2023 ILXCTF.com IHSA/Illinois XC Team Previews - Class 2A Girls

 

Grayslake Central looks for third straight team title in a row

 

By Michael Newman

 

It is hard to win a state title. It is harder to repeat that task. Grayslake Central found that out last season.

 

Now Grayslake Central will try for their third state title this fall. Not too many programs have won three state team titles in state meet history. The Rams would like to join that elite class.

 

It will be tough to accomplish it Class 2A Girls is deep with good teams that includes, Washington, Dunlap, St. Ignatius College Prep, and Chatham-Glenwood.

 

Here is a look at some of the Class 2A Girls teams including the top 30 rated teams to start the 2023 season.

 

1 Grayslake (Central)

Coach – James Centella; 2022 Finish – Class 2A State Champions

Runners – Ava Henne SO; Sara Armstrong SR; Jordan Sutter SO; Bella Domier SR; Sofia Witt SR; Bryanna Domier SO; Emma Wentz JR; Ellie Chevrier SO; Ava Pietruszynski SO; Alison Armstrong SO; Emma Dunn JR; Jenna Dunn FR.

 

Notes – Each season a different story is written. In 2021, Grayslake Central escaped with the program’s first state title by 14 points ahead of Crystal Lake South and Vernon Hills. It was just as close last year as they edged area rival Lakes by 18 points and another 26 points ahead of up and coming Washington. The Rams will have the bullseye on their back to start the season as the team to beat in Class 2A. They will do it this season a little more driven and perhaps with a heavier heart.

 

“As some of the Illinois running community may already know, we lost a recent graduate and 7th runner on our state team last year, Vicky Piela,” said her coach, James Centella. “Vicky was the true embodiment of team spirit, sportsmanship, and kindness.  This season our motto  is to “Live Like Vicky” and attack every day with a positive attitude and a joy for running.” Pietra lost her life waiting at a crosswalk when a truck hit her. (Read more about this here - https://www.strangfuneral.org/victoria-anna-piela/

 

This team could be a little deeper in talent than they had even last season. They know that teams will be coming after them like Lakes Community did last season at their conference meet and then the state series. Five runners are back from the state championship team. Three of those runners were among the top 25 in Peoria; four runners in the top 31. “Our summer training has gone very well,” added Centella. “More girls put in more consistent miles and our long runs have been the longest since our 2015 and 2016 teams.  Most of our top 10 girls ran 9-10 miles or more for their long runs in July.” Centella also stated that the four runners that ended the season in the top four will start that way.”

 

Ava Henne and Jordan Sutter started out as wide-eyed freshmen to start the season. They ended the season as all-state runners. Henne finished seventh at state while Sutter placed 25th. Sara Armstrong, a senior finished 16th last year and is hungry to get closer to the front. The biggest improving runner according to Centella is Bella Domier. The senior finished 31st at state as the team’s fourth runner. She may start the season as the top runner for this team. “All four of these girls are hard workers and super competitive, so don’t be surprised if they are trading places all season long,” added Centella.  I would not be surprised if all four are able to repeat as all-state as their resumes have shown in the past.

 

The one thing again to watch is the split between the first four runners and then the 5-6-7 runners. Sofia Witt was close to a minute behind Domier during last year at the conference and then the sectional meet. Witt will again lead that group with Bryanna Domier and newcomer Belle Chevrier part of it and challenging for a top five spot. That split is not a concern considering how strong their top four runners were and are this season. I am guessing they would like to narrow that split. “Our 2022 team had more depth up front which was needed to propel us past a talented Lakes team last fall,” Centella stated. “We have the talent and the work ethic to be even stronger this fall and have been able to intelligently up our mileage this summer and plan for this fall.  We have revamped our pre/post run routines to help us become better athletes and more injury resistant runners.  If we can do the non-running things at practice well, we can hopefully take our running to the next level.”

 

There are so many good teams in the top 10 in Class 2A this fall. My guess is that this team will cherish and accept the challenge that is in front of them heading into this fall. They have been training like champions all summer. They should be racing the same way. “Our girls plan to defend their title to the best of their ability,” Centella concluded. “There are a lot of talented teams out there and if we can focus on enjoying the process of the season by pushing one another to do our best, all the while having fun and supporting one another, it hopefully will be another season for the history books.”

 

2 Washington

Coach – Troy Walcott; 2022 Finish – 3rd Class 2A State Meet

Runners – Sophia Ramirez SO; Jayne Hermann SO; Olivia Nordhielm JR; Madeline James SO; Allison Woolever JR; Caylie Ahten SO; Olivia Miklik SO; Addison Hooste SO; Bailey Butler SO.

 

Notes – Washington started last season as a team to wonder about. There were not that many returners on their roster. The addition of five freshmen had some looking at the Panthers to see how this would change the top seven. It did in a big way. Four of the freshmen ran in the state meet as Washington finished third, their best finish in the program’s history. Last year’s state race was their ninth state meet appearance since 2011. “I love their positive, fun loving attitudes,” Coach Troy Walcott said about the group. “They all work so well together and help each other. A coach couldn't ask for a better group than this one.”

 

Six runners are back from this young but experienced team. Sophia Ramirez emerged early last year as the team’s top runner. She finished 11th at state. Her track season performances indicate she is ready to climb to the next level. Olivia Nordheilm was the 2-3 runner last year for the team finishing 29th. Sophomores Jayne Hermann and Madeline Jones were interchangeable in the three/four position finishing in the top 44. Carlye Ahten was the team’s fifth runner but 31 seconds behind the first four runners.

 

“We would like to try to win the Mid Illini Conference meet and improve on our 2022 post-season,” said Walcott. “The State Meet was so muddy in 2022.  We placed well, but they didn't get to run the times they wanted.  I know the girls want to get back to state and see how fast they can run on a good course.” Washington is closer to Grayslake Central than we think. Grayslake placed 4 in the top 31. Washington ran 4 in the top 44. The difference is in the fifth position where Washington has an edge. It is going to come down to that. Washington will get better than last season’s third-place finish. They may need to move to get three runners in all-state range for the state championship talent. We will get an idea of how the two teams compare as both will run at First to the Finish at Detweiller on September 9.

 

3 Dunlap

Coach – Chris Friedman; 2022 Finish – 6th Class 2A State Meet

Runners – Kate Robertson JR; Abby Tudeen JR; Abbie Gleason SR; Mia Williams SO; Claire Sack SO; Morgan Phillips SR; Kylie Sullivan SO; Josie Kroll FR; Hannah Parker FR.

 

Notes – The muddy course affected the race plan of Dunlap on State Meet Saturday as the team finished sixth at the 2A State Meet. This team was better than that race. The Eagles could show that even more especially with six of their top seven runners returning. “The girls had a nice summer of just compiling miles and gaining strength,” said Dunlap Coach Chris Friedman. “I generally structure the summer fairly loosely, giving mileage guidance and organizing the meeting times and places. I've seen a lot of our top girls this summer, maybe even more than in the past, so I'm encouraged by our strength coming into the season.”

 

Dunlap did not have any all-state runners last year. The potential to have up to three all-state runners in November is a possibility. Addy Tudeen and Kate Robertson raced close together in most races last fall. Both runners will be in the #1 spot to lead their team. Top 20 finishes for both could be probable. Abbie Gleason was the team’s third runner at Detweiller finishing 60 but just nine seconds behind the front duo. Mia Williams and Claire Sack were part of the top seven last year with Williams more than 30 seconds behind Gleason, Friedman has a good freshman group entering this team this fall headed by Josie Kroll and Hannah Parker. Both runners could contribute to the top seven early in the season.

 

The Eagles should be among the top five teams throughout the season. A trophy should be in their reach when they get to November. “The muck and rain of last year's state meet did not play to our strengths, so the girls have figured out they need to be stronger,” Friedman said. “More mileage, more weightroom work will help should we have those conditions again (crossing fingers we don't have them again). We haven't had that specific discussion about team goals, but I think the unsaid goal is a trophy. As we near the state meet, we will talk with more specificity about what that will take for us to accomplish it.”

 

4 Chicago (St. Ignatius College Prep)

Coach – Matt Haffner; 2022 Finish – 5th Class 2A State Meet

Runners – Annika Swan SO; Ella Hwang SR; Courtney Beatty SO; Lizeth Montes JR; Olivia Stern JR; Emma Valencia SR; Gabriella Duque SO; Sarah Fitzgerald JR; Meghan Semmer SR; Greer Waller JR.

