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We begin the countdown to #1 but the fun begins at #25. Be sure to read up on the team capsules here
*2020 Shazam Championships coverage
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25. Tolono Unity
Head Coach: Jarred Koerner
Last Year's Finish: 17th at 1A ShaZam XC Championships
Key Returners: Thomas Cler (Sr.), Clayton Jamison (Sr.), Nolan Miller (Sr.), Bryson Denny (So.), Brendan Graven (Jr.), Isaac Ruggieri (So.), Jeremy Wells (So.)
Carson's Outlook: The Rockets start out the season in the anchor position, but have possibly the best pack running squad out of the ranked teams. With a projected 15 second split, the Rockets have room to move up the rankings.
24. Amboy
Head Coach: Michael Robinson
Last Year's Finish: 3rd at 1A Seneca Sectional
Key Returners: Brock Loftus (Sr.), Kyler McNinich (Jr.), Ian Eller (Sr.), Charlie Dickinson (Jr.), Andrew Jones (Sr.), Wyatt Lundquist (Sr.), Ryan Dickinson (Jr.).
-Coach Robinson welcomes several newcomers this fall who he expects to make an immediate impact in the program. As far as the team's outlook, the goal is to get to the state championship. "We are looking really strong this year," said Robinson. "Returning everyone that we had on our regional championship and 3rd place sectional team last year. They have been working hard this summer and wanting to make a dream of doing well down at state come true."
23. Eureka
Head Coach/Assistant Coaches: Olivia Morris / Matt O'Hanlon
Key Returners: Carson Lehman (So.), Charlie Bardwell (Jr.), Gabe Gerber (Jr.), Brady Monk (So.), Noah King (Sr.), Andrew Perry (So.), Nathan Otto (So.)
-The Hornets appear to be in a reloading phase according to coach Morris. "We are a young team, but I think that is what gives us an edge," she said. With youth brings growth and painful lineup changes on occasion. The program suffered a loss in Dylan Geisler but add freshman Hinkle who should battle for a top-seven spot.
22. Freeburg
Head Coach: Carl Florczyk
Last Year's Finish: 3rd at 1A Belleville Althoff Catholic Sectional
Key Returners: Josh LaChance (Jr.), Colin Van Pelt (Jr.), Keary Thompson (Sr.), Jared Beals (Sr.), Evan Schlichting (So.), Kyle Trautman (Sr.), Kris Scully (Sr.)
Carson's outlook: the Midgets once again return a decent squad as they head into the season, led by the trio of Josh LaChance, Colin Van Pelt, and Keary Thompson, their front pack was just under 17:00. With Jared Beals and Evan Schlichting coming into the season as the projected fourth and fifth runners, they will need to try and close the gap on their top three runners if they wish to move up the rankings.
21. Williamsville
Head Coach/Assistant Coaches: Bryan Glass / Amanda Nelson
Last Year's Finish: 8th at 1A Elmwood Sectional
Key Returners: Daniel Giacomini (Jr.), Avery Glasgow (Jr.), Cody Szfranski (Sr.), Johnathon Janssen (So.), Logan Giacomini (Sr.), Luke Farnsworth (Sr.)
-There are notable changes this season as Drew Mirabile returns to soccer and Nolan Bates hits the gridiron. But adding freshman James Kennedy should help some. Added coach Glass: "The team has a lot of promise this year! If we can get the entire team to buy in, and work hard we feel we have a chance to do extremely well this season!"