2025 XC Weekend Roundup: Week 2

This weekend will be the first look for many teams this year, as almost every single ranked team will have opened up after this weekend has concluded. We have plenty of top invites in the state happening this weekend and here we highlight them.

Silver Streak Invite

Boys Teams: 2A - #2 Morton, #13 Peoria (Notre Dame); Abingdon (Avon), Biggsville (West Carroll), Cambridge, Dunlap, East Moline (United), East Peoria, Fort Madison [IA], Galesburg, Geneseo, Kewanee (Wethersfield), Knoxville, Macomb, Metamora, Monmouth (United), Normal West, Peoria (Richwoods), ROWVA Williamsfield, Taylor Ridge (Rockridge)

Girls Teams: 2A - #11 Normal West, #14 Morton, #20 Dunlap, #23 Geneseo; 1A - #14 Cambridge; Abingdon (Avon), Biggsville (West Carroll), East Moline (United), East Peoria, Fort Madison [IA], Galesburg, Kewanee (Wethersfield), Knoxville, Macomb, Metamora, Monmouth (United), Peoria (Notre Dame), Peoria (Richwoods), ROWVA Williamsfield, Taylor Ridge (Rockridge)

Boys Individuals: 2A - #16 Zach Born (Jr., Metamora), #23 Maxwell Kirby (Jr., Peoria Notre Dame), #24 Maxwell Carter (Jr., Morton), Abe Martin (So., Morton), Isaiah Hartter (So., Morton), Keyston Beyer (Jr., Morton)

Girls Individuals: 2A - #6 Renee Warren (Sr., Normal West), #19 Julie Bach (Sr., Normal West), #25 Brooklyn Smith (Jr. Geneseo); 1A - #9 Emily Downing (Sr., Cambridge), #19 Alyssa Higgins (Sr., Knoxville), #20 Jana Vande Kemp (Jr., Cambridge); Amanda Warren (Sr., Normal West)

Outlook: Plenty of questions for both 2A and 1A will be answered at the Silver Streak Invite, which serves as the true season opener for many squads. In the boys’ race, 2A #2 Morton enters as the clear favorite, with the potential to place their entire top five inside the first ten finishers. This meet will also provide the first real look at 2A #13 Peoria Notre Dame in a competitive setting. The individual race should be exciting, with four strong contenders all capable of taking the win: Zach Born of Metamora, Maxwell Kirby of Peoria Notre Dame, along with Abe Martin and Maxwell Carter of Morton. On the girls’ side, the team competition will be especially compelling, with five ranked squads in the field. The spotlight will be on the clash between Normal West and Morton. Normal West impressed at their home invite with a strong top four, but they will need a fifth runner to close the gap if they want to overtake Morton. Individually, the battle for the win is expected to come down to Renee Warren of Normal West and Emily Downing of Cambridge.

Vicky Piela Invite

Boys Teams: #11 Morris, Chicago (St, Ignatius), Grayslake Central, Grayslake North, Lake Villa (Lakes), Mundelein (Carmel), Skokie (Niles West), Cary-Grove, Skokie (Niles North)

Girls Teams: 2A - #6 Grayslake Central, #17 Cary-Grove, Grayslake North, Lake Villa (Lakes), Mundelein, Mundelein (Carmel), Skokie (Niles West), Skokie (Niles North), Morris

Boys Individuals: 2A - #1 Jameson Tenopir (Sr., Cary-Grove), #7 Cuyler Swanson (Jr., Morris), #12 Adan Cordova (Sr., Grayslake Central), #13 Cooper Summy (Jr., Lake Villa [Lakes]), #15 Everett Swanson (Jr., Morris); Elijah Mendoza (Sr., Mundelein), Izic Miller (Jr., Mundelein)

Girls Individuals: Madison Petersen (Sr., Grayslake North), Precious Oyebanji (Sr., Mundelein), Violet Rowe (Sr., Grayslake Central), Juliet Bing (Fr., Mundelein [Carmel]), Alexandra Santoyo (Jr., Cary-Grove)

Outlook: This meet will be a great contest for some of the top 2A runners and standout individuals from across the state. Morris enters as the favorite in the boys’ team race, as they are the only ranked squad in the field. They will be led by Cuyler Swanson and Everett Swanson, both of whom should contend for top-five finishes. The biggest spotlight will be on Jameson Tenopir of Cary-Grove, the #1 ranked runner in 2A, who will look to secure a statement win against strong competition. Adan Cordova of Grayslake Central, fresh off an excellent race at Detweiller at Dark, should also be in the lead pack. On the girls’ side, Grayslake Central, ranked sixth in the classification, will look to shine on their home course. The individual race is wide open, with several athletes capable of breaking through. Alexandra Santoyo, who posted 5:29 and 11:35 marks on the track, enters her first XC season as a name to watch. Another intriguing athlete is Juliet Bing of Mundelein Carmel, who makes her debut as a freshman.

Fenton Kurtz “Early Bird” Invite

Boys Teams: 3A - #22 Oak Park-River Forest, #24 Chicago (Payton); 2A - #7 Niles (Northridge Prep), #12 Vernon Hills; Addison-Trail, Bensenville (Fenton), Chicago (DePaul), Chicago (Mather), Chicago (Mt. Carmel), Chicago (Taft), Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West), Niles (Notre Dame), Wheeling, Aurora (Illinois Math and Science), Lombard (Montini), Norridge (Ridgewood), Elmhurst (IC Catholic), Elmwood Park, Franklin Park-Northlake, Hillside (Proviso West), Wheaton (St. Francis), Wilmette (Regina Dominican)

Girls Teams: 3A - #15 Chicago (DePaul); 2A - #2 Wheaton (St. Francis); Addison-Trail, Bensenville (Fenton), Chicago (Taft), Lake Forest, Oak Park-River Forest, Vernon Hills, Oak Park (Fenwick), River Forest (Trinity), Norridge (Ridgewood), Aurora (Illinois Math and Science), Lombard (Montini), Elmhurst (IC Catholic), Elmwood Park, Franklin Park-Northlake, Hillside (Proviso West), Wilmette (Regina Dominican)

