2026 IESA State Preview: 2A

The IESA 2A State Meet will bring together the top middle school cross country runners and teams from across Illinois at Maxwell Park in Normal. The individual races feature several returning state finishers and runners coming off strong seasons, while the team competitions will determine which programs leave with state titles and trophies. With the season coming down to one race, the state's top Class 2A runners will compete for individual championships and team honors.

Girls Individuals

The IESA Girls 2A State Meet at Maxwell Park in Normal is shaping up to be one of the most competitive individual races of the weekend, with several runners entering the championship with legitimate state title aspirations. Tessa Mocko, Kamila Trachsel, Leah Moore, Avery Hess, and Charlize Chick headline a loaded field, with all five bringing impressive cross country seasons and strong track credentials into the race. With returning all-staters throughout the field and multiple athletes capable of winning the championship, the battle for the title and the top 10 should be exciting from start to finish.

Tessa Mocko (7th, Glen Ellyn [St. Petronille]) enters the state meet undefeated this season and has established herself as one of the leading contenders for the individual championship. Mocko has won the Chicagoland XC Classic, Windy City XC Challenge, Suburban Parochial League Meet, and Westmont Sectional, continuing the momentum she built with a fifth-place finish at last year's state meet. Her track season further demonstrated her talent, as she ran 5:06 in the 1600m and 2:17 in the 800m before winning the 2A state titles in both events. She also captured the 2A sprint medley relay championship. Mocko has proven she can perform under championship pressure, and her undefeated record this fall gives her plenty of confidence heading into Maxwell Park. With her consistency, speed, and experience, she has a legitimate chance to turn last year's fifth-place finish into a state championship.

Kamila Trachsel (7th, Downs [Tri-Valley]) has been one of the most dominant runners in the state this season and will be another major contender for the championship. Trachsel has collected victories at the Saber Corn Invite, EPGJH XC Invite, Germantown Hills Warrior Invite, Bob LaCroix Spartan Invite, Olympia Spartan Extravaganza, Delavan Dare Classic, and Seneca Sectional. She also finished third at the Parkside Invite. Her track season adds another dimension to her championship credentials, as she placed ninth in the 3A 800m and third in the 3A 1600m at the state meet. Trachsel's impressive collection of wins and her ability to compete at a high level across distances make her one of the most dangerous runners in the field. If she delivers another strong performance at Maxwell Park, she could leave Normal with the state title.

Leah Moore (8th, Staunton) has enjoyed an outstanding season and could be one of the biggest threats to the top contenders. Moore has lost just twice this year and finished fifth at Detweiller at Dark against some of the state's best runners. She has also won the Jack Burns Invite, Tornado Invite, Granite City Coolidge Invite, Coal Mine Classic, and General Dacey Trails Sectional. Moore finished 10th at last year's state meet, giving her valuable experience heading into her final middle school cross country championship. Her track season was particularly impressive, as she won the 3A state championships in both the 800m and 1600m while finishing second in the sprint medley relay. Moore has the speed, endurance, and championship experience to challenge anyone in the field. If she can translate her strong season into another big performance, she has a realistic opportunity to compete for the individual state title.

Avery Hess (8th, Sullivan) is another returning top-10 finisher who enters the state meet with championship aspirations. Hess finished ninth at last year's state meet and has continued to build on that performance this season. She placed ninth at Detweiller at Dark against a strong statewide field before winning the Who Let The Dogs Out Invite, Shelbyville Trail Invite, and Dunlap Invite. Hess also had an impressive track season, finishing sixth in the 3A 800m, fourth in the 3A 1600m, and third in the 3A sprint medley relay at the state meet. With a strong cross country resume and proven championship credentials, Hess has the potential to make a significant jump from last year's ninth-place finish. She will be one of several runners capable of challenging for the title at Maxwell Park.

Charlize Chick (8th, Petersburg [PORTA]) has put together a remarkable season and enters the state meet with a chance to compete for the championship. Chick has won the Sangamo Preview, Bee Bee Invite, Rochester Invite, PORTA Prairie Trails Invite, Warrior Invite, Pleasant Plains Invite, and Centennial Park Sectional. Her consistency throughout the fall has made her one of the most successful runners in the field, and she will look to carry that momentum into the state meet. Chick finished fourth at last year's state meet, putting her among the top returning runners in the classification. She also showed impressive versatility on the track, placing eighth in the 3A 400m and third in the 3A 800m at the state meet. Chick has already proven she can finish near the front at Maxwell Park, and another strong performance could put her in contention for the individual title. With her winning record and previous state experience, she should be a major factor in the championship battle.

