2025 Cross Country Previews: 1A Boys Ranked

As the 1A boys cross country season in Illinois gears up, anticipation is high for a fiercely competitive race among the state’s top teams. This preseason ranking of the top 25

squads highlights a mix of returning powerhouses, rising stars, and dark horses ready to make their mark on the fall campaign. From seasoned veterans poised to defend their titles to young teams hungry for breakthrough performances, these programs represent the best of 1A competition. With training intensifying and strategies sharpening, the stage is set for a thrilling season where every step counts toward state glory.

1. Rockford Christian

Coaches: Randy Moore / Heath Tibbetts

Last Year’s Finish: 4th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Evan White (Sr.), Blake Lindberg (Jr.), Julien Honeyville (Sr.), Joel White (Sr.), Lukas White (Sr.) Brendan McGonigal (Sr.) 

Key Newcomers: Noah Meyers (Fr.)

Outlook: Rockford Christian enters the season as the narrow favorite, looking to be in prime position to chase a team title this fall. With a deep group of experienced upperclassmen, they will be a tough matchup for any squad in the young 1A division. The Royal Lions are led by Evan White, who will aim for a top-10 finish this fall. White was the 1A runner-up in the 800m this spring, clocking an impressive 1:56.47. Despite running the 1600m only once, he posted one of the top returning times at 4:25. An All-State performer last year with a 22nd-place finish in 15:16, he is the team’s undisputed No. 1 and will be dangerous on the grass. Blake Lindberg and Julien Honeyville will form a strong one-two punch in the chase for All-State honors. Lindberg had a breakout track season, slashing 30 seconds off his 1600m time to run 4:33 and splitting 2:00 in the 800m for the state title–winning 4x800m relay. Honeyville showcased his aerobic strength in the 3200m, placing sixth in 1A with a 9:54, and ran a 4:35 PR in the 1600m. Both are well-positioned to make the All-State leap this fall. Joel White is the final proven scorer for RC, making big progress in the 800m with a 1:59 split at state to help secure the 4x800m title. He was also instrumental in RC’s 7th-place 4x400m finish, proving himself a versatile mid-distance threat. With a 3-mile PR of 16:05 that has steadily improved over his three years, Joel has shown he can translate speed to the grass and appears to be in his best shape yet. After their top four, RC had question marks—until recently. In early July, they looked more like a top-five contender than a title favorite, but they’ve gained a major boost with the arrival of Noah Meyers, a standout from Winnebago Middle School. Meyers lit up the summer AAU series with a 52.22 in the 400m, complemented by a 2:08 in the 800m, a 4:56 in the 1600m, and an 11:35 two-mile in cross country. He will need to increase his mileage to make a major impact this fall, but his talent is undeniable. With Meyers in the mix, Rockford Christian now has the best shot of any team to claim the state title. The road may be challenging, but the Royal Lions have the depth, speed, and momentum to make it a thrilling season.

2. Eureka

Coaches: Olivia Morris / Matt O’Hanlon, Brandon Heider, Tom O’Hanlon, Kellen Ehrenhardt 

Last Year’s Finish: 3rd @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Gavin Stalter (Sr.), Connell Roth (Sr.), Landon Wurmnest (Jr.), Timothy Rogers (Jr.), Davin Dingledine (So.)

Key Newcomers: Hudson Leman (Fr.), Adam Perry (Fr.), Luke Otto (Fr.)

Outlook: It’s a close second, but Eureka didn’t get quite as lucky with freshmen, which puts them at 1A #2. The Hornets will be shooting for a state title this year, and it’s absolutely within reach. Gavin Stalter will lead the charge as their clear number one. After running track for the first time since middle school, he delivered a stellar season, clocking 4:32 in the 1600m and splitting a blazing 1:56 at the Roger Washburn Invite. His 3-mile best of 15:23 proves he’s far more than just an 800m runner, making him a strong all-state contender this fall. Connell Roth made a major leap in the 800m, running 2:00 consistently throughout the spring. He only raced the 1600m once but still posted an impressive 4:38, suggesting his improved range could make him a real threat in cross country. Landon Wurmnest, who does not compete in track, will still be a key piece of Eureka’s trophy bid after running 15:40 at last year’s state meet. Matching that time will keep the Hornets in prime position. Timothy Rogers will be right alongside Wurmnest, having run 2:02 and 4:38 during track season. His PR of 16:01 should drop closer to the mid-15:40s this fall. The fifth spot will likely go to Davin Dingledine, who was a standout in middle school with marks of 2:11 and 4:56 in eighth grade. As a freshman, he cut those down to 2:05 and 4:55, and posted a solid 3-mile best of 16:22, though more improvement will be needed for a state title run. The Hornets are poised for a strong season, but they’ll need every runner performing at their peak to outduel Rockford Christian in what promises to be a thrilling battle for the championship.

3. Elmwood

Coaches: Gregg Meyers / Kyle Anderson, Cooper Hoffmann, Mike Sullivan

Last Year’s Finish: 2nd @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Aiden Faulkner (Sr.), Darwin Herman (Sr.), Kai Nelson (So.), Kam Stevenson (Sr.), Danny Sharp (So.)

Key Newcomers: Colton Turner (Fr.)

