2026 XC State Previews: 3A

Girls Individual Rankings

Girls Individual Preview

The IHSA Class 3A Girls Cross Country State Championship could feature one of the fastest individual performances in Illinois history, as Kara Glenn of St. Charles North enters Detweiller Park as the overwhelming favorite to capture the individual title. Glenn has been on another level over the past two weeks, breaking the all-time Illinois three-mile record at regionals before lowering her own mark at sectionals. Standing in her way is defending state champion Karlin Janowski of York, who has lost just once this season, with that defeat coming against Glenn at sectionals. Behind the two favorites, a talented group of returning All-State runners, sectional champions, and emerging underclassmen will battle for the remaining podium positions. With several athletes capable of breaking 16 minutes and others entering with tremendous postseason momentum, the Class 3A girls race could produce one of the deepest and fastest individual fields in recent State Meet history.

All eyes will be on Kara Glenn (Jr., St. Charles North), who enters Saturday with an opportunity to deliver one of the most memorable performances in IHSA Cross Country State Meet history. Glenn has been nearly unbeatable throughout the 2026 season, with her only losses coming against defending state champion Karlin Janowski. She has not lost a race since September 19 and has taken her running to an entirely different level over the past two weekends. Glenn broke the all-time Illinois three-mile record at the regional championships, running 15:47, before returning one week later to lower her own record to an astonishing 15:41 at sectionals. Her recent performances have established her as the clear favorite and raised the possibility of an even faster race at Detweiller Park, where a performance in the 15:20s could be within reach. Glenn's journey back to the State Meet makes her recent success even more remarkable. She entered the 2025 Cross Country State Series as the favorite to capture the individual championship before suffering injuries at regionals that prematurely ended her season. However, she returned during the spring 2026 track season and delivered one of the most impressive State Meet performances in Illinois history. Glenn finished runner-up in the 3200m before helping St. Charles North win the 4x800m relay in state-record time. She then captured individual championships in both the 800m and 1600m, setting another state record in the 1600m. Her track personal bests of 55.4 in the 400m, 2:05 in the 800m, 4:36 in the 1600m, and 10:11 in the 3200m demonstrate an extraordinary combination of speed and endurance. The University of North Carolina commit now returns to Detweiller Park looking to capture the cross country championship that eluded her a year ago, and if her recent performances are any indication, something truly special could be on the horizon.

The biggest threat to Glenn's championship hopes is Karlin Janowski (Jr., Elmhurst York), who enters Saturday looking to defend her Class 3A individual state title. Janowski has enjoyed another remarkable season, with her only defeat coming against Glenn at the sectional championships. The York junior opened the fall with victories at the Leavey Invitational and Lake Park Invitational before capturing titles at the Peoria Notre Dame Richard Spring Invitational and Palatine Meet of Champions. She continued her dominance by winning the West Suburban Conference Silver Division Championships and Glenbard West Regional before finishing runner-up to Glenn at sectionals. Janowski has already established herself as one of the most accomplished cross country runners in the classification, finishing second at the 2024 State Championships as a freshman before winning the individual title in 2025. She also finished fourth in the 3200m at the 2026 State Track and Field Championships. Although Glenn has established herself as the favorite following her record-breaking performances, Janowski has proven throughout her career that she knows how to perform on the biggest stage. A sub-16-minute performance is certainly within reach, and the defending champion will be looking to make the championship battle as competitive as possible.

While Glenn and Janowski headline the field, Victoria Tarara (Jr., Barrington) has emerged as one of the leading contenders to challenge for second place. Tarara has enjoyed an outstanding 2026 season, finishing third at the First to the Finish Invitational and fourth at the Palatine Meet of Champions before capturing victories at Loyola Academy Flight Night and the Mid-Suburban League Conference Championships. She followed those performances with a runner-up finish at the Prospect Regional before winning the Elk Grove Sectional. Tarara has been running exceptionally well over the past month and appears to be peaking at the perfect time. After finishing eighth at the 2025 Cross Country State Championships, she has positioned herself to make another significant jump up the standings. Tarara also brings impressive track credentials, having run 10:19 in the 3200m and finished third in the event at the 2026 State Championships. With her recent improvement and championship experience, Tarara has the potential to break 16 minutes and challenge Janowski for the runner-up position.

Barrington could have two athletes battling for top three positions, as Angelica Hil (Sr., Barrington) enters Saturday as another legitimate top-three contender. Hil has been one of the most consistent runners in Class 3A throughout the fall, finishing third at the Leavey Invitational before winning the First to the Finish Invitational. She followed that victory with runner-up finishes at the Palatine Meet of Champions, Loyola Academy Flight Night, and Mid-Suburban League Conference Championships. Hil continued her strong season by winning the Prospect Regional before finishing second to teammate Tarara at the Elk Grove Sectional. After placing 22nd at the 2025 Cross Country State Championships, Hil has taken a significant step forward during her senior season. She also brings valuable track experience, having helped Barrington finish fourth in the 4x800m relay at the 2025 State Championships and seventh in 2026. With her consistency against elite competition and impressive postseason performances, Hil has a legitimate opportunity to close out her high school cross country career with a top-three finish.

Another athlete capable of challenging for a top-five position is Miriam Eynon (So., Winnetka New Trier), who has established herself as one of the top young distance runners in Illinois. Eynon has enjoyed an outstanding sophomore campaign, winning the Red Devil Invitational before finishing third at the Richard Spring Invitational and second at the Wheaton North Classic. She also placed third at Loyola Academy Flight Night before capturing the Central Suburban League Conference Championships and Niles West Regional. Eynon followed those victories with a third-place finish at the Elk Grove Sectional, competing against a talented Barrington duo. After finishing 16th at the 2025 Cross Country State Championships as a freshman, Eynon has continued to improve and now enters Detweiller Park with an opportunity to move into the top five. Her ability to consistently compete near the front against some of the state's strongest runners makes her one of the most dangerous underclassmen in the field.

