We kick off our first high school team rankings with the 1A girls classification. This is a very fascinating classification to watch with a lot of storylines that will dominate this season. Can Tolono Unity continue their 3 year state championship streak? Or will a new challenge emerge?
25. Clinton
Head Coach/Coaches: Leann Sosamon and Rachel Lyons / Ethan O'Daniell
Last Year's Finish: 23rd @ 1A State
Key Returners: Lydia Cahill (Sr.), Maddi Leonard (Sr.), Adyson Beebe (Sr.), Amerie Hemphill (Sr.), Brielle Morrison (Sr.)
Key Newcomers: Aubrey Peterson (Fr.), Kacy Koritz (Fr.)
Coach Lyons' Outlook: The outlook for Clinton’s Girls Cross Country team is bright for this season! We have a large and strong senior class of girls (5 returning from last year’s state qualifying team) alongside some talented and dedicated freshman – which makes for a great combination! We are so excited to get this season started so we can watch them race!
24. Elmhurst (IC Catholic)
Head Coach/Coaches: Joe Hughes / Madison McMahon and Adam Varnas
Last Year's Finish:
Key Returners: Grazi Narcisi (Sr.), Grace Gildea (Jr.), Chloe Brandt (Jr.), Lily Fisher (Sr..), Janny Techamontreekul (Jr.)
New Additions: Keily Kemph (Sr.), Daniella Herrera (Fr.), Hayden Calcagno (Fr.)
Coach Hughes' Outlook: Summer training has given us a good view at what we will start with this season. We have a veteran laden team that knows the drill; should help set expectations for our underclassmen/new runners. We definitely have work to do in terms of creating a cohesive top 7, but we have a ton of talent that should keep us competitive every meet. This year will be the first in my time here where we will have the depth for a competitive battle for our 6 and 7 spots. This should help galvanize our girls outside the top 5. Im confident our girls will be up for the grind; our training will put them in the position to succeed come postseason.
23. Sherrard
Head Coach/Coaches: Grant Iles / Matthew Schlehuber and Laura Johnson
Last Year's Finish: Did Not Have 5 Runners At Regionals
Key Returners: Beth Churchill (Sr.), Tori Browning (Jr.), Cami Anderson (Jr.), Anna Churchill (So.)
Key Newcomers: Kylie Mathis (Fr.), Evelyn Weakley (So.)
Coach Iles' Outlook: This year's team has all the potential in the world. Returning two 2023 individual state qualifiers (Tori Browning and Anna Churchill) in combination with Senior Beth Churchill and returning Junior Cami Anderson will prove to be a very competitive pack of experienced runners. Our goals include continuing to build on last year's regular season successes and qualify the entire team for the IHSA state meet
22. Aurora Central Catholic
Head Coach/Coaches: Leah Bohr
Last Year's Finish: 22nd @ 1A State
Key Returners: Cecilia Hilby (Jr.), Sofia Orozco (So.), Ailidzie Perez (So.), Isabella Matty (Jr.), Nicole Smith (Sr.), Cayla Oldenburger (Sr.), Carolina Dervis (Sr.)
Carson’s Outlook: The Chargers enter this season with intrigue after a somewhat quiet track season. Cecilia Hilby had a good season in the 800m and will look to lead this team as one of the best runners in the classification. The pack of Nicole Smith, Aiidzie Perez, and Sofia Orozco should all be under 20 minutes. There is some questions around who will be this squads fifth runner, but if this group can get someone close to their pack then expect them to shoot up the rankings.
21. Monticello
Head Coach/Coaches: Benton Singleton / Tosha Fair and Matt Miller
Last Year's Finish: 10th @ 1A Decatur St. Teresa Sectional
Key Returners: Sylvia Miller (Sr.), Taylor Mabry (So.), Madison Morrow (So.), Olivia Gerdes (Jr.), Charlotte Conatser (Sr.), Annie Robinson (So.)
Key Newcomers: Macie Owen (Fr.), Caitynn Sanders (Fr.)
Unexpected Losses: Mylin Bruhn (Jr.)
