2016 Class 3A Girls Pre-Season Distance Preview

Judy Pendergast shown her being pushed by Plainfield North's Rachael Lau in last year's state 3200m final (Sabrina Mendoza photo)

What do you think is the greatest era for girls distance running is? The answer would have to be a collection of years within this past decade. The training, better understanding of girls physiology, knowledge of sport, and girl power led by Mary Cain. All of these factors have made it possible for girls coming into the sport to dream big. Dreaming big is expanding what you think is impossible and make it possible. Let's take a dive inside each of the the disciplines:

3200m-

2015 State Champion: Judy Pendergast (Naperville North) 10:35.15

Outlook: Let's see here. There are alot of possibilities to ponder in terms of how this year is going to play out. Cross Country is usually the measuring stick for how the 3200m will perform on the track. The 2012 was a great year for cross country and the following track season in 2013 saw 40 of 42 girls break 12 minutes in the state final. Two of the girls Jessica Ackerman (New Trier) and Skyler Bollinger (Yorkville)- who both ran under 10:50 did not start the final. 2015 was the among the top two best years for cross country and we could see a similar if not better overall stance on the track. Judy Pendergast will be leading the way and looking to do some excellent things. One goal has to be establishing the IHSA record books. Certainly the amazing 9:56.96 by Kayla Beattie (Woodstock) will be in jeopardy. Pendergast may have to do it solo and she does know how to run races alone. But more than chasing times and records will be the elevation of the state of distance running here state side. It is the belief that the 2018 is the next great group that will be better than this one. There is no better time than the present one. 

Top returners in 2016-

*Complete List