2026 Pre-Season XC Previews: 1A Boys Teams Ranked

Class 1A has long been known for producing championship-caliber teams, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be another exciting one. From defending state contenders to emerging programs on the rise, this year's preseason Top 25 features teams with a strong blend of returning experience, talented underclassmen, and proven postseason success. Our rankings are based solely on performances and information available prior to July 1st, 2026, meaning any races or results after that date were not considered in the evaluation. In addition to race results and returning personnel, many coaches provided valuable insight by completing our preseason questionnaire, helping paint a clearer picture of what to expect this fall. While these rankings offer a snapshot of where teams stand entering the season, every program will have the opportunity to prove itself as the road to Detweiller Park unfolds.

1. Eureka

Head Coach/Coaches: Olivia Morris / Matt O’Hanlon, Brandon Heider, Tom Engelhorn, Kellen Ehrenhardt, Graham Morris

Last Year’s Finish: 1st @ 1A IHSA State Championships

Key Returners: Adam Perry (So.), Davin Dingledine (Jr.), Landon Wurmnest (Sr.), Hudson Leman (So.), Tate Leman (Jr.), Ian Scott (Sr.), Daniel Bender (Jr.), Luke Otto (So.), Gabe Heider (Jr.)

Key Additions: Ethan Otto (Fr.)

Outlook: The defending State Champions enter the 2026 season with all the pieces necessary to make a run at a second straight State Title. Eureka has built one of the deepest programs in the classification over the past several years, and that depth is what gives the Hornets a legitimate chance to repeat despite graduating several key contributors. Adam Perry made one of the biggest jumps in the classification during the track season and has become the low stick Eureka needs to contend for another championship. As just a freshman, Perry ran 9:24 in the 3200 meters at the sectional meet, the fastest returning time in the classification. He enters the season ranked fourth in the individual rankings and should provide the Hornets with one of the best front runners in Class 1A. Behind Perry, Davin Dingledine and Landon Wurmnest give Eureka a strong second and third scoring duo. Dingledine enjoyed an excellent track season, lowering his personal bests to 4:32 in the 1600 meters and 1:59 in the 800 meters. He also helped the Hornets' 4x800 meter relay place fifth in Class 2A and should provide a dependable second scoring option this fall. Wurmnest spends his springs playing baseball, but he has consistently shown his ability to perform during the cross country season. He has steadily improved each fall, running 16:53 as a freshman, 15:40 at the State Meet as a sophomore, and 15:26 at the Heart of Illinois Conference Meet last season. Even without year round training, he has proven he can deliver when cross country season arrives. Hudson Leman appears ready to step into the fourth scoring position after an impressive freshman season that included a 15:48 at the regional meet. He followed that with track personal bests of 2:12 in the 800 meters and 4:55 in the 1600 meters, putting him in position to take another step forward this fall. Ethan Otto could be the final piece that keeps the Hornets on top. Otto is coming off an outstanding middle school career that included a remarkable 4:39 in the 1600 meters as an eighth grader, making him one of the top incoming freshmen in the classification. If he can successfully transition to the 3 Mile, he has the talent to immediately replace some of the production lost to graduation. While this team does have gaps to fill from last year's championship squad, the improvements made by its returning core, combined with another wave of talented young runners, make the Hornets the team to beat entering the 2026 season.

2. East Dubuque

Head Coach/Coaches: Michael Eyres

Last Year’s Finish: 5th @ IHSA 1A State Championship

Key Returners: Vinny Gullone (Jr.), Andrew Richardson (Sr.), Peter Wagner (Sr.), Lucas Jackson (So.), Liam Schauer (So.), Liam Mead (Sr.), Nick Cobine (Sr.), Ian Tancrell (So.)

Key Additions: Augie Hesselbacher (Fr.)

Outlook: East Dubuque burst onto the scene last season, surprising much of the Class 1A field with a fifth place finish at the State Meet. This year, however, there will be no surprises. The Warriors enter the season as one of the favorites thanks to one of the strongest front lineups in the classification. Leading the way is Vinny Gullone, who enters the season as one of the top five individual favorites. Gullone enjoyed an outstanding track season, lowering his personal best to 9:26 in the 3200 meters while also running 4:24 in the 1600 meters, one of the fastest returning marks in Class 1A. He earned All State honors last fall after running 15:08 at the State Meet and appears poised to lower that mark even further this season. Andrew Richardson gives East Dubuque another runner capable of earning All State honors. Richardson ran 15:22 at last year's State Meet after posting a personal best of 15:17 as a sophomore. He also continued to improve on the track, lowering his personal bests to 9:42 in the 3200 meters and 4:31 in the 1600 meters. If he can return to his sophomore cross country form, he should be firmly in the hunt for an All State medal. Peter Wagner is expected to be the team's third runner after making tremendous progress during the track season. Wagner improved from 4:50 in the 1600 meters as a sophomore to an impressive 4:32 as a junior. He also owns a 3 Mile personal best of 15:23, proving he can translate his track success to the cross country course. Lucas Jackson is coming off one of the best freshman campaigns in the Class 1A classification and should be right alongside Wagner in the scoring lineup. Jackson ran an outstanding 4:32 in the 1600 meters, one of the top freshman marks in Illinois this season, after posting a strong 15:34 for 3 Miles last fall. Expect him to make another significant jump this season. The only question mark for the Warriors is the fifth scoring position. Liam Schauer enters the season as the favorite after running 16:35 as a freshman before lowering his personal bests to 4:58 in the 1600 meters and 10:37 in the 3200 meters this spring. Senior Nick Cobine could also challenge for that spot after posting track personal bests of 4:56 in the 1600 meters and 10:34 in the 3200 meters. He will need to improve on his 17:07 cross country personal best to earn a scoring role. East Dubuque may have the strongest four runner lineup in the entire Class 1A field. If the Warriors can develop a dependable fifth scorer, they have the talent to challenge defending champion Eureka for the State Title this fall.

3. Chillicothe (Illinois Valley Central)

Head Coach/Coaches: Dennis Fraikes

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

Key Returners: Aiden Duhs (Sr.), Colter Hedden (Jr.), Cullan Fahrenkrug (Sr.), Alex Crull (Jr.), Brody Miller (So.), Adam Murnan (Sr.), Henry Skalet (So.), Caleb Waldschmidt (So.)

Key Additions: Jackson Rupiper (Fr.)

