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We begin the big class previews with the unranked portion!
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Beth Morrison, Stephanie Nemeth, Jenna Kortenhoeven, Emma Ehrhardt
Last year's finish: Lake Park Sectional-11th place
Key returners: Sofia Borter (Sr), Taylor Peahl (Sr), Gretchen Drexler (Sr), Lucy Chrusciel (Sr), Lucina Lechtenberg (Sr), Mira Meyers (Jr), Olivia Pohlman (Jr), Juliet Whiston (Jr), Alexis Guess (So)
Newcomers: Lyla Clemons, Elena Hamilton
Outlook: Backed by standout Sofia Borter, who enjoyed a tremendous track season, the Vikings return all seven starters from a year ago. The optimistic coach, Beth Morrison, indicated that the off-season went well. "We are coming off a great summer's worth of training," she said. If all things work out, we could see the season veterans fighting for a spot on the state championship starting line in November.
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Matt Johnson, Emma Maddelein
Last year's finish: Hinsdale Sectional- 8th place
Key returners: Addison Guskey (Jr), Ariana Namvar (Jr), Delaney Fastabend (Sr), Valentina Namvar (Jr), Charleigh Bratko (Jr), Iris Li (Jr), Emily Schiltz (Sr)
Newcomers: Anoki Raikar, Grace Pour, Maura McElhone
Outlook: After starting last year on a hot streak, the Wildcats were unable to seize a berth in the state championship. Hopefully, this time around will be more fruitful. Coach Johnson laments on the ordeal: "Last year's 8th place finish was heartbreaking, we lost our #2 runner early on in the season, and then the week of Sectionals had our #4 runner get an upper respiratory infection."
With some luck, along with the talented four harriers that are back, it is a matter of securing a consistent closer at the fifth spot, according to Johnson. Candidates for that role will most likely fall on the feet of Charleigh Bratko and Grace Pour. Overall, knowing that a scant 10 points was all that separated the Wildcats from a November trip to Peoria.
Head Coach/assistant coaches: James O'Connell/Alex Kistinger
Last year's finish: Minooka Regional- 10th place
Key returners:
Hannah Maczek (So),
Adeline Oster (Sr), Alexandria Senclair (Sr), Olivia Hillyer (So), Madelyn Fish (Jr)
Newcomers:
Fiona Gutierrez, Grace FInk, Elisa Oceguera
Outlook: The Cougars are a young and developing program, according to coach James O'Connell. "We are a young team and there is no denying that," he said earlier this summer. With just 15 runners in the program, the goal is to advance beyond the regional level. To achieve this, the Cougars will need to take larger collective steps.
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Tim Nowicki, Jeanette Huerta
Last year's finish: Hoffman Estates Sectionals- 14th place
Outlook: The Grenadiers have faced challenges in recent years, competing in the formidable Mid-Suburban League (MSL). However, there is a silver lining. Led by Reagan Malone and Elena Bis, they bring valuable experience after competing in the state 4x800 relay last spring. This could be the best Grenadiers squad in over 25 years. Advancing deep in the sectional round would be a successful season.
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Annemarie Sampson/Meg Lavery, Nick Korhumel, Jorge Colin
Last year's finish: Hoffman Estates- 17th place
Newcomers: Isabelle Karl-Garcia
Outlook: It was a rough finish for the Wildcats, who closed out their 2024 campaign near the bottom of the sectional standings. Still, coach Annemarie Sampson feels her team will be better this fall. "We are energized and motivated to excel in the postseason and showcase our full potential," she stated. "The 2025 track season was a journey of growth, marked by both disappointments and valuable lessons."
"Our athletes came into summer training ready to work hard, have fun, and foster a team culture where every girl feels seen, heard, and encouraged to perform at her best," adds Sampson. Top runner Elsie Colin is back to lead the way. She ran a personal best of 18:34 a year ago, has high hopes, and hopefully, she will have the backing that she needs for another successful team run.
Girls
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Eric Day,/Gary Heilers
Last year's finish: DuKane Conference- 8th place
Outlook: One foot in front of the other is a task for the Panthers to complete this season. Jazlene Korsch, Melissa Gomez, and Peyton Marshall ran well during the track season, according to coach Eric Day. If they can get more support from the fourth and fifth runners, it could be one of the best seasons in recent memory.
