2026 IESA State Preview: 3A

The IESA 3A 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 talented runners looking to earn state titles, while the team competitions include multiple programs with strong chances of reaching the podium. With individual championships and team trophies on the line, the Class 3A races will cap off the season for some of the state's top middle school distance runners.
Girls Individuals
The IESA Girls 3A State Meet at Maxwell Park in Normal features a talented field, with Stella Ciccarelli of Mokena entering as the favorite after an undefeated regular season. However, a strong group of returning all-staters and emerging contenders will look to challenge her for the championship. Madeline Frey, Addison Bronson, Sawyer Smith, and Amelia Coovert headline the challengers, while several other runners have the potential to break into the top 10. With returning state medalists, impressive track credentials, and athletes peaking at the right time, the battle for the individual title should be one of the highlights of the meet.
Stella Ciccarelli (8th, Mokena) enters the state meet as the favorite after going undefeated during the regular season. Ciccarelli has won the Plainfield Pack Labor Day Classic, Manhattan Invite, Troy Invite, and Bolingbrook Central Park Sectional, establishing herself as the runner to beat in 3A. She also finished sixth at the USATF Junior Olympics Cross Country Championships last year, demonstrating her ability to compete against top runners on a national stage. Ciccarelli finished second at last year's state meet and will look to take the final step to the top of the podium this fall. Her track season further established her credentials, as she placed third in the 4A 800m and won the 4A 1600m state title. With her undefeated record, national-level experience, and previous state runner-up finish, Ciccarelli has all the tools to capture the championship at Maxwell Park.
Madeline Frey (8th, Willowbrook [Westview Hills]) has been running exceptionally well over the last several weeks and could be Ciccarelli's biggest challenger. Frey finished seventh at Detweiller at Dark over the summer and has continued to build momentum throughout the fall. She placed second at the Parkside Invite, fourth at the Troy Invite, and second at both the Wildcat Invite and SDEAA Conference Meet before winning the Westmont Sectional. Frey finished 15th at last year's state meet, but her recent performances suggest she is capable of making a significant jump. She also finished eighth in the 3A 800m and sixth in the 3A 1600m at the state track meet. With her sectional championship and improving form, Frey has a legitimate chance to challenge for the individual title if she can deliver her best performance of the season.
Kathrynn Cebulski (7th, Channahon) has consistently competed near the front of competitive fields and will look to improve on last year's 19th-place finish. Cebulski placed seventh at the Parkside Invite and third at the Troy Invite, Dunlap Invite, and Channahon Invite before finishing second at the Bolingbrook Central Park Sectional. Her consistency throughout the season has positioned her as one of the leading contenders behind the favorites. She also finished eighth in the 3A 1600m at the state track meet, showing that she can compete against some of the state's best distance runners. Cebulski's sectional runner-up finish provides momentum heading into the championship, and she will look to turn that performance into a top finish at Maxwell Park. If she continues to improve on last year's state result, she could challenge for a spot near the front of the field.
Addison Bronson (8th, Mt. Zion) returns to the state meet after finishing fifth last year and has the potential to challenge for another podium finish. Bronson has put together a consistent season, placing second at the Little Trojan Invite, third at the Tornado Invite, fifth at the Parkside Invite, and fourth at the Coolidge Invite, Dunlap Invite, and Monticello Invite. She then won the Christian County Fairgrounds Sectional, giving her a strong postseason result heading into the state meet. Bronson's track season was also impressive, as she finished 12th in the 4A 800m, fifth in the 4A 1600m, and helped win the 4A 4x400m state title. Her previous state experience and ability to compete across multiple distances make her a serious contender. With a fifth-place finish already on her resume, Bronson has a strong chance to move into the top three if she delivers another big performance.
Sawyer Smith (8th, Johnsburg) is another returning top-five finisher who enters the state meet with legitimate podium aspirations. Smith placed third at the Plainfield Pack Labor Day Classic before winning the McHenry Run With the Warriors Invite, Fox Valley Conference Meet, and Bulldog Athletic Complex. She finished fourth at last year's state meet and will look to build on that result in her final middle school cross country season. Smith's track credentials are particularly impressive, as she finished second in both the 3A 800m and 1600m and helped win the 3A sprint medley relay state championship. Smith has the experience and talent to challenge for a top-three finish, and if she can carry her regular-season momentum into Maxwell Park, she could be one of the biggest threats to Ciccarelli.
