Photo Credit: Coach Garber's X Account
We move to our next rankings which is the 2A Girls. This classification is loaded with talented teams. The classification holds much intrigue and storylines that will dominate the season. Lets check out the lucky 25 teams that are mentioned here.
25. Morris
Head Coach/Coaches: Joe Blumberg / Nick Murphy and Jen Sheegog
Last Year's Finish: 28th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Makensi Martin (Sr.), Danica Martin (Sr.), Leah Ortiz (Sr.), Aubrey Lines (So.), Hope Emmerich (Jr.), Payton Valentine (Sr.), Zara Lugo (Jr.)
New Additions: Ava Conley (Jr.), Addi Olson (So.), Caitlyn Gile (Jr.)
Coach Blumberg's Outlook: Makensi Martin was an All Stater in 2022… If she can return to that level, we will have a solid number one. And we return everybody else and have added Conley, who will mix up the top five immediately. We may have a pack of four or five we hope to get to get to 18:45-19:00. We were gambling last year with really low numbers, and never ran a race at full strength. If we can stack healthy weeks and improve, I think we can compete for a top 15 spot in 2A. I do thank you for emailing and seeking information. Selfishly, this is one of my favorite times of the year. There is always optimism, and maybe a little bit more from us based on the fact that we return everybody from two state-qualifying teams. But we know the state of Illinois is a juggernaut in all three classes, and everybody is working extremely hard to take the next step. Our staff is excited for the season to officially begin, to watch this team develop new traditions and add to the positive culture of our program. We love watching them grow mentally, physically, and emotionally and run hard for each other.
We will surrender to the season’s results, and make sure to focus daily on our program goals of developing as runners and people, competing with a positive attitude and a tremendous work ethic, emphasizing teamwork, becoming leaders on the course and in the classroom, having fun, and developing meaningful goals and pursuing them relentlessly. If we do those things but fall short of some Championship Season goals, will we have failed? Absolutely not.
24. LaGrange Park (Nazareth Academy)
Head Coach/Coaches: Joe Wejman / Anthony Gonzalez and Emily Beedie
Last Year's Finish: 13th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Sophia Towne (So.), Allie O'Halloran (So.), Julia Parkes (So.), Sarah Owen (Sr.), Ashley Kenna (So.), Alayna Plahm (Sr.), Clare Sigmund (So.)
Coach Wejman's Outlook: Anthony and I have are entering our 16th season together and we really enjoy the privilege of continuity and having a well built program. We lost a strong senior class to graduation, but we have faith that our returning runners will keep our program clicking and we will be ready to race every weekend regardless of who we are competing against. By early October we hope to have our top 7 ironed and and then once post season begins, our athletes will be in the best possible position to make it to the state meet.
23. Champaign (Centennial)
Head Coach: Laura Koterba-Buss
Last Year's Finish: 14th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Farah Scott (So.), Brenna Hooper (So.), Lauren Kleber (So.), Molly Pate (Jr.), Kaylee Sweikar (Sr.), Nicole Granger (Sr.), Avery Benson (So.)
Carson's Outlook: The Chargers qualified for the state meet last season for the first time in 13 years. They are looking to build that into a streak here these next few years with a young core. This group will be led by now sophomore Farah Scott who took 47th at the state meet last year. She had a great track season as she ran 5:16 in the 1600m and qualified for the 3A State Meet in the same event. She will be looking to break 18:00 this season. Brenna Hooper had a great freshman cross country season where she ran 19:06, but did not run during the track season. She returning to running at Detweiller at Dark running 20:24 so she should be looking at challenging 19:00. Lauren Kleber and Molly Pate was the 4th and 5th runners on this group last year and look to be depended on slightly more this season. Both athlete will look to be in the mid 19:00s. The question is who will be this teams 5th runner? Right now it looks to be Kaylee Sweikar. This team will need her to dip under 20 minutes if they wish to move up the rankings. Or maybe is there an incoming freshman that can bridge that gap?
