2026 Pre-Season XC Previews: 3A Boys Individual Rankings

Few states can match the depth and quality of Illinois Class 3A boys cross country, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be another unforgettable one. The classification is loaded with returning All-State finishers, state medalists, nationally recognized athletes, and a deep group of runners ready to emerge as contenders. Our preseason rankings highlight the top 25 individuals entering the 2026 cross country season based solely on performances achieved prior to July 1st, 2026, meaning any races or results after that date were not considered in the evaluation. While these rankings recognize what each athlete has accomplished to this point, the real story will unfold over the next several months as the state's best battle for conference, sectional, and ultimately IHSA State Championship honors.

1. Jack Jennings (Sr., Palatine [Fremd])

800m: 1:57.76

1600m: 4:14.87

3200m: 8:59.42

3 Mile: 14:22.50

Jennings enters his senior season as one of the favorites to contend for the IHSA 3A individual state title. The Fremd star put together an outstanding junior campaign, highlighted by a 12th-place finish at the IHSA 3A State Cross Country Meet and a blistering 14:22.50 personal best for three miles. While his cross country resume alone places him among the state's elite, Jennings' track season elevated his status even further. He ran 8:59.42 for 3200 meters to become the only returning runner in Illinois under the nine-minute barrier and followed it up with a runner-up finish at the IHSA 3A State Meet. With proven closing speed and another year of experience under his belt, Jennings has all the tools to make a serious run at the top spot this fall.

2. Santiago Chavez (Sr., Burbank [Reavis])

1600m: 4:13.81

3200m: 9:01.53

3 Mile: 14:27.00

Santiago Chavez enters his senior season as one of the most intriguing contenders in Illinois after putting together an impressive junior year across both cross country and track. The Reavis standout owns personal bests of 4:13.81 in the 1600 meters, 9:01.53 in the 3200 meters, and 14:27.00 for three miles, showcasing the combination of speed and endurance needed to compete with the state's elite. Chavez finished third in the 3200m at the IHSA 3A State Meet this spring, proving he can rise to the occasion on the biggest stage, and followed it up with a 21st-place finish at the IHSA 3A State Cross Country Meet. He capped off his fall season by placing 20th at NXR Midwest to earn All-Region honors. With another year of development and experience, Chavez has positioned himself as a runner capable of challenging for a top-5 finish and perhaps even higher at the state meet this fall.

3. Samuel Assefa (Sr., Chicago [Lane])

1600m: 4:19.52

3200m: 9:00.37

3 Mile: 14:17.80

Assefa has quietly built one of the strongest resumes among returning seniors and enters the fall as a legitimate state title contender. The Lane standout finished sixth at last year's IHSA 3A State Cross Country Meet and owns a stellar 14:17.80 personal best for three miles, one of the fastest marks among returning athletes. He carried that momentum onto the track, where he placed second in the 3200 meters at the IHSA 3A State Meet and posted a lifetime best of 9:00.37. Assefa's consistency and strength over longer distances make him an especially dangerous competitor in championship races, and he'll be one of the names to watch from the opening gun this season.

4. Conrad Saner (Sr., Downers Grove South)

800m: 1:53.30

1600m: 4:14.90

3200m: 9:01.44

3 Mile: 14:17.50

Few runners in Illinois possess the range and versatility of Conrad Saner. The Downers Grove South senior finished fifth at last year's IHSA 3A State Cross Country Meet and enters the season with a 14:17.50 three-mile best that ranks among the state's elite. What makes Saner especially intriguing is his speed, he owns a 1:53.30 personal best in the 800 meters and has also run 4:14.90 for 1600 meters and 9:01.44 for 3200 meters. That blend of endurance and finishing kick gives him a unique advantage in tactical championship races. After an impressive junior year across all three seasons, Saner looks poised to challenge for the biggest prizes in Illinois cross country this fall.

5. Samuel Hill (Sr., St. Charles North)

1600m: 4:21.92

3200m: 9:02.04

3 Mile: 14:20.30

Samuel Hill has steadily emerged as one of the premier distance runners in Illinois and enters his senior season with the resume to back up a lofty preseason ranking. The St. Charles North star enjoyed a breakthrough cross country campaign last fall, winning eight races and finishing ninth at the IHSA 3A State Cross Country Meet before earning All Region honors with a 14th place finish at NXR Midwest. Hill's success carried seamlessly into the track season, where he ran personal bests of 4:21.92 in the 1600 meters and 9:02.04 in the 3200 meters while placing seventh in the latter at the IHSA State Meet. His 14:20.30 three mile personal best ranks among the fastest returning marks in the state, and his ability to consistently compete at a high level throughout the season makes him a serious threat to crack the top five and potentially the podium at Detweiller this fall.

