Welcome to the 2020 Cross Country Season!
The IHSA recently approved a scaled-down version of practices and meet structure which is going to look drastically different than in past years. The hope is that we will all be having a semblance of a state series in early to mid-October.
Unclassified teams-
Unclassified means teams not quite in the top 25 or ranked, but are on the verge of being noticed by the masses. Unclassified teams are dangerous because they have a chip on their shoulders and will do anything and everything to prove everyone wrong. Don't be surprised if several of these teams get into the rankings at some point during the season and even make it to state.
Gook luck to all!
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Head Coach: Chris Mosley
Last Year's Finish: 7th- Effingham (St. Anthony) Sectional
Key Returners: Gabrielle Spain (Jr.), Ellie Nohren (So.), Emma Congenie (Jr.), Brook Schutt (Jr.), Trinity Wade (Jr.), Ella Tynan (Jr.)
Quick thoughts: The Rams were a solid team that just missed out on the state championship sweepstakes last fall. Now with the loss of top runner Ailey Mitchell to graduation, the road to a higher goal would be tough. Or could it? Six of the top seven are back which includes middle-distance standout who placed in the top 50 at state.
Head Coach: Larissa Swanson
Last year's finish: State Championship- 23rd
Key returners: Sydney Bonham (So.), Trinity Bonham (So.), Emilee Huenerberg (Jr.), Ashlyn Rapacz (Sr.)
Quick thoughts
: The Ladycats enjoyed a pretty good season last year after taking second at the Lisle Sectional and later taking 23rd in the state meet. Tori Fasano has graduated as well as the second runner Christina Wang. For this team to get back to the state meet and enjoy the fruits of labor, it must be able to replace some good runners and nurture the returners in closing a huge scoring gap that looms.
Head Coach: Kim Foster
Last year's finish: Oregon Sectional- 8th
Key returners: Audrey Jenkins (Jr.)
Amber Vroman (Sr.)
Marie Cheshareck (Sr.)
Ashley Alsvig (So.),
Delany Welsh (Sr.),
Emily Hess (Sr.)
Quick thoughts: Once a team that was ticketed as a sureshot to advance to Peoria, but ran out of gas late in the season. Now, let's
see how things turn out with six experienced returners. Seneca could be a surprise team during the prime stretch of October.
Head Coach: Carl Florczyk
Last year's finish: State Championship- 20th
Quick thoughts: Look for strong support from track hurdler Megan Weilmuenster (Sr.) who is ready to assist her mates and earn another trip to state and quality finish.