 

Notes – The fact that St. Ignatius College Prep finished fifth in last year’s state meet without their top runner shows what kind of depth this team had last year. That depth continues this year. The Wolfpack during last season had 10 runners at some point run under 20-minutes on a three-mile cross-country course. Four runners on the 2022 team are back. An additional 14 runners could challenge for a top 7 spot.

 

The absence of Annika Swan in last year’s state meet possibly hurt the team’s chances for a trophy. Look at what Swan has done since that meet. As a freshman, she finished second in the 3A 1600 Meter Run and then doubled back to finish seventh in the 1600 Meter Run. We did not get that chance to see what she could do at state, but she did run 17:55 at Detweiller Park earlier last year. Ella Hwang, Courtney Beatty, and Lizeth Montes have all showed great improvement over the past year according to Coach Matt Haffner. Beatty was the team’s top runner at state placing 32nd, Montes followed by finishing in 47th. Olivia Stern ran at state in 2022 and should be among the top five again this season. Like we said at the outset, this team is talented. Runners such as Sarah Fitzgerald, Emma Valencia, and Gabriella Duque are some of the runners that you could see in the Wolfpack’s starting seven.

 

“The team goals align well with the coaches' goals:  Work toward remaining healthy; Work toward PRs.  We cannot control other teams, so we focus on things we can do,” added Haffner. “There are a lot of girls on this team with State experience.  We have six with State XC experience and two more with 4x800 State races in the past.  About 20 girls seem to be thinking about top-7 spots.  That competition was a key ingredient to our 2022 season.”

 

5 Chatham (Glenwood)

Coach – Mike Garber; 2022 Finish – 9th Class 2A State Meet

Runners – Ashlyn Chopra SO; Rachael Behrens JR; Ava Gorrie SR; Ally Knudson SO; Kamryn Robbins JR; Delaney Kyes JR; Ava Hamrick JR; Madi Iwanicki SR; Lydia Gurnsey SR; Ali Londgren FR; Brenna Stoman FR; Sophie Rentmeister FR.

 

Notes – The cycle that Chatham-Glenwood’s Girls team has each fall is simple. They get a good summer of training, add some freshman at the start of the season, and then run their best at the year with hopes of bringing a trophy back from Peoria. Then repeat the next year and so on. The Titans were one of the top teams throughout the season. The weather did not help at state as they finished ninth overall.

 

“We were ramping up really well in the lead up to State last season,” said their coach, Mike Garber. “ I think nerves got the best of a few girls in Peoria, but also the conditions were not what they had planned in their heads. Obviously, it was the same muddy course for all teams, but there was no idea of what it would look like to the girls.  It was shattered a bit when we arrived that morning. We have talked a lot about competing and not being so time-focused to start this season. With competition comes fast times, but it's a hard thing to break when it is preached so far and wide. We want to be competitive in every race we step into this year.”

 

Six runners are back from that state team led by Ashlyn Chopra. She was the top runner as a freshman most of last season ending the year finishing 33rd in the mud. Rachel Behrens (36th place) and Ava Gorrie (62nd place) are solid second and third runners that will be closer to Chopra this season. The split on those three runners at state was 24 seconds. There are other runners that could be in the top five this year such as Kamryn Robbins and Ally Knudson that could move near the front this season. “Ally used track as a springboard and has come into season in her best shape I've seen,” Garber added. “She will be pushing deep into the Top 5 as our season progresses. Rachael Behrens also had a fantastic summer. We are focusing on keep the girls with lots of mileage as healthy as possible through the start of season. Madi Iwanicki also put in a great summer of work. She cross trained a ton with lots of biking and swimming which she had never done before. She should have a great senior season.” Garber also said of Behrens that she “will be a very influential athlete for our team. She grew a lot during the last year and is mentally and physically ready to challenge for an All State position.”

 

What will benefit the Titans especially this season is the middle school program that won the IESA 3A State Team title. Garber sees freshmen Ali Londrigan, Brenna Stroman, and Sophie Rentmeister as immediate contributors in the top seven and given this team even more of a boost.

 

Let’s see how this team performs this fall. They do have the potential to go after Grayslake Central, Washington, and the two other squads mentioned before this. “We are looking to compete week in, week out this season,” Garber added. “We aren't talking about records, championships, or State at all. We are looking to hit goals over each week and are hoping that culminates in an exciting end to our season. I can't wait to get racing.”

 

6 Crystal Lake (South)

Coach – Ken Greenfield; 2022 Finish – 4th Class 2A State Meet

Runners -  Abby Machesky SR; Olivia Pinta JR; Victoria Pinta JR; Colette Bacidore SR; Briennah James SR; Laynie Ripley SO; Lily Brooks FR; Cece Piemontese FR; Sedona Semradek FR; Carly Gorman SR.

 

Notes – It was heartbreaking for the Gators heading over to the podium for the 2A awards last November thinking that they had won a state trophy. They were informed that they placed fourth missing a trophy by four points. It could drive this team to bigger things despite losing three runners to graduation including their top runner all-state Olivia Gonzalez. “All our runners were extremely dedicated and disciplined with their summer work,” said Coach Ken Greenfield.  I’m immensely proud of the effort and consistency I saw. Almost 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. I’m particularly

pleased at how well Colette (Bacidore) and Abby (Machesky) have bounced back from injuries that limited their training and racing significantly last year.

 

Olivia Pinta showed vast improvement over the last season and will challenge for the #1 position with Abby Machesky. “Even when she wasn’t at her best though, she was still a major contributor to our team success and was a phenomenal teammate and leader. Through it all, she kept a great attitude and was diligent about doing the physical and mental work to continue moving forward. She’s an obviously talented and hard-working athlete and I feel really good about her summer and where she’s at right now. One thing I’m particularly proud of is how she’s taken a major step forward in her willingness and ability to lead. Her vocal and positive leadership has done a lot to set the tone for our team early in the season. Victoria Pinta and Collette Bacidore give Greenfield a solid group behind his top two runners. Freshman Lily Brooks has run with the front group most of the summer and could have an immediate impact for this team.

 

We will get a good indication of what South has at the end of September at the Peoria Invitational. A key to watch for is whether Machesky or Olivia Pinta can step up in a position in races where Gonzalez was. “The highest priority for them is to be known for being a hard-working group that pushes each other,” Greenfield stated. “Near the top of the list is a desire to be welcoming and encouraging to all the girls in the program. There certainly is a desire to be a highly competitive team at the state level, but I love that their focus is on the day-to-day. Maybe near the top of my list is to see them grow in self-confidence: to have an accurate picture of how good they are (I think very good) and their potential.”

 

7 Waterloo

Coach – Larry Huffman; 2022 Finish – 13th Class 2A State Meet

Runners – Cameron Crump JR; Angelynn Kanyuck SR; Ava Rau JR; Danielle Mudd SR; Calla Espenscheid SO; Chole Aubuschon SR; Kamryn Rader JR; Emily Lepp JR; Macy Jones SO.

 

Notes – Waterloo will look to make it back to the state meet for the sixth time in seven years this fall. The Bulldogs are one of the top Class 2A teams in Illinois winning the Mississippi Valley Conference along with the Highland Regional. They finished fifth at the Chatham-Glenwood Sectional before finishing 13th at the state meet. They will be tough again with all seven runners from the state team returning.

 

Their top four group is just that tough. The Bulldogs did not have their best race last November in Peoria but still ran a 61 second split between them. Their split the week before at their sectional was just 29 seconds. Cameron Crump (37th place) was the top runner at state for her team. Angelynn Kanyuck over 40 seconds behind her teammate at state. When they raced together at Peoria at the end of September, that split was just three seconds.  Ava Rau and Danielle Mudd are part of that front pack that could do some big things.

 

They have four runners established in the front. Moving the second pack closer to the first group will be something to watch. That gap at state was 59 seconds at state; 75 seconds in the sectional. Kamryn Rader, Chloe Aubuschon, and Calla Espenschied will be the runners in the second pack that will make an effort to get them closer to the front. Keeping within 35 to 40 seconds will be a key of moving the Bulldogs into the top five.

