Girls cross country: Scouting Northwest
MID-SUBURBAN EASTMID-SUBURBAN EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Martha Kelly (second year).
Last year: 8th in MSL, 5th at Palatine regional, 16 at Schaumburg sectional
Key losses: Kaitlyn Ko, Natalie Lezama, Dani Bleichman, Becca Rabs.
Top returning runners: Leksi Opperman (jr.), Angela Apicella (jr.), Calissa Monk (so.), Sarah Prommer (sr.).
Promising newcomers: Kailyn Hellyer (fr.), Zihi Kwok (fr.), Joti Kaur (jr.), Katie Jarosz (sr.).
Outlook: The Bison return three of their seven runners who ran at the Schaumburg sectional last fall. Opperman was the No. 2 runner at sectionals and looks to push the BG attack this season. Monk and Prommer also offer varsity experience. Hellyer has been rising and will be running up front. "We have a goal of consistent improvement throughout the season, hoping to compete as best as possible," added Kelly.
Elk GroveCoach: Mark Heintz (ninth year).
Last year: 11th in MSL, 5th at Niles West regional, 13th at Lake Park sectional.
Key losses: Amy Haderspeck, Hannah Olson, Jackey Cruz, Cassandra Slattery
Top returning runners: Emily Stegmeier (sr.), Grace McDonough (sr.), Abbey Casey (jr), Twinkle Patel (sr.), Monica Cassillas (so.), Tabby Fabin (jr.), Julia Blaszko (24.53).
Outlook: Stegmeier had a breakout junior year and is primed for a big season. She finished fourth in the MSL, second at the Niles West regional, and fourth at the Lake Park sectional, capping her season with a solid 29th-place finish in Class 3A. She continued to impress during track season, taking 11th in the 800, she hit a 2:13.54 in state preliminaries. The Elk Grove senior will be aiming for a state medal this season and will pace the Grenadiers attack. "She is a great example of hard work and dedication. She has been consistent with her training and has remained humble in the process of becoming the best runner in school history," said Heintz. Also returning from the sectional qualifying team is junior Abbey Casey who will be the Grens' No. 2 runner. Heintz lost a core group of seniors from last year and is looking to fill the gaps with a group of runners that gained experience at the junior varsity level.
HerseyCoach: Danielle Freeman (first year).
Last year: 6th in MSL, 4th at Hoffman Estates regional, 10th at Schaumburg sectional.
Key losses: Claire Niemczak.
Top returning runners: Hailey Bowes (sr.), Sarah Harden (sr.), Claire Gritt (sr.), Lauren Grabos (sr.), Hannah Mulroe (sr.), Alanna Ratusz (sr.), Jane Kannookaden (sr.), Sarah Nalepa, Sara Wojnicz (sr.)
Promising newcomers: Teagan Beckley (so.), Aubrey Hasley (fr.), Katie Fredian (fr.), Erin Barton (fr.).
Outlook: Freeman takes over the Hersey progam from Jim Miks, who guided the Huskies attack for 13 years. Freeman inherits a senior heavy team with plenty of experience and potential. Bowes will push the Huskies' attack. She finished 10th in the MSL last season and finished 24th in the 3,200 at the Class 3A track meet, recording the second-fastest time in school history. She will be one to watch as she definitely took a big step forward in her junior season. Harden also is coming on strong. She was the Huskies' No. 2 runner last season and was a state qualifier in the 1,600 for track. Gritt was selected for the Daily Herald all-area team in girl's basketball and brings that same type of intensity to cross country. Mulroe and Grabos were also part of a Huskies lineup that returns six of its top seven runners this season. A talented freshman class could push for a top-seven spot by season's end. With that type of experience and talent, Freeman and Huskies have their eyes set on a possible state qualification. "We have an experience team, they are close and have learned to push each other," added Freeman.
ProspectCoach: Pete Wintermute (third year).
Last year: MSL champions, Hoffman Estates regional champions, 6th at Schaumburg sectional, MSL East division champion.
Key losses: Veronica Holloway.
Top returning runners: Brooke Wilson (sr.), Aileen White (sr.), Molly Leeney (sr.), Elizabeth Galloway (sr.), Molly Heil (sr.), Marissa Valentini (so.), Jenna Baltes (so.), Cori Drew (so.), Julia O'Grady (so.), Mikayla Olsen (jr.), Sydney Kitzmiller (jr.), Kaitlyn Rouse (jr.).