Coach Singleton's Outlook: I am excited for this upcoming season. I have high expectations from this group and they know it. We all have goals and our one main goal for this team is to make it back to state. Monticello has a great history with cross country and filling those shoes is not an easy thing to do. Making it back to state and competing there is a goal that all of us have. I love the concept that I learned from my college basketball coach Steve Schweer when he said, "In order for us to be great, we as a team need to stack good days together at practice. If we do that, we will be successful.". When we started to stack our good days and good practices on top of each other, our competition level, intensity, grit, and togetherness went through the roof. We became successful and started dominating. I want the same to come from this team. Stacking good days together and being prepared for the race ahead of us.
20. Pinckneyville
Head Coach/Coaches: Ryan Bruns
Last Year's Finish: 18th @ 1A State
Key Returners: Vanessa Teel (Sr.), Zoey Conway (Sr.), Love Rojek (So.), Maddy Dill (So.), Madison Bruns (Jr.)
Key Newcomers: Kadence Bruno (Fr.)
Carson’s Outlook: The Panthers enter this season with a great group of returners back from last year's state finish. Vanessa Teel is a returning all-stater from last fall. Kadence Bruno is a talented freshman that will look to make an instant impact. Zoey Conway and Love Rojek both should be under 20 minutes this season. This team will count on the development of Maddy Dill and Madison Bruns if they wish to move up the rankings.
19. Palos Heights (Chicago Christian)
Head Coach/Coaches: Jake Christiansen / Nate Rivera
Last Year's Finish: 6th @ 1A State
Key Returners: Kihra Moes (Jr.), Abby Mullin (So.), Mia Caporale (Jr.), Haley Van Til (Jr.), Anais Rivera (Jr.), Briana Sitko (So.)
New Additions: Katie Sitko (Fr.), Abbey Kosloskus (Fr.)
Coach Christiansen's Outlook: Our core group has been training consistently during the summer and should take a step forward this year despite graduating our top two runners from State last year. The ladies know they want to earn a State trophy (which would be a first for our cross country program) and also that we have the capability to do so. As always, our three overarching goals are to Glorify God, Support Our Teammates, and Strive for Excellence. If we focus on those three things, the rest of the season will fall into place.
18. Herscher
Head Coach/Coaches: Rob Grosso
Last Year's Finish: 10th @ 1A State
Key Returners: Gianna High (So.), Kelly O'Connor (Jr.), Lily Tucek (Fr.), Sophie Venckauskas (Jr.), Fabienne Houberg (Jr.), Brandi Palmateer (Sr.)
Key Newcomers: Laylah Kent (Fr.)
Carson’s Outlook: The Tigers finished top 10 in the state last year and could potentially be a top 10 team in the classification again. Kelly O’Connor had a great track season in the 800m as she ran 2:22. She will be finishing near the front of most races this year with teammate Gianna High who was the teams 1st runner last season. Lily Tucek and Sophie Venckauskas were the teams 4th and 5th runners last year and should be under 20 minutes this season. This squad will need to see development from someone else on this team to be their 5th runner if they wish to be a top 10 team in the classification.
17. Seneca
Head Coach/Coaches: Kim Foster
Last Year's Finish: 20th @ 1A State
Key Returners: Evelyn O'Connor (Sr.), Natalie Misener (Sr.), Aubrie Jackson (Sr.), Lila Coleman (Jr.), Lily Mueller (Jr.), Ruthie Steffes (Jr.), Julie Mueller (So.)
Key Newcomers: Lila Coleman (JR)
Coach Foster's Outlook: My girls team will look similar to last year, minus Gracie, who graduated. Evelyn and Natalie will be leading us again this season. Both girls have looked strong and focused this summer and are looking forward to leaving it all out there their senior year. I'm hoping to see Evelyn running sub 18 at Detweiller and Natalie sub 19. I'm hoping to see some improvement in the rest of the girls as well this season. Lila Coleman is a track standout who is giving XC a try this season. I have high hopes for her and I really think she could be top 3 for the team by the end of the season.
16. Toulon (Stark County)
Head Coach/Coaches: Bob Rennick
Last Year's Finish: 19th @ 1A State
Key Returners: Dusti Smith (So.), Cheyenh Smith (Jr.), Alexis Martinez (Sr.), Keagan Hamilton (Sr.), Paytin Terwilliger (Jr.), Sarah Kraklow (Sr.), Haylie Moodie (Jr.)
Key Newcomers: Darilis Knobloch (Fr.)
