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2014 DyeStat IL XC Season Team Previews – 2A GirlsPublished by
Deep Yorkville squad aims for another state championship
By Michael Newman
It took close to two hours after the last runner entered the finish area to determine the state team champion last season. It was Glenbard South that put up a valiant effort but came short to finish second behind three time state champion Yorkville. I am sure that those coaches do not want to go through that again.
If we thought the 2013 team finish was close, it could be a little tighter this season. Yorkville will go after its fourth straight team championship. Not too many schools can attest to that kind of dominance over a period of time. The Foxes look to step into that circle this season. There are teams that have the talent that would like to stop Yorkville’s title run. NIB-12 conference rival looks to be healthy and ready for the challenge. Dunlap has a group of incoming freshman that have wowed some observers. They could factor into who wins. Traditional powers Glenbard South and Crystal Lake Central will also have a say.
Here is how see the teams right now. It is not how they will finish at the end of the year. Too many workouts to complete. Too many races to run. So many obstacles to avoid. The only rankings that count is the one after the state meet is completed.
Top 25 Teams
1 – Yorkville Coach – Chris Muth 2013 Finish – 1st – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Skyler Bollinger JR (16,17:54), Erin Reynolds JR (21,18:00), Julia Schultz JR (61,19:04), Rebecca Jasutis JR (105,19:32), Summer Pierson JR, Julia Megozzini SO, Sydney Beach JR, Kiley Houg SO, Olivia Reese SR, Piper Buyansky SO, Katy Kellogg JR, Sophia Bolanos SR.
Newcomers – Alexis Grandys SO (did not run XC in 2013). Kimberly Batdorf FR, Maggie Klem FR, Lauren Daffenburg FR.
Outlook – At one point or another last season, Yorkville suffered many setbacks that could have halted most any other teams. First, it was the season ending injury of all-state runner Summer Pierson. Then, it was the knee injury that slowed down junior standout Skyler Bollinger. They did suffer a setback when they lost to Glenbard South at the Wheaton Academy Regional. This team found a way to fight back to win their third straight 2A championship. So what do they do for an encore in 2014?
There has already been one minor setback for Coach Chris Muth. Sophomore Maddie Dearborn, who was thought to be one of the top runners for the team, transferred to Illinois Math & Science Academy. “It was the right choice for her and for her future education,” said Muth. “She will be a loss for the team in the race but more as a teammate and leader.” I am sure there will be more setbacks as the season progresses, but the inner strength of this program will get them through it. Last season was a good example.
The loss of Dearborn is a setback but this team is so deep it should be able to stand it. Alexis Grandys had a standout first year of track. Last year, she participated in travel soccer. This year, cross country will be her sport. She should be the second runner on this squad. Muth welcomes in a strong group of freshmen runners that will have an impact on this team. Summer Pierson, who was all-state as a freshman, is fully healthy and will be a part of the top five.
Skyler Bollinger is fully healthy after suffering injury after injury over the last year. She was her age-group steeplechase national champion over the summer. With her at full strength, Bollinger should challenge for the individual state championship. Erin Reynolds stepped up last season and earned all-state honors last fall. Expect her to be a top 15 runner this season. The emergence of Julia Schultz last year as the team’s 5th runner was one of the reasons why this team won. She is back running stronger than ever.
This is a deep team. It could go 11-12 deep that could run in this top 7. It possibly could be the best Girls team in the state regardless of classification. That is how good this Yorkville team could potentially be. The thing is that we do not run the state meet on paper. Like we said at the beginning, there are many races yet to run. “Expectations are the same as every year and that is to have the kids’ progress as runners and as young people,” Muth added. “We really want them to enjoy the journey and realize there is more to this then hitting a time, or winning a race, but enjoying the people that surround you on this journey.”
2 – Maple Park Kaneland Coach – Doug Ecker 2013 Finish – 5th – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Brianna Bower JR (37,18:33), Aislinn Ludwig SR (54,18:59), Victoria Clinton SR (76,19:12), Abby Shaw SO (88,19:20), Jessica Kucera SR, Noelle Espino JR, Grace Dodis SO, Sarah Daley SO, Katie Huber SO, Carly Bartholomew JR, Murphy Garcia SR, Lilah Klingensmith JR.
Newcomers – Andrea Wells FR, Crystal Durham FR, Madeline McCauley FR, Becca Richtman SO.
Outlook – Coach Doug Ecker was downplaying it when I sent him my e-mail. This team could be good. They could be very good. Even with some of the injuries that hit the team, the Knights still finished fifth at the state meet. Bigger things could be on the horizon this season. “The girls where very consistent with their summer running which we hope will translate into improved racing this fall. We had our largest turn out numbers wise for running this past summer.”
Their top four runners return from last year’s team. The biggest plus could be the return of Victoria Clinton. The 2012 state champion was slowed down last season by a bike injury that occurred during triathlon training. It slowed her down to a 76th place finish at state. Clinton had a successful training and triathlon competition season during the spring. According to Ecker, she is fully recovered and ready for a great senior season. It would not surprise me if she is challenging for the individual state championship.
Brianna Bower stepped in as the lead runner last year for the Knights and finished in the top 40 at the state meet. A year of experience and training should put her in the top 25 discussion at the state meet. Aislinn Lodwig and Abby Shaw give Kaneland a strong three-four runner. The key will be finding a fifth runner. Jessica Kucera could step into that spot. A strong group of freshman led by Andrea Wells could step in as well. “Our team goals among other things are to finish in the top 3 at conference and put ourselves in position to qualify for the state meet as a team for the 4th year in a row,” said Ecker. “Which is something the girls have never done before in cross country.”
This team will make its fourth trip to Peoria. That is almost a given. Their first four runners are tough. It will be fitting the pieces in for the rest of the top seven to determine if they come back from Peoria with a trophy. “The girls return the top 4 runners from last year's 5th place state team,” added Ecker. “If we can develop some depth to add to them we will give ourselves an opportunity to qualify for the state meet. We have some talented new comers along with some solid juniors/seniors. We will just have to see how they develop and of course stay away from injuries.”
3 – Crystal Lake Central Coach – Anthony Destephano 2013 Finish – 7th – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Mary Fleming SR (44,18:41), Kelly Doerr SO (55,18:59), Janine Orvis SO (82,19:18), Brooke Larson SR (129,20:00), Rachel Kantz SR (143,20:12), Sami Staples SR, Alex Scherb JR, Bridget Kearns SO, Molly Gniady SO, Emily Crandall SR, Ally Slyder SR, Avani Flanagan SO.
Newcomers – Debra Tomlinson SO (transfer from Crystal Lake South), Madelyn Hollander FR, Stephanie Doerr FR, Katelyn Smith FR.
Outlook – Five runners are back from last year’s team that finished seventh in the 2A state meet. There are some additions to the team could put this squad back in the hunt for a state championship. The seniors on this year’s team were a part of the 2011 second place state team. I am sure they would like to bring some hardware back to Crystal Lake in November. “Training has gone great this past summer,” said Coach Anthony Sestephano. “Athletes are stepping up to replace graduated seniors and the numbers have increased in summer training participation. The athletes are excited for this upcoming season's meets.”
The success of last year’s team comes from the pack mentality. I believe we will see more of the same this season. Mary Fleming should be the leader of this team. She was 44th a year ago. She has a got chance of placing in the top 25 this season. Sophomores Kelly Doerr and Janine Orvis stepped in nicely in their first xc campaign and only look to improve this season within the Tigers first five. Brooke Larsen and Rachel lantz were in the top seven last season and should battle for a spot in the starting lineup.
If Sami Staples is completely healthy, it could be a plus for this team. As a freshman, Staples was the individual state champion. Injuries have plagued her last two years. Last June at the USATF Junior Olympics, she ran a solo 4:52 1500 using it as a tempo run. She could be a big help for this team if she can stay healthy. Another plus was the transfer of Sophomore Debra Tomlinson. She was the #1 runner for cross town Crystal Lake South last year. She should be one of the runners that will help in the first five of this team. Destephano also has a strong group of freshmen coming it that will only make this team tougher.
