Anna Sophia Keller closing out another state title in the 1600m last year (Mark Capapas photo)
The distance area will arguably be the strong suit as far as Class A is concerned. One reason is senior Anna Sophia Keller. The multiple state champion from Effingham St. Anthony enjoyed her best overall cross country season which resulted in all-american honors at the Nike Cross Nationals. In addition, the classification stepped up its game on the grass. As we move to the indoor and then outdoor track seasons, things don't always translate on paper. We know ASK will dominate but if the rest of the solid bunch haven't trained over the winter the gap will be as large as it's been in recent years.
3200m-
2016 State Champion: Anna Sophia Keller (Effingham St. Anthony) 10:32.16
Key returners: Keller, Claudia Magnussen (Sr., Pana), Daly Galloway (Sr., Dwight), Shelby Siltman (Sr., Stanford Olympia), April Van Ryn (Sr., Palos Heights Chicago Christian), Anne Marie Michael (Sr., Urbana University)
Season outlook: Anna Sophia Keller has no equal. Her cross country prowess is well known as a 4-time state champion. And now you can add the NXN All-American plaque to her resume. Keller ranks #2 overall in the state as a returner and virtual comparisons may be the only thing she can go on until post-state. The overall field is strong with 12 returners who ran in the championship section. Claudia Manussen could be that girl to challenge as the second best runner in the classification. She placed second at xc state but she needs to keep an eye on Daly Galloway. Galloway has challenged ASK the closest over the past few seasons of any returner.
Top returning performances-
| RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10:32.16 | 2017 | ||
| 2 | 11:09.71 | 2017 | ||
| 3 | 11:12.98 | 2017 | ||
| 4 | 11:26.88 | 2017 | ||
| 5 | 11:34.35 | 2019 |
Audrey Harrod leading last year's 800 final and eventual winner Arielle Summitt in hot pursuit (Mark Capapas photo)
800m-
2016 State Champion: Arielle Summitt (Jr., Urbana University) 2:12.29
Key returners: Summitt, Audrey Harrod (Sr., Hinckley- Big Rock), Marguerite Hendrickson (Jr., Champaign St. Thomas More), Anna Sophia Keller (Sr., Effingham St. Anthony), Emma Henderson (Sr., Tuscola), Daly Galloway (Sr., Dwight)
Season outlook: Arielle Summitt won her first state after former Midwest Central star Cassie Mundekis took her dominance on to college. The former middle-school champion has the top mark coming back for outdoor returners. She will more than likely duel Audrey Harrod who she beat handily in last year's final. However, the most dangerous athlete is Anna Sophia Keller. Most fans know Keller for her dominance in cross country and the longer distances, but they forget that she has been among the leaders here. Keller is the defending Illinois Top Times indoor champion at 2:15.98- the fastest for Class A and the second best overall in Illinois. Unless St. Anthony HS is in the state title hunt Keller will not contest this event during the post season.
Top returning performances-
| RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2:12.29 | 2018 | ||
| 2 | 2:14.76 | 2017 | ||
| 3 | 2:18.38 | 2017 | ||
| 4 | 2:20.68 | 2018 | ||
| 5 | 2:20.88 | 2017 |
1600m-
2016 State Champion: Anna Sophia Keller 4:59.64
Key returners: Keller, Claudia Magnussen, Daly Galloway, Anne Marie Michael, Madison Franseen (So., Rockford Christian), Isabella Wolke (Sr., Christian Liberty Academy), Katelyn Robbins (So., Liberty)
Season outlook: This is supposedly Keller's second best event but the truth of the matter she has never lost here! That's right ASK is undefeated in battle with a personal best 4:52.15i. Keller was limited last year with a hip injury that most people did not know about. She is reportedly healthy and the growing pains behind her should lead to big marks. There are nine girls who return to make this event deep. Claudia
Top returning performances-
| RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4:55.62 | 2017 | ||
| 2 | 5:09.66 | 2017 | ||
| 3 | 5:10.26 | 2017 | ||
| 4 | 5:10.65 | 2017 |
