2022 IHSA XC Season Previews - 2A Girls Teams

 

By Michael Newman [email protected]

 

There is one thing that will not change this fall. The majority of top 2A Girls teams will come from the sectional that will be run at Kaneland. The top seven teams that all qualified last year out of the Woodstock North Sectional all finished in the top 11. Not too many other sectionals regardless of classification in the state could boast of that.

 

There is no clear favorite this fall just because the top 10 ranked teams are that good. Grayslake Central will be in good shape to defend their 2A state team title. They will start second this year behind Lakes Community who finished fifth in Peoria. Vernon Hills was slated to be ranked first starting this season. Losing two runners out of last year’s top five changes their outlook at the start of this season but they will again be in the hunt for a trophy by the time we get to mid-October.

 

There are so many storylines that we will follow this fall in Class 2A. Let’s look at some of those teams that will toe the line this season.

 

1 Lake Villa (Lakes)

Coach – Travis Shepherd; 2021 Finish – 5th, 2A State

Top Runners – Madison Perez SR (21, 17:59), Paige-Elicia Caruth JR (38, 18:27), Madison Twarling JR (49, 18:40), Becca Runyan SR (80, 19:02), Hannah Rojas SO (96, 19:10), Brianna Gara SO (19:28), Lauren Rymer SO (201, 20:20), Krista Glesser SR, Rachel Colwell JR, Riley Beerbower JR, Aine Boyd JR, Thea Lungay SR

 

Notes – The Eagles got close to a trophy last fall but finished fifth in the state meet. This was after finishing third in their regional and then fourth in their sectional. It shows how strong their sectional is. Expectations should be extremely high for this team this fall especially with all seven runners from that state team coming back. “The team had a productive summer, with the majority of the ladies attending cross country summer camp,” said Travis Shepherd, the Lakes Girls coach.  “Emphasis was really placed on having the athletes concentrate on their mileage by identifying the appropriate speeds for them within a given workout, and on having fun.”

 

This is a strong team with an emerging front three developing into one of the top 2A trios in the state. It starts with Madison Perez who was all-state last fall. She may climb higher into rarified air this fall. “Madison has made a commitment to be a leader on the team, which started at the beginning of her junior year,” said Shepherd. “Her dedication to this responsibility has helped the team advocate for themselves and has aided in developing an atmosphere where our student-athletes support one another. Her success within this role, successful training, and positive mental outlook has allowed her the confidence that she needed to start seeing herself in the next tier of athletes. In addition, she showed great range from 400 to 3200 this Spring and ran on both of our all state relays. She is a complete runner who has the ability to impact our team in so many ways. We are really proud of the athlete and person that she is.”

 

Paige-Elicia Caruth is the second of the trio and made huge strides of improvement first last fall and then in track and summer training. I could see a top 25 finish in her future beginning this fall. “Paige-Elicia such a positive attitude and is so coachable,” stated Shepherd. “She brings success to our program by concentrating on her mileage by running appropriate paces and dedicating herself to proper warm-up and cool down dynamics. She takes advantage of every opportunity to improve. She runs with strength and confidence and loves to challenge herself.” Madison Twarling could be the surprise on this team and also in Class 2A showing improvement in the past year. “Madison had a phenomenal summer,” added Shepherd. “Coming off of a successful state meet (led off our 2nd place 4x8), she is motivated to have a great fall. She made training a priority and has been so consistent. She has taken her game to the next level and is running with a lot of confidence.”

 

This team is more than their front three. That trio will power their team to a trophy. It seems that it is more than that. “So far, the "hay is in the barn" motto has started with our team completing mileage and having fun for the summer,” said their coach. “More than just the running, their mental game is strong. They're brimming with confidence off of last year and a successful Spring. They're hungry and excited to compete. They're also keeping things in perspective and finding time to enjoy the journey.” Lakes had five runners finish in the top 96 in Peoria. Those numbers should come down. Becca Runyan was 22 seconds behind Twarling and would like to close that gap. Sophomores Hannah Rojas and Brianna Gara were close to Runyan and stay within the senior.

 

This team has flown under the radar especially with so many great teams in their sectional area. They will be noticed more so than they have in recent years. 3 all staters with 5 in the top 50 would shut the door at state. 5 in the top 70 looks to be more realistic. “Without sounding cliche, the goal is to be at our best at the end of the year, Shepherd concluded. “We haven't had an official goal session yet (we will soon), but through conversations this Summer it's clear that all of the girls are driven to improve and propel the team to great heights. The goals we have are focused more on developing our skills and performing at our best for each other. Last year gave us great experience and the girls came away excited and eager for another opportunity. They know that if we focus on our team and on controlling what we can, then we will be successful.”

 

2 Grayslake (Central)

Coach – Jimmy Centella; 2021 Finish – 1st, 2A State

Top Runners – Bella Domier JR (10, 17:35), Sara Armstrong JR (20, 17:58), Sofia Witt JR (44, 18:37), Katie Armstrong SR (65, 18:52), Ava Henne FR, Jordan Sutter FR, Victoria Piela SR, Emma Wentz SO, Mary O’Connor JR, Elizabeth Hoffman SR, Emma Dunn SO

 

Notes – The Rams’ Girls team headed back to their starting box after the completion of the state race last November not knowing if they had won a trophy. The group was told that they were the state champions. At first there was shock and disbelief that this had happened. Then came unbridled jubilation. Grayslake Central had been through so much during the season navigating through illnesses and injuries. Yet, there they were as state champions. “We talked about focusing on the controllables last fall,” Coach Jimmy Centella said. “On an individual level, the athletes needed to focus on themselves and maximize their recovery from injury and illness such as rehabbing injuries, getting proper rest, and then following a gradual and intelligent training plan that built their health and fitness back up without overdoing it but still riding that fine line to boost fitness on a finite timeline. Luckily we got healthy just at the right time.”

 

Centella welcomes back four runners that were members of that state championship team. Two of those runners were all-state. “Overall, the training went well with our team this summer,” added Centella. “The majority of our returning varsity group was consistent with workouts and runs at camp.  It was also nice to see some of the incoming freshmen begin to make their marks training with the varsity and sub varsity groups.”

 

Bella Domier has one of the strongest finishes for a female runner in the state. Her 10th place finish last year indicates she will be aiming higher this November. “Bella is one of the fiercest competitors that I have coached with devastating speed,” said Centella.  “Coming off a track season where she mainly ran the 400 and 800, it might take her a little time to adjust to the 3 mile distance again, but once she does, I am confident that she can improve upon her 17:36 PR from last season and be one of top runners in 2A this fall.” Centella believes that Sara Armstrong could be running with Domier this fall. Armstrong finished 20th in the state race and has the talent this fall to finish in the top 10. “Sara has had some outstanding workouts and long runs this past summer” added Centella. “She is definitely finding another level of fitness heading into this season.  She is an extremely hard racer and don’t be surprised if she moves into the top 10 conversation this fall.”

 

Only four runners are back but this team gets two good freshmen coming that will contribute in the top five. Ava Henne could be with the front two runners at some point this. The team had a time trial on August 9. Henne was within seconds of the leaders. She finished 15th last fall in the IESA 3A State Meet. Jordan Sutter also will play a part in the team’s top seven. Sofia Witt should be in the top five at some point this season after finishing 44th at Detweiller. Sutter trained all summer with Katie Armstrong and Vicky Piela who have also both improved making this team’s top five even stronger.

 

The possibility is there that the Rams could defend their state tile. It is also a given that the teams near them have gotten even better. It is tough to repeat. This team will find that out over the next couple of months. “I think winning last fall has motivated the girls to work even harder in order to put ourselves back in the hunt this year,” Centella said. “I told the girls and our coaching staff that it will take a better team that we were last year to win state this year. I know we will be better this fall, but will we be good enough?  Only time will tell.”

 

3 Crystal Lake (South)

Coach – Ken Greenfield; 2021 Finish – 2nd, 2A State

Top Runners – Isabella Gonzalez SR (9, 17:31), Abby Machesky JR (15, 17:47), Colette Bacidore JR (78, 19:01), Gianna Pinta SR (82, 19:03), Anna McDermott SR (112, 19:20), Katie Lorenz SR (transfer from West Harrison IN), Olivia Pinta SO, Victoria Pinta SO, Delaney Eschman SR, Kelsey Kos FR, Natalie Olague FR

 

Notes – The Gators had one of those seasons that most runners dream of when they get into high school. Crystal Lake South won the Fox Valley Conference title, the regional and sectional titles before going to state and finishing second. It was their best finish ever for the program in a state meet. “All our runners were extremely dedicated and disciplined with their summer work,” Ken Greenfield said. “I’m immensely proud of the effort and consistency I saw. Another great thing is that we haven’t had any lost time due to injury. Last year we had to nurse Addie Frisch and Abby Machesky through the early part of the season coming off injuries that kept them out the entire summer. All our girls upped their training from last season and handled it well, so I think they’ve positioned themselves for a strong season. We’ll let racing tell the story of competitive improvement, but I couldn’t have asked for better from our girls this summer than what they gave.”

 

South had three all-state runners last year and return five total from that state team. Addie Frisch, who finished 25th last year, has graduated. They do return two runners that finish in the top 15 and could have higher expectations in 2022. Isabella Gonzalez has a standout junior season resulting in a top 10 finish. She again will be one of the top runners in Class 2A. “Bella spent a lot of time in Colorado at a running camp, so I haven’t seen her in a while,” Greenfield said. “But she’s (as always) very hard-working and eager to excel. It was nice to see her grab a state-qualifier spot in the 3200 in the spring. She’s been a model of consistency as a top-10 individual in 2A XC for her entire high school career. I think she has the potential to make a significant jump this fall, though.”  Abby Machesky should also finisher higher than she did last year. She had a good track season where she qualified for the 3A State Meet in the 800 Meter Run. “She’s been super focused in the last few months,” added Greenfield. “She really broke out in the 800 the last couple weeks of the track season. I feel like that was a springboard into the summer for her. Her training has been going exceptionally well. She posted a hill workout in late July that was one of the best I can remember. Abby’s as ready as she can be to take a big step forward this year.”