If this team stay healthy and is at full strength, it could challenge Yorkville for a state championship. They will need two runners in the first 20 and a 45 second 5 runner split to make this happen. It is possible. “In 2014 we hope to pick up where we left off last year and keep the expectation and goals similar,” added Destephano. “We have a fairly young team, but do have some experience returning sophomores and leadership from Mary Fleming and Rachel Kautz, seniors, that were a part of the 2011 2nd place team. We look to return to the state finals at Detweiller in November and hopefully be in the hunt for a top 3 place state finish.”
4 – Glen Ellyn Glenbard South Coach – Brian Webb 2013 Finish – 2nd – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Diane Lipa JR (3,17:15), Rebecca Sippel SR (7,17:39), Caroline Arlasky SR (24,18:02), Jayne Schlenker SR (72,19:10), Abby Schlenker SO (184,21:04), Chloe Fry SR, Erica Mote JR, Reganne Schihl JR, Leonie Grob JR, Rebecca Everhart SR, Brianna Fonseca JR, Courtney Knight SO.
Outlook – This is where I think this team is right now. I am sure that will change as the season progresses. When I did the rankings right after the track season ended, I had this team challenging Yorkville for the state championship like they did a year before. Then the summer came.
“Diane Lipa has not run since early July,” said her coach Brian Webb. “I don't anticipate her contributing/racing until later in the season, if she even gets to that point at all.” Lipa finished third last year and was thought that she would be challenging for the individual state championship. With that news, it does not look like that will happen. It does not mean that this team won’t be good.
Without Lipa, the Raiders do have four runners back including two all-state runners. Caroline Arlasky finished seventh a year ago which was somewhat of a surprise to some. She should be in the mix as one of the top runners in 2A this season. Rebecca Sippel finished 24th last year. She had a good summer of training. She has the ability to finish in the top 10 in 2014. Abby Schlenker had a great summer of training and could be the most improved on the team. She could be running in the top four along with her sister Jayme. “How we respond to that success (of 2013) has been/will be very interesting. I think our training over the summer showed that - some want to repeat it, some might be thinking that success will just come automatically, while some might not be willing to work as hard as it takes to get back to that level. Like I said, I think we have some work to do.”
If Lipa is not back, who will step into the first five spot? Chloe Fry, who was in the top seven at one point last year, could step in as well as Erica Mote and Reganne Schihl. I think this team can challenge for a state championship even without Lipa. It will just be a little harder. But it does taste better at the end of the year when you work harder to overcome something to get something that you want. That could be the case here. “My expectations are that, by the end of the year, we are having our best races of the season and having similar successes from the conference meet on as we did a year ago and that we're competitive with the best teams in the state,” stated Webb.
5 – Dunlap Coach – Chris Friedman 2013 Finish – 9th – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Abby Jockisch SR (10,17:43), Chloe Gunn SR (84,19:19), Kristen Wu JR (111,19:39), Emile Olmsted JR (112,19:40), Gabby Reed JR (170, 20:41), Cathryn Palmer JR, Murriel Janseth SR, Victoria Wu SO, Taylor Muno SO.
Newcomers – Frannie Verville FR, Miranda Kruiswyk FR, Andrea Copeland FR, Delaney Peterson FR.
Outlook – Recently I was talking to a central Illinois based coach. The one thing that they said was to watch out for this Dunlap team…especially the freshmen that are coming in. The talk of the area since the group of Frannie Verville, Miranda Kruiswyk, Andrea Copeland, and Delaney Peterson started sixth grade is that this would be a special team. These four were all in the top 30 at the IESA state meet helping their school win the state championship. Five runners return from last year’s ninth place state team also. This could be a deep and dangerous squad by the time we get to the state series.
One of the most improved runners last year was Abby Jockisch. She finished tenth at last year’s state meet. The junior ran 5:12 and 11:15 last year in track. She is capable of challenging for a top five spot at state. Chloe Gunn and Kristen Wu give Coach Chris Friedman a pair of solid runners that will challenge for a top five spot. Another runner to watch is Gabby Reed. She was the seventh runner last year on basically no summer running according to Friedman. She could make a difference this season. Then you have the freshmen coming in. Where will they fit into this Dunlap top seven puzzle?
It is hard to predict how freshmen will react to their first season of high school running. The group that Friedman could be a special group but only time will tell. Add them to the returnees led by a possible top five state runner could make this team a special team. While all the focus is in the Chicago area on the teams that we mentioned above, it could be that this school sneaks in for a team trophy. “The goals for the season are lofty. Win the conference is goal number one,” added Friedman. “Our school has never won a sectional in cross country, but this could be the team to end that drought. And finally, this team can finish top five at the state meet.”
6 – Highland Coach – Doug Bradley 2013 Finish – 13th – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Allison Zobrist JR (6,17:35), SaraBeth Wiegman SO (92,19:24), Taylor Arusa SR (127,19:58), Courtney Hengeheld SO (156, 20:23), Jayden Shelton SR (166,20:32), Abbey Johnson SR (206,22:32), Mirelle Beaubien SR, Lexie Plocher JR, Sydney Nyquist SO, Erin Esquibel SR, Lyndi Stone SO.
Outlook – This could be one of the best teams in 2A southern Illinois despite the lack of depth that this team apparently according to Coach Doug Bradley. If this team stays healthy, it could challenge for a top five team finish. Six runners are back from last year’s 13th place state team.
Allison Zobrist had a good track season after finishing sixth last fall at the state meet. She ran 5:05 / 11:02 putting her in a good position this fall. She will be one of those runners in the first five at the state meet. Sara Beth Wiegman should step into the second runner spot for this team after making it to USATF Junior Olympics this summer. Taylor Arusa will be in the mix of their top five. Jayden Shelton had a breakout summer and could be on of the team leaders on this squad.
It is given that Zobrist will be among the front runners again this year. The key for this team is to have a strong 2-5 pack. That pack needs to be under 50 seconds and to be within 90 seconds of Zobrist. “The first goal of the team will be to repeat a couple of feats accomplished by last year’s team: conference and regional championships. A trip to state will require a lot of hard work and probably a little luck as lack of depth continues to plague the program,” Bradley said. “Despite the vast experience that this team has, the outlook for this season isn’t as bright as it was a year ago. The loss of Emily Holtzclaw as team leader and #2 runner will require a significant improvement from one of the returning team members. Couple this issue with the fact that there are no ‘varsity-ready ‘newcomers to the program and there is ample pressure on the top six to stay healthy and consistent.”
7 – Belvidere North Coach – John Paddock 2013 Finish – 7th – 2A Belvidere Sectional
Returnees – Jenna Lutzow SO (15,17:50), Carley Lutzow SR, Jordyn Lutzow SO, Carol Garcia SR, Taeya Huezenga JR, Stephanie Robles JR, Stephanie Vasquez SR, Arden Engel JR, Payton Lindsey SO, Rose Degner JR.
Newcomers – Sabrina Elder FR, Mia Rodriguez FR, Amanda Lawson FR.
Outlook – Belvidere North could be a surprise team in 2A this fall. Even though this team finished seventh at the Belvidere Sectional last year, the talent is there to make a push into the statewide top 10. Five runners are back from that sectional team.
“Training has been very successful this summer with all of our core runners entering the season healthy and in good athletic shape,” said Coach John Paddock. “We incorporated track workouts into this summer so that should improve overall speed once the season starts.” One of the reasons why this team could be oh so good is that they should have two front runners in their big invitationals. Jenna Lutzow had an outstanding freshman year culminating as qualifying individually and finishing 15th at the state. She should be in the top ten this season. Her sister Carley, now a senior, is completely healthy and should be running closer to Jenna The third Lutzow sister, Jordan, was the third runner most of last season and should be in the same spot again. The key for this team will be getting their fourth and fifth runners closer to Jordyn. Stephanie Robles and Carol Garcia could do that.
The possibility is good that this team could have two runners in the first 25 at the state meet. It’s then keeping a 1-5 split of 90 to 100 seconds. That will get this squad into the top ten mix or even better.
8 – Marengo Coach – RJ Meyer 2013 Finish – 4th – 2A State
Returnees – Caitlyn Allen SR (13,17:47), Kaylin Punotai SR (77,19:12), Ashlynd Broling SO (91,19:22), Sarah Sherfiek SO (157,20:23), Claire Cowan SR (204,22:33), Taylor Conroy JR, Kaya Tynes SO, Kelsey Paprocki JR, Gretel Hoffmeyer JR, Stephanie Voller SR.
