We are inching closer to the final round... check to see if any team can break into the top 10 as time goes on.
15. El Paso-Gridley
Head Coach/coaches: Michael Melick/Jacob Ludy, Katie Ludy
Last year's finish: State- 18th place
Key returners: Cate Atkins (Sr), Sophia Allen (Sr), Molly Holt (Jr), Allison Kelly (Jr), Tori Witzig (So), Julia Reid (Jr)
Newcomers: Ruby Slightom, Charlene Hamilton
Coach's thoughts on the team: Our seniors (Cate Atkins and Sophi Allen) are having fantastic summers. This is the best summer Sophi has had, and Cate is logging consistent miles after being sidelined for a lot last summer. I've seen Tori, Allison, and Molly only a handful of times, but they will likely factor into our top seven. Incoming freshman, Ruby Slightom, had some great track times in 8th grade this spring, so we are excited for her to join us this fall. Some of our girls are transitioning over to the golf team, and some are going to play volleyball this fall, so we will have to see who is even on the team come August 8th. There is enough talent in the high school to put seven girls under 20, but how many of them will be on the team is the question.
14. Johnsburg
Head Coach: Christian Setzler
Last year's finish: State- 16th place
Key returners: Sam Schmitt (Jr), Sammy Knutilla (Jr), Hannah Anderson (Jr), Allysa Peete (Jr), Katelyn Davis (Sr), Denali Nett (Jr)
Tony's thoughts: With six starters back this could be a dangerous team this season. But like many other teams in their boat is the pack running play. #1 runner Sam Schmitt is back and she can improve her time by at least 35-40 seconds, it would prompt the scorers to move up. As it was in last year's season, it was a rough 1:36
13. Beecher
Head Coach: Larissa Swanson
Last year's finish: State- 15th place
Key returners: Hailey Janssen (Sr), Kasey Swanson (Jr), Tori Fasano (Jr), Regina Gianotti (Sr), Isabella Olson (So), Christina Wang (Jr)
Tony's thoughts: Taking 15th in the state appeared to be a surprise. But the Lisle Sectional was very tough and teams ahead of the Ladycats placed 4th, 9th, and 13th respectively. This team has an opportunity to be much better and possibly a bonafide top 10 staple if they improved their scoring split. It was horrendous at 2:29 and 2:37 for the sectional and state meet. Unless there is someone coming in new or from the junior ranks, it will be hard.
12. Liberty
Head Coach/coaches: Jared Schmidt
Last year's finish: Elmwood Sectional- 10th place
Key returners: Katelyn Robbins (Sr.), Carrie Balzer (Jr.), Kaela Wellman (Sr.), Courtney Riley (Sr.)
Projected top 7: Robbins, Balzer, Kaela Wellman, Riley, Larissa Neisen (Fr.), Emma Brinkman (Fr.)
Newcomers: Neisen, Brinkman
Coach's thoughts on the team: We have the ability to be a comparable team to last year. We have a lot of experience within our team but need to improve throughout the season. Last years sectional finish did not show the true team that we were. We had a lot of injuries and health issues that plagued us throughout last year. Hopefully, we've got a lot of that behind us and don't have to work around that so much this year. We've only got six girls this year so keeping everyone healthy will be a big part in seeing how well we can finish the season. I'm hoping we can get back to where I know we can be and send our Senior group out with a season that they deserve because they've been such an important part of our program the last three years.