IHSA Class 2A XC Sectional Previews

 

By Michael Newman

 

Here is a look at each of the four Class 2A Sectionals that will race to see what 28 teams (or more) could qualify for the state meet next Saturday at Detweiller Park. The top seven teams in the four sectionals will qualify for the state meet. The next 10 runners that are not part of a state qualifying team will also advance.

 

Geneseo Sectional @ Richmond Hill Park, Geneseo

Girls Race (11:00 AM)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #2 Washington, #4 Dunlap, #5 Morton, #21 Metamora, #27 Morris, #28 Geneseo, #30 Sterling; Joliet Catholic Academy, Lemont, Rock Falls, Ottawa Township, Bremen, Macomb, Chicago Agricultural Science, Oak Forest, Peoria Richwoods, Providence Catholic, Tinley Park.

 

Runners to Watch - Sophia Ramirez-Washington; Abby Tudeen-Dunlap; Claire Blotnik-Joliet Catholic; Isabella Grieder-Morton; Niki Tselios-Lemont; Katie Sell-Dunlap; Ariel Hernandez-Rock Falls; Makensi Martin-Morris; Audrey Heil-Metamora; Sophie Krueger-Morton.

 

Notes – Three of the top five teams in Class 2A head this sectional. Seven ranked teams are in this field. All are good bets to advance to state. Washington will have individual favorite Sophia Ramirez leading them in the front. The Panthers having 5 runners in the top 16 could clinch the sectional title. Morton did not have Isabella Grieder in their lineup last week. The Potters have the potential to have three runners in the top ten in this race. The key is to get their fourth and fifth runners in the top 20 to get closer to Washington. Dunlap has Abby Tudeen and Katie Sell that could be among the top five in this race. Kate Robertson finishing in the top 12 and having their fourth and fifth runners in before 30th place to get them close to a win.

 

There is a big gap after the first three teams. Metamora has showed improvement this fall and should make the short trip to Detweiller Park led by Audrey Heil. Makensi Martin leads Morris that could repeat a back to back state trip. They have a solid 2-3 with Aubrey Lines and Danica Martin. Their fourth and fifth runners getting in the first 55 could lock their Peoria trip. Western Big Six teams Geneseo and Sterling are strong enough for the final two spots ahead of Joliet Catholic.

 

Sophia Ramirez should be the favorite in this race. Claire Blotnik will challenge for the win at Richmond Hill Park. Abby Tudeen and Niki Tselios are runners that you should see finish in the top five.

 

Boys Race (12:00 PM)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #6 Morton, #13 Washington, #15 Sterling, #17 Geneseo, #30 Morris, Dunlap, Pontiac; Oak Forest, Lemont, Brother Rice, Illinois Valley Central, Metamora, Rock Falls, Macomb, Manteno, Chicago Agricultural Science, Tinley Park, Providence Catholic.

 

Runners to Watch - Dale Johnson-Sterling; Josh Weeks-Morton; Dylan Gehl-Geneseo; Cuyler Swanson-Morris; Gavin O’Connor-Brother Rice; Daniel Kasperan-Marian Catholic; Yonas Wuthrich-Morton; Christian Harris-Morton; Jack Davey-Lemont; Aidan Lee-Pontiac.

 

Notes – Morton did not have their best race last week in their regional meet finishing second behind Washington. Morton did not have Yonas Wuthrich running last week. He will give the team a boost potentially finishing in the top 10 along with Josh Weeks and Christian Harris. The Potters win this sectional with a top 5 finishing within 51 seconds of each other. Washington could repeat their regional effort and will make it to state. Washington having Ben Gorsage and Sam Tellefson finishing in the top 10 gives them a boost. Sterling being moved from the 2A Northernmost Sectional to where they are positioned right now as been a great thing. State meet should be within their sight especially with individual favorite Dale Johnson leading them. Geneseo has a nice pack with Dylan Gehl and Sam Mosbarger who could finish in the top 10. These four teams are locks to make it to Peoria for state.