Outlook: After spending the past few seasons in Class 2A, Illinois Valley Central returns to Class 1A with legitimate hopes of bringing home a State trophy. This is a team that looked capable of contending in Class 2A, making the Grey Ghosts one of the top contenders now that they are back in their traditional classification. Leading the way is Aiden Duhs, one of the most dangerous middle distance runners in the state. Duhs finished as the Class 2A State runner up in the 800 meters after running an outstanding 1:51.28, nearly five seconds faster than his personal best from the previous season. He also ran 15:23 for 3 Miles last fall, proving he can translate his speed to the grass. With his combination of speed and endurance, Duhs has the potential to emerge as one of the top low sticks in Class 1A this season. Behind Duhs is a talented pack led by freshman Jackson Rupiper. Illinois Valley Central desperately needed another front runner, and Rupiper could immediately fill that role. He enjoyed an exceptional middle school career, finishing as the IESA State runner up in both the 800 meters and 1600 meters while posting personal bests of 2:03 and 4:33. He will need to prove himself over the 3 Mile distance, but he has the talent to become one of the top freshmen in the classification. Colter Hedden and Cullen Fahrenkrug should round out the next two scoring spots and are expected to run together throughout the season. Hedden improved to 2:01 in the 800 meters and owns a 3 Mile personal best of 15:41. Fahrenkrug also made significant progress during the track season, splitting 2:01 on the 4x800 meter relay while matching Hedden's 15:41 personal best in cross country. Both have the potential to take another step forward this fall. The fifth scoring position appears to be a battle between Alex Krull and Brody Miller. Krull made noticeable improvements during the track season, lowering his personal bests to 4:50 in the 1600 meters and 10:19 in the 3200 meters. Miller is another intriguing option after an outstanding freshman track season that included a 4:39 in the 1600 meters. While Miller still has ground to make up in cross country, his track performances suggest he has tremendous upside. Illinois Valley Central has one of the strongest top four lineups in Class 1A. If the Grey Ghosts can develop a dependable fifth runner capable of competing in the low 16 minute range, they will have everything needed to challenge for a State Title this fall.

4. St. Joseph-Ogden

Head Coach/Coaches: Jason Retz / Coach Farney, Coach Acklin, Coach Griffith

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

Key Returners: Colin Burnett (Sr.), Eli Franklin (Jr.), Nate Farney (Sr.), Adam Bello (So.), Aiden Hundley (Sr.), Sam Zadeh (Jr.), Brady Johnson (So.), Hunter Dilley (Jr.)

Key Additions: Camden Fisher (Fr.), Alex Weidenburner (Fr.)

Outlook: The only thing separating St. Joseph Ogden from contending for a State Title is the presence of a true low stick. Outside of that, the Spartans have all the pieces necessary to be one of the top teams in Class 1A this season. Colin Burnett returns as the team's front runner after another outstanding track season. While he once again ran 4:35 in the 1600 meters, his biggest breakthrough came in the 800 meters, where he posted an impressive 1:58.50 at the sectional meet. He also lowered his personal best in the 3200 meters to 10:15 at the Plains Invite. Burnett owns a 3 Mile personal best of 15:31 and has improved every season of his high school career. If he can take another step forward this fall, he has the potential to challenge for an All State finish. Eli Franklin gives the Spartans another dependable scorer after making significant strides during the track season. Franklin lowered his personal bests to 4:42 in the 1600 meters and 10:23 in the 3200 meters. His cross country personal best of 15:43 came at the Spartan Classic, and he should have an opportunity to improve on that mark at Detweiller this season. Adam Bello is coming off an outstanding freshman track campaign, posting personal bests of 4:38 in the 1600 meters and 2:06 in the 800 meters. After running 16:04 for 3 Miles last fall, he appears poised to make another significant jump this cross country season. Camden Fisher should compete for either the third or fourth scoring position and may have one of the highest ceilings on the roster. Fisher was an outstanding middle school runner, posting personal bests of 4:38 in the 1600 meters and 2:05 in the 800 meters. He also won an IESA State Championship in cross country after running 10:31. If he transitions well to the 3 Mile distance, he could challenge Franklin for the team's second scoring position. Nate Farney rounds out what should be a tightly packed scoring five. Farney lowered his personal best to 4:41 in the 1600 meters this spring, a 10 second improvement from the previous season. He also ran 15:58 at the State Meet last fall and should be capable of lowering that mark this season. The Spartans' biggest strength is how closely packed their top five runners project to be. If one or two athletes can emerge as runners capable of reaching the low 15:20 range, St. Joseph Ogden will have everything needed to contend for a State trophy. This should be one of the most exciting teams to watch in Class 1A throughout the season. Coach Retz stated, “This team's been putting in the work long before the starting gun ever fires. Summer wasn't about taking it easy—it was about getting outside, embracing the heat, attacking every hill, and building the kind of toughness you can't fake. We've got a gritty mix of experienced runners who know how to compete and younger athletes who are hungry to prove they belong. If they keep bringing the same intensity they've shown all summer, they're going to surprise a lot of people. Cross country rewards discipline, heart, and the willingness to keep charging when everyone else wants to back off. That's the mindset we're chasing. Every race is another opportunity to hunt down a personal best, battle for every place, and represent St. Joseph-Ogden with relentless effort. If this team keeps that fire burning, it's going to be one exciting season”

5. Clinton

Head Coach/Coaches: Rachel Lyons and Leann Sosamon

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

Key Returners: Cayden Bostic (Jr.), Brockton Sumner (Jr.), Justin Droke (Sr.), Brayden Dalton (Jr.), Joe Taylor (Jr.), Gavin Klein (Sr.), Oliver Reed (Sr.), Shawn Ferguson (Jr.)

Key Additions: Owen Troyer (Fr.), Elijah Sutton (Fr.)

Outlook: Clinton's talented young core has now matured into one of the strongest groups in Class 1A, and the Maroons enter the season with legitimate State trophy aspirations. Their lineup is experienced, balanced, and filled with runners who made significant gains during the track season. Leading the way is Cayden Bostic, who should once again serve as the team's low stick. Bostic enjoyed a tremendous spring, lowering his personal bests to 4:36 in the 1600 meters and 9:39 in the 3200 meters. His most impressive performance, however, came during last year's cross country season when he ran 14:52 at the regional meet before finishing 12th at the State Meet. Having improved every year of his high school career, Bostic appears poised to take another step forward and contend for All State honors. Fellow junior Brockton Sumner gives Clinton another dangerous front runner. Sumner emphasized the 800 meters during the track season, lowering his personal best to 1:59.41 while also running 4:43 in the 1600 meters. He owns a 3 Mile personal best of 15:49 and should be capable of taking another significant jump now that his focus has shifted back to cross country. Justin Droke projects as a strong third runner after another solid track season. He lowered his personal best to 2:03.46 in the 800 meters while running 4:49 in the 1600 meters. Droke ran 15:58 at last year's regional meet and has the ability to match or improve upon that performance this fall. Brayden Dalton should fill the fourth scoring position after making noticeable progress during his sophomore season. Dalton improved by more than 10 seconds in the 1600 meters, lowering his personal best to 4:47. He also owns a 3 Mile personal best of 16:00 from last year's State Meet and should have a strong opportunity to break that barrier this season. Joe Taylor is expected to round out the scoring lineup after running 16:07 at the State Meet last fall. Like several of his teammates, Taylor spent much of the spring focusing on shorter track events and should benefit from a full summer geared toward cross country. Much of Clinton's roster emphasized the 800 meters during the track season, but with an entire summer dedicated to the 3 Mile, the Maroons have all the ingredients to reestablish themselves as one of the premier teams in Class 1A. Their combination of experience, depth, and continued development makes them a legitimate State trophy contender this fall. Coach Lyons’ stated, “Our summer has been magical. We have a phenomenal (and HUGE) group of young men that are fully invested in our team culture, the process and encouraging the next generation. After our trip to Colorado Coach Leann Sosamon said it best “These athletes are going to run really well this year…but they are so much more than their performances. They are incredible kids: faithful, caring, disciplined, hilarious and so precious to us.”

