IHSA Class 1A XC Sectional Previews

 

By Michael Newman

 

Here is a look at each of the five Class 1A Sectionals that will race to see what 30 teams (or more) could qualify for the state meet next Saturday at Detweiller Park. The top six teams in the five sectionals will qualify for the state meet. The next 10 runners that are not part of a state qualifying team will also advance.

 

Benton Sectional @ Benton City Park

Girls Race (10:00 AM)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #2 Anna-Jonesboro, #11 Father McGivney, #20 Pinckneyville, #30 Belleville Althoff Catholic, DuQuoin, Breese Mater Dei; Roxana, Okawville, Murphysboro, Alton Marquette, Piasa Southwestern, Nashville, Vienna, Campbell Hill-Trico, Massac County, Frankfort, Red Bud.

 

Runners to Watch - Elena Rybak-Father McGivney; Jadyn Gerardi-Anna Jonesboro; Ahry Comer-Pope County; Kaitlyn Hatley-Father McGivney; Miah Gilmore-Murphysboro; Caroline Tepe-Okawville; Breigh Diamond-Belleville Althoff Catholic; Vanessa Teel-Pinckneyville; Aleah Box-Anna Jonesboro; Sarah McGowen-Christ Our Rock Lutheran.

 

Notes – Anna Jonesboro comes into this race as the overwhelming sectional favorite.  Freshmen Jadyn Geraldi, Liz Hammer, and Kinley Leek have given this team a huge boost putting them in contention for a state title. First is this meet where they could score 45 points or lower to win this sectional. Three more teams are ranked in this sectional headlined by Father McGivney. The Griffins could finish 1-2 in this meet led by Elena Rybak and Kaitlyn Hatley. Their pack from three to five has improved this season which is now close to 60 seconds. Father McGivney finishing second and under 100 points would be a great thing heading to state. Pinckneyville looks to make it to state along with Belleville Althoff Catholic.

 

DuQuoin, Breese Mater Dei, and Roxana are the three teams challenging for a top six state qualifying spot. Elana Rybak ran 17:11 two weeks ago at Detweiller Park and should be the big favorite in this race. Jadyn Gerardi and Ahry Comer could be in the top three along with Kaitlyn Hatley, Miah Gilmore, and Caroline Tepe are runners that you could see in the front.

 

Boys Race (11:00 AM)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #2 Benton, #8 Pinckneyville, #24 Roxana, #27 Father McGivney, Belleville Althoff Catholic, Murphysboro; DuQuoin, Centralia Christ Our Rock Lutheran, Steeleville, Edwardsville Metro-East Lutheran, Anna-Jonesboro, Breese Mater Dei, Okawville, O’Fallon First Baptist Academy, Massac County, New Athens, Vienna, Nashville, Gallatian County, Hamilton County, Norris City-Omaha-Emfield, Carrier Mills-Stonefort.

 

Runners to Watch - Gavin Genisio-Benton; Isaac Teel-Pinckneyville; Gabriel McLain-Benton; Cole Buchanan-Benton; Elijah Gregory - Christ Our Rock Lutheran; Cayton Catch-Steeleville; Landen Bomen-Pinckneyville; Mason Tieffel-Benton; Nolan Goebel-Breese Mater Dei; Hunter Ponce-Roxana.

 

Notes – Gavin Genisio will race for the final time on his home course and should be the big favorite in this race. Genisio ran 13:47.9 on this 2.92 mile course to win last year. His chief competition will be Isaac Teel of Pinckneyville who finished second at state last year. Teel has finished second behind Genisio the past two weeks. Genisio won by 36 seconds in last week’s race. Both teams should easily advance back to the state meet. Two more teams, Roxana, and Father McGivney are ranked and have the talent to make it to the state. Althoff Catholic and Murphysboro have the edge on DuQuoin for the fifth and sixth qualifying places.

 

Decatur St. Teresa Sectional @ South Shores Park, Decatur

Girls Race (10:00 AM)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #1 Tolono Unity, #4 Shelbyville, #10 Effingham St. Anthony, #13 Marshall, #18 Robinson, #24 Champaign St. Thomas More; #28 Fairfield, #29 Clinton, Monticello, Urbana University, St. Joseph-Ogden, Paxton-Buckley-Loda, Fithian Oakwood, Decatur St. Teresa, Tuscola, Bismarck-Henning, Newton, Litchfield, Dieterich, Neoga, Teutopolis.