 

There are four teams that will challenge for the final three state qualifying positions. Morris is improving this fall. They are the only ranked teams of the four schools. Freshman Cuyler Swanson surprised Josh Weeks last week at Metamora and could be one of the top runners in this week. The Redskins have a solid top 4 group but will need their fifth runner closer to that group. Pontiac moved up to Class 2A this fall and is in position to make it to state led by Aidan Lee and Fernando Daily. Jacob Gladstone is the top runner for Dunlap who could finish in the top seven. The team has tight pack running that could be under 40 seconds in this meet. Gladstone and Charlie Serrahn finishing in the top 25 will help. Oak Forest has been a surprise this season and is on an upswing winning the SSC-Blue and the Thornridge Regional led by Colin O’Brien, Nick Manso, and Parker Griffin. Lemont and Brother Rice will need big races to get close for a top seven finish.

 

Dale Johnson is the big favorite in this race as he uses it as a tune-up for last week’s state meet. Cyler Swanson and Josh Weeks will challenge for the second spot along with Dylan Gehl and Gavin O’Connor.

 

Jacksonville Sectional @ Community Park, Jacksonville

Girls Race (11:00 AM)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #1 Chatham-Glenwood, #6 Waterloo, #11 Mt. Zion, #14 Champaign Centennial, #15 Normal University, #20 Mahomet-Seymour, #22 Rochester; #23 Effingham, #24 Carterville, Richland County, Urbana, Champaign Central, Highland Mascoutah, Troy Triad, Carbondale, Mt. Vernon, Taylorville.

 

Runners to Watch - Becca Heitzig-Lincoln; Natalie Bierbaum-Normal University; Ali Londrigan-Chatham Glenwood; Zoe Carter-Normal University; Ava Boyd-Mahomet Seymour; Cameron Crump-Waterloo; Ashlyn Chopra-Chatham Glenwood; Renee Ballard-Mt. Zion; Molly Robertson-Carterville; Ally Knudsen-Chatham Glenwood.

 

Notes – It is hard to see Chatham-Glenwood finish no worse than first in this sectional. This sectional is tough with nine ranked teams challenging for seven state spots. The Titans has proved they own the top spot which they hope to keep in their final two meets. Ali Londrigan and Ashlyn Chopra should be top five runners in this race. Their split on five getting under 50 seconds would be a good thing for this team. A point total under 50 points is possible.

 

It happens when you have a loaded sectional, and some good teams don’t get a chance to race the following week. This is a tough sectional. Two teams could be close to locks to make it out of Jacksonville and up to Peoria. Waterloo has been among the top 10 teams all season. The Bulldogs have a solid pack of three runners in the front led by Cameron Crump, Ashlynn Kanyuck, and Danielle Mudd. All three of these runners could finish in the top 15 individually. Mt. Zion looks to be a team we will see next week in Peoria. Renee Ballard has stepped up as the team’s top runner who could be a top 10 finisher. The Braves advance to state if they have 5 runners finish in the top 35. Champaign Centennial looked strong in winning their regional meet last week. The Chargers could have 2 of their top 5 finish in the top 15 led by Brooklynn Sweikar and Farah Scott.

 

Normal University has bounced back after losing two runners from their top seven due to injury. Natalie Bierbaum and Zoe Carter are among the top five runners this year in Class 2A and give U-High low numbers up front. Thei 3-4-5 pack only had a 5 second split last week but close to three minutes behind Bierbaum and Carter. Mahomet-Seymour could be in the top seven led by possible top 10 finisher Ava Boyd. Rochester has a solid front three led by Ashley and Brooke Zeibert along with Natalie Nichols that could all finish in the top 30. Their top five split is nearly two minutes which could challenge them getting in top seven. Effingham, led by Jessica Larsen, and Carterville, led by Molly Robertson, are close enough to overtake Mahomet-Seymour and Rochester for top seven spots in this meet.

 

Becca Heitzig and Natalie Bierbaum raced against each other two weeks ago at the Central State Eight Conference Meet on this course. Heitzig set the Community Park course record with a 16:33 time winning by seven seconds ahead of Bierbaum. The two could lower the course record on Saturday. Zoe Carter will join her teammate in the front along with Ali Londrigan and Ava Boyd close to Carter.