Newcomers – Hanna Secor FR, Brianna St. Clair FR
Outlook – In all actuality, this squad could be better than last year’s squad that finished fourth. The problem is that there are so many good and improved teams in 2A this season. That should not bother this Marengo team. It seems to never. Five runners are back from that state team that could surprise people like it did a year ago.
Marengo had a good summer of training setting them up for a great season. “Our approach each summer has been consistent, said Coach RJ Meyer. “I ask my runners to do quality miles instead of high mileage. We focus on a lot of strength training and flexibility during the summer.” Caitlyn Allen finished 13th a year ago and will be the front runner on this team. Kaylin Punotai made it through last year despite iron deficiencies problems. With that behind her, she could finish in the first 35 at Detweiller. Ashlynd Borling tired out at the end of her freshman year. A full summer of training could make her a surprise state wide this season. Claire Cowan and Sarah Stefcik should challenge for the top five spot along with freshmen Hanna Secor and Brianna St. Clair. The freshmen should make a difference by the time the state series comes along.
Meyer brings his team along at the right time. The record of the last few years has showed that. They may be ranked eighth right now, but could be challenging for a top five spot at the state meet if they can stay healthy. “Each year we have placed an emphasis on a strong post season sacrificing those early August and September meets,” said Meyer. “We don’t measure our success against anyone but ourselves. Our sectional and state performances fell a little short and that will be our emphasis this year. It’s easy for us to get caught up in the talented teams at sectionals and state so we need to continue to improve as a team and not get caught up with what everyone else is doing.”
9 – Vernon Hills Coach – Stephanie Curry 2013 Finish – 3rd – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Vivian Overbeck JR (11,17:46), Shannon Skeoch JR (57,19:01), Samantha Hershman SR (73,19:11), Lexi Reich JR (97,19:27), Melanie Rogers SR (117, 19:47), Lauren Kim SR (130,20:00), Katie Long JR, Molly Wasserberg JR, Natalie Miller SR, Mackenzie Reverham SR, Ally Spence JR, Kiara Schuh SR, Athana Herrera SO.
Newcomers – Lauren Katz FR
Outlook – The depth of this classification is evident by the fact that Vernon Hills is ranked ninth heading into this season despite the fact they return six from last year’s third place team. The depth and challenge are there for this team to challenge for a top five position in the state meet.
“The girls had a lot of fun while logging lots of summer miles,” said Coach Suzanne Curry. Despite the loss of #2 runner Cassie Lira to graduation, this will be a strong team. Vivian Overbeck finished 11th a year ago and has her sights set on a top ten finish. Shannon Skeoch finished in the top 60 a year ago. She should place higher this year giving the Cougars a strong first two. Samantha Hershman, Lexi Reich, Melanie Rogers, and freshman Lauren Katz should challenge for a top five spot.
“The girls and the coaches are hoping to build on the performance in 2013 and return to the state meet to compete for another state trophy,” added Curry. The strength of the team last year was having two all-state runner and a tough 3-5 pack. Last year, their 3-5 split at state was only 26 seconds. With Lira gone, Vernon Hills will need a 35 second split on 2-5. The gap is projected to be near 70 seconds. That needs to be closer if this team wants to bring another trophy back.
10 – Normal University Coach – Lester Hampton 2013 Finish – 8th – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Shannan Supan JR (23,18:01), Advika Kamatar SO (75,19:11), Ashley Lafayette SR (116,19:42), Sarah Lafayette SO (120,19:51), Nadia Khsuro SO (175,20:46), Katie Reeves SO (189,21:15), Madigan Landess JR, Katie Herman SR, Jacqueline Bacon SO, Brianna Pinter SO.
Newcomers – Riley Madix
Outlook – This team was projected to be in the top five at the beginning of last year. Injuries detoured their hopes during the year. The Pioneers were still able to finish in the top ten (8th). Even though they are missing #1 runner Sydney Billingsley because of graduation, there are six returning that could put this team back into the top five.
The philosophy of their summer training was a little different this season. “This summer has been a good summer of training for the team,” said Coach John Neisler. We mixed things up a bit this year and used our time with the kids for more than running and lifting. The kids were able to get the training we wanted and had a lot of fun playing games and building relationships with everyone on the team.”
Shannan Supan should step into the front runner for this team. She finished 23rd last year. She should be in the top 15 this season. Two runners that U-High will open back with open arms are Madigan Landess and Ashley Lafayette. Landess was knocked out of the season last October with a stress fracture in her knee. She had a good track season which should push her to better things this fall. Ashley Lafayette could be the front runner on this team. She ran the state meet with a stress fracture still running 19:42. She is fully healthy and could be a surprise in the top 25 this year. The team is deep. Sophomores Sarah Lafayette, Nadia Khruso and Katie Reeves all gained experience in big meets as freshmen which will help this season.
This team is sneaky dangerous. Supan and Lafayette will be the front runners. The Pioneers should have a solid pack that could cause other teams some headaches. “As far as the season goes, we could see another top 10 finish in Class 2A. Supan is a two time Cross Country All-State returner and LaFayette has the potential to join her this year, having been a 3200m All-State finisher in 2013 and a key piece of our All-State 4x800 this past spring,” Neisler said. “We’re going to be pretty deep again this year, with potentially 10 or more girls under 20 minutes by the end of the year.”
11 – Dixon Coach – Evan Thorpe 2013 Finish – 13th – 2A Belvidere Sectional
Returnees – Mackenzie Harden SO, Courtney Seagren SO, Ally Stanchfield SO, Ciara Thorpe JR, Sydney Kitzmar SR, Shana Dreganberg SR, Katie Lawton SO, Katie Binkley JR, Taylor Lohse SO, Sam Merriman JR.
Outlook – The Duchesses were young last year with three of their top four freshmen. That showed in the inconsistency of the results. Even though this team finished 13th at the Belvidere Sectional last year. Five runners are back from that team. The talent is there for this team to surprise many.
Mackenzie Harden was the team’s second runner last year and should challenge fellow sophomore Courtney Seagren for the top spot. The key to this team is to have their first four together. The potential is there to have a 30 second split in the first four runners. Clara Thorpe, if he can stay healthy, could be a force in the first five runners along with Ally Stanchfield and Sydney Kitzman. This is a team that will have no front runners. A tight pack could take this team to Peoria in November.
12 – Chatham-Glenwood Coach – Mike Garber 2013 Finish – 6th – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Demi Dixon SO (45,18:41), Kerraline Wurl JR (74,19:11), Allie Smith SO (104,19:32), Marisa Rios SO (159, 20:25), Erica Rideout SR (174,20:46), Cassady Garner JR, Colleen Gleason SO, Taylor Justison JR, Thara Nallamothu JR, Emily Wendel JR.
Newcomers – Rachel Edmiston JR, Donna Hansen FR, Armonty Flynn FR
Outlook – The Titans surprised some at the end of last season when they finished sixth in the state meet. Coach Mike Garber has a good nucleus back with 5 runners who ran in the state meet. A good summer of training should mean more of the same for this program. “Summer training has been great! Many of our young women are pushing themselves harder than ever before,” Garber said. “The Girls team experienced quite a bit of success last season and are hungry for more. We have many talented ladies, so it should be interesting to see how the Top 7 shapes up over the season.”
Demi Dixon emerged as the leading runner for this team last year as a freshman. She should improve on last year’s 45th place finish this November. The loss of their second and third runners will be a challenge for this team. Garber has a group of runners to choose from to step into that role including Kerraline Wurl, Allie Smith, Marisa Rios, Cassidy Garner, and Erica Rideout. Donna Hansen and Armonty Flynn are freshmen that could play a part of this top this season.
Their 5 runner split was 51 seconds last year at the state meet. They will need more of a concentrated effort in their 2-5 split especially if Dixon is among the front runners. A 45 second split could get them into the top five at state. “Due to their success last season, this team has set their sights high. Sixth Place last year was a best ever finish for our program. Many of the ladies were talking throughout Track that they could do better,” concluded Garber. “Our motto this season: "Bring Home Hardware." They want a trophy in November and it will be hard to convince them of anything less.”