Boys Individuals: 3A - #12 Tra’Monti Williams (Sr., Chicago {Payton]), #19 Matt King (Sr., Glen Ellyn [Glenbard West]), #21 Declan Slavin (Sr., Chicago [Payton]); 2A - #20 Bryant Lester (Jr., Vernon Hills); Yacoub Fedjer (Sr., Chicago [Mather]), Abdullahi Hussein (Sr., Chicago [Mather]), Nino Pesola (Jr., Lombard [Montini]), John Masaka (Jr., Niles [Northridge Prep]), Nathan Gundersen (Jr., Addison-Trail), Peter Kipp (Sr., Niles [Northridge Prep])

Girls Individuals: 3A - #12 Emily Stecky (Jr., Chicago [DePaul]), 2A - #2 Sydney Gertsen (Sr., Lombard [Montini]), #4 Elena Mamminga (Jr., Wheaton [St. Francis]), #5 Margaret Andrzejewski (Sr., Wheaton [St. Francis]), #10 Erin Hinsdale (Jr., Wheaton [St. Francis]), #20 Josslyn Wade (Sr., Bensenville [Fenton]), #21 Pilar Rosales (Sr., Lake Forest); Juliana Gamboa (Jr., Oak Park [Fenwick]), Ashlynn Lindt (Sr., Lombard [Montini]), Abigail Radich (So., Chicago [DePaul])

Outlook: The Fenton John Kurtz Early Bird Invite always provides valuable early-season data on some of the state’s best emerging teams. On the boys’ side, look for a clash between 3A and 2A programs, with Oak Park-River Forest, Payton, Northridge Prep, and Vernon Hills all capable of winning this meet. If you had to pick a favorite, it would be Northridge Prep, who return a strong squad from last year’s 1A state championship. Don’t overlook Payton, though, with the dangerous 1-2 punch of Tra’Monti Williams and Declan Slavin. If they can tighten up their 3-5 runners, they’ll be in the hunt for the title. Individually, it would be surprising if Tra’Monti Williams lost, as he enters as the top-ranked athlete in the field. Other ranked contenders include Matt King of Glenbard West, Declan Slavin of Payton, and Bryant Lester of Vernon Hills. On the girls’ side, the spotlight will be on two of the state’s top private schools: 3A #15 DePaul and 2A #2 Wheaton St. Francis. DePaul will be led by the duo of Emily Stecky and Abigail Radich, while WSF counters with the trio of Erin Hinsdale, Margaret Andrzejewski, and Elena Mamminga. The outcome may hinge on how the rest of their lineups perform. The individual race will showcase a wealth of 2A talent, with six of our Top 25 ranked girls toeing the line. Sydney Gertsen of Montini enters as the favorite, but she’ll be tested by the WSF trio and 2:09 800m standout Emily Stecky.

Granite City Robinson/Lang Invite

Boys Teams: 3A - #23 Edwardsville; 2A - #4 Mt. Vernon, #5 Marion, #6 Bethalto (Civic Memorial), #16 Highland, #19 Chatham (Glenwood), #22 Springfield; 1A - #20 Edwardsville (Metro-East Lutheran); MO - #3 St. Louis University; Alton, Belleville (Althoff Catholic), Belleville East, Belleville West, Breese of, Breese (Mater Dei), Collinsville, Columbia, Dupo, East St. Louis, Freeburg, Granite City, Jacksonville, Jacksonville (Jersey), Mascoutah, Metro Academy & Classical [MO], O’Fallon, O’Fallon (First Baptist Academy), Providence Academy [MO], Quincy, Rockton (Hononegah), Roxana, Salem, Staunton, Troy (Triad), Waterloo, East Alton-Wood River, Chesterton Academy [MO], Ft. Zumwalt West [MO], Greenville, Marissa, Maryville Christian, Steeleville, Trenton (Wesclin)

Girls Teams: 3A - #10 Edwardsville; 2A - #1 Chatham (Glenwood), #25 Mascoutah; 1A - #18 Belleville (Althoff Catholic), #22 Breese (Mater Dei); Alton, Belleville East, Belleville West, Bethalto (Civic Memorial), Breese Central, Cahokia, Collinsville, Dupo, East St. Louis, Freeburg, Glen Carbon (Father McGivney), Granite City, Highland, Metro Academy & Classical [MO], Mt. Vernon, O’Fallon, O’Fallon (First Baptist Academy), Quincy, Roxana, Salem, Springfield, Staunton, Troy (Triad), Waterloo, Chesterton Academy [MO], Edwardsville (Metro-East Lutheran), Ft. Zumwalt West [MO], Greenville, Marissa, Maryville Christian, Steeleville, Trenton (Wesclin)

Boys Individuals: 3A - #14 Brayden Kloeppel (Sr., O’Fallon), #18 Landon Harris (Jr., Granite City); 2A - #3 Max Weber (Sr., Bethalto [Civic Memorial]), #4 Gabriel Greer (Jr., Marion), #5 Raphael Greer (Jr., Marion); MO - #2 Jackson Miller (Jr., St. Louis University [MO]); Landon Samuelson (Sr., Rockton [Hononegah]), Van Schnieder (Sr., Chatham [Glenwood]), Colin Thomas (Sr., Edwardsville), Lucas Jensen (Sr., Mascoutah), Luke Hartweger (Jr., St. Louis University [MO]), Michael Luna (Jr., St. Louis University [MO]), Nicholas Ahlheim (Sr., St. Louis University [MO]), Tyler DeVilder (Jr., Waterloo)

Girls Individuals: 2A - #1 Ali Londrigan (Jr., Chatham [Glenwood]), #8 Ashlyn Chopra (Sr., Chatham [Glenwood]); Ellie Bush (Sr., O’Fallon), Madison Popelar (Sr., Edwardsville), Morgan Popelar (So., Edwardsville), Peyton Kuhl (So., Quincy), Willow Jackson (So., Edwardsville), Ali Broaddus (So., Chatham [Glenwood]), Kara Odum (Sr., Marion), Breigh Desmond (Jr., Belleville [Althoff Catholic]), Sophie Rentmeister (Jr., Chatham [Glenwood])