 

Boys Race (12:00 PM)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #1 Marion, #2 Normal University, #12 Bethalto Civic Memorial, #14 Mt. Vernon, #16 Troy Triad, #20 Mt. Zion, #22 Waterloo; #23 Champaign Central, #24 Highland, #26 Mascoutah, #27 Taylorville, Mahomet-Seymour, Chatham-Glenwood, Carbondale, Urbana, Herrin, Salem, Lincoln.

 

Runners to Watch - Dylon Nalley-Marion; Ethan Hogan-Columbia; Owen Morgan-Taylorville; Mekye Lomax-Marion; Caleb Mathias-Champaign Central; Julian Baker-Mt. Zion; Max Weber-Bethalto Civic Memorial; Drew Twyman-Troy Triad; Mason Hart-Normal University; Landen Alcorn-Normal University.

 

Notes – In the past two weeks, Dylon Nalley of Marion has set two course records. He could go for a third one this week on this course. Darryl Frerker set the current course record of 14:26 set in 1981 on this 2.9 mile course. Nalley has his eyes on a new record at Detweiller Park on November 4. He could establish a new record on this course Saturday just after noon. Ethan Hogan has raced the past two weeks after missing close to a month of the season due to an injury after the First to the Finish Invitational. Hogan could be one the chief competitors in this race along with Julian Baker, Owen Morgan, and Caleb Mathias.

 

Marion emerged as the Class 2A #1 team after last week’s win at the Richland County Regional. This is the roughest sectional in the state with 11 ranked teams in this 18 team field. I can see three teams that are good bets to make it to Peoria, two teams that are better than average to make it to state. Mekeye Lomax joins his teammate Nalley among in the top five in this race. The one team that could be ahead of them is Normal University. The Pioneers have an excellent pack. They did not run all of their top seven runners last week. They ran on this course two weeks ago and ran a 39 second split off a 1-2 finish from Mason Hart and Connor Hartman. They could win this race with a similar split and if one of those runners can finish ahead of Marion’s Lomax. Civic Memorial has a strong edge to finish in the top seven led by Max Weber and DJ Dutton placing in the top 10.

 

Mt. Vernon and Troy Triad have come on strong the second half of the season and are running well enough to make the state trip. After that anything could happen with six teams challenging for the sixth and seventh qualifying spots.

 

Trinity Sectional @ Lewis University, Romeoville

Girls Race (10:00 AM)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #7 St. Ignatius College Prep, #10 Benet Academy, #18 DePaul College Prep, #26 Nazareth Academy, Payton College Prep, Fenwick, Northside Prep; Trinity, Elmwood Park, Chicago University, St. Laurence, Glenbard South, Evergreen Park, Amundsen, Resurrection, Lake View, Solorio Academy, Noble School/Butler.

 

Runners to Watch - Annika Swan-St. Ignatius College Prep; Lulu Ton-That-Northside Prep; Juliana Gamboa-Fenwick; Delilah Helenhouse-Benet Academy; Emily Stecky-DePaul College Prep; Ella Hwang-St. Ignatius College Prep; Molly McGreal-Trinity; Sophia Towne-Nazareth Academy; Lizeth Montes-St. Ignatius College Prep; Payton Mathelier-Benet Academy.

 

Notes – Two ranked teams in Class 2A are the favorites in this race. St Ignatius Prep may have the edge in this race with individual race favorite Annika Swan leading the way. Teammates Ella Hwang and Lizeth Montes could join Swan in the top 10. Their split from second runner to fifth runner could be close to second. Scoring under 55 points gives this team the sectional win. Benet Academy has showed great improvement in the second half of the season led Delilah Helenhouse and Payton Mathelier. There split is projected to be nearly 100 seconds on their top 5 but only 40 seconds on their third through fifth runners.  The split is a little big heading into next week, but good enough to secure second-place in this race. DePaul College Prep is getting stronger meet by meet led by freshman Emily Stecky. Another freshman, Sophia Towne, is the top runner for Nazareth Academy and has the Roadrunners on the brink to head back to state.