22. Mahomet-Seymour
Head Coach: Jama Grotelueschen / Kacie Moran
Last Year's Finish: 8th @ 2A Jacksonville Sectional
Key Returners: Taylor Mills (So.), Jaci Kellenberger (So.), Chloe Bundren (Sr.), Hadley Grotelueschen (Jr.), Emma Frazier (Sr.), Zoe Wallace (So.), Ava Jansen (Sr.), Morgan Waisath (Sr.), Emmaline Culp (Sr.)
New Additions: Emily Anand (Jr.), Cecily Smith (Fr.), Finley Smith (Fr.), Kennedy Ashby (Fr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Bulldogs look to return to the state meet again for the first time since 2021 this fall. They return some great talent from last year as well as adding new talent to the squad. Taylor Mills is the top returner on this team after a great freshman campaign that saw her take 64th at the state meet. Emily Anand is a transfer from St. Thomas More that will look to make an immediate impact this fall. She ran 12:05 for 3200m this past spring and will look to run in the mid 18:00s. Jaci Kellenberger and Chloe Bundren were close in many races last season. They should be in the low 19:00s this season. Hadley Groteluschen looks to be the 5th runner on this team as of today. This group will need her or someone else to progress and dip below 20 minutes if they wish to reach the state meet again.
21. Effingham
Head Coach: Jennifer Kirk
Last Year's Finish: 22nd @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Jessica Larson (Sr.), Baylee Summers (Jr.), Drew Weis (So.), Morgan Springer (Sr.), Haddie Hill (Sr.)
New Additions: Emery Spicer (Fr.), Alaina Miller (Fr.)
Coach Kirk's Outlook: I look forward to this years athletes. We have a few incoming freshman that will really help us out this year. The senior girls will be a force to be reckoned with. We need to stay focused on our workout this season and watch as the hard work pays off.
20. Crystal Lake South
Head Coach: Ken Greenfield
Last Year's Finish: 8th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Olivia Pinta (Sr.), Victoria Pinta (Sr.), Lily Brooks (So.), Laynie Ripley (Jr.), Cece Piemontese (So.), Kelsey Kos (Jr.), Sedona Semradek (So.)
New Additions: Caroline Lucas (Fr.), Reagan Marsett (Fr.), Kiera O’Leary (Fr.), Emme Reall (Fr.), Ellie Starnes (Fr.)
Coach Greenfield's Outlook: I’ve gotten some goals feedback from the girls and the highest priority for them is to have an encouraging and closely bonded team culture. I’ve always felt that a key ingredient to any team success is the willingness to sacrifice yourself (your time, your comfort, etc.) for your teammates. I love where our heads and hearts are on this one. The second most mentioned goal was to qualify for and compete well at the state meet. This is a lofty goal and obviously some of that is dependent on the performance of other teams. But provided we can keep it in perspective, I love that this young team is aiming high. Finally, this is a group that says they want to be known for both their competitive toughness and sportsmanship. It can be tough to thread the needle on balancing those two things, but it’s a noble goal and worth pursuing.
19. Mundelein (Carmel)
Head Coach: Jim Halford
Last Year's Finish: 11th @ 2A Woodstock Sectional
Key Returners: Izzy Bing (Sr.), Norah Belmonte (Sr.), Ashlyn Beattie (Jr.), Chloe Bing (So.), Sydney Krcmarik (Sr.), Addy Albanese (So.)
New Additions: Maya Markley (Fr.)
Coach Halford's Outlook: Our summer running has been strong with our top 7 running strong. Our goal is to position ourselves into the top ten in our sectional. Last year we were in the top 7 through 4, but fell off to tenth place. So we want to tighten our pack up from 2-5. We have a lot of girls who are more 400-800 runners who qualified in the 4 x 800 and the 4 x 400 last spring. Izzy Bing is a potential top 8 runner (5:09 1600) along with Norah Belmonte a 18:30 runner in 2023. So our bottom line for our team is to see how many of our girls can get close to 19:00-30 target. Our best teams (top12 ranks) had two front runners then 3-4 runners at 19:00-10. We would have to duplicate this. Of course everything depends on where we will be assigned. For years the Woodstock sectional was loaded so we never got out. Our biggest weakness is we will only have 20 runners on the team, so we do lack depth.
