We preview some of the best girls teams in the classifcation that just missed the cut to make the top 25 rankings. If you dont see your team on this list then wait and see if they are included tomorrow! The teams included in this article are teams that had coaches email back information to Illinoisrunningnews@gmail.com.
Amboy
Head Coach: Michael Robinson
Last Year's Finish: 5< @ 1A Oregon Sectional
Key Returners: Aubrey Wells (So.), Sam Nauman (Jr.), Natalie Pratt (Sr.), Addison Pertell (Sr.), Anna Carlson (Jr.)
New Additions: Maddie Althaus (So.), Grace Althaus (Jr.)
Coach Robinson's Outlook: Summer running has been alright, all the girls are involved in multiple things so getting everyone together has been rough. Our goals are to return our team to sectionals and win our conference meet this year. We are as always looking to improve from before
Newton
Head Coach: Tim Bower
Last Year's Finish: 15th @ 1A Decatur St. Teresa Sectional
Key Returners: Layna Marshall (Jr.), Shay Bennett (Jr.), Natalie Kistner (Sr.), Lily Yager (Jr.), Avery Mulvey (Sr.), Kate Bierman (So.), Ella Radke (Sr.)
New Additions: Avery Geier (Fr.)
Coach Bower's Outlook: Honestly if we can stay healthy it would be great to see what we can do, last season we were never at full strength. We have a small and fun group of girls who love being together. We hope to stay healthy and be the best that we can.
Petersberg (PORTA)
Head Coach/Coaches: Jacob Woodbridge / Rachel Chalmers
Last Year's Finish: 14th @ 1A Elmwood Sectional
Key Returners: Alanna Sparks (So.), Maggie Zimmerman (Jr.), Maggie Wankle (Jr.), Braelyn Sonnemaker (So.), Haven Anderson (So.)
Key Additions: Addison Corum (So.), Savannah Guilliou (Fr.)
Coach Woodbridge's Outlook: While we still have a little bit of mystery about
what the full team will look like at the start of practice on August 12th, I feel really good
about the make-up and overall depth of this years squad, this would be only the 3rd time
in 9 years we’ll have double digit roster numbers, and most of those girls will be quality
runners. Again, I see Alanna as our outright #1, who if everything goes well can be in the
low 19s, as well as Maggie Zimmerman also fully capable of running in the 19 minute
bracket. After that Addison Corum should be running low 21s, if not the 20s, and then we
have several girls (Maggie Wankel, Savannah Guilliou, Haven Anderson, and Braelyn
Sonnemnaker) who all have the potential to be packing in the 22 to 23 minute range by
October. It’ll be this close 4 through 7 runner situation that’ll give us a big boost compared to we were much more spaced out with our varsity runners last fall, and almost always had a varsity 7 runner in the 25 or 26 minute range. If things fall into place, and we don’t have any big injuries, I have a lot of hope that this could be one of, if not the best girls teams I’ve gotten to Coach here at PORTA.
Lowpoint-Washburn
Head Coach/Coaches: Kyle Daubs / Stone Darrow and Jeff Kirchgessner
Last Year's Finish: 10th @ 1A Elmwood Sectional
Key Returners: Lyla Unzicker (Sr.), Elly Heineke (Jr.), Kyndre Delagrange (So.), Alaina Moore (So.)
Key Newcomers: Abi Hodel (Sr.), Chloe Oltman (Fr.), Maddy Hummel (Fr.)
Unexpected Losses: Bri Harms (Jr.)
Coach Daubs' Outlook: Our girls are true gamers. This group of girls do not like to lose and they will do anything to win. Last year, we were a state team but we didn't make it to state because the IHSA alignment is completely messed up. You have teams making it to sectionals because there isn't enough teams to fill out a regional. Meanwhile, teams like us and Delavan have to fight hard to make it against 2A track programs playing against 1A teams. Our girls do not care who the competition is. They want to go out and do their best against anyone. They are exactly the kind of kids you would wan to run for you.
Roxana
Head Coach/Coaches: Ben Scamihorn / Juli Akal
Last Year's Finish: 8th @ 1A Benton Sectional
Key Returners: Gianna Stassi (So.), Bailey Schallenberg-Decker (So.), Taylor Partridge (Sr.), Elizabeth Clouse (So.), Kaitlyn Garland (Sr.), Gracie Curren (Jr.)
New Additions: Mikaela Murphy (So.)