 

Runners to Watch - Isabella Keller-Effingham St. Anthony; Kate Foltz-Tuscola; Molly Farrell-Marshall; Tessa Bowers-Shelbyville; Mackenzie Pound-Tolono Unity; Erica Woodard-Tolono Unity; Madeline Fox-Marshall; Emily Decker-Tolono Unity; Macie Russell-Fithian Oakwood; Quinn Wesley-Robinson.

 

Notes – The individual race should be lights out with some of the top 1A runners in the state. Isabella Keller, Kate Foltz, and Molly Farrell have exhibited why they are that good. You can probably add Tessa Bowers who finished ahead of Foltz last week. Keller is undefeated against Illinois runners and should win again in this race. Foltz has run under 17-minutes twice at Detweiller Park this fall and added in a 16:10 time at St. Joseph finishing 12 seconds behind Keller. Molly Farrell ran 16:50 at the Woodbridge CA Sweepstakes race and finishing in the top 10 the following meet at Nike XC Town Twilight. Tessa Bowers should finish in the top five.

 

Eight ranked teams are in this sectional with two of those teams leaving Decatur with their season completed. Two time defending Class 1A champion is the favorite in this race led by McKenzie Pound, Erika Woodard, and Emily Decker. The Rockets could have all seven runners finish before most of the team qualifiers in this race have three runners crossing the finish line. Shelbyville, however, could place five runners in the top 25 keeping them close to the front. Effingham Anthony could have the individual favorite with Keller and a top 15 finisher with Aubrey Denning. The Bulldogs have four runners that could finish in the top 40. Their close to two minute split between four and five runners could be troublesome in this race. The same could hold true with Marshall with Farrell and Madeline Fox finishing in the top 10. There could be a three minute between their second and third runners, then a gap of 46 seconds on the rest of the pack. It could make for anxious moments for Marshall as the runners cross the finish line.

 

It is hard to see who has the advantage as the top six teams advantage. Robinson and St. Thomas More could have the advantage ahead of Saturday’s race with Fairfield and Monticello possibly on the outside of the top six. It could come down to single digit points to separate fourth through ninth place.

 

Boys Race (11:00 AM)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #1 Tuscola, #5 St. Joseph-Ogden, #10 Georgetown Notre Dame De La Salette, #16 Decatur St. Teresa, #17 Clinton, #19 Cerro Gordo-Bement; #22 Tolono Unity, #26 Newton, #28 Urbana University, Toledo Cumberland, Shelbyville, Paris, Cowden-Herrick, Broadlands Heritage, Robinson, Fairfield, Carlinville, Bluford Webber, Villa Grove, Dieterich, Champaign St. Thomas More.

 

Runners to Watch - Jackson Barrett-Tuscola; Josiah Hortin-Tuscola; Will Foltz-Tuscola; Carson Maroon-St. Joseph-Ogden; Blake McLeese-Tuscola; Dylan Howell- Cerro Gordo Bement; Drew Moser-Clinton; Aden Armstrong-St. Joseph-Ogden; Camden Quarton-Litchfield; Evan Cook-Decatur St. Teresa.

 

Notes – So who finishes second behind top ranked Tuscola in this sectional and how many points does that team have? The top ranked team in Class 1A could win this meet with 15 points. They have a great pack that could accomplish that with Jackson Barrett and Josiah Hortin leading this talented team. St. Joseph-Ogden should finish second led by Carson Maroon and Aden Armstrong. This could be the only other team to finish 100 points. Georgetown Notre Dame de La Salette qualified for state in 2022 for the first time. They should make it back to Peoria with a tight top five pack led by John Brauner and Marco Perez.

