The intensity of the 3A girls state cross country state championship is like no other - 2024
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The pinnacle of all Illinois cross-country lies within the 3A classification... while there will be some differing opinions, keep in mind that this is the preseason. Things will change, of course, as the season progresses. For the first time in several years, there does not appear to be a rock-solid dominant team to pinpoint. There is a belief that as many as seven or eight teams have an opportunity to win a state trophy. Enjoy the journey toward November 8.
Coaches: Shari Hayes, Christina Flauter
Last year's finish: Lake Park Sectional- 10th place
Key returners: Julia Rodney (Jr), Gwen Hobson, Alyssa Oblak (Jr), Brooklyn Thompson (So), Juliana Gonzalez (Jr)
Newcomer: Kara Glenn (So)
Outlook: Coach Shari Hayes has set the team's primary objective for 2025. "This year, our primary goal is to continue building overall team strength and competitiveness," she offered. This statement may be a little conservative, considering she has five returning starters led by Julia Rodney and Ayssa Oblak, who placed 33rd and 90th, respectively, at the state meet. Additionally, the North Stars add former soccer player Kara Glenn. She opened many eyes during the track season, winning the slower section 3200m in 10:51.07 and placing 10th overall. "We're looking forward to seeing how that preparation translates into performance this fall," said Hayes.
Head Coach: John Burnside
Last year's finish: State Championship- 18th place
Newcomers:
Alexis Andrus, Jill Crane
Outlook: The Trevians will continue to have one of the largest teams in the state, but it will look much different. "We will be a much younger team after graduating several of the top runners, including Josie Cahill," indicated coach John Burnside. Kayla Ritchie, Sawyer Vyas, and Lily Rickard-Bugel have improved and will lead the charge this fall. It appears there will be some pain along the way, but Trevians will be a team fighting in its usual spot on the state championship starting line in November.
Head Coach/Assistant Coaches: Jeff Downing/Kathleen Durkin
Last Year's finish: State Championship- 21st place
Key Returners: Tessie Bradley (Jr), Abby Seurynck (So), Isla Craig-Naples (Jr), Sarah Mendoza (Jr), Lucia Fuentes (Sr), Sophia Iniguez (Jr), Lilly Handley (Jr), Jill Etchason (Jr), Bea Conroy (So), Alana Ciancio (Sr), Emma Fuentes (So), Avery Udzielak (So)
Outcome: Despite returning 12 of 14 girls, losing the rock-solid Sofia and Luisa Arcuri to graduation will be felt. However, if there is a silver lining for the Red Hawks, they have always been a resilient program, and introducing new blood is the key. It's too early to tell which freshman will have the most impact, according to coach Jeff Downing. "We had several incoming freshmen run with us this summer. It's too soon to tell which ones can help us at the varsity level."
It will be imperative for last year's #2 girl, Tessie Bradley, to step up and become the lowstick the program can depend on every weekend. She enjoyed a great summer, and that is essentially step one of the fall trek. However, as always with cross-country, nothing is more important than a strong pack. "Abby Seurnyck had a breakout race at the sectional [meet] last season, which gave us the cushion to qualify for the state [meet]," said Downing. "We expect her to lead the rest of our pack (Craig-Naples, Mendoza, Fuentes, Handley, Iniguez, Etchason, etc.). And then, every season brings us a few surprises of runners that help us with the depth to make a strong run at the end."
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Doug Plunkett, Mike Arenberg, Hannah Stark, Sarah Miller, Mary Namestnik.
Last year's finish: State Championship- 27th place
Key returners: Nia Ortega (Jr), Gianna Lamb (Jr), Rose Jones (Jr), Nora Maier (So), Emily Gantz (Sr), Claire Posmer (Sr), Gabija Dauderis (Sr).
Outlook: Great coaches know how to coach even when the talent level isn't on par. Hall of Fame coach Doug Plunkett is that guy, and his team advanced to the state meet last year against all odds. This time, things will be different. " We are returning six of our top seven from last year's team that came on strong at the end, surprising many in qualifying for the State meet," he said with bright eyes.