13 – Springfield Coach – Dan Devlin 2013 Finish – 15th – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Jillian Cole SR (65,19:07), Sophia Gullo JR (109,19:38), Aly Goff JR (131,20:00), Natalie Motor JR, Catie Goriszewski JR, Elisabeth Canum JR, Katy Canum SO, Ally Russel SO.
Outlook – I had this team ranked #1 in 2A at the end of May. Injuries slowed down the team at the end of the year as they finished 15th at the state meet. Three runners are back from last year’s state team.
There would have been a fourth runner, but Mads Nelson moved to South Carolina over the summer. She finished 28th a year ago at the state meet and would have been one of the top runners on this team this fall. Coach Dan Devlin will benefit getting Natalie Motor back on the course. She was the number #1 runner on the team early in the year until a hip injury sidelined her for the rest of the season. She showed her fitness during the track season. She should be the front runner on this team this fall. The three runners returning are solid and will give the Senators a strong first four. Jillian Cole, Sophia Gullo, and Ally Goff all have the potential to finish in the top 60 this season at state. It is finding a fifth runner that will be the challenge. Elisabeth and Katy Canum could push for the fifth spot. There could be a freshman that may step in. This program has the tradition to do that.
The strength of their first four could put this team on top in smaller invitationals. When they get to the state meet, they will need a fifth runner to be as close as 60 seconds to the big four. This team could challenge for a top spot if that happens. Springfield has two months to get to that point.
14 – Chicago Latin School Coach – Dan Daly 2013 Finish – 3rd – 1A State Meet
Returnees – Abigail Nadler SR (23,18:08), Maddie Hoffman SO (45,18:54), Sophia Lancaster SO (46, 18:55), Madeline Cohen SO (91,19:43), Anabel Mendoza JR (175, 21:46), Jessica Kubert JR (183,22:00), Olivia Geier SO, Kathryn Stender SO, Grace Coberly SO, Frances Kelleher SR, Viry Ayala JR, Scout Baker JR.
Newcomers – Laura Katunas FR
Outlook – The smile on Coach Dan Daly’s face was as bright as the sun after he found out that his team finished 3rd in the 1A state meet. Expectations looked good for his team to challenge for the 1A title especially with six runners coming back. In June, they found out there were moving up into 2A. The talent is still there. It will just be a little tougher to get where they want to be. “We are looking forward to the move to 2A, our goals are to repeat as Conference, Regionals and Sectionals champions,” said Daly. “We know we’ll be the smallest school in 2A and think we can enjoy the same success we had at 1A. Our enrollment is only 4 bodies over the line, so we’ll probably move back and forth between 1A and 2A until there is some new system.”
This team will miss the leadership on and off the course from graduated senior Victoria Bianco who is now attending Northwestern University. Bianco’s running mate Abigail Nadler is back and will take up the leadership role. Nadler should be able to finish in the top 20 in her new classification. The big surprise could be freshman Laura Katunas. She was the top runner in Latin’s middle school. She could be the 2nd best runner on the team according to Daly. Sophomores Maddie Hoffman, Sophia Lancaster, and Madeline Cohen all stepped up to help the team get a trophy last season. Their experience will help get to the same level in 2014.
This team could have a 95 second 5 runner split this season. That split will get them regional and sectional titles in 2A this season, but it will not get them in the top 10. If the split can lower to under 70 seconds, this team does have a chance. “I assume if we are able to accomplish championships at Reg and Sec after a move up in class that we might be the first school to do so in IHSA history,” added Daly. “I don’t know the landscape at 2A as well as I did at 1A, however with this talented group of ladies we are confident we can be in the mix at state in 2A just as we were at 1A last year. Our #1 objective is to have fun and this will be a fun season.”
15 – Normal West Coach – Steve Destri 2013 Finish – 18th – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Sara Piller SR (50,18:54), Andrea Gordon SR (70,19:10), Amanda Gerwick SR (125,19:56), Emily Koranek JR (134,20:02), Grace Ecker SO (137, 20:07), Bailey Fillipponi-Holstein SR (146,20:14), Jamie Eganhouse SO (149,20:16), Katelyn Yoder SR, Darmi Davis SO, Michaela Baumgardner JR, Taylor Woods SR, Maggie Smith SR.
Newcomers – Kirsten Peterson JR (Transfer from Terre Haute South IN)
Outlook – The top 12 runners return for Coach Steve Destri. The team finished 18th in 2013. With all the runners back, it makes expectations high for this program in 2014.
According to Destri training did not go as well as planned for this team this summer. This team could be a force this fall, but that may come by the time October comes around. Sara Piller, who finished 50th a year ago, looks to be the lead runner for the Wildcats. She has the potential to finish in the top 30 at state. The one surprise early in the season is transfer student Kirsten Peterson who has been the team’s second runner. The split of their first five at state last year was 73 seconds. With the improvement of Piller and the addition of Peterson, a split of under 60 seconds on their first 5 is definitely not out of the question. Andrea Gordon, Amanda Gerwick, Grace Ecker, and Emily Koranek should challenge for a top five spot. With the depth that this team has, it will benefit the chances of improvement as we get to the state series.
“We are a deep team with as many as 14 girls in position to earn varsity spots,” Destri said. Gordon and Piller were co-MVP’s last year and will via for our #1 spot. Both of these girls along with Gerwick and Fillipponi have competed in two state meets in their careers. Our goals will be to compete with Normal U-High locally and NCHS & Peoria Notre Dame in the Big 12 Conference. We would like to move up to the top 10 at state.” Top ten is possible if they do their homework. If they ace their tests, they could be a top five squad.
16 – Lemont Coach – Tim Plotke 2013 Finish – 8th – 2A Wheaton Academy Sectional
Returnees – Taylor Campos JR (60,19:03), Gabby Voltarel JR, Claire Gagen JR, Lindsey Mazur JR, Bridget Kunkel SO, Olivia Matthews JR, Cassidy Nyenhuis SR, Saray Patino SO, Abby Plogdzarz SO, Angela Mikrut SO, Daniella Hunt SO.
Newcomers – Logan Williams JR, Karina Folliard SR (both played Softball in 2013 school year), Celine Ratulowski FR, Jaycee Schickel FR.
Outlook – This could have been a good team last fall if injuries did not get into the way. They did end up in eighth failing to make it to Peoria for state. This year could be different. There are seven runners back that had state series experience last fall. It sets a good foundation for this season.
Coach Tim Plotke has a strong nucleus that will be the core of the success of this team. Taylor Campos could be a surprise runner in the state this season. Teammates Gabby Voltarel, Clare Gagen, and Jorie Dybico should be close to Campos. Bridget Kunkel could be the most improved runner on this team. She was their fifth runner last year and could get this team a needed boost. Incoming freshmen Celine Ratulowski and Jaycee Schickel have been running with the front group making this team a little better.
This will be the most underrated team in 2A this season. The talent is there to place in the top ten or even higher. It will need a pack of under 50 seconds on five for that to happen. “If we stay healthy we could be a dangerous team. We have modified our training a bit and have individualized things a little to try and minimize the chances of injury,” Plotke said. “Our summer training has consisted of a mix of distance runs and tempo/fartlek runs, using some of Daniels training models specifically staying within their appropriate pace based on their vdot #'s. It seems to be beneficial. As far as goals getting the team down state is first and foremost, I think we have the potential to be a top 10 team.”
17 – LaSalle-Peru Coach – John Beatty 2013 Finish – 13th – 2A Normal West Sectional
Returnees – Lesley Rocha SR (20,17:59), Megan Krolak SR (87,19:20), Olivia Sheridan JR, Kiley Booker SR, Kristen Williams JR, Hannah Childers SO.
Outlook – This could be another underrated team that could cause some damage by the time the state series comes around. Their top five returns from last year’s team that only finished 13th at the Normal West Sectional.
Lesley Rocha is a returning all-state runner that will again lead this team. She has the talent to finish in the top 15 this November. Megan Krolak had a bad race last year at state but ran close to Rocha during the year. It would not surprise me if she finishes in the 25 at Detweiller. There needs to be improvement between their 3-5 runners. If they can stay within 120 seconds of Rocha and Krolak, this team could surprise some by the time we get to November.