Riley Salzer (7th, Mackinaw [Dee-Mack]) returns to the state meet looking to improve on last year's sixth-place finish. Salzer has consistently finished near the front of competitive fields this season, placing second at the EPGJH XC Invite, Tazwood Conference Meet, and Olympia Spartan Spectacular. She also finished third at the Delavan Dare Classic before winning the Three Sisters Park Sectional. While she has not accumulated as many victories as some of the leading title contenders, her consistency and ability to deliver in championship races make her a serious threat for another top finish. Salzer has already shown that she belongs among the state's best, and her sectional championship provides momentum heading into the weekend. She will be looking to challenge for a top-five finish and could move even higher if she puts together her best race of the season.

Maelie Bunton (7th, Downs [Tri-Valley]) gives Tri-Valley another potential top-10 finisher and could play an important role in the race. Bunton has recorded several strong results this season, including second at the Saber Corn Invite, fourth at the EPGJH XC Invite, fifth at the Germantown Hills Warrior Invite, and third at the Bob LaCroix Spartan Invite. She also finished third at the Olympia Spartan Spectacular and Eastview XC Extravaganza before placing second at the Seneca Sectional. Her consistency against a variety of competitive fields makes her a strong candidate to finish among the top 10. With Trachsel leading the Tri-Valley contingent near the front, Bunton will have an opportunity to establish herself among the state's top runners as well. If she carries her recent form into Maxwell Park, she could secure a major state finish.

Kinzley LaBounty (8th, Downs [Tri-Valley]) gives Tri-Valley a third runner with the potential to make an impact on the state results. LaBounty finished fourth at the Saber Corn Invite before placing sixth at both the Germantown Hills Warrior Invite and Bob LaCroix Spartan Invite. She also finished seventh at the Olympia Spartan Extravaganza and runner-up at the Eastview XC Extravaganza before taking third at the Seneca Sectional. LaBounty will look to join Trachsel and Bunton among the top finishers and could make a push for a top-10 spot with another strong performance. Tri-Valley's depth could also be an advantage if its runners continue to perform at the level they have shown throughout the season.

Blakely Domier (8th, Round Lake Park) has the potential to make a significant jump after finishing 31st at last year's state meet. Domier has won the Vicky Piela Invite and Grayslake Prairie Crossing Sectional after finishing fourth at the Hawthorn Invite, showing improvement as the season has progressed. Her track season also demonstrated her ability to compete with the state's top distance runners, as she placed 13th in the 3A 800m and seventh in the 3A 1600m at the state meet. Domier's sectional victory is an encouraging sign heading into the championship, and she will look to carry that momentum into Maxwell Park. With her track credentials and recent cross country success, she has the potential to break into the top 10.

Emily Sennett (8th, Princeville) enters the state meet after winning the Stark County Rebel Rush and finishing second at the Three Sisters Park Sectional. She also placed 19th at the Dunlap Invite, giving her experience against a competitive field heading into the championship. Sennett finished 16th at last year's IESA 1A State Meet and will now look to improve on that result in the 2A classification. Her track season was another positive sign, as she finished sixth in the 2A 1600m at the state meet. If she produces one of her best races of the season, a top-10 finish is within reach.

Elena Pivonka (8th, Braidwood [Reed-Custer]) could be one of the runners capable of moving up the standings on race day. Pivonka finished 14th at the Troy Invite before placing second at the Channahon Invite, just behind Chloe Crim, and fourth at the Seneca Sectional. She also competed at the USATF Junior Olympics Cross Country Championships last fall, finishing 89th, and placed 21st in the 3A 800m at the state track meet. While her cross country results have been somewhat mixed this season, her runner-up finish at Channahon demonstrates that she can compete near the front of a strong field. Pivonka will need to put together a complete performance at Maxwell Park, but she has the potential to challenge for a top-10 finish.

Aoife O’Reilly (8th, LaGrange [St. Francis]) brings valuable championship experience into the state meet and could be another contender for a top-10 finish. O'Reilly won the Suburban Parochial League Conference Meet before finishing second at the Westmont Sectional. She placed 14th at last year's state meet, giving her a solid foundation heading into another championship race. Her track season was particularly strong, as she finished second in the 2A 800m, fifth in the 2A 1600m, and seventh in the 2A sprint medley relay at the state meet. With a conference championship and a sectional runner-up finish behind her, O'Reilly has the momentum to challenge for a top-10 spot. If she can deliver a strong performance at Maxwell Park, she could improve significantly on last year's state finish.