Among the returning lot are Nia Ortega, Gianna Lamb, and Rose Jones. Ortega is coming off a breakout track season where she finished All-State (6th place) in the 3200m at State, running 10:41.99. If all goes well, she should be in the discussion of obtaining high all-state honors. Complementary teammates Gianna Lamb and Rose Jones will be expected to step up and form a great trio for the Mustangs. If Plunkett can develop the back end of the scoring pack, he will be looking at another great squad this season.
Head Coach|Coaches:
Rob Harvey/Maddie Weeden, Sarah Bikulcius-Smith, Brian English
2024 Finish: State Championship - 12th place
Key Returners:
Adrienne Aderhold (Jr), Abby Barrett (Sr), Emily Fahrman (Sr), Ellie Flores (Sr), Clara Franken (So), Arielle Friebel (Jr), Emily Enright (So), Kate Jeffers (So), Addy Lindsay (So), Eva Martin (Sr), Olivia Martinez (Sr), Shyla Paramsothy (So), Kate Rodakowski (Jr)
Outlook: On paper, this Tiger's bunch seems like a rebuilding year after graduating some potent performers. However, as is customary, Coach Rob Harvey and his staff have been masterful in reloading. It may be several years before we see how well this squad performs. Harvey provides his take: "Our summer has been great with a young and hungry group. Much of our summer was spent focusing on strengthening and building our aerobic endurance. We had an overwhelming turnout for our summer camps with over 65 middle school and high school girls participating."
Abby Barrett, Clara Franken, and Arielle Friebel are names that fans will come to know. Their state meet experience, along with some promising newcomers (Harvey never discloses their names in the preseason), will enable the Tigers to fight for a top 15 spot in the state championship.
Head Coach: Bob LeBlanc, Bryan Musolf, Kelly McClearn
Last year's finish: State Championship- 15th place
Key returners: Nicole Golebiowski (Sr), MJ Seay (Jr), Veronica Eichmiller (Jr), Gabriela Tamamidis (Sr)
Outlook: Against all odds last season, the Spartans came alive and qualified for the state meet. On top of it all, they placed in the top 15, making their season one to remember for years to come. So what can we expect this fall? There are four starters back, led by Nicole Golebiowski, who placed 47th at the state meet. She enjoyed a solid track season and should be the leader this fall, shooting for all-state honors. "We hope to continue that momentum as we move into the fall season," added coach LeBlanc.
Head Coach/assistant coaches:
Stephanie Stecz/Marta Rhyner, Doug Arseneau, Peter Cashman
Last year's finish: 2A State Champion Runner Up
Key returners:
Emily Stecky (Jr), Abigail Radich (So), Claire Duman (Sr), Emily Stoessel (Sr), Ella Buciak (Jr), Simrin Anderson (Sr)
Newcomers:
Macy Leahy (Sr), Ryan Greeby (So), Lexi Palkon (Fr), Maura Kelly (Fr)
Outlook: DePaul College Prep has experienced exponential growth in its student body over the past decade; consequently, its sports programs have also undergone significant improvement. In cross-country, the Rams won a trophy last year, prompting the IHSA to invoke the success factor due to their private school status. "We've moved from 1A to 2A to 3A in the span of four years, which means our seniors have already experienced the shift in competition and intensity and aren't intimidated by the idea of racing the best teams in Illinois," said coach Stephanie Stecz. "We have a strong team culture that supports working together to accomplish our goals."
Emily Stecky has developed into one of the state's elite middle-distance runners, winning the 2A 800m title with a time of 2:09.31. She has also clocked a sub-5:00 (1600m) and sub-11:00 for 3200m (ran it just one time on the track). After dropping 17:21 last year, it is plausible to see her among the elite of 3A this fall. However, she will have a strong teammate in Abigail Radich to support her. And of course, a strong pack to play with. Adds Stecz: "We have some well-established packs, and it will be interesting to see which girls take the lead to pull the packs up in races. The girls are excited and they're having fun together, and I think they believe they can do great things this season."