 

8 Chicago (DePaul College Prep)

Coach – Stephanie Stecz; 2022 Finish – 2nd Class 1A State Meet

Runners – Lorelei Travers JR; Abigail Arseneau JR, Gabrielle Walker SR; Grace Moller SR; Piper Houghton JR; Katherine Radich SO; Isabella Shifrin JR; Ellie Kapp JR; Simrin Anderson SO.

 

Notes – The good news for the Rams is that they made it back to the state meet for the second year in a row. Their second-pace finish in the Class 1A State Meet was the best ever for the Girls’ program. The bad news is that now (for the next two years at least) the Rams will run in Class 2A. DePaul considers it a window of opportunity. “We’re excited for the move to 2A,” said DePaul Coach Stephanie Stecz. “Our conference (GCAC) is really strong, so we see good competition all season long, so the jump to 2A doesn’t feel intimidating.  Our school is growing so fast, so we see the move to 2A as something to be proud of as the sports program expands across the board.  Plus, the team we battled with in 1A (Aurora Rosary) is moving to 2A, too, so it feels like the natural progression for our team.”

 

This group believes in pack running and is displayed by this team in most meets. In their final four races to close the 2022 season, there was a different top five order in those four races. Lorelei Travers was the most consistent running as the #1 runner in three of the four races. She led the team at state finishing in 42nd place. The split in the state race was just 42 seconds. That kind of pack running will easily carry over from Class 1A to Class 2A. The pack may need to move up a little. That may come easily for this team. Abigail Arseneau showed big improvement in her running. Arseneau and 2A 800 all-state runner Gabrielle Walker will challenge for the top spot once again. Piper Houghton and Grace Moller are also a part of the pack ready for the challenge of Class 2A running.

 

Pack running needs to stay consistent for the Rams as the season goes along. Moving that pack closer to the front would be something that I would keep an eye on. “Our team is really confident and loves training, so it’s easy to keep them motivated,” added Stecz. “The one thing we’ve stressed is that if we don’t have All State runners this year, we won’t finish as high as we did in 1A.  It’s great to have such a deep squad and we’re proud to have such a fast fifth (and sixth and seventh, etc), but if our 1/2/3 girls aren’t contending for All State then we’re not going to succeed as a team.  I think if one of them goes, the rest will follow.” 

 

9 Lake Villa (Lakes)

Coach – Travis Shepherd; 2022 Finish – 2nd Class 2A State Meet

Runners – Paige-Elicia Caruth SR; Madison Twarling SR; Hannah Rojas JR; Bri Gara JR; Rachel Colwell SR; Aine Boyd SR; Hannah Salbilla FR; Diksha Guganathan SO – track/field hockey; Lauren Rhymer JR.

 

Notes – The last state meets that the Eagles have competed in from 2019 to 2022; they finished fifth in 2021 and second in 2019 and 2022. Lakes does return five from last year’s team but lose two runners to graduation that played integral parts in the team’s success. “We talked about staying connected and being a TEAM,” their Coach Travis Shepherd stressed.  “That means before, during, and after practice, at all times. It's important for us to have a bond with our teammates. We stressed any aspect that could build our shared sense of purpose. It seems to be paying off already on day 2. The girls are a cohesive unit who enjoy being around each other and know the expectations. We have yet to put our goals on paper, but there is clearly an unwritten and agreed upon sense of purpose. Running for each other, that's what we want to see every step of the way.”

 

Seniors Paige-Elicia Caruth and Madison Twarling are two of the leaders on this team on and off the starting line. Caruth had a standout junior season finishing eighth at state. That could lead to higher goals this fall. Twarling continues to improve finishing 34th as the team’s third runner. Big things will be waiting for her in the next couple of months. Their top five should remain solid with Hannah Rojas, Rachel Colwell, Aine Boyd, and freshman Hannah Salbilla ready to fill those spots. “Our training went well this summer,” Shepard said.  “Our attendance was higher than normal, and the girls put in some great work. More importantly, they formed strong connections. This team is one of the more cohesive groups that we have ever had. They spent a lot of time together outside of camp and have become tight knit rather quickly. The miles are great and we're in solid shape, but the connections they've formed are just as important to our success this year.”

 

The Eagles placed five runners in the top 59 with two all-state runners. The talent is there to repeat that with Rojas and possibly Gara. They both had a good summer of training to accomplish that. This is a team that I would not count out by the time they get to the state series. “Our main focus is for everyone to give their best each time they toe the line and to give everything they have for the girl next to them,” added Shepherd. “We'll likely set our sights on challenging for the NLCC crown and making a return trip to Peoria.”

 

10 Lake Forest

Coach – Steve Clegg; 2022 Finish – 12th Class 2A State Meet

Runners – Isabella Marsico SR; Lucy Schlachtenhaufen SR; Sophia Lane SR; Olivia Marsico SR; Paige Gibbons SR; Shalini Krishnaswamy JR; Emily Witte JR; Pilar Rosales SO; Elise Raffiani SR; Kate McCann SO.

 

Notes – The Scouts are a team that I would keep an eye on this fall. Staying healthy will be a key. Lake Forest did make it to state last year finishing 12th overall returning six of their top seven runners. A big key for the team is keeping Isabella Marsico healthy. Marsico ran in limited races last spring but did not race after her conference meet on May 4. Marsico got close to all-state last fall placing 30th. The senior should move up towards the front this season.  Lucy Schlachtenhaufen perhaps has shown improvement since finishing 57th last fall at state. She came back outdoors to run 5:22 for 1600-meters. Sophia Lane was three seconds ahead of her teammate in the state race placing 54th. The three runners could push Lake Forest into the top 10 by state series time.

 

The big key is the split between the first three and the pack behind them.  It was close to 90 seconds in the state meet race. Paige Gibbons, Shalini Krishnaswamy, and Olivia Marsico were part of the state team. The split needs to be under 60 seconds in the top three and within 15 seconds of each other like it was at state. It could be the difference of finishing closer to the top five teams rather than finishing outside the top 10.

 

11 Rochester

Coach – Bill Owens; 2022 Finish – 7th Class 2A State Meet

Runners - Ashley Zeibert SO; Natalie Nichols SO; Brooke Zeibert JR; Myra Gibson SO; Ella Kieffer SO; Maria Olson JR; Emmah Brown FR; Madelyn Killion FR.

 

Notes – It was a great season for Rochester even though they had four freshmen among their top seven. The Rockets finished the season winning their conference and regional races, finishing third in the Chatham-Glenwood Sectional, and then placing seventh at state. Not too bad for a team that was so young. They learned a lot from last season that could transition to some big things again this season.

 

They will miss their multi-all state runner Colleen Zeibert who graduated this past spring. There is talent that is ready to step to lead this team. It could be a different type of team with Colleen gone. They will have a solid pack in the front led by Ashley Zeibert (42nd at state), Brooke Nichols (50th), and Brooke Zeibert (72nd). The trio was separated by 23 seconds in the state meet but 43 seconds in their sectional race. Myra Gibson and Ella Kieffer were close to 50 seconds behind the trio in the sectional race. That grew to 84 seconds that next week at state. This team has a good chance to make it back to the state meet. Cutting down those splits will be a decider in November where they place.

 

12 Dixon

Coach – Simon Thorpe; 2022 Finish – 15th Class 2A State Meet

Runners -   Emma Smith SR; Kate Boss SO; Kamryn Rogers SO; Keeley Mick SR; Olivia Arduini SO; Daniella Lovett SO; Isabella Cecchetti FR; Kyara Chavez FR; Ireland O’Neal FR.

 

Notes – The Duchesses came on strong during the state series winning their conference and regional meets and then followed by a third place finish at the Kaneland Sectional. Their season concluded by a 15th place finish in the Class 2A State Meet.

 

Four runners are back from that team led by Emma Smith who was the team’s second runner at state placing 87th. Kamryn Rogers and Keeley Mick were just separated by five seconds of each other and within six seconds of Smith. That kind of pack could benefit them in 2023. Kate Boss was within 30 seconds of the duo and appears to be the team’s fourth runner. Daniella Lovett or Olivia Arduini we could see in their top five. Dixon could be tough by the time they get to the middle of October. Their top five split to begin the season is projected to be between 110 and 120 seconds.

 

13 Aurora (Rosary)

Coach – Vic Mead; 2022 Finish – 3rd Class 1A State Meet

Runners – Chiarra Surtz JR; Olivia Kunio SR; Vivian Wyller SR; Natalie Goettsch JR; Ellie Gengler JR; Amelia Whitacre SO; Ali Palmer SO; Christina Ferraro SR.