Coach Rennick's Outlook: We hope to be very competitive at LTC Conference Finals, qualify out of regionals for the 9th consecutive season and earn a bid to State Finals. Individually, Dusti Smith, Cheyenh Smith and Alexis Martinez will compete for All Conference awards and Dusti Smith looks to earn All-State honors once again. A great deal of our focus will be building off last season’s hard work and handling increased expectations. Our summer has gone very well, and I think our level of fitness reflects it. I have always been lucky to have very close girls’ teams during my coaching career and this year’s team is no exception. They very much see themselves as a family first and foremost, which I think has been a big reason why we have success. The girls have worked very hard to be in a position to have a great season, both as a team and individually. Dealing with increased expectations will be challenging but I think this “family” will do it well.
15. Glen Carbon (Father McGivney)
Head Coach/Coaches: James Helton
Last Year's Finish: 8th @ 1A State
Key Returners: Elena Rybak (Sr.), Jane Cummins (Sr.), McKenzie Jones (So.), Ainsley Turkington (So.), Bella Redenius (So.), Isabella Harris (Sr.)
Carson’s Outlook: The Griffins have had a great last few years which was topped this past track season with a team state championship. This group finished 8th in the state last year in xc, but graduated a key runner in Kaitlyn Hatley. Elena Rybak leads this squad once again heading into the season. She enters her senior year sporting a 1600m PR of 4:49, she could challenge Keller for an individual state championship this fall. Jane Cummins made some great progress during the spring as she ran 5:26 in the 1600m. She should be near the front of most races this year. McKenzie Jones should be under 20 minutes this fall. Ainsley Turkington and Bella Redenius will be the key runners for this squad. If they can improve to running just over the 20 minute barrier this year then this squad should be an intriguing team to watch for.
14. Delavan
Head Coach/Coaches: Suzanne LaFary
Last Year's Finish: 7th @ 1A Elmwood Sectional
Key Returners: Annabelle LaFary (Jr.), Alaina Karker (Jr.), Khloe Stockham (So.), Drew Robison (Jr.), Olivia Nehmelman (So.), Kylin Brockhouse (So.)
Key Newcomers: Elyse Brinkmeyer (Fr.)
Carson’s Outlook: The Panthers did not qualify for the state meet in 2023, but that was not due to their team not being good. They barely missed qualifying for the state meet in arguably the hardest sectional in 1A. Annabelle LaFary returns as this group's top runner. She progressed great over the track season as she ran 11:29 in the 3200. She will be a potential all-stater. Alaina Karker should be under 19 minutes this season. Khloe Stockham and Drew Robison should be under 20 minutes. Key for this group will be keeping their 5th runner 30 seconds within Stockham and Robison.
13. Lombard (Montini)
Head Coach/Coaches: Alex Zasso
Last Year's Finish: 21st @ 1A State
Key Returners: Sydney Gertsen (Jr.), Ashlynn Lindt (Jr.), Annalee Defeo (Sr.), Rosie Callaghan (So.), Naomy Gonzalez (Sr.), Maryfaith Considine (So.), Yeon Park (Sr.)
Carson’s Outlook: The Broncos return all 7 runners from their state qualifying team from last year. They are led by Sydney Gertsen who had a great track season as she ran 10:54 in the 3200m. She will be a top 10 runner in the classification this fall. This squad might have the best 1-2 punch in the classification with Ashlynn Lindt also looking great after running 11:15 this spring in the 3200m. She should be battling for a top 15 spot in November. Rosie Callaghan also ran great in track and should be close to 20 minutes this fall. Annalee Defeo will likely be a mid 20 minute runner this season. The key will be the progression of Naomy Gonzalez. If she can get into the mid 20:00s then this squad will easily be a top 10 team in the classification.
12. Winnebago
Head Coach/Coaches: Janet Erb and Joe Erb / Jeremy Stevens and Shawn Maher
Last Year's Finish: 13th @ 1A State
Key Returners: Morgan Capriola (Jr.), Svea Glidden (So.), Ella Carlson (So.), Audra Mecum (So.), Emma Woolery (Sr.), Hannah Roggensack (Jr.)
Key Newcomers: Molly Webb (Fr.), Ashlynn Robinson (Fr.), Avery Kaap (Fr.), Kenzie Zimmerman (Fr.), Linnea Lyons. (Fr.)
