2026 Pre-Season XC Previews: 2A Boys Teams Unranked

While the teams ranked in our preseason Top 25 enter the season with the highest expectations, they are far from the only programs capable of making an impact this fall. Illinois Class 2A is filled with talented squads that narrowly missed the rankings and have the potential to emerge as contenders as the season progresses. The teams featured below were not included in our preseason rankings but had their coaches complete the preseason questionnaire that was sent via email, allowing us to provide a preview of their returning athletes, key additions, and outlook for the 2026 season. These programs will certainly be worth following as they look to exceed expectations and make their presence felt throughout the fall.

Sycamore

Coaches: Jordan Wilkerson, John Cerny, Bruno Wilkerson

Key Returners: Lucas Miller (Sr.), Josh Miller (Sr.), Jack Daskal (Sr.), Daniel Ruiz (Jr.), Caleb Fruit (Sr.), Eliu Molina (Sr.), Max Mangini (Jr.), Tommy Klinger (Jr.), Michael Calligan (Jr.), Eli Kirchmann (Jr.), Noah Murcia (Sr.)

Key Additions: Wyatt Schmidt (Fr.)

Outlook: After gaining valuable experience last season with a young roster, this year's team is entering the fall with much higher expectations and a lot of motivation. Our senior class has experienced both the highs and lows of postseason competition, and that experience has created a determined group that's ready to take the next step. Our returning postseason runners Luke Miller, Josh Miller, Daniel Ruiz, and Caleb Fruit have provided strong leadership throughout the summer and will create a solid foundation for our fall lineup. Luke is aiming to lead the team and break the 15-minute barrier this season, while Jack Daskal and Josh Miller are expected to form a strong front pack, with both capable of running in the sub 15:30 range. Daniel Ruiz and Caleb Fruit have put together an excellent summer of training and are working toward breaking well under the 16-minute mark. We're also excited to welcome freshman Wyatt Schmidt, who has already shown a tremendous passion for the sport and has the potential to make a significant impact as the season progresses. There is also a group of guys that include Eliu Molina, Max Mangini, Tommy Klinger, Michael Calligan, Eli Kirchmann, and Noah Murcia where any one of them could have a breakout season and make the top 7 lineup. Overall, this is a deeper, more experienced team than we've had in recent years, and we're excited to see how that hard work translates into success throughout the season.

Woodstock

Coaches: Jay Fuller, Lisa Kunzie

Key Returners: Josh Roth (Sr.), Elijah Hedges (Sr.), Adam Bailey (Sr.), Dexter Parisi (Jr.), Andrew Cain (Jr.), Mason Weger (Jr.), Bresden Shutt (So.)

Key Additions: Chase Weger (Fr.), Easton Paulson, Dylan Beltran (Fr.)

Outlook: Summer running-the boys attendance has been excellent and they have been putting the extra miles outside of camp. The three seniors have been encouraging and pushing the younger runners to up their game. Parisi, Cain, Malo, Paulson, Weger’s are looking like they are ready to push into the top 7. The goals for the season are to get through the summer healthy,

improve throughout the season, compete for our conference championship which would be 8 in a row, and to get through to sectionals with our eyes on making a run to the state meet.

Bloomington

Coaches: Veronica Grundman, Brandon Thornton

Key Returners: Eli Hartmann (So.), Jack Hawkins (Sr.), Cecil Thomlinson (So.), Jamari Randolph (Jr.), Brayden Bell (Sr.), Joseph Nzita (So.), Teddy Jones (So.), Antonio Green (Sr.), Lincoln Steers (Sr.), 

Key Additions: Bryce Elizarraras (Fr.)

Outlook:  For the boys, I think many will start the season around where they left off at the end of last season. Many of them just needed a year under their belts to get used to the dynamics of the sport. We will have a front leader with Eli Hartman, followed by Jack Hawkins and a stronger chase pack than last year. Sophomore Eli Hartman, who always works super hard in the summer, is continuing his dedication to be our number one runner and hopefully make State during the season. Jack Hawkins has looked amazing and is truly dedicated to summer conditioning. Newcomer and sophomore, Cecil Thomlinson has been dedicated and killing it during workouts always up there in mileage with some of our veterans. 

