ILXCTF 2024 Team Season Previews: Class 1A Girls

By Michael Newman

 

Tolono Unity comes into the 2024 season as the three-time defending champion for Class 1A Girls. Anna-Jonesboro started to creep up on the Rockets during the season getting closer in the two times the teams faced.

 

Anna-Jonesboro reloaded over the summer adding two more freshmen that could make an impact on the team’s top five. The Wildcats are now 12 deep for seven Varsity spots. Coach Matt Deeny mentioned that the freshmen that came in before 2023 surpassed some of the runners that ran in the 2022 IHSA State Meet. Tolono Unity has four seniors back that have that state meet experience. They do not have the depth that Anna-Jonesboro has, but that knowledge of how to win a state title will lurk with them in every practice.

 

Peoria Notre Dame finished third last year that are looking to get closer to Anna-Jonesboro and Tolono Unity. Pleasant Plains and Eureka will push for a higher finish. If Chicago Latin stays healthy, the Romans might be able to be in position to win a trophy. This might be the toughest class of the six categories in this state with 20 all-state runners returning.

 

Here is where we see the 1A Girls Top 30 teams landing to start the season. We look at 20 other Class 1A schools listed in no particular order.

 

1 Anna (Jonesboro)

Coach – Matt Denny

2023 Finish: 2-1A; 1-Bent Sec; 1-Harris Reg; 1-SIRR Miss.

Top Runners: Jadyn Gerardi SO, Aleah Box JR, Zoe Jones SR, Maggie Gooden JR, Kinley Leek SO, Reese Jones JR, Raegan Jones JR, Kenzie Miller JR, Melaina Bundren FR, Sophia Hill FR.

Notes: This team is ready to take the next step up in Class 1A after finishing sixth in 20222 and second behind Tolono Unity last November. The team has the talent this fall to return six of seven runners from last year’s state team. Liz Hammer, a sophomore who was the team’s third runner at state decided not to run this fall.

 

A big addition to the Wildcats is two tough freshman that should challenge for top five spots on this team. Melania Bundren won the SIJHSAA State XC title last October and could step into that third spot. Sophia Hill finished 11th at state behind Bundren and will be an asset for this squad.

 

“We are super deep,” said Coach Matt Denny. “Kenzie Miller and Raegan Jones have had great summers. They both ran the state meet as freshman, but due to our depth and who was running best at the time, they didn’t run state last year, not easy on a coach! They have used that as motivation and are rolling. Zoe Jones, who is our lone senior, has looked great in workouts. Keep in mind last year she performed well at state considering she took several weeks off in season due to a stress issue and hit the pool. She could challenge for all-state as well.”

 

The two leaders of this group are Jadyn Gerardi and Aleah Box. Gerardi finished ninth last as a freshman and was all-state. Box finished 34 as the team’s second runner. She will be looking for a higher finisher this November. “Jadyn has had a good summer, being cautious with her early. We are not worried about much until November,” added Denny. “Aleah is coming. She just keeps getting stronger. She has all-state as a major goal. If she stays healthy, she will be a force.”

 

This team can go 12 deep in their top seven but will need to keep healthy to challenge for the program’s first state title. “Summer training has gone well,” said Denny. “We have tried to stay the course and get through the summer base phase. We do things a little different with some time off after track, but we are vastly farther ahead of where we were last year at this point.”

 

Gerardi was close to a minute ahead of the 2-5 pack for Anna-Jonesboro at Detweiller Park with that pack separated by just 36 seconds. You can see that split minimize as the season progresses. That could the team in good position to challenge Tolono Unity for state.

 

“It’s going to be a hard time unseeding Tolono Unity at the top, but we are going to give it a go, concluded Denny. “Our message this summer was to be patient and control the things you can control. Do things right. We will worry about ourselves, and we will be fine.”

 

2 Tolono (Unity)

Coach – Kara Leaman

2023 Finish: 1-1A; 1-DST Sec; 1-Sulvn Reg; 1-IPC.

Top Runners: Mackenzie Pound JR, Emily Decker SR, Ashlyn Denney SR, Camryn Reedy SR, Josie Cler SR, Grace Wherley SO, Cameryn Cobb JR, Molly Baxley SR.

Notes: The Rockets are ready for a state title after winning at Detweiller Park the past three seasons. Unity will need to fill in some spots in their top seven this season returning four of their top six runners. The team can exhale a little since last year’s top runner MacKenzie Pound is back at 100% after an injury kept her out of track last spring.

 

” It was great to have Mackenzie Pound back with us at the beginning of June,” said Unity Coach Kara Leaman. “She missed the entire track season due to an injury during the basketball season. And our seniors handled a kick up in their mileage this summer very well.”

 

The three seniors, Emily Decker, Camryn Reedy, and Ashlyn Reddy will give this team great leadership. All three have been on the past two state teams along with Pound so they know what it takes to get back to the top of the mountain over the next few months. A big addition to the team is the return of Josie Cler. The senior ran her last race at Metamora last October as injuries slowed her down.

 

“Josie was coming back from an injury early last summer and only started to run full strength in March,” added Leaman. “Mackenzie Pound is starting to get back into her groove after missing track and is edging closer to where she wants to be in training. Emily Decker has been nothing but the strongest force this summer, leading workouts with confidence. And Ashlyn Denney is healthy and has run more quality miles this year than ever.”

 

It will be interesting to see who steps into the final two spots on this team. The veteran leadership they have in front could be dominant again and challenge for state championship #3 in a row. Keep an eye on their top five splits this season. Pound was all-state finishing 10th and was 46 seconds ahead of her teammates. The quartet of Decker, Denny, Reedy and Cler have showed improvement this summer and should close the gap. Two more all-state runners behind Pound with keeping their split within 20 seconds of Pound could be the formula for success for this team.

 

“We have told this group the only person you have to be is you,” stated Leaman. “They know the responsibility has shifted after losing three scoring seniors. So, why not you? They excited about having an opportunity to see what they can do.” Tolono Unity will be challenged like they were last year. Keeping their top five runners healthy will be something within the Rockets to keep an eye on.

 

3 Peoria (Notre Dame)

Coach – Dan Gray

2023 Finish: 3-1A; 2-Elmwd Sec; 3-PND Reg; 2-Big 12.

Runners: Meghan Zopel SR, Julia Mingus SR, Sarah Couri SR, Maya Zopel JR, Norah Gould SO, Grace Yontz SR, Shannon Zopel SO, Elizabeth Leustek SO, Audrey Shane FR, Mackenzie James FR.

Notes: While most eyes were on Tolono Unity and Anna-Jonesboro towards the end of last season, the Irish slugged their way through a tough Elmwood Sectional where they finished second. Notre Dame followed that up by finishing third leaving Detweiller Park with a trophy. The scenario should be similar for this team especially returning all seven runners from that state team.

 

“We had a very good attendance, with 30-35 mile weeks by some of our top runners,” said their coach, Dan Gray. “We responded well to the volume and ready to get into the in-season training. We look to make a gradual build-up to the big meets of the later of the season.”

 

Meghan Zopel, Sarah Couri, and Julia Mingus were only separated by seven seconds at the state meet with Zopel leading the way finishing 44. Mingus spent most of her summer on the basketball court according to Gray. The rising senior was a 3rd team Class 2A player last winter and looking at the recruitment in that sport. Gray mentioned that he will bring her training more gradually this year looking for a later season peak.

 

A thing to watch for is closing the gap between their first three and then the remaining four varsity runners. The 4-7 runners of Maya Zopel, Norah Gould, Grace Yontz, and Shannon Zopel were separated by 20 seconds at state, but 38 seconds between the third and fourth runners. The team will get stronger keeping their top five split under 35 seconds by the time they get to state series time and having two of their runners in all-state positions.

 

4 Pleasant Plains

Coach – Rob Havens

2023 Finish: 11-1A; 4-Elmwd Sec; 1-PORTA Reg; 2-Sangamo.

Runners: Abigail Wolters SR, Teagan Galloway SR, Alaina Hawker JR, Caroline Willenborg JR, Alli Van Veldhuizen SO, Joanna Harney SR, Jazmyne Albers JR, Madalyn Hegele FR, Lauren Hegele SR

Notes: The Redbirds are a team that I would keep a close eye on this fall. Their state 11th place finish at state last year is not an indication of what kind of talent this group has. Two of their top five runners in their sectional where they finished fourth did not run at state.