 

This will be a different team this fall since they will not have the low points that Fritsch gave them in big meets. There could be close to a minute gap between the front and the pack. The three to five pack will be tight with Colette Bacidore, Gianna Pinta, and Anna McDermott within 19 seconds of each other at state. That pick just needs to move up a little on the front. Katie Lorenz ran two years on this team before transferring out of state. She is back for her senior year and could be a part of that top seven along with freshmen Kelsey Kos and Natalie Olague. There 12 runners that will fight for seven spots. That is a good problem that Greenfield will have.

 

This team could leave Detweiller Park this fall. We should get a great idea how good this team is at the Peoria Invitational on October 1. “I think finishing in the top 3 or winning state is something that has crossed the minds of our girls (and their coach). But I think that’s true of any team,” said Greenfield. “When you look at the fact that a few seconds either way for a few runners can move you significantly up or down the list of state finishers, I think you realize you don’t want to put all your eggs in that basket. I love that our girls have put an emphasis on being known as caring, accepting teammates and exceptionally hard workers. They’ve worked hard enough to put themselves in position for their best possible finish and I’m excited to see what that looks like.”

 

4 Crystal Lake (Central)

Coach – Brett Willhoit; 2021 Finish – 8th, 2A State

Top Runners – Hadley Ferrero SO (4, 16:55), Brynn Matthaei SO (35, 35, 18:25), Annie Ferrero SR (46, 18:38), Gwenyth Brickley SR (105, 19:15), Addison Bechler SO (123, 19:26), Emma Macke JR (144, 19:43), Hope Ferrero JR (211, 20:35), Francesca Liparoto SO, Grace Moore SR.

 

Notes – A team that should improve on last year’s eighth place state meet finish. It was amazing to watch their improvement during last season with a top seven that included three freshmen. All of these runners are a year older with that year experience. “We had a great summer with a high level of commitment from our returning runners,” said their coach, Brett Willhoit. “They asked to incorporate more work than has been one in the past, which is a positive development.  The goal is to successfully transition that summer work into the fall season, while keeping everyone healthy.”

 

Hadley Ferrero was the one runner that caught everyone’s eye in the state series. The sophomore won her conference and regional races, finished second in the sectional, and then finished fourth at state. She will be in the mix for a top three finish this fall. “Hadley has had a busy summer with club soccer and working two jobs, caddying and lifeguard,” said Willhoit. “But the approach is for her to have a normal high school experience, and not have her identity be that of just a runner.  But her and her sisters know how to handle being busy, as they constantly are.  So, while I didn't get to see her as much as I would like, I trust that she got her work in and will help the team in a number of ways.”

 

Brynn Matthaei showed improvement last fall which carried over to this season. She is well in reach of finishing in the top 25. “ Brynn is a tremendous worker and a joy to have on the team,” Willhoit said. “It was so much fun to watch her steady improvement last season. And this year the trend should continue. She had a great summer, and it will be interesting to see  how this season plays out for her.”

 

Annie Ferrero ran within 15 seconds of Matthaei and should close the gap. A key will be moving Gwenyth Brickey, Addison Bechler, Emma Macke, and Hope Ferrero closer to the front. They had a tight split in that pack but drifted back between 35 to 45 seconds behind the third runner. That gap needs to close down if this team wants to leave Detweiller Park with a trophy.

 

“They have the potential to get close to a trophy in November,” Willhoit said. “The lack of egos.  Everyone puts in the work, no matter their spot on the team.  And the spots are competitive. We have some very talented runners, but they get treated like every other runner, and no one acts superior to others simply because of the spot on the team.  The team is very close and has done a lot of activities outside of practices.”

 

Willhoit also added: “How they asked to do more work than last summer impressed me.  They were pleased with last year's results but were not satisfied by them. They want to work towards bigger and better things this season, but know that it's not about talking about it, but about doing it and putting in the work.  We've had some talented teams in the past that were content to coast, but this year's group wants more.”

 

5 LaGrange Park (Nazareth Academy)

Coach – Joe Wejman; 2021 Finish – 14th, 2A State

Top Runners – Colette Kinsella SR (13, 17:44), Sarah Owen SO (48, 18:39), Jane McNamara JR (79, 19:02), Hannah McCarthy JR (124, 19:26), Taylor Lester SR (190, 20:09), Natalie Ereio SR (228, 21:29), Molly McNamara SR (231, 21:36), Evelyn Siffermann JR, Samantha Rozmus JR, Neeve Olson JR

 

Notes – This team is better than the 14 place finish that the Roadrunners showed last year at state. This is an experienced and a team that has talented depth. Their top 10 runners last year were all underclassmen. “Our summer training went very well given that it truly was our first 'normal summer' and it was nice to have that cycle back in place,” said their coach, Joe Wejman.” The biggest thing I saw was the consistency and that became somewhat of a mantra for us; consistency is key.  Many of our girls have busy summers and so can't always make it to camp or run with the team, but the work still got done.”

 

Wejman has the benefit that Colette Kinsella has been the team’s top runner and leader of this team for the past four years. Kinsella has been all-state all three years (including Shazam Club) with 13 place finishes her freshman and junior year. She has the talent to finish in the top 10. “It's a reminder of how fast 4 years go by,” stated Wejman. “We really had high expectations last season and hit a bit of a bump when she was diagnosed with iron deficiency.  She was our 3rd/4th runner for a few weeks last season but was able to rebound in the state series and finished 13th.  This year she seems much more focused, but also more relaxed.  She is still as committed as ever but has gained more of an appreciation for running and the joy of competing.  She is a 3X state medalist, so her resume is already quite impressive, but she isn't the type to let past success impact present/ future mentality.”

 

Sarah Owen was a huge plus for this team last year as a freshman. She finished in the top 50 at state which surprised some outsiders but those that saw her run every day. “We knew Sarah was going to contribute last season, but because we had a good amount of depth, we weren't needing her to step up right away,” added Wejman.  “Getting her to believe in herself and what she was capable of was an ongoing process and I think she was most surprised with how well her season ended. This year, she'll be with the varsity group from day 1 and we will be needing her to push our 2-7 pack.”

 

The pack from their third through fifth runner will be a work in progress. The split between Jane McNamara, Hannah McCarthy, and Taylor Lester at state was 67 seconds. That split was 67 seconds also at regionals. It was 73 seconds in their regional race. You could see them get closer to Owen but need to be within 55 to 60 seconds of each other. Samantha Rozmus missed most of last year due to an injury. She did run 19:41 early at First to the Finish. She could give this team a boost.

 

“We have a lot of depth and it showed in the summer,” Wejman concluded. “We'd have 8-10 girls on a given day in our top group which elevates the mindset of the whole team.  Attendance in general was really solid and our captains did a nice job of organizing some no coaches training sessions.  Our top group also put in some solid work in the weight room, which was beneficial last season, and the girls really took a liking to it.”

 

6 Vernon Hills

Coach – Suzanne Curry; 2021 Finish – 3rd, 2A State

Top Runners – Reina Hill SR (11, 17:36), Anna Todd SR (14, 17:46), Jori Ellen SO (87, 19:05), Clara Sheridan SO (104, 19:15), Hannah Thomas SR (153, 19:46), Jillian Leuk FR, Olivia Hyun FR, Ashlee Shoemaker SR, Rachel Ackerman SR, Danielle Gomez-Anez SO, Emma Anderson SR

 

Notes – The summer started with Vernon Hills returning from a state meet where they finished third and bringing home another trophy. It changed when Jadyn Parker, a junior, informed Coach Suzanne Curry that her family would be moving out of state. Rose Sheridan, who had been in the team’s top five all three years, opted not to run this fall. “The news of Jadyn moving out came unexpectedly at the beginning of the summer,” Curry said. “It’s definitely a blow to our team, not just strength wise as she was an ideal teammate. And we were also expecting her freshman sister, Maya, to make an impact at the varsity level. The team is feeling the losses of some strong graduated leaders along with the above mentioned so it will be an adjustment.  We have some great senior leadership and we’ll be figuring out our identity as we go along.  We’ve already seen this taking shape as a few girls are ready to step up and fill the gaps to continue the tradition we’ve developed the last several years.”

 

What this team has is good senior leadership up front. Reina Hill was the team’s top runner last fall at state and should be in the mix for a top 10 finish. “Reina has been training smart this summer coming off an injury plagued track season,” Curry said. “We’ve taken it slow with Reina (though she doesn’t like that) to ensure we can keep her healthy for the entire season.  She has lofty goals and I have no doubt she’ll get there.  It may be a slower start to the season, but she’ll be ready when the time comes.  She and Anna are great training partners and make each other and our team stronger.  We expect them to run side by side for much of the season.” Anna Todd is the other senior up front just finishing three places from Reina last November. “Anna has picked up where she left off last season,” added Curry. “She makes it look effortless but that comes from the hard work she puts in. She doesn’t miss days or workouts.  She’s all in and looking to improve on her stellar season last year. She’s ready to be one of the best in 2A and we’re looking for her to lead this team along with Reina.”

 

Sophomores Jori Ellen and Clara Sheridan will step into the three-four spots this fall. Hannah Thomas upped her training this summer and will jump into the team’s top five. Freshmen Jillian Leuk and Olivia Hyun are new to the program. Curry will find out in the first couple of weeks if they could be among the top seven.