18. Lake Villa (Lakes)
Head Coach/Coaches: Travis Shepherd, Christine Zucker, and Dan Jazo
Last Year's Finish: 7th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Bri Gara (Sr.), Hannah Rojas (Sr.), Lauren Rymer (Sr.), Diksha Guganathan (Jr.), Wrenna Streicher (Jr.), Hannah Salbilla (So.), Kate Catalano (So.)
New Additions: Kylie Smith (Fr.), Timyra Caces (Fr.)
Coach Shepherd's Outlook: The last few years have been really successful, but like last year, we lost two all state athletes (Paige Caruth & Madison Twarling) to graduation. It's hard to put down specific goals when we're not really sure what we're going to look like. We have a strong group of returners, but will also need to have other athletes step up. If I had to say a goal, it would be to win the NLCC and qualify for state. Beyond that, it's hard to focus on anything bigger when we haven't fully formed our identity. All of that being said, I'm excited for this group to really get going. So far these girls have been very hardworking and appear eager to make their own mark. We have some fire power up front and a variety of girls who can contribute to our top 7. I think we'll be deeper than we have been recently and I'm really excited to have so many girls in the mix. We'll likely be underdogs (or dark eagles as we say) all year and we're excited to take on that role. I can't say it enough, but this group has the coaching staff energized and ready to hit the ground running in August!
17. Antioch
Head Coach/Coaches: Chris Bailey / Ryan Hlinak
Last Year's Finish: 12th @ 2A Woodstock Sectional
Key Returners: Rosie Gonzalez (Sr.), Piper Ipsen (Sr.), Angela Ortiz (Sr.), Annalise Lowrance (Sr.), Abby Sooley (Sr.)
New Additions: Nora Cecchi (Sr.), Lelaina Mateja (Fr.), Ellie Nampel (Sr.)
Coach Bailey's Outlook: We are excited for this season. We are going to be very experienced and will be led by several seniors. Our top 2 (Gonzalez and Ipsen) are coming off a strong junior year. They both earned all conference in the NLCC and qualified for the IHSA State Championships in November. Gonzalez pulled off the indoor and outdoor 3200/1600 double in the NLCC and set PR's of 11:18 and 5:14 this spring. Ipsen is on our 4x800 school record team and placed 2nd behind Gonzalez in the indoor 1600 at the NLCC Championships. She ran a PR of 5:21 this past spring. Senior Angela Ortiz has had her best summer ever and is coming out of the track season running 5:33 at the IHSA sectional meet in May. We're counting on seniors Annalise Lowrance, Abby Sooley, and Ellie Nampel to step up and add depth to our varsity group. This group qualified for the state championships in 2022 and we're working hard to have a great season and return after missing the state meet in 2023.
16. Dixon
Head Coach: Simon Thorpe
Last Year's Finish: 9th @ 2A Woodstock Sectional
Key Returners: Kamryn Rogers (Jr.), Daniela Lovett (Jr.), Olivia Arduini (Jr.), Kate Boss (Jr.), Kyara Chavez (So.), Isabella Cecchetti (So.), Ireland O'Neal (So.), Ava Williams (Sr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Duchesses were caught in one of the best sectionals in the classification last year. Kamryn Rogers was this teams top runner last year and looks to be once again this fall. Daniela Lovett was the 2nd runner last year and has a sub 19:00 PR so should be a great 2nd runner this year. Olivia Arduini and Kate Boss both were under 19:30 last fall. The big thing for this team will be finding a 5th runner that can be under that can get below the 20:00 barrier.