Projected Girls All-Staters

Girls Teams

The IESA Girls 2A State Meet at Maxwell Park in Normal features a compelling team race, with Downs Tri-Valley entering as the heavy favorite and several programs looking to challenge for the remaining state trophies. Tri-Valley has built an impressive resume throughout the season and will be led by individual title contender Kamila Trachsel, while Athens looks to defend its 2025 state championship. Toulon Stark County, Glen Ellyn St. Petronille, Winfield Wheaton Christian, Mackinaw Dee-Mack, Sullivan, and LaGrange St. Francis will also be looking to make their mark. With several teams boasting potential all-state runners, the battle for the podium could come down to which squads can keep their scoring packs together at the right time.

Downs Tri-Valley enters the state meet as the favorite after putting together an outstanding season. The team won the EPGJH XC Invite, Bob LaCroix Spartan Invite, Olympia Spartan Spectacular, Eastview XC Extravaganza, and Seneca Sectional while also finishing third at the Parkside Invite, second at the Germantown Hills Warrior Invite, and second at the Delavan Dare Classic. Kamila Trachsel leads the way and will be one of the leading contenders for the individual state championship. Behind her, Maelie Bunton and Kinzley LaBounty both have the potential to finish in the top 10, giving Tri-Valley three strong runners who can score near the front of the field. With that kind of front-end talent, it would be surprising to see the Vikings fall short of the top spot. However, their overall team performance will still depend on the rest of the lineup contributing strong finishes. Tri-Valley has never won a state cross country trophy in school history, making this an opportunity to establish a new milestone for the program. If the Vikings deliver on their potential, they could turn an impressive season into a historic championship.

Toulon Stark County has put together a strong season and enters the state meet with momentum after winning the Three Sisters Park Sectional. The Rebels also captured the Stark County Rebel Rush and Stark County Rebel Rally Invite, finished second at the IVC Invite, and placed third at the St. Jude Mini Yeti Invite. Vera Rorem and Lucy Denton lead the lineup and both have the potential to earn all-state honors, giving Stark County a strong foundation at the front of the race. The key to the team's trophy hopes will be its pack running. Keeping the first-to-fifth runner split under one minute would put the Rebels in a much stronger position to compete with the other podium contenders. With a sectional championship behind them, Stark County has shown that it can put together a strong team performance when it matters most. The program has never won a state cross country trophy, and a compact race at Maxwell Park could give the Rebels a chance to make school history.

Athens enters the championship looking to reclaim the state title after winning the 2025 championship and finishing third in 2024. The Warriors have enjoyed another successful season, winning the Sangamo Preview, Warrior Invite, and Centennial Park Sectional while also finishing second at the Bee Bee Invite, PORTA Prairie Trails Classic, and Olympia Spartan Spectacular Invite. Hollie Pellman and Cora Looker lead the way and both have the potential to finish among the all-state runners. Their performances near the front will be important, but Athens will need its entire lineup to contribute if it hopes to return to the top of the podium. The key will be keeping the team's first-to-fifth runner split under one minute, allowing the Warriors to maintain a compact scoring group against the other leading teams. With recent championship experience and a sectional victory, Athens has the credentials to challenge for another state trophy. If the Warriors can keep their pack together and deliver their best performance of the season, they could make a serious run at defending their title.

Glen Ellyn St. Petronille enters the state meet with an intriguing combination of individual talent and uncertainty about its team potential. The team won the Westmont Sectional, but that race marked the first time this season that St. Petronille competed as a complete team. Throughout the regular season, the program primarily competed in meets limited to conference members, with races separated by grade, making it more difficult to evaluate its full lineup against the rest of the state. Tessa Mocko leads the group and enters the championship as one of the top individual title contenders after going undefeated this season. Her ability to finish near the front gives St. Petronille an important scoring advantage. The key will be getting enough support from the rest of the lineup, with a first-to-fifth runner split under 1:40 serving as an important target for trophy contention. St. Petronille finished second at last year's state meet and will look to return to the podium. If its runners can translate their individual performances into a strong team effort, the program could once again finish among the state's best.