18 – New Lenox Lincoln-Way West Coach – David Kies 2013 Finish – 10th – 2A Normal West Sectional
Returnees – Natalie Waters SR (86,19:19), Teagan Lyke SO, Taylor Posewick SO, Riley Posewick SO, Joslyn Zayas JR, Kaitlyn Matthews JR, Bethany Honda SR, Morgan Posewick SO, Jenna Matthews JR.
Outlook – Five runners are back from the team that finished 10th last year at the Normal West Sectional. Expectations are that this team will move close to the top 5 by the time we get to the sectional meet. Natalie Waters qualified for state last year but finished 86th. She does have the potential and talent to place in the top 30 this season. There is a strong sophomore group led by Teagan Lyke that could push this team to another level this fall. At the sectional meet, Lyke was only sixteen seconds behind Waters. She could be a surprise runner in the state if she can duplicate that type of effort.
The gap between two and three will be a big concern for Coach David Kies. The key will be to narrow the gap down to 50 seconds. If that can happen along with having a 3-5 split under 30 seconds, this team could find themselves running another week in November.
19 – Peoria Notre Dame Coach – Dan Gray 2013 Finish – 6th – 2A Normal West Sectional
Returnees – Maryjeanne Gilbert JR (2,17:04), Katy Elward SO, Rebecca Kerns SR, Abby Ricca SR, Kathryn Gray SO, Ellie Schweigel SR, Francesca Dyke SO, Allie Dickerson SO, Megan Mazander SO.
Newcomers – Lydia Pierce SR, Maddie Fulton JR, Grace Brietbach FR, Lucy Jockisch FR, Ellie Manning FR.
Outlook – Dan Gray takes over the coaching duties for long time Coach Mike Sullivan who retired. The Irish just missed qualifying for state finishing sixth at the Normal West Sectional. Six are back from that team. Expectations are high as this campaign is ready to start.
It is a nice comfort to have a runner as good as Maryjeanne Gilbert. The junior will be the runner to watch this year in 2A. She finished second a year ago and had a tremendous track season running 10:34 for 3200. There is a solid core of runners behind her. Abby Ricca, Ellie Schwegel, and Rebecca Kerns are all seniors that give this team good leadership. Sophomore Katy Elward could be the second runner on this team. It is a deep team that could afford an injury throughout the season.
“Led by Maryjeanne Gilbert, it gives you a comfort of knowing that even if she has an off day, she is still likely to get a single digit score for the team,” Gray said. “Look for a lot of fun as maybe 12 runners battle for top seven spots. With our veterans and experience gained by our younger girls, if all stay healthy we could be dangerous this year.” Ignore the 1-5 split of Notre Dame. It will come down to how close the pack can get to their star runner. Last year at the sectional meet, it was close to 120 seconds. That needs to be cut down to at least 75 seconds with a 35 second spread between 2-5. They will be running at Detweiller on November 8 if that happens.
20 – West Chicago Wheaton Academy Coach – Chris Felinski, Jim Spivey 2013 Finish – 7th – 2A Wheaton Academy Sectional
Returnees – Gretchen Pearson SO, AJ Setran SO, Claire Castro SO, Rebecca Smith SO, Annika Pearson SR, Shelley Fritz SR.
Newcomers – Maggie Bailey FR.
Outlook – It did not surprise the followers of this school after the success of this team throughout the year. It did surprise some outsiders that a team with 5 freshman leading the way were running that good. They did fall short of that goal last season finishing seventh in their own sectional missing the trip to Peoria by nine points. With six of their top seven back, the experience of last year may push them to the next level.
Gretchen Pearson was the first runner for the team at the end of last season and looks to be the front runner on this squad again in 2014. According to Coach Chris Felinski, Annika Pearson showed great improvement with her times 30 seconds faster than last summer. She could be one runner to watch. They did lose Sierra Stapleton, who was their #2 runner last season, as she moved to New Mexico. AJ Stran and Claire Castro could step into that spot. Incoming freshman Maggie Bailey could be a plus for this team this season also.
This team will live and die by the pack. They will need some runner (like Gretchen Pearson) to run more through the front. My guess with a year of experience, this entire pack will move up. A split of 45 second on five could get this team to Detweiller. “I would like to see our girls break a 5 year drought and make the state final,” Felinski said. “Last year we were 9 points away, just missed qualifying out of our own sectional.”
21 – Chicago Payton Prep Coach – Monica Carmody 2013 Finish – 21st – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Samantha Foster SR (85,19:19), Claire Goldman SO (96,19:27), Madeline Nash SR (123,19:53), Olivia Grondy SO (198,21:49), Esha Kular JR (191,21:22), Brigid McKeon SR (205,22:30), Emily Gross JR, Taeyun Lee SO, Sophie Martin SO, Sophie Martin SO, Mary Szromba JR, Collette Gordon SO.
Newcomers – Samantha Helffrich FR, Madeline May FR
Outlook – Payton Prep qualified out of the weak Chicago University Sectional last year and finished 21st at the state meet. Six runners are back from that team looking to make a return trip back to Peoria. “We are looking to stay healthy throughout the season and qualify the team for the 2A state meet again,” said Coach Monica Carmody. We are looking to improve upon last year’s accomplishments and standings. We also always look forward to the Chicago City Championship which is always a competitive meet for us as a 2A program.
Samantha Foster and Claire Goldman look to lead this team again this season. With a good summer of training, the two could go under 19 minutes in November. Their pack was 149 seconds last season. Look for it to dip below 120 seconds. In a sectional like they are in, they should qualify. The goal is to place in the top 20 at Detweiller Park in November.
22 – East St. Louis-Senior Coach – Nino Fennoy 2013 Finish – 8th – 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional
Returnees – Jada Marshall SO, Precious Hudspeth JR, Rineka Simmons SR, Ny-Jae McNeal SR, Lajeanar Keltee JR, Ronisha Rhines JR, Kimyenma Mitchell SR, Tia Walls SR, Marsha’lle Chester SR.
Outlook – It is funny to see a sprint track power like East St. Louis-Senior in this top 25. I reasoned to try not to put them in. It was one team that I could not leave out. Six runners are back that have state series experience from last year. They could surprise some by making a trip north to Peoria in November.
The big key for the Flyerettes this season is consistency. There are too many up and down spots for this squad. Jada Marshall was the top runner as a freshman last season. She does have the talent to qualify as an individual if the team does not make it out of the sectional. Precious Hudspeth should challenge Marshall for the top spot. Their split on five was all over the place at the end of last season. At their conference meet, it was under 60 seconds. At the sectional meet that they finished eighth, their split was close to two minutes. If they can find that consistency and stay near 70 seconds, this team could be on the line at Detweiller.
23 – Woodstock Coach – Jay Fuller 2013 Finish – 6th – 2A Belvidere Sectional
Returnees – Kate Jacobs SO (31,18:22), Grace Beattie JR, Sarah Semmen SR, Amy Zhang JR, Megan Hansen JR, Peyton Spanbauer SR.
Newcomers – Christina Romero JR, Maddy Neubauer SO, Camryn Tafoya FR, Jesselyn Koscinski FR, Sophia Shinherr FR.
Outlook – This team came so close making it to the state meet last year finishing sixth at the Belvidere Sectional. Maura Beattie and Kate Jacobs did qualify individually. Jacobs leads five runners back from that sectional team looking to extend their schedule as a team by one week.
Jacobs will be the lead runner on this team. She finished 31st a year ago at Detweiller. She should be in the top 20 this season. The key to success is getting their 2-5 pack as close to Jacobs as possible. Led by Grace Beattie, that pack could run within 20 seconds of each other. Last year the gap between Jacobs and Beattie was on the average 900 seconds. If that can gap can decrease by 20 seconds, a drive to Peoria in November may be in order.
24 – Darien Hinsdale South Coach – Gail Huster 2013 Finish – 8th – 2A Wheaton Academy Regional
Returnees – Sarah Leganski JR (35,18:30), Victoria Salazar SR (53, 18:58), Lara Barranco SR, Ema Slajute SO, Megan Bruckhauser SR, Erika Thiel SR, Rachel Langoria JR, Samantha Lee SR, Evangeline Eilbert SO, Angelica Resindez SO, Nakiyah Darden SR.