 

The next two ranked teams have an edge to make it to state. Decatur St. Teresa is having a good season and should advance led by Evan Cook and Matt Auburn. Clinton has a good top runner with Drew Moser who could finish in the top 10 in this race. Cerro Gordo-Bement has surprised some this fall and could advance to state led by possible top 10 finishers Dylan Howell and Will Fusion. Their gap of nearly two minutes between the top two and the rest of the top seven could hurt those chances. Tolono Unity could get to state with top 20 finishes from Eli Crowe and Camden Fairbanks and keeping their top five split under 67 seconds.

 

Elmwood Sectional @ Maple Lane Country Club, Elmwood

Girls Race (10:00 AM)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #3 Eureka, #5 Williamsville, #6 Peoria Notre Dame, #7 Knoxville, #8 Delavan, #9 Pleasant Plains; #12 El Paso-Gridley, #17 Elmwood, #21 Lowpoint-Washburn, #25 Stanford Olympia, Princeville, Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin, Quincy Notre Dame, Downs-Tri Valley, Petersburg PORTA, Liberty, Lewistown, Pittsfield, Beardstown, Hamilton West Hancock, Rushville-Industry.

 

Runners to Watch - Meika Bender-Eureka; Louisa Wilson-Williamsville; Alyssa Higgins-Knoxville; Annabelle LaFary-Delavan; Emma Swartzendruber-Stanford Olympia; Emily King-Knoxville; Nellie Mellick-El Paso-Gridley; Joelle Wilson-Williamsville; Bre Lehman-Eureka; Caroline Wettstein-El Paso-Gridley; Abigail Wolters-Pleasant Plains.

 

Notes – This sectional is incredibly tough with 10 ranked teams in this race. Six of those team are among the top 10 in the state. Eureka has been among the top fives teams in Class 1A and should be the favorite in this race led by Meika Bender and Bre Lehman finishing in the top five. The Hornets placing 5 runners in the 26 could get them the sectional title. Williamsville has a strong top 3 led by Louisa Wilson that could all finish in the top 12. Their gap on the first three and then the rest of the pack is close to two minutes. Their top three finish up front could help in this race. A talented field like we have in this sectional may prevent Williamsville in the top six. Peoria Notre Dame has found their move down to Class 1A a good thing to make it to state. The Irish will need 5 runners in the top 38 with Julia Mingus and Meghan Zopel finishing in the top 20.

 

Delavan and Knoxville have surprised some this fall. With every race and their close to the top finishes, the two teams are in position to a state trip. Pleasant Plains, led by Abigail Wolters and Caroline Willenborg  who could finish near the top 20. The Cardinals need to keep their split under 60 seconds in making it to state. Out of the remaining top 30 teams, it could be El Paso-Gridley and Elmwood that could knock out one of the top 10 teams. El Paso-Gridley has Nellie Mellick and Caroline Wettstein finishing in the top 15. They need to have a split under 70 seconds to move the Titans in the top six. Elmwood could have Addie Symonds and Olivia Stage finish in the top 20. Their split needs to be under 60 seconds to advance to state.

 

Meika Bender has been one of the top runners in this sectional and could run away with the sectional title. Louisa Wilson has finished in the top five at state in her first two state meets. I would keep an eye on her in this race. Alyssa Higgins and Annabelle LaFary are runners that you should watch for in this race.

 

Boys Race (11:00 AM)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #3 Elmwood, #4 Eureka, #6 Peoria Notre Dame, #7 Pleasant Plains, #12 El Paso-Gridley, #18 Petersburg PORTA; #23 Delavan, #25 Princeville, Downs-Tri Valley, Deer Creek-Mackinaw, Quincy Notre Dame, Bloomington Central Catholic, Auburn, Williamsville, Illini Bluffs, Liberty, Astoria, Hamilton West Hancock, Illini West, Lewistown, Havana.

 

Runners to Watch - Isaiah Hill-Elmwood; Elijah Teefey-Pleasant Plains; Isaac Krumrine-Riverton; Dean Witzig-El Paso-Gridley; Andrew Perry-Eureka; Andrew Elward-Peoria Notre Dame; Brady Monk-Eureka; Sam Springer-Delavan; Joey Bosch-Princeville; Jack Willenborg-Pleasant Plains; Carson Lehman-Eureka.

