2025 Cross Country Previews: 1A Girls Ranked

Last year was an exciting season for the 1A Girls classification, and this year promises to deliver just as much intrigue. We reviewed hundreds of results to construct our list of the top 25 teams in the classification. We hope you enjoy it!

1. Anna-Jonesboro

Head Coach: Matt Denny

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

Key Returners: Jadyn Gerardi (Jr.), Aleah Box (Sr.), Melaina Bundren (So.), Raegan Jones (Sr.), Kinley Leek (Jr.), Kenzie Miller (Sr.), Reese Jones (Sr.), Sophia Hill (So.)

Outlook: This is now the second consecutive year that the Wildcats enter the season as the top-ranked squad in 1A. They will be led by the duo of Jadyn Gerardi and Aleah Box, both of whom are aiming to run in the mid-17:00s this year. Both will be potential all-staters this year. Gerardi placed seventh at the State Meet in 2023 and will look to return to that form this season. Box had an outstanding track season, running 5:17 in the 1600m and 11:26 in the 3200m. Following them will be the trio of Melaina Bundren, Reagan Jones, and Sophia Hill, all of whom are targeting times in the mid-18:00s. This squad boasts the most depth in the state, with nine runners having the potential to break the 20-minute barrier.

2. El Paso-Gridley

Head Coach: Michael Melick / Jacob Ludy

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

Key Returners: Caroline Wettstein (Sr.), Verity Nowark (So.), Sophie Hinthorne (Sr.), Kiley Knapp (Jr.), Haven Miller (Jr.), Madyson Harms (Jr.), Myli Ehrhardt (Sr.), Mya Griffin (Jr.), Addison Smith, Elly Huette

Key Newcomers: Audrey Roth (Fr.), Elli Webster (Fr.)

Outlook: The Titans enter this season with a strong team that impressed during the track season. They will be led by Caroline Wettstein, who ran 5:22 in the 1600m and 12:23 in the 3200m this past spring. She will be competing for an all-state position. Verity Nowark had an impactful freshman year as the team’s number two runner and will look to lead a talented pack that includes Haven Miller, Sophie Hinthorne, Kiley Knapp, and Audrey Roth. Miller and Knapp both had breakout track seasons, running 5:30 and 5:33 in the 1600m, respectively. Roth is a newcomer to the team and is expected to make an immediate impact. She joins the squad following a successful IESA career, highlighted by an 11th-place finish at last year’s IESA 3A State XC Meet. Coach Melick stated, "Outlook is to start out very conservatively and slowly build towards having our most successful meets in October and November."

3. St. Joseph-Ogden

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

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

Key Returners: Grace Bressner (So.), Tessa Walker (So.), Abigail Bello (Jr.), Sydney Steinbach (Sr.), Kiah Riesel (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Kyla Franckey (Jr.) [transfer from Paxton-Buckley-Loda], Charlene Barbee (Fr.), Taylor Vaughn (Fr.)

Outlook: Many people will be surprised to see the Spartans ranked this high heading into the season, but some key newcomers will severely elevate this squad. They will be led up front by Grace Bressner who ran excellent last year as she broke 18 minutes at the State Meet. She will be a potential all-stater this fall. Tessa Walker, Charlene Barbee, and Kyla Franckey will be the main pack of this team. They all should be under 19 minutes this year. Barbee had a great 8th grade track season as she ran 5:32 in the 1600m. Franckey is a transfer from Paxton-Buckley-Loda and the daughter of IHSA State Champion Dustin Franckey. She will be a massive addition to the squad. The key will be getting their 5th runner under 19:30. Taylor Vaughn is another freshman that ran 5:56 in 8th grade and looks to be the main piece as their 5th runner. Abigail Bello also serves as another great option as a 5th runner. Coach Retz stated, "Our team enters this season with quiet confidence and a deep sense of purpose after an exceptional summer of growth. We’re still a relatively young group, but our athletes have shown incredible maturity, commitment, and resilience over the past few months. Attendance has been high, team chemistry has flourished, and we’ve started to develop the kind of pack mentality that can lead to strong team finishes. Our returning athletes have led by example, and our newcomers have embraced the challenge and brought fresh energy to the team. While we don’t yet have a clear frontrunner, the strength of our program lies in our depth and the way we race as a unit. If we continue to stay healthy, stay committed, and trust in the process, we’re excited about the possibilities this season holds. More than anything, we’re ready to compete with heart, lift each other up, and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way."