 

Notes – Rosary completed a memorable season winning their first  state trophy placing third in Class 1A. They finished in fifth place in 2021. Some things are changing for the Royals with the huge change of moving from Class 2A from Class 1A.

 

There are a few things that did not change mainly the return of their top four runners. Chiara Surtz earned her second appearance on the podium in two years finishing 16th overall. Surtz returns a good pack behind Surtz including Olivia Kunio, Vivian Wyller, and Natalie Goettsch. The one thing that they will need to change is the same as last year with the gap that closed down to 69 seconds at the state meet. That drop may need to come down even more now that they are in Class 2A. Ali Palmer and Amelia Whitacre look to be the main runners in the fifth spot. The gap between four and five is big projected to be close to three minutes. It is a good bet that the Royals will make it to the state meet depending on what sectional they are placed in. A top 15 finish could be tough if a 4-5 split is huge.

 

14 Morton

Coach – Joe Zeller; 2022 Finish – 19th Class 2A State Meet

Runners – Sophie Krueger SR; Taygen Beyer SR; Kerrigan Vandel SR; Ava Burgess SO; Brielle Hopkins SO; Tarikua Kellerstrass JR; Sariah Hoffman JR; Sydni Hoffman JR.

 

Notes – The Potters should be improved from last year after finishing 19th at the state meet. Their top five runners are back from that team. Kerrigan Vandel was the team’s #1 runner most of the season including conference, regional, and sectionals. Weather conditions obviously played a factor in the 2A race. Vandel dropped down to the fifth runner in that race. In the Peoria Invitational at the end of September Sophie Krueger, Taygen Beyer and Vandel were separated by just 15 seconds. Ana Burgess at some points of the season was the team’s second runner. Brielle Hopkins is a solid top five runner that again will contribute between the third and fifth runner spots. Hard to say what kind of freshman class is entering the school. The gap currently between the fifth and six runners is near 90 seconds. A top 10 finish is possible with this Mid Illini team. Staying healthy needs to be a priority with their top five runners.

 

“The girls have set some lofty goals for themselves this year,” said their coach, Joe Zeller. “We are excited to be in a tough conference and get the opportunity to compete with some of the best. Improving both our state and conference performances from last year are the main goals.”

 

15 Normal (University)

Coach – Jill Burroughs; 2022 Finish – 21st Class 2A State Meet

Runners – Zoe Carter JR; Natalie Bierbaum SO; Lana Alcorn SO; Reagan Bull JR; Eve Whitlow JR; Talia Luallen SR; Klara Bouman JR; Grace Hany SR; Jodie Wamsley FR; Jocelyn Lewis FR.

 

Notes – Injuries slowed down the Pioneers at the end of last season as U-High finished 21st at state. This team could be good again this season but need to keep one of their top runners Natalie Bierbaum healthy. Bierbaum started her season running a spectacular 17:05 to win at Clinton at the end of August. She ran 17:03 at Metamora the week before the Central State Eight Conference Meet. Bierbaum only raced once more at her regional race. She did not run at sectionals and state due to injury. She raced sparingly outdoors just racing twice but placing 13 in the 2A 3200 Meter Run. Bierbaum did run 10:57 to finish second indoors. Her 17:52 time indoors at Illinois Top Times. Her 17:52 run at Detweiller at Dark in hot conditions indicates she could be ready to go.

 

Zoe Carter has emerged as the team’s top runner heading into the season. She finished six seconds ahead of Bierbaum at the Peoria Invitational, and then went on to finish ninth in the 2A State Meet. She could be one of the top five this fall after a successful track season. Lana Alcorn emerged as a freshman as one of the team’s top runners finishing as the second runner at state. Eve Whitlow, Reagan Bull, and Talia Luallen stepped up into the top five in the absence of Bierbaum not being on the starting line.

 

This team could be a top five team at state series time if Bierbaum and the rest of the team can stay healthy. Carter and Bierbaum could be among the top seven runners in Class 2A. Alcorn will surprise some people and could finish in the top 35. Those three runners could make the Pioneers trophy contenders. For the moment, they stay in this position. “The summer training went well. We were looking to increase our base mileage. I think that we were able to accomplish that. “We are going into the season with a good amount of volume, and no one injured,” said their coach Jill Burroughs. “We just want to improve our team culture and create a family environment. If we can maintain that we will have a successful post season.”

 

16 Mt. Zion

Coach – Kelly Fox; 2022 Finish – 18th Class 2A State Meet

Runners – Ellie Fritzsche SR; Camille Mavis SR; Renee Ballard SR; Brooke Doyle SR; Avery Sommer SO; Maddie Akers SR; Abi Grunden FR.

 

Notes – Mt Zion is a team to watch to make it back to the state meet this fall after placing 18 in last year’s state meet. They will miss their top runner Sofia Munoz who graduated last spring and will attend Purdue. The Braves have a solid top five that will strive to better last season’s state finish.

 

Ellie Fritsche took a big step up in her junior season. She was the team’s second runner at the state meet where she finished 74. Her track season included dropping her personal best of 11:27 as she won her section in the 2A State Meet 3200 Meter Run. Camille Mavis, Renee Ballard, Brooke Doyle, and Avery Sommer all improved during the off season making them the meet favorite in their conference and making it to the state meet. “I have 4 seniors (Ellie Fritzsche, Brooke Doyle, Renee Ballard, and Camille Mavis) along with sophomore Avery Sommer, that want to make this the best season ever,” said their coach Kelly Fox said. “These 4 have worked tremendously hard and ask for a calendar with increasing mileage throughout the summer. 

 

This team has promise but look to be only five runners deep. Fox has taken the right steps to get them ready for this fall. One of the goals for this squad is to stay healthy when they get into the state series. “Our goal will be to make the trip back to the State meet and make a push to be in the top 10,” Fox said. “Individually, we're looking for each of our athletes to continue to improve (especially with the running we put in this summer as a strong base).  I'm looking for this group of Seniors to be strong both physically and mentally.  Their times have improved since last XC season, and they've put in more miles this summer.”

 

17 Wheaton (St. Francis)

Coach – Jason Accardi; 2022 Finish – 20th Class 2A State Meet

Runners – Margaret Andrzejewski SO; Cate Earl JR; Diya Khatau JR; Ashley Spahn SO; Nella Ksiag JR; Anna Nauman SR; Emily Nauman SR; Sophia Hutchens SR.

 

Notes – Jason Accardi steps in as the new Boys and Girls XC Coach at the school replacing long time coach Scott Nelson who retired at the end of last spring’s track season. Accardi inherits a Girls team that made it to Peoria last November. His best runner should be Margaret Andrzejewski who had a great freshman season last fall. She was the team’s top runner in the state meet finishing 22nd overall and becoming all-state. Cate Earl is a solid #2 runner for Accardi and could get closer to Andrzejewski as the season progresses. The Spartans graduated their third and fourth runners from last year so rebuilding their top five will be essential. Underclassmen Diya Khatau, Ashley Spahn, and Nella Ksiag look to be the runners that will fit into those positions. Their top five split is projected to start the season as close to three minutes. There is time for cutting that split down.

 

18 Lisle (Benet Academy)

Coach – Katie Paski; 2022 Finish – 25th Class 3A State Meet

Runners – Keira Jenke SO; Delilah Helenhouse JR; Grace Andringa SR; Aniela Gaudio JR; Kailey Frangella SR; Faye Ferrell FR; Payton Mathelier FR; Liliana Pervan FR.

 

Notes – The Redwings move from Class 2A from Class 3A for the next two years. Benet Academy had a great season advancing out of an extremely tough 3A Waubonsie Valley Sectional and then running at state placing 25th. The lessons that they learned in the state series last year should pay off while racing this season. They lose two runners from their top seven including graduated all-state runner Louisa Diamond and two underclass runners Harper Good (Irish Step Dancing/not running) and Cameron Bruce (transferred from Benet).

 

“We continued to focus on ensuring that the girls have a strong base going into the season,” said their Coach Katie Paski. “We worked a great deal on building their endurance and mileage throughout the course of the summer continuing to build off of their track season for those that were part of the track program.  For those who were new to summer training and our program in general, we had different benchmarks each week and worked on gradually increasing their mileage and time in preparation for August similar to previous years.  Our returning runners did a nice job setting the tone for those who may be new to the program, and our new runners fully embraced all our team stands for.”

