800m
2019 State Champion: Katelynne Hart (Sr., Glen Ellyn [Glenbard West]) 2:13.11
Key Returners: Hart, Erin Reidy (Sr., Downers Grove South), Olivia Schmitt (Sr., Lake Villa [Lakes]), Kaylie Politza (So., Lemont), Janae Dean (Sr., Hoffman Estates), Audrey Allman (So., Glen Ellyn [Glenbard West]), Ella Hale (Jr., Oswego), Audrey Ginsberg (So., Prospect), Katrina Schlenker (So., Batavia), Emma Braband (Jr., Winnetka [New Trier]), Sam Poglitsch (Jr., Wheaton Warrenville South), Jordyn Miller (So., Mundelein)
Outlook: This event is Hart's third-best event but of course, she proved otherwise when it mattered against the very best competitors in the state. Success has a way of rendering its head and several girls will not go away easily.
Erin Reidy and Olivia Schmitt may have other plans. Schmitt only lost to Hart by .41 seconds in the state final 800m race, and Reidy currently holds the IL #1 800m time of 2:10.53. If Schmitt and Reidy really focus in on the 800m, they have a serious shot at the top spot and ultimately a state champion. There are six returners this season who have run sub-2:15 in the past and don't be surprised to see a sub-2:10 run by an Illinois girl or two this spring.
There are also many talented sophomores in this group including Audrey Allman, Kaylie Politza, and Audrey Ginsberg who will keep up the competition for years to come.
It could be possible for a handful of freshmen to join the elite 800m group as well like Brooke Johnston, Riley Knoyle, Jordyn Miller, or Anna Harden who all had great state cross country performances.