 

Payton Prep and Fenwick are not ranked but should be making the state meet trip next week. Northside Prep should be the seventh team advancing out. Annika Swan as we said earlier is the favorite in the individual race. Freshman Juliana Gamboa should push for a top five spot along with Molly McGreal, Lulu Ton That, and Delilah Helenhouse.

 

Boys Race (Immediately following Girls Race)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #3 Glenbard South, #4 Benet Academy, #5 Payton College Prep, #7 St. Ignatius College Prep, DePaul College Prep, St. Laurence; Latin School, Lake View, Hinsdale South, Nazareth Academy, Northside Prep, Elmwood Park, Evergreen Park, Amundsen, Solorio Academy, Lindblom, Chicago Mt. Carmel.

 

Runners to Watch - Finn Richards-Benet Academy; Matthew Conroy-St. Ignatius College Prep; Jaden Frederick-Glenbard South; Gavin Lee-Payton College Prep; Gabriel Cooper-Payton College Prep; Jiberil Lesman-Lake View; Tim Jochum-Glenbard South; Luis Flores-St. Laurence; Rocco Cipolla-Evergreen Park; Aidan Hulett-Benet Academy.

 

Notes – The second race in this sectional should be close with four top 10 Class 2A teams toeing the starting line. Glenbard South won at First to the Finish early in September but a 1 point loss to Morton pushed them out as the top ranked 2A team. The Raiders edged Benet Academy in their regional last week and should again be one of the race favorites on Saturday morning. South has a solid top three led by Jaden Frederick along with Tim and Tom Jochum. All three of these runners could finish in the top 10. 5 runners in the top 22 along with a split under 55 seconds could give this team the win. Benet Academy has been among the top five state teams all season and has the talent to surpass Glenbard South. Finn Richards lead the Redwings and will be one of the individual favorites. Benet needs to win the individual runners battles placing 5 runners in the top 19 to capture the win. Payton Prep did not race their top runners Gavin Lee and Gabriel Cooper last week but still edged DePaul College Prep by one point at the Latin School Regional. This team has been underrated but appears to be peaking at the right time. The Grizzlies could surpass the two suburban schools for the Sectional win. St. Ignatius College Prep held out their top seven for an easy win last week at Midlothian Meadows. All of their top seven should be racing led by individual favorite Matthew Conroy.

 

DePaul Prep is gaining momentum and should be in the top seven. St. Laurence  and Latin School should be the sixth and seventh schools that should advance out of this sectional. There are 10 runners that I consider could be able to finish in the top 5. Finn Richards may have the edge, but Jaden Frederick and Matthew Conroy do have the talent to surpass Richards.

 

Woodstock Sectional @ Emricson Park, Woodstock

Girls Race (10:00 AM)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #3 Grayslake Central, #8 Crystal Lake South, #9 Crystal Lake Central, #12 Wheaton St. Francis, #13 Lake Forest, #16 Lakes Community, #17 Dixon; #19 Rockford Boylan, #25 Mundelein Carmel, #29 Rosary, Antioch, Kaneland, Wheaton Academy, Burlington Central, Woodstock, Belvidere North, Sycamore.

 

Runners to Watch - Sundara Weber-Sandwich; Ava Henne-Grayslake Central; Madison Twarling-Lakes Community; Hadley Ferrero-Crystal Lake Central; Izzy Bing-Mundelein Carmel; Lucy Schlachtenhaufen-Lake Forest; Abby Machesky-Crystal Lake South; Brianna Gara-Lakes Community; Sara Armstrong-Grayslake Central; Paige Elicia Caruth-Lakes Community.