Coach Scamihorn's Outlook: We have a very small and young group with some very talented runners. This summer these girls have really began buying into the process and have been much more consistent than last summer. With our girls team it’s going to come down to how much they improve as the season goes on. I think the sky is the limit for this group as they continue to progress
Byron
Head Coach/Coaches: Michael McHale / Josh Helms
Last Year's Finish: 9th @ 1A Oregon Sectional
Key Returners: Ashley Potter (So.), Emma Franchi (So.), Macyn Burris (So.), Elinor McHale (So.), Alayna Swanson (So.), Gabby Northrup (Jr.)
New Additions: Grace Burnes (Fr.)
Coach McHale's Outlook: The top girls have had a really good summer. Our goal is to make it to state.
Effingham (St. Anthony)
Head Coach/Coaches: Art Geen / Chuck Keller
Last Year's Finish: 14th @ IHSA 1A State
Key Returners: Isabella Keller (So.), Aubrey Denning (So.), Ava Faber (Sr.)
New Additions: Emeline Wines (Fr.), Leah DelRossi (Fr.), Sophia Emmerich (So.)
Coach Geen's Outlook: If we can keep 5 out should have a great shot at making it to State again this year, with Isabella having a shot to win it again and Aubrey Denning could very well find herself in the top 20. Boys team we should have a pretty tough top 6 this year as long as we stay healthy, I definitely believe they have a shot to make it to State as well. With a few of the new additions to the teams we are looking to end the season on a high note.
Robinson
Head Coach/Coaches: Lauren Clark / Jessica Anderson, Lukas Baird, Tony Cork
Last Year's Finish: 17th @ IHSA 1A State
Key Returners: Ella Tingley (Sr.), Mallory Mosbey (Jr.), Sophie Stark (Sr.), Terynn Loftis (So.), Milaina Kramme (Jr.)
New Additions: Laylani Beard (So.), Miley Kidwell (Jr.)
Coach Clark's Outlook: Our attendance for summer training has been awesome. Up until this point, we have been focused on building a strong base and we are slowly adding in workouts at this point.
Quincy Notre Dame
Head Coach/Coaches: Leah Waters / Tom Hellhake
Last Year's Finish: 13th @ 1A Elmwood Sectional
Key Returners: Meghan Spears (Jr.), Emmalyn Smith (So.), Ari Waters (Jr.), Addison Koch (Jr.), Aidyn Koch (Jr.), Mia Robnett (Sr.), Taylor Trudell (Sr.)
Coach Waters' Outlook: I am excited to see where this team goes this year. Over all,, we are a young team with only 2 seniors. However, I think all the runners are always hungry to do better than they did the day before. As more of those days pile up, the better we will become.
Dupo
Head Coach/Coaches: Kris Mendoza / Zach Huelskamp
Last Year's Finish: 10th @ 1A Trenton Wesclin Regional
Key Returners: Ashley Merrell (Sr.), Tania Rivas (Jr.), Aubrie Moyer (Sr.), Kaitlynn Townsend (Sr.)
New Additions: McCulloch Miller (Fr.), Brooke Diveley (So.)
Coach Mendoza's Outlook: It's tough to think of outlook for the girls. Fighting low numbers is always our biggest hurdle, it's difficult to imagine anything past that when you are just hoping to have enough girls to make a team
Edwardsville (Metro East Lutheran)
Head Coach/Coaches: Kevin Reiseck
Last Year's Finish: 5< @ 1A Trenton Wesclin Regional
Key Returners: Izzy McLeod (Sr.), Aubrey Goeckner (So.), Rachel Probasco (So.)
New Additions: Abby Packer (Sr.), Lucy Doyle (Fr.), Marion Hemmer (Fr.), Lily Walloch (Fr.)
Coach Reiseck's Outlook: The girls are looking to show improvement throughout the year and if they do the work necessary, they will all show a marked improvement. I see our team growing throughout the year and we may surprise some teams. Our team is small but we will give our best effort every time we are on the course. I see our team improving throughout the year and look forward to how the season will progress for us.
Gillespie
Head Coach/Coaches: Jay Weber / Laura Petersen and Jack Burns
Last Year's Finish: 5< @ 1A Sullivan Regional
Key Returners: Mia Brawner (Sr.)