 

“We had a great summer of training this year with the most ever participants.  The weather cooperated most days and was ideal for running with many cooler mornings.  The team was very cohesive and ran together on our off days,” added Curry.” Several girls put in more mileage than in the past and it’s already showing.  We keep a pretty light environment in the summer and aim to have fun and grow the sport.  We focused on the little things that we don’t always have as much time to devote to during the season to ensure everyone has a healthy season.” We will see how good this team will be in their first couple weeks. I’m guessing we should see them going after a trophy in November.”

 

7 Chicago (Latin School)

Coach – Dan Daly; 2021 Finish – 4th, 2A State

Top Runners – Mia Kotler SO (3, 16:41), Ellie Anderson SO, Kimiko Darcy SR (84, 19:04, Reese Benford JR (88, 19:05), Ava Gowder JR (206, 20:29), Ruby Larsen FR, Chloe Sedler JR, Emily Goodman SO

 

Notes – Latin School was one of the top teams in Class 2A for most of the season. The Romans ran a great race in the state meet finishing fourth overall. Ava Parekh has graduated after winning her state championship last November. Two of the top three runners are gone. Four runners are back from that state team.

 

Ellie Anderson did not run last fall instead participating in the school’s field hockey club team. Her thinking changed last spring when she ran 10:54 for 3200-meters and 5:14 for 1600-meters as a freshman. Latin School does not allow an athlete to participate in two sports even though Field Hockey is not an IHSA sport. Anderson decided this week that she will run this fall. It is a big plus for Latin this upcoming season. The sophomore could be one of the top 10 runners this fall.

 

Mia Kotler had a fantastic freshman season in 2021 finishing third in the state meet. A minor injury has slowed her down. She will be racing this fall and will be one of the elite runners in the state. Kotler and Anderson will give the team two low numbers similar to what happened last fall with Parekh and Kotler.

 

The top five will need to be strengthened dur to the graduation of McKenna Fellows. Kimiko Darcy and Reese Benford were within a second of each other and will need that kind of pack running. Freshman Ruby Larsen and Ava Gowder could be interchangeable in that fifth spot. Gowder almost 90 seconds behind Benford at state. That gap will need to be lowered for this team to be in contention for a trophy.

 

This team is not deep maybe going six runners deep. Staying healthy will be the key heading into the state series. Latin School is a top 10 team now. We will see how the season progresses for them this fall.

 

8 Lake Forest

Coach – Steve Clegg; 2021 Finish – 8th, 2A Woodstock North Sectional

Top Runners – Isabella Marsico JR (6, 17:12), Sophia Lane JR (52, 18:41), Olivia Palmberg JR, Paige Gibbons JR, Olivia Marsico JR, Alexandria Fontana SR, Amelia Fontana SR, Elis Miller JR, Charlotte Jordan JR

 

Notes – If Lake Forest had made it to the state meet last fall, the Scouts would have finished in the top 10. They had that kind of talent to accomplish that. Luckily, six runners are back from that team including their top five. “We had a solid summer of training with our high school camp,” said Steve Clegg. “In addition, Sophia Lane and Izzy Marsico went off to a 3 week camp in Colorado.”

Marsico and Lane are the heart of this team up front. The two runners made it to the state meet individually. Marsico finished in the top 10 placing sixth. She also earned all-state in the 3A 800 Meter Run finishing ninth. “Izzy is healthy and looking for another great year,” said Clegg. “Following her all-state performance at the state track meet, she has done a great job switching gears back to a XC focus.  Izzy's progression as a top runner continues to rise as she gains confidence and racing savvy/experience through all of these high level meets that she has been a part of for the last 2 years. Her time at the Colorado camp shows her commitment to improving from last season (which was obviously already fantastic). Sophia Lane had a standout sophomore season finishing just outside of the top 50. In some races at the end of the year, she was within 60 seconds of her teammate. Lane could be closer this year. “Sophia is ready for a big year,” added Clegg. “She has had a great summer of training.  This hard work combined with the experience she gained from competing at both the XC and track state meets last year will add up to a strong showing this fall.  She gave it everything last fall to try to be in the top 25 at state.  She was still in it with 800m to go.  I think she will have the strength to stay there this year.”

 

The experience of last year will benefit this team. Olivia Marsico and Olivia Palmberg give the team good strength in their top five. Alexandra Fontana and Paige Gibbons will also be in the top five at times. Keeping those four runners within 30 seconds of each other along with staying closer to Lane will boost this team’s chances of heading down state. “We are certainly hoping for another week of competition,” added Clegg. “If we can get through a sectional like last year, it would give us an opportunity to do really well at the state meet.”

 

9 Dunlap

Coach – Chris Friedman; 2021 Finish – 9th, 2A State

Top Runners – Saniya Mathew SR (41, 18:27),  Kate Robertson SO (43, 18:35), Abbie Gleason JR (59, 18:48), Morgan Phillips JR (71, 18:57), Abby Tudeen SO (125, 19:26), Maggie Diefenthaler JR (189, 20:09), Dakota Rousseau SO (191, 20:09), Mia Williams FR, Kylie Sullivan FR, Claire Sack FR, Swetha Yegappan SR, Faith Meghrian SR

 

Notes – Dunlap ran so well most of last season winning the tough Mid Illini Conference meet and then winning the Metamora Sectional. Things did not work out for the Eagles the next week at Detweiller Park where they finished ninth. “We entered last year's state meet with little experience at running at that level of a high school meet,” said their coach, Chris Friedman. “It showed as we became overwhelmed with the state meet and failed to run our race. In the aftermath though, they understood where we got off the rails. I think you'll see a team that has learned from that experience and has a gameplan for the race.”

 

All seven runners are back from that state team. This team is deep with 15 runners challenging for seven varsity positions. The top 12 runners last year were all underclassmen. Kate Robertson was the team’s top runner most of last season and will again be one of the top runners for Dunlap. Saniya Matthew’s experience showed in the state meet where she finished two places ahead of Robertson.

 

Abbie Gleason, Morgan Phillips, and Abby Tudeen were among the top five runners most of last fall and will also contend for those spots. Freshmen Mia Williams, Kylie Sullivan, and Claire Sack could be among the teams top seven. We will find that out in the first couple of meets. Maggie Diefenthaler, Dakota Rosseau, Swetha Yegappan, and Faith Meghrian all ran in state series races last fall and provide this team depth.

 

At the Peoria Invitational a month before state, their top four split was only 20 seconds and 32 seconds on their top five. The state meet splits were 30 seconds on their top four and 59 seconds overall. What worked for Dunlap a month before was that they kept their pack throughout the race. Friedman’s comments were accurate. This team is capable of great pack running. We should see more of a concentrated effort with that. The Eagles should be a top five teams with the possibility of bringing a trophy back home.

 

10 Crystal Lake (Prairie Ridge)

Coach – Kelly MacDonald; 2021 Finish – 10th, 2A State

Top Runners – Rachel Soukup SR (7, 17:18), Olivia McPherson JR (18:57), Lydia Jensen SO (171, 19:58), Nella Robinson SO (197, 20:15), Grace Turman JR, Nella Robinson SO, Grace Nelson JR, Kate Jewell SO, Alexis Soukup SR, McKenna Moore SO

 

Notes – This could be a completely different team than we saw from the Wolves team of 2021. Four runners are back from last year’s 10 place state team. “We had a nice group out for summer running, one of our biggest groups yet,” said Kelly MacDonald. “The girls had a lot of fun running together and getting mileage in. The captains planned a lot of fun activities. Overall, the girls are a close group, but many are trying to get used to the different feel of the team from all of the turnover.”

 

Rachel Soukup finished tenth at the ShaZam Club Championships in 2020 and then seventh last year. Soukup did not run conference and regional meets due to an injury but fought back un her final two meets. She continues to improve which will show this fall in her races. “Rachel is a wonderful athlete to work with. She works hard and is a leader by example. She has had a few setbacks with injuries, but currently she is running strong. We expect a great fall season.”

 

Olivia McPherson had a good summer of training which could take her near the top 25. Sophomores Lydia Jensen and Nella Robinson will be among the top five and hopefully closer than the 60 seconds that they were from McPherson in the state meet. Grace Turman and Nella Robinson you can also expect in the top five. This team most likely will be young with Soukup most likely the only senior in the top seven. “I know I have a very dedicated core group of kids, but it is hard to say exactly where we are at,” said McDonald. “Our runners tend to show their improvement towards the end of the official cross country season, so it is hard to say at the present time.”

 

11 Chatham (Glenwood)

Coach – Mike Garber; 2021 Finish – 7th, 2A State

Top Runners – Ava Gorrie JR (34, 18:25), Rachel Behrens SO (67, 18:53), Kamryn Robbins SO (148, 19:45), Lydia Gurnsey JR (188, 20:09), Ashlyn Chopra FR, Ally Knudson FR, Laura Quante SR (Foreign Exchange Student), Ava Hamrick SO, Kali Gaden SR, Delaney Kyes SO

 

Notes – This team should be better than their team that finished seventh last year. Glenwood. The team lost their top two runners from state due to graduation plus a third runner who transferred. They do have some new runners coming in that could boost this squad into a top five team. “It was a fantastic summer of training for the girls. They ran together frequently and followed a predetermined plan of action,” said their coach, Mike Garber. “We also incorporated a lifting schedule with the new strength and conditioning coach at the high school. They are really fit coming into season and it shows already in practice.”

 

Rachel Behrens should move into the top spot for the Titans. “She learned and grew a lot during track season and over summer. She broke every freshman record we had on the books from 800 to 3200 in the Spring. (2:22 split in 4x800, 5:21 in 1600 and 11:32 for 3200). She has worked hard in the weight room to become as injury resistant as possible and gain the strength necessary for season. At Det at Dark, she ran 18:52 and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Look for her to be pushing into an all-state contention place early in the season.” Ava Gorrie is the other runner to watch in front. Gorrie was the team’s third runner last year With her focus now on just running, good things could happen for her in races. “Ava told me she is done with soccer and is now focusing on cross country and track the remainder of her HS career,” added Garber.  Her summer training reflected this intention. She, like Behrens, put in time on the pavement and the weight room to become the best version of herself. I look forward to her growth from last year.”