15. Waterloo
Head Coach: Larry Huffman
Last Year's Finish: 9th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Cameron Crump (Sr.), Ava Rau (Sr.), Kamryn Rader (Sr.), Calla Espenschied (Jr.), Emily Lepp (Sr.), Emily Vogt (So.), Macy Jones (Jr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Bulldogs had a great top 3 last season that garnered this team a lot of success over previous seasons. Now that 2 of those runners have graduated, this team looks forward to building a new identity. This team will be led again by Cameron Crump who had a huge track season as she ran 10:38 in the 3200m. She looks to be in shape to break 17:00 this year and potentially be in the mid 16:00s. Ava Rau also had a huge track season where she ran 5:20 in the 1600m and 11:28 in the 3200m. She barely broke 20:00 last year but looks to be potentially under 18:00 this fall. Kamryn Rader and Emily Vogt ran 5:46 and 5:47 over the track season and will look to be under 19:30 this season. Emily Lepp and Calla Espenschled will be the key for this team. This team will need them to close that gap on Rader and Vogt if they wish to move up the rankings.
14. Crystal Lake Central
Head Coach: Brett Willhoit
Last Year's Finish: 12th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Hadley Ferrero (Sr.), Skyler Ferrero (So.), Brynn Matthaei (Sr.), Jacqueline Orvis (Jr.), Molly Sterzik (Jr.), Sophia Parks (So.)
Coach Willhoit's Outlook: When healthy, we can be a competitive team at the state level. We have a good group of senior leaders once again stepping up to lead the summer training and team bonding events. We have a decent amount of girls attending summer running regularly. They have put in some good work this summer. But the key is to keep them healthy.
13. Morton
Head Coach/Coaches: Joe Zeller / Tristan Sturhahn and Kat Kearns
Last Year's Finish: 18th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Isabella Grieder (Sr.), Avery Braker (Sr.), Brielle Hopkins (Jr.), Ava Burgess (Jr.), Nissa Groth (So.), Sariah Hoffman (Sr.), Haley Kaluza (So.), Sydni Hoffman (Sr.)
New Additions: Madison Greiner (Fr.)
Coach Zeller's Outlook: This is a bit of a transition year for the girls as we lost an impactful senior class. However, they have several ladies that are able and ready to step into leadership roles to fill those vacancies. This group will most likely be upperclassmen heavy and the last opportunity for many of them to run together which provides a special motivation for this year.
12. Lisle (Benet Academy)
Head Coach: Dan Billish
Last Year's Finish: 19th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Delilah Helenhouse (Sr.), Keira Jenke (Jr.), Faye Farrell (So.), Aniela Gaudio (Sr.), Lili Pervan (So.), Emma Greco (Jr.), Sophia Olivares (Jr.), Jordan Marshall (Sr.)
New Additions: Bridget Hasenauer (Jr.), Meghan Leegan (Sr.)
Unexpected Losses: Payton Mathelier (So.)
Coach Billish's Outlook: Will be competing on a 3A schedule throughout the season so obviously, the goal is simply to be the best we can be and battle the best of the best. I do believe we will be in contention for conference and regional titles with a berth at state, but how much we achieve will have a lot to do with our returning runners from injury--could make a major dent. Delilah should be a contender at the 2A level after finishing 3rd in the 3A 3200. Faye Ferrel (10) has shown tremendous progress. It is not out of the question for her to be a top 15 at state type runner. Keira Jenke (11) is making progress and should fill out the teams top 3. From here it really is unpredictable. Any of the names I provided above could plug into the final 7. It will be a season of discovery and surprise as we see who rebounds from past injuries. The good news, unlike track, is I will be inheriting a healthy roster.
11. Rockford (Boylan Catholic)
Head Coach: Nathan Kohnle
Last Year's Finish: 21st @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Natalie Tekampe (Sr.), Reese Kohnle (Sr.), Johanna Hawley (Sr.), Ava Galluzzo (So.), Jocelyn Ayala (Sr.), Vanessa Tekampe (So.), MaryTherese Harrison (Sr.), Delilah Hawley (So.)