6. El Paso-Gridley

Head Coach/Coaches: Michael Melick / Jacob Ludy

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

Key Returners: Weston Hodel (Jr.), Luke Hinthorne (Jr.), Alex Lartz (So.), Chance Price (So.), Elijah Webster (Sr.), Roman Wenger (Sr.), Cooper Romersberg (Jr.), Marcus Wiegand (Sr.), Hank Eastman (Jr.)

Key Additions: Drew Kingdon (Fr.), Andrew Quam (Fr.), Logan Felt (Fr.)

Outlook: After a heartbreaking fourth place finish at last year's State Meet, El Paso Gridley returns the majority of its lineup with its sights set on earning a State trophy this fall. The Titans bring back one of the strongest front lineups in Class 1A and have the talent to once again contend near the top of the standings. Leading the way is Weston Hodel, who has developed into one of the premier runners in the classification. As just a sophomore, Hodel posted an outstanding 9:32 in the 3200 meters, one of the fastest returning marks in Class 1A, while also lowering his personal best to 4:31 in the 1600 meters. He ran 15:10 at the Farmington Regional last fall before finishing just outside the All State podium with a 15:21 at the State Meet. Following his exceptional track season, Hodel enters the fall as a legitimate contender for a top 10 finish. Alex Lartz is expected to be the team's second runner after playing a key role in last year's fourth place finish. He owns a 3 Mile personal best of 15:35 from the regional meet and continued his development during the track season by lowering his personal bests to 4:37 in the 1600 meters and 9:53 in the 3200 meters. Those improvements should translate into another strong cross country season. Luke Hinthorne gives the Titans another outstanding scorer after matching Lartz's 15:35 personal best from last year's regional meet. Hinthorne also lowered his 1600 meter personal best to 4:37 during the spring, a significant improvement from his freshman season. Together, Lartz and Hinthorne form one of the strongest second and third runner combinations in the classification. Chance Price appears ready to step into the fourth scoring position after an impressive freshman campaign. He ran 16:21 last fall and was one of the few Titans who recorded a personal best at the State Meet. During the track season, he improved by more than 30 seconds in the 1600 meters, lowering his personal best to 4:55 while also running 10:57 in the 3200 meters. Another strong summer of training could lead to another significant jump. The fifth scoring position will likely be Elijah Webster, one of the state's top high jumpers. Because Webster focuses much of his spring on field events, his personal best of 4:48 in the 1600 meters is especially impressive. He has consistently run around 16:30 in cross country, and if he can continue to develop while balancing both events, he could become the key piece that pushes the Titans back onto the State podium. El Paso Gridley possesses one of the best three runner lineups in Class 1A. If the Titans can close the gap between their fourth and fifth runners and their front pack, they will have an excellent opportunity to turn last year's fourth place finish into a State trophy this fall. 

7. Elmwood

Head Coach/Coaches: Gregg Meyers

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

Key Returners: Danny Sharp (Jr.), Cole Cahill (So.), Kai Nelson (Jr.), Oliver Funk (Jr.), Danny Ellen (So.), Cooper Brown (Jr.), Hason Hubbard (Sr.), Colton Turner (So.), Geoffrey Schachtrup (So.), Silas Schmieg (Sr.)

Key Additions: Brady Zinser (Fr.), Jensen Blundy (Fr.), Lucas Birkel (Fr.), Landon Burwell (Fr.), Cael Nelson (Fr.)

Outlook: The Elmwood Trojans bring back a strong group from their runner-up team last year, they should be able to secure their spot in the top ten. The super sophomores leading this squad will be Danny Sharp and Cole Cahill, who both saw big progression over the track season. Sharp was more geared for the 3200 this spring, and his PR of 9:43 certainly showed that his aerobic power is his strength. Cahill focused more on the 1600, and he left the season with a strong PR of 4:35. Sharp will be vying for his spot in the top 15 this year, while Cahill will be aiming for his first ever all-state medal, but both will be strong lowsticks for Elmwood. After these two is Kai Nelson, who is a bit of a wild card but should still be the #3 for Elmwood. Nelson plays baseball during the spring, which means he doesn’t run year round. However, he was 15:51 last fall and was the #4 on Elmwood’s runner up squad. While he doesn’t compete during the spring, he has consistently dropped a few seconds per year to show up at the state meet. If he’s had a good summer, he should return to that PR from last year. After Nelson, we’ll see Brady Zinser, an absolutely insane incoming freshman, fill in the fourth spot. Zinser is absolutely nuclear in the short events, with a ridiculous PR in the 400 of 52.27 as an 8th grader. He was the IESA 2A 800 state champion, with a time of 2:03.56. His 1600 and 2 mile PRs are also solid, with a 4:55 and 11:34. He’s definitely geared towards the shorter events, but he could still potentially put together a solid 3 mile this fall. That fifth spot could be filled by a number of runners, but Oliver Funk and Danny Ellen seem to be the early favorites. Funk has the next best returning 3 mile PR of 16:26, and was a member of the state series roster last fall. Ellen has a PR of 17:15, but dropped some solid time on the oval that suggests he’ll compete well with Funk. The biggest thing for this team will be putting their chasers all in one big pack. They are pretty spread out by the look of it, so pushing all of their chasers closer to Nelson will help this team a ton. Even though it’s a bit of a down year for the Trojans, Elmwood still looks to be a premier team in the state. 

8. Monticello

Head Coach/Coaches: Matthew Miller / Zach Mesplay

Last Year’s Finish: 18th @ IHSA 1A State Championship

Key Returners: Eli Anderson (Jr.), Tim Sikorski (Jr.), Lukas Whitt (Sr.), Owen Patton (Sr.), Jack Krumtinger (Sr.), Jaxon Clark (Jr.), Grant Niemerg (So.), Quinlan Gleason (Sr.), Guthrie Hughes (So.)

Key Additions: Montgomery Owen (Fr.)