Promising newcomers: Paula Paliwoda (so), Emily Hubbard (fr.), Kendall O'Malley (fr.), Anna Andrushchenko (fr.), Sarah Hindmand (fr.).
Outlook: Prospect enters the season as strong favorite to win its second consecutive MSL title. The Knights return 14 of their top 15 runners. It starts with Wilson, who finished third at the Class 3A state meet and is the defending MSL champion and Schaumburg sectional champion. Wilson has earned a combined five state medals in cross country and track, including a fifth-place finish in the 3,200 at last season Class 3A state track meet. She is one of the elite distance runners in Illinois and shows no signs of slowing down. "She just has an unbelievable fire, and is motivated to do stuff on her own … day in and day out, she just gets it done," said Wintermute of his star runner. White definitely helped give the Knights a lift as their No. 2 runner and a wave of young runners have kept the team moving. Valentini opened a few eyes early last season before being injured in early October; she was the Knights' No. 2 runner before the injury and definitely has the talent to be a front-runner this year. O'Grady, Baltes, and Olsen also were key members of the Knights' surge. Leeney, Galloway, and Heil add experience to the attack. Prospect has the depth and talent, and they also have a bit of motivation. The Knights, despite winning the MSL title, failed to advance out of the Schaumburg sectional, so they enter this season with a bit of fire. "It was a learning experience, now we are looking to bounce back. I'm excited, we have a very, very dedicated group," added Wintermute.
Rolling MeadowsCoach: Lisa Kollias (first year).
Last year: 10th in MSL, fifth at Hoffman Estates regional, 13th at Schaumburg sectional.
Key losses: Gabby Sanchez (Lewis University), Natalie Brady.
Top returning runners: Megan Martin (jr.), Anna Czulno (sr.), Maeve Moran (sr.), Milena Suzuki (so.), Kate Quick (so.), Elizabeth Clark (so.), Emily Schmidt (so.).
Promising newcomers: Abby Cullen, Jane Doyle.
Outlook: Rolling Meadows returns five of its top seven runners from the sectional meet. Sanchez graduated and will be missed, she finished 13th in the MSL last season. Martin was the Mustangs' No. 2 runner at the sectional meet, and combined with Quick, Suzuki, Schmidt and Clark to lead Meadows to a second-place finish in the MSL frosh/soph race. Martin should be the No. 1 runner when she returns from injury. Czulno and Moran hope to lead this young group that is looking for improvement. "The sophomores will stepping up to fill the shoes of the runners we lost from last year," said Kollias, who begins her first season as Mustang coach, taking over from Kevin Young.
WheelingCoach: Tim Nowecki (fifth year).
Last year: 12th in MSL, 9th at Hoffman Estates regional.
Key losses: Melissa Rodriguez, Violet Apaez, Ann Gutierrez, Danielle Pierini.
Top returning runners: Yailene Leon (jr.), Christina Pierini (so.), Saleta Anda (jr.), Hannah DeGraff (sr.), Taylor Gutt (so.), Maria Vazquez (jr.), Nikki Ferraro (so.).
Promising newcomers: Lizeth Leon (fr.), Fifi Ghiorsi (so.), Jessica Talken (jr.), Karolina Balcarcel (jr.), Lora Williams (jr.).
Outlook: Yailene Leon will lead the Wheeling charge. The Wildcats junior has taken steps each of her first two season and was a state qualifier in track for the 800 last spring. This could be the year she makes a move in conference. Pierini and Anda form the chase pack, with DeGraff adding experience and leadership. Nowecki is very impressed with the team's chemistry and mentioned that the girls had a strong summer base training. Now the Wildcats are looking to make a mark during the season.
MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Debbie Revolta (26th year).
Last year: 16th in Class 3A, 2nd in MSL, Palatine regional champion, 3rd at Schaumburg sectional, MSL West division champion.
Key losses: Lauren Conroy, Arushi Agarwal.
Top returning runners: Jocelyn Long (jr.), Sammie Samaryczew (sr.), Caitlin Feely (jr.), Eve Hoeltgen (so.), Sophie Hoeltgen (so.).