 

Workouts have gone well all summer long,” said their coach, Rob Havens. “We split the team into groups A, B, and C, dependent upon ability and experience. “A” group running 33+ miles per week this summer, running a combination of negative split, race, threshold, surge and recovery paces. Weightroom workouts well attended focusing on strength, mobility, core work, yoga, each Tuesday and Thursday over the summer. Workouts well attended and all appear to be progressing well.”

 

Pleasant Plains built themselves up well at the end of the track season earning all-state honors in both the 4x4 and the 4x8. Their confidence was high entering this summer. Teagan Halloway and Alaina Hawker did not run state last fall but were part of the relays along Abbi Wolters and Alli Van Veldhuizen. “Alaina Hawker, is really looking strong, followed by Wolters, Willenborg, Galloway, VanVeldhuizen, Madalyn H. and Harney not far behind,” Havens said. One athlete tro watch is freshman Madalyn Hegele who could be one of the top runners on the team this fall according to Havens. “Madalyn has really come along and impressed during summer workouts. Currently running summer workouts with our top five and holding her own. If she keeps progressing, she will contend for a spot in our top seven, and push those in the top five over the course of the season.” Their top runner again should be Abigail Wolters who could end her senior cross-country season as all-state.

 

“Not only is Abigail our best all-around athlete, (capable of running numerous track & field events), but she is also one of the top students in her class, academically,” Havens stated.  “While initially she didn’t appear interested in competing at the next level, she is beginning to consider that possibility, and is getting quite a bit of attention from numerous college coaches, DIII through DI level. Abigail is more than capable of mid-low 18’s this season and should pull our other top runners, Willenborg and Hawker, along with her. She is the ultimate competitor, with a “never quit” attitude.”

 

Pleasant Plains ran a 41 second split on their top five in their sectional race. At the state meet it was over 60 seconds. Wolters and maybe one of her teammates are top 25 possibilities. It is not going to surprise me if this team trends with top five splits near 50 seconds and in trophy contention.

 

With our top five all capable of running relatively similar times by season’s end, we must work together, and pack, if we wish to enjoy any success this post season,” stated Havens. “Stressing that while cross country may be/is an individual sport, to succeed in cross country you must treat it as a team sport.” Pleasant Plains is on their way to doing that in 2024.

 

5 Eureka

Coach – Olivia Morris

2023 Finish: 4-1A; 1-Elmwd Sec; 1-PND Reg; 1-HOI.

Top Runners: Meika Bender SR, Bre Lehman SO, Reagan Gerber JR, Sierra Herrmann SO, Ava Otto SO, Adeline Hubert JR, Molly Gerber SO, Sophia Watson SO. Carys Mayo JR, Ella Bally SO.

Notes: It could be an interesting/challenging year for the Hornets after finishing fourth in the state, missing a trophy by seven points. Eureka returns four of the seven state meets runners entering the season. One big loss could be Bre Lehman who finished 38 at state. She suffered an injury at the end of the track season. Coach Olivia Morris was non-committal of when the sophomore would be racing again this fall.

 

“Our summer running has had good numbers, and the team has been consistent,” said Morris.  They are setting themselves up well for the upcoming season.” The one runner that will lead this team again this fall is Meika Bender. Now a senior, Bender earned all-state honors finishing 17th at state. The loss of Lehman could have Reagan Gerber jumping int the second position. Adeline Hubert should lead a pack that includes Sierra Hermann, Ava Otto, and Sophie Watson.

 

“What I've noticed about this team is that they want to see each other be confident and have success, they are each other's biggest encouragement,” added Morris. “We will be missing Bre Lehman due to an injury sustained during the track season, even on the sidelines she makes our team better.” Bender could be among the top 10 runners in Class 1A this season. The gaps between the next four runners and gap behind Bender will be a key of the Hornets success thi fall.

 

6 El Paso-Gridley

Coach – Michael Melick

2023 Finish: 12-1A; 5-Elmwd Sec; 4-PND Reg; 2-HOI.

Top Runners: Caroline Wettstein JR, Nellie Mellick SR, Sophie Hinthorne JR, Myli Erhardt JR, Piper Zimmerman JR, Mya Griffin SO, Elly Huette SO, Alyie Roth JR, Kiley Knapp SO, Verity Nowark FR, Avery Glacinski FR, Addison Smith FR, Adalyn Solomonson FR.

Notes: This is a team with a good amount of experience that will benefit them this fall. The Titans made it through a tough Elmwood Sectional finishing fifth. They followed that up by finishing 12th at Detweiller Park. All seven state runners were scheduled to be returning. Sophomore Madison Harms will compete in swimming this year.

 

“Our girls seemed to have a pretty good summer,” said their coach, Michael Mellick.  “ I saw a lot of girls logging some nice mileage.  I don't think any individual girl got over 200 miles, but many of them probably logged over 100 miles, which is good.” Caroline Wettstein was the team’s top runner most of last season finishing 32nd in Class 1A. A top 25 finish is within her reach this November. Nellie Mellick, the lone senior in their top seven, and Sophie Hinthorne will push to get closer to the front of the team’s pack. Hinthorne finished 42 seconds behind Wettstein in the state race. Mya Griffin and Elly Huette along with Myli Ehrhardt and Piper Zimmerman look to be the runners that will give their top seven strength. The 2-5 pack is projected to be under 60 seconds heading into this season. Staying within 20 seconds of Wettstein could mean good things for this team. “We just wanted to be consistent this summer,” said Coach Mellick. “We also wanted them to listen to their bodies and knowing when to push as well as when to back off.”

 

7 Williamsville

Coach – Tyler Casson

2023 Finish: 9-1A; 6-Elmwd Sec; 2-PORTA Reg; 1-Sangamo.

Top Runners: Louisa Wilson SR, Joelle Wilson SO, Hannah Nation SR, Ella Knoles SO, Kaylea Hollinshead SO, Alaina Woolsey SO, Brooklyn Turley FR, Lyla Bentley JR.

Notes: It was an exciting end of the season first just making state by finishing sixth at the Elmwood Sectional and following that up finishing ninth in the Class 1A State Meet. The key for this team was the strength of their top three runners in the front. Louisa Wilson was all-state for the third time finishing 18th at Detweiller Park followed by her sister Joelle (40th place) and Hannah Nation (72nd place).

 

Six of the seven state runners are back from that team. One thing to watch this fall is the split from third runner Nation to the rest of the pack at state was 87 seconds. Ella Knoles, Kaylea Hollinshead, and Alaina Woolsey were part of that pack. The addition of freshman Brooklyn Turley, who finished 41st in last year’s IESA State Meet could give this team a boost and get the pack within 25-30 seconds within the top three.

 

8 Toulon (Stark County)

Coach – Bob Rennick

2023 Finish: 19-1A; 2-Oreg Sec; 2-Seneca Reg; 2-LTC.

Top Runners: Dusti Smith SO, Cheyenh Smith JR, Alexis Martinez SR, Keagan Hamilton SR, Paytin Terwilliger SO, Sarah Kraklow SR, Haylie Moodie JR, Dariillis Knobloch FR.

Notes: This was a team that snuck up on some especially at the Oregon Sectional when they finished second. This was a young team that finished 19 in the Class 1A State Meet. All seven state runners are back hungry to take the next step up.

 

“The girls have had a great summer,” said their coach, Bob Rennick. “We were able to build on last season (cross country & track) and our summer reflected it. This summer was definitely a step up over last year in workload as well as confidence building. I think we are in a good position headed into the 2024 season.: This team will have a huge top five split this season which hopes to come down. That happens when you have an all-state runner leading them. Dusti Smith stepped into the spotlight in a big way finishing 22nd at Detweiller last November.

 

 “She is a dedicated, driven, tireless worker,” said her coach. “She is a leader on our team, setting the standard for work ethic each day. Dusti is a worker. Don’t let her quiet demeanor fool you though, because under that quiet facade is a ridiculously fierce competitor. To understand what she accomplished earning All-State honors last season at State Finals you need know just how new to distance running she truly is. Dusti had never run a single distance event of any sort (cross country or track) until her 8th grade year, let alone spent any time training as a distance runner. For an athlete literally just getting started, she is showing tremendous promise, especially when competing against runners that have been focused on distance running since 5th or 6th grade, if not longer. Finally, as terrific a runner as she is, Dusti is an even finer young lady.”