Outlook: The Owls continue to take the next steps toward returning the program to the level of success it enjoyed during the 2010s. Monticello qualified for the Cross Country State Meet in 2025 for the first time since 2021, marking another milestone in the program's resurgence. During the previous decade, the Owls established themselves as one of the premier programs in Class 1A by winning six IHSA State trophies. This year's squad has the talent to continue that upward trajectory. Monticello will once again be led by Eli Anderson, who earned All State honors with a 13th place finish at the Cross Country State Meet last fall. Anderson followed that performance with an outstanding track season, posting personal bests of 4:25 in the 1600 meters and 9:28 in the 3200 meters while qualifying for the Class 2A State Track Meet in the 3200 meters. He gives the Owls one of the top front runners in the classification. Tim Sikorski provides Monticello with an outstanding second runner and has the potential to contend for All State honors this fall. After running 15:18 as a sophomore during the cross country season, Sikorski broke out on the track by lowering his 1600 meter personal best to 4:26 and qualifying for the Class 2A State Track Meet. He appears ready to make another significant jump this season. Freshman Montgomery Owen arrives with plenty of excitement after an excellent IESA career. Owen owns personal bests of 2:08 in the 800 meters and 4:39 in the 1600 meters while earning IESA State Meet finishes of sixth in cross country, eighth in the 800 meters, seventh in the 1600 meters, and third in the sprint medley relay. He has the talent to make an immediate impact in Monticello's scoring lineup. Lukas Whitt returns after serving as the team's third runner during last year's State qualifying season. He finished 130th at the State Meet and should once again be an important contributor for the Owls. Grant Niemerg, Guthrie Hughes, and Jaxon Clark all gained valuable experience as members of last year's State qualifying team and will compete for scoring positions this fall. Jack Krumtinger also adds another intriguing option after an impressive track season that included a personal best of 2:06 in the 800 meters. Monticello may still be in the process of rebuilding toward the standard it established during its championship years, but the Owls have assembled a talented mix of proven veterans and promising young runners. If the supporting cast continues to develop behind Anderson and Sikorski, this team has the potential to once again finish among the best teams in Class 1A. Coach Miller stated, “For the first time in a while, we have a lot of depth on the boys team. It is going to be highly competitive to make the varsity team this year, which is a good thing. We also have great leadership from our Juniors and Seniors. They are all very motivated and positive. We also have a lot of talent in our Freshmen and Sophomore classes. It is a great group of young men with strong work ethic and sportsmanship.”

9. Pinckneyville

Head Coach/Coaches: Ryan Bruns

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

Key Returners: Pacer Szopinski (So.), Jesse Winter (Sr.), Zach Teel (Sr.), RJ Degler (Jr.), Josh Gale (Jr.), Gage Arnett (So.), Drew Schneider (Sr.)

Key Additions: Caden Heisner (Fr.), Chase Roye (Fr.)

Outlook: The Panthers have established themselves as one of the most consistent programs in Class 1A, qualifying for the State Meet in each of the past five seasons while earning two Top 10 finishes during that stretch. This year's squad has the potential to add a third Top 10 finish and could develop into one of the strongest teams in program history. Leading the way is Pacer Szopinski, who narrowly missed All State honors by a single place at the 2025 State Meet. After coming so close as a freshman, Szopinski enters this season with plenty of motivation and should be one of the top contenders to earn All State honors in Class 1A. Zach Teel projects as the team's second runner after an outstanding track season. Teel served as the fifth runner on last year's State qualifying team but took a major step forward this spring by running 9:59 in the 3200 meters and qualifying for the Class 1A State Track Meet. His development gives the Panthers another strong front runner heading into the fall. RJ Degler is one of the biggest wild cards in the classification. An injury limited him to just one cross country race last season, but he returned with an excellent sophomore track campaign that included personal bests of 1:59 in the 800 meters and 4:37 in the 1600 meters. He also qualified for the Class 1A State Track Meet in the 800 meters. If he can stay healthy, Degler has the potential to make a significant impact on this lineup. Jesse Winter is expected to round out the team's front pack after running 16:04 during the 2025 cross country season. He provides valuable experience and should continue to improve as he gains another year of development. The biggest question for the Panthers is finding a dependable fifth scorer who can stay within 30 seconds of Winter. If they can close that gap and develop the necessary depth behind their top four, this team has the talent to earn another Top 10 finish at the State Meet and continue one of the strongest stretches in program history.

10. Bloomington (Central Catholic)

Head Coach/Coaches: Bill Rhodes

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

Key Returners: Nicholas Jelinek (Sr.), Jude Bordewick (Jr.), Jonathan Blankenship (Sr.), Paul Koetters (Sr.), Liam Kohn (So.), Ian Bryson (Sr.), Simon Hamaker (Jr.), Leonardo Triveno (So.)

Outlook: The Saints will be looking to accomplish something the program has not done on the boys side since 2015 by qualifying for the IHSA State Meet as a team. With a talented front runner and impressive depth throughout the roster, this group has a legitimate opportunity to end that drought. Nicholas Jelinek returns after qualifying for the State Meet as an individual in 2025 and will once again lead the Saints. He followed his strong cross country season with an outstanding spring, posting personal bests of 4:24 in the 1600 meters and 9:47 in the 3200 meters. Those performances have him firmly in the conversation for All State honors this fall. Jonathan Blankenship and Simon Hamaker project as the team's second and third runners after both enjoyed excellent track seasons. Blankenship ran 2:00 in the 800m, while Hamaker lowered his 1600 meter personal best to 4:42. Both have the potential to take another step forward during the cross country season and provide the Saints with a strong supporting cast behind Jelinek. One of this team's biggest strengths is its depth. Liam Kohn, Leonardo Triveno, Paul Koetters, and Jude Bordewick are all capable of competing for the remaining scoring positions, giving the Saints multiple options as the season progresses. Developing a reliable fourth and fifth runner will be critical, but having several athletes capable of filling that role is a luxury few Class 1A teams possess. The Saints have assembled a balanced lineup with an All State caliber front runner and quality depth behind him. If the supporting pack continues to improve throughout the fall, this team has an excellent chance to return the program to the State Meet for the first time in more than a decade.

11. Toledo (Cumberland)

Head Coach/Coaches: James Miller

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

Key Returners: Cameron Roedl (Sr.), Colby Roedl (So.), Gavin Whitaker (Jr.), Damien Chardon (Jr.), Aydan Oakley (Jr.), Clayton Altgilbers (So.), Jacob Pierce (Jr.), Henry Malone (Jr.)