6. Alex Batsala (Sr., Plainfield South)

1600m: 4:17.86

3200m: 9:05.31

3 Mile: 14:19.60

Alex Batsala enters his senior season as one of the top returning runners in Illinois after excelling on both the track and cross country courses as a junior. The Plainfield South standout owns personal bests of 4:17.86 in the 1600 meters, 9:05.31 in the 3200 meters, and 14:19.60 for three miles, giving him one of the strongest collections of times in the state. Batsala saved his best performance of the fall for the biggest stage, finishing seventh at the IHSA 3A State Cross Country Meet to establish himself among Illinois' elite. He followed that up with a solid spring track campaign that included a 12th place finish in the 3200 meters at the IHSA State Meet. With proven success in championship races and one of the fastest returning three mile marks in the state, Batsala has all the ingredients to make a serious push toward the top 5 podium at Detweiller this fall.

7. Amilo Rajandram (Sr., Chicago [Whitney Young])

800m: 1:57.47

1600m: 4:18.70

3200m: 9:05.84

3 Mile: 14:28.60

Amilo Rajandram enters his senior season as one of the most accomplished returning distance runners in Illinois after a breakthrough junior year on both the track and cross country course. The Whitney Young standout owns personal bests of 1:57.47 in the 800 meters, 4:18.70 in the 1600 meters, 9:05.84 in the 3200 meters, and 14:28.60 for three miles, demonstrating impressive range across multiple distances. Rajandram's track season was highlighted by a sixth place finish in the 3200 meters at the IHSA State Meet, and he also earned a notable victory during the indoor season when he defeated fellow state contender Samuel Assefa in the 3200 meters at the CPS Indoor Championships. In the fall, he placed 22nd at the IHSA 3A State Cross Country Meet and gained valuable championship experience against one of the state's deepest fields. With his proven ability to compete at a high level on the track and continued development as a cross country runner, Rajandram has the potential to climb significantly in the state rankings and challenge for a top finish at Detweiller this season.

8. Quinn Anderson (Sr., Chicago [Lane])

800m: 1:57.09

1600m: 4:19.61

3200m: 9:05.70

3 Mile: 14:41.40

Quinn Anderson emerged as one of the biggest breakout stars in Illinois distance running this past year and enters his senior season with plenty of momentum. The Lane senior made tremendous strides on the track, lowering his personal bests to 1:57.09 in the 800 meters, 4:19.61 in the 1600 meters, and 9:05.70 in the 3200 meters. His breakout culminated in an eighth place finish in the 3200 meters at the IHSA State Meet, proving he can compete with the state's best when it matters most. While Anderson's cross country season ended with a 58th place finish at the IHSA 3A State Meet, his rapid improvement over the past year suggests there is still significant upside ahead. If he can translate the gains he made on the track to the cross country course, Anderson has the talent to make a substantial jump in the rankings and establish himself as one of the top seniors in Illinois this fall.

9. Karanveer Patil (Jr., Lake Zurich)

1600m: 4:18.74

3200m: 9:09.91

3 Mile: 14:20.00

Karanveer Patil may be just a junior, but he has already established himself as one of the premier distance runners in Illinois. The Lake Zurich standout put together an exceptional sophomore campaign, finishing eighth at the IHSA 3A State Cross Country Meet while posting a stellar 14:20.00 personal best for three miles. Patil carried that success into the track season, where he ran 4:18.74 in the 1600 meters and 9:09.91 in the 3200 meters, culminating in an 11th place finish in the latter at the IHSA State Meet. What makes Patil especially intriguing is that he is one of the few underclassmen in the conversation among the state's elite, and his combination of championship experience and continued upside gives him a chance to make an even bigger leap this fall. If his development continues at its current pace, Patil could quickly become a serious contender for the state podium and one of the top runners in Illinois regardless of class.