Outlook: Even with the loss of several key seniors, the Elmwood Trojans are aiming for another trophy this fall. Aiden Faulkner returns as their number one and the lone all-stater from last season, having claimed the final all-state spot by placing 25th in 15:19. His track season was a success, posting PRs of 4:28 and 9:48, along with a 2:01 split on Elmwood’s 4x800m team that finished second in 1A. He’ll be chasing his second all-state medal this fall while serving as a valuable team leader. However, he won’t be alone at the top—Darwin Herman had one of the best track seasons of any returning 1A athlete. A mid-distance standout, Herman ran 1:56 in the 800m and 4:17 in the 1600m, tripling at state with the 4x800m and his two open events. Even with that heavy workload, he placed sixth in the 800m and anchored the 4x800m to the finish. His 3-mile PR of 15:35 is almost certain to fall this fall. Behind these two frontrunners is Kai Nelson, who skipped track but brings a strong 16:05 PR from his freshman cross country season. A standout in middle school with marks of 2:17 and 5:07 as a seventh grader, Nelson has always been reliable on the grass. Kam Stevenson and Danny Sharp have closed the gap on Nelson and will battle for the third spot. Stevenson focused on mid-distance in track, running 2:03 in the 800m and 4:44 in the 1600m. His 3-mile best of 16:22 shows that he can turn his speed into a strong aerobic base, making him a key contributor. Sharp had an excellent freshman track season, running 10:01 and 4:48, and his 16:46 from last fall should drop to the low 16s. If he can break 16 minutes as the team’s fifth man, Elmwood will be in excellent position for another trophy run.

4. Tolono (Unity)

Coaches: Art Georges

Last Year’s Finish: 20th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Camden Fairbanks (Sr.), Eli Crowe (Sr.), Collin Graven (Sr.), Ryan Akers (Sr.), Carter Tiemann (Sr.), Caleb Coy (Jr.), Lincoln Johnson (So.)

Outlook: After a somewhat disappointing end to last season, the Unity Rockets are reloaded for another run at a trophy this fall. They return a strong group of rising seniors whose veteran leadership and state meet experience could push them into the top three. Camden Fairbanks leads the charge, entering the season as one of the top returning 1600m runners in 1A with a standout PR of 4:27. His 800m time dropped from 2:06 to 1:59, and his 3-mile best of 15:33 puts him firmly in the all-state conversation. Eli Crowe will look to join Fairbanks in that hunt, coming off a 3200m PR of 9:46—ten seconds faster than last year—and a 1600m best of 4:38. He’s poised for a big drop in cross country and will be a strong number two for the Rockets. Collin Graven follows as the third man after an excellent track season, which included a 4:31 1600m, a 2:02 split on the state 4x800m team, and a remarkable 10:04 3200m despite losing a shoe mid-race. His 16:13 from last fall doesn’t reflect his true potential, and he’s expected to be much faster this year. Ryan Akers could be the team’s X-factor. Though his 3-mile PR sits at 17:17, his track times suggest a major breakthrough is coming. Specializing in the 800m with a 2:00 best, Akers also clocked an impressive 4:41 in the 1600m, signaling an expanded range that could make him a dangerous weapon this fall. Carter Tiemann rounds out the scoring five. Long a low-17 runner, he finally made a jump on the track, running 10:35 in the 3200m and breaking the 5-minute barrier in the 1600m with a 4:58. Unity’s trophy hopes hinge on Tiemann making another leap toward 16 minutes. The Rockets are in position for a podium finish—but they’ll need everything to click when it matters most.

5. El Paso-Gridley

Coaches: Michael Melick / Jacob Ludy

Last Year’s Finish: 8th @ 1A Elmwood Sectional

Key Returners: Drew Cooper (Sr.), Israel Nowark (Sr.), Weston Hodel (So.), Eli Webster (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Alex Lartz (Fr.)

Outlook: This year’s El Paso-Gridley squad boasts the tightest pack in 1A and uses it to claim the final spot in our top five. Remarkably, four different athletes could emerge as the team’s number one runner. Freshman sensation Alex Lartz may have the best shot at leading the way. As an eighth grader, he ran 2:03 and 4:48 on the track and placed fourth in the 3A state cross country meet, making him one of the fastest incoming freshmen in 1A. Drew Cooper will be right alongside him after another strong track season, posting 4:45 in the 1600m and 10:04 in the 3200m. Cooper was the team’s lone state qualifier last year, and his championship experience will be invaluable. Israel Nowark is another contender for the top spot, having run 4:41 for the 1600m this spring. His PR from sophomore year still stands, and if he can return to that form, he’ll be a major asset to the Titans. Weston Hodel adds even more depth, clocking the team’s fastest 1600m with a 4:40 as just a freshman, along with a solid 10:15 in the 3200m. He will be an aerobic force this fall. Closing out the scoring five is Elijah Webster, a 6’7” high jumper who somehow doubles as a distance runner. Webster split 2:03 on EPG’s state 4x800m relay and ran 4:47 in the 1600m. Once he transitions fully from high jump shape to cross country shape, he could even push into the front pack.

6. Winnebago

Coaches: Joe and Janet Erb / Jeremy Stevens

Last Year’s Finish: 8th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Aiden Vazquez (Sr.), Joe Erb (Sr.), Daniel Hodgdon (Sr.), Blake Linder (Sr.), Hudson Pope (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Jack Johnson (Sr.)

Outlook: Turns out Winnebago doesn’t even need their 4:09/9:00 superstar to make a run at the top 5. They return every member of their team from last year except for Nicolai Martino, making them a formidable contender. Aiden Vazquez leads the way as the only returning all-stater, having taken 24th at state last fall with a blistering 15:18. He focused on the 800 during track and ran a strong 1:59.43 by season’s end. Despite running the 1600 only once, he clocked a solid 4:36 and is expected to translate that speed into a powerful 3-mile effort as the team’s number one. Joe Erb is likely to slot in at number two. Though he was 15:41 as a sophomore and didn’t quite match that as a junior, he significantly improved his 1600 PR to 4:37 and should be back in form this season. Daniel Hodgdon will take the third spot. An all-state 800 runner this spring with a big PR of 1:58.87, he also posted a strong 4:38 in the 1600 and looks poised for a breakout cross country season. Transfer student Jack Johnson, coming from Harlem, will likely fill the fourth spot. He ran 16:05 last fall at the Lake Park sectional and showed solid fitness this spring with a 4:49 1600 and 10:22 3200. For the fifth spot, Hudson Pope and Blake Linder will compete. Linder’s track season was stronger, splitting a 2:03 on the 4x8 that finished 5th in 1A. Both posted identical 4:57 1600s, but Linder’s superior 800 speed gives him the edge. Winnebago has a legitimate shot at cracking the top 5, and they won’t waste their opportunity—great things are on the horizon for the Indians.