New Additions: Gabrielle Kohnle (So.)
Carson's Outlook: The Titans last fall qualified for the state meet for the first time since 2004, this year this squad returns their whole top 7 from last years group. The duo of Reese Kohnle and Natalie Tekampe look to lead this group after great seasons on the track. They ran 5:09 and 5:13 respectively which shows huge progress from last cross country season. Both of these athkletes should be under 18:00 by the end of the season. Johanna Hawley was the 3rd runner on last years squad she sports a PR of 19:00. Gabrielle Kohnle is a first year sophomore to cross country and she will make a big impact on this team. She ran 12:30 for the 3200m this spring and will look to be in the mid 19:30s along with teammate Ava Galluzzo.
10. Chicago (DePaul College Prep)
Head Coach: Stephanie Stecz / Marta Rhyner, Doug Arseaneau, Peter Cashman
Last Year's Finish: 10th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Emily Stecky (So.), Abigail Arseneau (Sr.), Katherine Radich (Jr.), Isabella Shifrin (Sr.), Simrin Anderson (Jr.), Piper Houghton (Sr.), Claire Duman (Jr.), Emily Stoessel (Jr.), Ellie Kapp (Sr.)
New Additions: Lorelei Travers (Sr.), Kate Lawrence (Fr.), Abby Radich (Fr.), Ryan Greeby (Fr.), Zoe Lee (Fr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Rams have developed into one of the best programs in 2A with this being their 2nd year in the classification. This group is probably one of the deepest groups in 2A with a total of 9 girls returning with PRs under 20:00. They will be led once again by Emily Stecky who looked great this spring running 5:01 for the 1600m and 11:06 for the 3200m. Abigail Arseaneau is finally a senior and she had a great 2023 season as she ran under 19:00 on the grass. She ran 5:32 over the track season for the 1600m, expect her to be in the mid 18:00s this season. Now here is what makes the Rams dangerous. They will look to have a great pack to fill out the final spots of their lineup. If they all progress together then that will make this squad very dangerous this fall. Look for that pack to consist of Simrin Anderson, Katherine Radich, Isabella Shifrin, Piper Houghton, and Claire Duman.
9. Normal University
Head Coach: Jill Burroughs
Last Year's Finish: 16th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Natalie Bierbaum (Jr.), Zoe Carter (Sr.), Lana Alcorn (Jr.), Jocelyn Lewis (So.), Reagan Bull (Sr.), Josie Wamsley (So.), Eve Whitlow (Sr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Pioneers have really developed into a great program over the past few years as they attempt to return to the level they were at back in 2012 which was the last time they won a state trophy. This group has the talent to potentially go after a trophy and this year looks to be their best chance they will have in the next few years. Natalie Bierbaum and Zoe Carter look to be the clear from two runners of this team. Both ran 10:35 over the track season in the 3200m. Both athletes could potentially be top 5 runners in the classification which makes them the best 1-2 duo in 2A. Lana Alcorn looks to be their 3rd runner and enters the season with a PR of 18:51. Jocelyn Lewis enters her sophomore year now and will be depended on to break 19:00 by seasons end. The key for this team will be getting their 5th runner into the low 19:00s. If they can do that then this team can definitely challenge for a trophy in November.
8. Dunlap
Head Coach/Coaches: Chris Friedman / Steve Carter, Muriel Unseth, Josh Piper, Zach Plank
Last Year's Finish: 17th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Abby Tudeen (Sr.), Katie Sell (Sr.), Kate Robertson (Sr.), Josie Kroll (So.), Mia Williams (Jr.), Ellie Spanhook (So.), Claire Sack (Jr.), Hannah Parker (So.), Sanjana Siddaraju (So.), Grace Tranel (So.), Margot McNutt (Sr.)