Winfield Wheaton Christian has quietly built an impressive season and could be a factor in the race for a state trophy. The Warriors won the River Valley Christian Meet and SWAC Conference Meet before finishing second at the Westmont Sectional. Zoe Regan and Hazel Barney lead the lineup and both have the potential to earn all-state finishes, giving Wheaton Christian a strong pair of front runners. To compete with the top teams, however, the Warriors will need their remaining runners to stay close to the leaders. Getting the first-to-fifth runner split as close to 40 seconds as possible would give them a strong chance of keeping their team score competitive. Their runner-up finish at sectionals shows that they can compete with quality competition, and another strong performance could put them in contention for the podium. If the team can maintain its momentum and deliver a tightly packed race at Maxwell Park, Wheaton Christian could emerge as one of the surprises of the championship.

Mackinaw Dee-Mack enters the state meet after consistently placing near the front of competitive fields throughout the season. The Chiefs finished second at the Tazwood Conference Meet and third at the Delavan Dare Classic before taking second at the Three Sisters Park Sectional. Riley Salzer leads the lineup and will be in the mix for a top-five individual finish after placing sixth at last year's state meet. Her ability to score near the front could give Dee-Mack an important advantage, but the team's trophy hopes will depend on the runners behind her. Keeping the first-to-fifth runner split under 1:30 will be critical if the Chiefs want to remain competitive with the other teams fighting for the podium. Dee-Mack has shown consistency throughout the season and enters the championship with a strong sectional result. If the team can keep its scoring group together and produce a strong performance from its fifth runner, it has a chance to challenge for a state trophy.

Sullivan has put together a promising season and will look to turn its sectional championship into a strong team finish at Maxwell Park. The Redskins won the Who Let The Dogs Out Invite and General Dacey Trails Sectional, finished third at the Shelbyville Trail Invite, and placed ninth at the Dunlap Invite. Avery Hess leads the team and enters the state meet as one of the individual championship contenders after finishing ninth at last year's state meet. Aubrey Fultz will also be looking to challenge for an all-state medal, giving Sullivan another potential front-end scorer. The key to the team's trophy hopes will be keeping its first-to-fifth runner split under 1:30. With Hess capable of finishing near the front, Sullivan has a strong starting point, but the supporting pack will need to limit the gap behind her to keep the team's overall score competitive. Coming off a sectional victory, the Redskins have momentum and an opportunity to make a significant impact on the team standings.

LaGrange St. Francis rounds out the group of teams looking to make a run at the state podium. St. Francis finished second at the Sean Patrick Richards Invite before placing third at the Westmont Sectional, putting together a solid season heading into the championship. Aoife O’Reilly leads the team and has the potential to finish among the all-state runners after placing 14th at last year's state meet and earning strong results on the track. Her ability to score near the front will be important, but the Spartans will need their remaining runners to stay close enough to keep the overall team score competitive. The key will be maintaining a first-to-fifth runner split under one minute, which would help St. Francis challenge the other trophy contenders. The program last won a state trophy with a fourth-place finish in 1A in 2022 and will look to return to the awards stand in its current classification. If the Spartans can deliver a compact team performance, they could be in the mix for a podium finish.

Projected Girls Team Finishes

Boys Individuals

The IESA Boys 2A State Meet at Maxwell Park in Normal is shaping up to be an outstanding championship race, with two undefeated runners leading a deep field of contenders. Dane Fleisher of Knoxville enters as the favorite after dominating the regular season, but Asher Weilacher of Forreston has put together an equally impressive campaign and will look to challenge for the title. Behind them, Connor Potthast, Tate Shoaff, Dexter Gust, and Evan Tscholl headline a group of runners capable of making a run at the podium. With several returning all-staters and athletes coming off exceptional track seasons, the battle for the state championship and the top 10 should be one of the most competitive races of the weekend.

Dane Fleisher (8th, Knoxville) enters the state meet as the favorite after going undefeated during the regular season and consistently defeating strong competition. Fleisher finished second at Detweiller at Dark over the summer before winning the Tom Koonce Redbird Invite, Galesburg JH Invite, Stark County Rebel Rally, Limestone Walters Rocket Run, and Three Sisters Park Sectional. He also finished sixth at last year's state meet, giving him valuable experience heading into his final middle school cross country championship. Fleisher's track season further established him as one of the state's top distance runners, as he finished second in the 2A 800m and captured the 2A 1600m state title. With his undefeated record, impressive collection of victories, and championship experience, Fleisher has positioned himself as the runner to beat at Maxwell Park. If he delivers another performance like those he has produced throughout the season, he could turn last year's sixth-place finish into an individual state championship.