Outlook: The Robinson/Lang Invite looks to be the first major test for the top teams in the southern sector of Illinois. Three of the top teams in 2A will look to dethrone 3A#23 Edwardsville here in Mt. Vernon, Marion, and Civic Memorial on the boys side. Marion faced both last week which ended in a loss to Mt. Vernon and a win against Civic Memorial. The team that will really be the team watch here though will be Missouri’s #3 team, St. Louis University, who is expected to win big here. They are led by Jackson Miller who will look to win the individual race here. Max Weber of Civic Memorial ran excellent at his home twilight meet and will look to challenge him. Gabriel Greer of Marion, Raphael Greer of Marion, Landon Harris of Granite City, and Brayden Kloeppel of O’Fallon will all be duking it out for top 5 spots in this race. On the girls side this looks to be a great matchup between Edwardsville and Glenwood who will make this a super close team battle. Chatham Glenwood will be led by Ali Londrigan who will be the favorite to win the individual race. 

Charleston Invite

Boys Teams: 2A - #3 Mahomet-Seymour, #21 Olney (Richland County); 1A - #21 Toledo (Cumberland), #25 Shelbyville; Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin, Cerro Gordo-Bement, Champaign (Centennial), Champaign Central, Charleston, Danville, Dieterich, Effingham, Fairfield, Mattoon, Mt. Zion, Newton, Sullivan, Tuscola, Urbana, Casey-Westfield, Champaign (St. Thomas More), Oblong, Teutopolis, Urbana

Girls Teams: 2A - #7 Mahomet-Seymour, #19 Mt. Zion, #24 Champaign (Centennial); 1A - #5 Shelbyville, #25 Fairfield; Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond, Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin, Cerro Gordo-Bement, Champaign Central, Charleston, Danville, Dieterich, Effingham, Mattoon, Neoga, Newton, Olney (Richland County), Sullivan, Tuscola, Urbana, Casey-Westfield, Champaign (St. Thomas More), Oblong, Teutopolis, Urbana

Boys Individuals: 2A - #8 Quaid Berger (Olney), #17 Augustus Gaudio (Mahomet Seymour), #18 Judah Dicks (Olney), #19 Henry McMurry (Mahomet Seymour); 1A - #4 Jonathan Iacobazzi (Sr., Sullivan), #7 Will Fuson (Sr., Cerro Gordo-Bement); Blake McLeese (Sr., Tuscola), Caleb Mathias (Champaign Central), 

Girls Individuals: 1A - #3 Kate Foltz (Sr., Tuscola), #13 Tessa Bowers (Sr., Shelbyville); Avery Sommer (Sr., Mt. Zion), Farah Scott (Jr., Champaign [Centennial]), Emily Anand (Sr., Mahomet-Seymour), Taylor Mills (Jr., Mahomet-Seymour)

Outlook: The Charleston Invite should be a great showdown between some of the top talent from southern Illinois. In the boys team race, 2A #3 Mahomet-Seymour should take an early season invitational win, but #21 Olney (Richard County) will try their hardest to stop them. 1A #21 Toledo (Cumberland)  and #25 Shelbyville will battle it out for a top 3 finish. The individual side seems it will be a battle of teammates as 2A #8 Quaid Berger and #18 Judah Dicks of Olney will fight it out with the duo from Mahomet-Seymour of #17 Augustus Gaudio and #19 Henry McMurry. The placement of these four runners could easily be the deciding factor in the team race. Also looking to contend for top 5 finishes are 1A #4 Jonathan Iacobazzi of Sullivan and 1A #7 Will Fulson from Cerro Gordo-Bement  Looking over to the girls it should be a good fight from 2A #7 Mahomet-Seymour against #19 Mt. Zion and #24 Champaign Centennial. Also looking to sneak into the top 5 will be 1A #5 Shelbyville and 1A #25 Fairfield. Senior 1A #3 Kate Foltz of Tuscola will look to continue her storied career with a nice win, but in her tow will be 1A #13 Tessa Bowers of Shelbyville trying to pull the upset. Overall it should be an exciting day of racing!

Red Devil Invite

Boys Team: 3A - #4 Mt. Prospect (Prospect), #9 Hinsdale Central, #10 Palatine, #16 Naperville Central, #20 Batavia, #21 Naperville (Neuqua Valley), #25 Winnetka (New Trier), 2A - #9 Deerfield, #15 Aurora (Marmion Academy), #17 Chicago (Latin), Aurora (Metea Valley), Bolingbrook, Darien (Hinsdale South), Evanston, Highland Park, Lisle (Benet Academy), Minooka, Oak Park (Fenwick), Oswego, Oswego East, Skokie (Niles North), Wheaton Warrenville South

Girls Teams: 3A - #6 Batavia, #7 Mt. Prospect (Prospect), #8 Arlington Heights (Hersey), #9 Minooka, #13 Hinsdale Central, #16 Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West), #21 Downers Grove South, #22 Wheaton Warrenville South, #24 Naperville Central, Aurora (Metea Valley), Bolingbrook, Chicago (Latin), Evanston, Highland Park, Oak Park (Fenwick), Oswego, Oswego East, Palatine, Wilmette (Regina Dominican), Winnetka (New Trier), Sacred Heart [KY], Lisle (Benet Academy)

Boys Individuals: 3A - #2 Alex Krieg (Palatine), #7 Grayson Meek (So., Naperville [Neuqua Valley]), #10 Jesse Gudauskas (Jr., Naperville [Neuqua Valley]), #23 Ed Polaski (Batavia); Luke Robinson (Prospect), James O’Sullivan (Palatine), Jamie Chandler (Deerfield), Andrew Calderon (Deerfield), Manny Najera (Jr., Naperville Central), Anthony Garcia (So., Oswego East), Nico Cimino (Jr., Minooka), Collin Ryan (Sr., Mt. Prospect [Prospect]), Jordan Kreiner (Sr., Winnetka [New Trier]), Will Polaski (Jr., Batavia), Bobby Wintermute (So., Mt. Prospect [Prospect]), Christopher Quick (Sr., Palatine), Isaac Stowers (Sr., Bolingbrook), Nicholas Rastatter (So., Chicago [Latin]), Conrad Saner (Jr., Downers Grove South), Henry Miller (Jr., Hinsdale Central), Michael Gamboa (Sr., Hinsdale Central)