Head Coach: Jay Ivory/David Haberman
Last Year Finish: Lake Park Sectional- 13th place
Key Returners: Ruth Dellaria (Jr), Lillian Potts (Jr), Julianna Selvaggio (Sr), Yana Zraychyk (Sr), Julianne Solano (So), Vivienne Stojanovic (So)
Newcomers: Aubrey Haugh (Jr)
Outlook: "This team could be the best team we have had in several years," said coach Jay Ivory. "With returning state qualifier Ruth Dellaria, we are looking to build around her," Ivory added. The squad is small but talented, and that could be telling in the tough Dukane Conference. For that to happen, it can't be a one-on-five situation, but rather continuing to improve the 2-5 scoring scenario.
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Tony Pena/Janine Wilkins, Bridget Driscoll, Liz Venezio
Last year's finish: Hinsdale Sectional- 9th place
Key returners: Annika Trehan (Jr), Emma Kanagy (Sr), Emily Sayger (Jr), Lyla Schanz (Jr), Kelli Ellis (Sr),
Angelina Arroyo (Jr), Isabella Van Alst (Jr), Katie Bordelon (Jr), Katie Ahmer (Jr), Tilly Fithian (Sr)
Outlook: According to Coach Tony Pena, who assessed his team, last year was a season of development and growth. "We entered last year with a young, inexperienced group of runners. However, this group ended
up having a strong 2024 cross country season."
The Eagles competed well at sectionals, using a scoring split of 51 seconds--six of the top seven return, led by Annika Trehan. If the track season means anything, the Eagles had nine girls under six minutes in the 1600m. The 4x800 relay team advanced to the state meet, which adds confidence as we enter a new cross-country season. That, along with an active summer training log, competing for a spot in Peoria in November could be in the cards.
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Louis Klein/Meg Wakefield, Dave Wilson
Last year's finish: Hoffman Estates Sectional-15th place
Key returners:
Kaylee Wilson (Jr), Ella Volante (So), Karina Tondeva (Sr), Addy Filipowicz, Blair Laroche (So), Paige Lerner (So)
Newcomers:
Teagan O'Neill, Sydney Wilson, Veronika Widlak
Outlook: The Blue Devils' summer training was more consistent compared to last year. "Our summer running was much more consistent than last year, which is very promising for our upcoming season," stated coach Louis Klein. We have a lot of positive momentum from the end of last year's track season and many newcomers who are putting in the work. 2025 will be a season of growth!
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Kevin Christian/Chris Keller, Michael Hanley, Tom Smith, Robert Underwood, Ruth Howarth
Last year's finish: Hoffman Estates Sectional- 13th place
Key returners: Mackenzie Cronin (Sr), Rylie Warczak (Sr), Matylda Maciejczyk (Sr), Julia Felton (So), Jamie Lakeman (So), Amisha Schlicht (Jr), Isabelle Hooper (So)
Newcomers: Lennox Szymonik (Fr), Dani Soto (Fr), Britney Mahoney (Fr)
Outlook: "Our three seniors will lead the team, all of them being four-year improvement runners," said coach Kevin Christian, introducing his team. Mackenzie Cronin, Rylie Warczak, and Matylda Maciejczyk are the trio that's expected to show off their improved stats from the track season. The Golden Eagles have a strong incoming freshman class led by Leni Szymonik, whose resume includes a 5:11 (1600m) time. Hopefully, a combination of veterans and novices will work together to achieve success this season.
Head Coach/coaches: Dan Billish/Lexi Gibson (2nd year - ran for Naperville North)
Last year's finish: 2A State Championship-- 11th place
Key returners: Keira Jenke (12), Bridget Hasenauer (12) Sarah Read (9), Emma Greco (12) Clare Bremner (10) Liliana Pervan (11), Olivia Bracken (10) Carlyn Ulepic (11) Kaya Luciano (10) Sophia Olivares (12)
Newcomers: Sara Luo (Sr), Sarah Read (Fr)
Outlook: Former standout runner and Naperville North assistant coach Dan Billish is in his second year at the helm of the Red Wings. After a quality state championship performance in the 2A, his program was promoted to the Big Leagues. Leading the way for his charges is Sara Luo, a former tennis player who is now a senior and projected to be a major force on the team.