7. Clinton

Coaches: Rachel Lyons and Leann Sosamon / Payne Turney

Last Year’s Finish: 17th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Cayden Bostic (So.), Brockton Sumner (So.), Abel Koritz (Sr.), Nolan Rhodes (Sr.), Joe Taylor (So.), Justin Droke (Jr.)

Outlook: This young, energetic Clinton squad is poised for big things this year. Led by a talented sophomore duo, Cayden Bostic and Brockton Sumner are set to drive the Maroons into the top ten. Bostic made waves as a freshman, running 15:52 for three miles—the third-fastest time in the Class of 2028—and followed it up with a strong track season, clocking 4:41 in the 1600m and 9:50 in the 3200m. Sumner, his partner in crime, matched Bostic’s 4:41 in the 1600m and added a 2:06 in the 800m. Both will be major low sticks for Clinton this fall. Abel Koritz slots in as the team’s number three, but could challenge the top duo at times. He trailed just behind them in track, running 4:44 and 10:08, and has shown steady improvement in the three-mile throughout his career. Nolan Rhodes will fill the fourth spot after a breakthrough track season with PRs of 2:04 and 4:47. While his three-mile time still needs to drop, his recent performances suggest another big leap is coming. Justin Droke rounds out the scoring five. After a modest freshman track season, he bounced back as a sophomore, posting 2:08 and 4:47—right in line with the rest of the pack—and is expected to crush his 17:22 three-mile PR this fall. The final piece of the puzzle is Joe Taylor, another sophomore with the potential to match Bostic and Sumner. Although he was equally talented to the duo in middle school, he slipped behind this past year with marks of 4:53 and 2:11. A return to form would make him a major contributor for this rising Clinton team.

8. Pleasant Plains

Coaches: Jared Driskill

Last Year’s Finish: 14th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Elijah Teefey (Sr.), Ryan Driskill (Sr.), Ty Copeland (Jr.), Braedon Galloway (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Charlie Willenborg (Fr.)

Outlook: This team gained a huge asset from their middle school pipeline, propelling Pleasant Plains into the top-ten conversation. Elijah Teefey will lead the Cardinals after a stellar indoor season, where he was on fire before the outdoor campaign began, posting PRs of 9:23 in the 3200m and 4:21 in the 1600m. He finished second in the 1A 3200m behind Chaz Oberkfell, with just half a second separating the two. An injury cut his outdoor season short, but Teefey remains a dominant force in the longer distances. He will be gunning for a state title this fall and should be a massive low stick for Pleasant Plains. Next up is Ryan Driskill, whose outdoor season was also derailed by injury. His indoor campaign was equally impressive, highlighted by PRs of 4:34 and 9:56. If Driskill stays healthy, he has the potential to contend for an all-state medal. Ty Copeland made a huge leap on the track, dropping 13 seconds from his freshman 800m PR to run 2:07, while also clocking 4:50 in the 1600m. He’ll be joined by freshman Charlie Willenborg, who owns a 4:50 in the 1600m—a massive 35-second improvement from his seventh-grade time. Both will add strength to an already deep Pleasant Plains roster. At the fifth spot, expect Braedon Galloway to contribute after running 10:34 in the 3200m. With his continued progress, he should be ready for big things on the grass this fall.

9. St. Joseph-Ogden

Coaches: Jason Retz / Lindsey Ideus-Ehler, Jim Acklin, Stephanie Farney

Last Year’s Finish: 12th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Lance Retz (Sr.), Collin Burnett (Jr.), Nate Farney (Jr.), Eli Franklin (So.)

Key Newcomers: Adam Bello (Fr.)

Outlook: They lost some key seniors, but the Spartans of St. Joseph are locked and loaded for a top-ten season. Lance Retz will lead the way after finally breaking the 4:30 barrier in the 1600m, running 4:29 at the Spartan Classic. His 800m was strong as well, clocking 2:02, and he owns a 3-mile PR of 16:00—one he’ll need to lower for St. Joe to maximize its success. Collin Burnett had a breakout sophomore campaign on the track and will slot in at No. 2. He dropped his 1600m time to 4:34, a 30-second PR, and will challenge Retz for the top spot this fall. Freshman standout Adam Bello will take the third position after a decorated middle school career, which included PRs of 2:07 in the 800m and 4:50 in the 1600m. He placed fourth in the 800m and ninth in the 1600m at the IESA 3A State Meet, making him a valuable new addition. Sophomore Nate Farney comes in at No. 4 following a 1600m PR of 4:50, which should translate to a major breakthrough on the grass. Eli Franklin rounds out the lineup with PRs of 4:55 in the 1600m and 10:38 in the 3200m, along with a 16:34 3-mile from his freshman season. This squad is seasoned, deep, and ready to make noise in the top ten this year.

10. Murphysboro

Coaches: Cody Ellermeyer

Last Year’s Finish: 24th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Edgar Garcia (Jr.), Hunter Douglas (Jr.), Jonathan Witzman (Sr.), Logan Cowan (So.), Aiden Taylor (So.), 

Key Newcomers: Landon Smith (Fr.)