 

The gap between Smith and Cheyenh Smith at last year’s state race was over two minutes. Alexis Martinez and Keagan Hamilton, who had great training summers along with the two Smiths according to Rennick were within 70 seconds of each other. Dariillis Knobloch is an incoming freshman that Rennick believes that could push for a top five spot.

 

“The message this summer was to fight complacency,” added Rennick. “We had a great season last year but to repeat that performance we cannot be complacent. We need to have the same, if not greater, level of desire and effort.”

 

9 Delavan

Coach – Suzanne LaFary

2023 Finish – 7-Elmwd Sec; 3-PORTA Reg.

Top Runners: Annabelle LaFary JR, Alaina Karker JR, Khloe Stockham SO, Drew Robison JR, Olivia Nehmelman SO, Kylin Brockhouse SO, Elsye Brinkmeyer FR.

Notes: It was a heartbreaking end to what was a successful season for the Panthers. Delavan at times was ranked among the top five teams in Class 1A during the season. The heartbreak was when they did not advance to the state meet finishing seventh in the ever-tough Elmwood Sectional.

 

Annabelle LaFary was the team’s top runner all last season. She did advance to state individually placing 45. A top 25 finish is within her grasp this fall. Five other runners are back from that sectional team led by Alaina Karker and Khloe Stockham. Their top five split off LaFary’s lead last year was close to two minutes. Karker, who should be the leader behind LaFary needs to stay within 35 seconds of the front. This team could make it to state this season. Their split needs to be lowered on their second through fifth runners to make the state trip a reality.

 

10 Palos Heights (Chicago Christian)

Coach – Jake Christiansen

2023 Finish: 6-1A; 1-KMac Sec; 1-KMac Reg; 1-CSC.

Top Runners: Abby Mullin SO, Kihra Moes JR, Mia Caporale SR, Haley Van Til JR, Anais Rivera JR, Abbey Kosloskus FR, Katie Sitko FR, Brianna Sitko SO.

Notes: It was a great finish to the season for the Knights winning their conference, regional, and their sectional meets on their way to finishing sixth in the Class 1A State Meet. They finished fifth in 2022. Five of their top seven runners return from that team. They will miss their top two runners Grace Mullin and Kaylee O’Sullivan who graduated last spring.

 

“Our team is once again small, and we're still looking for more people to join the team,” said Coach Jake Christiansen. “However, our core group of girls knows what they want and has been putting in consistent work throughout the summer to make it happen. We believe we can make a trophy run with the right season and the right focus, although as always, our three overarching goals are to glorify God, support your teammates and strive for excellence. If we do that, the rest of the season should fall into place.”

 

Abby Mullin should step into her sister’s spot after being the team’s third runner last year. Kihra Moes should be pushing Mullin for the top spot for this team in races. Mia Caporale and Haley Van Til figure to step into top five spots with freshmen Katie Sitko and Abbey Kosloskus pushing for spots in the varsity. Tight pack running behind Mullin and Moes should be the name of the game. Staying injury-free will be a key for this team to make another Detweiller Park trip in November.

 

11 Robinson

Coach – Lauren Clark

2023 Finish: 17-1A; 3-DST Sec; 1-Fair Reg; 2-LIC.

Top Runners: Sophie Stark SR, Terynn Loftis SO, Ella Tingley SR, Mallory Mosbey JR, Milaina Kramme JR, Kate Rosborough SO.

Notes: The Maroons return four runners from their state team that finished in 17 place at Detweiller Park last November. Sophie Stark should step into the top spot replacing graduated Quinn Wesley. Stark finished 87th in last year’s state race. Terynn Loftis did not have her best race of the season as the team’s seventh runner. Loftis was among the top five team runners most of last season. Watch for her to do big things in the next couple of months. Robinson should have a good group of freshman joining giving Coach Lauren Clark a boost for the upcoming season. The talent is good on this team capable of making it back to the state meet. Lowering their top five split down this fall could push Robinson among the top 10 teams in Class 1A.

 

12 Shelbyville

Coach – Levi Pruemer

2023 Finish: 7-1A; 2-DST Sec; 2-Sulvn Reg; 1-CIC.

Top Runners: Tessa Bowers JR, Lily Woolery SR, Aly Douglas SR, Katie Nohren SR, Sara Tynan JR, Greta Duke SR, Layne Lockart SO, Haley Key SO.

Notes: The Rams start off the season outside of the top 10. You could see them push for a top five finish this fall after placing seventh in the Class 1A State Meet. Shelbyville is missing their fourth and fifth runners through graduation. They do have their top three runners back from their state team led by Tessa Bowers, Ally Douglass, Kate Nohren. Bowers will be the runner to watch in the front this season after finishing fifth last November and then finishing fourth in the 1600 and helping her team to a second-place finish in the 4x8 in Charleston. Another top five finish in November for Bowers is a good possibility.

 

Ally Douglas should lead the pack behind Bowers along with senior Lily Woolery. Shelbyville has a projected 131 second split from Bowers to Douglas. The split from second through fifth needs to be under 75 seconds for this team to finish among the top 10 in Class 1A.

 

13 Herscher

Coach – Rob Grosso

2023 Finish: 10-1A; 2-KMac Sec; 2-KMac Reg; 1-ICE.

Top Runners: Gianna High SO, Kelly O’Connor JR, Lily Tucek SO, Sophie Venckauskas JR, Fabienne Houberg JR, Brandi Palmateer SR. Randi Chaplinski SO, Layla Keen SR.

Notes: The Tigers had a nice build up to the state meet in 2023 winning their conference meet, finishing second in both their regional and sectional meets on their way to finish 10 in the Class 1A State Meet. Things look bright again for Herscher as they return five from their state team.

 

A big reason that they could chase for another top 10 finish is a strong top two runners Gianna High and Kelly O’Connor who finished within 15 seconds of each other at state. O’Connor was 16 seconds ahead of High the week before in the sectional race. Both runners could push each other to top 25 finishes at Detweiller in November. This team will be young with three underclassmen vying for the third through fifth spots. Keeping that group within 90 seconds of O’Connor/High will mean big things to this team when the moment is right.

 

14 Glen Carbon (Father McGivney)

Coach – James Helton

2023 Finish: 8-1A; 2-Bent Sec; 1-TreWes Reg; 1-GMC.

Top Runners: Elana Rybak SR, Jane Cummins SR, McKenzie Jones SO, Bella Redenius SO, Ainsley Turkington SO, Isabella Harris SR.

Notes: The Griffins had a great race last November at Detweiller Park finishing eighth overall. Father McGivney returns six from last year’s state team. They will miss Kaitlyn Hatley who was the team’s second runner and has graduated. It is nice to have one of the state’s top runners Elana Rybak back for one more season. Rybak took her running level up two spots during the track season and is looking for improvement this fall. “We do have high expectations,” said Elena’s coach, James Helton. “Training has gone well; she has challenged herself in workouts and showing she is ready to take the next step in cross country mentally as well as physically.  She owns the track; transfer that same racing to cross country.”

 

Jane Cummins also stepped up her running last season and will be the team’s second runner. “Jane is training well, and looking forward to seeing how it translates to racing over 3-miles.,” added Helton “Isabella Harris is showing good leadership with our underclassmen.” McKenzie Jones, Bella Redenius, and Ainsley Turkington ran cross-country for the first time and helped get Father McGivney to state. It might be tough to get into the top 10 at state especially with Hatley graduated. The talent is there for this group to make the trip north to Detweiller Park this November.

 

15 Winnebago

Coach – Janet Erb/Joe Erb

2023 Finish: 13-1A; 1-Oreg Sec; 1-Bago Reg; 2-BNC.

Top Runners: Morgan Capriola JR, Svea Glidden SO, Ella Carlson SO, Audra Mecum SO, Emma Woolery SR, Hannah Roggensack JR, Molly Webb FR, Ashlyn Robinson FR, Avery Kaap FR, Lynnea Lyons FR, Makenzy Zimmerman FR.

Notes: It was supposed to be a “rebuilding” season for Winnebago having the core of their championship groups graduated. What happened is the Indians reloaded last year winning their regional and sectional meets on their way to finishing 13th at state.