Outlook: The Pirates have built plenty of momentum over the past few seasons, qualifying for the IHSA State Meet in each of the last two years. This fall, they will look to make it three consecutive State Meet appearances behind an experienced lineup led by one of the top front runners in Class 1A.  Cameron Roedl returns as the team's leader after narrowly missing All State honors with a 34th place finish at the 2025 State Meet. He followed that performance with an outstanding track season, qualifying for the Class 1A State Track Meet in the 1600 meters, 3200 meters, and 4x800 meter relay. Roedl also lowered his personal bests to 4:35 in the 1600 meters and 9:49 in the 3200 meters, putting him firmly in the hunt for All State honors this fall. His younger brother, Colby Roedl, gives the Pirates another outstanding front runner. Colby qualified for the State Track Meet as part of the 4x800 meter relay while posting personal bests of 4:34 in the 1600 meters and 10:02 in the 3200 meters. His continued development gives the Pirates one of the better one-two combinations in the classification. Gavin Whitaker is expected to serve as the team's third runner after finishing 120th at the State Meet last season with a personal best of 16:13. Damien Chardon also returns as an important scorer after placing among the top 150 at the State Meet and running 16:26. Aydan Oakley rounds out the projected scoring lineup after serving as the team's fifth runner during last year's State Meet qualification. Oakley posted a personal best of 16:50 and brings valuable postseason experience to the Pirates' lineup. With an experienced top five returning nearly intact, the Pirates are well positioned to continue their recent success. If the supporting runners can continue to close the gap behind the Roedl brothers, this team has an excellent chance to qualify for the State Meet for a third consecutive season and compete for one of the top finishes in Class 1A.

12. Delavan

Head Coach/Coaches: Suzanne LaFary

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

Key Returners: Coriell Green (Sr.), Evan Lemme (Jr.), Drew Toland (So.), Jace Toland (So.), Soyier Balsimo (So.), Ephraim Newton (Sr.)

Key Additions: Brad Kight-Garlisch (Fr.)

Outlook: Delavan hasn't qualified to the state meet since 2023, this year looks to be a staunch turn around from that norm. The Panthers come into the season with one of the more formidable lowsticks in the field, Coriell Green. Green was the state champion in the 1A 800 this year, he dropped a devious 1:51.81 PR in his undefeated season. His 1600 also saw some improvement, with a mark of 4:25. Last year, he was 14:50 in the 3 mile at the state meet, he took 8th to earn his spot on the podium. This year, he’s one of the top returners in the 3 mile and he’s got one of the nastiest kicks out of the top ranked athletes, so he could potentially go after a state title. Green is supported well with a solid pack in the low-to-mid 16 minutes, there are a number of athletes who could fill the scoring spots. Evan Lemme is one of the top 3 mile returners from last year’s roster, his PR stands at 16:00. He dropped huge time in the 3200 this spring, bringing his PR from an 11:31 to a solid 10:17. He has made excellent strides in his fitness, and he seems to lean towards the longer events, so he should be set up for a great season in the 3 mile. Jace Toland had a breakout year on the track, he should be another great scoring runner for Delavan this year. His 800 was definitely his strongest event, as his PR was a solid 2:01 this spring. His 1600 also saw a stark difference from his middle school PRs, he ran 4:58 this season. He does have his work cut out for him this fall, as he was only 17:16 in the 3 mile last fall. Given the fact that he dropped so much time in the 1600 as well as in the 800 this year, he should be able to take a sizable chunk out of that 3 mile time. Twin to Jace, Drew Toland is another top returner from last fall’s squad who should play an important role in the Delavan top 5. Toland ran a solid 16:28 last year at the PORTA regional meet, and he was 4:51 in the 1600 this spring. With the improvement that his brother made, he should be highly motivated to be right with him this season. Ephraim Newton was a member of the Delavan 4x8 that ran at the state meet this year, he should be able to smash his 3 mile PR this fall and break into the top 5 for the Panthers.

13. Paris

Head Coach/Coaches: Missy Tingley

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

Key Returners: Harrison Hays (Sr.), Nathan Fonner (Sr.), Grayson Craffets (Sr.), Gage White (Sr.), Jorden Guillen (So.), Kinser Holloway (Jr.)

Key Additions: Charlie Sabens (Fr.)

Outlook: One of the most historically decorated teams in 1A history, Paris should have a squad that will challenge the top ten this fall. When the IHSA began holding the cross country state meet, Paris won the first 4 state titles against every other school in the state. Their history in the sport is deep, and they’ll be returning to that level again this year. Up front, they have Harrison Hays, who will be vying for his very first all-state medal. Hays is one of the top returners from last year’s state meet with a PR of 15:17, but he just missed the podium in 30th place. This spring, he took his 3200 down to a respectable 9:45, which is a major improvement from where he has been in the past. He always seems to show out on the grass, so expect to see Hays in the front of most races. Behind him, there should be a strong pack of runners that will be aiming for the low 16s. Nathan Fonner is the top returner in the 3 mile from last fall, he ran 16:00 at last year’s sectional meet. He will be joined by a talented incoming freshman by the name of Charlie Sabens, who should be right on Fonner’s tail. Sabens had an incredible 8th grade year on the track, with a 1600 PR of 4:41 and an 800 PR of 2:10. He was 4th at the IESA 2A state meet in cross country with a 2 mile time of 10:59. He is the X-Factor for Paris this year, and he should join Fonner as a strong scorer for the Tigers. Graysen Craffets, should look to join them as well after his considerable track season. Craffets spent the spring focusing on the 800, and he took his PR from 2:06 to 2:02 this season. His speed will be a useful tool on the grass, it should help him join Sabens and Fonner in the chase pack. Behind this pack of three, Gage White and Jorden Guillen will duke it out for the fifth spot. White is the top returner in the 3 mile with a PR of 17:12, and he did drop some good time in the 800 this spring. Guillen didn’t run track this spring, but did run 17:32 last year and could improve off of that mark. The biggest thing Paris can do this year is bring their 5th runner close to their pack of 3, as that will put them ahead of other teams that won’t have that kind of depth through 5. This team has a ton of potential and it should be extremely exciting to watch them compete this year. 

14. Murphysboro

Head Coach/Coaches: Cody Ellermeyer

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

Key Returners: Edgar Garcia (Sr.), Hunter Douglas (Sr.), Logan Cowan (Jr.), Landon Smith (So.), Carl Harris (Jr.), Tatum Judy (Jr.), Ethan Mueller (Sr.), Steven White (Sr.)

Outlook: Murphysboro has been a steadily good team for the last few years, they will return this year at 14. They have an extremely good lowstick in Edgar Garcia, who will be in the hunt for a spot in the top ten this fall. Garcia hit the next level this track season, running 9:30 and 4:28 in the 3200 and 1600. His PRs rank at the top of the classification, and he’ll be in for a big time drop in the 3 mile. Hunter Douglas is another strong returner from last year’s Murphysboro roster, he should be a quality #2 for the Red Devils. Douglas has a solid 3 mile PR of 15:37 from last fall, which will compliment Garcia nicely towards the front. He also took his 3200 down to a 10:10 this spring and his 1600 down to a 4:43, so he’s progressed nicely on the oval as well. He is unfortunately in no-mans-land between Garcia and their #3, but he should still be a solid piece for Murphysboro this year. There are a number of people who could fill the remaining 3 scoring spots, Logan Cowan will look to take one of those 3. Cowan dropped considerable time on the track this year, running 10:11 in the 3200 in a near 25 second PR. His 3 mile from last year was 16:57, so he will have some work to do if he wants to be a quality scorer for the Red Devils. It will be up to Landon Smith to fill that final scoring position. Smith has the next best 3 mile with a PR of 17:17, if he can get into the low 17s he will do his job at the 5 very well. This team definitely struggles a bit in depth, but their front runners will allow them to succeed at a high level this season. 

