10. Elmwood
Head Coach/Assistant Coaches: Kyle Anderson/ Gregg Meyers, Mike Sullivan, Tom Gorham
Last year's finish: Elmwood Sectional- 6th place
Key Returners: Sophie Bedell (Jr), Chloe Kelly (So), Melody Glenn (So), Ashley Wolcott (So), Bre Turner (So), Caroline Gallagher (So), Christine Karn (Sr), Catherine Karn (Jr)
Projected Top 7: Bedell, Kelly, Glenn, Bre Turner, Wolcott, Addie Symonds, Gallagher
New Additions: Addie Symonds, Aleah Zehr, Ava Bedell--- all freshmen
* Addie Symonds has been training very consistently with the key returners from above. She has shown keen interest in doing well and putting in work.
Coach Anderson's outlook on the team: Having a young team has made this summer a little bit more of a challenge. We haven't been able to meet as much as I would have hoped. I'm sure many coaches in the state can say that though. Glenn, Kelly, Wolcott, Turner, and Symonds have shown impressive dedication this summer logging miles. I believe this will set the stage for us to improve on last year's performance.
9. Marshall
Head Coach: Ryan Arthur
Last year's finish: Effingham (St. Anthony) Sectional- 6th place
Key returners: Isabel Arthur (So.)
Brooklyn Bender (So.), Emma Gard (Jr.), Calin Morris (Jr.), Ally Compton (Sr.), Kaelin Wilson (Jr.)
Thoughts: This team just missed a trip to the state meet last year in the toughest sectional. It is safe to say that the Lions would have been a top 10 placer. With a strong returning force back (Six starters) including top runner Isabel Arthur who advanced to Peoria and competed in the state meet. Also, with a tight 3-7 corps, this will be a tough team to beat.
8. Urbana (University)
Head Coach/coaches: Rachael Brewer/ Dean Kamps, Nathan Durkin, Karl Knox
Last year's finish: State Championship- 10th place
Key returners:
Kate Ahmari (So), Erin Smith (Jr), Danbi Choi (Sr), Maxine Van der donk (Jr), Cadi Hu (Jr)
Projected top 7 according to Coach Brewer: Ahmari, Mikayla Blanke, Smith, Choi, Hu, Stefania Dzhaman, Maxine
van der Donk, Madeleine Keenan (I can't pick just 7 because these 8 are so close it is hard to
say). Another addition to this is Kara Mathais. The reason I didn't include her is that she is
transferring and usually, the IHSA has transfers sit out a year. We have not been notified of their
decision as of August 14 if she can compete or not.
Newcomers:
Mikayla Blanke and Stefania Dzhaman. Mikayla ran cross country in middle school and has
decided to rejoin. Stefania has been on the swim team for the past two seasons.
Coach Brewer's thoughts on the team:
This season is going to be unlike anything we have experienced before, but I know the athletes
can handle anything that is thrown their way. As you can see in my projected top 7 there are
quite a few names that I think can be in our top 7. We also have other athletes that even though
they aren't named above can make a run for the top 7. Each girl on the team contributes to the
success of the team even if they aren't on varsity. I am excited to see what the team can
accomplish this year.
7. Aurora (Rosary)
Head Coach: Vic Mead
Last year's finish: State Championship- 9th
Key returners: Lianna Surtz (Jr.)
Maia Italia (Sr.)
Katie Ubertino (Jr.)
Brooke O'Carroll (Jr.)
Grace Ixpata (Jr.)
Ann Molenhouse (Sr.)
Comments: With last year's state champion Lianna Surtz back to lead to the way, it's a great thing having the best lowstick. However, the key will be the supporting cast behind her leading with Maia Italia. She has done well on the track and that should continue on the grass. Rosary should be a team that moves into the elite mix this fall.
