2017 Class A Girls Pre-Season Relays Preview


Once again there will be familiar faces coming back and those who will be moving up in classification. While it is hard sometimes predicting outlooks for relays, it is comforting to know if a perennially strong team has at least two legs returning, it is much easier to diagram.

4x800-
2016 State Champion: Kewanee (Weathersfield) 9:46.37
Season outlook analysis: Kewanee is the defending champions with two returners back. It will be tough for the team from Weathersfield to retain their crown with a nice group of teams returning three or more state starters. Of the eight teams that broke 10:00 last year, Springfield Lutheran appears to be the team to beat. The Crusaders placed second in the state a year ago and return all four legs. This is a team that truly depends on continuity as there are no outstanding individuals. Bridgit Tournoux ran the best leg at 2:26. Siblings Maddy and Jackie Eck are the glue of the team. Look for the state xc champs St. Joe-Ogden to creep into the mix. Dee Mac, Liberty and Dakota are solid again.
Top 5 teams in 2016- 

Aleesia Reeves motors home ahead of the 4x1 field at state last year

4x100

2016 State Champion: St. Joseph-Ogden 49.53

Season outlook analysis: It wasn't even close as the Spartans ran over all road kill throughout the season. Even if they agreed to use their prelim time of 49.70 as the final verdict, the results would have been devastating against the field. More of the same could happen again with all four legs back. Senior Aleesia Reeves ran the anchor position whenever the "A" lined up. Aledo and Luther North of Chicago are dangerous. Aledo returns three legs while Luther North will bring two legs. Jada Williams is one of the top individual sprinters in 1A but will she concentrate on relays for her prized Luther North team?

Top 5 teams in 2016-  


4x200

2016 State Champion: Chicago Luther North 1:43.74

Season outlook analysis: Two time defending champion Luther North was supposed to get the classification state record last year which is 1:42.82. The Wildcats did not do that because suspect handoffs and transitions got in the way. Now the window for records appear to be gone despite super sprinter Jada Williams returning. Not only that the Wildcats will see just two legs back and a fleet of hungry teams in the way. Decatur St. Teresa has become more than just a distance dominant team with some quality sprinters now running on relays. They will be a strong contender throughout the year.  Watch for state runner up Aledo to creep up this term. They return three legs back.  Also St. Joe-Ogden is back as well.

Top 4x200 times

Andrea Pace led Clifton Central to the 4x4 title 

4x400

2016 State Champion: Clifton Central 4:01.34

Season outlook analysis: Can Clifton Central return the favor and become the team quartet in 2017? They won the indoor and outdoor titles with ease. Despite having two strong legs back including all star long hurdler Emily Podowicz and Andrea Pace it will be a challenge. The Lady Comets will not go away though because of the four second cushion they had on the field. But if there is a team to dethrone them it will be St. Joe-Ogden. The Spartans have three tough legs from their state runner up squad back in '17. Junior Abby Mizer who anchored last year may be asked to do more individually as she continues to improve. The 2015 state champion could return to the top with three legs back. Also, watch for Seneca, Farmington, and Cambridge.

Top teams in 2016- 

RANKTIMETEAMMEET DATEPLACE
14:01.34
24:05.09
34:05.67
44:06.00