10. Miguel Flores (Sr., Berwyn-Cicero [Morton])

1600m: 4:19.70

3200m: 9:06.67

3 Mile: 14:36.90

Miguel Flores enters his senior season as one of the top returning distance runners in Illinois after demonstrating impressive consistency throughout his junior year. The Morton standout owns personal bests of 4:19.70 in the 1600 meters, 9:06.67 in the 3200 meters, and 14:36.90 for three miles, giving him a strong foundation across both cross country and track. Flores saved one of his best performances for the spring postseason, placing 10th in the 3200 meters at the IHSA State Meet and proving he can compete with the state's elite. In the fall, he finished 26th at the IHSA 3A State Cross Country Meet, he will want to make sure he receives a medal in 2026 after missing by 1 spot at his last two state meets. With proven track success and the potential for another step forward on the cross country course, Flores enters the year as a runner capable of climbing the rankings and making noise at Detweiller this November.

11. David Moore (Sr., Palatine [Fremd])

1600m: 4:22.10

3200m: 9:06.89

3 Mile: 14:45.90

David Moore enters his senior season as one of the more intriguing runners in Illinois after an up and down junior year that still showcased plenty of promise. The Fremd standout owns personal bests of 4:22.10 in the 1600 meters, 9:06.89 in the 3200 meters, and 14:45.90 for three miles, highlighted by a strong spring that was unfortunately cut short when illness struck at the end of the season and prevented him from qualifying for the IHSA State Meet. Despite that setback, Moore has already proven he can compete at a high level and should benefit from a full year of healthy training heading into his senior campaign. He finished 39th at the IHSA 3A State Cross Country Meet last fall, but his track performances suggest there is considerable room for growth on the cross country course. If Moore can stay healthy and build on the momentum he showed throughout the spring, he has the talent to make a substantial jump in the rankings and become another major contributor to Fremd's trophy hopes.

12. Luke Marshall (Sr., Lake Zurich)

1600m: 4:26.23

3200m: 9:23.77

3 Mile: 14:22.10

Luke Marshall enters his senior season looking to recapture the form that made him one of Illinois' top cross country runners a year ago. The Lake Zurich senior was outstanding in the fall, finishing 11th at the IHSA 3A State Cross Country Meet and posting an impressive 14:22.10 personal best for three miles, a mark that ranks among the fastest returning times in the state. While his track season did not unfold as hoped, Marshall still gained valuable experience at the highest level and qualified for the IHSA State Meet in the 3200 meters, where he finished 38th. His personal bests of 4:26.23 in the 1600 meters and 9:23.77 in the 3200 meters do not fully reflect his ability as a distance runner, especially given the success he enjoyed during cross country. With a strong aerobic foundation and a proven ability to perform in championship races, Marshall has the opportunity to bounce back in a big way and once again establish himself among the state's elite this fall.

13. Gabriel Gronski (Sr., Arlington Heights [Hersey])

800m: 1:57.12

1600m: 4:09.58

3200m: 9:23.04

3 Mile: 14:49.40

Gabriel Gronski enters his senior season as one of the most intriguing runners in Illinois after a massive breakout on the track this spring. The Hersey standout showcased tremendous versatility, posting personal bests of 1:57.12 in the 800 meters, 4:09.58 in the 1600 meters, and 9:23.04 in the 3200 meters. His emergence was highlighted by a 15th place finish in the 3200 meters at the IHSA State Meet and a runner up finish as part of Hersey's 4x800 meter relay, proving he can compete at the highest level both individually and as part of a championship caliber team. While his cross country season ended with a 47th place finish at the IHSA 3A State Meet and a personal best of 14:49.40 for three miles, his remarkable improvement during track suggests there is significantly more upside ahead. If Gronski can carry the momentum from his breakout spring into the fall, he has the talent to make one of the biggest jumps in the state rankings and establish himself among the top seniors in Illinois.