15. Rockford (Lutheran)

Head Coach/Coaches: Aaron Kortze

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

Key Returners: Kyle Enke (Sr.), Jacob Schroeder (Jr.), Levi Mikel (Jr.), Noah Bramble (Sr.), Douglas Johnson (Sr.), Elias Richard (Sr.), Kent Pedersen (Jr.), 

Key Additions: Jimmy Pedersen (Fr.)

Outlook: There is a ton of upside with Rockford Lutheran this year, their firepower up front makes them a formidable team. Kyle Enke will look to lead the Crusaders this fall as he is their top returner in the 3 mile. Enke was 15:20 last year at the Big Northern conference meet, which was his PR for the season. He ran 15:33 at the state meet to finish 48th, but there should be more in the tank there. He ran 4:37 and 9:57 during the indoor season, but then didn’t compete during the outdoor season. His indoor marks from last year don’t even compare to the ones he put up this year, so if he just suffered an unfortunately timed injury, then he should be ready to come back in the fall to decimate his PR. Behind Enke is Jacob Schroeder, who really made the jump from good to great this spring. In Enke’s absence, Schroeder threw down some nasty track times, qualifying to 1A state in the 800 with a PR of 2:00 and running 4:34 for the 1600. His 3200 was sub 10 this year for a PR of 9:53, which shows that he’s got pretty good range. His 3 mile PR from his sophomore campaign was a 15:46, but his track times suggest that he’ll be up with Enke this fall in the low 15:20s. With a great 1-2 punch up front, all RL needs is a strong supporting cast to get them into the top 15 this fall. Levi Mikel has been steadily progressing over the spring, he looks to be in a position to take the next scoring spot for the Crusaders. Mikel ran a strong PR in the 1600 of 4:44, which was a 10 second improvement from his freshman year. He should be able to take his 3 mile PR of 16:44 down to the low 16s, which would put RL in a fantastic team position. Noah Bramble will also be in the mix for one of the remaining scoring positions. Bramble is primarily a sprinter during the spring, but his 400 PR of 49.89 is absolutely nutty for a cross country runner. While he might not be focusing on the 3 mile as much, his 3 mile PR of 17:09 could very well get shattered this year. Kent Pederson dropped almost 5 minutes last cross country season, and then shattered his 3200 PR during the spring. He could fill that final spot for the Crusaders this fall if he has a good summer. Douglas Johnson is the next returner in with a 17:42 from last year. His track times were right with Pederson, so he should be competitive for that last spot as well. The 2 man combo up front should be a huge weapon for Rockford Lutheran this fall, so long as their pack is tight, they should be a top 15 team at the state meet.

16. Edwardsville (Metro-East Lutheran)

Head Coach/Coaches: Kevin Reiseck

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

Key Returners: Lucas Abbott (Sr.), Dean Hemmer (Sr.), Elijah Ball (Jr.), Henry Reiseck (Jr.), Luke Bright (Jr.), Mathias Askins (Jr.), Ronan Askins (So.), Bryce Goeckner (So.)

Outlook: The Knights have enjoyed consistent success over the past few seasons, qualifying for the State Meet in each of the last two years. With an experienced returning lineup, they will look to extend that streak and remain among the top teams in Class 1A. Lucas Abbott returns as the team's front runner after finishing 54th at the State Meet in 2025. As a senior, he will look to take another step forward and put himself firmly in the All State conversation. Dean Hemmer is expected to be the Knights' second runner after an outstanding track season. He lowered his personal best to 10:07 in the 3200 meters and qualified for the State Track Meet in the event. Although he did not finish among the top 100 at last year's State Cross Country Meet, he appears poised to make a significant jump this fall. Elijah Ball also enjoyed an excellent track season, posting a personal best of 2:06 in the 800 meters while helping the Knights qualify for the State Meet in the 4x800 meter relay. He looks primed for a breakout cross country season in 2026. Henry Reiseck was also a member of that State qualifying 4x800 meter relay and should spend much of the fall running alongside Ball. He posted a personal best of 16:35 during last year's cross country season and provides another experienced scorer for the Knights. Luke Bright rounds out what appears to be a solid top five after running 16:53 last season. His experience gives the Knights a dependable fifth runner, and with all five expected to return as key contributors, this team has the depth to make another run at the State Meet this fall.

17. Downs (Tri-Valley)

Head Coach/Coaches: Kenneth Albin

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

Key Returners: Ryan Garneau (Jr.), Evan Brown (So.), Corsin Shane (Jr.), Carson Cattaneo (So.), Jacob Julian (Sr.), Caleb Dunafin (So.), Gabe Sutter (Sr.), Hudson Fauble (Sr.)

Key Additions: Harrison Bryant (Fr.), Trevor Johnson (Fr.)

Outlook: The Vikings have not qualified for the State Meet since 2000, but this year's team has the potential to be the program's best in decades. The biggest obstacle may not be their talent, but rather the strength of their sectional. If they can navigate that challenge, they have a legitimate opportunity to accomplish something that has not been done at the school in 26 years. The Vikings will once again be led by the duo of Ryan Garneau and Evan Brown. Garneau endured a difficult track season and will be looking to return to form as he gets back on the cross country course. Brown is one of the more intriguing runners in the classification after spending the spring focusing on the sprint events. He established himself as one of the top sprinters in Class 1A, posting personal bests of 11.01 in the 100 meters, 22.57 in the 200 meters, and 49.13 in the 400 meters. While he likely was not logging high mileage during track season, his raw speed gives him tremendous upside if he can continue to build his aerobic fitness this fall. Behind them will be the pack of Corsin Shane, Carson Cattaneo, and Jacob Julian. The Vikings will need that trio to consistently run in the mid to low 16 minute range if they hope to contend for a State Meet berth. Shane and Cattaneo both enjoyed strong cross country seasons in 2025, while Julian took a significant step forward during the track season by lowering his personal best to 2:08 in the 800 meters. Freshman Harrison Bryant could also factor into the scoring lineup after an impressive middle school career. Bryant ran 5:01 in the 1600 meters, qualified for the IESA State Meet in the 800 meters, and has the talent to make an immediate impact at the varsity level. If the Vikings can continue to develop their depth and get the most out of their experienced front runners, they have an excellent opportunity to challenge for their first State Meet berth since 2000.

18. Rockford Christian

Head Coach/Coaches: Randy Moore / Heath Tibbetts

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

Key Returners: Blake Lindberg (Sr.), Mason Brock (Jr.), Liam Hattoon (Jr.), Noah Myers (So.), Kolton Cortese (Jr.), Landon Opperman (So.), Zac Wesseln (Sr.)

Key Additions: Evan Meyers (Fr.)