"Freshman Sarah Read has shown a great deal of progress and potential this summer," said Billish. She, along with her new teammates, is coming into the fold with good health. "Overall, we have been healthy. A little different from last year, as we were awaiting a lot of girls coming back from injury," added Billish. Top returner Keira Jenke is healthy and ready to return to her former status of dropping great performances.
The Redwings are back in 3A, but do not seem phased by it. Billish: "We are in 3A this year, and similar to last year, we run a predominantly 3A schedule. One of the goals is to build confidence throughout the season. As we establish our lineup and acclimate girls to their new roles, we aim to do so in the most competitive manner possible. A conference championship and a state berth are highlights of our plans."
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Hailey Baumstein, Larry Dawson
Last year's finish: Lockport Regional- 7th place
Key returners:
Makayla Shulman (So), Anika Izenbart (Sr),
Carrington Hughes (Jr), Carrington Hughes (Jr)
Newcomers:
Chase Foster (Fr)
Outlook: The Vikings aim to improve from a team that failed to advance beyond the regional round. "The team has really put in a ton of work throughout the summer, and the culture of distance running and accountability is growing among our team," said coach Hailey Baumstein. Makayla [Shulman] is hungry, and she will be our number one this season, whose goal will be to continue to put up a lower and lower score." Following Shulman, a small but dependable support cast features Anika Izenbart, Chase Foster, and Carrington Hughes. The goal will be to improve at each postseason competition and hopefully earn a trip to Detweiller Park in Peoria in November.
Head Coach: Kalli Dalton/Karin Lichtenberger
Last year's finish: Palatine Regional- 7th place
Key returners: Lily Schaefers (So), Megan Schaefers (So), Amanda Albrecht (Sr), Kathryn Bjorklund (So), Priya Sundara, Marysia Salabaj (Sr), Hayley Park (So), Charlotte Kattner (Jr), Cordi Bilos (Jr), Lenna Szczesniak (Sr)
Outlook: Coach Dalton is excited for her team's prospects this season. "As we gear up for the 2025 cross country season, we're excited about the unique blend of youth and experience that defines our team. With a roster that is heavily made up of sophomores, we see a bright future ahead--not just in terms of long-term development, but also in the contributions they're already making."
Lily Schaefers was one of the top performers who gained valuable experience as a freshman last year. "This group has shown they're capable of handling expectations without needing constant direction, demonstrating both maturity and a willingness to push themselves," adds Dalton. "Many of our athletes made the most of summer camp, showing strong commitment and discipline. Their effort did not go unnoticed, and we're eager to see that hard work translate into results on the course this season. The foundation they've built over the summer sets them up for steady improvement and strong performances.
While our team skews younger, we're fortunate to have a core group of upperclassmen whose leadership and experience are invaluable."
Head Coach: Ryan Hollister
Assistant Coaches: Rachel Hollister and Cindy Wagner
Last Year's Finish: Lake Park Sectional- 12th place
Key Returners: Reese Long (So), Annabelle Haskins, Miya Moraga (So), Kaley Byhre (So), Cassie Gatza (So), Natassa Papadakis (So).
Key Newcomers: Elleana Hernandez, Emily Kazberuk, Ellowyn Minot
Outlook: Experience is in the books for the Whip-Purs, who started last year with six freshmen. Reese Long broke 18:00 and finished among the top 75 finishers at the state meet. Several junior varsity performers will be called up to add to this season and raise the bar.
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Juliana Rutz/Alyssa Mane & Taylor Herschbach
Last year's finish: Hinsdale Sectional- 8th at Sectionals.
Key returners: Katie Peetz (Jr), Gracie Kane (So), Grace Seibt (Sr), Veronica Skibicki (Jr), Miranda Powley (Jr), Giana Maloney (So), Yaretzi Delgado (Sr)
Newcomers: Sadie Eissing
Outlook: Graduation hit the Porters hard in '24, but it won't prevent them from learning and eventually excelling. Every coach whose product puts in the work believes the flock will be successful.