 

There are two runners that were within six seconds of each other that could step into the #1 position with Keira Jenke and Delilah Helenhouse. It could be Helenhouse that steps into that spot having been the #2 runner in the final three meets. “Delilah has been an integral part of our varsity team since her freshman year,” added Paski. “Last year as a sophomore, she was consistently amongst the top three on our varsity team, playing a huge role in our team's success throughout the entire season and in the team qualifying for the 3A State Meet.  Delilah has an incredible work ethic and puts forth her best in all she does; she does all she can to not only put herself in a position to attain her individual goals, but she does the same for each one of her teammates always having the team's goals in mind.  Her successes in cross country carried over to the track season in that she qualified for the 1600 m. run in the 2A State Meet this past spring.  We are excited to continue to watch Delilah grow as an athlete and see all that this season holds for her.”

 

Grace Andringa and Aniela Gaudio were state meet runners that could step into a top five spot. Paski has a good freshman entering Benet including Faye Ferrell, Payton Mathelier, and Liliana Pervan that could make immediate contributions to the team.

 

It is going to be an interesting September for the Redwings. The nucleus of the returning runners plus the newcomers could guide Benet Academy depending on what sectional they are placed in. “With the addition of some talented newcomers (Ferrell, Mathelier, and Ashley Donovan amongst others whom we are still getting to know as athletes), we are excited to see what this year brings for us,” said Paski. “One of the key messages we always have for our team is the idea that together everyone achieves more.  We have a talented group of individuals (both returning and new) who push one another daily in practice, constantly putting forth their best efforts in order to achieve both their individual and team goals.  We hope to be amongst the teams who qualify for the 2A state meet in November.

 

19 Crystal Lake (Central)

Coach – Brett Willhoit; 2022 Finish – 24th Class 2A State Meet

Runners – Hadley Ferrero JR; Brynn Matthaei JR; Emma Macke SR; Hope Ferrero SR; Lelia Czysczon JR; Jacqueline Orvis SO.

 

Notes – It was not the way they thought their state race would go especially after finishing second in both the Belvidere Regional and the Kaneland Sectional. They struggled at Detweiller Park to finish 24th after their #1 runner Hadley Ferrero had to drop out of the race after the mile due to an injury she suffered the week before at Kaneland. “Our training went well this summer as we had a solid group of girls attend almost every day,” said Central’s Coach, Brett Willhoit.  “It was fairly usual in what we did in terms of volume and workouts.  The girls even asked to do a second workout on Saturdays, which was a pleasant surprise.” 

 

Hadley Ferrero, who plays soccer in the spring, is driven this fall according to her coach after what happened last November. That could be a concern to most of the other top runners in the state. She finished fourth as a freshman in 2021. Four other runners from the state meet led by Emma Mackie who finished 86th. Brynn Matthaei, Hope Ferrero, and Leila Czysczon should be in the pack with Mackie. This is a team that you can’t pay attention to a top five split considering that Had Fer could be almost two minutes ahead of Mackie. The key for the pack is a split of 30 seconds for the group and staying within 90 seconds of their front.

 

“We are aiming to win the super-competitive Fox Valley Conference (7 girls teams out of 10 qualified for the state meet and 8 All-State runners, and Hadley would've made 9).  We also hope to qualify for the state meet, fighting for a top 10 place, with a possible chance at top 5 if we can figure out our 5,6,7 runners.” 

 

20 LaGrange Park (Nazareth Academy)

Coach – Joe Wejman; 2022 Finish – 17th Class 2A State Meet

Runners – Jane McNamara SR; Hannah McCarthy SR; Sarah Owen JR; Alayna Plahm JR; Samantha Rozmus SR; Neeve Olson SR; Lucy Jucovics SO; Erin Briars JR; Evelyn Siffermann SR.

 

Notes – This is a team that again should have a good chance to make it back to the state meet despite the fact that their four-time all-state runner Colette Kinsella has graduated. They still do have the rest of their top seven coming back that finished 17th. “Our summer was mostly good,: said their coach, Joe Wejman.  “We had several girls take part in extensive travel overseas, but at the same time, this group of seniors is incredibly dedicated, so I know they put in the work. We were also able to see a large and talented group of freshman partake, so that was really encouraging for this year but also the coming years.”

 

It seems that Jane McNamara has been a solid #2 runner in her last three seasons for the Roadrunners. With Kinsella graduated, McNamara steps into the top spot. “Jane is a very cerebral runner who really saw things click last season,” Wejman said. “And there was a bit of comfort for her knowing that 4x State medalist Colette Kinsella was pushing us up front, but I think she will thrive in her role as our '# 1' and will step up her training and racing to make herself better, but also the team.”

 

Keeping a solid pack behind McNamara will be something to watch for from this team. The split at state between Hannah McCarthy, Sarah Owen, Alayna Plahm, and Samantha Rozmus was 68 seconds. The gap between McNamara and McCarthy was 54 seconds. It will be interesting if the split between the top two can decrease. The pack split needs to come down maybe 15-20 seconds for this team to achieve success. “We are one of a few teams to make the state meet in 2A in each of the last 4 years (I include 2020), so we really want to keep that streak alive,” Wejman stated.   “I’m not sure what type of roster Benet will have, but taking a shot at them for the conference title would be something nice to shoot for heading into the post season.”

 

21 Antioch

Coach – Chris Bailey; 2022 Finish – 27th Class 2A State Meet

Runners – Piper Ipsen JR: Rosie Gonzalez JR; Angela Ortiz JR; Addison Lane SR; Abby Sooley JR; Annalise Lowrance JR; Nora Lubkeman SR; Ellie Nampel JR.

 

Notes – Antioch made their first team appearance back at the state meet since 1983 finishing 27 last year in the 2A State Meet. This is a team that has promise to have all seven of their state runners coming back. Piper Ispen is the top runner for this team finishing in the top 100 placing 98th. “Piper Ipsen looks to be our top runner again for the third year in a row,” said her coach, Chris Bailey. “She has taken her training to a new level, and I see her confidence growing every day.  She had a great sophomore track season, running 2:27 (split), 5:25, and 11:56 which are all personal bests.  Her strength and speed has gotten better, and she enters her junior year ready to make another leap forward.”

 

Rosie Gonzalez and Angela Ortiz are a solid second and third runners behind Ipsen and the Sequoits. “We had a solid and consistent summer with our girls team,” said Bailey. “We return our top 7 and several of them made huge improvements in their training this summer. Juniors Piper Ipsen, Rosie Gonzalez, and Angela Ortiz each improved on their summer mileage and look to have a great XC season.” The gap between Ispen and Gonzalez at the end of the season was close to 50 seconds. Their top five split is projected to start the season at close to 90 seconds. Antioch could make it to the state meet for the second year in a row. It will depend in which sectional and what direction they head.

 

22 Effingham

Coach – Jennifer Kirk; 2022 Finish – 8th Class 2A Chatham-Glenwood Sectional

Runners – Jessica Larsen JR; Baylee Summers SO; Haddie Hill JR; Audrey Wagoner SR; Morgan Springer JR; Kyra Hazelton JR; Laney Myers SO; Grace Eaton SR.

 

Notes – The roster to start the season for the Aces is nine runners to start the season. They still have the talent to make it to the state meet for the first time in the program’s history. Effingham just missed last year finishing eighth at the Chatham-Glenwood Sectional. They return six runners from that sectional team led by State qualifier Jessica Larsen. The junior had a great sophomore season crossing the line in 67th place at Detweiller Park. She will be among the top 40 in Class 2A by the end of the season.

 

A tighter second through fifth runner pack is one thing that they will need to achieve this fall. Baylee Summers, Haddie Hill, Audrey Wagoner, and Morgan Springer were separated by 73 seconds at Chatham-Glenwood. The gap between Larsen and the pack was 49 seconds. Larsen moving closer to the front with the pack closely behind could secure their state trip. This team needs to stay away from injuries with the small numbers they have on this team.

 

23 Burlington (Central)

Coach – Vince Neil; 2022 Finish – 11th Class 2A Kaneland Sectional

Runners – Abigail Burke JR; Teagan Cathcart JR; Carmie Winkelhake SO; Aanya Vyas SO; Mia Estrada JR; Emalyn Davis SO; Ivy DiDomenico SO; Olivia Sutton JR.