Outlook: The Royal Lions have been one of the premier programs in Class 1A for well over a decade, producing seven Top 10 finishes at the State Meet during that span. While this season marks somewhat of a rebuilding year after graduating a large senior class, this is still a program that should not be overlooked. Given its tradition of success and ability to develop talent, the Royal Lions have a strong chance to find themselves back in the Top 10 by the end of the season. Leading the way is returning All Stater Blake Lindberg, who finished 25th at the Cross Country State Meet last fall. Lindberg followed that performance with another outstanding track season, helping lead the Royal Lions to a State Championship in the 4x800 meter relay while also earning All State honors in the 4x400 meter relay. He will once again serve as the team's low stick and provide valuable leadership for a younger lineup. Behind Lindberg is a promising pack of Noah Myers, Liam Hattoon, and Mason Brock. Myers entered last season with plenty of excitement surrounding his speed and continued to show his potential during the track season. As a freshman, he earned All State honors as part of the 4x400 meter relay and posted a personal best of 2:04 in the 800 meters. Hattoon and Brock bring valuable experience after serving as the sixth and seventh runners on last year's State qualifying team. Both understand what it takes to compete at the highest level and could take on much larger roles this fall. The fifth scoring position will likely come down to Kolton Cortese or Landon Opperman. Developing a reliable fifth runner will be the key to this team's success, as either athlete will need to close the gap with the front pack if the Royal Lions hope to continue their streak of State level success. Although this roster lacks the experience and depth of recent seasons, the Royal Lions have built a reputation for consistently outperforming expectations. If their young runners continue to develop throughout the fall, another Top 10 finish at the State Meet is certainly within reach. Coach Moore stated, “Blake Lindberg returns after earning All-State honors last season and gives us an experienced leader at the front of our lineup. Around him is a group of upstarts eager for their turn. They’ve distinguished themselves not so much by natural ability, but by their consistency, discipline, and willingness to do the work every day. That mindset has shaped our summer and gives me confidence that this team will continue to improve throughout the fall. We don't know exactly where that journey will lead, but I believe this group will maximize its potential because of the character and commitment they bring to practice each day.”

19. Williamsville

Head Coach/Coaches: Tyler Casson

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

Key Returners: Lucas Hollinshead (Sr.), Ryan Patrick (So.), Griffin Gwaltney (Jr.), Gavin Cook (Jr.), Nate Alessia (So.), Noah Bliss (Jr.), Josh Armour (Jr.)

Key Additions: Dax Stinebaker (Fr.)

Outlook: The Bullets will look to return to the State Meet for the first time since 2022. With two returning All Staters leading the way, this team has one of the strongest front running duos in the Class 1A field and should be in the mix for a State Meet berth throughout the season. Lucas Hollinshead returns after earning All State honors with a 14th place finish at the 2025 Cross Country State Meet. He followed that performance with another outstanding spring, qualifying for the Class 2A State Track Meet in both the 1600 meters and the 3200 meters. Hollinshead gives the Bullets a proven low stick capable of leading this team deep into the postseason. Ryan Patrick also returns after finishing 21st at the State Meet to earn All State honors. He qualified for the Class 2A State Track Meet in both the 800 meters and the 1600 meters, continuing his development as one of the top distance runners in the classification. Together, Hollinshead and Patrick form one of the best one two combinations in Class 1A. Griffin Gwaltney appears to be the leading candidate for the third scoring position after a solid track season that included a personal best of 10:48 in the 3200 meters. He looks poised to break the 17 minute barrier during the 2026 cross country season. Gavin Cook should also challenge for a sub 17:00 season after running exactly 17:00 as a sophomore last fall. His continued improvement will be an important factor in the Bullets' success. The fifth scoring position will likely come down to Nate Alessia or Dax Stinebaker. If one of them can emerge as a dependable scorer behind the team's experienced front four, the Bullets will have an excellent opportunity to end their State Meet drought and return to Detweiller Park this fall.

20. Byron

Head Coach/Coaches: Mike McHale

Last Year’s Finish: 21st @ IHSA 1A State Championship

Key Returners: Michael Muzzarelli (Jr.), Gavin Early (Jr.), Braden Dietrich (Sr.), Conner Welt (Sr.), River Wygant (Sr.), Jace Jackson (Sr.)

Key Additions: Henry Hazzard (Fr.), Caleb Lange (Fr.)

Outlook: The Tigers have put together back to back State Meet appearances and will be looking to extend that streak to three consecutive seasons this fall. While they must replace the production of Tim Starwalt, they return an experienced core that should keep them in the hunt for another State Meet berth. The team will be led by the duo of Braden Dietrich and Michael Muzzarelli. Muzzarelli is the Tigers' top returning cross country runner after finishing 117th at the State Meet last fall. Dietrich, meanwhile, enjoyed an outstanding track season that included a personal best of 2:02 in the 800 meters and appears poised for a breakout cross country campaign in 2026. Gavin Early also returns after serving as the team's third runner during the 2025 season. He finished 141st at the State Meet and provides another experienced scorer for the Tigers. Freshman Henry Hazzard is one of the most intriguing newcomers on the roster. He put together an outstanding middle school career that included an eighth place finish at the IESA State Cross Country Meet, a State Meet qualification in the 1600 meters, and personal bests of 4:55 in the 1600 meters and 10:50 in the 2 Mile. Hazzard has the talent to make an immediate impact on the varsity lineup. Conner Welt is expected to round out the scoring after finishing among the top 200 runners at the State Meet last season. With a strong returning core, an exciting freshman addition, and plenty of postseason experience, the Tigers have the pieces to qualify for the State Meet for a third consecutive year.

21. Roxana

Head Coach/Coaches: Benjamin Scamihorn

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

Key Returners: Easton Johnston (Sr.), Noah Crump (Sr.), Rylan Bisby (Jr.), Joshua Ervin (Sr.), Conrad Heigert (Jr.), Conner Price (So.), Jordin Akileh (So.)

Outlook: The Shells have qualified for the State Meet in each of the past three seasons and will look to continue that streak this fall. Although they have key pieces to replace, they return an experienced core that should keep them in contention for another trip to Detweiller Park. Noah Crump returns as the team's front runner after an outstanding track season in which he posted personal bests of 4:35 in the 1600 meters and 10:10 in the 3200 meters. His continued development gives the Shells a reliable low stick to build around. Easton Johnston returns as the team's second runner after posting a 16:01 during the 2025 cross country season. He will be looking to break the 16 minute barrier this fall and strengthen the Shells' front pack. Rylan Bisby appears poised to fill the third scoring position after an excellent track season that included a personal best of 4:45 in the 1600 meters. Joshua Ervin is expected to be close behind after lowering his personal best to 4:53 in the 1600 meters during the spring. Conrad Heigert enters the season as the leading candidate for the fifth scoring spot. The key for the Shells will be keeping the gap between Ervin and Heigert under 15 seconds. If they can tighten that split, the Shells will have an excellent opportunity to qualify for the State Meet for a fourth consecutive season.