Newcomers – Elizabeth Lowery FR, Rebecca Lowery FR, Sydney Locke JR.
Outlook – The Hornets will push for a state berth after finishing eighth in the tough Wheaton Academy Regional. All seven runners are back from that team including two state qualifiers Sarah Leganski and Victoria Salazar. Leganski ran a personal best 18:30 to finish 35th at state. Salazar finished in 53rd. Both runners have the potential to finish in the top 30 this season. The gap needs to come down between these two and the rest of the pack. Their 3-5 split, led by Lara Barranco, averaged 30 seconds at the end of the year. The gap between 2 and 3 was 81 seconds during that period. That needs to come down if they have expectations of qualifying for the state meet as a team. “Seniors Sarah Leganski and Tori Salazar gained some valuable individual experience at the 2A State meet last fall,” said Coach Gail Huster. “They would love to travel to Peoria this season with a strong TEAM representation.”
25 – Deerfield Coach – Jeff Beaumont 2013 Finish – 16th – 3A Schaumburg Sectional
Returnees – Abbey Osborn SR, Jordyn Jensen JR, Claudia Giacone JR, Nicole Abramson JR, Erin Phillips JR, Jesse Holloway JR, Olivia Westrich JR, Sara Addes SO, Lisa Cenek SO.
Outlook – It could be the break that this team was looking for this season. Last year, Deerfield was mired in the back of the pack in the 3A Schaumburg Sectional finishing 16th. Four runners are back from this team. The move to 2A could be beneficial for the Warriors in 2014.
They did have a setback when #2 runner last year Sydney Barber decided to participate in soccer her sophomore year. Abby Osborn, the defending CSL-North champion, should lead this team. Jordyn Jensen should be the second runner on this squad. Coach Jeff Beaumont returns 12 of their top 15 from last year. This could be a team to watch when we get to state series time.
The state meet is always the goal for the team, but as of now we're not at that caliber,” said Beaumont. “As far as newcomers, they could help out the varsity squad at some point this year.”
Other Teams To Watch (In Alphabetical Order)
Aurora Central Catholic Coach – Troy Kerber 2013 Finish – 17th – 1A State Meet
Returnees – Karina Liz JR (59,19:10), Irene Crown SR (68,19:21), Stephanie Hall JR (135,20:39), Olivia James SR (141,20:43), Amy Brouch SO (149,20:51), Emily Ziegler SR (151,20:53), Sarah Brouch SR, Fatima Delgadillo SR, Catalina Gomez SO, Evelyn Oliva SR, Catherine Weltzer SO.
Newcomers – Abby Fioresi SO (transfer from Oswego), Therese Hein FR, Toriana Turk FR, Carolina Rincon JR.
Outlook – The Lady Chargers bounce back to 2A for 2014 after finishing 19th in the 1A state meet. 2A 800 Meter State Champ Karina Liz ran 19:10 a year ago. She is capable of getting into the 18:30 range this year. Irene Crown gives the team a strong second runner. At the end of last year, she was only 11 seconds behind Liz. The big factor for this team is whether transfer Abby Fioresi will be eligible to run for ACC. She was the #1 runner for Oswego last year at their sectional meet running 18:37 at Katherine Legge. She could move this team up another level. Add in a strong freshman class led by Therese Heinand this team could challenge for a state spot. “I’m very optimistic that if all factors come into place, We could be very good at the end of the season,” said Coach Troy Kerber.”
Aurora Rosary Coach – Vic Mead 2013 Finish – 17th – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Madison Ronzone JR (32,18:24), Emi Martin SR (71,19:10), Shea Vero JR (102,19:31), Katie Paragis SR, Cara Cox SR, Mallory Rettenmeier SR, Rachel Ley JR, Emma Kuszynski JR, Claire Schwartz SR, Neethara Abraham JR.
Outlook – It was a fairy tale season for this team as they qualified for the 2A state meet where they finished 17th. It could be different for Rosary this year. Their top three return from last year’s team. Rosary is without a conference this season since the Suburban Christian Conference disbanded. A challenge to find runners 4-7 to get back to Peoria could be a mission. Madison Ronzone finished 32nd a year ago. She could be in the top 20 this year. Emi Martin and Shea Vero give this team a strong first three. After that, there are a number of runners that will challenge for the next four spots. “Last year was such a Cinderella year with our first birth to state, with our top three returning and hopefully stronger…we like to hope we can get to state again,” said Coach Vic Mead.
Breese Mater Dei Coach – Dave Kohnen 2013 Finish – 6th – 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional
Returnees – Sophia Lager SO (58,19:02), Sarah Faust SR, Sophie Kuhl SO, Amy Krebs JR, Krisal Litteken JR, Tori Brokering JR, Amy Haag SO.
Outlook – Six runners are back from last year’s sixth place sectional finishing team. Chances could be good that this team takes the next step to Peoria if they can stay healthy. Depth will be an issue. Sophia Lager should lead this team with senior Sophia Faust close behind. This team potentially could have an 85 second 5 runner split. That will need to close a little for this team to advance.
Carbondale Coach – Greg Storm 2013 Finish – 14th – 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional
Returnees – Mary Goodale SO, Sam Goodale SR, Madeline Johnson SR, Suzanna Del Rio JR, Natalie Rendelman SO, Christina Bell SO, Meredith Jones SO, Kaitlyn Stearns SR, Alessandra Pinter SO.
Newcomers – Kaylia Fann SO (ran track last spring), Claire Kippenbrock FR.
Outlook – The Terriers return six from last year’s sectional team. Sisters Mary and Sam Goodale could challenge for the top spots. The loss of graduated Hannah Cherry could hurt this team. Kaylia Fenn, who ran 2:23 in track, could step into a top five spot according to Carbondale coach Greg Storm. “Our expectations are to regain the conference championship be able to get into the Top 10 this year at sectionals. If our new girls progress, like I believe they will, we are hoping for possibly a top 8 showing at the sectional meet,” said Storm.
Chicago Mather Coach – Lee Greenberg 2013 Finish – 17th – 3A Lake Park Sectional
Returnees – Yarely Robledo, Sandy Khang, Sandy Nano, Sophia Garcia SR, Cindy Le SR, Rebecca Odusola SO, Gissel Cam-Koo SO.
Outlook – Chicago Public League’s Mather drops down to 2A for the 2014 season. Their chances are good that they will be in the traditionally weak Fenton Sectional. Four runners are back from last year’s sectional quad. Yarely Robledo and Sandy Nano give this team a good duo up front. The team finished fifth at the Chicago Public League Championships. They could improve on that finish as well as getting to the state meet.
Chicago University Coach – Debbie Ribbens 2013 Finish – 24th – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Lucy Kenig-Zeisler JR (46,18:46), Elsa Erling SO (108,19:37), Isabella Khan SO (151,20:19), Grace Cain JR (160,20:26), Liza Libes SR (183,21:03), Jax Ingrassia SR (201,22:12), Genevieve Nemeth JR, Paula Herbet JR, Nicole Kuper SO, Madeline Sacks SR.
Newcomers – Elana Sparrow FR.
Outlook – Chances are good that U-High will make a return trip to the state meet. Six runners are back from last year’s state qualifying team. Lucy Kenig-Zeisler should be the front runner on this team with a chance of earning all-state honors. Their 1-5 split last season at the state meet was 137 seconds. That will need to come down if this squad wants to finish in the top 20 at the state meet. Elsa Erling could be a surprise on this team. She was their second runner a year ago. She could be closer to her teammate Konig-Zeisler this fall.
Danville Coach – Todd Orvis 2013 Finish – 12th – 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional
Returnees – Mercedes Elliott JR, Shreja Patel JR, Emily Cleveland SR, Emone Davis SR, Linna Shutt SR, Caylin Smith SR, Dezerai Huckelberry SO.
Outlook – Danville will look to improve on last year’s 12th place finish in their sectional meet. Mercedes Elliott should be the #1 runner on this team. She did not have the best of sophomore seasons. The talent is there for her to dip under 18 minutes this fall. The split at their sectional meet last year was over 3 minutes. This will need to improve if they look to move up the sectional ladder.