 

Notes – This sectional race only has eight ranked teams in the field. 6 of those teams are among the top 18 in the state. Elmwood’s pack behind individual race favorite Isaiah Hill has improved heading into this meet. Reed Florey and Aiden Faulkner should lead the pack that will need a 2-5 split of 48 seconds to win the sectional title. Eureka finished third last week in their regional but just 11 points behind Elmwood. The Hornets placed 4 runners in the top 14 last week led by Andrew Perry and Brady Monk. The split on five in this race was 85 seconds. That needs to come down to 64 seconds for Eureka to challenge for the win. Peoria Notre Dame had a similar split similar to Eureka but finished three points ahead in second. Andrew Elward and Max Kilby finishing in the top 15 will help.

 

El Paso-Gridley led by Dean Witzig could get El Paso-Gridley to state by finishing in the top 5 and the team having 5 runners finishing in the top 40. Pleasant Plains with top 10 finishers in Elijah Teefey and Jack Willenborg will need five runners under 17-minutes to secure a trip to the state. Petersburg PORTA and Delavan are close enough to the five teams mentioned. Only six spots are open to make it to the state meet.

 

Isaiah Hill and Elijah Teefey are among the favorites to watch in the front of Saturday’s race with Dean Witzig, Sam Springer, and Isaac Krumrine challenging for a top three finish.

 

Kankakee McNamara Sectional @ Kankakee Community College

Girls Race (10:00 AM)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #14 Chicago Christian, #19 Herscher, #22 IC Catholic Prep, #23 Latin School, #26 Montini Catholic, Beecher; Lisle, Harvest Christian Academy, Willows Academy, Peotone, Kankakee McNamara, FW Parker, Reginia Dominican, Josephinum, Southland College Prep, Acero/Soto.

 

Runners to Watch - Mia Kotler-Latin School; Sydney Gertsen-Montini Catholic; Grace Mullin-Chicago Christian; Ellen Anderson-Latin School; Kyla Babb-Westmont; Ashlynn Lindt-Montini Catholic; Graziella Narcisi-IC Catholic Prep; Evita Martinez-Kankakee McNamara; Kaylee O’Sullivan-Chicago Christian; Celeste Richards-Peotone.

 

Notes – Five ranked teams in this sectional in this race should advance to the state meet. Chicago Christian heads into this meet as the favorite with Grace Mullin, Kaylee O’Sullivan, and Kihra Moes all top 10 possibilities. Herscher could be within 25 points of Chicago Christian if they can get Gianna High, Kelly O’Connor, and Garcie Kent all finishing in the top 20. Montini Catholic has a strong top two with Sydney Gertsen and Ashlynn Lindt possible to finish in the top five. I see them among the top three teams in this race. IC Catholic led by Graziella Narcisi should make a trip to stet. Latin School could have three runners in the top 20 led by Mia Kotler. They could surpass Montini and IC Catholic Prep on Saturday. Beecher is not ranked but are good enough to make it to state ahead of Lisle.

 

Mia Kotler is undefeated in the five races she has run in this season. Kotler should be the big favorite in this race. Sydney Gertsen could finish second ahead of Grace Mullin, Ellen Anderson, and Kyla Babb finishing in the top five.

 

Boys Race (10:45 AM)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #11 Niles Northridge Prep, #21 Herscher, #29 Harvest Christian Academy, Montini Catholic, Timothy Christian, Winnetka North Shore Country Day; Chicago Christian, Cullom- Tri Point, Lisle, Westmont, Iroquois West, Rickover Naval Academy, Walther Christian, FW Parker, Hope Academy, Beacon Academy, Kankakee McNamara, Southland College Prep.

 

Runners to Watch - John Kipp-Niles Northridge Prep; Nolan Ferris-Montini Catholic; Noah Luke-Chicago Christian; Owen Keyt-Winnetka North Shore Country Day; Andrew McTaggart-Watseka; Peter Kipp-Niles Northridge Prep; James Barder-Niles Northridge Prep; Jackson Kruse-Herscher; Tyce Plaisier-Timothy Christian; Brayden Shepard-Herscher.