Coach Erb's Outlook: I'm really excited about this team. This is a group of talented, smart, hard working young ladies. Most of them are freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, so we will have a couple years together to build this team. These are great kids!
11. Stanford Olympia
Head Coach/Coaches: Randi Krehbiel
Last Year's Finish: 9th @ 1A Elmwood Sectional
Key Returners: Emma Swartzendruber (Sr.), Amanda Gonzalez (Jr.), Kamryn Rader (So.), Amelia Kistner (Sr.), Kaylie Dare (Sr.), Sidney Beavers (Sr.)
Key Newcomers: Mira Kistner (Fr.), Ava Jenkins (Fr.)
Carson’s Outlook: The Spartans have had some great success on the boys side in recent years, but now it looks as if it's the girls time to shine. This squad has some heavy firepower with their top3 being very close together. Emma Swartzendruber was this teams top runner last season and will be looking to be part of that top 3. Joining her looks to be a freshman in Mira Kistner and her senior sister Amellia Kistner. Mira had a great 8th grade track season as she ran 5:33 in the 1600m. Amelia ran just a tad bit slower in the 1600m running 5:35, but ran a fantastic 12:14 in the 3200m. All three should be under 19 minutes and closer to 18:30 likely. Amanda Gonzalez progressed great over the track season as well running 12:40 in the 3200m. She should be knocking on the door of the 19 minute barrier. Kaylie Dare and Kamryn Rader should round out this squad and will look to be under 20 minutes.
10. Elmwood
Head Coach/Coaches: Kyle Anderson
Last Year's Finish: 8th @ 1A Elmwood Sectional
Key Returners: Olivia Stage (Sr.), Taylor Forney (So.), Addy Turner (Jr.), Natalie Babcock (Jr.), Abby Dawson (Jr.), Brooke McGinn (So.)
Key Newcomers: Mya Hill (Fr.), Bristol Schmidgall (Fr.), Riley Kelly (Fr.), Katie Doe (Fr.)
Carson’s Outlook: This will be a completely different team than how it currently looks on paper. A projected 3 freshmen look tobe in this squad’s top 5. This squad looks to have a 1-5 split under 30 seconds this season so running as a pack will be a key to their success. Taylor Forney and Olivia Stage are the top two returners from last year's group. Both will be looking to be under 19 minutes this season. Forney had a great track season running 5:38 in the 1600m. Freshman Mya Hill, Bristol Schmidgall, and Riley Kelly will be right with Forney and Stage. Hill took 9th at the IESA State Meet and ran 12:08 during the season for 2 miles. Schmidgall was right behind her finishing 12th at the state meet. She also ran 5:36 this spring in the 1600m. Riley Kelly took 19th at the IESA State Meet. These three freshman give the Trojans a major boost.
9. El Paso-Gridley
Head Coach/Coaches: Michael Melick / Jacob Ludy
Last Year's Finish: 12th @ 1A State
Key Returners: Caroline Wettstein (Jr.), Sophie Hinthorne (Jr.), Myli Ehrhardt (Jr.), Mady Harms (So.), Mya Griffin (So.), Haven Miller (So.), Elly Huette (So.)
Key Newcomers: Verity Nowark (Fr.), Avery Glacinski (Fr.), Adalyn Solomonson (Fr.), Addison Smith (Fr.), Kiley Knapp (So.)
Coach Melick's Outlook: Nellie Melick had surgery to repair a torn labrum in April and will be making a slow recovery this fall. She had been our #1 the last three years prior to her injury last October. I see our juniors showing more consistency than previous summers, I see our sophomores gaining confidence and perhaps ready to push themselves into varsity spots, and I see our freshmen coming in ready to fight for a place at the table. My dream is to see a pack of ten EPGXC girls cruising/crushing their workouts (and maybe even some early races) in formation, where the pressure is off them as individuals and they joyfully run their best as a single team.
8. Shelbyville
Head Coach/Coaches: Levi Pruemer
Last Year's Finish: 7th @ 1A State
Key Returners: Tessa Bowers (Jr.), Lily Woolery (Sr.), Aly Douglass (Sr.), Katie Nohren (Sr.), Sara Tynan (Jr.), Greta Duke (Sr.), Laynie Lockart (So.)