 

“We started the summer with a cross-country camp where our girls really bonded with the new freshman team,” said their coach, Janet Erb. “We are a young team, so our summer was solid, but inconsistent from some of the new girls.” This team may struggle at first especially with their top 12 group having only one senior. Bago will be boosted with the infusion of a strong freshman group led by Molly Webb and Ashlyn Robinson.

 

Morgan Capriola stepped up to the top spot for the team last year finishing 43rd last November. “Morgan continued to improve all last fall, ending with a season PR,” added Erb.  “Track was difficult as she dealt with injury but has had a great summer of training.” Sophomores Svea Glidden and Ella Carlson give Winnebago a strong second and third runners. “Svea Glidden had a great track season with consistent training over a many months,” Erb added. “She qualified for state in the 1600 and has continued to grow as a runner.” This team will be interesting to see improve as the season progresses. This young team could be among the top 10 in the state when all is said and done.

 

16 Pinckneyville

Coach – Ryan Bruns

2023 Finish: 18-1A; 3-Bent Sec; 1-Chester Reg; 2-SIRR Miss.

Top Runners: Vanessa Teel SR, Zoey Conway SR, Love Rojek SO, Maddy Dill SO, Madison Bruns JR, Kadence Bruno FR

Notes – The Panthers will look to return to Peoria this fall to run in the Class 1A State Meet after finishing 18th in 2023. Pinckneyville returns four of their top five runners from that team. The roster remains small for this squad so staying healthy will remain important. Vanessa Teel was all-state the past two years and will look for a finish this year in the top 20. She was over two-minutes ahead of teammate Zoey Conway at state. The pack with Conway needs to be within 60 seconds of each other for the Panthers to better last year’s state finish.

 

17 Elmwood

Coach – Kyle Anderson

2023 Finish: 8-Elmwd Sec; 6-PND Reg; 1-Prlnd.

Top Runners: Olivia Stage SR, Taylor Forney SO, Natalie Babcock JR, Abby Dawson JR, Addy Turner JR, Brooke McGinn SO, Jade Conlee FR.

Notes: Considering the Trojans did not advance out of the toughest 1A sectional in the state, Elmwood season did not end that badly. This team finished sixth just getting out of the Peoria Notre Dame. They finished eighth the following week on their home course. Last year’s top runner Addie Symonds graduated. Five other runners led by Olivia Stage are back ready for lead this team to the Detweiller Park starting line. Taylor Forney did not run in the regional and sectional but was the team’s second runner at the Patriot Invitational. She will push for the top spot along with Stage. The Trojans are projected to start the season with a 100 second split on their top five. Keeping Stage and Forney with 20 seconds of each other and the top five split under 70 could put Elmwood in a state qualifying spot.

 

18 Lombard (Montini Catholic)

Coach – Alex Zasso

2023 Finish: 21-1A; 5-KMac Sec; 2-Wstmt Reg; 7-GCACR.

Top Runners: Sydney Gertsen JR, Ashlynn Lindt JR, Annalee Defeo SR, Rosie Callaghan SO, Naomy Gonzalez SR, Maryfaith Considine SO, Yeon Park SR.

Notes – Montini will look to better their 21st place finish at state last year. There is a good chance of that happening with all seven runners from that race back. Sydney Gertsen finished eighth in the state last year and will look to finish among the top five while leading her team. Ashlynn Lindt finished 37 last year and could join Gertsen in the top 25 in November. The gap last year from Lindt to third runner Annalee Defeo at state was almost three minutes. There is the possibility that freshmen will join the team. That could give Montini a good chance of finishing among the top 20 teams.

 

19 Knoxville

Coach – Tom Hillier

2023 Finish: 5-1A; 3-Elmwd Sec; 2-PND Reg; 1-LTC.

Top Runners: Alyssa Higgins JR, Emily King JR, Emmalynn Hensley SO, Makayla Lewis SO

Notes: It will be hard to tell if Knoxville will be able to field a full team this fall. As of publication of this preview, only four runners from last year’s team are back that finished fifth at state. Alyssa Higgins missed all-state by one place and will look to better that. Emma King finished 10 spots behind Higgins and will look to close the gap between the two. We will have to see if a group of freshmen join the team.

 

20 Sherrard

Coach – Grant Iles

2023 Finish: Did Not Score – Bur Val Reg; 1-TRAC.

Top Runners: Tori Browning JR, Anna Churchill SO, Beth Churchill SR, Cami Anderson JR, Nadia Anderson.

Notes – Sherrard was ranked among the top 20 teams in Class 1A most of the 2023 season including heading into the regional meet at Bureau Valley. They had only six runners on the roster and in that race. Unfortunately, two of those runners did not finish the race. Sherrard did not advance. Tori Browning and Anna Churchill, both made it to state finishing within nine seconds of each other. A good experience that will help this team this fall. A big boost for this program happened during the spring where the Tigers were all-state finishing fifth in the Class 2A 4x800 Meter Relay. Beth Churchill, along with Browning and the other Churchill sister will give the team strong three in the front in races. It will be interesting to see how this team develops over the next couple of months.

 

21 Lowpoint-Washburn

Coach – Kyle Daubs

2023 Final: 10-Elmwd Sec; 5-PND Reg.

Top Runners: Elly Heineke JR, Kyndre Delagrange SO, Lyla Unzicker SR, Alaina Moore SO, Emmersyn Brown SO, Angela Addo SO, Abi Hodel SR, Maddy Hummel FR, Chloe Oltman FR.

Notes: The Wildcats could surprise some this fall after finishing tenth at the Elmwood Sectional. Five runners are back from that sectional team. Their top two runners, Elly Heineke and Kyndre Delagrande, both qualified for the state meet individually with Heinke finishing 49th ahead of Delagrande who finished 71^. Both runners should be back in Peoria in November. They would like to have their teammates with them on the starting line.

 

“Elly Heineke is one of the best runners in the state of Illinois,” said her coach Kyle Daubs. “Elly is the toughest and most competitive kid in Illinois. She has a way of executing every race plan perfectly. It's a talent that is so incredibly hard to teach because running has so many variables when it comes to running the course. She is coming off a great summer.” A plus for this team could be the return of Abi Hodel who did not run last season. Hodel did run at state in 2021 when she ran 19:24. We will see how she fits in with this team’s top seven. The Wildcats top five split in their sectional race was close to five minutes. That split will need to be reduced by half for Lowpoint-Washburn to advance to state.

 

22 Monticello

Coach – Benton Singleton

2023 Finish: 10-DST Sec; 4-Sulvn Reg; 3-IPC.

Top Runners: Taylor Mabry SO, Sylvia Miller SR, Madison Morrow SO, Olivia Gerdes JR, Mylin Bruhn JR, Charlotte Conatser SR, Annie Robinson SO, Macie Owen FR, Caitlynn Sanders FR.

Notes: Monticello missed out on a trip to the state meet last November finishing tenth at the St. Teresa Sectional. That experience should make this team better this season, returning all seven sectional runners. “The message we stressed this summer was to do your work early,” said Monticello Coach Benton Singleton. “The more you run in the summer, the easier the workouts will be when we start in the fall. The preparation is worth it.”

 

Taylor Mabry and Sylvia Miller were the top two runners last year and should continue that leadership in the next couple of months. The two were separated by 11 seconds in the sectional race. Keeping the pack closer together will be something to watch for during this campaign. The split on their first four runners in the final race was 52 seconds. The top five split, however, was 2:40. That split needs to come down to earn a trip to the state meet.

 

“I saw improvement from everyone,” said Singleton. “My main goal as a coach is to make sure that these student-athletes find improvement in any category of life. Some of them found improvement in running. Others found improvement in confidence, love for the sport, discipline, academics, and the ability to work with a team towards a common goal. Seeing these student-athletes grow in any facet is a proud day for me.”

 

23 Fairfield

Coach – Justin Sanders

2023 Finish: 8-Bent Sec; 3-Fair Reg; 1-BDC

Top Runners: Ella Sager SR, Remi Taylor SO, Emeri Sager FR, Ellanie Vanway SO, Adi Hickey JR, Jayne Couch JR, Gabby Zurlie FR, Brianna Meeks FR.

Notes: Fairfield has never qualified for the state meet as a team in the history of the Girls State Meet. This may be the year for the Mules to make the trip to Peoria after finishing eighth at the Benton Sectional, missing the state meet by five points. All five sectional runners are back with a group of freshmen that will give this team a boost. The team is hungry to make it to state according to their coach Justin Sanders.