Girls Individuals: 3A - #4 Meg Peterson (Sr., Mt. Prospect [Prospect]), #8 Avery Hacker (Batavia), #9 Nia Ortega (Downers Grove South), #11 Graceleen Mabry (Hersey), #15 Alexa Novak (Sr., Glen Ellyn [Glenbard West]), #17 Lily Hodneland (Sr., Hinsdale Central), #20 Keira Jenke (Sr., Lisle [Benet Academy]), #21 Ella Satre (Jr., Hinsdale Central), #25 Natalie Nahs (Jr., Minooka); 2A - #9 Francesca Mora (So., Chicago [Latin]); Madeline Cassidy (Sr., Batavia), Gwendolyn Krodel (Jr., Batavia), Alexa Izenstark (Jr., Arlington Heights [Hersey]), Juliana Gamboa (Jr., Oak Park [Fenwick]), Claire Deppe (Jr., Batavia), Elizabeth Garrett (So., Palatine), Kayla Ritchie (Jr., Winnetka [New Trier]), Chloe Kammes (Sr., Batavia), Clara Getsoian (So., Minooka)

Outlook: Katherine Legge Park is known for its fast times, and this year should produce some of the best times yet. On the boys side, Prospect will be looking to secure a win in their opening race. They have a loaded lineup and they are truly unmatched in depth. Their lowsticks are solid, with Luke Robinson and Brody Cushing taking spots up front, but their chase pack makes them the most dangerous team in the field. 3A #9 Hinsdale Central and #10 Palatine will be fighting for second. Hinsdale Central has been reloading ever since they took 2nd in the state meet in 2022 and they have finally built up their formidable roster to its usual standards. They will be looking to impress in their season opener. Palatine has the support of 3A #2 Alex Krieg and James O’Sullivan up front, which makes them a scary team to go up against. Krieg and O’Sullivan can only push so many people back, Palatine’s chase pack is going to have most of the work here. Krieg will be the individual favorite, but he’ll be followed by the two boys from Neuqua Valley, #7 Grayson Meek and #10 Jesse Gaudauskas. NV had a jaw dropping performance at the EIU showdown, where their top two boys beat 3 of the top 6 ranked runners in Illinois. If Meek and Gaudauskas put up a performance like they did last week, they’ll be locked for second and third. You also can’t forget #23 Ed Polaski of Batavia, who has yet to open his season. He’s coming off of a successful sophomore track campaign and should show out here at Red Devil. On the girls side, it’s a similarly heated battle for the team title, with 3A #6, #7, #8 and #9 all in the mix for a win. Batavia is the narrow favorite, they entered the season as a potential trophy contending team and they will look to show their dominance. #7 Prospect is reloading from last year’s elite squad, but they still have 3A #4 Meg Peterson who will drive the lowstick down for the Knights. They will be running their top freshman girls down in the lower levels for this one. #8 Arlington Heights Hersey has a well rounded roster this year, with a strong newcomer in 3A #11 Graceleen Mabry. Mabry is one of the top incoming freshmen this year and she’ll be a scary weapon for the Huskies. Alexa Izenstark is a name that you will want to keep your eyes on for the huskies. We can’t forget about Minooka who has looked good in their first two meets. We will have to see if they finally run freshman Ellie Porath and Chelsi Heyob in the varsity race here. They are led into battle by junior Natalie Nahs. Individually as mentioned it will be Meg Petersen who will enter this meet as the favorite but will be challenged by Graceleen Mabry, Avery Hacker, Nia Ortega, Alexa Novak, and Lily Hodneland. 

Mike Kuharic Invite

Boys Teams: 3A - #3 Downers Grove North, #7 Arlington Heights (Hersey), #12 Orland Park (Sandburg), #13 LaGrange (Lyons), #17 New Lenox (Lincoln-Way Central), #18 Berwyn-Cicero (Morton), Aurora (West Aurora), Burbank (Reavis), Chicago (Brother Rice), Chicago (Marist), Downers Grove South, Homewood-Flossmoor, Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East), Joliet West, LaGrange Park (Nazareth Academy), Lombard (Glenbard East), Joliet West, Lowell, New Lenox (Lincoln-Way West), Oak Lawn (Richards), Park Ridge (Maine South), Riverside-Brookfield, Villa Park (Willowbrook), Aurora East, Chicago (Jones), Harvey (Thornton)

Girls Teams: 3A - #18 Downers Grove North, 2A - #21 LaGrange Park (Nazareth Academy), Aurora (West Aurora), Berwyn-Cicero (Morton), Burbank (Reavis), Chicago (Marist), Chicago (Mother McAuley), Homewood-Flossmoor, Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East), LaGrange (Lyons), Lombard (Glenbard East), New Lenox (Lincoln-Way West), Oak Lawn (Richards), Orland Park (Sandburg), Villa Park (Willowbrook), Aurora East, Chicago (Jones), Harvey (Thornton), Darien (Hinsdale South)

Boys Individuals: 3A - #1 Philip Cupial (Sr., Downers Grove North), #4 Will Surratt (Sr., Downers Grove North), #11 Mateo Ramiro-Garcia (Sr., Orland Park [Sandburg]), #13 Miguel Flores (Jr., Berwyn-Cicero [Morton]), #16 Bryce Counihan (Sr., New Lenox [Lincoln-Way Central]), #22 Alex Rodriguez (Sr., Berwyn-Cicero [Morton]), #24 Mateus Salomao (Sr., Arlington Heights [Hersey]), #25 Santiago Chavez (Jr., Burbank [Reavis]), Orlando Sandoval (Sr., Berwyn-Cicero [Morton]), Nathan Gehrmann (Sr., West Aurora), Nicholas Dul (Sr., New Lenox [Lincoln-Way West]), Andrew Straley (Sr., Chicago [Brother Rice]), Nathan Marotta (Sr., Arlington Heights [Hersey]), Tyler Gantt (Sr., LaGrange [Lyons])