 

A big addition to the team are freshmen from Chatham Middle School, Ashlyn Chopra, and Ally Knudsen. Garber feels the two runners will contribute immediately. Chopra and Knudson finished 1-2 last fall in the IESA 3A State Meet. Kamryn Robbins missed half of last season with a hip injury. She still came back and ran in sectionals and the state meet where she was the fifth runner. Lydia Gurnsey also should be a part of the team’s top seven along with Ava Hamrick. Laura Quante is a foreign exchange student that will run this fall with the team. Garber has no idea what her experience is like or how good she is. We will find out in the first couple of meets. “We are working to be a deeper team this year and have the ability to close down a Top 7 split, not just a 5,” added Garber. “I think it's very doable.

 

This team could be tremendous this fall. We could get an idea at Granite City and then again at the Richard Spring Invitational two weeks later. Their top five split at the Peoria Invitational was 64 seconds. It was 89 seconds at state. Things will be different with a 4 runner pack and then the other three runners. They could have small splits in each of the groups. They may be in this position to start but finishing in the top three at the end is not out of the question. “The group is really unified,” said Garber “We've talked about what is possible this year and everyone is committed to doing the work. The strength, mentality and preparation are there for a big season. They each have individual and team goals that I've had them write. It is great to make that type of buy-in to a program that already has a wonderful culture. This crew of girls is building the next generation of GTXC greatness one day at a time. I couldn't be prouder.”

 

12 Mt. Zion

Coach – Kelly Fox; 2021 Finish – 12th, 2A State

Top Runners – Sofia Munoz SR (27, 18:16), Renee Ballard JR (117, 19:22), Camille Mavis JR (133, 19:35), Ellie Fritsche JR (196, 20:15), Brooke Doyle JR, Alexia Finch SR, Hannah Gebke SR, Paitlyn Koester FR, Avery Summers FR, Kadence Miller FR, Maddy Spangler FR

 

Notes – The Braves finished last fall solidly at state with their first two runners in the top 32 as the team finished 12 overall. Four runners are back from that team. Hailey Betzer, who was the team’s fifth runner at state, opted not to run this fall. “It was not the best of summers. I have 3 injured athletes that should be in my top 7,” said their coach, Kelly Fox. “Renee Ballard is working through a stress reaction, Paityn Koester- hip flexor, and Camille Mavis just recently started complaining about what we think is a hip flexor issue as well.  Hailey Betzer has not been running with us this summer.  It will definitely be a rough start to our season, and I will have to bring athletes back very slowly.  We had a rough summer.” Sofia Munoz was 32nd at state and will lead this team after having a good track season and summer running. “ Sofia had a good summer on the track and focused on her speed,” said Fox “She won't have a great base but she's not the type of runner that needs lots of miles. She has already demonstrated great leadership skills as a senior.”

 

It is hard to say where this team goes to start the season. They may see some bumpy roads early in this season if Ballard, the freshman Koester, and Mavis are not running. We may get a true picture of this team by the time we enter October. “We have no control over what other teams will do in November, so our goal is to get then keep our athletes healthy, competitive, and having fun,” added Fox. “We have good team chemistry, we've been to state the last 4 years, and I know that these girls would like to continue the tradition but that will come 2nd to their mental/physical health.

 

13 Riverside-Brookfield

Coach – Blair Jensen; 2021 Finish – 10th, 2A Fenton Sectional

Top Runners – Bryce Pacourek SR (72, 18:58), Gianna Gelb SO (151, 19:45), Maria Dalton JR, Lily Kocourek JR, Mia Wagner SR, Joaliz Rodriguez SR, Abby Ford FR, Mariana Nelson JR, Shauna Nessinger JR

 

Notes – The Bulldogs fell short on their attempt to make it back to the state meet. Riverside-Brookfield finished 10 at the Fenton Sectional. The future should be bright for this team as their top eight runners from last year were all underclassmen. “Summer went well,” said RB coach Blair Jensen. “The group this year really like each other, have good work ethics, positive attitudes and we have great leadership. All top 7 girls from last season ran track in the spring and trained together this summer.  We had a few injuries during the track season, so we approached Summer training conservatively. So far all top girls are healthy and have great energy going into the season.

 

Bryce Pacourek had a good summer of training after last fall where she missed a month due to an injury. She was the team’s second runner in the sectional and then 72nd at state. “Bryce is a consist and smart athlete,” said Jensen “She is working to improve on her performance last year. Bryce qualified for State in the 800M in the track season, finished in the top 20 and she is ready to have a great 2022 XC season.” Giana was the team’s top runner at sectionals earning her a trip to Peoria. The sophomore had a good summer of training and will be ready for anything. Maria Dalton and Lily Kocourek also were #1 runners while Pacourek was out. It is the development of a talented and close top 4 that could mean trouble for other teams this fall. Abby Ford enters Riverside-Brookfield for her freshman season and could contribute immediately.

 

One of the reasons of why the Bulldogs did not make it to state is that their top five split was close to two minutes. Their top four split in their conference meet (without Pacourek) was only 48 seconds. This team will have a solid first two. The rest of the team will need to keep the top five split under 60 seconds through the season. Their path to state could be easier this fall. Regardless, this team could surprise some. “This team is hard working, consistent and smart,” added Jensen. “They have a lot of fun together and we feel we will be more competitive than we were last season.

 

14 Chicago (St. Ignatius Prep)

Coach – Matt Haffner; 2021 Finish – 15th, 2A State

Top Runners – Meghan Semmer JR (47, 18:39), Lexi Noonan SR (83, 19:03), Haley Fitzgerald SR (119, 19:24), Ella Hwang JR (131, 19:34), Lizeth Montes SO (132, 19:35), Emma Valencia JR, Maeve Griffin SO, Olivia Stern JR

 

Notes – A team that will challenge Loyola Academy for the GCAC title and could also make it back to the state meet. The Wolfpack had a great summer of training according to Coach Matt Haffner after finishing 15 last fall in the state meet. The five runners back are talented and could challenge for a top 10 state finish.

 

Megan Semmer made huge strides first last fall and then in track where she could surprise people in the next couple of months. “Meghan had a nice track season,” said Haffner. “She excels in relays where she always seems to run much faster than she does in open races. I expect that we will have a pack with her this year.  The girls gained a lot of confidence during track season.”

 

Pack running will be the name of the game for the Wolfpack. Lexi Noonan, Haley Fitzgerald, Ella Hwang, and Lizeth Montes were only separated by 32 seconds in the state meet. The four were only separated by seven seconds in their conference meet and 35 seconds in their sectional race. Working on packing this summer indicates that their split could come down during the season. The average between Semmer and the pack in their final two races averaged 31 seconds. Semmer will be closer to the top 30 this fall. The team needs to move up in races to maintain those splits.

 

15 Chicago (Payton Prep)

Coach – Jeffrey Bryant; 2021 Finish – 13th, 2A State

Top Runners – Josephine Dziedzic SR (17, 17:48), Veronica Fuller SR (85, 19:05), Kaylen Cheng SR (156, 19:47), Fiona O’Toole JR (178, 20:03),  Tyler Glunz JR, Saffron Qaiyum SR, Laila Levy JR, Isabel Levy JR, Isabel Stoltz JR

 

Notes – Payton Prep will have four runners back from a team that finished 13th in the state meet. Josephine Dziedzic finished last fall finishing in an all-state place of 17th. The senior missed qualifying for the 2A finals of the 1600 Meter Run last spring by one place. Veronica Fuller is a solid #2 for the Grizzlies but will need to stay less than a minute behind her teammate. Fiona O’Toole and Kaylen Chung both ran under 20-minutes last fall and give this team a solid pack behind the front two runners. Work will need to be done on their fifth through seventh runners. Tyler Glunz was more than a minute behind the first four last fall. A closer split gets this team back to the state meet.

 

16 Highland

Coach – Joe Shannon; 2021 Finish – 21st, 2A State

Top Runners – Maddie Dortch SR (77, 19:01), Tarryn Keeney JR (114, 19:20), Payton Frey SO (140, 19:40), Liv Heinzmann SR (163, 19:53), Lola Schlarmann SO (165, 19:53), Breia Perkins FR, Maddi Molitor FR,  Ava McPherson SO, Elley Seger SO, Dana White SO

 

Notes – It was a rollercoaster ride for new Girls Head Coach Joe Shannon. “Summer gave us a little bit of a mixed bag,” said Shannon. Lola Schlarmann had COVID early in the summer and is still trying to get back to where she was, Liv Heinzmann had Mono all summer and may not be able to compete until late September, Alyson Pace and Madison Emig quit for club soccer.” This is still a team that when they clear the bumps in the road could finish in the top 10 at the end of the year. Five runners are back for Shannon.

 

This will be a team that could have not set #1 runner according to Shannon. Maddie Dortch was the top runner just 19 seconds ahead of Tarryn Keeney. The team should have a tight pack from three to five with Payton Frey, Heinzmann, and Schlarmann within 15 seconds of each other. Freshmen Breia Perkins and Madi Molitor will give the team a boost in the top five at some point during the season. This team had a 53 second split at the state meet when they finished 21st. It could be higher this fall if they get healthy. “With Liv having mono and Alyson Pace leaving, I think top 10 will be a little out of the question,” said Shannon. “Our goal this year will be to improve our state performance from last year #21. I believe the success of our team is predicated on the improvements of #4-#7 spots on the team.”

