Naperville North head man Dan Iverson reflects on his team's 2017 state championship
Head Coach/coaches: Dan Iverson/Anna Kraftson, Jen Weigand, Deanna Nesci
Last year's finish: State, Nike Midwest Regional Champions, and NXN Runners-up
Key returners: Alex Morris (Sr), Claire Hill (Sr), Megan Driscoll (Sr), Audrey Mendrys (So), Maggie Gamboa (So)
Projected top 7: You'd have to start with last year's returners, but we have a lot of kids who could be in the mix to earn a spot this year including (but not limited to) returners such as Sophie Bruce (Sr), Natalie Walsh (Sr), Jana Dawson (Jr), Julia O'Dekirk (Jr), Claire Bruce (Jr), Wagner Osborne (Jr), Madeline Cody (So), Molly Morton (So), Jillian Carroll (So), Kate Donaldson (So) -- it's a good, deep group.
Newcomers: Campbell Petersen (So) (transfer) will definitely be in the mix for us, as will Lucy Westlake (Fr). We also have a few other freshmen who look promising.
Coach's thoughts on the team: We could be pretty good. The girls have worked really hard all summer long, and to a person, we are better now than we were two months ago. Obviously, our sights will be really high this year, but we have a lot of work to do with regard to finding our identity as a new team, different from the 2017 version. In short, I think we have a lot of potential to be good, but we have a lot of work to do before we can realize it. Thankfully, the state and region are stacked with really good teams that will push us to be our best all season long. We look forward to a great season!
Tony's thoughts: As usual in Coach Iverson speak, he tries to remain extra humble. But the truth of the matter is that he and his staff have created a dynasty at Naperville North. I believe that being a WHOLE coach means something. The Huskies won the 3A state track and field title this past May. The mastermind Iverson knows how to operate as a complete coach (sprints, jumps, hurdles, throws, relays, distance). The knowledge is definitely applied to cross country. A deep team where winning is the culture from the freshmen to seniors are the expectations. Look for this program to once again grace the top of the trophy stage this fall.