19. Chicago (Lane)
Coaches: Kris Roof, Laura McKnight, Jeff Jacobs
Last year's finish: Lake Park Sectional- 9th place
Key returners: Ainsley Carter (Jr.), Sydney Van Aken (Sr), Amy Herzog (So.), Samantha Borg-Breen (So.), Gillian Katz (Jr.), Antonina Leary (So.), Sydney Van Aken (Sr.), Emma Wojcik (So)
Outlook: This could be the best Lane group in school history. That will be determined if they advance to the state championship for the first time under the current IHSA rules. At the very least, this is undoubtedly the deepest Champions team on paper. It will start with Ainsley Carter, who competed in the state meet last year. Along with her is a young group that earned all-state track honors in the 4x800 relay featuring Carter, Amy Herzog, Samantha Borg-Green, and Nina Leary.
Carter advanced to the state meet last year and provided her teammates with the experience on the big stage. After an intense summer session, she has become more mentally ready than in the past. As most people know, mental attitude is critical to achieving success in cross-country. The key for the Champions will be improving their scoring split. They will need to get it under 45 seconds on the regular.
Did we mention young talent? Legendary Sandburg boys' coach John O'Malley's niece, Sienna O'Malley, has already proven dividends. Sienna won the Lane Myrtle and Gold time trial in what was one of the fastest times in its existence. Said uncle O'Malley, "She trained hard this summer... she's going to be good!" Joining Sienna will be Sydney Van Aken, Samantha Borg-Breen, Gillian Katz, Nina Leary, and Emma Wojcik, among others, from the incredibly deep squad.
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Ryan Stapinski/Becky Cherry, Cara Anderson, Brian Mulford
Last year's finish: State Championship- 28th place
Key returners:
Keira Faxel (So), Ava Dughetti (Sr), Mia Forystek (Jr), Jillian Davies (Jr), Katie Petrosky (Jr), Brea Counihan (Jr), Aubrey Shipman (Sr), Ana Dal Ponte (So), Macy Gallagher (Sr), Ania Topor (So), Ana Dal Ponte (So)
Newcomers: Grace Mathis (So)
Outlook: Things did not go as well as the Knights had wanted last year, despite advancing to the state meet. "Brea [Counihan] was injured most of last year, but has had a strong summer of running, and we're excited to have her back healthy," coach Ryan Stapinski leads off with. Despite returning six of the top seven, he understands that the team's success will be determined by how well the unit's health is maintained. Six of the top seven return, including Keira Faxel, who appears to be the most improved runner from last school year.
Others to watch are Ana Dal Ponte, who was an instrumental part of the team's third-place state track 4x800 relay.
Ava Dughetti, Macy Gallagher, and Jillian Davies crushed the summer training session. Let's not forget transfer Grace Mathis, who has meshed well with her new teammates. Also, Katie Petrosky and Paige Keating will be vital in the depth department this fall.
17. Yorkville
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Chris Muth, Lauren Vriezen, Tori Gatlin, Kerry Stillmunkes
Last year's finish: State Championship- 11th place
Key returners: Ashley Schraeder (Sr), Annabelle Reeder (Sr), Athena Triner (So), Mia Evans (Jr), Rachel Rotramel (So), Linden Moss (So), Paige Timm (Jr)
Newcomers: Elle Meyers
Outlook: "This is going to be a smaller team than in years past with the additions of other girls' fall sports," said coach Chris Muth. However, like the majority of cross-country coaches' stances, a team's health is the most important component to success. The Foxes return a solid group, according to Muth, featuring Ashley Schraeder, Annabelle Reeder, and Athena Triner leading the charge. Reeder and Triner placed in the top 50 at state last year.
Rachel Rotramel is primed for a breakout season coming off a solid varsity freshman season, as well as Mia Evans, who showed very impressive flashes last year as a sophomore," indicated Muth. "Our other varsity spots are up in the air, but some strong summers from Linden Moss, Elle Meyers, and Paige Timm could factor into rounding out the team." Yorkville is one of those teams always on the cusp of being mentioned among the elite forces. 2025 will be a stepping stone for what is to come in the future.