6. Elmhurst (IC Catholic)
Head Coach: Dawn Calcagno/Assistant Coach: Joe Hughes
Last year's finish: State Championship- 8th place
Key Returners: Frankie Chaidez (Sr.), Alia Johnson (Sr.) Kennedy Calcagno (Jr.), Carly Manchester (Jr.) Liz Closterides (So.), Hayden James (So.)
Projected Top 7: Manchester, Calcagno, Chaidez, Johnson, Kelsey McDonough, Ava Falduto, Closterides
Newcomers/coach's thoughts on the team: Super excited to have 9 new freshmen on our team! Kelsey McDonough and Ava Falduto bring IESA state experience with them and will have a huge impact on the fight for the top 7 spots. Avery Berschel, Mae Bigane, Enya Gildea, Alysa Lawton, Zoe Mcmillen, Meg Sebastian, Megan Van Koughnet I expect great things from this team! With our veteran upperclassmen and our super competitive group of newcomers, I see us ranked top
5. Tolono (Unity)
Head Coach/coaches: Kara Leaman/Dike Stirrett/Jarred Koerner
Last year's finish: State Championship- 3rd place
Key returners: Taylor Joop (Sr), Evy Atkins (Sr), Caroline Bachert (Sr), Elizabeth Hulick (Sr), Malia Fairbanks (Jr), Audrey Remole (So)
Projected top 7: There are about 14-16 girls who all could get a taste of a varsity race. We
have a handful of freshmen that aren't afraid to take the lead in a workout and many successful,
experienced girls who are great mentors for them.
Newcomers: Evelyn Albaugh, Abby Jokisch, Blair Kimball, Caelyn Kleparski, Tatum Meyer,
Lauren Neverman, Bri Ritchie, Oliva Shike, Raegen Stringer, Erica Woodard
Coach Leaman's thoughts on the team: We have strong depth that could make this year a lot of fun as a
team if given the opportunity to run more than seven in the smaller meets. Since the outlook of the
season has been so fluid, we have been centered on what the daily efforts mean now, more than
ever. Hoping beyond hope that they get to see how those efforts sum up. Our freshmen have
added a great spark to an already raging fire.
4. Normal (University)
Head Coach: John Neisler
Last year's finish: State Championship- 4th place
Key returners: Lyndsey Wolters (Sr.),
Lizzy Zacharias (Sr.), Adriana Crabtree (Jr.), Ella Bittner (Sr.), Mackie Madix (Sr.)
Comments: This was a trophy contender at one point last year coming in from 2A. The Pioneers will get another crack at with five experienced starters back. Wolters may be the top runner but she will have some solid support behind her.
3. Eureka
Head Coach/Coaches: Olivia Morris/Matt O'Hanlon; Volunteers: Kurt Hinrichsen, Tom Engelhorn, Kellen Ehrenhardt
Last Year's Finish: State Championship- 6th place
Projected Top 7: Anna Perry, Alexi Fogo, Elle Knapp, Laurel Munson, Katelyn Knapp, Claire Wilson, Claire Albertson
Newcomers: Claire Albertson, Natali Roth, Shelby Logan, Cora Strawn, Abigail Mathews, Stella Rumbold,
Coach Morris' thoughts on the team: We are a strong team, but we need athletes to step up and solidify 5, 6, and 7 spots. We do have experience on our side
2. Monticello
Head Coach/coaches: David Remmert/Scott Burnsmier, Kelsey Hill
Last year's finish: STATE RUNNER-UP
Key returners: Mabry Bruhn (So), Rachel Koon (Jr), Grace Talbert (Sr), Emma Brown (Sr),
Kyara Welter (Jr), Estella Miller (So), Clara Rudolph (Jr)
Projected top 7: Same as above
Newcomers: "Joe" Josephine Walker (Fr), Kayla Wilson (Sr).
Coach Remmert's thoughts on the team: Our girl's team has been training well this summer. I've never
coached a team that was as tight-knit as they are and I am excited to see what the season
will bring.
Additional thoughts: The Sages are going to be once again a team to be considered as a top-two threat. They have a very good balance at the top and bottom of the lineup.