Geneseo Coach – Kelley Timmerman 2013 Finish – 9th – 2A Normal West Sectional
Returnees – Katie Puls SR, Megan Coulter SO, Taylor Claus JR, Molly Lembke JR, Madison Miller JR, Becca Rapps JR, Lauren Coulter JR, Sally DeBrock SO, Katelyn Mielke SO, Emma Alexander SO.
Newcomers – Raelyn Versluys FR
Outlook – Kelley Zimmerman moves up to head coach of the Girls team after long time coach Don Fredericks concentrates on the Boys program. The Maple Leafs finished ninth a year ago at the Normal West Sectional. Four runners are back from that team. Katie Puls should be the #1 runner on this team. She could make it to Peoria as an individual qualifier. The team should have a tight 2-5 pack of near 3o seconds this season led by Megan Coulter. If the pack can stay within 45 seconds of Puls, the chances will increase that they could get out of the sectional as a qualifying team.
Jacksonville Coach – Breck Van Bebber 2013 Finish – 13th – 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional
Returnees – Emma Chelsvig SR (34,18:30), Allison Hewitt SR, Kiara Coskey SO, Katie Rammelkamp SR, Katelyn Halligan SR, Maggie Doss SO, Skylar Mitchell SO.
Newcomers – Tori Covell JR.
Outlook – Five runners are back from last season’s 13th place sectional team. Emma Chelsvig has been their top runner for the last two years will once again lead this team. Chances are good that she could earn all-state honors. She finished 34th at Detweiller a year ago. Allison Hewitt has improved and could make a strong second runner. “I would say my expectation level for the season is high. I believe that we have a team that can be very successful if we stay healthy and the freshmen contribute like I think they can. We are going to have around 11-12 girls total so depth will be an issue,” said Coach Brock Van Bebber.
Joliet Catholic Coach – Mark Clarke 2013 Finish – 12th – 2A Normal West Sectional
Returnees – Kennedy Weight SO, Ally Egizio SO, Kelly Testin SO, Natalie Nemanich SR, Monica Underwood SR, Maris Corral SR, Madeline Blotnik SO, Erin Egizio SO, Sydney Gales JR, Margaret Bannon SR.
Outlook – Three runners are back from last year’s sectional qualifying team. Three sophomores should be in the front of JCA’s pack led by Kennedy Weight. Their 5 runner pack is projected to be close to 120 seconds. If that can be cut down to 90 seconds, this team could improve on last year’s sectional performance.
LaGrange Nazareth Academy Coach – Joe Wejman 2013 Finish – 6th – 2A Wheaton Academy Sectional
Returnees – Clare Ramsey SO (59,19:03), Gianna Levato JR, Emily Beedie SR, Colleen Cavanaugh JR, Brenna Fritzscke JR, Nicole Kozak SO, Jessica Sullivan SO, Francesca Zeno JR, Claire Svoboda SO, Amanda Harris SO, Mary Claire Harrington SO, Emily Eddins JR, Rebecca Letcher SR.
Newcomers – Maeve Roach SO (Ran track during the spring).
Outlook – Nazareth Academy missed qualifying for state last year out of the tough Wheaton Academy Sectional by four points finishing sixth. A chip is on the shoulder on the five returning runners from last year’s top seven in trying to complete what they started in 2013. Claire Ramsey qualified as an individual last year running 19:03. She has the potential to finish in the top 30 this season. Gianna Levato, Emily Beedie, and Colleen Cavanuagh give this team a solid first four. This team is deep. They came so close to their dreams last season. “The expectation this year is making it to the state meet,” said Coach Joe Wejman. “With the top 4 back we like where we are at. Yorkville and Glenbard South are strong but we feel like a state berth is more than in our reach. If things go well, I don't think a top 10 finish is out of the question at Detweiller.
Lake Forest Coach – Steve Clegg 2013 Finish – 10th – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Emma Allen SR (68,19:09), Nora Burgener JR (69,19:09), Kelsey Schmidt JR (114,19:40), Katie Condon JR (145,20:13), Haley Click SO (169,20:36), Bailey Ehrens SR, Callie Schmidt JR, Alex Manley SO, Hannah Flagstad SR, Etta Eckerstram SR.
Newcomers – Emma Milburn, Mary Gregg FR, Brett Chody FR.
Outlook – In the first year of 2A competition, the Scouts took advantage qualifying for state and finishing tenth at Detweiller. The loss of Claire Yandell will hurt this team, there are still five runners back that could return Lake Forest back to Peoria. This team will have to rely on a tight pack to advance since they will not be getting Yandell’s low numbers. Emma Burgener and Emma Allen ran side by side at last year’s state meet and are expected to be the front runners on this team. It could be an influx of freshmen that could give this team a boost. Emma Milburn, who ran 4:49 for 1500 last spring could end up in the top three on this team. Mary Gregg is another freshman that could also contribute immediately. Kelsey Schmidt and Katie Condon give this team additional depth.
A 35 second split is definitely not out of the question for this team. The key will be getting towards the top 20 in the big invitationals. “As always, it's tricky to determine realistic expectations this time of year. The loss of Claire Yandell is significant for us,” said Coach Steve Clegg. “We don't have a replacement for her talent, but I think the 7 who end up running varsity at the end of the season will be much better than the six behind Claire in 2013. We are more likely to have to rely on a solid pack run. I am hopeful that we can improve from our 10th place last year - I think we can be better this year.”
Lake Villa Lakes Coach – Keith West 2013 Finish – 8th – 2A Belvidere Sectional
Returnees – Kortney Schardt JR, Ashley Espinosa SR, Nicole Towne SR, Elizabeth Thompson SR, Sarah Sprague JR, Fiona Floden SR, Hannah Savage-Cooper JR, Megan Remillard SO, Brittany Prais SO, Aimee Walczyk JR, Emily Sprague SR, Nikolina Novakovic SR, Alison Myers SR.
Outlook – Lakes will look to move up in the tough Kaneland Sectional this season. Five runners are back from last year’s 8th place sectional team. Korey Schardt provides good leadership. She has the talent to qualify individually. Nicole Towne and Ashley Espinosa could run close to Schardt this year. The split on five was close to 60 seconds last year. It will need to come down a little for a chance of this team qualifying for the state meet. “There is a lot of competition in our sectional, but we think we can be very competitive this year,” said Coach Keith West.
Lombard Montini Catholic Coach – Pete Connelly 2013 Finish – 11th – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Gianna Salzbrunn JR (41,18:39), Emma Makowski JR (138,20:07), Bianca Montesirnos SR (173,20:44), Lauren Denemark JR (177,20:51), Madeline Jamrozek SR (182,20:59), Mary O’Brien SO, Jenna Wiedacher SO, Fiona Winfrey JR, Jill Wagner JR, Cynthia Almazan SR, Nicole Lopez SR.
Newcomers – Lea Ritchie FR, Akayana Calkins JR (transfer from Wheaton North).
Outlook – This team had a rollercoaster season. They barely made it out of the Wheaton Academy Regional finishing sixth, then followed up qualifying for state the following week placing third. Five runners are back from last year’s team that finished 11th at Detweiller. Their first two runners (Brittany Fisher and Maggie Hallerud) have graduated. Gianna Salzbrunn should step into the #1 position with the possibility of being a top 15 runner statewide. Salzbrunn should have a solid pack behind her led by Emma Makowski and Lauren Denemark.
Do not be surprised if this team is on the starting line at Detweiller Park on the second Saturday of November. Coach Pete Connelly does a great job of preparing his team for the post-season. “This year's senior class started out with 3 girls, which is one more than last year's senior class. We've kept those and added three more,” Connelly said. “We have the potential to be better than some would expect.”
Mahomet-Seymour Coach – Bonnie Moxley 2013 Finish – 20th – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Lauren Whitehouse JR (26,18:09), Olivia Meyer SO (139,20:08), Jocelyn Thrasher JR (164,20:31), Mariah McAnally SO (167,20:32), Madison Buzicky JR (180,20:58), Twinkle Mehta, Kaitlin Lewis SO, Devon Kneps SR, Blayne Moxley SR, Ella Fried SR.