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Tim McDonald, Matt Maletich, Bob Calder
Last year's finish: State Championship- 3rd place; Nike Cross Nationals- 11th place
Key returners: Lily Eddington (Sr.), Macy Ermitage (So.), Sophia Schlueter (Jr.), Helen Justice (Sr.), Mairead Courtney (Jr.), Gianna Modica (Jr.), Evan Vlasic (Jr.)
Outlook: The Trojans have had a tremendous run over the last three state championships: third, second, and fifth. Also, there have been two trips to the Nike Cross Nationals. With heavy graduation losses, it appears the gravy train will come to a halt for a while. "In May, we graduated a lot of great athletes who had a lot of success over the years," lamented coach Tim McDonald. "It will take some time, but I think that this year's team will be a very solid, competitive team by the end of the season."
The mainstay over the years, Lily Eddington, is back and healthy after missing a significant portion of the track season with a hamstring injury. Building for the future starts with the talented Macy Ermitage. The former middle school prodigy missed the majority of her initial harrier season, but was able to run NXN Midwest and NXN. She roared to a fantastic track season, placing third in the 3200m state meet (10:32.72). Added McDonald: "The girls are working hard and building a team together. We are excited to see what they can become by the end of the season!"
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Matt Blondell, Aislinn Hicks, Sarah Braun
Last year's finish: State Championship- 16th place
Key returners: Macy Bjork (Sr), Emma Breese (Sr), Katelyn Burke (Jr), Charlotte Danahy (So), Eloise Graft (Sr), Kaitlin Orf (So), Lauren Quigg (Jr), Kavea Senthilanand (So), Hannah Zei (So)
Newcomers: Izzy Barnard (Fr), Maddie Calvey (Fr), Claire Lin (Fr), Maggie Muszynski (Fr), Kinley Zielinski (Fr), Carly Ernst (So)
Outlook- Coach Matt Blondell starts: "We're excited about the direction of our team heading into the season. Summer training went well, with consistent effort and steady progress in fitness. We have a healthy mix of experienced returners and promising newcomers who are already showing they can contribute at a high level."
If you look and can't find top returner Kavea Senthilanand in the spring track results, that's because she played soccer. She ran 18:28 at the state meet. Emma Breese did not make the state championship cut, but was able to rebound and produce the top 3200 on the track (11:38.87). She will be motivated to run in her first state meet. Overall, the Red Wings will be in the mix for a top 15 placement in November.
14. Plainfield North
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Andy Derks, Sam Barranco, Roxy Hall, Emilie Hatzl
Last year's finish: State Championship- 16th place
Key returners: Marlie Czarniewski (Jr), Tessa Russo (Sr), Emaan Hussain (Sr), Zeta Zbroszczyk (Sr), Ayla Czarniewski (Jr), Ireland Hockman (Jr), Madeline Singh (Jr), Megan Morris (Jr), Alynn Bledsoe (Sr)
Newcomers: Kate Beavers, Laurel Eager, Olivia Eager, Audrey Maresca
Outlook: It has been two years since Andy Derks took over as head coach of the girls' program, and the changes he has fostered have been remarkable. "I am really proud of the work our girls have put in this summer- not only in training, but culturally," he said with glee. "They are doing the hard work now to make sure we are a team that communicates well and fully supports one another. We have a few newcomers who will make a significant impact right away, and some solid veterans who will lead the way."
With six runners back from the state meet, this is a dangerous team. Top returner Tessa Russo, who took 10th last year at state, missed a significant portion of the track season with injuries. She was unable to showcase her individual abilities fully, but as a team player, she helped guide her teammates to a state runner-up finish in the 4x800 relay (9:07.34). It was one of the fastest times in state history and a great accomplishment. It appears she is healthy and ready to have another great xc season.
Another rock-solid performer to watch is Marlie Czarniewski. "[She] and Tessa will be rock-solid up front and are both experienced competitors," said Derks. Czarniewski copped the final all-state spot last year and parlayed it into a great track season, once again grabbing a final all-state spot in the 1600m. She also ran the 3200m in 10:31.24. The moral of the story is this: The Panthers have depth beyond the duo, and it will be a matter of the athletes trusting the process and enjoying a great season.