 

17 Metamora

Coach – Amanda Young; 2021 Finish – 18th, 2A State

Top Runners – Alayna Ruach SR (66, 18:53), Audrey Heil JR (98, 19:11), Callie Sturgell SO (107, 19:17), Adi Sparry SO (175, 20:01), Ruthie Stamm SO (193, 20:14), Shealynn Terry JR, Audrey Hodgen JR, Megan Wolf SO, Lilly Sturgell SR

 

Notes – Amanda Young returns to her alma mater to become the new Head Cross Country coach replacing the retired Hall of Fame Coach Gene Jones.  This will be a solid team that should make a trip back to the state meet. Five runners are back from last year’s top seven.

 

With Katie Lalumandier graduated, the top runner should be between Alayna Ruach and Audrey Heil who had similar season bests last fall. Heil finished ahead of Ruach in three of the final four races. The exception was at state. Callie Sturgell was a solid top five runner and could be close to the front two runners. Fellow sophomores Adi Sparry and Ruthie Stamm will solidify the team’s top five. The final two race top five splits was 71 seconds in their sectional and 73 seconds at state. The Redbirds could get near the top 10 with good pack running and a top five split under 60 seconds.

 

18 Peoria (Notre Dame)

Coach – Dan Gray; 2021 Finish – 16th, 2A State

Top Runners – Grace Yontz SO (75, 19:00), Maria Stedwill SR (121, 19:25), Sarah Couri SO (129, 19:29),  Eileen Zopel SR (158, 19:49), Meghan Zopel SO (212, 20:38), Maya Zopel FR, Julia Mingus SO, Elle Couri SR, Olivia Finch SR

 

Notes – Coach Dan Gray loses all-state runner Teagan Cover to graduation but does return five runners that were on the team that finished 16th in the state meet, “The Girls had a lot of transportation and work schedule issues, but still got a solid amount of training done on their own and in smaller groups,” said Gray. “I have been satisfied with their fitness coming into regular season training.”

 

The loss of Cover opens the door for a number of runners to step into the leading role. Grace Yontz, a sophomore, is one of those runners. “Grace is a very determined runner who does a good job getting her miles in whether at home or with a group,” Gray said. “She shows a good tolerance for longer mileage and knows how to finish a race strong.” Maria Stedwill and Sarah Couri were within an average of 25 seconds to Yontz at the end of last year. Both could be the top runners for this team. Eileen and Meghan Zopel along with their freshman sister Maya could make it a family affair in the top seven. Cover’s low numbers got the Irish to their finish of a year ago. The team could have a tight split on five under 60 seconds. That pack will just need to move up in races so that they can better last year’s state finish.

 

19 Waterloo

Coach – Larry Huffman; 2021 Finish – 17th, 2A State

Top Runners – Angelynn Kanyuck JR (39, 18:27), Danielle Mudd JR (53, 18:42), Cameron Crump SO (54, 18:43), Ava Rau SO (145, 19:44), Kamryn Rader SO (202, 20:25), Chloe Aubuschon JR (213, 20:39), Molly Grohmann SR (230, 21:32), Kristin Smith SO

 

Notes – This is a team that could challenge for a trophy in perhaps two years. It would not surprise me if the Bulldogs finish in the top 10. All seven runners are back from last year’s 17th place state meet team. Waterloo has a solid pack of three runners all who could finish in the top 40. Angelynn Kanyuck missed sectional due to illness. She came back strong to finish 39th.

 

Danielle Mudd and Cameron Crump were 15 seconds back. Their split was larger in their conference meet at 50 seconds. There is close to a minute drop before Ava Rau and another 30 seconds before Kamryn Rader. A split of near two minutes like at state will not help this team climb the ladder to bigger things. Waterloo needs to keep their top three healthy. Kanyuck did not run sectionals, but the team still finished fourth. This team is six runners deep. It could be tough to rebound from that for this team if someone is forced out.

 

20 Dixon

Coach – Simon Thorpe; 2021 Finish – 12th, 2A Woodstock North Sectional

Top Runners – Emma Smith JR (16, 17:47), Emily Conderman SR, Keeley Mick JR, Emily Smith JR, Kait Knipple SR, Teyla Wendt JR, Jordyn Crawford JR, Hannah Steinmeyer SR, Kate Boss FR, Olivia Arduini FR, Kinzie Love FR

 

Notes – Dixon had the unfortunate luck of being paced in the meet grinder of a sectional at Woodstock North last year. Although they won the Burlington Central the week prior, the Duchesses finished 12th at Woodstock. “Sectionals last year was definitely a disappointing end to an otherwise strong season,” said Simon Thorpe, the Dixon coach. “Coming off a regional win, I think the poor result at sectionals was a bit of a shock to the team as they thought it would be easier than it was to perform well at our insane sectional. "You get what you earn" has been a core tenet in our minds since that day.”

 

Despite that finish last year. This is still a top 20 team and could go even higher with all their top seven returning along with a good class of freshmen. “This summer may have been the best summer training that the DHS girls have had in 10 years,” Thorpe said. “With the additions to the team and many returning runners, we were really able to embrace the commitment that successful running programs have. This environment started at our annual team XC camp in Wisconsin, and we dug deep in assessing our goals for the upcoming year.”

 

Emma Smith had a great sophomore season culminating qualifying for the state meet and finishing 16th. Big this will be ahead of her entering her junior year. “Last year I wrote that we were figuring out if Emma was a "low" or "high" mileage runner. The jury is still out on how many miles she will run in her career, but this summer has been a steady stream of consistent long runs, fartlek's, and LT runs,” Thorpe said. “This would be her first span of 3-4 months where she didn't have a slight hiccup in training. Because of her tremendous year of growth, both physiologically and mentally, she has grappled with the expectations of what her training is like as compared to her teammates or other local runners and has shown she understands the differences. She has ambitious goals for the upcoming fall and spring, which is coupled with the teams' goals that requires her to be a low scorer in races. She is her best self in racing when she attacks and has "fun" with the challenge.”

 

The rest of the top five will be a combination of returnees and newcomers. Hannah Steinmeyer has fought through injuries during her career. Her track season was dynamite. She has picked it up from there having a good summer. Emily Conderman and Keeley Mick were a solid second and third runner giving the team a good starting point behind Smith. Thorpe has a group of freshman that could contribute this fall including Kate Boss, Olivia Arduini, and Kinzie Love. Dixon has 11 runners this fall fighting for seven spots.

 

“A specific aspect of training that was a good surprise was the group adjustment to LT runs,” added Thorpe. “Traditionally, this part of the week was always a struggle, especially in the younger runners. Our training is based on weeks of progression in doing the same type of runs and building to their "max" of the season. In turn, the freshman have struggled with having consistent long runs. If we can continue to improve all aspects throughout this season, and do the little things, we could be a dangerous team at the state series.”

 

21 Morris

Coach – Joe Blumberg; 2021 Finish – 26th, 2A State

Top Runners – Danica Martin SO (56, 18:45), Joy Dudley SR (152, 19:45), Jadyn Bertram SO (154, 19:47), Makensi Martin SO (155, 19:47), Moriah Mayberry SR (232, 21:40), Leah Ortiz SO (234, 22:18), Abby Hougas JR (235, 22:20)

 

Notes – This could be a team on the rise this fall. They finished 26th in last year’s state meet with four freshmen in their top seven. They will be a year older and a year faster to challenge for a finish in the top 20. “Summer training was great,” said their coach, Joe Blumberg. “We are a public school of 850 students and four of our top five do not commit to track exclusively. They juggle soccer and track, so the summer is even more vital for us. Joy Dudley qualified for state in the 3200, but the Martin twins and Bertram play soccer and attend track meets when they can.”

 

Danica Martin had a great finish to the season running a personal best of 18:45. Makensi Martin, Joy Dudley, and Jadyn Bertram give the team a solid top four. The split at state for those four runners was 62 seconds. Work will need to be done with the gap from the first four to the next three. Those groups were separated by almost two minutes. The teams have become tougher in their sectional. Lower that split could get this team on the line at Detweiller in November. “When assignments came out, I started taking a peek at some competing times,” added Blumberg. “We didn't race at any high-profile meets last year, and we knew we were faster than what was on paper. But we were also banged up, so we just didn't know how it was going to shake out. I think finishing 7 points ahead of Washington at the regional gave our girls confidence we could race with them at Metamora, although we knew East Peoria was in the mix as well. As a superstitious baseball guy, I hate to admit this, but we took a covert op mission to Metamora on Columbus Day (before we knew we would qualify as a team for sectionals) and ran the course, studied it, and just had a blast breaking away from the normal routine. I think the girls feel comfortable at Black Partridge, and we hope to be our best there again October 29th.”

 

22 Wheaton (St. Francis)

Coach – Scott Nelson; 2021 Finish – 20th, 2A State

Top Runners – Leann Ringsrud SR (92, 19:07), Ava Swiatek JR (102, 19:14), Cate Earl SO (126, 19:27), Alyssa Falco SR (161, 19:52), Gabriella Chiarello SO (164, 19:53), Diya Khatau SO (181, 20:03), Bridget Kenny SR, Claire Andrzejewski SO

 

Notes – The Spartans could be a team that returns back to the state meet. It depends which sectional they will be heading to. St. Francis finished 20th at last year’s state meet. The top six runners are back from that team. Leann Ringsrud and Ava Swiatek were separated by an average of 10 seconds through the final races of the season and should be the team’s top two runners. The team ran a split of 46 seconds at state. Cate Earl, Alyssa Falco, and Gabriella Chiarello were part of that pack. The Spartans have the talent to make it back to the state meet. Their pack needs to move up closer to the front in races.