Few athletes enter Saturday with more momentum than Marlie Czarniewski (Sr., Plainfield North), who has delivered her two best performances of the season during the regional and sectional championships. Czarniewski has enjoyed an impressive senior campaign, winning the Eastern Illinois University Showdown before finishing fifth at the First to the Finish Invitational and third at Naperville Twilight. She also placed second at the Southwest Prairie Conference Championships before taking her racing to another level during the postseason, winning both the Rock Island Regional and Lincoln-Way Central Sectional. Czarniewski has steadily improved throughout her high school cross country career, finishing 25th at the 2024 State Championships before moving up to ninth in 2025. She also brings an impressive track résumé, including a 10:23 personal best in the 3200m and a fifth-place finish in the event at the 2026 State Championships. In 2025, she finished ninth in the 1600m and helped Plainfield North place second in the 4x800m relay. With her recent performances and proven ability to compete at Detweiller Park, Czarniewski has established herself as a serious contender for a top-five finish.

Avery Hacker (Sr., Batavia) is another athlete who has the experience and talent to challenge for a top-five position. Hacker enters Saturday as the defending state runner-up after finishing second at the 2025 Cross Country State Championships, improving significantly from her eighth-place finish in 2024. The Batavia senior has enjoyed another outstanding season, finishing fourth at both the Red Devil Invitational and First to the Finish Invitational before winning the Minooka Flight competition. She followed those performances with a runner-up finish at the Flyin Hawk Invitational before capturing the Naperville Twilight championship. Hacker also finished second at the DuKane Conference Championships before winning both the Naperville North Regional and Lyons Sectional. Her track résumé includes a seventh-place finish in the 3200m at the 2026 State Championships after placing eighth in the event in 2025. With two consecutive top-eight finishes at the Cross Country State Meet and an impressive postseason winning streak, Hacker has demonstrated that she knows how to perform when the stakes are highest. She will be looking to close out her high school cross country career with another podium finish.

The battle for the remaining top-ten positions will be extremely competitive, with MacKenna Kerpan (So., Edwardsville) among the leading contenders. Kerpan has enjoyed an impressive sophomore season, finishing second at the Granite City Robinson/Lang Invitational and third at the Forest Park Cross Country Festival before placing seventh at the Palatine Meet of Champions. She followed those performances with a victory at the Peoria Invitational and continued her success by winning the Southwestern Conference Championships and Normal Community Regional. Kerpan finished runner-up at the Lincoln-Way Central Sectional, competing against a strong field that included several of the classification's top runners. Her ability to compete against high-level competition throughout the fall has positioned her as a legitimate contender for a top-ten finish.

Barrington could have a third athlete battling near the front of the field in Ashleigh Forbes (So., Barrington), who has made significant strides over the past several weeks. Forbes finished tenth at the Palatine Meet of Champions and eighth at Loyola Academy Flight Night before placing fifth at the Mid-Suburban League Conference Championships. She followed those performances with a third-place finish at the Prospect Regional before delivering her best race of the season at the Elk Grove Sectional, where she finished fourth and broke 17 minutes for the first time. Forbes also brings experience from the 2026 State Track and Field Championships, where she helped Barrington finish seventh in the 4x800m relay. Her recent improvement has made her one of the more intriguing athletes in the field, and another breakthrough performance could put her in contention for a top-ten finish.

Tessie Bradley (Sr., Park Ridge Maine South) enters Saturday looking to build upon an impressive senior season and improve upon her 19th-place finish at the 2025 Cross Country State Championships. Bradley opened the fall with victories at the Mike Kuharic Invitational and Bill Dawson Invitational before finishing sixth at the Palatine Meet of Champions and second at the Peoria Invitational. She continued to compete well against strong competition, finishing fourth at Loyola Academy Flight Night and second at the Central Suburban League Conference Championships. Bradley also placed second at the Niles West Regional before finishing fifth at the Elk Grove Sectional. She brings valuable track experience after placing eighth in the 3200m at the 2026 State Championships. With her consistency throughout the season and experience competing against some of the top runners in Class 3A, Bradley has the opportunity to close out her high school cross country career with a top-ten finish.

One of the most exciting newcomers in the field is Madeline Serur (Fr., Arlington Heights Hersey), who has quickly established herself as one of the top freshmen in Class 3A. Serur entered high school with an impressive résumé after winning the 2025 IESA Class 4A Cross Country State Championship and has wasted little time making an impact at the high school level. She finished fifth at the Red Devil Invitational before placing eighth at the Palatine Meet of Champions and fifth at the Wheaton North Classic. Serur continued her strong debut season with a seventh-place finish at the Mid-Suburban League Conference Championships before taking sixth at the Elk Grove Sectional. Her ability to consistently compete against experienced upperclassmen has been one of the more impressive developments of the fall. With her championship background and strong freshman campaign, Serur has the potential to make an immediate impact at Detweiller Park and challenge for a top-ten finish.

Athena Triner (Jr., Yorkville) has enjoyed a breakout 2026 cross country season and enters Saturday looking to make a significant impact on the State Meet standings. Triner opened the fall with runner-up finishes at the Kailey Fox Invitational and Kane County Invitational before placing 14th at the First to the Finish Invitational. She continued to improve, finishing second in the Minooka Flight competition before winning the Rock River Run. Triner also finished fourth at Naperville Twilight and 14th at the Portage Invitational before capturing the Southwest Prairie Conference championship. She has maintained that momentum throughout the postseason, finishing second at the Rock Island Regional and third at the Lincoln-Way Central Sectional. With her impressive improvement throughout the fall and ability to compete against strong competition, Triner has established herself as a legitimate contender for a top-ten finish.