New Additions: Wrigley Bruhn (So.), Maggie Heyen (So.), Cheyenne Sarti (So.), Amari Vickery (So.), Lyla Drewel (Fr.), Madisyn Thomas (Fr.)
Coach Weber's Outlook: The Gillespie High School Girls Cross Country team is very young and inexperienced this season. Senior All-Conference runner Mia Brawner leads a group of girls who are primarily multi-sport athletes giving Cross Country a try. There is excitement to returning to a full Girls roster that can compete near the top of the SCC Conference, and excitement for the development this season that may lead to future success.
Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy)
Head Coach/Coaches: Steven Bland / Scott Williamson
Last Year's Finish: 28th @ IHSA 1A State
Key Returners: Sophie Lang (Jr.), Leslie Uriostegui (Jr.), Julia Winkelman (Jr.), Daphne Brown (Sr.)
New Additions: Giselle Moret (Fr.), Sofia Learned (Fr.), Yulia Stefanyuk (Fr.), Sophia Stefanyuk (Fr.), Liseli Sanchez (Jr.)
Coach Bland's Outlook:I think our girls will develop as the season progresses, Moret will be our number one and will be competitive at the meets we have her run hard. We the way things look now, apart from Moret being towards the front of targeted meets, we should have a fairly tight pack of girls.
Princeville
Head Coach: Jeremy Melick
Last Year's Finish: 11th @ 1A Elmwood Sectional
Key Returners: Bethany Sennett (So.), Montana Hoerr (Sr.), Kyleigh Rinkel (So.)
Unexpected Losses: Alyvia Cowser (Sr.), Montana Hoerr (Sr.), Sahara Streitmatter (So.)
Coach Melick's Outlook: The outlook for our team this year could be a bit different than past years due to us having less than five girls so far. Without that “team” component, the focus will be more on helping each individual improve and be the best version of herself. That said, I am looking forward to seeing how the girls perform this year. Sophomore Bethany Sennett has had a strong summer that follows a strong track season. She was a State qualifier in cross-country last year and again in the 800 during track season. She is outperforming her summer from a year ago and is healthy, so she should be in a good place to begin this season.
Sullivan
Head Coach: Isaiah Plank
Last Year's Finish: 9th @ 1A Sullivan Regional
Key Returners: Julia Moody (So.), Eiley Poe (Jr.), Miracle Wilson (So.), Brooklyn Booker (Sr.)
New Additions: Julia Schrock (Sr.)
Coach Plank's Outlook: Sullivan Okaw Valley is looking to make a much larger impact in competition this season than last season. This summer has primarily focused on building consistency and preparing runners for the stress of the beginning of the season. Last year saw three seniors for both guys and girls, for a team of 14 combined runners that is a large portion of the team leaving. However a good class of freshman guys has filled the spots left, and the addition of senior Julia Schrock will help the girls team. Our primary goal this year will be to compete for a conference championship in the LPC as well as look to qualify for the sectional meet as a team.
Oregon
Head Coach/Coaches: Gabriel Poser / Ranae Taylor
Last Year's Finish: 18th @ 1A Oregon Sectional
Key Returners: Ella Dannhorn (Sr.), Lorelai Dannhorn (So.), Abbie Ludwig (Jr.)
New Additions: Christine Ramirez (Fr.), Jillian Hammer (Fr.), Madeline Rogers (Fr.), Kayla Rager (So.)
Coach Poser's Outlook: We're going to be better than we have been for a while. We'll have a REALLY solid top 3 between Ella Dannhorn, Lorelai Dannhorn, and Jillian Hammer. I have not personally seen Jillian run just yet, but based on the results that I've seen from her, she will be a huge asset and a potential top runner for the program. Lorelai is coming off of an appearance at the state meet in the 800m and is really coming into her own as a runner. Her potential is off the charts at the moment! I think with a solid 4 and 5, we'll have a formidable team coming into October. So long as Ella stays healthy, I feel confident that she will put in a performance at the sectional meet that would qualify her for state, whether that'll be with the team or not. Our summer training in the past has been inconsistent, but it's gotten a lot better this summer. Oregon has a really good crop of 8th graders this year, so next year will be even better. Last year, we only had five girls. TOTAL. And we still qualified for the sectional meet. If all the athletes that I have on the current roster stay committed, we'll more than double the size of our team, and in my view, our potential.