Chicago (University)

Coaches: Austin Warner, Martin Billingsley

Key Returners: Connor Lane (Sr.), Mikey Solarus (Sr.), Kai Long (Sr.), Sam Koh (Jr.), Alex Zhang (Jr.), Eddie Skolarus (Jr.), Husain Asif (So.), 

Key Additions: Nico Lukas (So.), Isaac Becker (Jr.)

Outlook: I do see us taking a step forward compared to the last few years. We did graduate 2 seniors in our top 7 but guys like Kai, Isaac and Nico had a great spring who were ahead of those seniors in the track season. Connor Lane and Mikey Skolarus are returning as our 1-2 who will be front runners for us at many meets this fall. I really like the make-up of this group and we do have the possibility of having one of our best teams in school history if we continue to stack consistent weeks this summer.

Geneseo

Coaches: Todd Ehlert, Jeff Brown, Don Fredericks, Tess Fredericks

Key Returners: Henley Bourne (Jr.), Greyson Claerhout (Jr.), Kael McCord (Jr.), Rylan Carlson (Jr.), Fritz Bolme (Jr.)

Key Additions: Henry Woodward (Fr.), Kyle Wirth (Fr.), Will Ehlert (Fr.), Ephraim Mueller (Fr.)

Outlook: The summer has been interesting. A ton of conflicts so far, but the kids are getting their running in. We are going into the season with an open mind and with the goal of getting better every week. We have a strong junior and freshman group.  We just need to get experience. The track guys had a great spring. Hopefully we can continue it into the Fall.

Wauconda

Coaches: Jacob O’Hara, Elaina Armata, Erin Hlinak

Key Returners: Dylan Reigner (So.), Akillez Sosa (Sr.), Parker Koch (Sr.), Evan Bescanson (Sr.), Brogen Finely (Jr.), Liam Pierce (Jr.), Carson Mohr (Fr.), Andrew Bjork (So.), Timothy Counley (So.), Dominic Cantagallo (Sr.)

Key Additions: Braden Besancon (So.), Levi Borowski (Fr.), Giovanni Espinosa (Fr.), and Diego Avila (Fr.) 

Outlook: After a mixed 2025, the Wauconda Boys Cross Country team is a squad looking to make a name for itself. In its fourth year under the current staff, the program had one of the strongest freshman classes in 2A last season, and returns 6 of its 7 varsity runners.  Their summer training included a trip out to Boulder, Colorado, where they took on some of the most hallowed ground in the sport searching for their style and identity. They believe they have found it: the team runs with a pack mentality and a style that wants to grind terrain. With returning standouts Dylan Reigner, Parker Koch, and Akhillez Sosa leading the way and a strong pack ready for breakout races in Brogen Finley, Liam Pierce, Carson Mohr, and Evan Besancon, this team believes it is one of the deepest and most resilient in the entire 2A field. Happy to play underdog and dark horse, the bulldogs have plenty of bulletin board material from the past few seasons, and look to challenge for the NLCC and a State berth. When things get tough this season, don't be surprised when this Wauconda squad emerges as the real deal. 

Jerseyville (Jersey)

Coaches: Shelly Diamond, Corey King

Key Returners: Kaden Strohbeck (Sr.), William Green (Jr.), Luca Derrick (So.), Zane Grummel (So.), Raymond McElligott (Jr.), Huck Peters (So.), Kyle Darr (So.)

Key Additions: Dylan Green (Fr.), Mason Warren (Fr.), Jordan Gallup (Fr.)