Head Coach: Paul Hass
Last year's finish: State Championship- 23rd place
Key returners:
Alexa Novak (Sr.), Shayne Dietzen (So.), Alyssa Novak (So.), Lauren Bennett (Jr.), Ella Demchinski (Sr.), Mackenzie Gilbert (Sr.), Addie Nordman (Jr.), Maya Slowikowski (Jr.), Ava Chase (Jr.)
Key Newcomers: Nora Janninck (Jr.), Katie King (So.)
Outlook: The Hall of Fame veteran, Paul Hass, is nearing his 30th year of coaching and is ready to embark on another solid campaign. 2026 may be the year the Hilltoppers are barking up a tree for a state trophy. In the meantime, the athletes will have to trust the process. "For the second year in a row, we were not necessarily happy with our performances at both sectionals and state, and we look to rectify and improve upon those efforts with everyone returning from the state meet and a deeper team," said Hass.
All seven runners from the state meet are back, led by Alexa Novak, who placed 23rd (17:22) to earn all-state honors. She was also an integral part of the sixth-place 4x800 relay last spring. She will more than likely be among the elite corps as the season progresses, but for her teammates, getting the 2-5 scoring pack under 1:00 will be the key component. Watch out for upstarts Lauren Bennett, Alyssa Novak, and Shayne Dietzen to lead the charge. If that happens consistently, the Hilltoppers will be a team that will instill fear among the masses.
12. Hinsdale Central
Head coach/coaches: Mark McCabe/Courtney Wallace, Maura Passaglia
Last year's finish: State Championship- 19th place
Key returners: Lily Hodneland (Sr.), Ella Satre (Jr.), Morgan Kohn (Jr.), Marin Backus (So.), Addisyn Krogstie (Sr.), Evelyn Skay (Jr.), Lucy McCormick (Jr.), Grace Gruber (Sr.), Sophia Molfese (Sr.)
Outlook: The Red Devilettes just squeaked into last year's state championship with a sixth-place finish at the sectional round, yet they placed in the top 20. This is a testament to Coach McCabe and his staff, who consistently find a way to get the job done. 2025 could turn out to be a banner year, with a wealth of experience and all seven starters returning. Lily Hodneland enjoyed a tremendous track season, competing in the 800m state finals and just missing all-state honors. She was still able to run 2:13.87 out of season. She placed 57th last year in Peoria and will be better. Her teammate, Ella Satre, also expects to be a factor this fall, especially after running 10:57.25 and 5:09.98 on the track.
There is no doubt, according to coach McCabe, this could be a banner year after witnessing his troopettes working each day, side by side. The expectation is to perform to the best of one's ability and uphold the Hinsdale Central girls' cross country team.
11. Huntley
Head Coach/coaches: Matt Kaplan/Jason Monson, Brandy Swanson, Jimmy Jestus
Last year's finish: State Championship- 10th place
Key returners: Cori Kilvinger (Sr), Haley Rahman (Jr), Morgan Sauber (Jr), Isabella Ciesla (Sr), Aspen Maldonado (Sr)
Newcomer: Brynn Early (Fr)
Outlook: The Red Raiders' placement at the state meet last year was the best in school history. With its top five scorers back, that could mean serious business this fall. "We return our top five runners from that team, so we expect this group to work towards another top 10 finish," said a confident coach, Matt Kaplan. "All of our top returners had quality track seasons and spent the summer getting prepared for another fall season."
Among the runners that's expected to get the job done is newcomer Brynn Early. Coach Kaplan believes that she will have an impact on the top seven, and that will be necessary in the 3A Lioness Den. Top returning harrier Isabella Ciesla took 46th last year and is coming off a quality track season. Her teammate Haley Rahman may be in store for a great fall after running 11:11.67 in the 3200m. She competed in the state 1600m. Adds Kaplan: " Our team will take it one week at a time and work to improve on our top five split and overall pack. This group has been together for a long time and does a great job working together for the team."