Carson’s Outlook: The Rams are coming off a top 10 at the state meet last year. They look to better their performance this fall. They are led by superstar runner Tessa Bowers who had a great track season that was highlighted with a new PR of 5:04 in the 1600m. She will be fighting for a top 10 finish in November. Lily Woolery seems ready to make a big jump. The 400/800 runner on the track produced some great marks this spring. If her training is geared towards xc, she could be a low 18:00s runner. Aly Douglass should be running in the mid 18:00s this fall. Katie Nohren should be running under 20 minutes. The key will be trying to get that 5th runner under the 20 minute barrier for this team to challenge for a top 5 ranking.
7. Pleasant Plains
Head Coach/Coaches: Rob Havens / Joe Higginson
Last Year's Finish: 11th @ 1A State
Key Returners: Abigail Wolters (Sr.), Caroline Willenborg (Jr.), Alaina Hawker (Jr.), Teagen Galloway (Sr.), Alli VanVeldhuizen (So.), Joanna Harney (Sr.), Peyton Howell (Jr.), Jazmyne Albers (Jr.), Lauren Hegele (Sr.), Jordan McCann (Sr.), Alison Hegele (Jr.)
Key Newcomers: Madalyn Hegele (Fr.)
Coach Havens' Outlook: Coming off successful 2022 (8th as a team at State) and 2023 (11th as a team at State) seasons, the primary 2024 season goal is to qualify for State and compete for a top five finish. Summer running/weightroom participation and overall times prove that the girls want to achieve this goal. Providing we can stay healthy, six of the potential top seven runners are all capable of sub 19:00, with three to four capable of mid 18’s. Five seniors will push the underclassmen. Three of those seniors in our top seven. Two juniors poised to push each other again this season, after solid freshmen and sophomore campaigns, Hawker and Willenborg, both capable of mid 18 times. Hawker posted the top 2-mile time trial time recently. Who is our number one? It’s a competition between Wolters, Willenborg, Hawker, Galloway and VanVeldhuizen at the moment, with Madalyn Hegele, Harney, Howell, Albers and Lauren Hegele pushing those top runners for a top seven spot. The girls know it’s a long season and progress isn’t achieved overnight. They trust the process, and all have been pushing themselves over the summer.
6. Williamsville
Head Coach/Coaches: Tyler Casson
Last Year's Finish: 9th @ 1A State
Key Returners: Louisa Wilson (Sr.), Joelle Wilson (So.), Hannah Nation (Sr.), Ella Knoles (So.), Kaylea Hollinshead (So.), Alaina Woolery (So.), Lyla Bentley (Jr.)
Key Newcomers: Brooklyn Turley (Fr.)
Carson’s Outlook: The Bullets return their top 6 runners from their 9th place team they had last season. This team is again headlined by the Wilson’s. Both Louisa Wilson and Joelle Wilson will be near the front of most races this year. Louisa will once again be one of the best runners in the classification. Hannah Nation returns with a 18:59 PR, look for her to be in the mid 18:00s this year. Ella Knoles and Kaylea Hollinshead enter this season now as sophomores with some big racing under their belts. They will be looking to take the next step and potentially dip under 20 minutes. Brooklyn Turley is a new addition to this group that can help. She was 15th at the IESA State Meet and ran 12:08 as a 7th grader. If she returns to that form then look for this team to be a top 5 team in the state.
5. Eureka
Head Coach/Coaches: Olivia Morris / Matt O'Hanlon, Tom Engelhorn, Kellen Ehrenhardt, Kurt Hinrichsen
Last Year's Finish: 4th @ 1A State
Key Returners: Meika Bender (Sr.), Reagan Gerber (Jr.), Adeline Hubert (Jr.), Sierra Herrmann (So.), Ava Otto (So.), Sophie Watson (So.), Molly Gerber (So.), Janae Walder (Jr.), Haley Sauder (Jr.), Carys Mayo (Jr.), Layni Garza (Jr.), Lucy Grimm (Jr.)
Coach Morris' Outlook: Our summer was consistent, we did our best to balance work schedules and maximize our summer attendance. We stressed listening to your body and cross training when you felt necessary. 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. We will be missing Bre Lehman due to an injury sustained during the track season, even on the sidelines she makes our team better. I see the girls working together to make each other better and executing race plans.
