4x800
2019 State Champion: Winnetka (New Trier) 9:11.70
Key teams: LaGrange (Lyons Township), Barrington, Mt. Prospect (Prospect), Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West), Batavia, Wheaton-Warrenville South, Yorkville, Naperville North, Downers Grove South, Hinsdale Central, Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East), Winnetka (New Trier)
Outlook by Tony Jones: Last year was another year as the fastest time by Lyons Township (9:09.59) rated #20 on the national scene. Though the Lions came up short to New Trier in the state championship, they return three legs and will surely have another strong say in how things play out.
Depth always seems to follow this classification as the top 25 marks came here. What this means is teams must constantly sharpen their blades or fall to the bottom of the food chain. Barrington is one team that will be at the top considering they return four legs from a 9:17 unit. The Fillies have junior Molly Fitzpatrick as a primary figure but she could flip and run individually if need be.
Lastly, this has always been a relay that cross country runners tend to flock to and populate and that will not change as Glenbard West (Katelynne Hart), Naperville North (top xc runners), Downers South (Brenna Cohoon), Hinsdale Central Emma Watcke & Mckenna Revord), and others on the scene like Wheaton-Warrenville South. The Tigers ace junior Samantha Poglitsch has never seriously contested the open 3200m, but after producing a record-setting cross country campaign, it is plausible that she could move away from the relay. It will be interesting to say the least once the season unfolds.