Outlook – The bulldogs return five from last year’s team that finished 20th a t the state meet. The big cog to this Mahomet-Seymour machine is Lauren Whitehouse. As a sophomore last season, Whitehouse just missed all-state honors finishing 26th. She will be one of the elite runners in 2A this season. This is a young squad with the five returning either juniors or sophomores. Olivia Mayer will lead a pack that needs to keep their gap near 35 seconds. If the pack can stay within 85 seconds of Whitehouse, this team has a chance of returning as a qualifying team to the state meet.
Mattoon Coach – McLain Schaefer 2013 Finish – 14th – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Megan Shaffer SR (19,17:55), Lexi Kremer SR (144,20:12), Gillian Card SO (154,20:22), Annabelle Blanchette SO (203,22:22), Miranda Clinton SO, Rendie Hamilton SR, Jordan Katz JR.
Outlook – It could be tough for the Green Wave this season as four return from last season’s 14th place state team. Though they lost their second and third runners, their top runner Megan Shafer returns. She finished 19th at state a year ago and could be in the top 10 in 2014. The key to this team will be finding a solid four behind Shafer. The closest runner, Lexi Kramer, looks to be more than two minutes behind her teammate. It will be finding runners that can stay close to each other in those spots that will be the difference if this team makes it back to Peoria in November.
Metamora Coach – Gene Jones 2013 Finish – 7th – 2A Normal West Sectional
Returnees – Casey Fitzgibbons JR, Bethany Spradlin JR, Katie Kassler SR, Kaitlyn Benson JR, Gabby Anglin SR, Emily Hasselbusch SR, Dayna Traver SR, Melissa Ambrosh SR, Avery Gutween SR.
Newcomers – Ellie Osko FR, Emma Stoller FR, Jacey Ciko FR, Lexi Grieves JR, Sara McCoy SO.
Outlook – Four runners are back from last year’s Metamora team that finished seventh in their sectional meet. Casey Fitzgibbons, who ran 18:59 last year at Maxwell Park, should be the lead runner on this team. Up to ten runners could challenge for the next six spots. Kate Kessler and Gabby Anglin should lead that pack. If their 5 runner split could get under 50 seconds, this team could challenge for a short trip down to Detweiller Park.
Morton Coach – Joel Zehr 2013 Finish – 8th – 2A Normal West Sectional
Returnees – Bayley Selburg JR, Erika Gordon SR, Joy Maclean SO, Tiff Coon SO, Macy Glatz SO, Alicia Urban SO, Jamie Hoffmire SR, Alyssa Klunk JR.
Outlook – Four runners are back from last year’s sectional qualifying team. Tiff Coon and Bailey Selburg should challenge each other for the top spot. “Training progressed well through the summer. We have a couple of runners who are coming back from injury that should make big stride and impact the varsity team,” said Morton Coach Joel Zehr. “WE would like to continue to advance to the sectional meet as a team. Last year’s team was rather deep with young talent that needed time to develop. If all things go right, we may be a team that could contend for a spot at the state finals this November.”
Mundelein Carmel Coach – Jim Halford 2013 Finish – 16th – 2A Belvidere Sectional
Returnees – Riley Felicicchia SR, Jilly Johnson SO, Kelly Morozin SR, Grace Duffy JR, Alison Reily SO, Lauren Caffarelli SO, Giana Day SO, Shannon Morozin SO, Shea Collins SR, Sarah Sparanza SO, Quinna Phillips JR, Maddy Cusack SO.
Outlook – Carmel returns six from a team that would like to improve on last year’s 16th place sectional finish. Riley Felicicchia should return as the lead runner on this team. Their 5 runner split at sectionals last year was 43 seconds. If the pack moves up, this team could move into the top ten in sectional competition.
Richmond-Burton Coach – Ryan Carlson 2013 Finish – 15th – 2A Belvidere Sectional
Returnees – Breanne Rutherford SO, Emma Langlois SO, Meagan Spohr SR, Brittany Tower JR, Eden Manuel SR, Julia Frys SO.
Newcomers – Kinsley Johnson FR, Amy Frisch FR.
Outlook – The top five runners are back from last year’s sectional team. Sophomores Breanne Rutherford and Emma Langlois should be the front runners on this team. “I hope to be competitive in the Big Northern Conference and advance to sectionals,” said Coach Ryan Carlson.
Rockford Boylan Coach – Linda Schmitt 2013 Finish – 9th – 2A Belvidere Sectional
Returnees – Delaney Appino SO, Erika Lowry SR, Abby Ray SR, Ellen Fey SO, Haley Beck JR, Melanie Timms SR, Rebecca Filak SR, Rachel Kreen SO, Lydia Kozlowski JR.
Newcomers – Kelsey Person SR
Outlook – With a deep team returning has hopes that Boylan could return back to the state meet in 2014. Coach Linda Schmidt welcomes back six from last year’s ninth place sectional team. Delaney Appino and Erika Lowery should lead this squad that will need to keep a tight pack. Kelsey Person, who was on the school’s all-state 4x8 team in track, could make an immediate impact in the top seven. “If we work hard we have a good shot at making it to State,” said Schmidt.
Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin Coach – Joshua Bluhm 2013 Finish – 7th – 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional
Returnees – Meghan McClain SR, Bridget McClain SR, Taylor Pohlman SR, Olivia Doll SO, Miranda Koehler SR, Emma Powell SR, Kate Jones SO, Elyse Morehead JR, Erin Faloon SR, Zoe Nelson JR, Sydney Compton JR, Paige Ulrich JR.
Outlook – Six runners return from last year’s 7th place sectional team. Meghan and Bridget McClain should be the top runners on this team. The two tend to run close together. This team experiences more success in meets when this happens. Taylor Pohlman will lead the second pack of this squad’s runners. Their 5 runner split at sectionals last year was 87 seconds. It needs to be under 60 seconds for this team to run at Detweiller in November.
Sterling Coach – Tyler Gaumer 2013 Finish – 14th – 2A Belvidere Sectional
Returnees – Margaret McPherson SO, Megan Barnhart SO, Mercedes Sanchez SR, Carly Hanson SO, Clarissa Worcester SR, Santana Estrada SR, Maya Miller SR, Amelia Martinez SO, Mackenzie Barnhart JR.
Outlook – Sterling returns all seven from last year’s 14th place sectional team. A good trio should be in the front consisting of Margaret McPherson, Megan Barnhart, and Mercedes Sanchez. If this team wants to move into the top ten of the sectional race, they will need to close the gap of their top five split. Last year, it was 106 seconds.
Taylorville Coach – Steve Walters 2013 Finish – 9th – 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional
Returnees – Anna Lowry SO, Michelle Childers SR, Amanda Rodecki SR, Andrea Curtin SR, Colette Merker SR, Carly Aldridge JR.
Outlook – Five return from last year’s ninth place sectional finish. Taylorville moves into the Apollo Conference from the Central State Eight in 2014. Anna Lowry will be the lead runner for this squad. The 2-5 pack should be within 45 seconds of each other. This team will be successful if the pack can get within 40 seconds of Lowery.
Washington Coach – Troy Walcott 2013 Finish – 12th – 2A State Meet
Returnees – Kassidy Dexheimer SO (98,19:28), Hailey Widder SR (110,19:38), Hailey Tranchitella SO (132,20:01), Mariah Moore SR (185,21:04), Madi Elmore SR, Corrine Zimmerman JR, Phoebe Lersch SO, Alexandra Solrin SO.
Newcomers – Josie Hermann FR, Kara Jacobs FR, Taylor Widder FR, Claire Meyers FR, McKenna Blackorby FR
Outlook – Washington just missed making it into the top 25 but should be in there soon. Four return from last year’s team that finished 12th at the state meet. Kassidy Dexheimer had a great summer and will step up in the #1 position for the team. The team will need to live off of a tight pack this year. Hailey Widder should lead that pack. Freshmen Josie Hermann and Kara Jacobs could be a part of that as well. “Our 1-5 spread should be tighter than in previous years,” said Coach Troy Walcott. “Although young, it will be a good team that should be very fit by post-season competition.” More news |