 

23 Springfield

Coach – Trae Cotner; 2021 Finish – 8th, 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional

Top Runners – Madeline Kim SR (36, 18:26), Payton Heise SR, Josie Ralph JR, Hannah Elston SR, Melia Muschinske SR, Kezian Toran SO, Elly Lightfoot SR, Nola Sommer SO, Claire Wright SO

Notes – Long time assistant Trae Cotner is the new coach for the Senators replacing long-time coach Dan Devlin. “Coach Devlin was an incredible coach,” said Cotner. “His training is always geared toward the meets that matter. That mentality will not change. I’ve got big shoes to fill. He was an incredible mentor, coach, and friend. It’s going to be strange not having him around this fall. In terms of training, not much will change. The biggest thing so far has just been increasing our long runs across the board. And it’s gone well so far.”

 

Springfield just missed out on a trip to state finishing eighth at the Decatur MacArthur Sectional. The good news is that Cotner returns six runners from that team. Madeline Kim qualified to run state and finished 36th. A summer of improvement could put her inside the top 25 room this November. “Maddie is a special talent” added Cotner. “Some seasons it takes her a bit to get going, but after state XC last year, she has really shown some more confidence this summer. Our goal is to be at our best in October, so consistency in training and just becoming a leader will be our primary focus. If we do those things, she will have a great year.”

 

There will be almost a two minute gap between Kim and her teammates Payton Heise and Josie Ralph. Work will need to be on the splits for this team. Their split between the pack and Kim was 66 seconds in the sectional race. The next four runners were separated by two minutes. Phoebe Barnes and Mia Volpert, both freshmen, could give the team immediate help in the top five. “This group has impressed me with their willingness to attack each day. They know the importance of each day and being consistent. They have fully bought in to everything we have done,” Cotner said. “The girls return a very solid team and add two runners in Mia Volpert and Phoebe Barnes that could make this team special. They are all doing more mileage in years past and are adapting well. They have had a great summer and could be a special team.”

 

24 Normal (University)

Coach – Jill Burroughs; 2021 Finish – 6th, 2A State

Top Runners – Zoe Carter SO (26, 18:14), Eve Whitlow SO (61, 18:50), Talia Luallen JR (162, 19:53), Maya Lanier SO (200, 20:19), Lana Alcorn FR, Natalie Bierbaum FR, Klara Bouman SO, Addie Howard JR, Grace Hany JR

 

Notes – Jill Burroughs steps up to be the new Girls Coach at U-High. This will be a young squad with their top 10 runners all projected to be all underclassmen. Five runners are back from the state team that finished sixth. They did lose Delaney Fitzgerald to graduation. Fitzgerald only ran one season during the fall with her impact on this group will help them this fall. “Although we were not able to utilize all of our contact days, I am very pleased with the progress that the girls team made over the summer,” said Burroughs. “I am impressed with the girls dedication to training over the summer and all of the encouragement and support that they give each other.”

 

Zoe Carter ran side by side with Fitzgerald most of her freshman season finishing 26 ay state. Her improvement has continued over the summer where she could finish in the top 20 this fall. “Zoe had a great freshman season,” added Burroughs. “She is a hard worker and dedicated runner. She finished 26th at the State Meet last year. I am looking forward to seeing what she can accomplish this season.” Eve Whitlow narrowed the gap to close to 30 seconds on Carter and the end of the year. Minimizing that split will make this team that much better. Talia Luallen and Maya Lanier are back with state meet experience. Freshmen Lana Alcorn and Natalie Bierbaum should contribute this season on the team’s top five. The split on the top five looks big to start the year with a 1-5 split close to two minutes. Watch for that to close down to increase the success level this fall for the Pioneers.

 

25 Normal (Community West)

Coach – Chad Aubin; 2021 Finish – 22nd, 2A State

Top Runners – Ashleigh Horton SR (64, 18:51), Madison Schweizer SR (173, 19:58), Sammy Lehr SR (184, 20:05), Ava Starkey SR (186, 20:07), Payton Gaddis SR (208, 20:32), Sheila Pabst SO, Megan Smith JR, Hannah Gaff JR

 

Notes – Normal West’s top five should be senior oriented this fall. The Wildcats will have five runners back from the state team that finished 22nd. Ashleigh Horton was one of two runners along with graduated Addysen Clark that was up front for this team. She could be close to 60 seconds solo ahead of the rest of her team. Pack running will be important for the second through fifth runners. Madison Schweizer and Sammy Lehr will step up to lead that pack. The top five split at state last fall was 76 seconds. Work will need to be done the split this fall projected to be close to 110 seconds.

 

26 Maple Park (Kaneland)

Coach – Doug Ecker; 2021 Finish – 27th, 2A State

Top Runners – Alli Gonnella SR (76, 19:00), Lindsey Andrae SR (143, 19:42), Rose Dallal SR (147, 19:45), Audrey Walker SO (205, 20:29), Olivia Pastovich JR (226, 21:13), Abigail Lechocki SO (22:40), Danielle Bower FR, Jade Unzueta SO, Aliyah Ballines SR

 

Notes – Kaneland just made it to state last year finishing seventh at the Fenton Sectional and then 27th at the state meet. It could be different this year since Kaneland is hosting a sectional that could funnel some of the best teams in the state. Never say never but the Knights will be a top 10 in the sectional with six runners back from the 2021 team.

 

Ali Gonnella will be a solid #1 runner again for Kaneland entering her senior season. “Ali should continue to improve and surpass her times from last season,” said her coach Doug Ecker. “She is still recovering from an illness but should be back to normal by mid-season.” Lindsay Andrae and Rose Dallal are close together in races and will be the nucleus for this team’s pack behind Gonnella. The top five split at state was close to two minutes. This team will need a lower split to at least 75 to 80 seconds to make it out of the sectional. Freshmen Danielle Bower and Jade Unzuela at some point this season should help in the team’s split in the top five.”

 

27 Cary-Grove

Coach – Mark Anderson; 2021 Finish – 10th, 2A Woodstock North Sectional

Top Runners – Jocelyn Onstot SR (22, 18:02), Juliana Ferrera SR, Ada Saletnik SR, Kate Aniolkowski JR, Georgia Boone SR, Kathleen Apaez SR, Zoe Hubka JR, Aeryn Costello JR, Molly Starr FR, Alissa Penrod FR, Addie Penrod FR

 

Notes – This team will be driven to get to the state meet this fall even though they are in the toughest sectional in the state. The Trojans have a good group coming back as all of their top seven return from a 10th place finish at the Woodstock North Sectional. Jocelyn Onstot was all-state last fall finishing 22nd. Her senior season will just be another step up on the ladder with a top 15 finish a possibility. There will be close to a two minute split from Onstot and a pack led by Juliana Ferrera, Kate Aniolowski, and Saletnik. The split on the second through fifth runners needs to stay under 45 seconds for this team to have a chance for finishing in the top seven at sectionals.

 

28 Rochester

Coach – Bill Owens; 2021 Finish – 9th, 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional

Top Runners – Colleen Zeibert SR, Brooke Zeibert SO (138, 19:40), Trinity Hicks SR, Addi Schmedeke SR, Lacy Steck SO, Jillian Conlon JR, Ashley Zeibert FR, Natalie Nichols FR, Myra Gibson FR, Ella Kieffer FR

 

Notes – This is a team that will surprise some this fall. They have a good chance to make it out of the Chatham-Glenwood Sectional at the end of October. All seven runners are back from the sectional team that finished ninth last fall at Decatur MacArthur. Colleen Zeibert had run 18:04 at the beginning of last season in Peoria. An iron deficiency problem ended her season early as she was unable to qualify individually at state. She came back strong in track running 5:02 for 1600-meters as well as finishing second in the 8009 Meter Run at the 2A State Meet. Her summer training shows she is ready this fall. We should see her in the top five this November.

 

Her sister Brooke Zeibert did make it to state and could be within 30 seconds of her sister. This team should have a good three through seven pack and are deep overall. A group of freshmen led by Ashley Zeibert and Natalie Nichols will just make this team stronger. Keeping their pack within 90 seconds of the Zeibert sisters would be a good thing. The potential of having a split of 30 seconds or under on the third through fifth runners would be a great team for Rochester’s success.

 

29 Washington

Coach – Troy Walcott; 2021 Finish – 9th, 2A Metamora Sectional

Top Runners – Olivia Nordheilm SO (40, 18:27), Sophia Nordhielm SR (174, 19:58), Maggie Horsthemke JR, Rachel Caruthers SR, Allison Woolever SO, Tabetha Imm SO, Jayne Hermann FR, Maddie James FR, Caylie Ahten FR, Addy Hooste FR

 

Notes – A team that I could see making the short trip to Detweiller Park in November. The Panthers have four of their top five runners back from the team that finished ninth at the Metamora Sectional. The addition also of a strong freshman group will make this team even stronger and contending for a Mid-Illini Conference title with Dunlap and Washington.

 

Olivia Nordheilm and her sister Sophia both qualified individually for state giving this team a good nucleus in the front. Olivia has a good chance to finish in the top 25 at state.  “Olivia had a great freshman year and has worked harder this summer running higher mileage,” said her coach, Troy Walcott. “She should have some solid training partners to work with this season.” Maggie Horsthemke should join Sophia Nordheilm in front of the pack. Freshmen  Jayne Hermann, Maddie James, and Caylie Ahten have run with the front group all summer and are legitimate runners in the top five.

 

The addition of five good freshmen joining the team changes the storyline for this group. The talent and the potential is there for this team to finish in the 14 to 16 range or even higher than that.