Outlook: The Jersey Panthers Cross Country team is already digging deep and putting in the miles as they prepare for an exciting, transition-filled season. With a dynamic roster blending seasoned veteran leaders and eager novice runners, the Panthers’ training has focused on much more than just physical endurance. Head coaches and athletes alike are dialing in on building a deeply supportive team culture, cultivating unwavering confidence, and forging the mental and physical toughness required to conquer any course. Adding to the buzz this year is the district’s highly anticipated transition from the Mississippi Valley Conference to the Cahokia Conference—a move that brings fresh matchups, new rivalries, and a blank slate. There is a palpable wave of energy and optimism surrounding the program, and both the coaching staff and the runners are incredibly excited to show the Cahokia Conference exactly what Jersey pride is all about.

West Chicago (Wheaton Academy)

Coaches: Chris Felinski, Shelton Thompson

Key Returners: Aksel Escareno, Andrew Sims (So.), Gabe Wingard (Jr.), Jacob Erickson (Sr.), Andrew Nyquist (Jr.), Luke Frost (So.), Grant Zasadny (Jr.), 

Key Additions: Aksel Escareno (So.)

Outlook: Ultimately our team goal is to finish in the top 2 in our conference, and it would be a huge success if we could get out of the regional as a team to the sectional.  So much of that is going to be determined based on where the IHSA places us, but it would be great to advance as a team after not advancing last season.

Vernon Hills

Coaches: Steven Szabo, Suzanne Curry, Bryson Taylor

Key Returners: Bryant Lester (Sr.), Will Gagamov (Sr.), Cole Betz (Sr.), Aarnav Garg (Jr.), Caden Bautista (So.), LIam Ray (Jr.), Vedant Rami (Sr.), Noah Diaz (Sr.), Daniel Jonnalagadda (So.)

Outlook: We have had a strong summer overall. We lost some big runners and leaders for us after last season so we are growing into new leadership while trying to improve.  So far I really like what I have seen from our incoming Junior class.  They have stepped up this summer in our workouts and in our leadership.  Our Seniors have also taken on more leadership than they needed to in the past and have done a tremendous job.  I think that we will build into the season and have a chance to be really competitive when it comes to the end of the year.

Springfield

Coaches: Trae Cotner, Joy Guardia

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

Key Returners: Jordan Green (Jr.), Collin Nolte (Sr.), DJ Peeler (Sr.), Jake Tolsdorf (Sr.), Kishaan Ugrappa (Sr.), Felix Vanametre (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Hudson Hurwitz (Fr.)

Outlook: Our pack should be solid and I look for Jordan Green and Collin Nolte to lead the squad.  How close our 3-4-5 runners can stay to them will determine the outcome of our season. Jordan Green and Collin Nolte have had a fantastic summer and look to lead our team.  I fully expect both of them to flirt with sub 15 this season.

Bethalto (Civic Memorial)

Coaches: Jacob Peal, Malynn Hannaford

Last Year’s Finish: 9th @ IHSA 2A State Championships

Key Returners: Glenn Collins (Sr.), Logan Kearby (Sr.), Boden Duffy (So.)

Key Newcomers: Mason Woody (Fr.)

Outlook: We brought back 3/7 from our team last fall, we've lost a lot of senior leadership but the well isn't completely dry. Our season this fall depends on how well this new group of boys gels and runs for each other. We will rely primarily on pack running through our front 4 of Collins, Duffy, Kearbey and Woody who can all be our #1 runner. Our success late in October and November stems on how the pack of Palmer, Mills, and the Shephards can bridge the gap to the front 4. We will need 7 guys running together for each other to make it to the starting line in November. We've had a good summer of training but  have room to improve throughout the season. If we can get 1% better every day we hope to be competing against a lot of really good teams in the Southern Sectional trying to punch our ticket to state. 

Urbana

Coaches: Zach Boehmke, Maggie Byrne, Briar Nevills

Key Returners: Sebastian Bretl (Jr.), Arlin Orr (Sr.), Luke Foley (Jr.), Titus Coady (Jr.), Pablo Nardie (Jr.), Dylan Wiemelt (So.), Alem Garcia Cortes (So.), Austin Ogolsky (Jr.),

Key Additions: Charlie Yau (Fr.)