New Additions: Aubrey Ott (Fr.)
Coach Friedman's Outlook: We return all seven girls who ran the state meet last year. I like the 1-2 punch we can employ with Abby Tudeen and Kate Sell. I believe they are both all-state contenders, and our success begins with the two of them running well and together. Our success finishes with the rest of the pack, led by Kate Robertson and will include Josie Kroll (so), Mia Williams (jr), Ellie Spanhook (so), Claire Sack (jr), and newcomer Aubrey Ott. We also have some depth with Hannah Parker (so), Sanjana Siddaraju (so), and Grace Tranel (so). If Margot McNutt (sr) can overcome some injuries that plagued her track season, she could add to that depth as well. We will be able to measure ourselves a few times during the season. Obviously First to the Finish gives us an early idea of where we stand with the rest of the state. We get to race Chatham Glenwood on our home course the following week. At the end of the season, we will race Washington several times, including our conference meet at Detweiller. By the time we arrive back at Detweiller in November, we should be a tested team. Having said all of this, the goal each day is identify our strengths, play to them, work on our weaknesses, and enjoy the process of improving and bonding as a team.
7. Lemont
Head Coach: Tim Plotke
Last Year's Finish: 23rd @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Niki Tseliosis (Sr.), Maya Fedko (Jr.), Cassie Cunningham (Jr.), Maggie Davey (Jr.), Nell Fedko (So.)
New Additions: Lizzy Rupsis (Fr.), Hannah Farley (Fr.), Amelia Sinnett (Fr.)
Coach Plotke's Outlook: We have had a great summer of training! The girls have dedicated themselves to improving, heck they show up every morning at 7:30 am to train. We have a nice mix of veterans and newcomers. They are a special group and I am looking forward to see what they can accomplish this fall
6. Rochester
Head Coach: Bill Owens
Last Year's Finish: 20th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Brooke Zeibert (Sr.), Ashley Zeibert (Jr.), Natalie Nichols (Jr.), Maria Olson (Sr.), Madelyn Killon (So.), Amara Kaeding (So.), Myra Gibson (Jr.)
New Additions: Calista Gardner (Fr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Rockets have now qualified for the state meet for the past two seasons. They look to have their best team in school history since 2013 where they took 2nd place. Brooke Zeibert looks to lead this team this year as the #1 runner after a great track season where she ran 5:06 in the 1600m. She looks to be ready to run low 17:00s this fall. Her younger sister Ashley Zeibert looks to be the 2nd runner on this team she ran 5:18 in the 1600m this past spring. She could knock off 18:00 this fall if its the right scenario. Natalie Nichols also looked great this spring. She ran 5:27 in the 1600m and will look to be in the low 18:00s this fall. Calista Gardner is a freshman that will make an immediate impact to this squad. She ran 5:32 for the 1600m in 8th grade and will look to be a sub 19:00 runner this season. Maria Olson ran 12:14 in the 3200m over the spring. She looks to be a great 5th runner for this team as she can potentially dip under 19:00.
5. Grayslake Central
Head Coach/Coaches: Jimmy Centella / Chris Palmer, Colleen Wire, Danielle Hegerty, Greg Lannoye
Last Year's Finish: 2nd @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Ava Henne (Jr.), Violet Rowe (Jr.), Jordan Sutter (Jr.), Ellie Chevrier (Jr.), Brynn Domier (Jr.), Ava Pietruszynski (Jr.), Jenna Dunn (So.), Sarah Bianchi (Sr.), Emma Wentz (Sr.), Emma Dunn (Sr.)