Outlook: It’s a good year to be a Red Devil, as Murphysboro closes out our top ten. Edgar Garcia had an outstanding track season and will likely be the team’s No. 1 this fall. He ran 4:39 in the 1600m but truly broke through in the 3200m, dropping his PR to a blistering 9:45 at the 2A State Meet—suggesting there’s still more in the tank. His partner in crime, Hunter Douglas, will hold down the No. 2 spot. He posted solid PRs on the oval, running 4:46 in the 1600m and 2:08 in the 800m. His 3-mile time of 16:04 is the fastest returning mark for Murphysboro, and he’ll aim to leave the 16s behind this season. Jonathan Witzman is an 800m specialist who could be a force on the grass. He ran a stellar 1:57.09 at the 2A State Meet, placing 10th, and still holds a 1600m PR of 4:44 from last year. With his range intact, he could make a push toward breaking 16 minutes. Sophomore Logan Cowan had a breakout track season, clocking 4:50 in the 1600m and 10:41 in the 3200m for huge PRs. His 3-mile time of 18:30 doesn’t reflect his current shape, so expect major improvement. Fellow sophomore Aiden Taylor should be right there with him. Taylor was a standout in middle school, placing fourth at the Class L SIJHSAA State Meet as an eighth grader. His freshman 3-mile PR is 17:19, but he also ran 15:47 for 2.92 miles at the Benton Sectional. He has the potential to break 16 this fall, though he’ll need to prove it. The final wild card is incoming freshman Landon Smith, who took third at the Class L State Championships in cross country with a sharp 3000m time of 10:36. His track marks aren’t yet on par with his older teammates, but they mirror what Taylor was running in middle school. Smith could crack the varsity lineup by season’s end, but it’s still early. With this much talent and upside, Murphysboro could be one of the most intriguing teams to watch in 2025.

11. Auburn

Coaches: Kip Smith

Last Year’s Finish: 7th @ 1A Elmwood Sectional

Key Returners: James Baisden (Sr.), Wyatt Thurman (Sr.), Jacob Barth (Sr.), Eli Scott (Sr.), Beckem Hudson (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Justin Alavazarez (Fr.)

Outlook: A heartbreaking seventh-place finish at sectionals is perfect fuel to the flame for this Auburn team. The core trio of runners from that squad returns to right their wrongs and aim for a top-ten finish this season. James Baisden will lead the team at the No. 1 spot, with mid-distance speed that has translated well to the 3-mile course year after year. He ran a blistering 800 this spring, clocking 1:57.48 in the 1A final to earn a fifth-place all-state medal, along with a state title in the 4x400. His 1600 was strong as well, sporting a PR of 4:31. His lethal footspeed will surprise opponents on the grass, as his kick can take out any runner not on their game. Wyatt Thurman will follow Baisden, his aerobic style a complete contrast to his teammate’s speed. He posted a 4:35 in the 1600, a 10-second PR for the senior, and also ran 10:08 in the 3200 while splitting 2:02 in the 4x800. His range holds up against the most versatile runners in 1A, making both him and Baisden all-state contenders this fall. The third spot goes to Jacob Barth, a runner you do not want chasing you in the final 400 meters—he will eat you alive with his closing speed. He placed fifth in the 1A 400 with a stunning 49.56 and can split 2:03 even in sprinter shape. A major factor in Auburn’s 4x400 state title, Barth will now be a weapon for the cross country team’s top-ten push. Their fourth runner, Eli Scott, has only one 3-mile race under his belt but is a converted sprinter who ran 2:06 in the 800 this spring. Expect his 18:29 debut time to drop significantly. At the fifth spot, Beckem Hudson will need to get back on track. He ran 17:20 as a sophomore but could not match it during his junior season and missed the most recent track campaign. If he can at least return to his PR form—or better yet, surpass it—Auburn will be in a strong position this fall.

12. Pinckneyville

Coaches: Ryan Bruns

Last Year’s Finish: 15th at IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Landen Boman (Sr.), RJ Degler (So.), Zach Teel (Jr.), Jesse Winter (Jr.), Cale Schneider (Sr.)

Outlook: Pinckneyville has a strong chance to score in the top ten this fall, but they need to be locked and loaded with all hands on deck. Up front, Landen Boman will steer the Pinckneyville ship. He ran 15:09 at the state meet last year, placing 15th. Boman had a solid track season as well, posting PRs of 4:33 and 9:49 in the 1600 and 3200 respectively. Having a single-digit scorer up front is a major asset, so let’s see what else the Panthers have up their sleeve. RJ Degler will likely take the No. 2 spot after an excellent track season focused on the 800, where he ran a strong 2:03. His 1600 PR of 4:51 is nothing to sneeze at, making him a key leader for Pinckneyville’s pack of scorers. Zach Teel will battle back and forth with Degler but will probably settle at No. 3. Teel dropped solid times on the track with a 4:47 in the 1600 and 10:33 in the 3200. He is a bit more aerobically powerful than Degler, which should give him an advantage on the grass. His 3-mile PR of 16:01 is a solid benchmark but will need improvement if Pinckneyville wants to sneak into the top ten. Closing out the main pack is Jesse Winter, whose track season times of 4:49 and 10:27 align well with Teel’s. His 3-mile time of 16:32 needs some polishing, but his track performances suggest he can drop that significantly. The fifth spot will go to veteran Cale Schneider, who is looking to close out his career with a bang. He’s been steadily improving all four years, and his 3200 PR of 10:49 this spring is the best it’s ever been. His 3-mile PR of 17:05 is well within reach of being shattered this season. The Panthers have a little more to prove than some of the teams ranked above them, but a top-ten finish is still definitely within reach.

13. Glasford (Illini Bluffs)

Coaches: Gavin Graham

Last Year’s Finish: 10th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Eric Pincock (Sr.), Peter Stoltz (Sr.), Ty Basham (Sr.), Braden Gillies (So.), Levi Thomas (Sr.)