Outlook: The Urbana Tigers are ready to take a big step forward this season. Last year we saw that having four guys under 16:15 is no longer enough to qualify for state in 2A. Our guys understand the depth of talent in Illinois running right now and are excited to raise their level. Sebastian Bretl, our top returner, is ready to compete at the front of every race. Arlin and Luke are putting in high quality work to support Sebastian up front. There is no result that would surprise me from Titus Coady now that he is healthy and refreshed from a big improvement in track and I expect to see him right with the first three runners. We have several boys who are ready to fight for the fifth spot. Pablo had a big breakout track season and is ready to show he can replicate it in cross while Alem and Dylan have been steadily churning out solid workout after solid workout. We are ready for our best season in a long time.

LaGrange Park (Nazareth Academy)

Coaches: Michael Sliwinski, Bobby Lee

Key Returners: Patrick O’Reilly (Sr.), Lucas Weber (Sr.), Thomas Gerros (So.), Brendan Hyland (Jr.), John O’Reilly (So.), Aiden Rodriguez (Sr.)

Key Additions: Sean Adams (Fr.), Bradley Murphy (Fr.), Joseph Titzer (Fr.), Ryan O'Connell (Fr.)

Outlook: With a new conference, we look forward to having several new medalists as well as advance to sectionals as a team. We graduated a large senior heavy team but have a large incoming group of freshmen with several from SFX who made IESA State. Sean Adams, Bradley Murphy, Joseph Titzer, and Ryan O'Connell will all be contributing members of the team. 

Bethalto (Civic Memorial)

Coaches: Jacob Peal, Malynn Hannaford

Key Returners: Glenn Collins (Sr.), Logan Kearby (Sr.), Boden Duffy (So.), Noah Palmer (So.), Noah Mills (So.), James Shephard (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Mason Woody (Fr.)

Outlook: We bring back 3/7 from our team last fall, we've lost a lot of senior leadership but the well isn't completely dry. Our season this fall depends on how well this new group of boys gels and runs for each other. We will rely primarily on pack running through our front 4 of Collins, Duffy, Kearbey and Woody who can all be our #1 runner. Our success late in October and November stems on how the pack of Palmer, Mills, and the Shephards can bridge the gap to the front 4. We will need 7 guys running together for each other to make it to the starting line in November. We've had a good summer of training but  have room to improve throughout the season. If we can get 1% better every day we hope to be competing against a lot of really good teams in the Southern Sectional trying to punch our ticket to state.

Antioch

Coaches: Hayley Miller, Noor Abdellatif

Key Returners: Logan Babin (So.), Salazar Villalpando (Jr.), Evan Fournier (So.), Ayaan Maknojia (Jr.), Colby Welsch (Sr.), Gus Vega (Sr.), Julian DeLeon (Jr.), Nathan Sy (Sr.), 

Key Additions: Alex Herrington (Fr.)

Outlook: We have lost some very talented seniors, but we have a young team that is putting in the work and are running as a solid pack. This pack does a great job at pushing each other and has the potential to secure wins for our team, and earn a lot of points. I think that, like last year, we will continue to see athletes breaking through their PR's over and over. And we have a couple of young runners that have the potential to be state material within the next two years.

Lake Villa (Lakes)

Coaches: Christine Zucker, Dan Jazo

Key Returners: Cooper Summy (Sr.), Aiden Hauca (Sr.), Ian Beckhorn (So.), John Michael Hedsund (Jr.), Jonathan Czapla (Sr.), Jacob Ekstrom (Jr.)

Key Additions: Caleb Silva (Jr.)

Outlook: Lakes Cross Country is in the process of rebuilding its program after several years of turnover in both athletes and coaching. While rebuilding takes time, the boys have embraced the challenge with a strong work ethic and a commitment to creating the culture they want for the future. Rather than relying on past traditions, they understand that they are responsible for building them through their daily effort, accountability, and support of one another. I'm excited to see what this team accomplishes this fall as their dedication continues to shape the future of Lakes Cross Country.