Asher Weilacher (8th, Forreston) has been just as dominant throughout the regular season and enters the championship as one of the biggest threats to Fleisher. Weilacher has gone undefeated this fall, finishing third at Detweiller at Dark over the summer before winning the GKMS Season Kickoff, Forreston Invite, BMS Invite, Pretzel Invite, Highland Community College Sectional, and Rt. 72 Conference Meet. His consistency makes him a serious contender for the state title, and his track credentials further demonstrate his ability to perform on the biggest stage. Weilacher finished second in the 1A 800m and won the 1A 1600m at the state track meet, while also placing third in the sprint medley relay. He will now face a deeper field at Maxwell Park, but his undefeated season and strong performances against top competition suggest he is more than capable of challenging for the championship. With Fleisher and Weilacher both entering the meet without a regular-season loss, their matchup could become the defining storyline of the race.

Connor Potthast (7th, Maryville Christian) enters his first IESA cross country state meet with plenty of momentum after an outstanding season. Potthast won the Triad Jamboree, MEAC Conference Meet, Highland Invite, and General Dacey Trail Sectional while also finishing second at the Coolidge Invite and third at the Dunlap Invite. He is no stranger to championship success, having won the SIJHSAA Class L state championship in cross country last season. Now competing in the IESA for the first time, Potthast will look to carry that success into a new field of competition. Potthast has the potential to challenge for a top-three finish and could become one of the biggest stories of the championship if he continues his breakout season at Maxwell Park.

Tate Shoaff (8th, Shelbyville [Moulton]) returns to the state meet looking to improve on last year's 10th-place finish and challenge for a spot on the podium. Shoaff has put together an impressive season, winning the Cumberland Invite, Shelbyville Trail Invite, Monticello Invite, and Okaw Valley Invite. He also finished second at the Rochester Invite, Dunlap Invite, and General Dacey Trail Sectional, showing consistent form against strong competition. His track season was particularly impressive, as he finished second in the 3A 800m, sixth in the 3A 1600m, second in the 3A 4x400m, and third in the 3A sprint medley relay at the state meet. With a top-10 finish already on his resume and several strong results this fall, Shoaff has the experience and talent to move higher in the standings. He will be one of the leading contenders for a top-three finish at Maxwell Park.

Dexter Gust (8th, Petersburg [PORTA]) has been one of the most consistent runners in the field, losing just once this season to Brooks Frieburg at the Bee Bee Invite. Gust has won the Sangamo Preview, Rochester Invite, PORTA Prairie Trails Invite, Warrior Invite, Pleasant Plains Invite, and Centennial Park Sectional, establishing himself as a major contender heading into the state meet. Although he finished 22nd at last year's championship, his recent performances suggest he has made significant progress and could be ready for a much stronger result. Gust also had an outstanding track season, winning the 3A 800m state title and finishing third in the 3A 1600m. If he can carry his current form into Maxwell Park, Gust has a legitimate opportunity to challenge for a top-three finish.

Evan Tscholl (8th, Downs [Tri-Valley]) enters the state meet after putting together an impressive stretch of victories and establishing himself as a contender for a top-five finish. Tscholl finished second at the EPGJH XC Invite and sixth at the Parkside Invite before winning the Germantown Hills Warrior Invite, Bob LaCroix Spartan Invite, Olympia Spartan Spectacular, Eastview XC Extravaganza, Delavan Dare Classic, and Seneca Sectional. Tscholl also had a strong track season, finishing eighth in the 3A 800m, fourth in the 3A 1600m, and fifth in the 3A sprint medley relay at the state meet. With a sectional championship and several major victories behind him, Tscholl enters the race with plenty of momentum. He will look to challenge the leading contenders and could secure a top-five finish if he delivers another strong performance.

Roman Hinthorne (8th, El Paso-Gridley) has consistently competed near the front of strong fields and will look to build on last year's 13th-place state finish. Hinthorne placed third at the Bee Bee Invite and EPGJH XC Invite, fifth at the Parkside Invite and Dunlap Invite, and second at the Delavan Dare Classic. He also won the Corpus Christi Invite before finishing second at the Seneca Sectional, giving him a strong postseason result heading into the championship. On the track, Hinthorne finished fifth in the 3A 1600m at the state meet. His combination of consistency and championship experience makes him a strong candidate to finish among the top five. If he can move forward from last year's 13th-place result, Hinthorne could be in the mix for a podium finish at Maxwell Park.