4. Eureka

Head Coach: Olivia Morris / Matt O'Hanlon, Brandon Heider, Tom O'Hanlon, Kellen Ehrenhardt

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

Key Returners: Sierra Herrmann (Jr.), Reagan Gerber (Sr.), Ava Otto (Jr.), Adeline Hubert (Sr.), Sophia Watson (Jr.), Brenna Metzger (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Staley Sancken (Fr.), Morgan McAllister (Fr.), Sage Stoller (Fr.)

Outlook: The last nine months have been transformative for the Lady Hornets. They made significant progress during the track season, which has propelled them to their current ranking. Leading the team will be potential all-staters Sierra Herrmann and Reagan Gerber. Herrmann had an outstanding track season, running 11:31 in the 3200m, while Gerber impressed last fall with an 18:21 at the State Cross Country Meet. Both athletes have the potential to break 18:00 by season’s end. Following them are Ava Otto and Adeline Hubert, who clocked 12:21 and 12:24, respectively, in the 3200m this spring. Otto also posted an eye-catching 5:23 in the 1600m. Both runners are expected to challenge the 19:00 mark this season. Sophia Watson currently projects as the team’s fifth runner, with a personal best of 19:51. For the Hornets to contend for a trophy, they’ll need her to close the gap on Otto and Hubert. Coach Morris stated, " We have a strong group of upper classman returning this year. We are starting the season healthy and with a great base underneath us. This group in combination with some newly developed athletes gives us depth and positive outlook this coming season. "

5. Shelbyville

Head Coach: Levi Pruemer

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

Key Returners: Tessa Bowers (Sr.), Laynie Lockart (Jr.), Sara Tynan (Sr.), Kinley Hardy (So.), Aylah Logan (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Leah Shoaff (Fr.), Tessa Tomblin (Fr.), Natalie Nohren (Fr.), Anna Skinner (Fr.), Kiley Shallenberger (Fr.)

Outlook: The Rams will be a surprise to many as they enter the season ranked this high. This team will be infused with a wave of young talent, with at least four of their top seven runners likely to be freshmen. All of them hail from the powerhouse IESA Shelbyville Moulton team, which had one of the most dominant seasons in IESA history. Tessa Bowers will lead the squad as their number one runner. She ran an impressive 16:58 last cross country season and placed fifth at the State XC Meet. She was also a key member of the Rams’ State Championship 4x800m relay team this past spring. Leah Shoaff projects as the team’s number two runner and has the potential to break 18:00 this season. She ran 12:05 in middle school cross country and clocked 5:23 in the 1600m on the track. Her IESA accolades include an 8th-place finish at the IESA 2A XC State Meet, a runner-up finish in the 800m, and 5th place in the 1600m at the IESA 3A State Meet. Tessa Tomblin and Natalie Nohren are expected to be the team’s third and fourth runners, having run 12:25 and 12:28 in XC last year at Moulton. Both could challenge the 19:00 mark this season. The team’s fifth spot will likely be filled by veteran Laynie Lockart, who had a strong track season, running 5:49 in the 1600m and 12:38 in the 3200m.

6. Winnebago

Head Coach: Joe Erb and Janet Erb

Last Year's Finish: 7th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Molly Webb (So.), Morgan Capriola (Sr.), Svea Glidden (Jr.), Ashlynn Robinson (So.), Audra Mecum (Jr.), Hannah Roggensack (Sr.), Aariah Ingram (So.)

Key Newcomers: Avery Dimke (Fr.)

Outlook: This looks to be the year the Indians return to the state trophy hunt. They will be led by Molly Webb, who anchored Bago’s all-state 4x800m relay team during the track season. She has the potential to break 18:00 this year. Morgan Capriola, the veteran of the group, owns multiple all-state 4x800m medals and could earn her first individual medal this season. Svea Glidden had an impressive track season, running 12:14 in the 3200m. Ashlynn Robinson will be a key contributor after posting a 5:45 in the 1600m this spring. The team’s fifth runner appears to be Ella Carlson, who will look to run in the low 19:00s this year.