 

Ella Sager did not have her best race last November at state placing 138th. Sager did qualify for the state meet in track in the 3200 and the 1600. “Ella is the leader of this team,” said Sanders. “I've coached her since she was in 6th grade. I've never seen someone work as hard as she does. She had some struggles with health and injury the last couple seasons, but she never let it stop her from being successful. She is going to have a great season. Remi Taylor improved her time at Det at Dark by three minutes in July. A big addition to the roster is Ella’s sister Emri Sager that will boost this team. “Emeri Sager, younger sister of Ella, I believe will immediately be contending for the top spot on the team along with Ella and Remi Taylor,” said Sanders. “Emeri has PRs of 5:38 and 2:36 in the 1600 and 800. She also finished 4th overall at the SIJHSAA State Meet her 8th grade year.”

 

I would keep an eye on this team this fall. Their first big challenge will be at the Charleston Invitational on September 7.

 

24 Chicago (Latin)

Coach – Dan Daly

2023 Finish: 16-1A; 4-KMac Sec; 1-Beacon Reg; 1-ISL.

Top Runners: Mia Kotler SR, Ellen Anderson SR, Ruby Larsen JR, Francesco Mora FR, Vivian Sidys FR, Lucinda Winlaw SR, Julia Steffen JR, Zoe Curry JR, Lyla Granich JR, Cecilia Daly FR, Claire Horvitz FR.

Notes: It could be a big season for the Romans after finishing 16 at last November’s state meet. They do have four runners back from that state team. Latin also has some good freshman starting out with the team that could contribute immediately. The big addition (in a way) is the return of Mia Kotler who again will lead this team. Kotler has been all-state all three seasons including finishing second behind Isabella Keller last season. Kotler raced three times during track season including twice indoors. Ellie Anderson finished 19th last year and will look to improve on that finish. “Mia has had a solid summer of base miles and is motivated to help the team from the front of the pack,” said Latin Coach Dan Daly. “Ellie came off a strong track season and had some great races early in the summer. She too is ready to lead the team to a special season.” Writer’s note: Daly did not reply to the question if Kotler was injured last spring in an email that was sent to him on 8/8/2024.

 

Kotler and Anderson give the Romans a strong top two where both could finish in the top 10. Ruby Larsen had a strong summer of training with hopes of cutting the gap between Anderson and her under two minutes from state. The freshman group led by Francesco Mora and Vivian Syds could contribute immediately. First time cross-country runners from track Julia Steffen and Zoe Curry according to Daly could make an impact on the team’s top seven. There are several questions that will be answered in the first couple of races. Latin could be a top five team by the start of the state series or perhaps below those placings. We will find out in September.

 

25 Champaign (St. Thomas More)

Coach – Garrett Anderson

2023 Finish: 24-1A; 4-DST Sec; 1-Chrsn Reg; 2-IPC.

Top Runners: Francie Williamson SR, Paige Stark SR, Alex Anderson SO, Claire Kluesner SO, Natasha Constable SO, Ava Stark SO, Rina Tanigaki JR, Kristina Maloney SR.

Notes: It could be another year that the Sabers make it back to the state meet. St. Thomas More finished 24 in the state meet proceeded by finishing fourth in their sectional. Paige Stark was the top runner at Detweiller Park finishing 108th. Alex Anderson finished 12 seconds behind Stark. Francie Williamson did not run at state but was among the top three runners in their regional and sectional. Williamson will push for a top spot along with Stark and Anderson. Claire Kuesner was among the top five last year and will give the team strength in that group. Their top four split is projected to be near 40 seconds. Work will need to be done on the top five which is projected to be close to two minutes.

 

26 Marshall

Coach – Ryan Arthur

2023 Finish: 7-DST Sec; 3-Chrsn Reg; 3-LIC.

Top Runners: Molly Farrell JR, Madeleine Fox SO, Myah Boyd SO, Marlee Heighton JR, Addison Oetjen SR, Abby Martin SR.

Notes: The Lions just missed making it to the state meet finishing seventh at the St. Teresa Sectional. Four runners that ran in that sectional race. It will be the top two runners that will be watched the most among Marshall runners. Molly Farrell is one of the top runners in Class 1A this season. She has been all-state twice during the fall including finishing fourth a year ago. Her times continue to drop. The sky is the limit for this junior. Madeleine Fox adapted nicely to high school running last year. The rising sophomore finished 17 in her first state meet. I would not discount her finishing among the top 10 runners in Class 1A this fall. Myah Boyd will lead the next three runners in the pack. The gap between Fox and the pack was close to 2:30. It could be troublesome if the split between three is close to five minutes. If this team has some good freshman coming in, it could give the Lions a better chance to make it to the state meet.

 

27 Stanford (Olympia)

Coach – Randi Krehbiel

2023 Finish: 8-Elmwd Sec; 4-PORTA Reg; 3-Sangamo.

Top Runners: Emma Swartzendruber SR, Amanda Gonzalez JR, Kamryn Rader SO, Amelia Kistner SR, Kaylee Dare SR, Sydney Beavers SR, Mira Kistner FR, Ava Jenkins FR.

Notes: Olympia did not make it to the state meet in 2023 finishing eighth at the ever-tough Elmwood Sectional. That sectional area could again be rough this season. It will be good that the Spartans return all six runners from that sectional team. Emma Swartzendruber did advance as an individual, finishing 54th. Class 1A is so deep in talent this season. Swartzendruber is the 43rd runner returning from last year’s state meet. Amanda Gonzalez was 79 seconds behind Swartzendruber in the sectional race and will lead the chase pack. Kamryn Rader will challenge Gonzalez for the second spot. Their top five split could start the season projected to be close to three minutes. It will need to come down for the Spartans to challenge for the sectional’s six qualifying spots.

 

28 Erie-Prophetstown

Coach – Elizabeth Green

2023 Finish: 26-1A; 6-Oreg Sec; 2-BurVal Reg; 2-TRAC.

Top Runners: Sarah Link SO, Jessie DeNeve SO, Chloe Slock SR, Alana Little SO, Taylor Robshaw SO, Grace Wheeler SR, Gracelynn Abell SR.

Notes: The Panthers will look to improve on last year’s performance at state when they finished 26th overall. This is a young team with experience. They return five runners from the state group. Four of those runners ran state as freshmen. Sarah Link finished 55th in the state race with a chance of finishing among the top 35. E-P’s split on their top four is projected to be near three minutes with the top five split close to four minutes. Keep an eye on this group during the season. Erie will move near the top 20 this season. They could break loose in 2025.

 

29 Seneca

Coach – Kim Foster

2023 Finish: 20-1A; 2-Oreg Sec; 1-Seneca Reg; 2-TCC.

Top Runners: Evelyn O’Connor SR, Natalie Misener SR, Lily Mueller JR, Julie Mueller SO, Ruthie Steffes JR, Aubrie Jackson SR, Lila Coleman JR (from track).

Notes: The Irish just lost one runner from last year’s state team that finished 20th. Seneca will be looking for a higher finish in 2024. “I reminded them often that other state ranked teams are working just as hard if not harder,” said Seneca Coach Kim Foster. If we want to reach our goals, we need to get uncomfortable.”

 

Evelyn O’Connor just missed all-state honors by two spots last year after finishing 12 in 2022. Big things will be ahead for this senior. “I think Evelyn is looking forward to have her best year yet,” said Foster. “She has been solid this summer and continues to put in the miles needed. Her track season was great and she did a few races right out of track season to get her mile time down.  I think we should see her running in the 18s early season and 17s by state.”

 

Forget about looking at 5-runner splits especially with O’Connor ready for a great season. Natalie Misener was the team’s second runner last fall but nearly 60 behind in most races. The split on the second through fifth runners could be close to three minutes. The split from Lily Mueller to the fifth runner should be under 60 seconds. Cutting the split to two minutes behind Misener would be a positive thing for this team. Seneca made it to state with a big split. It is possible we see this team advancing to Peoria especially if they are in the Oregon Sectional.

 

30 Richmond-Burton

Coach – Tylor Conroy

2023 Finish: 25-1A; 5-Oreg Sec; 2-Bago Reg; 3-KRC.

Top Runners: Alexia Spath SR, Emerson Wold JR, Savannah Wells JR, Olivia Popp JR, Pola Frys SR, Alexis Buntenbach SR, Gabriella Hird SR, Erynn Weinfurtner SR.