Girls Individuals: 3A - #7 Macy Ermitage (So., Downers Grove North); 2A - #24 Kathleen Hardy (So., LaGrange Park [Nazareth Academy]), Lily Eddington (Sr., Downers Grove North), Eliana Kaitei (So., Frankfort [Lincoln-Way East]), Mya Coglianese (Sr., LaGrange [Lyons])

Outlook: Mike Kuharic will be a good chance for some of the top teams in the state to get some results at 5000 meters that could compete with the rest of the midwest. Downers Grove North is the favorite in both the boys and the girl race, and they are steep favorites in both. The boys race is much more competitive than the girls race, with 3A #7 Arlington Heights Hersey, 3A #12 Orland Park Sandburg and 3A #13 Lyons Township in the mix. Lyons will be making their season debut on their home course and they have the biggest upside out of the three teams going into this race. Hersey is coming off of a great track season and they’ve only got one dual meet under their feet, they will be a fun team to watch as well. Individually, DGN should clean up shop with Phillip Cupial and Will Surratt up front. Cupial was absent from DGN’s opener due to a minor injury, but he should be back to action this week. Expect him and Surratt to work together up front, as Cupial gets back into the swing of things. Berwyn Cicero Morton has an ace in 3A #13 Miguel Flores who will compete with Surratt and Cupial. Flores made a huge jump during the track season and is a highly anticipated runner coming into this year. His teammates, Alex Rodriguez and Orlando Sandoval are in a similar shape that Flores is, they should be right with him. If anyone’s going to ruin the fun, it’ll be the man on a hot streak, Bryce Counihan of Lincoln Way Central. Counihan won both of his opening races with plenty of room to spare and he’s looking like he’s hungry for more. 

Oregon Open

High School Boys Teams: 2A - #8 Aurora Central Catholic; 1A - #1 Rockford Christian, #7 Winnebago, #11 East Dubuque, #23 Sherrard; Aurora Christian, Byron, Dakota, Erie-Prophetstown, Forreston, Genoa-Kingston, Granville (Putnam County), Henry-Senachwine, Hinckley-Big Rock, Lanark (Eastland), Manlius (Bureau Valley), Mendota, Morrison, Oregon, Princeton, Rochelle, Rock Falls, Rock Island (Alleman), Savanna (West Carroll), Schaumburg, Sterling (Newman Central Catholic), Stillman Valley, Sycamore, Woodstock North

High School Girls Teams: 1A - #6 Winnebago, #23 Byron, #24 Sherrard; Aurora Christian, Aurora Central Catholic, Dakota, East Dubuque, Erie-Prophetstown, Forreston, Genoa-Kingston, Granville (Putnam County), Henry-Senachwine, Hinckley-Big Rock, Lanark (Eastland), Manlius (Bureau Valley), Mendota, Morrison, Oregon, Princeton, Rochelle, Rock Falls, Rock Island (Alleman), Rockford Christian, Savanna (West Carroll), Sterling (Newman Central Catholic), Stillman Valley, Sycamore, Woodstock North

Middle School Boys Teams: Belvidere Central, Byron, Dakota, Dixon (St. Mary’s), Forreston, Freeport, Genoa Kingston, Lanark (Eastland), McNabb (Putnam County), Mendota (Northbrook), Rockford Christian, Rockford Junior Titans, Rochelle (St. Paul Lutheran), Sillman Valley (Meridian), Winnebago

Middle School Girls Teams: Belvidere Central, Byron, Dakota, Dixon (St. Mary’s), Forreston, Freeport, Genoa Kingston, Lanark (Eastland), McNabb (Putnam County), Mendota (Northbrook), Rockford Christian, Rockford Junior Titans, Rochelle (St. Paul Lutheran), Sillman Valley (Meridian), Winnebago

High School Boys Individuals: 2A - #6 Carson Kaiser (So., Maple Park [Kaneland]), #21 Jack Swiatek (Sr., Aurora Central Catholic), #22 Ben Bohr (Jr., Aurora Central Catholic), #25 Evan Whildin (Sr., Maple Park [Kaneland]); 1A - #11 Tim Starwalt (Sr., Oregon), #15 Evan White (Sr., Rockford Christian), #23 Daniel Gonzalez (Sr., Oregon), #24 Blake Lindberg (Jr., Rockford Christian); John Reinbold (So., Aurora Central Catholic), Vinny Gullone (So., East Dubuque), Julian Honeyville (Sr., Rockford Christian), Andrew Richardson (Jr., East Dubuque)

High School Girls Individuals: 2A - #14 Cecilia Hilby (Sr., Aurora Central Catholic); Kat Scott (Sr., Rock Falls), Emma Walz (Jr., Schaumburg), Layla Janisch (Sr., Sycamore), Molly Webb (So., Winnebago)

Middle School Boys Individuals: #1 Bentlee Lawrenz (8th, Rock Falls); John Noble (8th, Belvidere Central), Evan Meyers (8th, Rockford Christian), Parker Volk (8th, Pecatonica), Jesus Avila (8th, Belvidere Central)

Middle School Girls Individuals: #20 Kollins Anaya (7th, Oregon); Phoebe Lentini (7th, Rockford Christian), Anniston Judd (8th, McNabb [Putnam County]), Lauren Cox (8th, Belvidere Central)

Outlook: The Oregon Open should be a good way for these teams to test out their wheels over the 5000km distance. On the boys side 2A - #8 Aurora Central Catholic has the opportunity to continue their undefeated season, and by the looks of it, they may just take that opportunity. Some of their fiercest competition is with, winner of the Kane county meet, Kaneland. Kaneland’s 1-2 punch with, 2A - #6 Carson Kaiser and #25 Evan Whildin could throw a wrench in Aurora Central Catholic’s plans. 1A - #1 Rockford Christian is another contender who could surprise us. 2A#22 Ben Bohr is Aurora Central Catholic's leading runner along with #21 Jack Swiatek and John Reinbold. They will be looking to steal the individual title away from Kaiser. On the girls side Sycamore is the favorite. They have a strong pack of Chloe Shere, Layla Janisch, and Anna Anderson. They, along with anna churchill (sherrard), will be chasing the individual favorite of 2A - #14 Cecilia Hilby (Sr., Aurora Central Catholic). The middle schoolers will duke it out over 1.4 miles. For the girls, the Rockford Junior Titans are set to dominate. Individual favorites include kollins anaya and phoebe lentini. The boys have a tight race between Belvidere Central and Forreston. Bentlee Lawrenz is the man to beat this year, and the field, which includes John Noble and Evan Meyers will be trying to do just that. It should be a great day of racing over in oregon.