4. Chicago (Latin)
Head Coach/Coaches: Dan Daly / Jim Spivey, Clayton Mendez, Rachel DaDamio
Last Year's Finish: 16th @ 1A State
Key Returners: Mia Kotler (Sr.), Ellie Anderson (Sr.), Ruby Larsen (Jr.), Lucinda Winlaw (Sr.), Alina Ballard (Jr.)
New Additions: Francesca Mora (Fr.), Vivian Sidrys (Fr.), Julia Steffen (So.), Zoe Curry. (So.), Lyla Granich (So.), Cecily Daly (Fr.), Clare Horwitz (Fr.)
Coach Daly's Outlook: We're excited as we have strong talent on the front end and more depth than usual. All the newcomers should have a positive effect on the team.
Could be a year to celebrate soe great success while having fun along the journey. Ruby Larsen has been working really hard over the summer and she expects to show great improvement this fall.
3. Peoria Notre Dame
Head Coach/Coaches: Dan Gray / Elyse Dell, Tyler Francisovich, Geoff Girsch, Michael Kouri, Kate Socha, Julie Feeny
Last Year's Finish: 3rd @ 1A State
Key Returners: Meghan Zopel (Sr.), Julia Mingus (Sr.), Sarah Couri (Sr.), Maya Zopel (Jr.), Norah Gould (So.), Grace Yontz (Sr.), Shannon Zopel (So.), Elizabeth Leustek (So.)
New Additions: Mackenzie James (Fr.), Audrey Shane (Fr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Irish return their top 7 from a 3rd place finish last year at the state meet. They will be of course once again in the trophy hunt this year. They are led by senior Meghan Zopel who had a great track season running 5:18 in the 1600m. She will be in contention to be an all-stater this fall. Julia Mingus and Sarah Couri both should be running in the low 18:00s this fall. The pack of Maya Zopel, Shannon Zopel, and Norah Gould should be challenging 19 minutes. Just because this team won a trophy does not guarantee them a trophy this year. A lot of teams have progressed over the months after the last cross country season. The key for this group will be improving their top 3 so they can benefit from some low stick runners.
2. Tolono Unity
Head Coach/Coaches: Kara Leaman
Last Year's Finish: 1st @ 1A State
Key Returners: Mackenzie Pound (Jr.), Emily Decker (Sr.), Ashlyn Denney (Sr.), Camyn Reedy (Sr.), Grace Wherley (So.), Josie Cler (Sr.), Cameryn Cobb (Jr.)
Carson’s Outlook: The Rockets are currently in the middle of a historic stretch. They have won the 1A State Championship for the past 3 years. Mackenzie Pound is the top returner from last year's squad. She took 10th in the state last year and will be the low stick that this squad needs. Emily Decker will be a runner that could be a potential all-stater. She took 30th in the state last fall. Ashlyn Denney and Camryn Reedy both will challenge low 18:00s. The key for this group will be trying to find a 5th runner that can close down their 1-5 split. Their 5th runner will be the key to them repeating as state champs.
1. Anna Jonesboro
Head Coach/Coaches: Matt Denny
Last Year's Finish: 2nd @ 1A State
Key Returners: Jadyn Gerardi (So.), Aleah Box (Jr.), Liz Hammer (So.), Zoe Jones (Sr.), Maggie Gooden (Jr.), Kinley Leek (So.), Reese Jones (Jr.), Raegan Jones (Jr.), Kenzie Miller (Jr.)
Key Newcomers: Melaina Bundren (Fr.)
Carson’s Outlook: The Wildcats return all 7 members of their 2nd place team in the state from last fall. Jadyn Gerardi returns as the 9th place finisher from the state meet last year. Aleah Box was justoff all-state honors placing 34th, but a great track season puts her in a spot to be in all-state contention this fall. Kinley Leek made some great strides this spring with a PR in the 1600m of 5:29. She will be in the low to mid 18:00s this season. Liz Hammer was the team's 3rd runner last year. She will be a mid 18:00s runner. The biggest thing that sets Tolono Unity and Anna Jonesboro apart is the depth that the Wildcats have Maggie Gooden, Zoe Jones, and Reese Jones all could break 19:00 this season.
Comments