7. Pleasant Plains

Head Coach: Rob Havens / Joe Higginson

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

Key Returners: Alaina Hawker (Sr.), Madalyn Hegele (So.), Caroline Willenborg (Sr.), Alli VanVeldhuizen (Jr.), Jazymne Albers (Sr.), Peyton Howell (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Fiona Hilton (Fr.), Finley Ewald (Fr.), Josie Spann (Fr.), Madeline Welch (Fr.)

Outlook: This group has a lot of upside following a strong track season that saw them finish second in the Girls 4x800m, with three of those athletes returning for the cross country season. They will be led by potential all-stater Alaina Hawker, the anchor of that relay. According to Coach Havens, she has had an excellent summer. Madalyn Hegele, Alli VanVeldhuizen, and Caroline Willenborg will make up the team’s 2-3-4 spots, and all are expected to run within 10 seconds of each other throughout most of the season. The fifth runner position is still up for grabs. It will likely be filled by one of the Cardinals’ talented incoming freshmen, though veteran Jazymne Albers is also a strong candidate for the role. Coach Havens stated, “The goal is always to improve as the season progresses and to be able to compete late in the season for a conference title and postseason advancement via the Regional and Sectional. No small task, given the 1A Elmwood Sectional we are assigned to is loaded with talented, state-ranked individuals and teams each year.”

8. Toulon (Stark County)

Head Coach: Robert Rennick / James Owens

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

Key Returners: Dusti Smith (Jr.), Cheyenh Smith (Sr.), Darilis Knobloch (So.), Paytin Terwilliger (Sr.), Lyla Rosado (So.), Kelsey Hawley (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Norah Rorem (Fr.)

Unexpected Losses: Haylie Moodie (Sr.)

Outlook: This squad made massive improvements over the track season, which has earned them this high preseason ranking. They will be led by Dusti Smith, a likely all-state performer this fall after an outstanding track season where she ran 5:04 in the 1600m. Cheyenh Smith is also an all-state contender following a breakthrough spring in which she posted 2:16 in the 800m and 5:20 in the 1600m. She has the potential to break the 18:00 mark this season. The team will get a boost from incoming freshman Norah Rorem, who ran 5:37 in the 1600m during middle school and could potentially dip under 19:00 in her debut season. Paytin Terwilliger and Darilis Knobloch are projected to be the team’s fourth and fifth runners, with both expected to run under 20:00. With strong front-runners and solid depth, this team is poised for a big season. Coach Rennick stated, "We made some strides in track this past season and I think that will help us this fall, especially from Dusti, Cheyenh and Paytin. Stark County is a very small public school with an enrollment just over 200 students, so it is tough each and every year competing against public schools so much larger than we are and competing against the private schools. There are definitely some big shoes to fill with Alexis & Sarah graduating, but I think we can have a really competitive season."

9. Williamsville

Head Coach: Tyler Casson

Last Year's Finish: State Champions @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Joelle Wilson (Jr.), Brooklyn Turley (So.), Kaylea Hollinshead (Jr.), Alaina Woolsey (Jr.), Maddie Overmeyer (So.), Ella Knoles (Jr.), Taylor Bressan (Sr.). Molly Hahn (Sr.)

Outlook: The defending state champions lose two of their top three runners to graduation but return five members from last year’s title-winning squad. They will be led by Joelle Wilson, a strong all-state contender who ran under 18:00 last fall. Brooklyn Turley and Kaylea Hollinshead will serve as the team’s second and third runners, with both having posted sub-19:00 times during last cross country season. Alaina Woolsey is expected to fill the fourth spot, while the team will rely on Maddie Overmeyer to break the 20-minute barrier as the crucial fifth runner.

10. Elmwood

Head Coach: Kyle Anderson / Gregg Meyers, Cooper Hoffmann, Mike Sullivan

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

Key Returners: Addy Turner (Sr.), Taylor Forney (Jr.), Ashlyn Bertsch (So.), Mya Hill (So.), Riley Kelly (So.), Bristol Schmidgall (So.)