Rich Eschman Invite

Boys Teams: 3A - #11 Palatine (Fremd); 2A - #25 Belvidere North; Crystal Lake South, Elgin (Larkin), Glenview (Glenbrook South), Harvard, Johnsburg, McHenry, Mundelein, Rolling Meadows, Wauconda, Woodstock, Woodstock (Marian)

Girls Teams: 3A - #5 Lake Zurich; 2A - #15 Crystal Lake South; Elgin (Larkin), Glenview (Glenbrook South), Harvard, Johnsburg, McHenry, Palatine (Fremd), Rolling Meadows, Wauconda, Woodstock

Boys Individuals: 3A - #15 Jack Jennings (Jr., Palatine [Fremd]); 2A - #10 Ellery Shutt (Sr., Woodstock), #11 Judah Binger (So., Belvidere North); 1A - #3 Grady Smith (So., Johnsburg); Elijah Mendoza (Sr., Mundelein), Joseph Gonzalez (Sr., Crystal Lake South), Izic Miller (Jr., Mundelein), Nate Martin (Sr., McHenry)

Girls Individuals: 3A - #14 Chloe Wettstein (Fr., Lake Zurich); Avery Muhr (Jr., Lake Zurich), Celia Blaylock (Jr., Lake Zurich), Polina Krupsky (Sr., Lake Zurich), Abigail Kocher (Fr., Lake Zurich), Isa Hasty (Sr., Palatine [Fremd]), Caroline Lucas (So., Crystal Lake South) 

Outlook: Named after Crystal Lake South’s coach, the Rich Eschman Invite looks to provide fast times at 3.05 mile distance. On the boys side, this race should be all 3A #11 Fremd as they look to stay hot after taking down #7 Hersey at home on Tuesday. Following them should be 2A #25 Belvidere North who are making their season debut. Don’t count the home town team though as Crystal Lake South has a solid pack and could look to fight for a top 3 finish. The individual race should be more interesting as 3A #15 Jack Jennings will duke it out with a pair of 2A studs #10 Ellery Shutt and #11 Judah Binger. Also looking to make splash is 1A #3 Grady Smith who will be seeking revenge after taking a tough loss to Shutt last Saturday. However, if Jennings runs to the best of his capabilities it will be his race to lose. For the girls team competition,  3A #5 Lake Zurich will likely continue their early season win streak coming off their dominant tri-meet performance last week. The local squad 2A #15 Crystal Lake South should come in a safe second if all goes well. Individually, freshmen phenom 3A #14 Chloe Wettstein should cruise to another smooth victory as she’s coming off a clean 36 second victory where she ran an IL #5 time of 17:33. 

Rochester Invite

High School Boys Teams: 2A - #23 Taylorville; 1A - #5 Clinton, #8 Pleasant Plains, #17 Gillespie, #22 Auburn, #24 Bloomington (Central Catholic); Beardstown, Decatur (St. Teresa), Franklin, Liberty, Lincoln, Moweaqua (Central A&M), Pana, Petersburg (PORTA), Rochester, Springfield (Lanphier), Springfield (Sacred Heart-Griffin), Springfield (Southeast), Tremont, Jacksonville (Routt), Niantic (Sangamon Valley), Quincy (Notre Dame), Riverton

High School Girls Teams: 2A - #8 Rochester; 1A - #20 Bloomington (Central Catholic); Auburn, Beardstown, Clinton, Decatur (St. Teresa), Franklin, Gillespie, Liberty, Lincoln, Moweaqua (Central A&M), Pana, Petersburg (PORTA), Pittsfield, Springfield (Lanphier), Springfield (Sacred Heart-Griffin), Springfield (Southeast), Taylorville, Tremont, Jacksonville (Routt), Niantic (Sangamon Valley), Quincy (Notre Dame), Riverton

Middle School Boys Teams: #3 Springfield Christian, #8 Clinton, #22 Pleasant Plains; Auburn, Beardstown, Carlinville, Decatur (Our Lady of Lourdes), Franklin, Gillespie, Jacksonville, Liberty, Lincoln West Lincoln-Broadwell, Mason City Illini Central, Petersburg (PORTA), Quincy (St. Peter), Riverton, Rochester, Shelbyville (Moulton), Springfield (Blessed Sacrament), Springfield (Franklin), Williamsville, Illiopolis (Sangamon Valley), Taylorville

Middle School Girls Teams: #15 Pleasant Plains; Auburn, Beardstown, Carlinville, Clinton, Decatur (Our Lady of Lourdes), Franklin, Gillespie, Jacksonville, Liberty, Lincoln West Lincoln-Broadwell, Mason City Illini Central, Petersbaurg (PORTA), Quincy (St. Peter), Riverton, Rochester, Shelbyville (Moulton), Springfield (Blessed Sacrament), Springfield Christian, Springfield (Franklin), Williamsville, Illiopolis (Sangamon Valley), Taylorville

High School Boys Individuals: 2A - #9 Liam Bettis (Jr., Taylorville); 1A - #1 Chaz Oberkfell (Sr., Gillespie), #2 Elijah Teefey (Sr., Pleasant Plains), #8 Cayden Bostic (So., Clinton); James Baisden (Sr., Auburn), Wyatt Thurman (Sr., Auburn), Kade Parker (Sr., Petersburg [PORTA])

High School Girls Individuals: 2A - #17 Paityn Brady (So., Springfield [Sacred Heart-Griffin]), #22 Ashley Zeibert (Sr., Rochester); Phoebe DeFrain (Fr., Springfield [Sacred Heart-Griffin]), Alaina Hawker (Sr., Pleasant Plains), Kendal Fleck (Sr., Niantic [Sangamon Valley]), Aubrey Peterson (Fr., Clinton), Natalie Nichols (Sr., Rochester), Elayna Harker (So., Taylorville)