Coach Centella's Outlook: We will be working on creating a new team identity with the next generation of runners having to step up into leadership roles as well as new roles in the top 7. With the graduation of some all-time GCXC greats, our girls will need to rise to the challenge of making this team their team. Bella, Sara, and Sofia left the team in a great place and have taught the current team a lot about leadership, hard work, and what it takes to compete at the highest level. I am confident that our girls are ready to take on that challenge. The girls will be ready to fight to be at the top of the NLCC, our regional, and our sectional. They will have their eyes on finishing as high as possible at the state meet. We bring back four girls with state experience and two with all-state experience. If things go well this fall, we may find ourselves in the mix for a very high team finish at state.
4. Chicago (St. Ignatius)
Head Coach: Matt Haffner / Gio Sira, Mahalia Gilot, Christine Mayeaux, Emma McGarrity
Last Year's Finish: 3rd @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Annika Swan (Jr.), Lizeth Montes (Sr.), Courtney Beatty (Jr.), Sarah Fitzgerald (Sr.), Mary O'Reilly (So.), Allison Leonard (So.), Yesenia Maley (Sr.), Gabriella Duque (Jr.), Meghan McClain (Sr.), Maeve Gawne (Sr.)
New Additions: Elle Sheaffer (So.)
Carson's Outlook: The Wolfpack had a great season last year as they took home a 3rd place trophy from the state meet. They are led again by superstar Annika Swan who is the top returning individual. Lizeth Montes will be fighting for all-state honors and then there will be a big pack that will fill out the remaining spots of this team. Coach Haffner kept his talk about his group short as he stated "We certainly have high hopes for the season. Lots of our cross country girls made some nice progress during track season."
3. Wheaton (St. Francis)
Head Coach: Jason Accardi
Last Year's Finish: 6th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Margaret Andrzejewski (Jr.), Erin Hinsdale (So.), Elena Mamminga (So.), Alicen Sheldon (So.), Addy Wordekemper (So.), Siena Schwan (Jr.), Jessica Lankisch (Jr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Spartans best finish in school history is 2nd place which they achieved in both 2000 and 2001. This years team may be able to match that performance as they enter this season with a ton of young talented runners. They will be led by the trio of Margaret Andrzejewski, Elena Mamminga, and Erin Hinsdale who ran 5:10, 5:16, and 5:18 in the 1600m this past track season respectively. These three should all challenge for all-state positions and potentially run in the mid 17:00s. Alicen Sheldon looks to be one of the best 4th runners in the state after running 18:33 as a freshman last season. If this group wants to bring home the state title then the key will keeping their 5th runner under 19 minutes. If they do that then this will be a dangerous team especially since everyone returns next year.
2. Washington
Head Coach: Troy Walcott
Last Year's Finish: 4th @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Sophia Ramirez (Jr.), Olivia Nordhielm (Sr.), Jayne Hermann (Jr.), Maddie James (Jr.), Caylie Ahten (Jr.), Bailey Butler (Jr.), Allie Woolever (Sr.), Addie Hooste (Jr.), Crista Baker (Sr.), Elizabeth Peterson (So.)
Coach Walcott's Outlook: Everyone has been healthy this summer, trained together as a team and are very self-motivated. We're looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish this season, with the hope of improving on last year's state performance.
1. Chatham-Glenwood
Head Coach/Coaches: Mike Garber / Lindsay Cook and Grant Kaiser
Last Year's Finish: 1st @ IHSA 2A State
Key Returners: Ali Londrigan (So.), Ashlyn Chopra (Jr.), Sophie Rentmeister (So.), Ally Knudson (Jr.), Brenna Sloman (So.), Addie Hamrick (So.), Rachael Behrens (Sr.), Aubrey Kinkelaar (So.), Ava Hamrick (Sr.)
New Additions: Ali Broaddus (Fr.), Preslie Daley (So.)
Coach Garber's Outlook: This team will be stronger than last year's. They've worked hard all summer and had a fantastic track season where we saw many school records fall. Each race and season gives small lessons and I think we learned a lot over the last year. We have matured and figured out ways to improve ourselves and each other. I can't wait to see this crew develop. We have a talented roster and the incoming freshmen have great leaders to learn from. Our program is on a great trajectory.
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