Champaign (St. Thomas More)
Head Coach/Coaches: Garrett Anderson / Sami Anderson and Alex Withers
Last Year's Finish: 24th @ IHSA 1A State
Key Returners: Paige Stark (Sr.), Francie Williamson (Sr.), Claire Kluesner (So.), Alex Anderson (So.), Rina Tanigaki (Jr.), Nataha Constable (So.)
New Additions: Elizabeth Withers-Sickels (Fr.)
Coach Anderson's Outlook: Our girls' team is entering this season with high hopes of running fast. Our top five runners, Francie Williamson, Alex Anderson, Paige Stark, Claire Kluesner, and Rina Tanigaki, have a chance to pack run together, which should help us improve on last season.
St. Joseph-Ogden
Head Coach/Coaches: Jason Retz / Jim Acklin, Lindsey Ideus-Ehler, Stephanie Farney
Last Year's Finish: 5< @ 1A Decatur St. Teresa Sectional
Key Returners: Savanna Franzen (Sr.), Kiah Riessl (So.), Sophia Kasper (Jr.), Hannah Mock (Jr.), Sydney Steinbach (Jr.)
Coach Retz's Outlook: Our goals for this year are 1) Show up to the start line with a smile and 2) Show up to the start line healthy. It will be fun watching this team grow from week to week.
Aledo (Mercer County)
Head Coach: Peter Nelson
Last Year's Finish: 15th @ 1A Oregon Sectional
Key Returners: Ingrid Hays (Sr.), Addison Monson (Jr.), Erin Fisher (Jr.), Macy Gray (Sr.)
New Additions: Emalyn Millar (Fr.), Kathy Norton (Fr.), Lilly Dodge (Fr.), Lily Wieskamp (Fr.), Jema Hajostek (Fr.)
Coach Nelson's Outlook: Our girls team has a mix of veteran and newcomers. The newcomers have a good track record from the junior high level. We hope to finish the vets off strong with a solid season while bringing along the newcomers and see how they can help our team advance.
Tuscola
Head Coach: Drew Sterkel
Last Year's Finish: 14th @ 1A Decatur St. Teresa Sectional
Key Returners: Kate Foltz (Jr.), Bella Dueker (So.), Celeste Rebollo (So.), Bailey Ritter (Jr.), Hanna Carswell (So.), Annie Brazzell (Sr.)
New Additions: Sami Walker (Fr.)
Coach Sterkel's Outlook: We have a very young team made up 2 freshman, 4 sophomores, 2 juniors and a senior. Our progression from last year is incredible and I have been so proud of their work ethic this summer. We have to keep building week by week. Our captains, Kate Foltz and Annie Brazzell will drive our team to be successful.
Decatur (St. Teresa)
Head Coach: Todd Vohland / Leslie Hein and Deron Molen
Last Year's Finish: 12th @ 1A Decatur St. Teresa Sectional
Key Returners: Addison Eades (Jr.), Valerie Hein (Sr.), Isabella Springer (So.), Nola Redden (Jr.)
New Additions: Sydney Fidler (Sr.)
Coach Vohland's Outlook: Must stay healthy, if we do then we have a chance at the goals which are see if we can get into the top 10 teams at Sectionals, and hopefully qualify at least one individual to state.
Cambridge
Head Coach: Karen Clark and Alan Steider
Last Year's Finish: 10th @ 1A Oregon Sectional
Key Returners: Emily Downing (Jr.), Jana Vande Kemp (So.), Ella Nimrick (So.), Emma Poppy (Sr.)
New Additons: Hannah Ames (Fr.), Avery Humphrey (Fr.), Addie Jewett (Jr.), Courtney Thomas (Jr.)
Coach Steider's Outlook: Our girls team advanced to Sectionals last season. With just 4 returning runners from that squad (Emily Downing, Jana Vande Kemp, Ella Nimrick, Emma Poppy), we are needing to add some newcomers this season. 2 incoming freshmen (Hannah Ames and Avery Humphrey) advanced to the JH State Track meet in the mile and we have a couple juniors (Addie Jewett and Courtney Thomas) that are switching from volleyball to cross country this season. Our top 2 runners this season are both coming off outstanding track seasons. Emily Downing (Jr) and Jana Vande Kemp (Soph) were both on the State 3rd place 4x800 team with both also advancing in individual events. Emily medaled in the 800 (5th) and 1600 (8th). Emily and Jana both advanced to the state xc meet last season. Emily finished 13th overall (same place her Fr year) while Jana finished in 33rd.
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