We open the rankings portion of the previews with a slate of familiar teams from the past several years
Here are the final seasonal team rankings: 10 weeks in the books
There are some notable changes throughout each class
There was a significant change in the rankings structure
The usual suspects are on the scene. But there are some new faces in the crowd as well
There was some significant damage done to the rankings this past week. Check them out!
Check out our second week team rankings of all six classifications
Check out our exquisite preseason team rankings that are 25 deep!
Kaneland could run the table this season
The team twitter previews: Edition #2 coming right at you!
Let's play the pre-season rankings game
The battle for the team title is going to be fierce
2017 IHSA Girls state championship preview
Dunlap Girls are the #1 team in 2A land
The showdown at FTTF is about to go down
The surface temperature is expected to be in the upper 60s to the lower 70s. By all accounts this is a perfect mix for track and field: not too hot and not too cold....
Relays in 2A will be strong as it is in other classifications. A few teams from 1A and 3A move in to add some quality depth.
See how the teams ranked #20 to #16 shape out
"There is no "I" in team, but there is an "I" in win." This was the sentiment of one coach after an amazing evening of top notch performances at the Al B. Carius Indoor Track and Field on the campus of North Central College in Naperville. The "I" simply refers to one getting check mated like a chess match. Game over.
Relays are a vital part of running track and field- especially in high school and at the state level. It often can make or break one's team chances of winning a meet. It doesn't matter if it is a dual, invitational, and especially the state championship
‘Without a shadow of a doubt’… let’s repeat the set up again. Without a shadow of a doubt, this is going to be the race of the year classification wise prior to the state championship. Yes this is only one regular season invitational on the second weekend in September, but the implications moving forward after Saturday should tell a lot about the state of 2A cross country.
Being middle-class always come with changes. For this year more than any other time since the three-classification system was adopted in 2007 there has been more shuffling than in any time. For example, Chicago Jones moves to 3A because of enrollment changes as does Lisle (Benet Academy). Initially Hinsdale South was slated for 3A but an oversight by the IHSA will keep in 2A for at least another season. Chicago Latin, a tiny private school, makes the jump from 1A. They earned a trophy on the girls side last year.
The theme of the season could be "The Lady Fox Trot" or how about "Chasing the Lady Foxes?" Regardless of what anyone decides to call Yorkville they are going to need to add the word "Dynasty" next to their name. The Lady Foxes indeed are poised to defend their state championship a fourth time. In fact, Coach Chris Muth and company have finished first or secord every year since 2009. Some people are taking about 2015 when then junior class is expected to be even more lights out. But first thing first, there are a few teams lurking in the weeds waiting for an opportunity to dethrone the 2A queens of cross country.
It seems like I always lead my column off with a comment regarding the weather. Well guess what? I’m going to do it again. It has been a solid spring so far compared to last year and the climes have been more than adequate for the coaches who stand and coach in the elements. Well don’t let me jinx things…
Exclusive content from April 20-26, 2014
The relays will be fun to watch this season as all four events will feature traditional power Cahokia managing the food chain from now until infinity. However, there will be some teams on the scene to disrupt the flow. The Chicago Public League is ready to shine again and put their names in the medal chase hat. Chicago Dunbar trades places with brethren North Lawndale Charter in the two sprint relays- 4×1, 4×2. Two-time 4x1 champions Jacksonville will experience the feeling of a free fall after Reggie Bratton and gang gone to graduation. However, relays are very unpredictable as to who will be coming back and committing to the team cause. So let the fun begin
2014 is going to be vastly different from 2013 because of classification defections. For example, Martel Hunter moves up from 1A and should be a dominant force in his league in all three flat races. Several other highly touted speed demons and hurdlers climbed the stairs to 3A. As well, the graduated talent such as DJ Duncan, Reggie Bratton, and Marcus Greer will be felt. At the same time, it gives a bevy of emerging athletes an opportunity to step forward and make a name for themselves and their schools.
Throughout the years, the Yorkville and Kaneland boys cross country teams have been rivals with mutual respect. This year is no exception. (via beaconnews.suntimes.com)
We continue our countdown of top 2A boy's squads with another five boys teams. If you missed this morning’s article, here are our #20-#16 ranked teams.
Our preview continues with the likes of Springfield, Peoria Notre Dame, and Kaneland.
The 2013 cross country season is right around the corner. We kick off our preseason coverage by ranking the top returners in each class. Kaneland's Victoria Clinton claimed her first cross country crown last year as a freshman and comes in with 2A's fastest time of 16:56.00.
Sixteen teams came to Kaneland High School on Saturday in hopes of winning the Peterson Prep Invitational, but it was the home team that finished first. The Knights placed in 15 of 18 events, won two relays and had three individual champions on their way to capturing first place with 84 points. (via beaconnews.suntimes.com)