 

30 Darien (Hinsdale South)

Coach – Kimberly Johnson; 2021 Finish – 8th, 2A Fenton Sectional

Top Runners – Charlotte Old JR (93, 19:08), Abby Petersen SR (127, 19:27), Elena Garcia SR, Yuliya Drabchuk JR, Annabella Ramirez JR, Ava Berg SR, Aly Motherway JR

 

Notes – The Hornets just missed the trip to make it to state last year finishing eighth at the Fenton Sectional. Five runners are back from that team led by individual state qualifiers Charlotte Old and Abby Petersen. Old had a great sophomore stepping up as the team’s #1 runner. Her improvement from the summer shows she could finish in the top 50 at state. This was the second time that Petersen had qualified for the state meet. She finished 49th as a freshman. Last year Petersen placed 127th. She was only 19 seconds behind her teammate. The two should be running together up front this fall. The team could have a five runner split over two minutes to start the season. It could hurt their chances to make it to state unless the third through fifth runners stay within 30 seconds of each other in races this season.

 

Teams to Watch (In Alphabetical Order)

 

Antioch

Coach – Christopher Bailey; 2021 Finish – 8th, 2A Lakes Regional

Top Runners – Piper Ipsen SO, Rosie Gonzalez SO, Addison Lane JR, Angela Ortiz SO, Angela Ortiz SO, Annalise Lowrance SO, Nora Lubkeman JR, Madison Schine SO

 

Notes – Antioch will be a sophomore oriented team this fall with this group looking to advance to sectionals. Their top five runners are back from the team that finished 8 at the Lakes Regional.  Piper Ipsen, who qualified for the sectional meet, will be the team’s top runner. “Piper is coming off a great freshman track season where she ran 5:35 and was part of our 4x800 that placed 2nd in the NLCC,” said Antioch Coach Chris Bailey. “She has reached another level with her training and is stronger now than she was a year ago.”

 

Three of the top five runners from regionals were freshmen. There were growing pains within this group at times last season. The summer training from the Sequoits indicates that this team will be stronger and ready to take the next step up. Rosie Gonzalez and Angela Ortiz will be the runners to lead the pack behind Ipsen.

 

Bethalto (Civic Memorial)

Coach – Jake Peal; 2021 Finish – 13th, 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional

Top Runners – Hannah Meiser SR (19, 17:56), Alyssa Mann SR, Shelley Quick JR

 

Notes – This could be a rough season for Coach Jake Peal and the Eagles. The team only has four runners are on their roster at the start of the season after one of the group decided not to run this fall. The focus again will be on Hannah Meiser who was all-state last fall and had a great track season. “Hannah had a phenomenal Track season that has progressed into a great build up this summer,” Peal said. “She took the week after Festival of Miles off, so she may be a week or two behind her traditional summer build up but was able to progress back to full mileage by early July. At this point she knows what she is capable of, and that belief will carry her to new heights this fall. Last fall her All-State performance kind of caught her by surprise and really showed her what she's capable of, since then the sky has been the limit.”

 

Burlington (Central)

Coach – Vince Neil; 2021 Finish – 17th, 2A Woodstock North Sectional

Top Runners – Eli Kruse SR, Abby Burke SO, Corryn Kester JR, Teagan Cathcart SO, Olivia Sutton SO, Morgan Schmidt SR, Vanessa Farmer JR, Ivy DiDomenico FR, Emie Davis FR, Shayla Alampi FR

 

Notes – Burlington Central should improve on last year’s performance of finishing 17 at the Woodstock North Sectional. The top six runners are back from that team led by Abby Burke and Eli Kruse. Teagan Cathcart had a good summer of training and could challenge in the top three. Coach Vince Neil has a good freshman class entering the program including Ivy DiDomenico and Emie Davis that could make an immediate impact on their top five.

 

“The girls team had a very strong showing all summer and the girls work very hard,” said Neil. “With the addition of so many new girls it will take a while for this team to gel and fully identify who we are and what we can do.  Teagan Cathcart has looked very strong this summer and we will look to her for a competitive place in races.  Abby Burke continues to look strong and is one of the hardest working girls we have had in long time within our program.  She is hungry to compete and wants to improve each and every day. Look for her to make big gains from last season and to be our front runner this year.” The team split looked to be close to 110 seconds to start the season. That may cut down significantly with the influx of new blood in the top seven.

 

Champaign (Centennial)

Coach - Laura Koterba-Buss; 2021 Finish – 12th, 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional

Top Runners – Brooklyn Sweikar JR (95, 19:09), Kaylee Sweikar SO, Yameli Salinas JR, Annika Blackburn JR, Bee Diep SR, Nicole Granger SO, Grace Elrick SO, Alexa Jancola SR

 

Notes – It is hard to tell if the Chargers will be climbing up the ladder entering the 2022 season. All seven runners are back from the 12th place sectional team. “Summer training went as well as can be expected with absences including vacations and work,” said their coach, Laura Koterba-Buss. “We are beginning our season with team members at varying levels of fitness.”

 

Brooklyn Sweikar did make it to state last fall as an individual and should be running under 19-minutes consistently this fall. Kaylee Sweikar was behind her sister by almost a minute and will be the second runner. Their top five split was near four minutes into the state series. Lowering that split gets this team up to higher finishes. “Brooklynn is a terrific person and athlete,” said Koterba-Buss/ “She enters the season with less base than last year, but I expect her to progress as the season progresses and ideally she will be competitive by the time we get to the championship season.”

 

Chicago (Marist)

Coach – Patrick Quinn; 2021 Finish – 25th, 2A State

Top Runners – Jenna Bugos SO (20:02), Emma Collias JR (203, 20:28), Reilly Smith SR (222, 21:01), Caitlin O’Brien SO, Samantha Usterbowski SR, Megan Cavanaugh SR, Nora Wagner SO, Molly Murphy SO, Rickie Roberts JR

 

Notes – It could be a little tougher for Marist to make it to the state meet in 2022. The school opted to host a regional meet that will feed into a tough Metamora Sectional. Their top three runners have graduated from the state team that finished 25th. Three runners return led by sophomore Jenna Bugos. Emma Collias and Emily Smith should be within 15 seconds of the front. Caitlin O’Brien and Samantha Usterbowski figure to be among the top five. Freshmen entering the probably could change the runners in the top five.

Chicago (Northside)

Coach - Jon Hootman; 2021 Finish – 11th, 2A State

Top Runners – Lucia Ton-That SO (8, 17:28), Sofia Weber JR (216, 20:51), Annika Nelson SR (233, 22:00), Zuzana Bielak JR, Elizabeth Schieleit SO, Rachel Yosowitz SR

 

Notes – Last season was a memorable one for the Mustangs advancing out of tough Woodstock North Sectional and then finishing 11 in the state meet with two all-state runners. It could be different for Northside Prep with only three runners back from that team. “I really learned how much the team loves and supports one another, and how committed they are to getting the best out of themselves and each other,” said their coach, Jon Hootman. “They have showed this summer the commitment and desire to continue the success we saw last year.”

 

This team has a good starting point up front with Lucia Ton-That stepping into the #1 spot left vacant by her sister Elia who graduated. Ton That surprised some last fall finishing eight overall at Detweiller Park. She could finish higher this November. Rebuilding with the pack behind Ton-That will need to happen. Ignore the top five split since Ton-That will have a huge distance ahead of her teammates. Keeping their second through fifth runners led by Zuzana Bielak, Elizabeth Schieleit, and Sofia Weber within 100 seconds of each other will be something to watch for.

 

“Lulu is clearly a fantastic athlete and a great kid,” added Hootman. “Her potential is really whatever she wants it to be, and I'm very excited to see what she'll be able to do with a year of experience at a very high level.”

 

Geneseo

Coach - Kelley Timmerman; 2021 Finish – 10th, 2A Metamora Sectional

Top Runners – Jaide Flowers SR (108, 19:17), Joselyn Reisner SR, Bella Curcuru SO, Jeseln Rink SO, Katlyn Seaman JR, Emma DeBaene JR, Jessalyn Belvel SR

 

Notes – Geneseo returns five runners from the team that finish 10th at the Metamora Sectional. Jaide Flowers made the trip to Peoria where she finished 108th. The senior will be the top runner for the Maple Leafs that could have three underclassmen that will be in the top five. Senior Joselyn Reisner should lead the pack but could be within 60 seconds of Flowers. Bella Curcuru, Jeseln Rink, and Katlyn Seaman will also be part of the top five. That split from two through five could be under 30 seconds.

 

Mahomet (Seymour)

Coach - Jama Grotelueschen; 2021 Finish – 24th, 2A State

Top Runners – Ava Boyd JR (55, 18:44), Callie Jansen SR (135, 19:39), Chloe Bundren SO (177, 20:03), Ava Jansen SO, Lauren Bednar JR, Morgan Waisath SO, Hadley Grotelueschen FR

 

Notes – This will be a young team of underclassmen this season. The Bulldogs finished 24th at state returning three runners from that team. “Since we are young this year, we spent some time building up mileage slowly and bringing some runners along.  It was much different than last summer with 8 seniors on the team,” said their coach, Jama Grotelueschen.  “I believe it will be a year of tremendous growth for our team.”

 

Ava Boyd has showed improvement since she finished 55 at state. She could be close to the top 25. Callie Jansen, Chloe Bundren, and Ava Jansen appear to be the next runners behind Boyd. “Ava has worked extremely hard this summer,” said Grotelueschen.  “She is very focused and determined. I expect she will have her best year yet.”

 

Mascoutah

Coach – Darren Latham; 2021 Finish – 23rd, 2A State

Top Runners -  Addison Heard JR (113, 19:20), Amelia Martin JR (150, 19:45), Ava Kimmle SO (195, 20:14), Allie Bower SO (218, 20:55), Abigail Patrick SR (220, 20:58), Paiton Waggoner SO, Natalie Drain JR, Ella McDonnell JR

 

Notes – Five runners are back from the Mascoutah team that finished 23rd in the state meet. Front runner Jayda Williams has graduated. Their team will need to replace the low points that she gave the 2021 team. Addison Heard and Amelia Martin appear to be the top two runners that will vie for the front spot. The first three runners should be within 30 seconds of each other but close to two minutes for the top five. The fourth and fifth runners will need to improve getting their top five split closer to 75 seconds.