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Mikayla Olsen/Aileen White
Last year's finish: State Championship- 9th place
Key returners: Alexa Izenstark (Jr), 'Ola' Alexandra Kopacz (Jr), Elizabeth Waltz (Sr), Sofia Donner (Jr), Jojo Messer (So),
Zuzanna Kruszewski (So), Jamie Laskiewicz (Sr), Helena Vincent (Sr)
Newcomers: Gracie Mabry, Clara Vincent
Outlook: It will be hard to duplicate what the Huskies accomplished in 2024. It was one of the best seasons in their program's history, capping it off with a signature top 10 finish. With five starters back, Coach Olsen's group remains strong, and she feels as confident as ever. "Our team is ready to rise this year," she said with enthusiasm. "They are a fun crew, work
hard, and are ready to tear it up!" Alexa Izenstark is back as the top returner, placing 71st in Peoria. On the track, she clocked 11:18.37, followed by three more returning teammates under 12:00. Sounds like a team with a strong pack in store to give its foes fits this fall.
9. Minooka
Head Coach: Kevin Gummerson/Matt Clark, Jes Hopkins, Ashley Tutt, Leslie Hencinski
Last Year's Finish: State Championship- 6th place
Key Returners: Natalie Nahs (Jr), Clara Getsoian (So), Leah Kleckauskas (Jr),
Melinda Torres (Sr), Paige Joachim (Jr, Layla Dobczyk (So), Kimora Rodely (Jr),
Carolina Jorge (So), Natalie Andrews (Jr)
Outlook: The graduation of star Maya Ledesman will be etched in Coach Kevin Gummerson's mind for a long time. "This group is coming off a strong cross country and track season that saw us place sixth
in the state in the fall," he said. "While we lost a strong senior class, the returning
athletes are hungry to build on that success."
Natalie Nahs is next up and the one to watch, especially after producing a strong track season, nabbing the final 800m all-state spot. She will also be motivated to get back to Peoria and earn all-state honors, missing out by two spots and five seconds (17:32). "Leah
Kleckauskas, Clara Getsoian, and Paige Joachim had some big
breakthroughs last track season, and they are determined to do the same in
the fall," adds Gummerson.
8. Edwardsville
Head Coach: George Patrylak/Alexis Keller, Keri Burmester
Last year's finish: State Championship- 8th place
Key returners: Madison Popelar (Sr), Morgan Popelar (So), Willow Jackson (So), Ella Thompson (Jr), Antonella DeAvila (Sr), Ava Horsfall (Jr), Reagan Jumper (So).
Newcomers: Ainsley Goodwin, Clara Johnson, Kate
Looper, Allie Merrick, Quinn Neal, Sophia Shapiro.
Outlook: One of the deepest teams in the state could end up in a trophy position by season's end. "Last season, we made school history with our highest
finish in school history," said coach George Patrylak. "Returning all seven runners from that squad, plus adding a talented
freshman group, you would have to think we would improve on that finish."
As good as the Tigers are projected to be, it will take some time, according to Patrylak. "The girl's track season did not go as planned. There were
injuries to several of our key runners, including one athlete who missed the entire
season [Madison Popelar]. Several runners struggled without the leadership of those individuals. I
know that the talent is there, but we are trying to build up our base before anything too
crazy. I do like that most of our top girls are running together this summer." If we can maintain our health and achieve a similar progression from this year's freshman class as we did from our group a year ago, I know we are a top-ten team. The season will dictate just how high."
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Pete Wintermute, Ian Arms, Ryan Hopper, Sarah Harden
Last year's finish: State Championship- 4th place
Key returners:
Meg Peterson (Sr), Anna Zajac (Sr), Ella Benassi (Sr), Jocelyn Farina (Sr), Amalia Scorza (Jr), Allison Kalkwarf (So), Samantha Lobacz (So), Kaitlin Miazga (So)
Newcomers:
Ashley Skelton, Juliana Mihalopoulos, Brooklyn Stocking, McKenna Carroll, Audrey Childs,
Caitlin Resac, Erin Collins, Lucy Wintermute, Malin O'Meara
Outlook: Prospect is one of those programs that knows how to do more with more. Yes, that's right. There are programs with great talent, but they occasionally fall short. Not Pete Wintermute. With that being said, it appears that the Knights look to reload in 2025, as they graduated two All-Staters and five of their top seven players from last year.