Another freshman who could make a major impact is Haylie Simpson (Fr., Rockton Hononegah), who has enjoyed an outstanding debut high school cross country season. Simpson entered the fall as the defending IESA Class 3A Cross Country State Champion after capturing the middle school title in 2025. She quickly demonstrated that she could compete at the high school level, winning the NIC-10 Conference Preview before finishing seventh at the First to the Finish Invitational and sixth at the Midwest Invitational. Simpson continued her impressive season with a third-place finish at the Peoria Invitational and a runner-up performance at the Lakes Sunset Invitational. She also finished second at the NIC-10 Conference Championships and DeKalb Regional before placing third at the Lake Park Sectional. With her ability to consistently compete against some of the top runners in Illinois, Simpson has established herself as one of the most exciting young athletes in the field and could challenge for a top-ten finish in her first high school State Meet appearance.

Few athletes in the field have demonstrated the ability to perform at Detweiller Park quite like Macy Ermitage (Jr., Downers Grove North), who finished third at the 2025 Cross Country State Championships. Ermitage has enjoyed another outstanding season, finishing second at the Eastern Illinois University Showdown and Mike Kuharic Invitational before placing third at the Lake Park Invitational and fourth at the Richard Spring Invitational. She followed those performances with a runner-up finish at Naperville Twilight and third at the West Suburban Conference Championships before capturing the Hinsdale Central Regional title. Ermitage finished second at the Lyons Sectional, continuing to demonstrate her ability to compete against some of the state's top runners. She also brings impressive track credentials, having finished third in the 3200m at the 2025 State Championships. With a previous top-three State Cross Country Meet finish and another strong season behind her, Ermitage has the experience and talent to challenge for a top-ten position and potentially move even higher.

Ainsley Carter (Sr., Chicago Lane) is another athlete looking to close out her high school cross country career with a memorable performance. Carter has enjoyed a strong senior season, finishing fourth at the Lake Park Invitational and ninth at the Richard Spring Invitational before capturing the Legion Classic championship. She also placed fifth at Loyola Academy Flight Night before winning the Chicago Public Schools City Championships and Lane Regional. Carter followed those victories with a fifth-place finish at the Lake Park Sectional, positioning herself as one of the top runners entering the State Meet. She brings considerable track experience, having finished eighth in the 1600m at the 2026 State Championships while helping Lane place third in the 4x800m relay. She was also part of an eighth-place 4x800m relay finish at the 2025 State Championships. With her strong postseason performances and championship experience, Carter has the potential to challenge for a top-ten finish at Detweiller Park.

Saturday's Class 3A Girls State Championship has the potential to be one of the fastest individual races in Illinois history, with Kara Glenn entering as the clear favorite following her record-breaking performances during the regional and sectional championships. The St. Charles North junior has already rewritten the all-time Illinois three-mile record twice in the past two weeks and now has an opportunity to deliver an even faster performance at Detweiller Park. However, defending state champion Karlin Janowski has been nearly unbeatable throughout the season and will be looking to defend her title against the only athlete who has defeated her this fall. Behind the two favorites, Victoria Tarara, Angelica Hil, Miriam Eynon, Marlie Czarniewski, and Avery Hacker headline a talented group capable of challenging for top-five positions. The battle for the remaining top-ten spots will be equally competitive, with returning All-State runners, sectional champions, and talented freshmen all looking to make their mark. With a potential record-breaking performance at the front and an incredibly deep field behind it, the Class 3A Girls State Meet promises to be one of the highlights of the entire championship weekend.

Girls Team Rankings

Girls Team Preview

The battle for the IHSA Class 3A Girls Cross Country State Championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive team races of the weekend, with Prospect entering Detweiller Park as the favorite to capture the title. The Knights have been outstanding throughout the 2026 season, combining an incredibly deep lineup with impressive performances against some of the best teams in the Midwest. However, the championship is far from decided, as Edwardsville, Plainfield North, and two-time defending state champion Barrington all have legitimate opportunities to bring home the first-place trophy. Edwardsville and Plainfield North are both searching for the first state trophies in their programs' histories, while Barrington is attempting to overcome significant adversity and capture its third consecutive championship. Behind the leading contenders, Hersey and Lake Zurich will be looking to return to the podium after decades without a state trophy. With six talented programs capable of making a major impact, Saturday's team race promises to deliver plenty of excitement.

Prospect enters Saturday as the favorite to capture the Class 3A State Championship after putting together one of the most impressive seasons of any team in Illinois. The Knights opened the fall with a victory at the Red Devil Invitational before capturing the prestigious Richard Spring Invitational championship. They followed those performances with a runner-up finish at Nike XC Town Twilight, demonstrating their ability to compete against some of the strongest programs in the country. Prospect finished second at the Prospect Regional before returning to the top of the standings with a victory at the Elk Grove Sectional. After finishing runner-up at the 2025 Cross Country State Championships, the Knights enter Saturday looking to take the final step and capture the team title. Prospect features one of the deepest lineups in the state, led by Amelia Kronforst, Allison Kalkwarf, and Samantha Lobacz, all of whom have demonstrated the ability to compete near the front against elite competition. Behind that trio, Adelaide Galla and Caitlin Resac give the Knights an incredibly strong fourth and fifth scoring combination, while Juliana Mihalopoulos, Brooklyn Stocking, or Kaylee Leone provide additional depth that few programs can match. Prospect's biggest advantage is its ability to keep all seven runners relatively close together, limiting the scoring damage even when another team places an individual ahead of its top runner. The Knights will be looking to bring home the fifth state trophy in program history, and with their remarkable depth and impressive collection of victories, they have established themselves as the team to beat.