Middle School Boys Individuals: #7 Jackson Elliott (8th, Springfield Christian), #15 Dayton Gamber (8th, Springfield Christian), #16 Mason Soloman (8th, Pleasant Plains); Tyson Powell (8th, Pleasant Plains), Brennan Fletcher (8th, Auburn), Chase Locker (8th, Rochester), Owen Troyer (8th, Clinton), Nathan Thomas (8th, Rochester), David Spinner (7th, Clinton), Tate Shoaff (7th, Shelbyville [Moulton])

Middle School Girls Individuals: #3 Hazel Atkins (8th, Shelbyville [Moulton]), #8 McKenna Beck (8th, Clinton), #12 Charlize Chick (7th, Petersburg [PORTA]), #24 Ava Driskill (8th, Pleasant Plains); Julia Jacobs (8th, Springfield [Blessed Sacrament]), Olivia Davis (7th, Taylorville), Jackie Lefringhouse (8th, Liberty), Gracelyn Stephens (8th, Shelbyville [Moulton]), Katelyn Bentz (7th, Clinton)

Outlook: The Rochester invite is sure to provide a lot of action for central and southern Illinois teams this weekend. Starting with the high school girls, 2A #8 Rochester comes in as the favorite. Led by senior and 2A #22 Ashley Zeibert, who ran 17:56 at the Clinton Light It Up meet last Saturday, the Rockets are set to have a strong race. Their second and third runners, Calista Gardner and Natalie Nichols, came in at 19:06 and 19:07, and the rest of the pack was about a minute behind. If they can tighten up their pack, Rochester is sure to have a strong race and take the win. Another team who could contend for the win is 1A #20 Bloomington Central Catholic. Led by the dynamic duo of freshman Jiles Hilgenbrinck and junior Ruby Brady, the Saints could have a chance at the win if their 3-5 runners close the gap on them. Individually, Ashley Zeibert and Sacred Heart-Griffin sophomore Paityn Brady will both be in contention for the win. Brady has run 18:15 this season, so she could compete with Zeibert for the title. Other notable individuals include Sacred Heart-Griffin freshman Phoebe DeFrain, Pleasant Plains senior Alaina Hawker, and Sangamon Valley senior Kendal Fleck. On the boy’s side, the team race will likely be a battle between 1A #5 and #8 Clinton and Pleasant Plains. Clinton’s pack had a strong showing at the Light It Up Invite, as the 1-5 scoring split was 1:30, led by 1A #8 Cayden Bostic. Pleasant Plains will look to open up their season on a high note, led by 1A #2 runner Elijah Teefey, who comes in this race with a 15:03 PR to his name. The individual race is favored by 1A top-ranked Chaz Oberkfell, who is coming off a big win at the Clinton Light It Up, where he dropped a massive 14:41 to take the win. If he can replicate that performance, Oberkfell is likely to pull off the win. Behind him, expect to see Teefey, Bostic, and 2A #9 Liam Bettis battling for second. As for middle school, #15 Pleasant Plains comes in as the favorite for the girls. Individually, #3 Hazel Atkins of Shelbyville Moulton is expected to take the win, but right behind her will be #8 McKenna Beck (Clinton), #12 Charlize Chick (Petersburg PORTA) and #24 Ava Driscoll (Pleasant Plains). Any of these girls could contend for second and even push for a win. For the boys, it will be a tight race between #3 Springfield Christian and #8 Clinton. As for individuals, #7 Jackson Elliott of Springfield Christian comes in as the favorite, but teammate #15 Dayton Gamber and #16 Mason Solomon of Pleasant Plains could make things interesting.

Leavey Invite

Boys Teams: 3A - #14 Naperville North, #15 St. Charles North, 2A - #1 Dixon, #24 Crystal Lake (Prairie Ridge), Bartlett, Carol Stream (Glenbard North), Geneva, Huntley, St. Charles East, Sterling, Streamwood, Elgin (St. Edward), Port Byron (Riverdale), West Chicago

Girls Teams: 3A - #1 Barrington, #2 Elmhurst (York), #11 Huntley, #14 St. Charles North, 2A - #12 Crystal Lake (Prairie Ridge), Aurora (Rosary), Bartlett, Geneva, Schaumburg, St. Charles East, Sterling, Streamwood, Wheaton North, Dixon, Elgin (St. Edward), Plainfield South, Port Byron (Riverdale), West Chicago

Boys Individuals: 3A - #20 Sam Hill (St. Charles North), 1A - #14 Braeden Bode (Sr., Port Byron [Riverdale]), Jackson Truty (Sr., Naperville North), Dean Geiger (Jr., Dixon), Simon Reckamp (Sr., Naperville North), Keegan Shirley (Sr., Dixon), Averick Wiseman (Sr., Dixon), Ethan Carter (Fr., Dixon), Abram Garcia (Fr., Dixon)

Girls Individuals: 3A - #10 Karlin Janowski (So., Elmhurst [York]), #14 Kara Glenn (So., St. Charles North), #16 Victoria Tarara (So., Barrington), #18 Sofia Borter (Sr., Geneva); Sophia Galiano-Sanchez (Sr., Elmhurst [York]), Molly McGreal (Sr., Elmhurst [York]), Maggie Quinn (Sr., Elmhurst [York]), Lila Stanley (Sr., Elmhurst [York]), Isabella Ciesla (Sr., Huntley), Alessandra Gregory (Sr., Bartlett), Adley Wilson (So., St. Charles East), Cori Kilvinger (Sr., Huntley), Abby Lewis (Sr., Barrington), Emily Offutt (Jr., Wheaton North), June Rectenwald (Jr., Wheaton North), Julia Weseloh (Jr., Elmhurst [York]), Angelica Hil (Jr., Barrington), Madison Miles (Sr., Barrington), Haley Rahman (Jr., Huntley), Julia Rodney (Jr., St. Charles North), Gwen Hobson (Jr., St. Charles North)

