Class A Girls-
Tolono Unity was on cruise control throughout the 2018 season until they ran into a buzz saw at the state championship. Friendly Eureka proved it was business and not personal when they dominated the field on the hallowed Detweiller Park. The result wasn't even close as Emma Argo repeated and her teammate Alexi Fogo placed 14th overall. All five Hornets placed in the top 50 teamwise enroute to 84 points. Rock Falls pulled off a surprise taking second over Unity. The essence of cross country in peak time is the element of surprise and watching kids come to the forefront.
This fall the predictions may not be as concrete as they have been in recent time. There are several teams capable of hoisting a trophy in November. One squad that we all should be aware of is Winnebago. The 'Bagos return all seven runners from a fourth-place finish. Of course, Unity and St. Joe-Ogden will be in the mix.
A new team will drop in on the party this fall. That team is Aurora (Rosary) who placed 13th in the 2A state meet a year ago. The Royals returned all seven runners including star talent Lianna Surtz. Things are going to be interesting, to say the least.
Individually, Surtz will certainly command the favorite target and rightfully so. It will be hard for anyone to match the 16:35 personal best that she threw down. And if the track season meant anything, Surtz is a state champion in the 1600m with a personal-best 4:55.53. Lydia Roller of Staunton had a tremendous 2018-19 school season. Roller is the top returner from the 1A championship. She also competed in 2A during track season and placed second to Surtz in the 1600m.