One of the biggest threats to Prospect's championship hopes is Edwardsville, which has enjoyed an outstanding 2026 season and enters Saturday with an opportunity to make program history. The Tigers have never won a state trophy in girls cross country, but this year's squad has demonstrated that it belongs among the classification's elite. Edwardsville opened the season with a victory at the Granite City Robinson/Lang Invitational before finishing runner-up at the Forest Park Cross Country Classic. The Tigers followed those performances with a victory at their home Edwardsville Invitational and an impressive runner-up finish at the Palatine Meet of Champions. They continued their dominance by winning the Peoria Invitational, Madison County Championships, and Southwestern Conference Championships before capturing both the Normal Community Regional and Lincoln-Way Central Sectional titles. Edwardsville finished eighth at the 2025 State Championships, but its performances this fall suggest that a significant jump is possible. Leading the way is MacKenna Kerpan, one of the top individual runners in Class 3A, who provides the Tigers with a legitimate front-runner capable of scoring very few points. Behind Kerpan, Morgan Popelar gives Edwardsville another strong presence near the front, while Ella Thompson, Reagan Jumper, and Willow Jackson form an impressive scoring group. The Tigers' biggest strength is their balance, particularly through their third, fourth, and fifth runners, who have consistently demonstrated the ability to finish close together. If Edwardsville can replicate its strongest performances from earlier in the season, the Tigers have a legitimate opportunity to capture their first state trophy and potentially leave Detweiller Park as state champions.

Another program looking to make history is Plainfield North, which enters Saturday with an opportunity to capture the first girls cross country state trophy in school history. The Tigers have enjoyed a remarkable 2026 campaign, opening with runner-up finishes at the Eastern Illinois University Showdown and First to the Finish Invitational before placing fifth at the Palatine Meet of Champions. Plainfield North followed those performances with a major victory at Naperville Twilight before capturing the Southwest Prairie Conference championship. The Tigers continued their success by winning the Rock Island Regional before finishing runner-up to Edwardsville at the Lincoln-Way Central Sectional. After placing 14th at the 2025 Cross Country State Championships, Plainfield North has made tremendous strides and now finds itself in position to challenge for the team championship. Leading the way is Marlie Czarniewski, who has been one of the top individual runners in Class 3A and enters the State Meet following an outstanding postseason. Behind Czarniewski, the Tigers feature an impressive supporting cast led by Olivia Eager and Ayla Czarniewski, both of whom have demonstrated the ability to compete near the front against strong competition. Laurel Eager and Kate Beavers round out a balanced scoring lineup that gives Plainfield North the depth needed to compete with the classification's best. The Tigers' ability to keep their second through fifth runners relatively close together could prove extremely valuable in the team standings. With a strong front-runner, impressive depth, and momentum from a breakthrough season, Plainfield North has all the pieces needed to make school history.

Perhaps the most intriguing team in the championship conversation is Barrington, which enters Saturday looking to capture its third consecutive Class 3A State Championship despite facing significant adversity for the second straight season. The Fillies won the state title in both 2024 and 2025 and now find themselves attempting another championship run after losing 2024 individual state champion Mia Sirois midway through the season. For the second consecutive year, Barrington has been forced to adjust its lineup while maintaining the expectations of a championship program. Under the leadership of Coach Deb Revolta, the Fillies have continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience, and another state title would further strengthen her place among the most accomplished coaches in Illinois girls cross country history. Barrington has enjoyed another impressive season, finishing runner-up at the Leavey Invitational before capturing championships at the First to the Finish Invitational and Palatine Meet of Champions. The Fillies later finished third at Loyola Academy Flight Night and the Mid-Suburban League Conference Championships before winning the Prospect Regional and finishing runner-up at the Elk Grove Sectional. Barrington features arguably the strongest front-running trio in Class 3A, led by Victoria Tarara and Angelica Hil, both of whom have legitimate opportunities to finish among the top individuals in the state. Alongside them is Ashleigh Forbes, who has improved significantly throughout the postseason and gives the Fillies another potential top-ten runner. The biggest question for Barrington will be the performances of Emina Lutsi and Hannah Forbes, who will need to deliver strong races to keep the Fillies in contention against deeper teams such as Prospect. Barrington's front three could establish a significant scoring advantage early, but the championship may ultimately depend on how well its fourth and fifth runners can limit the gap. If the Fillies can put together another championship-level performance, they have an opportunity to complete an extraordinary three-peat and add another remarkable chapter to the program's history.

While the championship battle features several talented programs, Hersey has established itself as one of the leading contenders for the third-place trophy. The Huskies finished fourth at the 2025 Cross Country State Championships and now enter Saturday looking to return to the podium for the first time since 1990. Hersey has enjoyed another strong season, finishing fourth at the Palatine Meet of Champions before placing second at the Mid-Suburban League Conference Championships. The Huskies continued to compete well throughout the postseason, finishing third at both the Prospect Regional and Elk Grove Sectional against some of the strongest teams in the state. Leading the way is talented freshman Madeline Serur, who entered high school as the defending IESA Class 4A Cross Country State Champion and has quickly established herself as one of the top young runners in Class 3A. Alongside Serur is Graceleen Mabry, giving Hersey an impressive one-two combination near the front. Behind them, Giana Suvada, Clara Vincent, and Alexa Izenstark provide the depth needed to compete for a trophy. Hersey's biggest strength is its balance, with a scoring group capable of keeping the team competitive even against programs featuring stronger individual front-runners. After coming close to the podium a year ago, the Huskies have an excellent opportunity to take the next step and bring home their first state trophy in more than three decades.