Amelia Coovert (8th, Monticello) has emerged as a strong contender for a podium finish after putting together a solid season against competitive fields. Coovert placed third at the Saber Corn Invite and second at the Bee Bee Invite before winning the Chrisman Cow Chip Invite. She also finished third at the Monticello Invite and second at the Christian County Fairgrounds Sectional. Her sectional runner-up finish gives her momentum heading into the championship. Coovert will face a deep group of returning all-staters at Maxwell Park, but her recent results suggest she belongs in the conversation for a top-three finish. If she delivers her best race of the season, she could challenge the established favorites and earn a place on the podium.
Adelyn Etherton (7th, Mt. Zion) gives Mt. Zion another potential high finisher and enters the state meet looking to build on last year's seventh-place finish. Etherton won the Little Trojan Invite and placed second at the Tornado Invite before recording finishes of 12th at the Parkside Invite, third at the Coolidge Invite, seventh at the Dunlap Invite, and second at the Monticello Invite. She then finished third at the Christian County Fairgrounds Sectional. Her ability to remain competitive across a variety of fields makes her a strong candidate for another top finish. Etherton also finished second in the 4A sprint medley relay at the state track meet, adding championship experience to her resume. With a top-seven state finish already behind her, she has the potential to improve on that result and challenge for a top-five position at Maxwell Park.
Karina Mueller (8th, Lindenhurst [Millburn]) enters the championship after winning the Lakeside Conference Meet and finishing second at the Bulldog Athletic Complex Sectional. Mueller also competed at the state track meet, placing eighth in the 3A sprint medley relay. While she may not have the same volume of high-profile cross country results as some of the leading contenders, her conference championship and sectional runner-up finish make her a runner to watch. Mueller will look to carry that momentum into Maxwell Park and position herself among the top 10 finishers.
Henley Bell (8th, Winnebago) has put together a strong season and will look to translate her sectional championship into a top-10 finish at the state meet. Bell placed third at the BMS Invite and second at both the Pretzel Invite and Rt. 72 Conference Meet before winning the Fuller Forest Preserve Sectional. She also finished fourth in the 3A sprint medley relay at the state track meet. Her sectional victory is an encouraging sign heading into Maxwell Park, and she will look to maintain that form against a deeper statewide field. With several consistent performances behind her, Bell has the potential to challenge for a top-10 finish.
Tess McCommons (8th, Dixon [Reagan]) enters the state meet looking to make a major jump after narrowly missing all-state honors last year. McCommons finished 26th at the 2025 state meet and will be motivated to break into the top 25 this season. She has won the Nearly There Invite and Rochelle XC Invite, finished sixth at the Parkside Invite, third at the Pretzel Invite, and second at the Fuller Forest Preserve Sectional. She also placed 59th at the USATF Junior Olympics Cross Country Championships last year, giving her experience against a strong national field. McCommons has been consistent throughout the season and appears positioned to improve on last year's state result. If she can carry her sectional performance into the championship, she has a chance to move into the top 10 and secure an all-state finish.
Emilie Olszewski (8th, Manhattan) is an intriguing runner heading into the state meet after showing promise in a relatively limited set of cross country results. Olszewski finished fourth at the Manhattan Invite and 13th at the Fox Trot Invite before placing third at the Bolingbrook Central Park Sectional. Based on her available results, she appears to have limited documented cross country experience, which makes her potential at Maxwell Park particularly interesting. Her third-place sectional finish suggests she can compete with strong runners in the classification, and she will now have an opportunity to test herself against the state's best. If she continues to develop and delivers another strong performance, Olszewski could challenge for a top-10 finish.
Ava Scoleri (8th, Ingleside [Big Hollow]) rounds out the group of individual contenders looking to break into the top 10. Scoleri finished second at the McHenry Run With the Warriors Invite before winning the NWSGSC Conference Meet and placing third at the Bulldog Athletic Complex Sectional. Those results show that she can compete near the front of her conference and remain competitive in a postseason setting. Her sectional performance gives her momentum heading into the state meet, and she will look to build on that result against a deep field at Maxwell Park. If she can put together a complete race, Scoleri has the potential to challenge for a top-10 finish.