Outlook: The core of the Illini Bluffs team that placed tenth last year returns this season, aiming for another top-ten finish. Eric Pincock leads the way as the No. 1 runner. He set a scorching 1600 time of 4:34 this spring, and his 3-mile PR of 15:30 at last year’s state meet looks poised to drop significantly. Filling the No. 2 spot will be Peter Stoltz. Stoltz boasts a 10:04 PR in the 3200 but has yet to break 5 minutes in the mile. To put that in perspective, he can essentially run two consecutive miles at his PR pace, a clear indicator of elite 5K potential. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him challenging Pincock this season. Ty Basham showed he could make the jump from sprinting to the 3-mile last year, and he’ll do it again this season. He ran an impressive 400m PR of 51.12 during track and split a valuable 1:58 leg on Illini Bluffs’ 4x8 relay, proving his range. He will be a formidable force in the final 400 meters of any race — watch out for him. Rising sophomore Braden Gillies made a huge step forward in the spring, earning the No. 4 spot. He dropped his 1600 PR to 4:51, nearly 40 seconds faster than his middle school best. Gillies aims to shatter his 3-mile mark from last year and will be a big asset to the Tigers. Levi Thomas skipped track his sophomore year but returned strong as a junior to contribute to the 4x8 relay, splitting a new PR of 2:07 and helping Illini Bluffs take 10th in 1A. His 16:32 3-mile from last year looks ripe for improvement this fall.

14. Galena/East-Dubuque

Coaches: Michael Eyres

Last Year’s Finish: 11th @ 2A Kaneland Sectional

Key Returners: Andrew Richardson (Jr.), Vinny Gullone (So.), Peter Wagner (Jr.), Devin Bradt (Sr.), Liam Mead (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Liam Schauer (Fr.), Lucas Jackson (Fr.)

Outlook: Coming down from 2A, the tri-op program of Galena/East Dubuque slots in at 1A #14. At the front of the pack, Andrew Richardson anchors the squad as the No. 1 runner. Richardson was their sole qualifier to the 2A state meet last year, posting an impressive 3-mile time of 15:17. His track season was equally strong, with PRs of 4:29 in the 1600 and 9:43 in the 3200. He will be a key figure in the all-state conversation and a dominant front-runner for GED. The No. 2 and No. 3 spots come as a package deal in Peter Wagner and freshman Vinny Gullone. Wagner had the better track season, running 4:50 and 10:11 in the 1600 and 3200, respectively. However, Gullone showed promise as a freshman, posting 4:50 and 10:25, making their battle for the nod this fall an intriguing storyline. The No. 4 spot belongs to Devin Bradt, who broke free from 800-meter specialization this spring to post a 2:09 PR. His 1600 PR of 4:51 from last season bodes well for an improved 3-mile this fall. Rounding out the scoring at No. 5 is Liam Mead, who shifted from hurdles last year to mid-distance this spring, running 2:13 in the 800. His 17:01 3-mile PR provides a solid foundation for improvement as the season progresses.

15. Gillespie

Coaches: Jay Weber / Jack Burns

Last Year’s Finish: 27th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Chaz Oberkfell (Sr.), Marshall Garwood (Sr.), Carter Sies (Sr.), Hank Fletcher (Sr.), Matthew Plovich (Jr.), Nolan Hostletter (So.)

Outlook: Gillespie has the bases loaded and is poised for one of its best years to date. Leading the way is none other than Chaz Oberkfell, the returning 1A state champion and clear favorite this season. His blistering 3-mile time of 14:30 makes him an invaluable asset for the Miners. But Oberkfell isn’t the only reason this team will be strong — he has a solid supporting cast ready to make an impact. Marshall Garwood will fill the No. 2 spot after a breakout track season where he dropped times to 4:48 in the 1600 and 10:24 in the 3200. His 3-mile PR of 16:04 is the second fastest returning time on the team, making him a reliable No. 2. Carter Sies and Hank Fletcher will battle for the No. 3 and No. 4 spots. Sies improved by 12 seconds in the 1600 this spring, posting a 4:47, while Fletcher was close behind with a 4:56. If all three can run their 3-mile races in the low 16:00s this season, Gillespie will be in a strong position. The No. 5 spot is expected to go to Matthew Plovich. According to Coach Weber, Plovich “has shown huge gains this summer and looks poised to breakout in his junior season as our consistent fifth man.” Plovich has a 3-mile PR of 17:37 and will need to shave off significant time to push Gillespie into top-15 conversations.

16. Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy)

Coaches: Steven Bland / Michael Sisko

Last Year’s Finish: 19th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Luca Bryja (Sr.), Immanuel Nunez (So.), Tyler Linta (Sr.), Ezra Gonzalez (So.), Gus Berry (So.), Caleb Gonzalez (Sr.)

Unexpected Losses: Lucas Pagan (Jr.)

Outlook: Harvest Christian unfortunately lost their would-be No. 2, as Lucas Pagan transferred to the local public district. Even without their second runner, they should still improve on last year’s performance. They boast an elite No. 1 in Luca Bryja, who will be competing for a spot in the top five this season. Bryja had a stellar track season, dropping over 10 seconds in the 1600 to post a huge 4:21. That is the fourth fastest returning mile time in 1A, and he will look to convert that speed into a strong 3-mile effort. Filling Pagan’s spot at No. 2 will be Immanuel Nunez. As a freshman, he ran 16:23 in the 3-mile, one of the top returning freshman times in 1A. He followed that with an impressive 3200 PR of 10:09. Nunez will step into the No. 2 role with ease and looks poised to be a key scorer for the Lions. Tyler Linta is primed for a big year after an amazing track season. He dropped crucial time in the 1600 this spring with a new PR of 4:49. His best event was the 800, where he posted a 2:03 PR. His speed makes him a dangerous weapon, and he will be a valuable asset at the No. 3 spot. After Linta, the scoring positions will be a toss-up among brothers Ezra Gonzalez, Caleb Gonzalez, and sophomore Gus Berry. The older brother, Caleb, showed big improvement on the track with a sub-5 minute 1600 and a 10:44 3200. Ezra was nearly identical, running 4:55 and 10:45, while Berry was right between them with a 4:56 and 10:46. It’s unclear who will come out on top, but all three will compete for the remaining scoring roles.