Another program hoping to end a lengthy trophy drought is Lake Zurich, which enters Saturday looking to capture its first girls cross country state trophy since 1998. The Bears finished fifth at the 2025 State Championships and have continued to establish themselves as one of the top teams in Class 3A throughout the 2026 season. Lake Zurich opened the fall with a victory at the Rich Eschman Invitational before finishing third at the Richard Spring Invitational and fourth at Loyola Academy Flight Night. The Bears followed those performances with victories at the North Suburban Conference Championships and Warren Regional before finishing fourth at the Elk Grove Sectional. Lake Zurich features a balanced scoring lineup led by Celia Blaylock, who has emerged as one of the team's most consistent performers throughout the season. Behind Blaylock, Abigail Kocher, Riley Muhr, and Patricia Johnson give the Bears a strong group capable of competing against the classification's best. However, one of the biggest keys to Lake Zurich's trophy hopes could be the performance of Avery Muhr, who earned All-State honors at the 2025 Cross Country State Championships. If Muhr can return to that level of performance, the Bears could receive a significant boost in the team standings. With a tightly packed scoring group and valuable State Meet experience, Lake Zurich has the potential to challenge for the third-place trophy and end its long wait for another podium finish.

Boys Individual Rankings

Boys Individual Preview

The battle for the IHSA Class 3A Boys Cross Country State Championship is shaping up to be one of the most exciting individual races of the weekend, with several athletes entering Detweiller Park capable of capturing the title. Santiago Chavez of Reavis enters as the favorite after an outstanding 2026 season that has included an undefeated record against Illinois competition and the fastest 5K ever run on Illinois soil. However, Alex Batsala of Plainfield South, Samuel Assefa of Lane Tech, Karanveer Patil of Lake Zurich, Samuel Hill of St. Charles North, and Dylan Buturusis of Plainfield South have all demonstrated the ability to compete with the best runners in the state. With Chavez openly targeting the legendary State Meet record of 13:49 set by Josh Methner in 2019, Saturday's race could feature an aggressive early pace that pushes the entire field to its limits. Behind the leading championship contenders, a talented collection of returning All-State runners, sectional champions, and athletes peaking at the right time will battle for the remaining top-ten positions.

The athlete everyone will be watching is Santiago Chavez (Sr., Burbank Reavis), who enters Saturday as the favorite to capture the individual state championship. Chavez has enjoyed an extraordinary 2026 season, remaining undefeated against Illinois competitors while establishing himself as one of the top distance runners in the country. He captured the First to the Finish Invitational championship before finishing fifth at Nike XC Town Twilight against an elite national field. Chavez delivered perhaps his most impressive performance of the season at the sectional championships, running 14:42 for 5K, the fastest time ever recorded on Illinois soil. His ability to dominate races from the front has made him one of the most feared competitors in the state, and he has repeatedly discussed his ambition of challenging the State Meet record of 13:49 set by Josh Methner in 2019. That goal could lead Chavez to establish an aggressive pace from the opening mile, potentially forcing the rest of the field to make an early decision about whether to follow. Chavez's return to Detweiller Park also carries an interesting storyline following his experience at the 2025 State Championships. He finished 21st a year ago after running with the chase pack through two miles before fading significantly over the final mile. Earlier in that postseason, Chavez had demonstrated his ability to challenge the state's best runners, building a sizable lead over Philip Cupial through two miles of the sectional race. Those performances showed that Chavez possessed the talent to compete near the front, even if the State Meet did not unfold as he had hoped. He continued his development during the spring 2026 track season, finishing third in the 3200m at the State Championships with a performance of 9:01. Now, with another year of experience and an outstanding fall behind him, Chavez enters Saturday with an opportunity to complete his remarkable progression and capture the individual state championship. The biggest question may not be whether Chavez is capable of winning, but just how fast he can run if everything comes together.

One of the biggest threats to Chavez's championship hopes is Alex Batsala (Sr., Plainfield South), who has established himself as one of the premier distance runners in Illinois. Batsala owns the fastest cross country time by an Illinois athlete this season, having run an impressive 14:17 at the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic in California. He has consistently tested himself against elite national competition throughout the fall, competing at both Woodbridge and Nike XC Town Twilight. Batsala also demonstrated his outstanding fitness earlier in the season with a 9:02 performance in a 3200m time trial. He enters Saturday with momentum after capturing the Lincoln-Way Central Sectional championship and will be looking to improve upon his seventh-place finish at the 2025 Cross Country State Championships. His experience competing against some of the best runners in the country could prove valuable if Chavez establishes a fast early pace. With his combination of strength, speed, and championship experience, Batsala has a legitimate opportunity to challenge for the individual title.

Another athlete capable of capturing the championship is Samuel Assefa (Sr., Chicago Lane), who has been one of the most impressive runners in Class 3A throughout the second half of the season. Assefa opened the fall with a runner-up finish at the Lake Park Invitational before placing fifth at the Richard Spring Invitational. He followed those performances with a victory at Loyola Academy Flight Night before capturing the Chicago Public Schools City Championships and Lane Regional. Assefa delivered one of the biggest performances of the postseason at the Lake Park Sectional, capturing the individual championship against a talented field that included previously unbeaten Samuel Hill. After finishing sixth at the 2025 Cross Country State Championships, Assefa enters Saturday with the experience and confidence needed to challenge for the title. He also brings an impressive track résumé, having finished fourth in the 3200m at the 2026 State Championships and run 9:00 in the event during the year. With his recent victories and ability to perform in championship races, Assefa has established himself as a serious threat to win.

Few athletes in the field have as much State Meet experience as Karanveer Patil (Jr., Lake Zurich), who enters Saturday looking to make another significant jump up the standings. Patil finished 21st at the 2024 Cross Country State Championships as a freshman, running 14:30 in what was the fastest freshman performance in State Meet history. He followed that performance with an eighth-place finish in 2025, establishing himself as one of the top returning runners in Class 3A. Patil has enjoyed another impressive season, finishing sixth at the Richard Spring Invitational and third at the Palatine Meet of Champions before winning the North Suburban Conference Championships. He has been especially impressive over the past two weekends, capturing individual titles at both the Warren Regional and Elk Grove Sectional. Those postseason performances suggest Patil is reaching his best form at exactly the right time. With his proven ability to run fast at Detweiller Park and the momentum of two consecutive victories, Patil has a legitimate opportunity to challenge for the individual state championship.

