Scheibel, who has been training with Nelson all summer, should step in to be the team’s second runner. Both could qualify to state individually.

 

Cambridge

Coach – Karen Clark; 2021 Finish – 9th, 1A Oregon Sectional

Top Runners -  Miranda Reed JR (49, 18:59), Kendra Downing SR, Brooklyn Humphrey SR, Ruth Losey SR, Emma Poppy SO

 

Notes – Cambridge will look to finish in the top half of the Oregon Sectional this fall. Five runners are back from that team led by Miranda Reed. The senior had an outstanding campaign last full culminating with a top 50 finish at Detweiller Park. Kendra Downing trailed Reed by 75 seconds in the sectional race and will look to get closer to her teammate in races this fall. The pack split was close to six minutes in their sectional race. That split needs to drop if this team wants to get close to the top six at Oregon.

 

Centralia (Christ Our Rock Lutheran)

Coach – Tim Koch; 2021 Finish – 30th, 1A State

Top Runners – Sarah McKowen JR (186, 20:46), Rylee Brammeier SO (188, 20:48), Kylie Nalewajka SO (246, 23:10), Abigail Meyer SR (248, 23:11), Mireya Rose SR (256, 26:04)

 

Notes – The Silver Stallions’ Girls team made it to the state meet as a team for the first time in the school history. The team finished 30 at state returning five runners from that team.

 

Tim Koch steps in as the new head coach for both the Boys and Girls programs. Sarah McKowen and Rylee Brammeier were the second and third runner in their sectional race. They were only separated by two seconds in that race. Both runners will take leadership of the team now that last year’s top runner Kylie Eversgerd has graduated.

 

Champaign (St. Thomas More)

Coach - Andrew & Maris Wszalek; 2021 Finish – 10th, 1A St. Teresa Sectional

Top Runners – Paige Stark SO, Skyler Anderson JR, Emma Devocelle SR, Francie Williamson SO, Gianna Kreps SR, Kristina Maloney SO, Emily Herges JR, Emily Anaud FR

 

Notes – Could we see the Sabers in Peoria this November? We will have to wait and see. There was a lot of growth on this team over the last year with four freshmen in the top eight. The team finished 10 at St. Teresa last October. Skyler Anderson and freshman Emily Anaud has a great summer training and could be part of their top three.

 

Paige Stark stepped up as the top runner as a freshman just missing qualifying for state individually. She did qualify in the 3200 in track. “We are very excited for what Paige will be able to do this season,” said her coach, Maris Wszalek. “She comes off a fabulous track season with qualifying for State finals in the 3200m and running a lifetime best by nearly 20 seconds. Paige is an incredible young athlete and always appreciates a challenge. Just missing qualifying for State in XC the past season definitely lit a fire under her. She looks strong and ready to compete. We are very excited to see what she can do this season with our shared goal being an appearance at State.”

 

Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy)

Coach – Steven Bland; 2021 Finish – 8th, 1A Lisle Sectional

Top Runners – Caitlyn Terrien JR, Emma Leslie JR, Daphne Brown SO, Gloria Gonzalez JR, Faith Macek JR

 

Notes -  It may be tough for this team to get into their own sectional. Projected #1 runner Eva Camp finished 54th at last year’s State Meet. She graduated a year early and obviously will not be on this team. Juniors Caitlyn Terrien and Emma Leslie look to be the top runner on this team.

 

Fithian (Oakwood)

Coach – Emily Mills; 2021 Finish – 12th, 1A St. Teresa Sectional

Top Runners – Macie Russell JR (16, 18:21), Allie Morris SR, Aubri Elliott SO, Alyssa Wells SO, Rylee Wright SO

 

Notes – Oakwood finished 12 in last year’s St. Teresa Sectional. Their entire top seven are all back. Macie Russell was all-state last year and will lead this team. Russell qualified in two events for state last spring competing for Salt Fork (Note: Salt Fork and Oakwood have a COOP agreement for the two schools to compete together during the cross country season). Allie Morris and Aubri Elliott will be the second and third runners for this team this season.

 

Herscher

Coach – Rob Grosso; 2021 Finish – 12th, 1A Lisle Sectional

Top Runners – Gracie Kent JR, Emma Haugen JR, Katelyn Borschnack JR, Katelyn Gioia JR, Brigitte Cueva SO, Chloe Whalen JR, Hayden Gioia FR, Fay Houberg FR, Gianni Jaime FR, Kelly O’Connor FR, Allison Venckauskas FR, Sophie Venckauskas FR

 

Notes – It could be a good year for the Tigers four runners from their team that finished 12th at the Lisle Sectional. What will be a big plus will be a freshman class coming in that could have immediate impact on this team. “Training went above my expectations,” said Herscher coach Rob Grosso. “We had terrific turnouts at each of our meetings this summer, and many in this group ran together 5-6 days a week. Our freshman group had the best summer in the weight room we have ever had. They put in so much work in there and our vets logged more miles than we have had here since our state runs a few years ago. I am very proud of how much they have done this summer.”