17. Georgetown (La Salette Academy)

Coaches: Dan Schreck / Father Jonathan Kopec

Last Year’s Finish: 9th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Marco Cruz (Sr.), Anthony Lillis (Sr.), Andrew Gross (Sr.), Richard Jolly (Jr.), Luke Zis (So.)

Key Newcomers: David Solis (Fr.), Ignatius Gibbard (Fr.)

Outlook: Because they don’t run track, La Salette often ends up lower on our list than they probably should be. This season, we’re correcting that by moving them up a bit higher. Let’s review what they did last year and consider where they could be this season. Their top returner is Marco Cruz, who posted a blistering 15:37 at the Tuscola Regional. Based on his past improvements, he could run as fast as 15:25 this fall. Following him will be Anthony Lillis, who ran 16:02 last fall and was a prime scorer for La Salette at the state meet. Andrew Gross will fill the third spot with a PR of 16:12. He’ll look to close the gap between himself and Lillis, which would strengthen this squad considerably. After Gross, there’s a sizable gap until the fourth man, who will be Richard Jolly. Jolly shaved about two minutes off his 3-mile time last fall when he ran 17:36 at the Patriot Invite. He’ll need another big jump this fall to best support his team. The fifth spot could go to either sophomore Luke Zis or freshman Ignatius Gibbard. Zis ran 18:06 as a freshman, which is solid by La Salette standards. Gibbard posted a 12:55 in middle school cross country and could challenge for that fifth spot. Both will need big seasons to make this team competitive, but it’s certainly within the realm of possibility.

18. Herscher

Coaches: Rob Grosso

Last Year’s Finish: 11th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Jackson Kruse (Jr.), Jeremy Szepelak (Sr.), Owen Damptz (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Evan Benoit (Fr.)

Outlook: Herscher returns the bulk of their top five from last fall, but they will need to reload their No. 5 going into the season. They have a strong top two with Jackson Kruse and Jeremy Szepelak leading the way. Kruse ran 15:39 at state last fall and knocked down some solid time in the 3200 this spring. With marks of 10:09 in the 3200 and 4:40 in the 1600, he will likely return as their No. 1. Szepelak closed the gap between himself and Kruse during the track season, running a huge 4:34 in the 1600. He dropped nearly 30 seconds this season and is poised for a big breakout on the grass. Freshman Evan Benoit is a new addition who will likely take the No. 3 spot. In just his first year of track, he posted a jaw-dropping 4:49 to take 6th at the IESA 3A state meet. His 2-mile cross country time is solid as well, with an 11:04 from the state meet. He will be a huge help replacing core scorers from last season and might even challenge 16 minutes this fall. Junior Owen Damptz is another big returner. He had an amazing sophomore year on the grass, dropping over three minutes at the state meet — yes, three minutes. His previous 3200 PR was 11:30 (5:45 pace), and he ran 16:58 (5:39 pace) for the 3-mile. He’s made a huge leap and could very well make another big jump this fall. He ran 10:56 in the 3200 during the spring, so if he pulls off another pacing miracle, he’ll be a major asset for Herscher. After Damptz, the Tigers need the most help. There’s currently a four-way battle for the fifth spot between sophomores Connor Sharper and Michael Ringhofer, senior veteran Brycen Steffen, and up-and-coming sophomore Brendan Graham. All four have the potential to fill that final spot, but all will need to improve. Once Herscher finds its fifth man, they will be extremely hard to beat.

19. Downs (Tri-Valley)

Coaches: Kenneth Albin / Holly-Rae Van Hoof, Todd Schneider

Last Year’s Finish: 14th @ 1A Elmwood Sectional

Key Returners: Ryan Garneau (So.), Hudson Fauble (Jr.), Corsin Shane (So.), Gabe Sutter (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Evan Brown (Fr.), Caleb Dunafin (Fr.), Carson Cattaneo (Fr.)

Outlook: Even if this team doesn’t put it all together this year, Downs Tri-Valley is set to be a powerhouse for the next few years. They have a god-squad of incoming freshmen ready to dominate 1A for years to come. Ryan Garneau will lead the team at the 1 after a highly productive track season. He ran 4:47 for 1600 meters, which is an impressive time for a freshman. What’s more, he won’t be playing football alongside cross country this year, meaning he actually gets to practice during the week. He ran 16:31 last season without attending a single practice, so imagine what he can do this season. After Garneau, the DTV freshmen start to filter in. Evan Brown is a 3A state champion in the 400 with a mind-boggling time of 51.04. He didn’t run any 1600s this spring, but he ran 5:04 in seventh grade and posted an 11:02 in cross country. His aerobic capacity is clearly still there, so expect him to take the 2 spot. The 3 will be a toss-up between two freshmen, Caleb Dunafin and Carson Cattaneo. Dunafin ran track at Leroy Middle, posting an incredible 5:05 and a 2:29 800 PR. You can check the math — that basically means he ran his 800 PR twice, which takes serious fitness and usually translates to good things on the grass. He could potentially keep pace with Brown. Cattaneo ran 5:09 and 2:26 during track season and was 11:03 during cross country. He closely tailed Brown in almost every middle school race and will likely do the same in high school. If these three freshmen can drop their times to the 16:20s, the Vikings will reap huge benefits. The final scoring spot will go to Hudson Fauble. The rising junior had a solid track season, improving his times in both the 800 and 1600. His 3 mile time of 17:55 needs some work, but according to Coach Albin, “He's been solid and consistent and did a 5-mile race on the 4th of July and ran last year's 3-mile pace for the entire race.” If he can run his 3 mile time in the middle of a 5-mile race, especially in July, he’s primed for a big time drop this fall. Downs Tri-Valley is going to be super fun to watch, not just this year, but for many years to come.