22. Herscher

Head Coach/Coaches: Rob Grosso

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

Key Returners: Evan Benoit (So.), Jackson Kruse (Sr.), Owen Damptz (Sr.), Connor Sharper (Sr.), Michael Ringhofer (Sr.), Connor Heck (Jr.), Alex Gryz (Jr.), Ashton Gartner (So.)

Key Additions: Carson Overacker (Fr.), Luke Mesewicz (Fr.)

Outlook: The Tigers have qualified for the State Meet in each of the past three seasons and will be looking to extend that streak to four consecutive appearances this fall. They return an experienced front three but will need additional runners to step up if they hope to continue their postseason success. Evan Benoit is expected to lead the Tigers after an outstanding track season that included a personal best of 9:58 in the 3200 meters. He finished 67th at the State Meet in 2025 and enters this season as a legitimate contender to move into the All State conversation. Jackson Kruse gives the Tigers a strong second runner after finishing among the top 100 at the State Meet last fall. His postseason experience provides another dependable scorer for this lineup. Owen Damptz is projected to be the team's third runner after placing 138th at the State Meet in 2025. With another year of development, he should continue to strengthen the Tigers' front pack. The biggest question for this team will be finding two more runners capable of consistently running under 17:00. If they can develop that depth, the Tigers will have an excellent chance to qualify for the State Meet once again. One runner to watch is freshman Carson Overacker, who enters high school after running 11:13 in middle school cross country. He has the potential to make an immediate impact and could be one of the runners who helps push the Tigers back to the State Meet.

23. Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy)

Head Coach/Coaches: Steve Bland

Last Year’s Finish: 6th @ IHSA 1A State Championship

Key Returners: Immanuel Nunez (Jr.), Gus Berry (Jr.), Ezra Gonzalez (Jr.), Jeremy Potter (Jr.), Benaiah Carnes (Sr.), AJ Gomez (Jr.), Luca LoDolce (Sr.)

Outlook: The Lions have been one of the premier programs in Class 1A over the past decade, qualifying for the State Meet in each of the last five seasons while earning six Top 10 finishes during that span. They once again return a solid core and will look to continue one of the most consistent runs in the classification. Immanuel Nunez returns after finishing 47th at the State Meet last fall and enters the season as the team's top runner. He followed that performance with a strong track season, qualifying for the Class 1A State Track Meet as a member of the 4x800 meter relay. Nunez has the potential to take another step forward and put himself firmly in the All State conversation this fall. Gus Berry also returns after placing among the top 100 at the State Meet with an 89th place finish. Like Nunez, he qualified for the State Track Meet on the Lions' 4x800 meter relay, giving the team another experienced front runner. Ezra Gonzalez, who served as the team's fifth runner last season, will be asked to take on a larger role this fall. Alongside Jeremy Potter, he will be counted on to provide valuable scoring depth as the Lions replace key contributors from last year's squad. The biggest question for this team is finding a dependable fifth runner. If the Lions can develop another athlete capable of breaking 17:00, they should have an excellent opportunity to extend their streak of State Meet appearances to six consecutive seasons.

24. Fairfield

Head Coach/Coaches: Tim Ukena

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

Key Returners: Treyton Lewis (Sr.), Ashton King (Sr.), Skylar Bladel (Sr.), Kanyen Lingafelter (Sr.), Jarret Vaughan (Sr.), Morgan Spina (Jr.), Vance Vanway (Sr.)

Key Additions: Kaden Hutto (Fr.), Keith Ukena (Fr.)

Outlook: The Mules made program history last season by qualifying for the State Meet for the first time in a decade. They return an experienced roster with several proven contributors and have the potential to climb the rankings throughout the 2026 season. The team will be led by the duo of Skylar Bladel and Treyton Lewis. Bladel enjoyed an outstanding track season, posting a personal best of 2:02 in the 800 meters while qualifying for the Class 1A State Track Meet in the 800 meters, 4x400 meter relay, and 4x800 meter relay. Lewis also put together an impressive spring, running 2:04 in the 800 meters and 4:43 in the 1600 meters. He qualified for the State Meet in the 1600 meters, 4x400 meter relay, and 4x800 meter relay, giving the Mules another experienced front runner. Kanyen Lingafelter and Ashton King project as the team's third and fourth runners. Lingafelter enjoyed an excellent track season, lowering his personal best to 2:06 in the 800 meters while qualifying for the State Meet in both the 4x400 meter relay and the 4x800 meter relay. King also had a strong spring, posting a personal best of 10:41 in the 3200 meters and qualifying for the State Meet in both the 3200 meters and the 4x800 meter relay. Jarret Vaughan is the leading candidate to round out the scoring lineup. If he can break the 17 minute barrier this fall, the Mules will have the depth necessary to make another run at the State Meet. With an experienced top five and several athletes coming off successful track seasons, this team has the pieces to build on last year's historic breakthrough.

25. Pleasant Plains

Head Coach/Coaches: Jared Driskill

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

Key Returners: Braeden Galloway (Sr.), Jared Long (Jr.), Charlie Willenborg (So.), Ty Copeland (Sr.), Mykah Bileck (Sr.)

Key Additions: Mason Solomon (Fr.), Aiden Chipol (Fr.), Ellis Throckmorton (Fr.)

Outlook: The Cardinals have been one of the most consistent programs in Class 1A over the past several seasons, qualifying for each of the last four State Meets. Despite having a young roster, this team has the talent and depth to continue that streak in 2026. Freshman Mason Solomon could emerge as the team's front runner immediately after an outstanding middle school career. Solomon earned All State honors at the IESA State Cross Country Meet with a 17th place finish as an eighth grader. He also qualified for the IESA State Track Meet in both the 800 meters and the 1600 meters while posting a personal best of 4:50 in the 1600 meters. He has the talent to make an immediate impact at the varsity level. Behind Solomon, the pack of Braeden Galloway, Jared Long, Charlie Willenborg, Ty Copeland, and Mykah Black will be the key to the Cardinals' success. If that group can stay tightly packed and develop into runners capable of consistently running in the mid to low 16 minute range, the Cardinals will once again be in a strong position to qualify for the State Meet. Coach Driskill is also very high on the rest of the freshman class, and several newcomers could earn important varsity roles as the season progresses. With a talented young core and another promising group of freshmen entering the program, the Cardinals appear well positioned to continue their recent run of success. Coach Driskill stated, “As of now, mid July, our practices have been going well.  Several boys have logged consistent weekly mileage and I expect this to translate to strong races as we get to the last half of the season.  We have a good mix of upperclassmen and freshmen, so that will be an interesting dynamic.  It is hard to see this far out, but I believe if we can stay injury free, we have potential to be one of the best teams in recent school history.  Maybe we will not have a low stick to rely on, but 7 solid performers that will carry us to the State Meet in November.”