 

Notes – I would keep an eye on the Rockets as this season begins. Disregard the fact that Burlington Central finished 11th in a tough Kaneland Sectional. This team has the components to possibly make it to Peoria in November. Coach Vince Neil welcomes back four runners from that sectional team.

 

Abigail Burke will be the runner to watch to lead the team’s pack once again this fall. “Abby Burke had a great track season and an unreal summer of training,” said Neil. “She is well above her mileage from a year ago.  Abby missed qualifying last track season after a trip down state in cross country.  Be on the lookout for her to challenge up front.” The team will have a tight pack on five-six-seven. The pack in the front of that group will have to close in on Burke with Teagan Cathcart and Emie Burke. Ivy DiDomenico, Carmie Winkelhake, and Aanya Vyas are good bets to land within the team’s first five spots. “With Abby Burke, Teagan Cathcart and Emie Davis upfront we can have a solid 1-2-3 pack,” Neil added  “Aanya Vyas, Carmie Winkelhake, and Ivy DiDomenico will also have an impact on the team scoring.  We will need to tighten up our pack in order to be successful late in the season.  With the girls a year older, stronger, and more experienced we are excited to see how deep we can go into the postseason.”

 

24 Morris

Coach – Joe Blumberg; 2022 Finish – 14th Class 2A State Meet

Runners – Makensi Martin JR; Danica Martin JR; Aubrey Lines FR; Leah Ortiz JR; Paityn Valentine JR; Hope Emmerich SO; McKenzie Ragland JR.

 

Notes – Morris was one of the bigger surprises last year finishing 14th in the Class 2A State Meet. They lost all-state Joy Dudley and top seven runner Moriah Mayberry to graduation. They also lost state. They also lost junior Jadyn Bertram who is no longer on the team. Makensi Martin, the team’s second runner, ran great at state finishing 21st and all-state. Her sister Danica did not have her best race but finished 139th. She should be closer to her sister this fall. “We are a unique program in that many of our gals do not run track,” said their coach Joe Blumberg. “As a result, our training macrocycles look different than many of our competitors. We may be a slow-starting program as a result. We aren't going to panic or change things based on early-season comparisons. Summer attendance was solid. (Jr) Makensi Martin and (Jr) Danica Martin are no longer participating in band and have given up fall soccer to focus more on cross. They have had fantastic summers.”

 

Leah Ortiz might be the most improved runner from the summer and could be the team’s third runner. Aubrey Lines ran cross country in middle school getting her to the state meet twice. She ran 2:32 for 800m last season. Keep an eye on Lines jumping into the team’s top five. “One team mantra we are clinging to with such a young team is: We never lose,” added Blumberg. “Either we win, or we learn. We don't have a single senior on our roster and will only get better next year. Our season goal is to be healthy and run our best at the Sectional October 28th. Obviously we'd love the opportunity to improve upon last year's top fifteen finish, but we will have to be patient, selfless, and smart to avoid injuries to have that opportunity."

 

25 Crystal Lake (Prairie Ridge)

Coach – Kelly MacDonald; 2022 Finish – 8th Class 2A State Meet

Runners – Brenna Benjamin SO; Olivia McPherson SR; Nella Robinson JR; Lydia Jensen JR; Ali Storz SR; Katie Jewell JR; Faith Wilder SR.

 

Notes – It could be a rebuilding year for the Wolves. At the same time, Prairie Ridge could be back at the state meet as a team for the fifth straight time. They finished eighth last year but return five runners from that state team. The big loss is Rachel Soukup who finished second in Peoria and graduated. Brenna Singleton and Olivia McPherson traded off the second spot towards the end of last season. We could see either of these ladies as the #1 runner on the team. Lydia Jensen looks like the team’s third runner with Ali Storz and Nella Robinson close to Jensen. There was a large top five split off Soukup last season. McPherson and Jensen were separated by 70 seconds at state. Jensen led a 16 second split on the group. Moving both packs closer towards the front in races is something to look for from this team to make it back to Peoria.

 

“This team's goals are the same as previous years . . .  we work hard, keep running fun and focus on running our best at the end of the season,” said Prairie Ridge coach Kelly McDonald. “In order for us to do this we will need to change the way this team runs. Without a standout runner, developing a close pack will be critical. If the team commits to running in a tight pack and pushing each other we should have a pretty strong core that could qualify for state for the 5th? consecutive season. We know this will not be easy with how strong traditionally the Fox Valley Conference and our  Sectional are.”

 

26 Maple Park (Kaneland)

Coach – Doug Ecker; 2022 Finish – 10th Class 2A Kaneland Sectional

Runners – Danielle Bower SO; Abigail Lechocki JR; Jade Unzueta JR; Abby Fitts SR; Graycen Cole SO; Audrey Walker JR; Olivia Patrovich SR; Abbie Mederich JR.

 

Notes – The Lady Knights have six runners returning after finishing 10th in their own sectional. Danielle Bower was the team’s top runner as a freshman last season. She missed qualifying for the state meet by five seconds. Bower is hungry to make it to Peoria. There was only a six second gap between their second-third-fourth runners Abbi Lechocki, Jade Unzueta, and Abby Pitts. The gap between the top two in the sectional race was not bad at 42 seconds. Kaneland could be in the hunt to qualify for the state meet if they can keep running those kind of splits. “The goals never change,” said their coach, Doug Ecker. “We stay healthy & try to put yourself in a position to run your best as a team/individual at conference as well as the state series.”

 

27 Grayslake (North)

Coach – Jenny Spangler; 2022 Finish – 7th Class 2A Lakes Regional

Runners – Madison Peterson SO; Yaremi Ramos JR; Lucy Roscoe SO; Julia Flannery SO; Breyanna Villanueva SO; Maggie Silk SR; Leilyn Janneau SO; Lilly Abney SO.

 

Notes – An interesting team to keep an eye in this fall. Crosstown team Grayslake Central usually garners the attention and within reason. Here comes Grayslake North who could be within a year of doing some big things. The Knights missed advancing through to sectional finishing seventh at the Lakes Regional. They do return five runners that improved with every race last fall. “We had a very productive summer camp,” said their coach, Jenny Spangler. “One day each week of summer camp we ran intervals on the grass with the Grayslake Central team. This was a great opportunity for the athletes to learn and be pushed by a state championship team.”

 

The Knights did get some post regional experience with three runners advancing on to sectionals and then two runners advancing to the state meet. Madison Peterson finished 65th at Detweiller Park last year as a freshman and should be the #1 runner for this team entering the season. “Madison came into the season last year as a freshman with high expectations placed on her shoulders - not only as an individual performer but to carry the team to high placings at the conference and regional meets,” Spangler said.  “I thought she handled things very well and learned a lot about racing at the high school level.  She trains/races triathlons during the summer. This summer she was able to handle 25% more running mileage and 50% more swim and bike than last summer. Madison is definitely stronger coming into the season and it shows by what she has been able to handle at practice so far.”

 

Yaremi Ramos was the second runner to make it to state finishing 55 seconds behind Peterson. Ramos finished ahead of Peterson at regionals giving this team a solid 1-2  pack in the front. Lucy Roscoe was the third runner to advance to sectionals. She could close the gap on the front two runners. “Our primary goal is to qualify as a team for the Sectional Meet,” added Spangler.  “Last year we had 2 individuals qualify for the State Meet and one that just missed. A stretch goal is to qualify as a team for State but if not, get as many individuals down as possible. We are a young team with a bright future ahead.”

 

28 Joliet (Catholic Academy)

Coach – Jason Midlock; 2022 Finish – 29th Class 1A State Meet

Runners – Ella Heinen SO; Carolina Gallegos JR (transferred from Minooka); Claire Blotnik SR; Annie Tibbott SR; Sophia Mihelich SR; Kathryn Hammel SR.

 

Notes – Joliet Catholic Academy will run in Class 2A for the next two years and could possibly make it to the state meet both times. The Hilltoppers finished 29th in last year’s 1A State Meet. They do have six runners back that ran at state. Claire Blotnik could be the top runner on this team as she was for most of last season. Illness prohibited her to run in the state meet. Ella Heinen stepped in as the top runner at state and should push Blotnik. “Ella had a great debut season and got faster as the year progressed,” said Coach Jason Midlock. “She has been running in groups with the older girls and holding her own.  Ella has gotten taller, and we are excited to see what she can do this fall.”

