[2A]
Girls-
Key teams: #2 Lemont, #3 Dunlap, #4 Belvidere North, #6 Vernon Hills, #8 Lombard (Montini), #9 Normal (University), #10 Aurora (Central Catholic), #11 Washington #15 Chicago (Latin), Maple Park Kaneland, Danville, Normal West, Decatur (St. Teresa)
This race is going to define quite a bit. So far on the season, there is not much data to go on in determining the elite teams in this classification.
Dunlap appears ready for a trophy run. Belvidere North and Vernon Hills have solid teams. The answers will be given by noon Saturday.
With 7 of the top 10 teams listed, it should be fun watching this titanic battle. There were over 50 schools listed in last year's results, and if the numbers are anywhere near that, expect a log jam.
There will be a new individual winner now that former Yorkville standout Skyler Bollinger is now competing for Great Oak, California. Senior Karina Liz of Aurora Central Catholic and junior Jenna Lutzow of Belvidere North could battle for the title- it could come down to a kick considering both girls having tremendous speed. Liz is the defending 800m state champion. Frannie Verville (So., Dunlap) has been running well in the interim. She has an opportunity to strike it big on Saturday. Vivian Overbeck (Sr., Vernon Hills) is a quality runner as well.
[Boys]
Key Teams: #3 Yorkville, #5 Metamora, #6 Belvidere North, #9 Rockford Christian, #11 Maple Park Kaneland, #12 Danville, #13 Vernon Hills, #17 Normal University, Dunlap, Sterling
There is no clear cut favorite here. Yorkville is a different team after the graduations of twins Jake and Luke Hoffert. Metamora could be that team to stop Yorkville with the emergence of junior Jake Gillum. He is one favorite for the individual title but his team is good too. Metamora will use the pack to close out races.
Belvidere North will see their first real action this weekend. The Blue Thunder will lean on senior Eryk Yunk for their prospects.
Vernon Hills is a team to watch for. Junior Shane Williamson is someone of interest to watch in the race.
Rockford Christian was moved up on a technically. It will be interesting to see how they fare in their newly 2A decor.
The best of rest will include Normal U High, Kaneland, and Danville.
The individual race should see several runners break 15:00. Williams, Yunk, Luke Beattie (Sr., Woodstock), Gillum, and toss in Robie Yemane (Sr., Chicago Mather) as key threats to be at the top.