3200m
2019 State Champion: Katelynne Hart (Sr., Glen Ellyn [Glenbard West]) 10:24.33
Key Returners: Hart, Brooke Stromsland (Jr., Lake Villa [Lakes]), Fatima Giron (Sr., Round Lake), Emma Watcke (Sr., Hinsdale Central), Katrina Schlenker (So., Batavia), Mckenna Revord (Sr., Hinsdale Central), Molly Fitzpatrick (Jr., Barrington), Kailey Fox (Sr., Yorkville), Aly Negovetich (So., Fox Lake [Grant]), Maggie Gamboa (Jr., Naperville North), Ashley Heidenrich (Sr., Aurora [Waubonsie Valley]), Brenna Cohoon (Sr., Downers Grove South)
Outlook: Hart should have no trouble maintaining control of the Illinois field. Her 9:56.13 two-mile from Brooks PR is enough to solidify her prominence on the national stage. Of course, we could write all day about the legend's accomplishments but she still has a few chapters remaining this season.
Brooke Stromsland re-enters back into 3A after a strong cross country season in 2A. Coming into the fray with the #5 returning time of 10:40.95- she would place second in the state behind Hart.
If cross country has a correlation to the track then there will some major fireworks. Let's start with non "2milers" for a moment. Samantha Poglitsch and Erin Reidy are two of the state's top distance runners. Poglitch took second behind Hart in the fall while Reidy was sixth. Collectively, the young ladies have run a total of one 3200m in their careers! Poglitsch's fortunes could switch and become more of a force in the longer event. Reidy may contest a few 3200s but not in the state series.
Fatima Giron, and Emma Watcke all ran impressive sub-10:35 times on the track last season and we'll have to keep an eye out for what they accomplish during their senior year. Giron is returning from a serious injury during the cross country season. 3A has 14 returners who all ran sub-11:00 last season and another handful who were right on the border. Brenna Cohoon and Ashley Heidenrich are key names ready to stir the pot. Add those on the 11:00 border and some fast freshmen, and the field should be very deep this season.