Key Newcomers: Mady Ori (Fr.), Charley Walker (Fr.), Kolbe Shadley (Fr.), Natalie Babcock (Sr.)

Outlook: The Lady Trojans took some time to hit their stride last year, but it all came together at the state meet, where they delivered an eye-opening 10th-place finish. This season, they return six of their seven runners from that team. Leading the way will be sophomores Bristol Schmidgall and Mya Hill, both of whom ran under 19:00 at last year’s State Meet and are aiming for low to mid-18:00s this season. Following them will be a strong pack made up of Riley Kelly, Mady Ori, Taylor Forney, Charlotte Walker, and Addy Turner. The key for this group will be closing the gap and getting as close to — or under — the 19:00 mark as possible. If they can do that, this team has the potential to break into the top five. Coach Anderson stated, "I think we have a motivated, talented team. A lot of variables stand between now and November. I think the potential is very high for this team. With our 10th place last fall and the 4x800 getting 8th in the state track meet, I think they have some confidence and excitement. They want to continue their recent success."

11. Effingham (St. Anthony)

Head Coach: Art Geen / Chuck Keller

Last Year's Finish: 16th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Isabella Keller (Jr.), Aubrey Denning (Jr.), Emeline Wines (So.), Nancy Ruholl (Sr.), Leah DelRossi (So.)

Key Newcomers: Nora Niebrugge (Fr.)

Outlook: The Bulldogs will feature the best 1-2 punch in the classification with standout juniors Isabella Keller and Aubrey Denning. Keller will once again be in the mix for the 1A State Championship, while Denning is a likely top-10 finisher. The key to this team’s success will be getting their third, fourth, and fifth runners under the 20:00 mark by season’s end. If they can do that, a top-10 team finish is well within reach. Coach Geen shared, “As for the team, it will depend on a few athletes who are also playing volleyball. If we can get them into cross country shape, our team has a great chance to improve on last year’s 16th-place finish. We’re returning all five scorers from last year’s state meet, and the addition of freshman Nora Niebuggie could be huge for us. Isabella had a strong comeback during the state track meet and has had a great summer, as has Aubrey Denning. Both of them have been training hard, so it's exciting to see what they’ll do this year. I’m also looking for Emeline Wines to settle in as a sophomore and make a big leap forward.”

12. Marshall

Head Coach: Ryan Arthur

Last Year's Finish: 8th @ 1A Cumberland Sectional

Key Returners: Molly Farrell (Sr.), Madeleine Fox (Jr.), Myah Boyd (Jr.), Caroline Crumrin (So.), Addie Nave (So.)

Key Newcomers: Grace Thompson (Fr.), Lilly Ross (Fr.)

Outlook: The Lions are poised for a highly successful season as a team. They will be led by Molly Farrell and Madeleine Fox, both of whom are strong all-state candidates. Farrell is expected to contend for a top-five finish at the state meet, while Fox will be in the hunt for a top-10 spot. Freshman Grace Thompson is set to make an immediate impact. She ran 12:32 for two miles last fall and posted a 5:35 in the 1600m during track season. Her IESA résumé includes a 15th-place finish at the 2A State XC Meet and 8th place in the 800m at the IESA 3A State Meet. Ella Bowman and Myah Boyd project as the team’s fourth and fifth runners, both expected to run in the mid-20:00s. Their development will be key to the Lions' depth and postseason potential.

13. Cambridge (Ridgewood)

Head Coach: Alan Steider

Last Year's Finish: 13th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Emily Downing (Sr.), Jana Vande Kemp (Jr.), Avery Humphrey (So.), Hannah Ames (So.), Addie Jewett (Sr.), Ella Nimrick (Jr.), Courtney Thomas (Sr.)

Outlook: The Spartans enter this season with a high ceiling but one clear area of concern. Emily Downing will lead the team with aspirations of finishing in the top 10 at the state meet. She had an outstanding track season, highlighted by a 5:04 in the 1600m. Jana Vande Kemp is another all-state hopeful, coming off a 17:50 cross country season last fall and a strong 5:16 performance in the 1600m during track. Following them will be Avery Humphrey and Hannah Ames, both aiming to run in the low 19:00s this season. Ames also contributed to the Spartans' all-state 4x800m relay team in the spring. The team’s biggest need is a reliable fifth runner, as their current projection has that spot finishing in the 23-minute range. If they can develop someone capable of running close to or under 20:00, this group has the potential to contend for a top-five spot in the classification.

