1 Winnebago
Head Coaches: Joe & Janet Erb
Assistant Coaches: Jeremy Stevens & Shawn Maher
There may not be a program in Class 1A that has established a stronger standard of excellence than Winnebago over the past several seasons. Year after year, the Indians have developed talented runners into championship-caliber athletes while maintaining one of the deepest varsity lineups in Illinois.
That trend appears ready to continue this fall.
Leading the way is junior Molly Webb, one of the state's premier returning runners after clocking 17:19 last season. Behind Webb is an experienced supporting cast that gives Winnebago perhaps the greatest luxury in championship racing-depth. Four runners return under 18:51- Ella Carlson, Avery Dimke, Svea Glidden, Emma Ward- while seven athletes have already demonstrated the ability to contribute at the varsity level.
What makes this team especially dangerous isn't simply the front runner. The Indians have consistently closed the gap between their first and fifth runners throughout the season, allowing them to outperform teams with stronger individual stars.
The coaching staff believes another successful summer has laid the foundation for another championship run. Their athletes continue to train together outside of organized practices, creating a culture built around accountability and team-first success.
With experience, depth, and one of the strongest coaching staffs in Illinois, Winnebago begins the season as the team everyone else will be chasing.
Winnebago enters 2026 as my preseason favorite to repeat as state champions.
The Indians check every box you look for in a championship program. They return one of the fastest front runners in the state, bring back outstanding varsity experience, and have the depth necessary to absorb adversity throughout a long season.
What impresses me most isn't simply their times-it's the consistency of the program. Every season Winnebago seems to improve from August through November, regardless of who graduates. That doesn't happen by accident. It speaks to the culture Joe and Janet Erb have built and the commitment their athletes make throughout the offseason.
If this group continues its typical progression, I believe they're capable of standing on top of the podium in November.
Coach's Quote
"This group of girls is very close and either at summer training or meets on their own. They are very supportive of each other. Their training has gone really well. Their training has been fairly consistent."