Carterville

Coaches: Nancy Adams, Caleb Swartz, Mike Robertson

Key Returners: Alex DeRuntz (So.), Reece Scott (Sr.), Mason Webb (Sr.), Nick Wilhelm (Jr.), Jack Robertson (Jr.), Jake Wilhelm (Jr.), Vincent Lin (Jr.)

Key Additions: Ethan Swartz (Fr.), Nick Hyson (Fr.)

Outlook: After a 2025 season that ultimately fell short of the lofty goals we set, this year’s focus is on individual improvement, and continuing to build a team work ethic and culture that has vastly improved over the last several years.  We should be able to make the sectional as a team, and possibly be a darkhorse for a state berth if everything breaks the right way.  With our talented underclassmen (see #8), and middle schoolers like Liam Adams (4:51 1600m and all-state xc as a 7th grader), and Luke Webb (5:11 1600m as a 7th grader) in the pipeline, the future of Carterville XC looks very promising, and we want to ensure each runner makes the most of their talent both this year and beyond

Morris

Coaches: Joe Blumberg, Nick Murphy

Key Returners: Cuyler Swanson (Sr.), Everett Swanson (Sr.), Joe Emmerich (Jr.), Diego Lugo (Jr.), Vic Larsen (So.), Trevor Mitoraj (So.), Payton Luberda (So.), Rusty Rodgers (So.)

Outlook: Knock on wood, we are very healthy. The Swannies are smashing workouts, leading the younger guys, and just having a blast running. Ememrich, Lugo, Larsen, and Mitoraj have been working extremely hard as a second pack. One foot in front of the other, one day at a time, getting better each rep, stride, mile, and week. Our athletes trust the training, and we are going to enjoy this journey together.

Midlothian (Bremen)

Coaches: Bill Griffin, William Fuentes

Key Returners: Omar Martinez (So.), Daniel Tecalero (Jr.), Carlos Soto (Jr.), Cordell Ward (Jr.), Daniel Patino (So.), Alex Kober (So.)

Outlook: Summer training did not go exactly as planned. I hope that the runners were running on their own if they didn’t come to the 20 summer contact days. Many of our new runners made great gains during track and we encouraged them to keep the training going in the summer. If they trained on their own, we might surprise some teams. If they didn’t, we are in a deep rebuild. Lemont returns almost all of their talented team, TF South is on the rise, Oak Forest had a great summer. Those should be the top teams in our conference.

Quincy (Notre Dame)

Coaches: Leah Waters

Key Returners: Lucas Ohnemus (Sr.), Aiden Pruett (Jr.), Ethan MacEntee (So.), Vincent Edmondson (Jr.), Sam Moore (Jr.), William Mast (Jr.), David Gray (Jr.)

Key Additions: Dylan Peters (Fr.), Roan Van Cleave (Fr.)

Outlook: We graduated 5 seniors last year and they all contributed on and off the course to making their season a memorable one.  They will be hard to replace, however, With seniors Luke Ohnemus and Roan Van Cleave, and junior Aiden Pruett, Will Mast, Sam Moore and David Gray; they will bring a mix of talent on the course and a talent off the course to help ease nerves and increase the laughter on our team.

Cary (C.-Grove)

Coaches: Mark Anderson, Brad Slupianek, Dom Garrard, Alex Demas

Key Returners: Aaron Milewski (Jr.), Bradley Kyle (Jr.), Mikey Starr (So.), Luke Kephart (Sr.), Teddy Wagner (So.), Eli Ano (So.), Brayden Baker (So.)

Key Additions: Shane Ryan (Fr.), Danny Klemann (Fr.), Tristan Mendro (Fr.)

Outlook: All of our top guys have really worked hard this summer. All our varsity-caliber guys really had their best-ever summers of training. Our goal is to post the same finishes in invitationals as we did in 2025 - but that was with Jameson on the team. Now that he has graduated, we don't have that top 10 in state frontrunner, but our depth is better. If we can place the same as what we did last year, maybe even a little better, then it will be a good sign of our growth. We'd like to go into Sectionals with a chance to make it out.