Meg Peterson and Anna Zajac are the top returners and will be in control of the daily grind. Peterson is a three-time all-star with three top 10 performances. She will be fighting for a top-five marker this time around. But if you were to ask her, the team comes first.
Wintermute closes with this: "In 2025, the goal for the Prospect Knights is to rise to prominence. A new wave of young
talent has emerged -- athletes who found success at the middle school level and now possess great
potential. While their futures are promising, only time will reveal the true path each will take."
6. Barrington
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Debbie Revolta/Dan Lowry, Emily Mohr
Last year's finish: State Champions
Key returners: Mia Sirois (Jr), Abby Lewis (Sr), Madison Miles (Sr), Angelica Hil (Jr), Victoria Tarara (So), Paige Kusmerz (So), Charlotte Luft (Jr), Liva Ketkar (Jr), Niharika Chatterjee (So)
Newcomers: Cece Babel, Ellie Ganan
Outlook: Before some of you blow a gasket, the defending state champions will be in the mix for another title during the second half of the season. Unfortunately, the Fillies are going to have to learn to win without superstar Mia Sirois for a significant amount of time. The defending state champion suffered an injury to her ankle that is projected to keep her out of action for much of the first half of the season. Additionally, key graduation losses and the transfer of a state performer are factored in. We will see how well the team will do under the tutelage of Victoria Tarara and Abby Lewis. Coach Deb Revolta said it best: "We will once again work all season to find our top 7 and be at our best come October and November."
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Lauren DeAngelis/Kelly Leonard, Jimmy Kolb, Maddie Cranny
Last year's finish: State Runner Up
Key returners: Karlin Janowski (So), Molly McGreal (Sr), Sophia Galiano-Sanchez, Maggie Quinn (Sr), Stella Rosso (Jr), Lila Stanley (Sr), Gigi Hill (Sr), Julia Weseloh (Jr), Amelia Crotty (So), Dehlia Bernardi (So), Kyla O'Halloran (So), Paige Byrne (So), Emma Cardenas (Sr), Lilly Bianchi (Sr).
Newcomers: Molly McGreal (Sr), Claire Twohy
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Outlook: This is another team that could be knocking on the door of a state title or, at worst, a trophy if things go according to their plan. But some questions need to be answered. The #1 question is: Which Karlin Janowski will we see? Is it the dominating one that took the scene by storm as a freshman, or is it the one that endured a rough track season and didn't qualify for state in any individual events? A second question is, how far can the super transfer Molly McGreal take them? The final question is: Will Sophia Galiano-Sanchez have to carry a bigger load than required for the Lady Dukes to return to the trophy promised land?
The positive spin on all of this is that 12 of the top 14 are back, which means there is plenty of depth to choose from. "We have had a strong and positive summer with a focus on reestablishing a strong aerobic base," assures coach Lauren DeAngelis. "All the girls are feeling stronger, both physically and mentally, going into our next phase of training."
DeAngelis knows that the expectations of pundits and trolls are just a keyboard click away, but she isn't phased. "The 2025 team has big goals and expectations coming off a state runner-up finish by 1 point last year," DeAngelis acknowledged. "We are looking forward to competing with the amazing teams in Illinois, as distance running in this state is so competitive!"
The focus will be on working in unison throughout the season and allowing everything to unfold accordingly. Lastly, DeAngelis asserts: "The team is looking forward to seeing how every member of the team can contribute towards our very competitive WSC meet on all levels and within the state series."
4. Lake Zurich
Head Coach: Jeremy Kauffman
Last year's finish: State Championship- 14th place
Key Returners: Polina Krupsky (Sr.), Ruby Nissen (Sr.), Hannah Gillhaus (Sr.), Morganne Stawarz (Sr.), Avery Muhr (Jr.), Celia Blaylock (Jr.), Trish Johnson (So.)
Newcomers: Chloe Wettstein (Fr.), Abby Kocher (Fr.)