 

Notes – Only three teams are ranked in this Boys Sectional race with all strong choices to make it to state. No surprise that Niles Northridge is the favorite in this race. The Knights could have 5 runners finish in the top 15 led by individual favorite John Kipp. Herscher should have three runners in the top ten with Jackson Kruse and Brayden Shepard fast enough to finish in the top 10. Montini is possible to finish in the top six in this meet led by one of the individual favorites Nolan Ferris. Timothy Christian is strong enough to make it to state and could finish ahead of Montini. North Shore Country Day may finish in the sixth spot ahead of Chicago Christian.

 

Oregon Sectional @ Oregon Park West

Girls Race (10:00 AM)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #15 Winnebago, #16 Seneca, #27 Toulon Stark County, Erie-Prophetstown, Cambridge, Richmond-Burton; Aurora Central Catholic, Byron, Rockford Christian, Riverdale, Kewanee Wethersfield, Mercer County, Rockridge, Lanark Eastland, Rock Island-Alleman, Genoa-Kingston, Oregon, Princeton, Amboy, Somonauk, Mendota.

 

Runners to Watch - Emily Downing-Cambridge; Kennady Anderson-Kewanee Wethersfield; Evelyn O’Connor, Seneca; Cecillia Hilby-Aurora Central Catholic; Dusti Smith-Toulon Stark County; Jana Vande Kemp-Cambridge; Morgan Capriola-Winnebago; Alexia Spatz-Richmond Burton; Olivia Thomsen-Orion; Madison Mathis-Sherrard.

 

Notes – Seneca and Winnebago could be the co-favorites in this sectional after top ranked Sherrard in the regionals did not advance out finishing with only four runners. Winnebago has rebuilt after losing three all-state runners. Morgan Capriola leads Bago that could have their top 5 in the top 45 to challenge for the win. Evelyn O’Connor is the top runner for Seneca as they pursue a sectional win. The Irish will have O’Connor among the top five runners. Having 3 runners in the top 30 and 2 more runners finishing in the top 50 could give them the sectional title. Stark County has been a surprise this season with the help of freshman Dusti Smith. The Rebels could make it to state. Erie-Prophetstown , Richmond-Burton, and Aurora Central Catholic all could make it to state.

 

It should be a great individual race with all-state runners Kennady Anderson and Emily Downing the big favorites in the top two. Cecilia Hilby, Evelyn O’Connor, and Dusti Smith could all finish among the top five runners.

 

Boys Race (11:00 AM)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #9 Rockford Christian, #13 Aurora Central Catholic, #14 Riverdale, #15 Winnebago, #20 Erie-Prophetstown, #30 Sterling Newman; Mercer County, Byron, Rock Island Alleman, Richmond-Burton, Rockford Lutheran, Kewanee Wethersfield, Sherrard, Genoa-Kingston, Forreston-Polo, Henry-Senachwine, Dwight, Mendota, Seneca, Princeton.

 

Runners to Watch – Weston Forward-Rockford Christian; Patrick Hilby-Aurora Central Catholic; Nicolai Martino-Winnebago; Ben Bohr-Aurora Central Catholic; Tim Starwalt-Byron; Charlie Link-Erie Prophetstown; Karson Shrum-Kewanee Wethersfield; Andrew Kurien-Rockford Christian; Braeden Bode-Riverdale; Joseph Erb-Winnebago.

 

Notes – Rockford Christian and Aurora Central Catholic should challenge for the sectional win. It could be defending sectional champion Riverdale that may have a say in that. Rockford Christian does have one of the individuals with Weston Forward. Andrew Kurien could finish in the top 10 to lead the pack that could have all their scorers finish in the top 40. Patrick Hilby has showed great improvement while leading Aurora Central Catholic. Hilby should challenge Forward for the sectional title. Ben Bohr should be in the top 5. A top five with the five finishers in the top 25 could give the Chargers a sectional title. Riverdale reloaded after losing three all-state runners to graduation. Braeden Bode and Andy Murray should finishing in the top to help the Rams get back to state. Winnebago could pass Riverdale and finish among the top three teams especially if Nicolai Martino finishes in the top 5 and Joseph Erb is a top 10 finisher. Erie-Prophetstown could be in the top three teams also they could get their runners in the top 40 with Charlie Link among the top five finishers in this race. Sterling Newman has the edge over Mercer County for the sixth and final state qualifying spot in this sectional.