Projected Girls All-Staters
1 | Stella Ciccarelli | 8th | Mokena |
2 | Madeline Frey | 8th | Willowbrook (Westview Hills) |
3 | Kathrynn Cebulski | 7th | Channahon |
4 | Addison Bronson | 8th | Mt. Zion |
5 | Sawyer Smith | 8th | Johnsburg |
6 | Amelia Coovert | 8th | Monticello |
7 | Adelyn Etherton | 7th | Mt. Zion |
8 | Karina Mueller | 8th | Lindenhurst (Millburn) |
9 | Henley Bell | 8th | Winnebago |
10 | Tess McCommons | 8th | Dixon (Reagan) |
11 | Zoey Poignant | 7th | Metamora |
12 | Olivia Russell | 7th | Metamora |
13 | Emilie Olszewski | 8th | Manhattan |
14 | Ava Scoleri | 8th | Ingleside (Big Hollow) |
15 | Alexandra Katris | 7th | Lindenhurst (Millburn) |
16 | Aubrey Fair | 6th | Monticello |
17 | Kollins Anaya | 8th | Oregon |
18 | Rayleigh Reach | 6th | Metamora |
19 | Cassadee Werdell | 7th | Wauconda |
20 | Madison Gordon | 7th | Clinton |
21 | Eliana Dietrich | 8th | Lindenhurst (Millburn) |
22 | Elizabeth Reimer | 8th | Ingleside (Big Hollow) |
23 | Ava Marshall | 7th | Monticello |
24 | Elizabeth Hull | 8th | Chicago (Lane) |
25 | Ayla Crandall | 7th | Ingleside (Big Hollow) |
Girls Teams
This might be the best trophy race in the history of IESA Girls 3A cross country. While Metamora enters as the favorite to defend its state championship, the battle for the remaining trophies features several teams with the talent and depth to make a serious run at the podium. River Forest Roosevelt returns much of the lineup that finished second last year, Mt. Zion brings a powerful front-running duo, and Monticello, Lindenhurst Millburn, and Dixon Reagan have all put together strong seasons heading into the championship. With multiple teams boasting potential all-state runners and several lineups capable of running tightly packed races, the final team standings at Maxwell Park in Normal could come down to just a handful of points.
Metamora enters the state meet as the team to beat after winning the 2024 and 2025 state championships. The Redbirds have been outstanding throughout the season, collecting victories at the Tom Koonce Redbird Invite, Mini Mid-Illini Invite, Parkside Invite, Germantown Hills Warrior Invite, Tazwood Conference Meet, Limestone Walters Rocket Run, Delavan Dare Classic, and Dunlap Valley Sectional. Their only loss came at the Dunlap Invite, where they finished second to Minooka by just four points. Olivia Russell, Zoey Poignant, Saige Potter, Madison Sterr, and Rayleigh Reach make up a remarkably balanced top five, with all five runners capable of earning all-state honors on the right day. Their interchangeable lineup gives Metamora a major advantage because the team doesn't need to rely on one or two runners to carry the scoring load. The key will be keeping the first-to-fifth runner split under 30 seconds, which would make the Redbirds extremely difficult to beat. With the potential to put at least three runners among the all-state finishers and the experience of back-to-back championships, Metamora has a chance to establish itself as one of the greatest teams in IESA 3A history.
Monticello has built an impressive season and enters the state meet as one of the leading challengers to Metamora. The Sages won the Bee Bee Invite, Monticello Invite, and Christian County Fairgrounds Sectional. Amelia Coovert leads the lineup and has the potential to finish very high in the individual standings, giving Monticello a strong scorer near the front. Aubrey Fair and Ava Marshall are also potential all-state finishers, providing additional scoring strength. The key for the Sages will be keeping their first-to-fifth runner split under one minute, allowing the team to capitalize on its front-end talent while limiting the impact of the deeper squads. Monticello has shown that it can win important meets throughout the season, and its sectional championship provides momentum heading into Maxwell Park. If Coovert, Fair, and Marshall deliver strong performances and the rest of the lineup stays connected, the Sages could challenge for a state trophy and potentially make a run at the top two.
River Forest Roosevelt returns to the state meet looking to build on its second-place finish from 2025. The team has put together another strong season, finishing fourth at the Plainfield Pack Labor Day Classic before winning the DePaul Ram Invite/Catholic Cup, Ravens Run, and Lane Tech Sectional. Roosevelt also finished second at the Fox Trot Invite, showing its ability to compete against quality competition. Asha Lee and Lilia Fobes lead the lineup and both have the potential to earn all-state honors. Just as importantly, Roosevelt returns many of the runners who helped secure last year's runner-up finish, giving the team valuable championship experience. The key will be keeping the first-to-fifth runner split under 30 seconds, a target that would allow the Bulldogs to maximize their scoring potential and compete with Metamora. With a proven track record of success and a strong group of returning runners, Roosevelt has the credentials to challenge for another trophy. If its pack runs as tightly as it did last season, the Rough Riders could once again be among the top teams in the state.