 

Morton

Coach – Joe Zeller; 2021 Finish – 19th, 2A State

Top Runners – Kerrigan Vandel JR (99, 19:12, transfer from East Peoria), Sophie Krueger JR (116, 19:22), Tarikua Kellerstrass SO (160, 19:52), Taygen Beyer JR (168, 19:56), Ryleigh Pulcher SR (217, 20:51), Cali Fitzgerald SR (229, 21:31), Ava Burgess FR, Brielle Hopkins FR

 

Notes – Morton is close to entering the top 30 and will be in that group sooner rather than later. The Potters finished 19th in last year’s state meet losing their top two runners to graduation in the process. “Training this summer was very solid, but more importantly the girls worked on building a community of runners,” said their coach, Joe Zeller. “They have started to build a cohesive group that will be able to accomplish a lot together.”

 

What makes this team a top 20 squad is the addition of Kerrigan Vandel who transferred in from East Peoria. Vandel should step into the top spot along with Sophie Krueger wo was the team’s third runner last year. “Sophie put in the biggest summer that she has ever had this year. She ran within 10 seconds of a PR at Detweiller at Dark and I am excited to see what's in store for her next race. She is capable of way more than she knows and I am looking forward to all of the work she has put in coming to fruition this year.” The addition of Vendel closes the gap on the top five. It is now projected to be close to 85 seconds. That puts Morton into the top 20 this season.

 

Mundelein (Carmel)

Coach – Jim Halford; 2021 Finish – 14th, 2A Woodstock North Sectional

Top Runners – Izzy Bing SO (42, 18:31), Norah Belmonte SO, Sydney Krcmarik SO, Madison Machala SR, Noele Waldschmidt JR, Nora Christensen SR, Alana Heinrichs SO

Notes -The Corsairs will look to improve on last year’s 14th place sectional team. The top three runners from last year’s team were freshman. Izzy Bing leads the team finishing 41 at state. Her hard work this summer should catapult her into the top 25. Norah Belmonte and Sydney Krcmarik, also sophomores, will be the second and third runners on this team. Belmonte could be the most improved runner on this team according to their coach, Jim Halford. The team has improved from over the summer. They will need to improve their split on five that could be close to three minutes that is projected for the start of this season.

 

Oak Park (Fenwick)

Coach – Kevin Roche; 2021 Finish – 9th, 2A Fenton Sectional

Top Runners – Bella Daley SR (23, 18:07), Ava Martinez SR (180, 20:03), Maddie Rogowski JR, Francesca Reale SO, Molly Weber SR, Cate Krema SR, Adelai Kaiser SR

Notes – It will be interesting to see how the Friars run this season. They finished ninth at the Fenton Sectional returning four. Some rebuilding will need to be done with their pack since losing two of their top seven. Projected fifth runner Tatum Olson transferred to York. Lizzie Brunick made the decision to play soccer this fall. “We had a solid summer for a small, committed group,” said their coach, Kevin Roche. “Really liked the community created from all differing levels.”

Bella Daley leads this team after finishing in the top 25 in the last state meet. Ava Martinez  stepped up last fall and also ran in the state meet. Her improvement this summer could push her closer to Daley and benefit this team. “Bella had a super spring and ended with a good race at Magis Miles,” said Roche. “I am excited for her fall. She took two weeks off after Magis and was still at practice cheering on her team. Super cool to see in a high performing runner-also being a high performing teammate. She is as fit as ever.”

 

Olney (Richland County)

Coach – Amy Julian; 2021 Finish – 7th, 2A Richland County Regional

Top Runners – Tatum David SR (2019 2A State Champion), Mackenzi Thomas SO, Maddie Piercefield JR, Danielle Clodfelter SR, McKenna Snider SO, Chloe McKinney SR, Josie Kinder FR

Notes – Richland County will be improved from last year’s seventh-place finish in their own regional. Tatum David did not run cross country last year while attending IMG Academy in Florida due to an injury. She moved back to her old school and made some noise in winning the 2A 3200 and 1600. She will be the top runner on this team, the state, and one of the best in the nation. “Tatum of course had a great spring for us,” said Amy Julian. “Besides being state champ in two events, she was LIC Conference champ in four events and set LIC Conference records in all four events as well.  Tatum's training has gone well, and she is feeling good.”

 

Mackenzi Thomas was the team’s top runner last year and give her team a solid #2 runner. Maddie Piercefield also has trained well with Thomas and gives their team a nucleus for a good pack. Both runners qualified for the sectional meet. Freshman Josie Ginder finished in the top 20 in the SIJHSAA Sate Meet last fall. She should be in the top five for this team. “One of the best things about summer training is simply the number of girls we have on our team,” said Julian. “The last two seasons, we have had 5-6 runners. This year we have 12 girls on our team. It's a great group who has worked hard, but also had fun. We are looking forward to the season.”

 

River Forest (Trinity)

Coach – Johann Gonzalez; 2021 Finish – 11th, 2A Woodstock North Sectional

Top Runners – Ella Miller SR, Myla Roy JR, Amanda McGreal SR, Molly McGreal FR, Jasmine Arzuaga SR, Jade Morelli SO, Alexa Gonzalez SR, Isabella Alongi JR

 

Notes – A team that may get into the top seven in their sectional. There is a good chance they may move sectionals this fall. Six runners are back from the 11 place at the Woodstock North Sectional. “Summer running went well, varsity athletes ran more miles than in summer's past,” said their coach, Johann Gonzalez. “The best part is they stayed healthy and were consistent.  They learned a lot about themselves competing against those state teams at the Woodstock sectional and carried that confidence into the track season.  Now they're looking to keep the momentum going into this fall.”

 

Amanda McGreal, Laura Murphy, and Alexa Gonzalez had great summers of training and are in position for top three spots. Myla Roy and Ella Miller, who were the top two runners in sectionals, look to round out the top five. If their team keeps the top five split under 70 seconds, chances are good that this team could finish in the top seven. “The team organized a lot of group runs on their own and it set the tone for the rest of the summer,” added Coach Gonzalez.

 

Sterling

Coach – Megan Grady; 2021 Finish – 18th, 2A Woodstock North Sectional

Top Runners – Kylie Nicklaus SR, Rhylee Wade JR, :Laney Block JR, Megan Gingrich SR, Ellie Mahar SR, Emma Anderson JR, Delia Block FR, Laney Zuithoff FR

 

Notes – Sterling will look to better their finish in last year’s sectional meet. The Warriors finished 18th at Woodstock North. “We had a consistent showing for summer training this season,” said their coach, Megan Grady. “Definitely a better turnout than last year, which always gets me excited for the season.”

Kylie Nicklaus and Rhylee Wade will again be the top two runners for this team. The two were separated by 12 seconds at the end of the season. “Kylie had some undiagnosed injury issues last season, but we were able to build up a better base during track season. She has been looking strong during summer running and I'm excited to see her back.” Lainey Block half the season and will be a bonus for this team. Megan Gingrich along with freshmen Delia Block and Laney Zuithoff should also be able to contribute to the top seven. “I was impressed with the goal setting part of summer running was very encouraging,” said Grady. “These ladies have big goals and are excited to get to work in order to achieve them.”

 

Sycamore

Coach - Adam Bezinovich; 2021 Finish – 16th, 2A Woodstock North Sectional

Top Runners – Layla Janisch FR, Emma Cox FR, Hayley King JR, Olivia Kirby JR, Alyssa Stacy SO, Grace Parks SR, Maddie Stacy SR, Anna Baker JR

 

Notes – The Spartans will be improved after last year’s 16 place finish at the Woodstock North Sectional. Four runners are back from that sectional team. “We had a pretty solid summer of training with about 11 girls attending regularly,” said their coach, Adam Bezinovich. “We were able to utilize our park district sledding hill area for our hill workouts on a weekly basis, which was different than last year (we only ran on the grass/hill once a week in the summer).  Last summer we started later since track went later so this summer felt more back to our normal training. Hopefully, the additional running we were able to do this summer will pay dividends in the fall for our team.”

 

Bezinovich thinks that freshman Layla Janisch could be the team’s top runner. “Layla could be our top runner this year and will definitely be in our top 14 the next two years,” said Bezinovich. “She was the top runner on the middle school team last year and qualified individually for the IESA state cross country meet last fall.” Hayley King and Olivia Kirby could also challenge for the top spot. “The team this year is really working hard on staying together as a pack,” said Bezinovich “This team could have five new runners this season in our top 7, and we no longer have Lily Baker at the front of the pack (she is off running at North Central this fall) so we will have to work all season to lower our split from 1 to 5 as well as get faster as a group.  The team made a conscious effort at every practice this summer to work on staying together as a pack, and hopefully this will be one of our strengths this season.”

 

Troy (Triad)

Coach – Andy Brendel; 2021 Finish – 28th, 2A State

Top Runners – Blaire Cunningham SR (122, 19:25), Kennedy Bowman SO (167, 19:55), Chloe Gough SR (221, 20:59), Kailey Peterson SR (224, 21:09). Amanda Bagwell JR, Mikayla Niehaus SO, Taylor Self SR, Hannah York SO

 

Notes – Three graduations from the top seven could hamper the chances of this team returning to the state meet. The Knights finished 28th last November. Blaire Cunningham ran under 20-minutes at the state meet and was the team’s fastest runner on that day.  Kennedy Bowman is a solid #2 runner that could close the gap on Cunningham. Chloe Gough, Kailey Peterson, and Amanda Bagwell should round out the team’s top five. Their sectional top five split was 86 seconds. It shrunk to 76 seconds at Detweiller Park the following week.