It will be a very interesting year in the middle-class division after a solid last fall followed by an even better track and field season led by two-time defending state champion Yorkville. Coach Chris Muth’s team will be back to defend their title with extreme force. As well, there will be plenty of teams and individuals ready to challenge for state supremacy.
We begin our preview the 2A Girls Team Race. Keep checking back as we count down #20 through #1 in the next two days.
Other teams to watch (in no particular order): Geneseo, Morton, Galesburg, Woodstock, Mahomet-Seymour, Lake Villa (Lakes).
20. Wheaton (St. Francis)-
Head Coach: Scott Nelson
2012 final season finish: state- 14th (336pts)
Key returners: Meghan McShea (Sr.), Kate Vilimek (So.), Kate Martin (Jr.), Tessa McKenna (Sr.).
Season outlook: The Spartans enjoyed a great season last year that produced a top 15 finish at state as well as all-stater Kate Roback who finished 18th. The graduated Roback leaves behind four capable teammates that will be led by Meghan McShea. With a solid nucleus returning this team should be able to return to Peoria and place in the top half of the bracket.
19. Mattoon-
Head Coach: McLain Schaefer/asst. coach: Danny McMahon
2012 final season finish: state- 20th (492pts)
Key returners: Megan Shaffer (Jr.), Whitney Maninfior (Sr.), Victoria Drake (Sr.), Michaela Drake (Sr.), Lexi Kremer (Jr.).
Newcomers: Gillian Card
Season outlook according to Coach Schaefer: “Our summer training has been excellent. With all but one of the girls returning we will definitely be a contender in our conference, regional, and sectionals and hopefully state. Staying healthy is the main focus. Making it to state is still a goal for our girls’ team, but placing higher at state would also be a main focus.”
18. Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge-
Head Coach: Kelly MacDonald
2012 final season finish: Belvidere Sectional- 6th place
Key returners: Erin Wagner (Sr.), Andie Shine (Jr.), Ashley Duda (Sr.), Rachel Pollastrini (Sr.), Mackenzie Small (Sr.).
Season outlook: This team had a hard knock last season that resulted in a sixth place finish at the Belvidere Sectional- missing state by one place. In fact, the Wolves haven’t been to the state championship since 2009. Perhaps, key returners Erin Wagner and Andie Shine can lead their team back to the promise land. It is going to take a strong 1-5 scoring unit about 30-40 seconds to get it done at sectionals.
17. Springfield Sacred-Heart Griffin-
Head Coach: Josh Bluhm
2012 final season finish: state- 16th (440pts)
Key returners: Alex House (Sr), Miranda Koehler (Jr.), Bridget McClain (Jr.), Meghan McClain (Jr.), Zoe Nelson (So.), Lily Park (Sr.), Taylor Pohlman (Jr.), Emma Powell (Jr.).
Newcomers: Olivia Doll (Fr.), Kate Janes (Fr.), Lydia Nelson (Fr.).
Season outlook by Coach Bluhm: “We return four of last season’s top five runners. That core group from last season will need to be strong for us every race this year. Their tempo workouts indicate great potential. I know they would like to improve on last year’s 16th place showing at the state meet – possibly moving into the top 10. For that to happen, some of the younger girls will have to close the split gap with our top four runners.”
16. Belvidere North-
Head Coach: John Paddock
2012 final season finish: Belvidere Sectional- 9th
Key returners: Carley Lutzow (Jr.), Stephanie Robles (So.), Taeya Houzenga (So.), Carol Garcia (Jr.), Mitzvah Zavala (Sr.).
Newcomers: Jenna Lutzow (Fr.).
Season outlook: An untimely finish last year at sectionals was not indicative of how good the Blue Thunder were when they breezed through the regular season and placed second to Marengo at the Belvidere North Regional. Top runner Carley Lutzow went on to place 55th at state and will return again as the team’s top runner. This year’s team may even be better than last year with incoming freshman Jenna Lutzow on board. Jenna Lutzow was one of the top middle-school runners in the state last year.