Mt. Zion enters the championship with a strong lineup and the potential to finish near the top of the standings for a second consecutive year. The Braves won the Little Trojan Invite, Tornado Invite, and Coolidge Invite, while also finishing second at the Parkside Invite and Monticello Invite. They placed fourth at the Dunlap Invite before finishing second at the Christian County Fairgrounds Sectional. Addison Bronson and Adelyn Etherton lead the team and both have the potential to finish in the top 10, giving Mt. Zion two strong scorers near the front of the field. Their ability to finish highly will be important, but the team's trophy hopes will depend on how well the rest of the lineup supports them. Keeping the first-to-fifth runner split under 1:10 will be a key target for the Braves. Mt. Zion finished third at last year's state meet and will look to build on that performance with another strong showing at Maxwell Park. If Bronson and Etherton deliver near the front and the supporting runners limit the scoring gap, the Braves could once again finish among the top three teams.
Lindenhurst Millburn is another team that could make a serious run at the podium after putting together a strong season. The Millburn lineup won the Lakeside Conference Meet and Bulldog Athletic Complex Sectional, giving the team two important victories heading into the state championship. Karina Mueller, Alexandra Katris, and Eliana Dietrich lead the way, with all three capable of earning all-state honors. That trio gives Millburn a strong foundation at the front of the race, but the team's ability to score well will depend on keeping the remaining runners close enough to support its leaders. The key will be maintaining a first-to-fifth runner split under 1:10, which would give the team a stronger chance of staying competitive with the leading trophy contenders. Millburn's most recent IESA state trophy came in 2023, when the team finished third. With a conference championship and sectional title behind them, the Cougars have momentum and an opportunity to return to the awards stand. If their top three runners finish near the front and the rest of the lineup delivers, they could be a factor in a crowded podium race.
Dixon Reagan has put together an excellent season and enters the state meet after winning the Fuller Forest Preserve Sectional. The Dukes have also won the Reagan XC Invite, Nearly There Invite, Rochelle Middle School Invite, and Pretzel Invite, while finishing fifth at both the Parkside and Dunlap Invites. Tess McCommons and Peninnah Wheeler lead the lineup and both have the potential to finish among the all-state runners. McCommons narrowly missed all-state honors last year with a 26th-place finish and will be looking to move into the top 25 this season, while Wheeler provides another important scoring presence. The key for Dixon will be keeping its first-to-fifth runner split under one minute, allowing the Dukes to turn their individual performances into a competitive team score. Their sectional championship shows that the team is running well at the right time, and the combination of two potential all-staters and a strong supporting group could make Dixon a dangerous team in the battle for a trophy. If the Dukes can maintain their recent momentum and keep their pack connected, they could earn a place on the podium.
Projected Girls Team Finishes
1 | Metamora |
2 | Monticello |
3 | Mt. Zion |
4 | River Forest (Roosevelt) |
5 | Lindenhurst (Millburn) |
6 | Dixon (Reagan) |
7 | LaGrange (Gurrie) |
8 | Clinton |
9 | Wauconda |
10 | Sandwich |
11 | Winnebago |
12 | Chicago (Lane) |
13 | Channahon |
14 | Prospect Heights (MacArthur) |
15 | Lockport (Oak Prairie) |
16 | Dunlap |
17 | Williamsville |
18 | Oregon |
19 | Green Oaks (Oak Grove) |
20 | Downers Grove (O'Neill) |
21 | Bethalto (Trimpe) |
22 | Normal (Parkside) |
23 | Western Springs (McClure) |
24 | Pleasant Plains |
Boys Individuals
The IESA Boys 3A individual race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races of the state meet, with several runners bringing impressive cross country results and strong performances on the track into the championship. Benjamin O’Connor enters as the clear favorite after an undefeated season, but returning state placer Brooks Frieburg and seventh grader Levi Bruesewitz have the credentials to challenge for the title. With a deep group of contenders behind them, the battle for the podium and the top 10 should be exciting at Maxwell Park in Normal.