Outlook: Highlighting the girls’ side of the St. Charles East Leavey Invite will be top ranked 3A teams Barrington and York in their first matchup of the season. Ranked #1 and #2, it will be a tight team race throughout, as both squads have solid packs and were merely one point apart at the state meet last November. With significant graduation losses for both teams combined with the fact that Mia Sirois will not be racing, the team race could be a complete tossup. Add 3A #11 Huntely, #14 St. Charles North and 2A #12 Prairie Ridge, and the team race is sure to be a good one. Individually, look out for York’s sophomore phenom Karlin Janowski to lead the way. She ran a 17:35 almost entirely by herself to open up her 2025 season at a quad meet and dropped a 17:11 at this race last year. Behind Janowski, expect to see Barrington sophomore Victoria Tarara, York seniors Molly McGreal and Sophia Galiano-Sanchez, and St. Charles North sophomore Kara Glenn all in contention for second place. The boys team race is headlined by the top ranked team in 2A and race favorite Dixon as they look to open up their season. Two of the fastest freshmen in the state, Ethan Carter and Abram Garcia will be competing in their first three mile race of the IHSA season, and it will be interesting to see where they stack up with the rest of the Dixon pack. Averick Wiseman and Dean Geiger of Dixon could be a potential surprise in the individual race here. Other notable teams are 3A #14 and #15 Naperville North and St. Charles North. In contention for the win with the Dixon runners will be St. Charles North sophomore Sam Hill. In his opener at the Elgin City Classic, he dropped a 14:04 on a 2.84 mile course, a sign he’ll be ready for more this season.

Windy City XC Challenge

High School Boys Teams: Chicago (British International School of Chicago), Chicago (Daystar Academy), Chicago (Intrinsic Charter-Downtown Campus), Chicago (Kennedy), Chicago (Noble/Pritzker), Chicago (Noble/UIC), Chicago (Rickover Naval Academy), Chicago (St. Patrick), Chicago (Von Steuben), Chicago (Whitney Young), Chicago (Walcott), Evanston (Roycemore), Golder College Prep, Ravenswood Christian

High School Girls Teams: Chicago (British International School of Chicago), Chicago (Daystar Academy), Chicago (Intrinsic Charter-Downtown Campus), Chicago (Kennedy), Chicago (Noble/Pritzker), Chicago (Noble/UIC), Chicago (Rickover Naval Academy), Chicago (St. Patrick), Chicago (Von Steuben), Chicago (Whitney Young), Chicago (Walcott), Evanston (Roycemore), Golder College Prep, Ravenswood Christian

Middle School Boys Teams: #11 Minooka, #16 Chicago (Old St. Marys), Bennett Day, Brickton Montessori, British International of Chicago, Catherine Cook, Chase, Chicago (Alphonsus), Chicago (Frances Xavier Warde), Chicago (Latin), Chicago (North Park), Chicago (Queen of All Saints), Chicago (Queen of All Saints), Chicago (Sacred Heart), Chicago (St. Benedict), Chicago (St. Clement), Chicago (St. Josaphat), Chicago (St. Matthias), Edgebrook, Evanston (Chute), Evanston (Haven), Evanston (Nichols), Evanston (St. Athanasius), Immaculate Conception, Kings Art, Chicago (Lincoln), Morgan Park Academy, Niles (Northridge), Northside Catholic Academy, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Pritzker, Ravenswood Christian, River Forest (Roosevelt), Rogers Park Montessori, Roycemore, School of St. Mary, St. John Vianney, St, Elizabeth of the Trinity, St. Juliana, St. Viator, The Academy at St. Joan of Arc, Whitney Young Academic Center, Wilmette, Wilmette (St. Francis)

Middle School Girls Teams: #4 Minooka, Bennett Day, Brickton Montessori, British International of Chicago, Catherine Cook, Chase, Chicago (Alphonsus), Chicago (Frances Xavier Warde), Chicago (Latin), Chicago (North Park), Chicago (Old St. Marys), Chicago (Queen of All Saints), Chicago (Queen of All Saints), Chicago (Sacred Heart), Chicago (St. Benedict), Chicago (St. Clement), Chicago (St. Josaphat), Chicago (St. Matthias), Edgebrook, Evanston (Chute), Evanston (Haven), Evanston (Nichols), Evanston (St. Athanasius), Immaculate Conception, Kings Art, Chicago (Lincoln), Morgan Park Academy, Northside Catholic Academy, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Pritzker, Ravenswood Christian, River Forest (Roosevelt), Rogers Park Montessori, Roycemore, School of St. Mary, St. John Vianney, St, Elizabeth of the Trinity, St. Juliana, St. Viator, The Academy at St. Joan of Arc, Whitney Young Academic Center, Wilmette, Wilmette (St. Francis)

Middle School Boys Individuals: Julien Duque (8th, Chicago [Old St. Mary’s]), Benjamin Blackburn (8th, Minooka), Julien Caulliez (8th, River Forest [Roosevelt]), Colton Traxler (8th, Minooka), Jameson McCusker (8th, Chicago [Immaculate Conception North Park]), Dylan Wood (8th, Chicago [Immaculate Conception North Park]), Nicky Robertson (8th, Evanston [St. Athanasius]), Declan Kennedy (8th, Chicago [Frances Xavier Warde]), Jack Sheaffer (8th, Chicago [Sacred Heart])

Middle School Girls Individuals: #1 Molly Mocko (8th, Glen Ellyn [St. Petronille]), #11 Tessa Mocko [6th, Glen Ellyn [St. Petronille]), #15 Chloe Milton (8th, Chicago [St. Benedict]); Addy Vahl (7th, Minooka), Sloane Steinberg (7th, River Forest [Roosevelt]), Isabella Gutierrez (8th, Chicago [St. Matthias]), Nellie Patton (7th, Evanston [Nichols]), Maren Castelli (7th, Chicago [St. Benedict]), Louella Kornfield (7th, Evanston [Haven])

Outlook: This should be a great meet on the middle school level with #11 Minooka facing off against #16 Old St. Mary’s in what promises to be a tight battle. The boys’ individual race is wide open, giving someone the chance to make a name for themselves early in the season. On the girls’ side, it looks like all Minooka, one of the top teams in the state. Expect Molly Mocko and Tessa Mocko to set the pace up front in the individual race.