 

There were a couple of runners that either transferred or decided not to run this season. The freshman changes the outlook on this team. Gracie Kent should be one of the top runners this fall. “Can’t not love what Gracie Kent brings to practice every single day and it has directly resulted in her propelling to the top of our girls team,” said Grosso. “She is someone who has her sights on getting to Detweiller Park qualifying on her own or leading her team there. She’s a great kid who loves to run. She battled through a torn labrum much of track season and still made it to Charleston. She’s healthy and looking stronger than ever. I’m always impressed with her rise as she was brand new to the sport as a freshman.”

 

Emma Haugen along with Chloe Whalen could be runners to watch in the top. The additions from the freshman group including Hayden Gioia, Fay Houberg, Gianni Jaime, Kelly O’Connor all could have impacts on the team’s top seven. How will this pack run? We should find that out the first couple of meets during the year.

 

Marshall

Coach – Ryan Arthur; 2021 Finish – 15th, 1A State

Top Runners – Brooklyn Bender SR (17, 18:22), Isabel Arthur SR (31, 18:41), Bethany Jones JR (213, 21:36), Sophie Smith JR (247, 23:11), Addison Oetjen SO, Libby McFarland JR

 

Notes – Marshall just made it to state last year finishing sixth at the St. Teresa Sectional. They followed that up the next week by finish 15 in Peoria. Four runners are back from this team. They could be in the top 30 sometime this year. They just missed the top 30 to start the season.

 

Brooklyn Bender has been the top runner the past couple of seasons. Last falls finish resulted in all-state honors placing 17th. Isabel Arthur missed all-state by six places finishing 31st. She should also join Bender on the podium in November getting their all-state medals.

 

There is close two a three minute split between the top two runners and the rest of the pack. That split will need to be cut in half for this team to have chances on going back to Peoria this season.

 

Newton

Coach – Tim Bower; 2021 Finish – 8th, 1A St. Teresa Sectional

Top Runners – Natalie Kistner SO, Alexis Hetzer SR, Heidi Lindemann SR, Lucy Yager SO, Ella Radke SO, Taylor Slough SR, Makayla McVicar SO, Shay Bennett FR, Layna Marshall FR, Lilly Yager FR

 

Notes – Tim Bower steps in as the new coach for Newton. This team could challenge for a state qualifying berth even though they will not have last year’s top runner all-state Rylea Borgic who will be missed. Six runners are back from the sectional meet along with a number of new runners who are itching to get into the top seven.

 

Natalie Kistner had a strong freshman season in 2021 and should lead this team. Alexis Hetzer and freshman Layna Marshall should push her for the top spot. “Natalie Kistner is very even keeled,” said Bower.  She won't have Rylea to push her this year, but I do believe that Layna and Alexis Hetzer will challenge her.” This team could have a tight pack of 90 seconds compared to the over two minute split at the end of last season. They have the talent to make it to the State Meet in November.

 

Palos Heights (Chicago Christian)

Coach - Jake Christiansen; 2021 Finish – 26th, 1A State

Top Runners – Anna Enderle SR (71, 19:15), Kaylee O’Sullivan JR (176, 20:38), Katie Steinhagen SR (189, 20:52), Molly Bugos SR (240, 22:22), Ella Schaafsma JR (252, 23:53), Kayla Yukawa SR (255, 25:08), Lydia Derks SR, Grace Mullin JR (transfer from Homewood-Flossmoor), Jillian Verner SR, Haley Van Til FR

 

Notes – The Knights will only miss one runner due to graduation from last year’s state team that finished 26 in the State Meet. They will get in Grace Mullin who transferred in from Homewood-Flossmoor who could contribute to this team’s top five. “Summer training went pretty well,” said their coach, Jake Christensen. “We have a good group of veterans combined with a good group of newcomers, a nice combination for this year.”

 

Anna Enderle finished 71 at state last year but is in position to run much faster as the season progresses. “Anna has had a great summer of training and should take another step forward this year. She has the focus and determination to get into the 18:00s and possibly All-State this year and has been stepping up as a leader on the team as well, setting both individual and team goals higher than last year.” Kaylee O’Sullivan along with the transfer Mullin could be challenging for the second spot. Katie Steinhagen also could be close to those two runners.