Benjamin O’Connor (8th, Downers Grove [O’Neill]) enters the state meet as the runner to beat after putting together an undefeated season. O’Connor has won the Plainfield Pack Labor Day Classic, Wildcat Invite, SDEAA Conference Meet, and Lisle Sectional, establishing himself as the most consistent runner in the field. His track season further demonstrated his talent, as he finished fourth in the 800m and second in the 1600m at the IHSA Class 4A State Meet. With his unbeaten record and impressive range, O’Connor will look to cap off his season with a state championship.
Brooks Frieburg (8th, Monticello) has a strong case as the biggest challenger to O’Connor. After finishing 10th at last year’s state meet, Frieburg has taken another step forward this season, winning the Saber Corn Invite, Bee Bee Invite, Chrisman Cow Chip Invite, and Christian County Fairgrounds Sectional. He also proved his ability to compete with the state’s best on the track, placing fourth in the 800m and winning the 1600m at the IHSA Class 3A State Meet. With his experience at the state meet and proven finishing ability, Frieburg has a legitimate chance to take home the individual title.
Levi Bruesewitz (7th, Channahon) is another serious contender for the state championship despite being just a seventh grader. Bruesewitz has picked up wins at the Troy Invite, Channahon Invite, and Bolingbrook Central Park Sectional, while also finishing fourth at the Dunlap Invite. His third-place finish in the 800m at the IHSA Class 3A State Meet highlights the speed he can bring to the closing stages of a race. If he can put together his best performance of the season at Maxwell Park, Bruesewitz could challenge for the win.
Oliver Goska (8th, Lockport [Oak Prairie]) has steadily built momentum heading into the state meet. After finishing sixth at the Troy Invite and second at the Wildcat Invite, Goska earned a victory at The Too Big Meet before taking second at the Bolingbrook Central Park Sectional. He also placed 11th in the 1600m at the IHSA Class 3A State Meet, giving him valuable experience competing against top-level competition. Goska has the potential to work his way into the lead pack and contend for a top-three finish.
Nolan Kardosh (8th, River Forest [Roosevelt]) has been one of the most consistent winners in the field this fall. After placing third at the Plainfield Pack Labor Day Classic, Kardosh won the DePaul Ram Invite/Catholic Cup, Ravens Run, Fox Trot Invite, and Lane Tech Sectional. His ability to deliver strong performances across a variety of meets makes him a serious contender entering the championship. If Kardosh can maintain that form against the deeper state-level competition, a top-five finish is well within reach.
Eli Zimmerman (8th, Lockport [Oak Prairie]) gives Oak Prairie another potential top-five finisher. Zimmerman has continued to improve throughout the season, placing fourth at the Wildcat Invite and second at The Too Big Meet before finishing third at the Bolingbrook Central Park Sectional. His track credentials are also impressive, with an eighth-place finish in the 400m and a fifth-place finish in the sprint medley relay at the IHSA Class 3A State Meet. Zimmerman has the speed and experience to compete near the front of the field.
Jace Revell (8th, Tolono Unity) could be one of the biggest threats to break into the top five. Revell has finished third at the Little Trojan Invite, Tornado Invite, and Monticello Invite, then followed that up with a runner-up finish at the Christian County Fairgrounds Sectional. He also placed ninth in the 1600m and helped Tolono Unity win the 4x400m relay at the IHSA Class 3A State Meet. Revell's track success suggests he has the finishing speed to move up late, making him a dangerous competitor in a close race.
Owen Mulcahy (8th, Mokena) heads into the championship with momentum after winning the Manhattan Invite. He followed that performance with a fourth-place finish at the Bolingbrook Central Park Sectional, putting himself in position to compete with the state's top runners. If Mulcahy can carry his winning form into the state meet, he has a chance to finish among the top 10.
Liam Bullock (8th, Willowbrook [Westview Hills]) has shown he can compete near the front of a strong field throughout the season. Bullock finished seventh at the Troy Invite, third at the Wildcat Invite, and second at both the SDEAA Conference Meet and Lisle Sectional. Those consistent results give him a strong foundation heading into the state meet. Bullock will look to translate that consistency into a top-10 finish at Maxwell Park.