14. Delavan

Head Coach: Suzanne LaFary

Last Year's Finish: 10th @ 1A Elmwood Sectional

Key Returners: Annabelle LaFary (Sr.), Elyse Brinkemeyer (So.), Drew Robison (Sr.), Alaina Karker (Sr.), Olivia Nehmelman (Jr.), Khloe Stockham (Jr.)

Outlook: The Panthers have fielded strong teams in recent years but have unfortunately been stuck in the most competitive sectional in 1A. This season, they’ll aim to earn their first state berth since 1997. They’ll be led by the duo of Annabelle LaFary and Elyse Brinkmeyer, both of whom are potential all-state contenders. LaFary, the veteran of the squad, ran 5:22 in the 1600m during the track season. Brinkmeyer, entering her sophomore year, had a breakout track campaign of her own, clocking 5:23 in the 1600m. Drew Robison will be the team’s third runner and is coming off a 5:39 1600m on the track. She’s expected to challenge the 19:00 barrier this season. Alaina Karker will slot in as the fourth runner and is projected to be in the mid-20:00s. The key challenge for this team will be solidifying the fifth spot, as their current projected No. 5 runner is expected to finish in the mid-21:00s. Finding a stronger fifth will be crucial if the Panthers are to break through and make it to state.

15. Monticello

Head Coach: Matt Miller / Dave Remmert, Tosha Fair

Last Year's Finish: 7th @ 1A Cumberland Sectional

Key Returners: Macie Owen (So.), Taylor Mabry (Jr.), Olivia Gerdes (Sr.), Madison Morrow (Jr.), Caitlynn Sanders (So.), Annie Robinson (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Lilian Lukk (Fr.), McKenzie Koester (Fr.), Sophie Burkybile (Fr.)

Outlook: The Owls enter the season under new leadership, as Matt Miller takes over as head coach. Former head coach Dave Remmert returns to the program as an assistant, bringing valuable experience to the staff. This year’s team will be led by Macie Owen, who had a phenomenal track season, clocking 5:12 in the 1600m. She’ll be a strong contender for an all-state spot in November. Taylor Mabry is expected to be the squad’s No. 2 runner after a strong track campaign of her own, highlighted by a 5:25 in the 1600m. Madison Morrow and Caitlynn Sanders will be relied upon to break the 20-minute barrier as the team’s third and fourth runners. The fifth spot remains a question mark. Will it be Mylin Bruhn, or will one of the team's incoming freshmen step up to fill the role? Coach Miller shared, “Our girls team could be very good this year. They have been training hard this summer. I challenged them during our summer retreat to focus on team culture, consistency, and nutrition. They seem to be taking the message very seriously. The girls team was very close to advancing to state last year but fell short on an off day in our sectional race. We only lost one senior varsity runner from last year, so I’m optimistic about our performance this season.”

16. Palos Heights (Chicago Christian)

Head Coach: Jake Christiansen

Last Year's Finish: 7th @ 1A Lisle Sectional

Key Returners: Kihra Moes (Sr.), Abby Mullin (Jr.), Mia Caporale (Sr.), Katie Sitko (So.), Anais Rivera (Sr.), Haley Van Til (Sr.), Abbey Kosloskus (So.)

Outlook: The Knights narrowly missed qualifying for the state meet last year, but this season they’ll be looking to make a return. Leading the way will be Kihra Moes and Abby Mullin, both of whom are potential all-state contenders following impressive track seasons. Moes ran 5:23 in the 1600m and 11:39 in the 3200m, while Mullin clocked 5:33 in the 1600m and 11:47 in the 3200m. Mia Caporale will be the team’s third runner, coming off a 5:44 performance in the 1600m during the track season. For the Knights to achieve their goal of making it back to state, they’ll need their fourth and fifth runners to break the 21:00 mark this fall.