Silas Weston (8th, Washington) enters the championship with a strong set of results and the potential to finish among the top 10. Weston placed third at the Mini Mid-Illini Conference Invite and Germantown Hills Warrior Invite, ninth at the Parkside Invite, and second at the Three Sisters Park Sectional. He also won the Tazwood Conference Meet, showing that he can deliver when the stakes are high. Weston brings valuable track experience into the race, having finished ninth in the 3A 800m and eighth in the 3A 1600m at the state meet. With a sectional runner-up finish and a conference title behind him, Weston has a strong opportunity to finish among the state's top runners. A complete performance at Maxwell Park could put him in contention for a top-10 finish.

Cohen Cervantes (8th, Downs [Tri-Valley]) gives Tri-Valley another potential top-10 finisher and could play an important role in the race. Cervantes finished fourth at the EPGJH XC Invite and Bob LaCroix Spartan Invite before placing second at the Olympia Spartan Spectacular and third at the Seneca Sectional. His consistency against a competitive field makes him a strong candidate to challenge for a top-10 position. Cervantes also competed at the 3A state track meet, finishing 20th in the 1600m. While Tscholl will lead Tri-Valley's individual hopes near the front, Cervantes has the potential to make his own impact on the results. If he carries his recent form into the state meet, he could finish among the top 10 and help make Tri-Valley a team to watch throughout the championship.

Luke Robinson (8th, LaGrange [St. Francis]) returns to the state meet looking to improve on last year's 19th-place finish. Robinson has put together several strong performances this season, winning the Chicagoland XC Classic, Sean Patrick Richards Invite, and Westmont Sectional. He also finished second at the Suburban Parochial League Meet, demonstrating his ability to compete near the front of a strong field. Although he placed ninth at the Troy Invite. Robinson's sectional championship provides momentum heading into the state meet, and he will look to turn that success into a top-10 finish. With his previous state experience and strong results this fall, Robinson could make a significant jump up the standings at Maxwell Park.

Hunter Berlett (8th, Washington) has steadily built a strong season and will look to challenge for a top-10 finish. Berlett placed fifth at the Germantown Hills Warrior Invite before finishing second at the Tazwood Conference Meet and Limestone Walters Rocket Run. He then placed third at the Three Sisters Park Sectional. His consistency throughout the season suggests that he can compete with many of the runners in this field, and his sectional result gives him momentum heading into the championship. Berlett will need to produce one of his best performances of the season to move into the top 10, but he has the potential to make that jump at Maxwell Park.

Camilo Zenil Pena (8th, St. Joseph) enters the state meet after winning the St. Joseph Sports Complex Sectional and will look to carry that success into the championship. He finished sixth at both the St. Joseph Invite and the UJHS Champaign County Meet before delivering his strongest performance in the postseason. Zenil Pena will face a deep field at Maxwell Park, but his recent victory gives him confidence heading into the weekend. If he can build on that performance and put together a strong race, he has a chance to challenge for a top-10 finish.

Projected Boys All-Staters

Boys Teams

The IESA Boys 2A State Meet at Maxwell Park in Normal features a competitive team race, with Downs Tri-Valley entering as the favorite but several established programs looking to challenge for the state championship. Tri-Valley has been dominant throughout the season and will rely on a strong group of front runners, while El Paso-Gridley, Shelbyville Moulton, and LaGrange St. Francis bring plenty of championship experience into the race. Mackinaw Dee-Mack and Marshall are also teams to watch as they look to make a push up the standings. With several potential all-state runners spread throughout the field, the team championship could come down to how well each program supports its lead runners and keeps its scoring pack together.