Outlook: The Bears return their top six performers from last year's state championship. Five of them were under 19:00, and that is notable when you are trying to win a state trophy. Right away, those impact runners are Polina Krupsky, Ruby Nissen, Hannah Gillhaus, Morganne Stawarz, Avery Muhr, Celia Blaylock, and Trish Johnson. Muhr returns as the top returner, placing 63rd last year in Peoria. She also clocked a team best 3200m (11:01.06).
The Bears do not have a dominant cross-country runner, but Krupsky was a shining star on the track, placing third in the state 800-meter run (2:11.51). Behind her are teammates who produced the best scoring split last at state with a scant 39 seconds. As far as coach Kauffman's humble team assessment, he added: "We are working hard to defend our Conference Title and want to return to State and place as high as we can. This year, as we continue to build on the success of the last few years. I believe these goals are very reachable."
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Matt Haffner/Mahalia Gilot, Christine Mayeaux, Giovanni Sira
Last year's finish: 2A State Champions
Key returners: Annika Swan (Sr.), Allison Shutler (So.), Greta Sheaffer (So.), Elle Sheaffer (Jr.), Aurora Steinhofer (So.), Olivia Brophy (So.), Katherine McAllister (Sr.), Ella Kueker (So.), Gabriella Duque (Sr.), Pilar Curran (Sr.), Mary O'Reilly (Jr.), Maya Williams (Sr.), Elizabeth Schmiedeler (Jr.)
Outlook: Finally, the Wolfpack have entered the big league space (3A) in the prime of their spectacular run. Before notable veteran coach Matt Haffner gets to work with his electric roster, he will be without one of his prime assistant coaches. "Ray Lewis has moved to Tulsa, so the girls will really miss his contributions to the team," he lamented. "We will have a tough time providing the same level of guidance and knowledge that Ray provided."
The Wolfpack returns six of their top seven runners: Annika Swan, Ally Shutler, Greta Sheaffer, Elle Sheaffer, Aurora Steinhofer, and Olivia Brophy. The key to success will lie with a team featuring two #1 lowsticks. Swan is an elite distance runner with two runner-up finishes on her resume: 4:42.56 (1600m), 2:10.08 (800m), and a sparingly run 3200m in 10:25.02i. Her cross-country PB is 16:23. According to trusted outside sources, Swan is ready to destroy that mark this fall.
Shutler's track resume is just as impressive as Swan's, minus the titles (2:15.70, 4:52.61, 10:16.46). In cross country, Shutler placed ninth in 17:13, but she is clearly a better long-distance runner than she was a season ago. Whether she is the first or second runner for the Wolfpack, it will be a double win for her and the team.
Haffner is especially proud of his pack. "The four of our top seven who ran track really improved - Swan, Shutler, Sheaffers," he said. "They are also great at setting goals. Steinhofer and Brophy played soccer, but they had some solid training with us during the indoor season." The Wolfpack is deep and will contend for a trophy this fall. However, that did not prevent Haffner from lashing out at the powers that be. "The IHSA is penalizing us for having a good season by moving us to the 3A for the upcoming season." It is hard to say, but one thing is sure: St. Ignatius will be ready for the new adventures that await them.
Head Coach: Dan Iverson
Last year's finish: State Championship- 7th place
Key returners: Shania Tandon (Sr), Rianna Tandon (Sr), Kathryn Rohr (So), Chloe Piot (Jr), Elliana White (Jr), Thain Karr (Sr), Sophia Schulz (Jr), Georgia Karstens (So), Haddie Stilling (Sr), Valentine Abramov (Sr) -- all are actually returners, but without top seven experience.
Outlook: The Huskies appear to be in position to make another title run after spending the last several years reloading the cupboard. It usually starts with a Dan Iverson crew, tough pack running, and a sense of awareness on the course. " We have tremendous depth, but we also have a lot of work to get done," he cautioned. "I think the sky is the limit for this team, but it's unclear as of now who will emerge into our top group."
Some of the emergence will come from all-state twins Rianna and Shania Tandon. They appear ready to leap into elite cross-country formation this fall. However, it's ultimately about the team. "We have a lot of people in very good shape, but who lack experience at the highest levels," said Iversion. "As that develops through the season, this team could be impressive to watch. I'm very excited to watch this happen!"