17. Manteno

Head Coach: Jamie VanDongen

Last Year's Finish: 11th @ 2A Metamora Sectional

Key Returners: Klarke Goranson (So.), Lyla Nevel (So.), Olivia Zwirkoski (Jr.), Joey Karas (So.), Sawyer Maveety (So.), Addison Whitten (So.)

Key Newcomers: DeLanie Monroe (Fr.), Riley Powell (Fr.), Emily Hoots (Fr.)

Outlook: The Panthers will be another team to watch in the classification this year. Klarke Goranson will lead the way and is a strong contender for a top-five finish at the State Meet. She had an outstanding track season, running 2:13 in the 800m and 4:50 in the 1600m. Lyla Nevel and DeLanie Monroe will serve as the team’s second and third runners. Both have the potential to break 19:00 this season. Nevel ran 19:20 at the 2A State Meet last fall, while Monroe, an incoming freshman, posted times of 5:43 in the 1600m and 12:24 in the 2 Mile during middle school. Olivia Zwirkoski projects as the fourth runner and is expected to be in the low 20:00s. The Panthers will need to solidify their fifth spot, but if they can develop a strong fifth runner, this team has the potential to finish in the top 10 in the state.

18. Sandwich

Head Coach: Elizabeth Vick

Last Year's Finish: 10th @ 2A Metamora Sectional

Key Returners: Sunny Weber (Sr.), Karlee Henkins (Sr.), Kayla Kressin (Jr.), Emily Urbanski (Sr.), Karlie Hardekopf (So.)

Key Newcomers: Sierra LaPorte (Fr.), Raena Moyer (Fr.), Jessica Rios (Fr.)

Outlook: The Braves will be led by superstar Sunny Weber, the favorite to win the State Championship in cross country this year after an incredible 9:59 performance in the 3200m this spring. Emily Urbanski and Kayla Kressin also had strong track seasons, running 5:53 and 5:54 in the 1600m, respectively. Both are expected to break the 20-minute mark this fall. Sierra LaPorte, Raena Moyer, and Karlee Henkins are projected to fill the team’s fourth, fifth, and sixth spots, with all three likely to run in the mid-20:00s.

19. Urbana University

Head Coach: Kyle Hummel

Last Year's Finish: 9th @ 1A Cumberland Sectional

Key Returners: Clara Knutsen (So.), Shriya Nagarej (Sr.), Cadence Scheunemann (Jr.), Ella Ylagan (Sr.), Julia Smith (Sr.), Sofia MacDonald (So.)

Key Newcomers: Janny Knutson (Fr.)

Outlook: The Illineks return six of their top seven runners from last season and are poised for a strong year. They will be led by Clara Knutsen and Shriya Nagarej, both of whom have the potential to break 19:00. Cadence Scheunemann and Ella Ylagan are expected to fill the third and fourth spots, and both are capable of challenging the 20:00 mark. Incoming freshman Janny Knutson is projected to be the team’s fifth runner after running 13:15 for two miles in middle school. Her development will be key to solidifying the Illineks’ lineup as they aim for postseason success.

20. Herscher

Head Coach: Rob Grosso

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

Key Returners: Kelly O'Connor (Sr.), Sophie Venckauskas (Sr.), Laylah Kent (So.), Lily Tucek (Jr.), Gianna High (Jr.), Fabienne Houberg (Sr.), Olivia White (So.)

Outlook: The Tigers have qualified for the state meet in each of the past two seasons, and they’ll look to extend that streak this year. Leading the way will be Kelly O'Connor, a strong all-state contender who ran 2:18 in the 800m and 5:21 in the 1600m this past spring. Sophie Venckauskas is expected to be the team’s second runner and will be aiming to break the 19:00 barrier. Layla Kent and Lily Tucek will hold the third and fourth spots, with both capable of going under 20:00 this season. Gianna High rounds out the lineup as the projected fifth runner and is expected to finish under 21:00. With solid depth and front-end talent, the Tigers are well-positioned for another state appearance.

21. Breese (Mater Dei)

Head Coach: Colten Strotheide

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

Key Returners: Emma Diekemper (Sr.), Finley Haag (Jr.), Reagan Napovanice (Sr.), Reid Emig (Sr.), Ashtyn Wheeler (Sr.), Heidi Beer (Jr.)