14. Grayson Meek (Jr., Naperville [Neuqua Valley])

800m: 1:53.01

1600m: 4:23.13

3200m: 9:21.16

3 Mile: 14:23.60

Grayson Meek may only be a junior, but he has already established himself as one of the most dynamic distance runners in Illinois. The Neuqua Valley standout enjoyed an outstanding sophomore campaign, finishing 14th at the IHSA 3A State Cross Country Meet while posting a stellar 14:23.60 personal best for three miles. Throughout the fall, Meek and teammate Jesse Gudauskas consistently pushed each other, with the two regularly trading off as Neuqua Valley's top runner and forming one of the strongest one two punches in the state. Meek's success extended to the track, where his exceptional speed helped separate him from many of his distance rivals. He ran 1:53.01 in the 800 meters, good for fourth place at the IHSA State Meet, while also posting personal bests of 4:23.13 in the 1600 meters and 9:21.16 in the 3200 meters. That combination of elite middle distance speed and proven cross country success gives Meek one of the highest ceilings in the state. As one of the top returning underclassmen, he enters the season with a legitimate chance to challenge for All State honors once again, potentially being in the top 10 this year.

15. Jesse Gudauskas (Sr., Naperville [Neuqua Valley])

1600m: 4:21.18

3200m: 9:15.10

3 Mile: 14:23.00

Jesse Gudauskas enters his senior season as one of the most accomplished returning runners in Illinois after putting together an impressive junior campaign. The Neuqua Valley standout was a model of consistency throughout the cross country season, regularly competing near the front of some of the state's biggest races and posting an outstanding personal best of 14:23.00 for three miles. Although his 24th place finish at the IHSA 3A State Cross Country Meet fell short of the lofty expectations he had built over the course of the season, it did little to diminish what was otherwise an excellent fall campaign. Gudauskas carried his success into the track season, where he ran personal bests of 4:21.18 in the 1600 meters and 9:15.10 in the 3200 meters while placing 15th in the latter at the IHSA State Meet. With a strong aerobic base, proven consistency, and the experience of competing in championship races throughout his career, Gudauskas enters his final season with plenty to prove. If he can pair the form he showed throughout last fall with a strong finish at the state meet, he has the talent to challenge for Top 10 honors and cement himself among the top distance runners in Illinois.

16. Elliot Batz (Sr., Rock Island)

800m: 1:57.16

1600m: 4:12.05

3200m: 9:23.57

3 Mile: 14:25.10

Elliot Batz enters his senior season as one of the more intriguing names in Illinois after a junior year highlighted by several breakthrough performances on the biggest stages. The Rock Island standout owns personal bests of 1:57.16 in the 800 meters, 4:12.05 in the 1600 meters, 9:23.57 in the 3200 meters, and 14:25.10 for three miles, demonstrating impressive range from middle distance through cross country. Batz finished 17th at the IHSA 3A State Cross Country Meet, but his most memorable race of the fall came at the state meet itself, where he delivered a breakout performance that far exceeded the results he had posted throughout much of the season and announced himself as a runner capable of excelling under pressure. That ability to rise to the occasion carried into the track season. Batz placed eighth in the 1600 meters at the IHSA State Meet after running a stellar 4:12.05 and also finished as the runner up in the 1600 meters at the Illinois Top Times Meet indoors, proving he could compete with the very best runners in the state year round. With his proven championship pedigree and continued upward trajectory, Batz enters his final season as a strong candidate to earn Top 15 honors and establish himself among Illinois' top distance runners.

17. Dylan Buturusis (Sr., Plainfield South)

800m: 1:54.70

1600m: 4:13.81

3200m: 9:10.99

3 Mile: 14:43.00

Dylan Buturusis enters his senior season with both the talent and motivation to become one of Illinois' biggest stories this fall. The Plainfield South standout endured one of the most heartbreaking moments of last year's state meet when he collapsed with roughly 300 meters remaining while running in All State position. Despite the devastating finish, Buturusis proved throughout the season that he belongs among the state's elite. He posted a 14:43.00 personal best for three miles and earned one of the most impressive victories of the year at the SPC Conference Meet, defeating fellow state contenders Alex Batsala, Aidan Connors, Thomas Czerwinski, and Owen Horeni. His success carried over to the track, where he showcased exceptional range and speed. Buturusis ran personal bests of 1:54.70 in the 800 meters and 4:13.81 in the 1600 meters, with his 3200m best notably coming during the cross country season. He capped off the spring with a 10th place finish in the 1600 meters at the IHSA State Meet, further establishing himself as one of the top all around distance runners in the state. With elite speed, proven championship level fitness, and unfinished business at Detweiller, Buturusis enters his final season as a serious threat to earn All State honors and contend for one of the top spots in Class 3A.