 

Quincy (Notre Dame)

Coach - Sebastian Fuentes; 2021 Finish – 13th, 1A Elmwood Sectional

Top Runners – Makayla Patton SO, Natalie Farah SO, Lauryn Peters JR, Taylor Trudell SO, Laura Steinkamp SO, Addison Koch FR, Meghan Spears FR, Ari Waters FR

 

Notes – This could be an interesting season for first year Coach Sebastian Fuentes. The Tigers will be trying to improve on last year’s 13 place finish in the Elmwood Sectional. Sophomores Makayla Patton and Natalie Farah will challenge for the top spot. “Makayla has a lot of talent. She works hard to hone in on her skills,” said Fuentes. “If her knee injury from the soccer season does not worsen, she, alongside Natalie Farah, will be leading the charge for our Lady Raiders this season.” Three freshmen: Ari Waters, Meghan Spears, and Addison Koch are expected to be in their top five immediately according to Fuentes.

 

Sandwich

Coach - Bolaji Adeoti; 2021 Finish – 11th, 1A Oregon Sectional

Top Runners – Joanna Rivera SO (123, 19:53), Hannah Treptow SO, Erin Lissman SO, Grace Anderson SO, Jordan Bauer SO, Sundra Weber FR

 

Notes – A team that could take huge steps up this fall after finishing 11th at the Oregon Sectional last October. The top five runners last season were all freshmen. “Training was great this summer for the team; we had a core group of girls that really met together to get some training in this summer,” said Coach Bolaji Adeoti. “In the past, we have had only a few athletes that ran in the summer, but we had more this year. The girls really worked well together and pushed each other in practice, which is great to see them working together towards the same goal.”

 

Joanna Rivera went to state individually in 2021. That experience should pay dividends this season. Erin Lissman has been staying close to Rivera in workouts and has improved. Freshman Sundra Weber had a great summer and could move with the two runners to the front of the pack. “Joanna had a breakout year last season as a freshman,” Adeoti said. “She has put a lot of effort into this pre-season to get ready for this season. She is progressing in all her training and has a goal of progressing well throughout the season.”

 

Sherrard

Coach – Joe Lopez; 2021 Finish – 28th, 1A State

Top Runners – Madison Mathis JR (144, 20:08), Sarah Gibson SR (167, 20:32), Beth Churchill SO (170, 20:33), Hailie Shemek SR (175, 20:38), Alli Nielsen SO (251, 23:45), Kayla Ann Cresap SO (254, 24:12)

 

Notes – This is a team that I could see returning back to the state meet this fall. Six of their top seven are back from the 28th place state team. They had an impressive first four runner pack in that race with a split oof 30 seconds. “Our top 4 returning runners had an awesome summer, put in a lot of miles and did some pre-conditioning work,” Coach Joe Lopez said. “We are about 4 weeks ahead of last years' schedule in terms of speed and strength.”

 

Madison Mathis led that pack in Peoria with Sarah Gibson, Beth Churchill, and Hailie Shemek close behind. This team could finish higher at state this November, but the pack needs to move up 30 seconds a runner. “I really believe we will see great things from Maddie this year,” said Lopez. “However, the health of her older sister who also ran for us several years ago could take its toll on Maddie. Last year Maddie's goal was to break 20:00 (20:06 at State).This year she could go low 19:00 or maybe even high 18:00. Our pack is determined to keep her within a 1:00 stretch.”

 

St. Joseph-Ogden

Coach – Jason Retz; 2021 Finish – 4th, 1A State

Top Runners -  Savanna Franzen SO (6, 17:51), Chloe Burkhalter JR (85, 19:25), Kaytlyn Baker SR (211, 21:29), Madison Clampitt SO, Chloe Allen JR

 

Notes – It could be a rebuilding season for the Spartans after finishing fourth last year in the 1A State Meet. Savanna Franzen was one of the top runners in the state last year finishing sixth. She was all-state in track in the 1600 Meter Run. Chloe Burkhalter will step up as the team’s second runner. The numbers will be low on this roster unless some freshmen have joined the team.

 

West Chicago (Wheaton Academy)

Coach – Chris Felinski; 2021 Finish – 8th, 1A State

Top Runners – Rachel Nelson SO (102, 19:37), Britta Love SR, Annie Stoner SO, Whitney Gabriel JR, Haylee Mitchell JR, Sarah Miner SR

 

Notes – It will be a rebuild year for Coach Chris Felinski. Just one runner is back from the  team’s eighth-place finish at state. Their seventh runner, Susy Li, moved out of state.

 

Rachel Nelson has a good chance to qualify for state individually unless her team does come back. Annie Stover had a good summer of training and could be right on Nelson’s shoulder. “Rachel is a very strong runner, she put on some great mileage,” said Felinski. “Sophomore Annie Stoner is going to be making an impact and has been training side by side with Rachel over the past couple of months.”