 

A big addition to the team is the transfer from Minooka, Carolina Gallegos. The junior ran 19:55 last fall at Naperville Twilight and could make an immediate impact on this team. “Our core group of runners have been competing on varsity together for the majority of their four years together,” added Midlock. “They are looking to qualify for the state meet and improve on their finish there.”  

 

29 Sandwich

Coach – Mike Lee; 2022 Finish – 21st Class 1A State Meet

Runners – Sundara Weber SO; Emily Urbanski SO; Joanna Rivera JR; Hannah Treptow JR; Erin Lissman JR; Karlee Henkins SO; Emma White SR; Zara Lesko SO.

 

Notes – Sandwich made it to the state meet last year for the first time since 1998 resulting in a 21st place finish. The Indians move up to Class 2A for the next two years and could have high hopes during period especially returning all of their runners back from their state team. The biggest returning runner is Sundara Weber who will be one of the individual race favorite this November. She finished second last year in the rain at Detweiller Park. She had a great track season which included finishing second in the Class 2A 3200 Meter Run and third in the 1600 Meter Run. She will get a state championship sooner rather than later.

 

One thing to watch other than Weber is the depth of this team. Last fall only five runners ran under 22-minutes with a gap of two minutes to the next group. Emily Urbanski and Joanna Rivera ran under 20-minutes during the season giving the team a solid two-three runner pack. Hannah Treptow and Erin Lissman figure to again be in the top five. It will be hard to determine if Sandwich makes a repeat Peoria trip at the end of the year. If they are placed in the north, it could be rough. If they are placed in the Central Sectional near Peoria, it could be a good bet for the team to make that repeat state trip.

 

30 Mahomet (Seymour)

Coach - Jama Grotelueschen; 2022 Finish – 12th Class 2A Chatham-Glenwood Sectional

Runners – Ava Boyd SR; Chloe Bundren JR; Hadley Grotelueschen SO; Ava Jansen JR; Morgan Waisath JR; Emma Frazier JR; Jiran Abdo SO; Lauren Bednar SR; Taylor Mills FR; Jaci Kellenberger FR; Zoey Wallace FR

 

Notes – The Bulldogs did not have their best race of last year when they finished 12th at the Chatham-Glenwood Sectional. They do have all of their top seven runners returning along with a big and talented freshmen group. “We had great participation this summer,” said Mahomet-Seymour Coach Jama Grotelueschen. “With 9 freshmen we did a lot of foundational work and increased our base slowly to help with the transition to the higher mileage of high school.”

 

The one runner to build around is Ava Boyd. The senior ran better last fall making it to the state meet as an individual placing 71st on State Saturday.  Her track season was even more impressive when she earned all-state honors finishing fourth in the Class 2A 1600 Meter Run. “Ava has worked tirelessly this past year and has made tremendous improvement,” added her coach. “She worked on speed development and focused on the 1500/1600M.  She is a different runner and will really surprise some people if they have not been paying attention.”

 

All seven runners coming back means that this group is used to running with each other. That is a good sign in making it back to the state meet. Boyd was close to 85 seconds ahead of the rest of their team led by Chloe Bundren and followed by Hadley Grotelueschen. The pack on the two through five runners will need to be addressed as this season progresses. It was 91 seconds on the four runners in the sectional race, and close to two minutes in the regional race. The split will be big between Boyd. That is a given. Getting the group closer to Boyd would be a good thing. Getting the next four splits under 70 seconds would be a better thing to get this team to the state meet. “We would like to get back to the state meet after not qualifying last year,” said Coach Grotelueschen.  “We will be working on narrowing our splits between our top 7 (especially between our 2nd and 5th runner).  We have a great group to accomplish this, and our athletes are excited to work together to help bring each other along.”

 

Teams to Watch (Listed in Alphabetical Order)

 

Belvidere (North)

Coach – Andrew Pivoras; 2022 Finish – 12th Class 2A Kaneland Sectional

Runners – Alyssa Pryor SR; Haylee Gallas SO; Amelia Kackley JR; Camryn Diercks SO; Kayleigh Sippy, Lydia Bryant SO; Chiara Wilson SO; Kenzie Kline JR.

 

Notes – The North Stars return six of their top seven runners that will look to improve on last year’s 12th place finish.  Alyssa Pryor ended her junior season at Detweiller Park finishing 109 overall. It will be the pack behind Pryor that will need to gut their split down for this team to improve. The split on Pryor and #2 runner Haylee Gallas was 32 seconds in the sectional race and 58 seconds at regionals. The split off Pryor on the first five runners  in their regional and sectional races were close to two minutes.

 

Carterville

Coach – Nancy Adams; 2022 Finish – 24th Class 1A State Meet

Runners – Molly Robertson JR; Dani Williamson SO; Marcela Wood JR; Lexie Watts JR; Megan Fleege SR; Anna Balmforth SR; Lillian Carsrud JR; Leina Jaimet JR.

 

Notes – The Lions move to Class 2A for the next two years. Before they did that, they qualified for the state meet for the sixth time in school history by finishing 24th. Molly Robertson finished 32 last fall to lead this team. She did also qualify in the 3200 Meter Run where she finished 15. It will not be a surprise if she is in the top 25 this season. Dani Williamson is another runner to watch. She ran close to a minute behind Robertson and could close the gap. The team’s top five split at state was close to four minutes. This team could be in the top 30 in Class 2A at some point this season. They do need to get that split down to get to the state meet which they could possibly do.

 

Champaign (Centennial)

Coach – Laura Koterba-Buss; 2022 Finish – 14th Class 2A Chatham-Glenwood

Runners – Brooklyn Sweikar SR; Kaylee Sweikar JR; Annika Blackburn SR; Farah Scott FR; Molly Pate SO; Nicole Granger JR; Josie Potter SO; Brenna Hooper FR; Lauren Kleber FR.

 

Notes – Centennial will look to improve on last season’s 14th place sectional finish at Chatham-Glenwood. Brooklyn Sweikar will be the team’s top runner again this fall. She did make it to state last year finishing 91st. Kaylee Sweikar was more than a minute behind her sister in races last season but will lead the pack. Annika Blackburn and Molly Pate should be close. Their coach Laura Koterba-Buss has high hopes on incoming freshman Farah Scott. She could give the team a boost in the top five.

 

Chicago (Northside)

Coach – Jon Hootman; 2022 Finish – 9th Class 2A Deerfield Sectional

Runners – Lulu Ton-That JR; Elizabeth Schieleit JR; Zuzana Bielak SR; Sofia Weber SR; Sofia Weber SR; Maizy Peer JR; Amanda Firestone JR; Charlotte Wik-Ford SO; Ishar Shankar SO.

 

Notes – The Mustangs came close to making it last year to the state meet finishing ninth at the Deerfield Sectional. It could be a little tougher to get to Peoria this fall with four runners from that sectional team. They do get their top runner Lulu Ton-That back. The junior qualified for state last year running to an all-state 1oth -place finish. She was close to three minutes ahead of the team last season which we should see again in the next couple of months. Elizabeth Schieleit and Zuzanna Bielak look to be the runners that will lead the second group. “We had to deal with some less than ideal weather and air quality at times this summer, but overall summer training went well,” said Coach Jon Hootman. “We tested out some new workouts that I'm excited to try during the season, but our summer training really just focuses on getting out the door and putting in the time. Our number one goal is getting both teams to Sectionals, and number two is a pair of top-5 finishes at the City Championships.”

 

Chicago (Payton Prep)

Coach – Jeff Hayes; 2022 Finish – 8th Class 2A Deerfield Sectional

Runners – Fiona O’Toole SR; Isabel McCarthy JR; Dominique Bennett JR; Laila Levy SR; Emily Cheng JR; Anabel Seiler SO; Connolly Nugent SO; Cyriana Lara JR.

 

Notes – It was heartbreak for the Grizzlies at last year’s 2A Deerfield Sectional. Payton Prep missed making it to state by one point finishing eight overall. It could be a rebuilding year for this team as the top three runners from last season have graduated. Fiona O’Keefe, who was the fourth runner at sectionals, should step in as the team’s top runner with Isabel McCarthy and Dominique Bennett her top competition up front. This team will need to pack their 1-5 runners since there really is not a runner that we could see in the top five in races. Their projected top five split to start the season is close to 70 seconds.