 

Notes – This sectional race also tends to be close. Two time defending state 2A champion Grayslake Central seems to be the favorite with three other ranked teams close on their heels. There are 10 teams that are ranked among the top 30 in the state in this race. Grayslake Central has the strength up front with Ava Henne and Sara Armstrong able to finish in the top 10. A split of 52 seconds with 5 runners in the top 21 gives the Rams the advantage. Crystal Lake South and Crystal Lake Central appear to be the top teams that could challenge Grayslake Central. South has Abby Machesky and Olivia Pinta strong enough to get in the top 10. Crystal Lake Central has climbed close to the top led by Hadley Ferrero and her sister Skyler that could put all 5 runners in the top 60. The addition of three freshmen to their top seven has put St. Francis in position to finish in the top seven led by Alicen Sheldon and Erin Hinsdale. The Spartans have a solid pack on their first four runners. The gap between their fourth and fifth could be somewhere in the 50 second range.5 runners in the top 45 could get this team to state.

 

Lakes Community lost their top runner Paige-Elicia Caruth most of this season but raced last week in her regional meet. Caruth in the lineup is a difference maker. The senior running closer to the front with Madison Twarling and Brianna Gara gives this team a boost. Lucy Schlachtenhaufen leads a good Lak Forest team that has state meet hopes. The pack behind their top runner could have a 50 second split. Getting that pack within 50 seconds of Schlachtenhaufen increases their state meet chances. Dixon and Rockford Boylan are equal in talent and could challenge for a top seven team finish.

 

Sundara Weber finished second in last year’s Class 1A State Meet and should be the big favorite in this race. Weber ran 16:55 at Peoria at the end of September and could win this race by more than 30 seconds. It could be wide open for the second spot with Ava Henne, Madison Twarling, Hadley Ferrero, and Izzy Bing all in pursuit for a top finish.

 

Boys Race (11:00 AM)

Sectional Qualifying Teams - #8 Woodstock, #9 Kaneland, #10 Marmion Academy, #11 Prairie Ridge, #18 Grayslake Central, #19 Lakes Community, #21 Crystal Lake Central; #25 Dixon, #28 Sycamore, #29 Burlington Central, Belvidere North, Wheaton St. Francis, Antioch, Mundelein Carmel, Niles Notre Dame, Crystal Lake South, Fenton, Rockford Boylan.

 

Runners to Watch - Trey Sato-Grayslake Central; Ishan Patel-Woodstock; Evan Nosek-Kaneland; Will Gelon-Prairie Ridge; Ryan Kries-Burlington Central; Aryan Patel-Woodstock; Naif Al Harby-Sycamore; David Valkanov-Kaneland; John Daffenberg-Marmion Academy; Jackson Summy-Lakes Community.

 

Notes – This will be the third week in a row that Woodstock will be running on their home course. They will have a slight home course advantage and could be the team favorite ahead of nine other ranked teams in this field. The key for success for the Blue Streaks is the leadership up front with brothers Ishan and Aryan Patel. Both could finish in the top five. Ishan will be one of the individual favorites. Woodstock placing 5 runners in the top 35 could secure a team sectional title. Kaneland is one spot behind in the rankings and ready for this race after what happened last season finishing eighth in their own sectional missing state by nine points. The Knights could place three runners in the top 10 led by one of the individual race favorites Evan Nosek. Kaneland needs to have five runners in the top 60 to make it to Peoria. Marmion Academy is a place behind Kaneland in the rankings. John Daffenberg should be the top runners for the Cadets who aim to run within a tight pack. Daffenberg could be among the top 15 finishers in this race. The team needs a 37 second or under split to make a state trip. Prairie Ridge is one ranking place behind Marmion. The Wolves could be the hottest of these four teams after a strong win last week in their regional. Will Gelon, Evan Gilleland, and Gerrit Dam should all finish in the top 12. Prairie Ridge having their scorers in the top 40 could get their team  championship title.

 

Lakes Community finished ahead of Grayslake Central the past two weeks. Trey Sato will be one of the race favorites for Central. The Rams could have a 20 second split on their pack behind Sato but will need to move that pack closer to the front. Jackson Summy could be among the top 10 runners for the Eagles and the team having an overall 55 second split. Crystal Lake could have the edge for the seventh spot.

 

 

The individual race should be great with Ishan Patel and Trey Sato challenging for the win. Both have seasonal best times under 14:50. It could be Sato with his finish unless builds a big lead on his home course. Evan Nosek could be the closest to these two runners in this race.