Outlook: This squad will be led by the trio of Emma Diekemper, Finley Haag, and Reagan Napovanice. All three of these athletes have the potential to break 19:00 this year. Reid Emig will be the teams fourth runner after a great track season where she ran 6:07 in the 1600m. Ashtyn Wheeler looks to be the teams 5th runner.

22. Byron

Head Coach: Mike McHale

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

Key Returners: Ashley Potter (Jr.), Elinor McHale (Jr.), Emma Franchi (Jr.), Grace Burnes (So.), Gabriella Northrup (Sr.), Alayna Swanson (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Gracyn Smith (Fr.)

Outlook: Byron had a transformational 2024 cross country season, qualifying for the state meet for the first time since 2013. This year, they will be led by Ashley Potter, who is aiming to break 19:00. Following her will be a tight pack consisting of Gracyn Smith, Emma Franchi, Elinor McHale, Grace Burnes, and Gabriella Northrup — all of whom will be looking to challenge the 20:00 barrier. McHale was the team’s number two runner last season, while Northrup served as the number three. Smith, a promising freshman, enters with a 5:57 PR in the 1600m from 8th grade. Franchi and Burnes also had breakout track seasons, running 5:58 and 5:59 in the 1600m, respectively. With solid depth and improving young talent, Byron looks to build on last year’s success and return to the state meet once again.

23. Sherrard

Head Coach: Grant Iles

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

Key Returners: Anna Churchill (Jr.), Tori Browning (Sr.), Kylie Mathis (So.), Cami Anderson (Sr.), Sophia Bradarich (So.), Valentina Nacif (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Althea Gnatovich (Fr.)

Outlook: This squad will be led by Anna Churchill, who had an excellent track season, running 5:22 in the 1600m — a performance that puts her firmly in all-state contention this fall. Tori Browning will serve as the team’s second runner after running 19:41 last cross country season. She is expected to dip into the low 19:00s this year. Kylie Mathis, who had a breakout track season with a 5:56 in the 1600m, is projected to be the team’s fifth runner and should also finish under 20:00. To secure a spot at the state meet, this team will need to ensure their fourth and fifth runners stay under the 21:00 mark.

24. Fairfield

Head Coach: Justin Sanders

Last Year's Finish: 28th @ IHSA 1A State

Key Returners: Adi Hickey (Sr.), Emeri Sager (So.), Remington Taylor (Jr.), Brianna Meeks (So.), Ellanie Vanway (Jr.), Jaycie Couch (Sr.), Gabby Zurliene (So.)

Key Newcomers: Jilliona Olivier-Wilkerson (Fr.), Addy Spencer (Fr.)

Outlook: Adi Hickey will lead the team once again, just as she did last year. She ran 19:52 last season and will aim to reach the mid-19:00s this fall. Emeri Sager is expected to be the squad’s second runner after narrowly missing the 20-minute barrier last season with a time of 20:01. Remington Taylor will move up from the Mules’ fourth runner to the third spot this year and will look to break 20:00. Brianna Meeks and Ellanie Vanway are projected to fill the fourth and fifth positions. Both will need to run in the mid-20:00s if this team hopes to make a return trip to the State Meet. Coach Sanders stated, "This team is loaded with talent. Losing Ella will hurt, as she was a natural leader, but we return the rest of our State qualifying team from last season. We have 5 girls that can compete for the number 1 spot on the team.  As long as we remain healthy and locked in, we should have a terrific season."

25. Elmhurst (Timothy Christian)

Head Coach: Rachel Mirra

Last Year's Finish: 8th @ 1A Lisle Sectional

Key Returners: Maddie Turner (So.), Ella Potoshnick (Sr.), Jen Carreon (Sr.), Abbee Baker (So.), Bella Hackert (Jr.), Sienna Azzinaro (Sr.), Lucy Wilgenburg (So.)

Outlook: This squad will be led by Maddie Turner, who ran under 20:00 last fall and will look to improve even further this season. Ella Potoshnick is projected to be the team’s second runner and will be aiming to break the 20:00 barrier as well. Jen Carreon is expected to hold the third spot and should be in the mid-20:00s range. Abbee Baker and Bella Hackert will likely round out the lineup as the team’s fourth and fifth runners.