Downs Tri-Valley enters the state meet as the favorite after putting together an outstanding season. The Vikings won the EPGJH Invite, Germantown Hills Warrior Invite, Bob LaCroix Spartan Invite, Olympia Spartan Spectacular, Eastview XC Extravaganza, Delavan Dare Classic, and Seneca Sectional. They also finished second at the Parkside Invite. Evan Tscholl, Cohen Cervantes, and Beau Maffett lead the lineup, and all three have the potential to finish in the top 10. That kind of front-end strength gives Tri-Valley a significant advantage, but the team's overall result will depend on how well the rest of its lineup performs. The key will be keeping the first-to-fifth runner split under 50 seconds, allowing the Vikings to turn their individual talent into a strong team score. Tri-Valley has never won a state cross country trophy, making this an opportunity to establish a new milestone for the program. If the Vikings maintain their consistency and keep their scoring pack together, they have an excellent chance to capture their first state championship.

El Paso-Gridley enters the championship looking to build on its second-place finish at last year's state meet and challenge for another title. The Titans won the Corpus Christi Invite, finished second at the Bee Bee Invite, placed third at the Delavan Dare Classic, and took second at the Seneca Sectional. Roman Hinthorne, Tyson Stoller, and Elliot Nowark lead the lineup, with all three capable of earning all-state honors. Their ability to score near the front could make El Paso-Gridley a serious threat to Tri-Valley, especially if the rest of the team can stay close behind them. The key will be keeping the first-to-fifth runner split under one minute, which would give the Titans a strong chance to compete for the championship. El Paso-Gridley won the state title in 2023 before finishing second in 2025, so the program knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. With a strong group of front runners and valuable championship experience, the Titans have the potential to make another run at the top of the podium.

Shelbyville Moulton has enjoyed an excellent season and enters the state meet with momentum after winning the General Dacey Trail Sectional. The team also captured victories at the Cumberland Invite, Rochester Invite, Shelbyville Trail Invite, and Monticello Invite, while finishing third at the Dunlap Invite. Tate Shoaff and Jasper Hardy lead the lineup and both have the potential to earn all-state honors. Shoaff, in particular, brings impressive individual credentials and will be looking to finish near the front of the field. The team's challenge will be getting enough support behind its leading runners to remain competitive with the top programs. Shelbyville will need to keep its first-to-fifth runner split under 1:30 to give itself a strong chance of earning a trophy. The team finished fourth at last year's state meet, establishing itself as one of the leading programs in the classification. If Shoaff and Hardy deliver strong individual performances and the rest of the lineup stays connected, Shelbyville could return to the podium.

LaGrange St. Francis returns to the state meet with a strong championship resume after finishing third in both 2024 and 2025. The Spartans have continued to perform well this season, winning the Sean Patrick Richards Invite and Westmont Sectional. Luke Robinson and Brendan Dwyer lead the lineup and both have the potential to finish among the all-state runners, giving St. Francis a strong foundation near the front of the race. The Spartans will need their remaining runners to stay close enough to their leaders to keep their team score competitive. Maintaining a first-to-fifth runner split under 1:10 will be important if St. Francis wants to challenge for another trophy. With back-to-back third-place finishes and a sectional championship behind them, the Spartans have shown that they can compete with the state's best teams. If the entire lineup delivers a strong performance at Maxwell Park, St. Francis could once again find itself on the awards stand.

Mackinaw Dee-Mack enters the state meet after producing a strong postseason performance at the Three Sisters Park Sectional, where the team captured the championship. The Chiefs also finished fourth at the EPGJH XC Invite and second at the Olympia Spartan Spectacular. Owen Fogler and Camlin Watkins lead the lineup and both have the potential to earn all-state honors. Their performances near the front will be important, but the team's overall finish will depend on the strength of its supporting runners. The sectional victory gives Dee-Mack momentum heading into the championship and shows that the team can deliver when the stakes are high. If the Chiefs can build on that performance and get strong contributions throughout the lineup, they could challenge for a state trophy and make a significant jump in the team standings.

Marshall is another team that could make an impact on the team standings after putting together an impressive season. The Lions won the Doc Acklin Invite and LEIC Conference Meet, finished third at the Little Trojan Invite, and placed second at the NMS Raider Invite before capturing the St. Joseph Sports Complex Sectional. Griffin Thompson, Grayson Edwards, and Chase Paulsen lead the team, and all three have the potential to finish among the all-state runners. Having multiple runners near the front could give Marshall a significant scoring advantage, particularly if the team can get two or three athletes into the all-state group. That will be the key to its trophy hopes, as the Lions will need their top runners to capitalize on their opportunities while the rest of the lineup limits the scoring gap. With a sectional championship and several strong performances behind them, Marshall enters the state meet with momentum and an opportunity to make a statement against the top teams in 2A.

Boys Team Projections