The Titans put on a dominating displaying at the 2023 IHSA State Championship (Mike Woolery photo)
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"The 2023 season was really special for our girl's team," says head coach Mike Garber, entering his 12th year as Head Coach of both programs. "We were able to go undefeated the entire season and win the girl's team's first State Championship. The 2023 team was the fastest combined in school history, and we brought everyone back from that top five. Track season proved many things to their girls about their capabilities, and they are ready to shoot even higher in 2024 XC."
Despite the Titan's youth, five scorers were underclassmen in 2023, including three freshmen-they showed little to no weaknesses throughout the entire season with an airtight pack consistently fronted by Ali Londrigan and Ashlyn Chopra. Londrigan's aggressive frontrunning style was rewarded with a 7th place finish at state in 17:40. Chopra and freshman Sophie Rentmeiser added all-state spots, making Glenwood and runner-up Grayslake Central the only schools with three individuals on the podium.
Although Glenwood's lead through three runners was tight (just nine points), their fourth and fifth runners were where they gapped the field. Ally Knudson finished 36th, and Brenna Sloman finished 42nd, getting all five runners in before any other team got in four. Since all five of these and others all return, the standard entering 2024 is very high for Glenwood, but the approach is to take the season as it comes, says Garber. "We had three girls All-State last year, and I think we can do better this year. Each girl will have individual goals, but the team goal is to take things week by week. We won't start discussing the state meet until the middle of October. Each week will provide new opportunities for these girls and allow for growth. I want them to learn something about themselves each race this season."
An ace that Glenwood may have up its sleeve is senior Rachael Behrens, who came back from injury issues to finish as Glenwood's 6th runner under 19:00. Behrens is the Titan's most prolific runner in the longer track distances, running 11:22 in 2023 and 5:16 this past season. Whether Glenwood even needs this 'ace' to be played depends on the season's shape, but this is a runner to watch who could absolutely find her way to the front of the pack alongside Londrigan and Chopra.
Glenwood's roster isn't large, but it is quality from top to bottom. Addie Hamrick, Aubrey Kinkelaar, Delaney Kyes, Ava Hamrick, and incoming freshman Ali Broaddus all comprise strong runners who will fill out Glenwood's varsity roster.
Glenwood is the favorite to win the state championship for a second straight year and is possibly the biggest favorite in any of the three classifications. They are strong enough to hang with any of the 3A programs in Illinois. But this added attention and pressure won't deter this group, says Garber, a group growing in maturity together daily. "I believe our qualification streak is 21 years. I'm excited to keep our hard work and excellence tradition alive in 2024. This team should hit new heights this year, and I can't wait to be a part of it."