18. Patrick Hill (Jr., Elmhurst [York])

800m: 1:54.09

1600m: 4:10.29

3200m: 9:18.46

3 Mile: 14:38.70

Patrick Hill enters his junior season as one of the most exciting breakout candidates in Illinois after a tremendous track campaign this spring. The York standout made significant strides across multiple events, posting personal bests of 1:54.09 in the 800 meters, 4:10.29 in the 1600 meters, and 9:18.46 in the 3200 meters. His season was highlighted by a runner up finish in the High School Mile at Magis Miles, an 11th place finish in the 1600 meters at the IHSA State Meet, and a seventh place finish as part of York's 4x800 meter relay team. Those performances established Hill as one of the state's premier rising distance talents and demonstrated the level of upside he possesses. While his cross country season ended in disappointment after a 27th place finish at the IHSA 3A State Meet left him just two spots shy of All State honors, the experience appears to have fueled his development. Hill's track breakthrough showed just how much progress he has made over the past year, and his combination of speed, endurance, and championship experience gives him one of the highest ceilings among returning runners. If he can translate his spring success back to the cross country course, he has all the talent necessary to become a top 10 runner in Illinois and contend for All State honors this fall.

19. Brendan Hanrahan (Jr., Frankfort [Lincoln-Way East])

1600m: 4:23.44

3200m: 9:19.76

3 Mile: 14:25.20

Brendan Hanrahan enters the season as one of the top underclassmen in Illinois and a runner with tremendous upside moving forward. Despite being only a junior, the Lincoln Way East standout has already established himself among the state's elite distance runners. Hanrahan earned All State honors in cross country with a 23rd place finish at the IHSA 3A State Meet and posted an impressive 14:25.20 personal best for three miles, showing the poise and consistency rarely seen from a runner his age. His success continued into the track season, where he ran 9:19.76 in the 3200 meters and qualified for the IHSA State Meet, ultimately placing 16th against one of the deepest fields in the country. What makes Hanrahan particularly exciting is that he has already achieved this level of success while competing against older and more experienced athletes. With two full seasons of high school competition still ahead of him, he appears poised to become one of the premier distance runners in Illinois and should once again be a factor near the front of the field at the state meet this fall.

20. Stephen Cox (Sr., Downers Grove North)

1600m: 4:21.86

3200m; 9:17.09

3 Mile: 14:42.60

Stephen Cox enters his senior season as one of the biggest wild cards in the Illinois cross country landscape. The Downers Grove North standout owns personal bests of 4:21.86 in the 1600 meters, 9:17.09 in the 3200 meters, and 14:42.60 for three miles, but his raw times tell only part of the story. Last fall, Cox delivered one of the most eye opening performances of the season when he placed third at the FTTF Invite, establishing himself as a runner capable of competing with some of the very best athletes in the state. Injuries later in the season prevented him from building on that momentum, and he was never quite able to replicate that breakthrough performance. Despite those setbacks, Cox still qualified for the IHSA State Meet in the 3200 meters during the spring and finished 26th while continuing to gain valuable experience at the highest level. Now entering his senior year, he will take over as the lead runner for one of Illinois' most storied and successful distance programs at Downers Grove North. The talent has always been evident, and if Cox can stay healthy and rediscover the form he displayed at FTTF last fall, he has the potential to emerge as one of the biggest risers in the state rankings. Few runners outside the preseason favorites possess a higher ceiling, and a top 10 finish at the state meet is well within reach if everything comes together this season.

21. Henry Miller (Sr., Hinsdale Central)

1600m: 4:19.06

3200m: 9:17.90

3 Mile: 14:30.60

Henry Miller enters his senior season as one of the more underrated contenders in Illinois after putting together a strong junior year that featured success across both cross country and track. The Hinsdale Central standout posted personal bests of 4:19.06 in the 1600 meters and 9:17.90 in the 3200 meters while recording an impressive 14:30.60 for three miles. During the fall, Miller came agonizingly close to earning All State honors, finishing 28th at the IHSA 3A State Cross Country Meet and missing the podium by just three places. His track season featured consistent improvement and several strong performances before an uncharacteristically difficult race at the IHSA State Meet resulted in a 32nd place finish in the 3200 meters. Rather than letting that result define his season, Miller responded in impressive fashion by bouncing back with a strong performance in the two mile at Nike Outdoor Nationals, reaffirming the fitness he had displayed throughout the spring. Miller enters his final cross country season with the potential to take a significant step forward and establish himself among the state's top runners.