Notes: The Rockets come into this season in good shape after finishing fifth at the Oregon Sectional and finishing 25 in the Class 1A State Meet. Richmond Burton has their top four runners back along returning six of their top seven state runners. Alexia Spatz was the #1 runner for the team all of last season. Chances are good that she could finish in the top 40 individually. The top four split last year at state was close to three minutes. Emerson Wold and Savannah Wells are within 80 seconds of their front, which will be beneficial in big meets. The lower point total this team has through three runners, the higher this team will finish even if a four-minute split on the top five is there which could happen. The sectional looks to be open for the Rockets to make it back to the state meet.

 

Other 1A Girls Teams to Watch

Aurora Central Catholic

Coach – Leah Bohr

2023 Finish: 22-1A; 3-Oreg Sec; 3-Seneca Reg; 3-GCACW.

Top Runners: Cece Hilby JR, Sofia Orozco SO, Ailidzie Perez SO, Isabella Natty JR, Nicole Smith SR, Cayla Oldenburger SR, Carolina Dervis SR. Molly Manhart SO.

Notes: What will be this team race ready for the Class 1A State Series is the number of meets the Chargers run in with Class 2A/3A schools in them. This team has the potential to better the 22nd place finish they had last fall with six runners back from the state team. “Training went well,” said their Coach, Leah Bohr. “We had a lot of consistency in the girls showing up and putting in work, progressing in distance and intensity each week.  We are a low mileage program and that isn’t going to change. They naturally seemed to form their training groups (and in our case because we are small, their training partners).  We are definitely a quality over quantity program and the girls are excited for the season.”

 

Cece Hilby had a great track season earning all-state honors in the 800 Meter Run. Hilby finished 16th in last year’s state race. A higher finish should be in the cards for this junior. “She comes off a huge PR of 2:15 in the 800 and a great state finish,” said Bohr. “Cece had a great XC season last year and this last year of training and racing since then and shown how much of a force she will be this coming season.   She is maturing and is ready to lead this group. Her and Nicole (Smith) will be a strong top 2 for the group. I expect Cece to come on the strongest during the second half of the season as she really builds momentum as she gets into racing and competing.” Nicole Smith had a strong summer and could move up to the second spot for this team. Sofia Orozco and Ailidzie Perez were interchangeable in the second spot last season. This team will need a strong split behind Hilby as the all-state runner could be more than two minutes ahead of the rest of the team.

 

“My message all summer has been consistency as well as how each day translates into a mental gain,” added Bohr. “Our sport is not just what you put into it on the physical level, it is more so, what are you thinking while you are progressing. As we went through different types of speed, my message was always about how does this translate into the mentality of a race. Who are you going to be out there on the course when the going gets tough and what will your mind push you to do?”

 

Urbana (University)

Coach – Kyle Hummel

2023 Finish: 11-DST Sec; 2-Chrsmn Reg.

Top Runners: Cadence Scheunemann SO, Shriya Nagaraj JR, Ella Ylagan JR, Abigail Bello SO, Alana Santiago SO, Julia Smith JR, Bonnie Weaver SR, Marina Bowers-Wong SR.

Notes: The Illineks will look to improve on last year's 9th place finish at the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional. It is a possibility that they make it to Peoria with their top six sectional runners all returning. None of the runners qualified for state individually so moving their top five closer to the front will be something to watch for. Their top three runners of Candence Scheunemann, Shriya Nagaraj, and Ella Ylagan all are projected to be within 30 seconds of each other. None of the three runners ran under 20-minutes for 3-miles so pushing under that time barrier will be key. Last year there was more than a minute gap before their fourth runner. If the split can be moved down and getting runners farther up in the pack, we could see a roster full of personal bests and a place on the starting line at Detweiller Park in November.

 

Elmhurst (IC Catholic Prep)

Coach – Joe Hughes

2023 Finish: 15-1A; 3-KMac Sec; 1-Wstmt Reg; 2-GCACW.

Top Runners: Graziella Narcisi SR, Grace Gildea JR, Hayden Calcagno FR, Kiely Kemph SR (from track), Daniella Herrera SO (from track). Chloe Brandt JR, Lily Fisher SR, Janny Techamontreekul JR.

Notes: The Knights were on a roll at the end of last season finishing third in their sectional and then 15 at state. IC Catholic Prep did lose their second and fourth runners to graduation which in this season could devastate a Class 1A program considering how many runners are returning. The additions of the newcomers joining the team could make them a top 10 Class 1A team by the end of October. “Attendance has been up and down due to work and school, but that’s normal,” said their Coach, Joe Hughes.  “We have developed a core of 1-4 over the summer that will provide quality and depth. Adding our 6 and 7 from last year with our other first year athletes will give us the deepest team we have had in the past decade or so.”

 

Gabriella Narcisi again will be the team’s top runner after just earning her second all-state honor in three years. The training she had this summer will push her higher this fall. “Grazi got pushed hard this summer,” said Hughes. She is trying to prove to D1 schools she has the chops to run with the elites. It’s up to the coaching staff to make sure she doesn’t hurt herself; sticks to the training.” Grace Gildea could move closer to their top runner this fall after qualifying for state track in the 3200. Incoming freshman Hayden Calcagno could give this team the biggest boost with her work ethic and the potential she has shown this early in her career. “She already the talent to be on our top 7,” added Hughes. “Hayden has a work ethic generally unknown to her peers.”

 

Kiely Kemph is in her first season in this sport after three years of track and could be a surprise for her team. Their team had over a three-minute split on their top five at state. It should be considerably lower during this season. “The message we stressed to this team was that all their work is money in the bank,” Hughes stated. “Embrace the grind; make your deposits now.”

 

Springfield (Sacred Heart-Griffin)

Coach – Josh Bluhm

2023 Finish – 12-Elmwd Sec; 5-PORTA Reg; 5-CS8.

Top Runners: Reese Watson SR, Payton Brady FR, Kate Lambert SO, Oceana Huang FR, Emma Johnson JR, Macy Koehn SO, Kyis Kinnel SR, Karigan Books JR.

Notes: This could be a year of change for the Cyclone after finishing 12th last fall at the Elmwood Sectional. SHG has six runners back from the sectional team. It could be the addition of a strong freshman class that could give this team a boost and a push to possibly a state trip. Reese Watson has been a strong leader for the team during the summer according to their coach Josh Bluhm. Watson and Kate Watson were a part of their all-state 4x8 relay team last spring. That momentum to be better will show this fall. Freshmen Payton Brady and Oceana Huang are two runners that could fight for one of the five top five spots. Their top five split last year was over three minutes at the end of last season. Their front group will be tougher and closer together meaning good things for this group.

 

Clinton

Coach – LeAnn Sosamon/Rachel Lyons

2023 Finish: 23-1A; 6-DST Sec; 3-Sulvn Reg; 2-CIC.

Top Runners: Lydia Cahill SR, Aubrey Peterson FR, Adyson Beebe SR, Maddi Leonard SR, Amerie Hemphill SR, Brielle Morrison SR, Abi Moser JR, Missy Hale SR.

Notes: Clinton just made it to the state meet first finishing sixth at the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional and following that up by finishing 23 at the 1A State Meet. Five runners are back from that team. Lydia Cahill was the team’s second runner last season. She could emerge as the team’s top runner as the season progresses. “Lydia is poised to have an outstanding season,” said her coach, Rachel Lyons. “Her junior year was outstanding (culminating in a 20:14 performance at state). Last year, she opened up at D@D with a 23:17 but this year, she opened with a 20:52 (coming off being at a camp all week). Her growth in running is truly inspiring and she is using her experiences to lead our team so well. Her freshman year, she did not make our varsity roster (23:55). She has worked on improving both her mental game just as much as she has the fitness/running side.  We are so incredibly proud of her.”

 

A runner that will push Cahill this fall is incoming Aubrey Peterson who had success on the middle school level. Peterson was fifth in the IESA State Meet breaking the Clinton Middle School record set by Payne Turney. Peterson was also all-state last spring in the 400 and 800 in Class 3A. The potential is there to do some great things in the next several years. Maddi Leonard and Adyson Beebe give this team a strong core in their top five. “Our big focus with the girls’ team is “consistency is key”, said Lyons. “We had the opportunity to attend the Wildwood Clinic in Naperville this last month alongside 6 of our athletes, and coincidentally they received a copy of Jay Johnson’s book with that name.”