Samuel Hill (Sr., St. Charles North) is another athlete who enters Saturday with championship aspirations despite suffering his first defeat of the season at sectionals. Hill had been nearly unstoppable throughout the fall, capturing victories at the Leavey Invitational, Richard Spring Invitational, St. Charles North Invitational, and DuKane Conference Championships. His impressive performances had led some to consider him the top runner in Illinois heading into the postseason. However, Hill's undefeated season came to an end at the Lake Park Sectional, where he finished behind Samuel Assefa. Although that result may have changed the championship conversation, it certainly has not eliminated Hill from contention. He finished ninth at the 2025 Cross Country State Championships and has demonstrated throughout the 2026 season that he possesses the talent to compete with anyone in the field. With several major invitational victories already on his résumé, Hill remains a legitimate contender to capture the individual title if he can return to the form that made him one of the state's most dominant runners earlier in the fall.

Another athlete who cannot be overlooked in the championship conversation is Dylan Buturusis (Sr., Plainfield South), who enters Saturday with unfinished business from the 2025 State Championships. Buturusis was in position to earn All-State honors a year ago before falling with approximately 200 meters remaining, preventing him from securing his first All-State medal. That experience has added another layer of motivation to what has already been an impressive senior season. Buturusis finished third at the First to the Finish Invitational before placing 13th at Nike XC Town Twilight against strong national competition. He also captured the Southwest Prairie Conference championship, demonstrating his ability to win against talented local competition. Earlier this season, Buturusis ran 9:01 in a 3200m time trial, highlighting the exceptional fitness he brings into the State Meet. With his combination of strength, speed, and experience racing against elite competition, Buturusis has the ability to challenge for the victory on the right day. At the very least, he will be looking to secure the All-State honors that narrowly escaped him a year ago.

While several athletes have legitimate championship aspirations, the battle for the remaining top-five positions will be equally competitive. Elliot Batz (Sr., Rock Island) has established himself as one of the leading contenders following an impressive 2026 campaign. Batz finished fifth at the Pleasant Valley Spartan Invitational before placing fourth at the First to the Finish Invitational. He continued his success by winning the Western Big 6 Conference Championships and Rock Island Regional before finishing runner-up at the Lincoln-Way Central Sectional. After placing 17th at the 2025 Cross Country State Championships, Batz has demonstrated the ability to compete at a much higher level this fall. He also brings valuable track experience, having finished eighth in the 1600m at the 2026 State Championships. With his strong postseason performances and proven ability to compete near the front, Batz has positioned himself as a legitimate contender for a top-five finish.

Jack Jennings (Sr., Palatine Fremd) is another athlete who has the talent and experience to challenge for a top-five position. Jennings has enjoyed an outstanding senior season, finishing fifth at the Palatine Meet of Champions before placing second at the Mid-Suburban League Conference Championships. He followed those performances with a victory at the Prospect Regional before finishing runner-up at the Elk Grove Sectional. Jennings finished 12th at the 2025 Cross Country State Championships and enters Saturday looking to make a significant jump up the standings. He also possesses one of the most impressive track résumés in the field, having earned All-State honors twice in the 3200m and finished runner-up in the event at the 2026 State Championships. Jennings is the only athlete in the field with a personal best under nine minutes in the 3200m, demonstrating his exceptional distance-running ability. With his combination of endurance, experience, and recent postseason success, Jennings has an excellent opportunity to challenge for a top-five finish.

One of the more intriguing athletes entering Saturday is Stephen Cox (Sr., Downers Grove North), whose 2026 season has unfolded much differently than his previous campaign. A year ago, Cox opened the season in outstanding form before injuries disrupted the closing portion of his fall. This season, the situation has been reversed, as injuries limited his racing opportunities early before he began finding his best form over the past several weeks. Cox finished second at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division Championships before capturing the Hinsdale Central Regional title. He followed that victory with a runner-up finish at the Lyons Sectional, demonstrating that he is peaking at the right time. Although Cox has not raced as frequently as many of the other leading contenders, his recent performances suggest that he is capable of competing near the front. If he continues his upward trajectory, Cox could challenge for a top-ten finish.

Nathan Gundersen (Sr., Addison Trail) enters Saturday looking to earn the first All-State medal of his high school cross country career after putting together an impressive senior season. Gundersen captured the Flyin Hawk Invitational championship before finishing runner-up at the St. Charles North Invitational. He also placed seventh at Naperville Twilight before winning the West Suburban Conference Gold Division Championships. Gundersen continued his strong season by capturing the Glenbard West Regional title before finishing third at the Lake Park Sectional. His consistency throughout the fall has established him as one of the top runners in Class 3A, and his ability to compete near the front against talented competition gives him a legitimate opportunity to move into the top ten. With his final high school cross country race approaching, Gundersen will be looking to deliver the performance needed to secure his first All-State honors.

Another athlete capable of challenging for a top-ten position is David Moore (Sr., Palatine Fremd), who has demonstrated the ability to compete with the state's best runners throughout the fall. Moore opened the season with a runner-up finish at the First to the Finish Invitational before placing fourth at the Palatine Meet of Champions. He also finished 23rd at Nike XC Town Twilight against strong national competition before capturing the Mid-Suburban League Conference championship. Moore continued his postseason with a runner-up finish at the Prospect Regional before placing third at the Elk Grove Sectional. Although his early-season performances were particularly impressive, Moore will be looking to regain that form at the State Meet after a challenging stretch of recent races. His ability to compete near the front against elite competition has already been established, and a return to his best form could put him firmly in contention for a top-ten finish.