Jep Fassler (7th, Dixon [Reagan]) has put together an impressive season and could be a factor in the top 10. Fassler has won the Reagan Invite, Nearly There Invite, Rochelle Invite, and Fuller Forest Preserve Sectional, while also finishing fourth at Parkside and second at the Pretzel Invite. He also placed ninth in the 1600m at the IHSA Class 4A State Meet. As another seventh grader with considerable success this season, Fassler will look to make his mark on the state stage.
Nolan Bullis (8th, Channahon) will be looking to improve on his 24th-place finish at last year's state meet. Bullis has finished third at Parkside, fourth at the Troy Invite, and fourth at the Channahon Invite, before placing fifth at the Bolingbrook Central Park Sectional. While his results have varied throughout the season, his experience at the state meet could prove valuable. A strong performance on championship day could put Bullis in the top 10.
Aaron Hodapp (8th, Channahon) is another runner to watch from a Channahon program that has multiple athletes capable of making an impact. Hodapp finished sixth at the Bolingbrook Central Park Sectional after placing 17th at the Dunlap Invite. He also finished 17th in the 1600m at the IHSA Class 3A State Meet, giving him experience on a major stage. Hodapp will aim to put together his strongest cross country race of the season and make a push toward the top 10.
Projected Boys All-Staters
1 | Benjamin O'Connor | 8th | Downers Grove (O'Neill) |
2 | Brooks Frieburg | 8th | Monticello |
3 | Levi Bruesewitz | 7th | Channahon |
4 | Oliver Goska | 8th | Lockport (Oak Prairie) |
5 | Nolan Kardosh | 8th | River Forest (Roosevelt) |
6 | Eli Zimmerman | 8th | Lockport (Oak Prairie) |
7 | Jace Revell | 8th | Tolono Unity |
8 | Owen Mulcahy | 8th | Mokena |
9 | Liam Bullock | 8th | Willowbrook (Westview Hills) |
10 | Jep Fassler | 7th | Dixon (Reagan) |
11 | Nolan Bullis | 8th | Channahon |
12 | Aaron Hodapp | 8th | Channahon |
13 | Jack Rossi | 8th | Bolingbrook (Jane Addams) |
14 | Erian Tate | 8th | Dixon (Reagan) |
15 | Sam Sebin | 8th | Willowbrook (Westview Hills) |
16 | Dominic Costello | 8th | Dunlap |
17 | Owen Schneider | 8th | Wauconda |
18 | Sam Wasilewski | 8th | Lockport (Oak Prairie) |
19 | Reid Talleur | 8th | Mt. Zion |
20 | Griffin Rugg | 6th | Prospect Heights (MacArthur) |
21 | Beau Bufford | 8th | Herscher (Limestone) |
22 | Damian Garcia-Zamorano | 8th | LaGrange (Gurrie) |
23 | Declan Caturano | 8th | Lockport (Oak Prairie) |
24 | Isaiah Venegas | 8th | Ingleside (Big Hollow) |
25 | Lincoln Joachim | 6th | Channahon |
Boys Teams
The battle for the IESA Boys 3A team title could go down as one of the best in the classification’s history. Lockport Oak Prairie and Channahon have separated themselves as the top two contenders, with Oak Prairie entering as a slight favorite thanks to its depth and strong fifth runner. However, Channahon has championship experience and a proven ability to deliver at the state meet. Behind those two, Willowbrook Westview Hills, LaGrange Gurrie, Mt. Zion, Prospect Heights MacArthur, and Tolono Unity will all have their sights set on a state trophy. With several teams capable of putting five runners near the front, the smallest details could determine who leaves Maxwell Park in Normal with hardware.
Lockport Oak Prairie enters the state meet as the slight favorite after an impressive season that includes victories at the Wildcat Invite, The Too Big Meet, and the Bolingbrook Central Park Sectional. The strength of this squad is its depth, as all five of its top runners have the potential to finish in all-state positions. Oliver Goska and Eli Zimmerman will lead the charge, with both capable of challenging for top-10 finishes, while Sam Wasilewski could land in the top 15. Declan Caturano and Tristan Sola also have the ability to finish inside the top 25, giving Oak Prairie a formidable lineup from front to back. The key to winning the state championship could come down to the fifth runner. If Oak Prairie can get its fifth finisher ahead of Channahon’s fifth runner, it could be enough to secure the title.