 

Geneseo

Coach – Aaron Skopec; 2022 Finish – 10th Class 2A Metamora Sectional

Runners – Ella Toom SR; Brooklyn Smith FR; Lucy Wachtel FR; Elanor DeBlieck JR; Jesten Rink JR; Kaitlyn Seaman SR; Liberty Brumbaugh SO; Ayla Schultz FR; Molly Snyder FR.

 

Notes – The Maple Leafs will look to improve on their third-place finish in the Western Big Six Conference and 10th place finish at the Metamora Sectional from last year. Four runners are back from that team led by last year’s #2 runner Ella Toom. “Ella is a very talented runner who has improved her racing each season on the team,” said her coach Aaron Skopec. “As the season goes on, I think Ella will get into better and better shape.  I anticipate her to be in the mix with our other top runners by the end of the season. Skopec has high hopes on freshmen Brooklyn Smith and Lucy Wachtel that could step into the 1-2 spots on the team. The first month or racing will tell us a lot about this team.

 

Mascoutah

Coach – Darren Latham; 2022 Finish – 15th Class 2A Chatham-Glenwood Sectional

Runners – Natalie Drain SR; Ava Kimmie JR; Addison Heard SR; Amelia Martin SR; Grace Angell JR; Brynn Behrmann JR; Tatum Maschhoff SR; Ella McDonnell SR.

 

Notes – The Indians finished 15 last year at the Chatham-Glenwood Sectional and their top five runners from that team. The sectional was loaded with talented teams last season. It looks to be more of the same in 2023 so improving on their finish is more of a probability. Natalie Drain, Ava Kimmie, and Addison Heard ran within a second of each other in their sectional race which is positive for Mascoutah heading into this season. Their overall 1-5 split to start the season could be nearly two minutes. That is a split they will need to get down for improvement for this team.

 

Metamora

Coach – Amanda Young; 2022 Finish – 26th Class 2A State Meet

Runners – Audrey Heil SR; Callie Sturgell JR; Adi Sparry JR; Audrey Hodgen SR; Kassidy Mullins JR; Megan Wolf JR; Jenna Campbell SO; Emily Campbell SR.

 

Notes – The Redbirds have qualified for the state meet in four of their last six state meets. Metamora finished 26 in last year’s state meet returning five runners from that group. Chances are better to make it back since that sectional area is not the strongest in Class 2A. Audrey Heil and Callie Sturgell were within 10 seconds of each other in the state race but just a second separated them at sectionals. They will move up this fall. Heil finished 125th at state. There will be rebuilding with their top five and they have Heil and Sturgell to lead them. The split on four looks good; the entire top five split is projected to be close to two minutes.

 

Mundelein (Carmel)

Coach – Jim Halford; 2022 Finish – 8th Class 2A Lakes Regional

Runners – Izzy Bing JR; Norah Belmonte JR; Sydney Krcnarik JR; Ashlyn Beattie SO; Noelle Waldschmidt SR; Lia D’Amore JR; Alana Heinrichs JR; Chloe Bing FR; Isabella Rengusso FR; Adelyn Albanese FR.

 

Notes – It could be a rollercoaster year for the Cosairs after finishing eighth last year at the Lakes Regional. Their #2 runner from last year Norah Belmonte is deciding whether she will run or play soccer according to Coach Jim Halford. Belmonte qualified for state last year and also ran 18:48 at Detweiller Park at the end of September. Izzy Bing is the team’s top runner and could be primed for a big junior season after a good track season and summer training. Bing qualified for state in both the 3200 Meter Run and 1600 Meter Run making the finals in the shorter race. “The most improvement was that many of the girls have done a better job with their base and specifically their long runs,” said Helton. “Izzy Bing is a tremendous worker and if anything, we have had to tail it back a bit.”

 

This team has low numbers so a loss not having Belmonte on the starting line must hurt. Sydney Krcnarik and Ashlyn Beattie will contribute in the top five. Carmel has a good freshman group coming in led by Isabella Rengusso that will contribute on the varsity level immediately.

 

New Lenox (Providence)

Coach – Jamie Walker; 2022 Finish – 11th Class 2A Metamora Sectional

Runners – Maggie Wolniakowski SO; Ava Dudak SR; Emily Block JR; Abbey O’Brien JR; Canela Leon JR; Kate Gomez SO; Ella Kucala JR.

 

Notes – The Celtics should improve on last year’s 11th place finish at the Metamora. Providence returns their top six runners from last year’s sectional race led by state qualifier Maggie Wolniakowski. The sophomore did not run during the outdoor track season. Ava Dudak was within two seconds of her teammate in the regional race and was the team’s #1 runner at GCAC the week before. She again will this team a boost this fall. The team’s top five split was close to two minutes at the Metamora Sectional. It could dip at least 20 seconds in racing this fall.

 

Rock Falls

Coach – Mark Truesdell; 2022 Finish – 9th Class 1A State Meet

Runners – Hana Ford SR; Ariel Hernandez JR; Kat Scott SO; Ava Shank SR; Emma Peterson SO; Brenna Burlack SO.

 

Notes – It could be an interesting year for the Rockets. Their roster is small. It is currently at six runners and could go lower. If they can field five runners, do not be surprised if this team finishes in the top ten in whatever sectional that they are assigned in.  Rock Falls finished ninth in last year’s Class 1A State Meet. Ariel Hernandez is the top returning runner for the team. The junior finished 41st in last year's 1A State Meet. Kat Scott and Hanna Ford were 11 seconds of each other in the state race. The two could be within 20 seconds of Hernandez. Ava Shank was within 36 seconds of Ford and could close that gap. Brenna Burlack ran track as a freshman for Rock Falls but has never run in cross-country. Emma Peterson, another sophomore, had a season’s best of 28:13 last season.

 

Sterling

Coach – Megan Grady; 2022 Finish – 15th Class 2A Kaneland Sectional

Runners – Rhylee Wade SR; Delia Block SO; Laney Zuithoff SO; Connie Ibarra JR; Emma Anderson SR; Laney Block SR.

 

Notes – The Golden Warriors welcome back five runners back from the team that looks to improve on their 15th place finish at the Kaneland Sectional. Sophomore Delia Block did qualify as an individual for the state meet last year finishing 124th in Peoria. Rhylee Wade was the team’s second runner at sectionals should push Block in the front. Laney Zuithoff should be the front runner of the pack behind Block and Wade. Their top five split could start the year at 2:30. Watch for that to come down during the season.

 

Sycamore

Coach – Adam Bezinovich; 2022 Finish – 17th Class 2A Kaneland Sectional

Runners – Hayley King SR; Layla Janisch SO; Emma Cox SO; Alyssa Stacy JR; Carly Carpenter SR; Emily Montano JR; Oliviana Maniaci SR.

 

Notes – Sycamore will look to improve on last year’s 17 place finish at the Kaneland Sectional returning five of their top seven runners. Hayley King was the team’s top runner all of last year and again should be the team’s #1 runner this fall. “Haley King had her best season last fall and continued to run well during the track season posting a personal best of 5:56 in the 1600 and 12:40 in the 3200,” said her coach Aidan Bezinovich. “She really came on strong toward the end of the season and finished in the top 5 at our conference meet.  We are very hopeful that she can take another step forward this season and be in the mix for a qualifying spot at our sectional.”

 

Layla Janisch should step up as the team’s second runner this fall. There are gaps in the top five splits for this team that could make it tough to get back to sectionals. Alyssa Stacy and Zoe Field had good summers of training and could help close those gaps. “We would like to bring our split from 1-5 down as much as possible this season, and hopefully below 2:00,” said Bezinovich. “We would also like to be in the top 3 at our conference meet and qualify for sectionals.

 

Troy (Triad)

Coach – Andy Brendel; 2022 Finish – 9th Class 2A Chatham-Glenwood Sectional

Runners – Kennedy Bowman JR; Morgan Mason SO; Amanda Bagwell SR; Mikayla Niehaus JR; Alivia Phillips SO; Abigail James SO.

 

Notes – Triad will look to rebuild after losing three of their top seven runners to graduation. The Knights ended last season by finishing ninth at the Chatham-Glenwood Sectional. Kennedy Bowman should step into the team’s #1 spot replacing graduated Blaire Cunningham. Morgan Mason, Amanda Bagwell, Alivia Phillips, and Abi James look to step into the team’s top five. Triad could be among the top three teams in the Mississippi Valley Conference this October.