 

Paxton-Buckley-Loda

Coach – Dustin Franckey

2023 Finish: 11-DST Sec; 4-Chrsmn Reg; 6-IPC.

Top Runners: Maddison DeOrnellas SO, Kyla Franckey SO, Sydney Pickens SR, Audrey McCoy SO, Grace McCoy SR, Iris Latimer SO, Elizabeth Megson SR.

Notes: The 2023 team was young with their top three runners in the sectional meet all freshman. That experience that should pay off after finishing 11th at the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional. The top two spots were interchangeable towards the end of the season with Kyla Franckey the top runner at the Patriot Invitational and Maddison DeOrnellas in their regional and sectional meets. The two rising sophomores were within five seconds of each other averaging their final three races. Audrey McCoy should be within 15 seconds of the front group. The top five split off DeOrnellas should be close to two minutes. Lowering that gap to under 90 seconds would mean good things by state series time for the Panthers.

 

DuQuoin

Coach – Branden Morris

2023 Finish: 29-1A; 5-Bent Sec; 2-Chester Reg; 3-SIRR Miss.

Top Runners: Maggie Kellerman SR, Isabella Phillips SR, Alyssa White SO, Ava Gregory JR, Hannah Swiney SO, Adison Ichou JR.

Notes – DuQuoin was one of the 30 teams that made it to the Class 1A State Meet finishing 29 overall. They will look to improve on that finish returning five of their top seven runners. Maggie Kellerman and Isabella Phillips were within 30 seconds of each other at the end of the season and will give the Indians a presence in the front. Alyssa White will lead the second pack behind Kellerman and Phillips. Keeping their top five split under two minutes at the end of the year could get DuQuoin back to the state meet.

 

Breese (Mater Dei)

Coach – Colton Strotheide

2023 Finish: 30-1A; 6-Bent Sec; 3 TreWes Reg.

Top Runners: Emma Diekemper JR, Finley Haag SO, Isabella Hacker SR, Reid Emig JR, Ashtyn Wheeler JR, Emma Burris SO, Faith Foppe SR

Notes: The Knights made it to the Class 1A State Meet last fall finishing sixth in the Benton Sectional and then 30th place the following week in the Class 1A State Meet. Mater Dei returns five runners from that state team including their top three runners. Emma Diekemper was the top runner for the team all last season which concluded by finishing 50 at Detweiller Park. She could get close to the 25 with an improvement bump like last season when her time dropped from 20:08 to 18:55. Their top five split was big last year and will need to be worked on this fall. Finley Haag finished 86 seconds behind Diekemper at state and will look to get closer to the front this season. The team’s top five split averaged close to four minutes during the end of last season. It will need to be cut lower than three minutes for the Knights to make it back to the state meet.

 

Murphysboro

Coach – Cody Ellermeyer

2023 Finish: 9-Bent Sec; 3-Chester Reg; 2- SIRR OH.

Top Runners: Miah Gilmore SR, Ava Stuemke JR, Macie Meckfessel SR, Sydney Maynor SR, Josselin Mateo JR, Rylee Nance SR, Katerina Pirogova JR.

Notes: Murphysboro’s season ended a little earlier than they expected, finishing ninth at the Benton Sectional. The Red Devils do return five runners from that sectional race. It is nice Murphysboro does have a low stick to lead them in races. Miah Gilmore has been all-state twice in her High School Cross country career running as an individual entrant placing 24th. What will need to be worked on is their top five split. It is assured that Gilmore will be contending for invitational wins this fall. The gap between Gilmore and Ava Stuemke was close to three minutes on the second spot. Their top five split at Benton was over six minutes.

 

Petersburg (PORTA)

Coach – Jacob Wooldridge

2023 Finish – 14-Elmwd Sec; 7-PORTA Reg; 4-Sangamo.

Top Runners: Alanna Sparks SO, Maggie Zimmerman JR, Maggie Wankel JR, Haven Anderson SO, Braelyn Sonnemaker SO, Anna Bloomquist SR.

Notes: The Bluejays will look to improve on last year’s 14th place finish at the Elmwood Sectional. Six of their top seven runners from that race are all back. “I would say summer training went ok for our girls’ team,” said PORTA Coach, Jacob Wooldridge. “We dealt with the same issues we always do fighting jobs, vacations, multi-sport athlete sharing, etc. That being said, we definitely had a significantly higher attendance rate then our boys team. We also had three girls (Alana Sparks, Maggie Zimmerman, and Addison Corum) attend the Eastern Illinois University running camp together, which is always good for team building.”

 

Alana Sparks had a great summer of training and will challenge Magge Zimmerman for the team’s top spot. Sparks was the team’s top runner in two of the final three meets. What will be worked on is closing the team’s split from Sparks and Zimmerman and the rest of the top five. It’s projected to be near three minutes to start the season. “We always want to preach constantly running miles, especially our team to run 25% more than you did last year,” said Wooldridge. “We also think that considering how we only lost 1 of our top 7 variety runners (Lauren Harrison) to graduation, and we will have an above average number of girls on our roster, so we think the team is looking good heading into the start of this season. We're trying to get the girls motivated to also be excited and hopeful of what they as individuals, and as a team can do. Pack running is also something we've worked on. I expect our 4 - 8 runners can all be close, within 60 seconds of each other, vs being spread out averaging 45-50 seconds between each runner last year. We almost always had our #7 around 27:00, but this year I am hoping once our variety 7 gets sorted out, we'll always have our #7 no slower than the 23s. I think the 1st big meet of the season at Rochester on Sept 7th will be a good litmus test to see how we look 1 - 7 for our full girls’ team.”

 

Effingham (St. Anthony)

Coach – Art Geen

2023 Finish – 14-1A; 5-DST Sec; 2-Fairfld.

Top Runners: Isabella Keller SO, Aubrey Denning SO, Molly Slifer JR, Ava Faber SR, Gracie Slifer JR.

Notes: The top three runners from last year’s 14 place finish in the Class 1A State Meet are back for the Bulldogs. However, it is a good thing that two of the top runners in Class 1A return. Isabella Keller made herself well known winning the class 1A title and then following that up earning All-American honors finishing eighth at the Nike Cross Nationals. Aubrey Denning finished 35th at Detweiller last November. She had a breakout track season becoming all-state in both the 800 Meter Run and 1600 Meter Rin. The sophomore finishing in the top 15 in November is not out of the question. This could be a rebuilding year for St. Anthony even with Keller and Denning. If they get a good freshman group entering the school, that rebuilding could be short-term.

 

Byron

Coach – Mike McHale

2023 Finish – 9-Oreg Sec; 3-Bago Reg; 4-BNC.

Top Runners: Ashley Potter SO, Gabriella Northrup JR, Emma Franchi SO, Alayna Swanson SO, Macyn Burris SO, Elinor McHale SO, Gianna Franchini SR.

Notes: Do not be surprised if Byron makes the trip to the Class 1A State Meet this November. The Tigers finished ninth last October at the Oregon. The good news for this team is that their top six runners from the sectional race are back. Sophomore Ashley Potter leads this group as she was the first runner for the Tigers in both their conference and sectional meets. Gabrielle Northrup had her time in the top spot with Emma Franchi close to Northrup. This is a young team with their top six runners all underclassmen. Their top five split at Oregon was just 72 seconds. Keeping that split this year would be a great thing. Improving their position closer to the front could get Byron to the state meet.

 

Belleville (Althoff Catholic)

Coach – Thomas Fischer

2023 Finish: 28-1A; 4-Bent Sec; 2-TreWes Reg; 2-GMC

Top Runners: Breigh Desmond SO, Bethany Kee SO, Ava Lock SO, Isabella Border SO, LilliAna Roberson SR, Gabi Turkington SR, Molly Distler SR, Grace Jansen FR, Megan Massie FR.

Notes: It was a banner year for the Crusaders making it to the Class 1A State Meet for the second time in the program’s history. They would like to repeat that season making it to state two years in a row. Breigh Desmond was the top runner all last season as just a freshman. She finished 67th last November. That finish should improve this fall. Four other runners are also back led by Bethany Kee and Ava Lock. Freshmen Grace Jansen and Megan Massie could give their top five a boost. “Breigh Demond will continue to be a standout for Althoff Cross-Country,” said Althoff Coach, Thomas Fischer. Her work ethic has been great, but it is her enjoyment of running that really causes her to excel. We are looking forward to a great season from her. Our biggest message this summer was to continue to group as runners but also bond as a team.” 