20. Rock Falls

Coaches: Mark Truesdell

Last Year’s Finish: 9th @ 2A Kaneland Sectional

Key Returners: Gabe Moyer (Sr.), Jeffrey Sommer (Sr.), Ian Finney (Sr.), Michael Kopitas (Jr.), Jace Westlund (Jr.)

Outlook: Rock Falls moved down into 1A with the classification revamp, giving them a real chance to crack the top 20. The Rockets will be led by Gabe Moyer, who will look to be a strong low stick for the team. He ran 15:43 last season at the 2A state meet, where he placed 92nd. His road to state this fall should be much smoother than when he competed in 2A, but he’ll need to be solid if the whole team wants to join him. Jeffrey Sommer and Ian Finney bolster this roster considerably, coming in at 2 and 3. They were strikingly similar during the track season, both posting 1600 PRs in the low 4:40s and 3200 PRs under 10:25. If they can break the 16-minute barrier, Rock Falls will be in a great spot by the end of the season. The biggest challenge for the Rockets will be the 4 and 5 spots, currently held by Michael Kopitas and Jace Westlund. Kopitas knocked a few seconds off his 800 during the spring, finishing with a 2:16. Westlund didn’t run track, but last cross country season was his first ever running season, finishing with a 17:42. Kopitas holds a slight edge on the grass by about a second, so they enter the fall virtually neck and neck. However, 17:40 won’t be enough if the Rockets want to break the top 20. Both runners would do well to target low 17-minute times to help Rock Falls as much as possible.

21. Byron

Coaches: Mike McHale / Josh Helms

Last Year’s Finish: 25th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Tim Starwalt (Jr.), Braden Dietrich (Jr.), Michael Muzzarelli (So,), Connor Welt (Jr.) Micah Hilliker (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Landon Smith (Fr.)

Outlook: Byron returns their entire top five from last year’s state meet and could be a surprise this fall. They have an absolute unit up front with Tim Starwalt at the 1. Starwalt is practically a lock for all-state and will be aiming for a top-ten finish this season. He ran a soul-crushing 15:08 at last year’s state meet, finishing 14th. With another consistent track season under his belt, he’s well on his way to earning another all-state medal this fall. With a near-single-digit scorer already in place, let’s meet his supporting cast. Braden Dietrich will look to assume the second spot. He ran an impressive 800 this spring, posting a new PR of 2:01. His 1600 also improved to a PR of 4:54. His 3-mile time of 16:54 is sure to be shattered this fall—he should be well under that mark.

The 3 and 4 spots will be highly competitive between Michael Muzzarelli and Connor Welt. Both shaved significant time off their 1600 PRs, with Welt running 4:56 and Muzzarelli 4:58. Considering they were both in the mid-5:30s last spring, they’re entering the fall in excellent shape. The 5 spot is more uncertain, as a freshman may claim it. Landon Smith ran an incredible 2:13 in the 800 at the IESA 3A state meet, finishing 15th. His 1600 was a strong 5:22, but notably, he has never run cross country. If Smith decides to join the team this fall, he will likely fill the number 5 spot. If not, senior veteran Micah Hilliker will take it. Hilliker ran PRs across the board this spring but remains over the 5-minute mile and 11-minute 3200 barriers. He has some work to do if Byron wants to climb the rankings, though he has steadily improved throughout his four years. This team has serious firepower, and it will be exciting to see how they come together this cross country season.

22. Toledo (Cumberland)

Coaches: Jim Miller / Brandon Shaon

Last Year’s Finish: 23rd @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Cameron Roedl (Jr.), Gavin Whitaker (So.), Brett Matusas (Jr.) Ayden Oakley (So.) 

Key Newcomers: Colby Roedl (Fr.)

Outlook: Another young team with a lot of upside, Toledo Cumberland has a real shot at breaking the top 20 this fall. Up front, the Pirates will rely on a pair of brothers who are poised to be strong lowsticks. Cameron Roedl has been a stud from day one and has remained consistent throughout his career. He has matched his 1600 PR for the third consecutive year, running 4:43 repeatedly. He was able to break his 800 PR this spring with a time of 2:03. Last fall, he ran 15:39 at the Trojan Classic, which gives him huge value in most 1A races. His younger brother, Colby Roedl, is coming off a great middle school career and will be a solid #2 for Cumberland. Colby posted PRs of 4:55 and 2:12 while at Cumberland Middle and placed top ten in IESA 2A for both events. He’ll join his brother near the front, filling the 2 spot for Cumberland. The 3 spot will go to sophomore Gavin Whitaker. He has PRs of 4:56 and 10:42 for the 1600 and 3200, respectively, showing significant improvement from middle school to his freshman year. The 4 spot is a toss-up between Brett Matusas and Ayden Oakley. Matusas ran a big 1600 PR of 4:52 this spring. His 3-mile time was 16:54 last season, and based on his track times, a substantial drop seems imminent. Oakley missed last cross country season due to injury but matched his middle school PRs of 2:12 and 5:07 this spring. Matusas holds the edge for now, but Oakley is working hard to catch up. This team is young—there isn’t a single senior on the roster. Coach Miller had this to say about his squad: “Great bunch of kids to work with! The top five will be very solid, and they have been putting in a great deal of base. Last year’s momentum is carrying over into this season. Looking forward to the postseason already!”