Grayson Meek (Jr., Naperville Neuqua Valley) is another athlete who appears to be reaching his best form at exactly the right time. Meek experienced some struggles during the early portion of the 2026 season but has shown significant improvement over the past several weeks. He finished eighth at Naperville Twilight before placing second at the DuPage Valley Conference Championships and Naperville North Regional. Meek followed those performances with a third-place finish at the Lyons Sectional, delivering a performance that suggested a substantial improvement in his fitness. After finishing 14th at the 2025 Cross Country State Championships, Meek enters Saturday with an opportunity to move into the top ten. He also possesses impressive middle-distance speed, having finished fourth in the 800m at the 2026 State Track and Field Championships with a personal best of 1:53. His combination of improving endurance and outstanding finishing speed could make him especially dangerous over the final stages of Saturday's race.

Another Neuqua Valley athlete capable of making a major impact is Jesse Gudauskas (Sr., Naperville Neuqua Valley), who has been one of the most consistent runners in Class 3A throughout the 2026 season. Gudauskas opened the fall with victories at the Eastern Illinois University Showdown and Red Devil Invitational before finishing runner-up at the Richard Spring Invitational and Palatine Meet of Champions. He continued his impressive campaign with another second-place finish at Naperville Twilight before capturing the DuPage Valley Conference Championships and Naperville North Regional. Gudauskas entered the sectional championships with an outstanding résumé but finished fourth at the Lyons Sectional, a result that fell short of the standard he had established earlier in the season. Despite that performance, Gudauskas remains one of the most dangerous athletes in the field. His ability to consistently compete near the front at major invitationals demonstrates that he has the talent to challenge for a top-five finish. If he can return to his early-season form, Gudauskas could be one of the biggest factors in Saturday's individual standings.

Boys Team Rankings

Boys Team Preview

The battle for the IHSA Class 3A Boys Cross Country State Championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive team races of the weekend, with Plainfield South entering Detweiller Park as the favorite to capture the title. The Cougars feature arguably the strongest front-running combination in the state and have demonstrated throughout the 2026 season that they possess the depth needed to compete for a championship. However, the title is far from decided, as New Trier and Downers Grove North both have the talent to challenge for the top spot if everything comes together on Saturday. Behind the leading contenders, Prospect, York, Lincoln-Way East, Hinsdale Central, and Fremd will battle for the remaining trophy positions, with each program bringing different strengths into the race. With several teams featuring elite individual runners, tightly packed scoring groups, and momentum from strong postseason performances, the championship could ultimately come down to the performances of the fourth and fifth runners.

Plainfield South enters Saturday as the favorite to capture the Class 3A State Championship after putting together an outstanding 2026 season. The Cougars opened the fall with a victory at the First to the Finish Invitational before finishing fifth at Nike XC Town Twilight against some of the strongest programs in the country. They continued their success by capturing the Southwest Prairie Conference championship before winning the Rock Island Regional and Lincoln-Way East Sectional. Plainfield South last won the state championship in 2022 and now enters Detweiller Park with an opportunity to return to the top of the podium. Leading the way is Alex Batsala, one of the premier individual runners in Illinois and a legitimate contender for the individual state championship. Alongside Batsala is Dylan Buturusis, who gives the Cougars another elite front-runner capable of finishing near the top of the field. Few teams in the classification can match the scoring potential of that combination, and their ability to finish near the front could give Plainfield South a significant advantage before the rest of the lineup crosses the finish line. Behind the leading duo, Ethan Ensign and Kellan Hernandez provide outstanding depth, while Logan Capalbo and Phoenix Viger give the Cougars additional scoring options. Plainfield South's biggest advantage is the combination of elite front-end talent and a strong supporting cast, making it difficult for opposing teams to overcome the low scores expected from Batsala and Buturusis. For another program to defeat the Cougars, it may need to place its fifth runner well ahead of Plainfield South's final scorer. If the Cougars execute the type of race they have demonstrated throughout the season, they have an excellent opportunity to capture their first state championship since 2022.

One of the biggest threats to Plainfield South's championship hopes is New Trier, which enters Saturday looking to capture its first boys cross country state trophy in 64 years. The Trevians have enjoyed an impressive 2026 season, opening with a victory at the Red Devil Invitational before finishing third at the Richard Spring Invitational. They followed those performances with a championship at the Peoria Invitational and continued their success by winning the Central Suburban League Conference Championships. New Trier finished runner-up at both the Niles West Regional and Elk Grove Sectional, demonstrating its ability to compete against strong competition throughout the postseason. The Trevians feature one of the most talented scoring groups in Class 3A, led by Martin Issa, who has established himself as one of the top individual runners in the classification. Behind Issa, Sebastian Vining and Nico Hampton provide an outstanding second and third combination, while Carter Hollis and Charlie Wheat round out a strong scoring lineup. New Trier's biggest advantage could be its balance, particularly through its second, third, and fourth runners, who have demonstrated the ability to compete near the front against talented competition. While Plainfield South possesses the stronger individual combination at the top, New Trier has the depth needed to make the team standings extremely competitive. If the Trevians can deliver their best collective performance of the season, they have a legitimate opportunity to challenge for the state championship and end one of the longest trophy droughts in Illinois cross country.

Another program capable of challenging for the championship is Downers Grove North, which has established itself as one of the most consistent teams in Class 3A over the past several seasons. The Trojans have captured a state trophy in each of the last five years and enter Saturday looking to extend that remarkable streak while potentially competing for the championship. Downers Grove North opened the fall with a victory at the Eastern Illinois University Showdown before finishing runner-up at the Mike Kuharic Invitational, First to the Finish Invitational, and Naperville Twilight. The Trojans also finished second at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division Championships before capturing both the Hinsdale Central Regional and Lyons Sectional titles. Leading the way is Isaak Stein, who has demonstrated the ability to compete near the front against some of the state's best runners. Stein's performance at Naperville Twilight showed the level he is capable of reaching, and a return to that form could significantly strengthen the Trojans' championship hopes. Alongside Stein is Stephen Cox, who has been running exceptionally well over the past several weeks after battling injuries earlier in the season. Behind that duo, Charles Novotny, Ryan Morton, and Dylan Wood give Downers Grove North a strong scoring group, while Raymond Curran provides additional depth. The Trojans' biggest strength is their ability to keep their scoring runners close together, which could become a major advantage against teams that rely more heavily on elite front-runners. If Stein delivers a performance similar to his best race of the season and Cox continues his strong postseason form, Downers Grove North has the talent to challenge Plainfield South and New Trier for the state championship.

