In last year's state final, Emily Shelton (#1669) of Minooka was surrounded by a slew of seniors. This year she may be leading the way (Colin Boyle photo)
9. Schaumburg
Head Coach/coaches: Kristen Zillmer / Coretta Evans
Last year's finish: 7th- Schaumburg Sectional
Key returners: Madison Marasco (Jr.), Valarie Schackelton (Sr.)
Projected top 7: Marasco, Schackelton, Ellie O'Connell (Sr), Lauren Kubinski (Jr), Andrea Palacios (Sr), Rachael Vaccaro (Jr), Maggy Centeno
Newcomers: Katie Smith
Coach Zillmer's outlook: The team has been training hard this summer. Madison, Valarie, Lauren, and Rachael earned a 2nd place finish in the 4x800 relay at IHSA 2016 State meet, which has brought a lot of momentum to the team for the cross country season. The team goal is to win conference and qualify for state as a team. We are hoping to have several girls achieve all-state honors.
10. Fox Lake (Grant)
Head Coach/coaches: Jeff Durlak / Mike Kennedy, Nick Nenni, Jeff Harvey
Last year's finish: 11th Place- State Championship
Key returners: Danielle Osmon (So), Eva Cardy (So), Rachael Temple (Sr), Brooke Drabek (Sr), Samantha Kaye (Jr), Roxanne Temple (Jr), Lauren Troemel (Sr), Karleigh Bolton (Jr)
Projected top 7: Danielle Osmon, Eva Cardy, Rachael Temple, Brooke Drabek, Samantha Kaye, Roxanne Temple, Lauren Troemel
Newcomers: Jana Nehila (So.), Allie Johnson (Fr.)
Coach Durlak's outlook:
After making it downstate for the first time in school history and taking 11th Place at the State Meet, expectations are high in our program once again. The girls return 6 of our top 7 from last year's state team, but our one loss is a big one in Madison Romig (14th Place) who is now running at Weber State. It will be difficult to replace a runner not just of Madison's ability but her leadership as well. I believe we can help offset this loss by each of our girls improving from where they were last year and I am confident that will happen.
Danielle and Eva both had excellent freshman seasons in cross country and track and have learned a lot about training and racing in the last year. I'm excited for what is in store for them this season as both had great summers. Rachael has only gotten better each season and I believe will take another step in her senior season. Brooke, Samantha, and Roxanne all look poised to improve upon their finishes from last year and bring a lot of experience to our team as well. Lauren had a very good freshman season before injuries took their toll on her the last two seasons. If she can stay healthy she can make a big difference for us this season. This year may bring as much internal competition amongst the girls and our top 7 could very well change throughout the season. As long we stay focused on the process and keep improving we should have a successful season. The last three seasons the girls have run their best at the end of the season when it really matters and hopefully that can continue this year.
11. Geneva
Head Coach: Bob Thomson
Last year's finish: 9th- State Championship
Key returners: Emma Ehrhardt (Sr)- 22nd, Emily Belanger (So)- 85th, Taryn Christy (Jr)- 95th, Sophia McDonnell (Jr)- 156th, Mary Grace Neville (Sr)- 189th.
Projected top 7: The 5 girls listed above with help from Holly Nusser, Ally Dudman, Ebony Trout and Andrine Larsen
Newcomers: Andrine Larsen (Fr)
Coach Thomson's outlook: It will be tough to replace a runner like McKenzie Altmeyer but we'll give it a shot. Though Andrine will run a meet or two at the lower level to start the season, she will make an impact among our top 3. Hopefully Emma Ehrhardt will have a healthy season to prepare for state. She was out most of last season only to have a sensational state meet with an all-state finish. We had our share of injuries last year with 6 girls in boots at one time last year. If we can stay away from injuries, our goal would be to compete at state once again.
12. Wheaton-Warrenville South
Head Coach/coaches: Rob Harvey / Sara Bikulcius, Brian English and Todd Laveen
Last year's: State-10th
Key returners: Sara Atkins (15th at state), Allison McGrath, and Laurel Moneysmith and Emily Christensen
Projected top 7: Don't really like to predict or project the top-7. Long season ahead.
Newcomers: As in past years, I don't discuss newcomers. We do have a few freshmen and sophomores that could impact our team.
Coach Harvey's outlook:
We had a good summer. Our camp numbers were extremely high especially at the younger ages. It was an adjustment with the loss of assistant coach Chris Kuntz who moved to the head boys coach. The returner and veterans really stepped up the training in both quality and quantity.
We always have high expectations and this year will be no different. Last year's senior class was exceptional from a leadership as well as a performance standpoint. They will be very tough to replace. Both Sara and Allison are captains along with seniors Maggie Cavanaugh and Emily Christensen. They will be great leaders for our young team.
Sara Atkins - She had a very challenging track season, but persevered and qualified in the 1600 meters. I was very proud of her. She used that season as motivation for a great summer of training.
Allison McGrath - She had a great track season and used that confidence in the summer. She is in amazing shape and will have a great cross country season.
We'll get better as the season goes. We might not look good early.
13. Lake Forest
Head Coach: Steve Clegg
Last year's finish: 8th- State Championship
Key returners: Emma Milburn, Brett Chody, Lauren Garriques, Courtney Schmidt
Tony's Take: The Scouts made a seamless leap up from 2A a year similar to what Yorkville is experiencing now. With four bonafide starters back it should be smooth sailing again for Emma Milburn and company
14. Lincolnshire (Stevenson)
Head Coach: Maureen Levanti
Last year's finish: 13th- State Championship
Key returners: Isabelle Sparreo, Natalie Sparreo, Shea Kirby, Gabriela Jagielo, Lauren Appell, Kendall Roberts
Tony's Take: No one saw Stevenson even in the state championship mix last year until the regionals last year. If the Patriots can avoid injuries and let downs, they could make a strong run inside the top 10. Sparreo is a tough runner and certainly capable of running with the top girls in the state. She will have six of her teammates in tow to get the job done.
15. Aurora (Metea Valley)
Head Coach/coaches: Eric Anerino
Last year's finish: 14th- state championship
Key returners: Nicki Cast, Leana Goldman, Terri Scarlett
Coach Anerino's outlook: Since we return 13 of our top 14 runners from last year, we look to make an
even greater impact at the state meet this year.
3A girls highlight race