23. Edwardsville (Metro-East Lutheran)

Coaches: Kevin Reisick

Last Year’s Finish: 29th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: John II (Jack) Shank (Sr.), Lucas Abbott (Jr.), Luke Bright (So.), Henry Reisick (So.), Dean Hemmer (Jr.)

Outlook: Metro-East Lutheran returns their entire state qualifying team from last year and will look to make some noise at the state meet this season. They are led by a core trio who will drive the Knights forward: John II Shank, Lucas Abbott, and Luke Bright. All three are expected to challenge the 15:50 mark this year. Shank had a strong track season, running a 4:39 in the 1600—a 15-second improvement. He ran 16:40 in the 3 mile last fall, and expect him to shatter that time this season. Abbott does not run track but is the top returning runner from MEL’s squad last year. He took third at the Trenton Regional with a 15:57 and is the only team member to have broken 16 minutes. Despite not competing in the spring, his state meet experience and fast returning time make him a key leader. Bright rounds out the trio and is another fast returner. He ran 16:14 at the Trenton Regional and was MEL’s consistent #2 throughout the year. His track times didn’t quite match Shank’s, but he’ll still be a solid #3 for the Knights. After them, you’ll find Henry Reisick at #4. As a freshman, he ran 17:06 and had a solid track season focusing on the 800, finishing with a 2:09. If he can translate that 800 speed into the 3 mile, he will be a huge help to his team. The #5 spot will likely go to Dean Hemmer, who posted the team’s best 3200 time this spring with a 10:49. His 3 mile PR of 17:14 should fall within the first few weeks of the season, as his track times suggest he has plenty of room to improve. This team has work to do if they want to crack the top 20, but they will definitely contend for a state meet spot.

24. Cowden-Herrick

Coaches: Clint Lorton

Last Year’s Finish: 10th @ 1A Toledo Sectional

Key Returners: August Cosart (Sr.), Griffin Vaughn (Jr.) Deacon Sutter (So.), Porter Lilly (So.)

Key Newcomers: Eli Maxedon (Fr.)

Outlook: A big 1-2 punch will lead Cowden-Herrick into the top 25 this fall. They placed 10th at the Toledo sectional last season, but they return almost everyone from that day. August Cosart and Griffin Vaughn will look to put this team into a top 6 spot at sectionals this fall. Cosart is the only member of this team with state meet experience, he took 79th last fall with a time of 15:57. He was able to match his 1600 PR this spring with a 4:38 and his 3200 was a solid 10:10. Vaughn was not able to match his PRs during the spring, but he was still a solid 4:56 and 10:23. During his freshman year, he was 4:53 and 10:07. If he can get back up to that level, he could be much more dangerous than we’re currently expecting him to be. These two leaders will be valuable lowstick scorers for CH, but they can’t do all the work. The Bobcats get a new addition in the form of freshman Eli Maxedon. He showed big promise in middle school, as he finished 6th in the IESA 2A 400 with a huge time of 54.88. He ran the 800 and 1600 as well, with big PRs of 2:18 and 5:13. He will likely assume the third spot on this team, he could be the deciding factor on whether or not this CH team goes anywhere this season. Their four and five spots will be filled by Deacon Sutter and Hayden Sarver. Sutter is running track times similar to Maxedon, so you could expect him to be in a similar fitness tier. Sarver spends the track season running the 400, which doesn’t always translate well to the 3 mile. However, he did run a big PR in that event, ending the season at a solid 54.98. His 3 mile is currently an 18:02, he will need to drop that time down significantly in order to help his team make it to state. If his speed on the track somehow translates into a 3 mile, then Cowden Herrick will be a lot higher than 24 this season. 

25. Monticello

Coaches: Matt Miller, Dan Remmert, Tosha Fair

Last Year’s Finish: 8th @ 1A Toledo Sectional

Key Returners: Tim Sikorski (So.), Jack Krumtinger (Jr.), Eli Anderson (So.), Lukas Whitt (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Smith Glauner (So.), Grant Niemerg (Fr.), Sawyer Pankau (Fr.), Guthrie Hughes (Fr.)

Outlook: A young team with huge potential, Monticello will look to end their season at Detweiller Park this year. They just missed the state meet last year with an 8th-place finish at the Toledo sectional. Even though they graduated their previous #1, River Derby, they’re primed for another shot at qualifying for state. They return sophomore stud Tim Sikorski, who will look to make a big impact up front. He was Monticello’s consistent #2 last season, holding a 15:57 3-mile PR. He also posted big PRs on the track, such as 4:38 in the 1600 and 10:14 for the 3200. His track season cemented him as the leader on this team, and he will spearhead the charge for a state meet qualification. Following Sikorski, you’ll see Jack Krumtinger and Eli Anderson. Krumtinger saw big improvement on the track, dropping his 1600 time by almost 20 seconds to 4:51. Anderson was right behind him, running 4:55 in the 1600 and a strong complementary 3200 of 10:37. Both are poised to thrash their 3-mile times from last year, and big improvements are expected from both. A key addition for Monticello will be sophomore Smith Glauner, likely filling the fourth spot for the Owls. He didn’t run cross country last fall due to soccer commitments, but he’ll compete in both sports this season. He ran cross country in middle school with a PR of 12:12 at the state meet. He was a strong 400 runner during the track season, posting a 54.97 PR in that event. He could be the missing piece Monticello needs this fall. The fifth spot will likely go to Lukas Whitt. His 3-mile PR of 17:43 is the next best time for Monticello, and he saw some solid improvement during track as well. He’ll need to shave off a good chunk from that 3-mile time, but given his track success, it’s doable. Coach Miller has high hopes for this team, saying, “The returning runners and newcomers have been locked in since the summer started. We emphasized the importance of team culture and work ethic during our retreat in early June. The team has bought into both concepts.” It’s a good year to be an Owl — watch out for Monticello this season.