While Plainfield South, New Trier, and Downers Grove North appear to be the leading championship contenders, Prospect has established itself as one of the most dangerous teams in the battle for a trophy. The Knights have enjoyed a strong 2026 season, finishing sixth at the Richard Spring Invitational and fourth at the Palatine Meet of Champions before placing second at the Mid-Suburban League Conference Championships. Prospect delivered one of its strongest performances of the season at the Elk Grove Sectional, capturing the team championship and building considerable momentum entering the State Meet. The Knights feature an exceptionally balanced scoring lineup led by Bobby Wintermute and Patrick Rosean, who have demonstrated the ability to compete near the front against strong competition. Behind them, Landon Samp, Pierce Baker, and Charles Zei give Prospect one of the most tightly packed scoring groups in the classification. Unlike teams that rely on one or two elite individuals to establish a scoring advantage, Prospect's biggest strength is its ability to keep all five runners relatively close together. That balance could prove extremely valuable in a crowded State Meet field, where a small gap between scoring runners can make a significant difference in the final standings. If the Knights can replicate their sectional performance, they have an excellent opportunity to bring home a state trophy.

Another program that cannot be overlooked in the trophy conversation is York, which entered the 2026 season ranked second in the preseason but has not consistently performed at the level many expected. Despite those challenges, the Dukes have continued to demonstrate the talent needed to compete with the best teams in Class 3A. York opened the fall with a runner-up finish at the Steelman Invitational before placing fifth at both the Richard Spring Invitational and Palatine Meet of Champions. The Dukes also finished second at the Peoria Invitational before capturing the West Suburban Conference Championships. York has been especially impressive during the postseason, winning both the Glenbard West Regional and Lake Park Sectional. Leading the way is Patrick Hill, who has established himself as one of the top individual runners in the classification and provides the Dukes with a strong presence near the front. Behind Hill, Harrison Manternach, Michael Gurgone, and Jacob McKillop give York an impressive scoring group, while George Knott rounds out the projected top five. Although the Dukes have experienced an up-and-down season, their recent postseason victories suggest that they may be finding their best form at exactly the right time. If York can put together its strongest collective performance of the season, the Dukes have the ability to challenge for a trophy and potentially finish higher than many expect.

Lincoln-Way East is another team that could make a significant impact on the State Meet standings, particularly if its lineup is at full strength. The Griffins have enjoyed an outstanding 2026 season, capturing victories at the Southwest Suburban Conference Pre-Conference Meet, Mike Kuharic Invitational, Steelman Invitational, Run Down at the Oaks, and Locktoberfest Invitational. They continued their success by winning the Southwest Suburban Conference Championships and Lockport Regional before finishing third at the Lincoln-Way Central Sectional. Lincoln-Way East has spent much of the season competing on slower courses, meaning its season-best three-mile performances may not fully reflect the team's ability. Leading the way is Brendan Hanrahan, who has consistently provided the Griffins with a strong presence near the front. Alongside Hanrahan is Eddie Matteson, whose availability could play a major role in determining Lincoln-Way East's final position. Matteson dropped out during the sectional championships, and his return would provide the Griffins with a significant boost. Behind those two, Ian Schroers, Nathan Schroers, and Braydon Simpson give Lincoln-Way East the depth needed to compete against the classification's top teams. If Matteson is healthy and the Griffins can translate their performances from slower courses to the fast conditions at Detweiller Park, Lincoln-Way East could be one of the biggest surprises in the trophy race.

One of the more intriguing dark-horse contenders is Hinsdale Central, which enters Saturday running some of its best races of the season. The Red Devils have steadily improved throughout the fall and may be better than their three-mile personal bests suggest. Hinsdale Central captured the St. Charles North Invitational championship before finishing third at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division Championships. The Red Devils continued their improvement during the postseason, finishing runner-up at both the Hinsdale Central Regional and Lyons Sectional against strong competition. Leading the way is Henry Miller, who gives Hinsdale Central a talented front-runner capable of competing near the front of the field. Behind Miller, Johnny Krueger provides another strong scoring option, while Elliot Kotleba, Mark Dillenburg, and David Belgrad round out the projected scoring lineup. Although the Red Devils may not have the same impressive season-best marks as some of the other trophy contenders, their recent performances suggest that they are reaching their best form at the perfect time. Hinsdale Central's ability to continue improving throughout the postseason could make it a dangerous opponent, and a strong collective performance could put the Red Devils in contention for a trophy.

Another team with the talent to challenge for a podium position is Fremd, which features one of the strongest front-running combinations in Class 3A. The Vikings have enjoyed a successful 2026 season, capturing both the Mid-Suburban League Conference Championships and Prospect Regional title. Leading the way are David Moore and Jack Jennings, two of the state's premier individual runners who have consistently demonstrated the ability to compete against elite competition. Moore has enjoyed an impressive season that includes strong performances at the First to the Finish Invitational and Palatine Meet of Champions, while Jennings enters Saturday as one of the leading contenders for a top-five individual finish. Their ability to finish near the front could give Fremd a significant scoring advantage against many of the other trophy contenders. Behind that duo, Carter Bartkus and Nihal Kalsi provide a strong supporting group, while Emilio Palmer will play a critical role as the team's fifth scorer. Fremd's biggest challenge will be limiting the gap between its elite front two and the remaining scoring runners. If Bartkus, Kalsi, and Palmer can deliver strong performances, the Vikings have the potential to challenge for a state trophy.