 

Tuscola

Coach – Drew Sterkel

2023 Finish: 14-DST Sec; 7-Sulivn Reg; 3-CIC.

Top Runners: Kate Foltz JR, Bella Dueker SO, Bailey Ritter JR, Celeste Rebollo SO, Annie Brazzell SR, Makayela Sexson SO.

Notes: It might be tough for the Warriors to make it to the Class 1A this November. They finished 14 last fall at the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional. Tuscola does return all of their runners back from that sectional team. Kate Foltz is one of the top runners in Class 1A, finishing third last year. You can expect to see Foltz in the front challenging for wins in every race she is in. What could hurt Tuscola’s chances for state is that they averaged five minutes from Foltz to the rest of the pack led by Bella Dueker and Bailey Ritter. The good thing was the team’s split on their scoring pack was nearly two minutes. Tuscola is possibly a year away on making it to state. They should better their sectional finish possibly in the top nine that is if they can close the 1-2 and 2-5 splits this season.

 

Wilmette (Regina Dominican)

Coach – Annie Tully

2023 Finish: 8-KMac Sec; 5-Wstmt Reg; 5-ISL.

Top Runners: Nora McCabe SR, Olivia Mauer JR, Charlotte Kroll SR, Cate Durkin SR, Izzie Christensen SR, Samantha Svachula SO, Hannah Lynch JR, Carina Montoya JR.

Notes: Regina Dominican could be on the verge of making it back to the state meet for the first time since 2014. The Panthers finished eighth last year at the Kankakee McNamara. Their six runners from that sectional meet are back, making a trip to Peoria a bigger possibility in a couple of months. Nora McCabe qualified for the state meet individually and will lad this team as she did last fall. The team just has a 28 second split up front between McCabe, Olivia Mauer, and Charlotte Kroll at Kankakee. Their overall top five split was over three minutes. The Panthers most likely will again be placed in the Chicago area 1A sectional. Cutting their top five split lower and moving their pack closer towards the front could mean big things for this team.

 

Quincy (Notre Dame)

Coach – Leah Waters

2023 Finish: 13-Elmwd Sec; 1-QND Reg; 1-WCC.

Top Runners: Megan Spears JR, Emmalyn Smith SO, Ari Waters JR, Addison Koch JR, Elcee Waters FR, Morgan Pritts FR, Mia Robnett SR, Taylor Trudell SR, Audrey Robnett FR.

Notes: The Raiders will look to climb into the top 10 in the Elmwood Sectional this year after finishing 13th last October. They lost their top runner to graduation but do return the rest of the sectional. Megan Spears has been the #2 runner the past two seasons. She will step into the leadership role this fall. Emmalyn Smith and Ari Waters were within 22 seconds of Spears giving this team a strong first three. The addition of Elcee Waters and Morgan Pritts to the program as freshmen could give the team’s top five a boost. Quincy Notre Dame does not have a track program in the spring. A good summer could mean big things for this group. “The message that has been stressed this summer is that summer is not only important physically for runners but also equally important in helping us to come together as a team,” said their Coach, Leah Waters.

 

Decatur (St. Teresa)

Coach – Todd Vohland

2023 Finish: 12-DST Sec; 4-Sulivn Reg.

Top Runners: Addison Eades JR, Valerie Hein SR, Isabella Springer SO, Nola Redden JR, Jamie Crystal SR, Sydney Fidler SR (transfer from Mt. Pulaski).

Notes: The Bulldogs will look to improve on last year’s 12th place finish at their own sectional. Four runners are back from their state series lineup. Addison Eades did make it to state finishing 82nd as an individual. “Addison has had a productive summer and continues to improve,” said her Coach, Todd Vohland. “And that will need to continue to get back to state out of our sectional. I also expect her to be pushed to be #1 runner and that should help as well.” Isabella Springer also had a good summer of training and will challenge Valerie Hein for the second spot. Developing strong fourth and fifth will one something to keep an eye on within this team over the next couple of months.

 

Newton

Coach – Tim Bower

2023 Finish: 15-DST Sec; 4-Fair Reg; 4-LIC.

Top Runners: Layna Marshall JR, Shay Bennett JR, Avery Geier FR, Natalie Kistner SR, Lily Yager JR, Avery Mulvey SR, Kate Bierman SO.

Notes: The Eagles will look to better their 2023 finish of 15th place at the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional. Their team has six runners back led by Layna Marshall. “Layna Marshall attended a few running camps this summer and so far, it seems like she got herself back into shape pre-injury,” said Newton Coach, Tim Bower. “She dealt with so many injuries dating back to last cross-country season that she couldn’t do what she normally did during the track season even.  But she is looking strong, and she is a great competitor and a real joy to coach.  The same goes for Shay Bennett really, she was injured last year and is looking forward to competing a little stronger this season.” Marshall was over two minutes ahead of the top five last season. The second through five split was nearly 80 seconds. Getting the pack closer to Marshall and closing the pack split might mean big things for Newton this season.

 

Roxana

Coach – Ben Scamihorn

2023 Finish: 8-Bent Sec; 5-TreWes Reg; 2-Cahokia Miss.

Top Runners: Gianni Stassi SO, Bailey Schallenberg-Decker SO, Elizabeth Clouse SO, Ridley Allen SR, Kaitlyn Garland SR, Michaela Murphy SO (from track).

Notes: A team that we could see running at Detweiller Park in November. The Shells finished strong at the end of last season after finishing eighth at the Benton. They did that after finishing fifth the week before at the Trenton-Wesclin Regional. The top runner on this team is Gianna Stassi who as a freshman made it to the 1A State Meet finishing 105th. “Gianna has improved a lot this summer,” said Roxana Coach, Ben Scamihorn. “She has put in a lot more miles than last summer and is ahead of where she was coming into the season last year. She has set herself up to have a great sophomore season.”

 

The top five split off Stassi at Benton last October was just over six minutes is something to keep an eye on with team as the season continues. Four other runners with Stassi return for Scamihorn with Bailey Schallenberger-Decker and Elizabeth Clouse leading the pack. The split is a concern. Getting their split from their second to fifth runner within two minutes could be the ticket to get them racing in Peoria. “The one message I stressed this summer was consistency, consistency, consistency,” said Scamihorn. “I try and make sure my athletes know that successes don’t happen overnight and that if they remain consistent with their training, the results will follow. Most of the runners have put in a lot of miles outside of practice this summer and are excited to see the benefits from that work this fall.:

 

Princeville

Coach – Jeremy Melick

2023 Finish: 11-Elmwd Sec; 7-PND Reg; 3-LTC.

Top Runner: Bethany Sennett SO.

Notes: I had Princeville ranked in the 35-40 range heading into this season as I prepared these previews. The Lady Prince finished 11th at the Elmwood Sectional last season with five runners returning. That has changed as just one runner, Bethany Sennett, is on the school’s roster as of publishing this. Sennett had a good season qualifying for the state meet and finishing 51st at Detweiller Park. “I thought Bethany’s training went well this summer,” said Princeville Coach Jeremy Melick. “She made it a goal to run every day this summer and she accomplished that.  In addition, she set a total mileage goal for herself, which, at the time I’m typing this, she is on pace to achieve as well.  She’s going to come into this season with a strong base to build off of and I’m especially proud of her for that considering the fact she had no girl teammates to run with and/or push her all summer.”

 

Sennett could have a special sophomore season considering the growth curve she is on. “She’s the only girl we have.  Besides the strong summer she has had, she is also coming off an impressive track season last spring that saw her qualify for State in the 800 and earn our team’s Most Improved Award.  Come to think of it, she was the girl’s MVP and Most Improved last XC season, too.  She’s a quiet, but fierce, competitor.  Bethany isn’t afraid to push herself and it was remarkable to see how much time she was able to drop, sometimes from the beginning of a week to the end of the same week,” added Melick. “Being the only girl on this year’s team will certainly present a challenge to her this fall.  In addition, she is going to be playing volleyball this fall, so she will often be practicing on her own, rather than with our boys’ team.  As I mentioned, she is a dedicated and disciplined individual, so she’ll be up for the challenge, I’m sure, but that doesn’t keep it from still being a challenge.”