Assistant Coach: Tim Wiltshire, Head Coach TBA
Last year's finish: Lake Park Sectional- 16th place
Key returners: Kylie Simpson (Sr.), Sophia Frommer (Jr.), Gia Fraley (Sr.), Averi Bronnimann
(Sr.), Salem Rauh (Sr.), Kiana Saulters (Jr.), Layla Buckley (Sr.)
Newcomers: Lucinda Hodges (So.), Madison DeLong (Fr.), Gabrielle Greving (Fr.), Reese
Andrews (Fr.), Chidiuto Ezeani (Jr.)
Outlook: Kylie Simpson has been the face of the program since her freshman year, earning three trips to the state meet. She has one all-state medal from the track in the 800m (7th place), but none in cross country yet. "She looks to add an All-State performance in cross country to her career, having qualified in each of the last three years and placing 35th, 38th, and 30th," adds coach Tim Wiltshire.
As a team, the arrow is looking up for the Lady Indians, who return six of their top seven starters. Sophia Frommer, Gia Fraley, and Salem
Rauh will add support behind Simpson. Newcomer Lucinda Hodges returns to the sport after spending her first year on the swimming team. It may be several years before the Lady Indians have a legitimate chance to make it to the state championship, but the development is headed in the right direction.
Head Coach/assistant coaches:
Lisa Cook, Steve Ideran
Last year's finish: State Championship- 24th place
Key returners:
Julia Burney (Sr), Ashley Gumm (Sr), Audrey Cheney (So), Gisselle Juarez (Jr), Morgan Haswell (Jr), Mariana Ocon (So), Sree Saravana Perumal (So)
Newcomers:
Kaylee Thatcher (Fr)
Outlook: Last year was great for the Wolves, who advanced to the state championship as a team. Coach Cook has admitted that heavy graduation losses will be felt. "We have a lot of unknowns going into the season, but with that comes a lot of opportunities for our next group of leaders to step up and for this group to come together to accomplish the goals that they set," she lamented. Still, it's about keeping a positive vibe going for this next up-and-coming group. She adds:
"We hope to continue building our program with a positive team culture and seeking to get the most out of our runners in both daily practices and races throughout the season. Morgan Haswell has stepped up as a great team leader this summer, bringing the "little things" that make being part of the team fun. We had a core group this summer, which included Morgan, Audrey Cheney, Mariana Ocon, Sree Saravana Perumal, Avery Beedles, and Kaylee Thatcher, among others."
"We hope to continue building our program with a positive team culture and seeking to get the most out of our runners in both daily practices and races throughout the season. Morgan Haswell has stepped up as a great team leader this summer, bringing the "little things" that make being part of the team fun. We had a core group this summer, which included Morgan, Audrey Cheney, Mariana Ocon, Sree Saravana Perumal, Avery Beedles, and Kaylee Thatcher, among others."
Head Coach/coaches Joe Pontrelli/Greg Frandsen, Luke Taylor, and Dina Castillo.
Last year's finish: Hinsdale Sectional- 10th place
Key returners:
Mya Coglianese (Sr), Jenna Lally (Sr), Grace Rhoten (Sr, Addison Powers (Sr), Ainsley Grove
(Sr), Annika McDonnell (Sr), Amelia Ludden (Jr), Ryann Remiasz (Sr), Lucinda Martinez (So),
Evelyn Thomas (So), Ruby Radamaker (So), Eleanor Meuer (So), Samantha Smith (Jr), Elysa Zavala (Sr), Abigail Elter (So), Elin Dorchinecz (So), Lucia Gamino (Jr)
Newcomers: Jenna Lally (So), Abbey O'Toole (Fr)
Outlook: The last few years, particularly 2024, were a down season for the Lions, who are accustomed to performing well at the state meet. New coach Joe Pontrelli indicated is ready to resurrect a proud program. "I am looking forward to building a positive culture for our team, which I feel is the building block
to achieving results," he said. Among the returners are Jenna Lally and Addie Powers, both of whom missed the cross-country season due to injuries. Leadership and health are key factors in getting the Lions back on top this fall.