22. Harrison Manternach (Sr., Elmhurst [York])

1600m: 4:19.44

3200m: 9:14.05

3 Mile: 14:42.50

Harrison Manternach enters his senior season as one of the more intriguing runners in Illinois after showing flashes of elite potential throughout the past year. The York standout recorded personal bests of 4:19.44 in the 1600 meters, 9:14.05 in the 3200 meters, and 14:42.50 for three miles while continuing to develop into a key piece of one of the state's premier distance programs. His cross country season was highlighted by a major breakthrough performance at the IHSA 3A State Meet, where he finished 32nd and demonstrated that he was capable of competing with many of the state's top runners on the sport's biggest stage. Manternach carried that momentum into the track season, where he continued to make significant strides and occasionally looked like one of the state's most talented emerging distance runners. He qualified for the IHSA State Meet in the 3200 meters and placed 25th while gaining valuable experience against elite competition. Although his results may not yet fully reflect his potential, the flashes he showed throughout the year suggest there is another level still waiting to be unlocked. If Manternach can build on the progress he made as a junior, he has the ability to make a substantial jump in the rankings and become a factor in the race for All State honors this fall.

23. Isaak Stein (Sr., Downers Grove North)

1600m: 4:24.45

3200m: 9:20.47

3 Mile: 15:00.10

Isaak Stein enters his senior season as a key figure for a Downers Grove North team with legitimate aspirations of bringing home another state trophy. The veteran distance runner enjoyed a strong track season, posting personal bests of 4:24.45 in the 1600 meters and 9:20.47 in the 3200 meters. His spring was highlighted by a victory in his section of the two mile at Distance Night in Palatine and a 19th place finish in the 3200 meters at the IHSA State Meet, performances that showcased his ability to compete against quality competition and continue progressing throughout the season. While Stein's cross country season did not produce the results he was hoping for, culminating in an 82nd place finish at the IHSA 3A State Meet, his track performances suggest he is capable of much more. With another year of development and the experience gained from competing at the highest levels of Illinois distance running, Stein appears poised for a significant jump this fall. As one of the leaders of the Downers Grove North lineup, his improvement will be critical to the Trojans' team success, and a return to the form he displayed during track season could make him one of the more impactful runners in the state team race.

24. Santino Conte (Sr., Niles [Notre Dame])

1600m: 4:25.11

3200m: 9:18.70

3 Mile: 14:55.90

Santino Conte enters his senior season looking to build on a strong junior year that featured significant success on the track. The Notre Dame standout posted personal bests of 4:25.11 in the 1600 meters and 9:18.70 in the 3200 meters, establishing himself as one of the better returning distance runners in the state. His spring season culminated in a 20th place finish in the 3200 meters at the IHSA State Meet, a valuable experience that demonstrated his ability to qualify for and compete against Illinois' top distance talent. While his cross country season ended with a 59th place finish at the IHSA 3A State Meet, Conte's track results suggest there is considerable upside heading into his final high school campaign. With another year of training and development, he has the opportunity to translate his improving track fitness into stronger cross country performances. As a senior, Conte enters the season with the experience, talent, and motivation to make a substantial move up the rankings and become a factor in the race for All State honors this fall.

25. Legend Alka (Jr., Villa Park [Willowbrook])

1600m: 4:25.95

3200m: 9:22.38

3 Mile: 15:24.60

Legend Alka enters his junior season as one of the fastest rising distance runners in Illinois after a remarkable breakthrough on the track this past year. The Willowbrook standout made tremendous strides from his sophomore season, lowering his personal bests to 4:25.95 in the 1600 meters and 9:22.38 in the 3200 meters. His emergence was highlighted by a third place finish in the 3200 meters at the Illinois Top Times Meet indoors and a 17th place finish in the same event at the IHSA State Meet, proving he could compete with some of the state's best runners on major stages. What makes Alka's progression particularly impressive is how quickly it occurred. Just 6 months earlier, he did not qualify for the state meet, making his rise to state level competitor one of the more notable developments in Illinois distance running. While his cross country personal best of 15:24.60 suggests he still has room to grow on the grass, his track performances indicate a much higher ceiling than that mark currently reflects. As one of the top returning juniors in the state, Alka enters the fall as a runner with significant upside and the potential to make another major leap in the rankings.