Channahon will look to defend its 2025 state championship after another outstanding season. The squad has won the Parkside Invite, Dunlap Invite, and Channahon Invite while finishing second at The Too Big Meet and the Bolingbrook Central Park Sectional. Levi Bruesewitz and Nolan Bullis will lead the way, with both capable of finishing in the top 10 individually. Aaron Hodapp and Lincoln Joachim give the team additional all-state potential, making Channahon a serious threat to repeat as champions. The program has earned a state trophy in each of the last three years, and its experience in championship racing should serve it well. To win another title, Channahon will need its fifth runner to stay as close as possible to Oak Prairie’s fifth finisher. If that gap remains small, the defending champions could once again find themselves at the top of the podium.
Willowbrook Westview Hills has the credentials to make another run at the state trophy after finishing as the state runner-up in 2025 and winning the championship in 2024. The team captured the SDEAA Conference Meet and Lisle Sectional titles while finishing second at the Wildcat Invite. Liam Bullock and Sam Sebin will lead the way, with both runners capable of earning all-state honors. Westview Hills has already shown it can compete with the best in the classification, but its team performance will depend on how tightly its lineup finishes together. Keeping the one-through-five split under 45 seconds would put the Warriors in a strong position to contend for another trophy. With recent championship experience and a strong front two, Westview Hills should not be overlooked.
LaGrange Gurrie has been building momentum at the right time, putting together some of its best performances of the season over the last two weeks. Gurrie won the LTESAC Conference Meet and followed that up with a second-place finish at the Lisle Sectional. Damian Garcia-Zamorano and Ben Strozak will headline the lineup, with both runners capable of finishing among the all-state competitors. For Gurrie to return to the state trophy stand, it will need to put two runners inside the top 30 and get strong support from the rest of its lineup. The program last won a state trophy in 2023, and its recent improvement suggests it could be ready to make another push toward the podium.
Mt. Zion enters the state meet with considerable momentum after winning the Christian County Fairgrounds Sectional, its best performance of the season. The team also won the Little Trojan Invite, finished second at the Tornado Invite, and placed third at the Monticello Invite. Reid Talleur and Wesley Murray will lead the charge and are both capable of earning all-state honors. The next step for Mt. Zion will be getting its entire lineup to finish close together. Keeping the one-through-five split under 40 seconds would give the team a strong chance to compete with the other trophy contenders. After delivering its best race of the season at the sectional, Mt. Zion will look to carry that momentum into Normal.
Prospect Heights MacArthur could be a team to watch as it looks to return to the state trophy stand for the first time since 2003. MacArthur finished fifth at the Palatine Pack Meet of Champions before winning the MSMAC Conference Meet and Lane Tech Sectional. Griffin Rugg and Jack Francis will lead the lineup, with both runners having the potential to finish in all-state positions. MacArthur has a rich history in Illinois distance running, particularly during the 1990s, and this year's group will have a chance to add another memorable chapter to that tradition. Keeping the one-through-five split under 40 seconds will be critical to its trophy hopes. If the team can maintain that kind of balance, MacArthur could be a factor in a tightly contested race.
Tolono Unity rounds out the group of teams with a realistic shot at the podium. The Rockets won the Tornado Invite, placed second at the Little Trojan and Monticello Invites, and finished second at the Christian County Fairgrounds Sectional. They also competed at Parkside and Dunlap, gaining valuable experience against strong fields. Jace Revell and Dominic Dees will lead the lineup as potential all-state runners, but the team's trophy chances will depend on how well the rest of the pack supports them. Tolono Unity will need to keep its one-through-five split under 50 seconds to stay in contention. The program last earned a state trophy in 2021 and will look to return to the podium with a balanced team performance.
Projected Boys Team Finishes
1 | Lockport (Oak Prairie) |
2 | Channahon |
3 | Willowbrook (Westview Hills) |
4 | LaGrange (Gurrie) |
5 | Tolono Unity |
6 | Mt. Zion |
7 | Prospect Heights (MacArthur) |
8 | Ingleside (Big Hollow) |
9 | Dixon (Reagan) |
10 | Bolingbrook (Jane Addams) |
11 | Dunlap |
12 | Monticello |
13 | Downers Grove (O'Neill) |
14 | Wheeling (Holmes) |
15 | Stanford (Olympia) |
16 | Chicago (Whitney Young) |
17 | Lindenhurst (Millburn) |
18 | Rockford (Stephen Mack) |
19 | River Forest (Roosevelt) |
20 | Oregon |
21 | Macomb |
22 | Normal (Parkside) |
23 | Pleasant Plains |
24 | East St. Louis (Clark) |