Promising newcomers: Alyssa Norris (fr.), Bella Fier (fr.).
Outlook: Barrington came up big at the sectional meet last year, finishing in third place and capping a nice season. The Fillies finished 16th in Class 3A and return five of their seven runners - including Long, who finished fifth in Class 3A. Long also finished seventh in Class 3A at the state track finals and enters her junior season with high expectations. Eve and Sophie Hoeltgen gave the Fillies' attack a jolt in their freshman season, but Sophie is out recovering from a hip injury. Samaryczew also was a key member of the Fillies' attack last season and returns to provide senior leadership, and Revolta is also counting on Feely. Losing Conroy hurt, and with Sophie Hoeltgen out with an injury the Fillies have some gaps to fill. But Revolta know what levers to pull and should have the team ready for an MSL meet and state series. "We are just looking to get better from meet to meet, and run our best in the state series," added Revolta.
ConantCoach: Ron Theberge (seventh year).
Last year: 9th in MSL, 7th at Hoffman Estates regional.
Key losses: Natalie Lakomski, Heather Cizek, Jessica Bruscemi, Shreena Patel, Allie Gade.
Top returning runners: Sydney Davis (sr), Michelle Meister (sr.), Brooke Peterson (jr.), Anne Stanislawski , Kelsey Glennon (sr.).
Promising newcomers: Amanda Wrona (jr.), Kyla Charmers (jr.), Jessica Meister (so.).
Oultook: Davis is back and that is good news for Conant. The Cougar senior had a strong junior season, finishing sixth in the MSL, third at Hoffman Estate regionals, and qualifying for state with a 16th-place finish at the Schaumburg sectional. Davis finished 51st in Class 3A and the experience she gained should benefit her this year. Look for big things from Davis. "Her work ethic and dedication are second to none, she has turned into an outstanding leader and I'm looking forward to watching her continued growth and improvement," said Theberge. Michelle Meister is also back; she was the Cougars' No. 2 runner at the MSL meet last year. Stanislawski is coming off a strong track season and summer running program and joins the lead group. Jessica Meister and Peterson also gained valuable experience and will look to continue to progress this season.
FremdCoach: Joe Marcin (fourth year).
Last year: 7th in MSL, 8th at Hoffman Estates regional.
Key losses: Nora Finegan, Megan Benka, Monica Zawisza, Bell Moroney, Sarah Brand.
Top returning runners: Linda Varela (sr.), Hannah Ban (jr.), Fiona Jordan (jr.), Clare-Oehler-O'Sullivan (jr.), Jordyn Iannuzzelli (so.), Nupur Pokharkar (jr.).
Promising newcomers: Rebecca Markham (fr.), Lucy Jiang (fr.), Marisa Ban (fr.), Julia Finegan (fr.), Julia LaDuke (fr.), Audrey Klink (fr.), Emma Odle (fr.).
Outlook: Varela is the No. 1 runner and leads a Viking team that returns four runners from the its seventh-place finisher in the MSL meet. Ban, Jordan and Oehler-O'Sullivan also competed at the conference and will give the Vikings experience. Marcin is excited about a group of freshman that could have an impact by the season's end.
Hoffman EstatesCoach: Kirk Macnider (13th year).
Last year: Fifth in MSL, sixth at Hoffman Estates regional, 12th at Schaumburg sectional.
Key losses: Meagan Biddle (Illinois State), Carly Dagen, Reena Prabhu, Stef Pulido
Top returning runners: Misbah Baig (sr.), Allison Schrader (jr.), Megha Ramanathan (jr.), Giselle Benitez (sr.), Vanessa Peinado (jr.), Bella Alansari (so.), Jill Prigge (sr.), Jenni Claudio (sr.), Argelia Morales (sr.), Katie Bonney (sr.).
Promising newcomers: Anna Miller (so.).
Outlook: Hoffman Estates returns five runners from its sectional team. The Hawks will miss Biddle, who keyed their attack last season, but Macnider seems to have a strong pack that will set the tone. Schrader, Ramanathan, Baig, Benitez Alansari, and Miller are looking to link up and push the pace. Alansari was the No. 2 runner at sectionals, Schrader has a ton of potential, Baig is healthy and Miller had a strong track season. All are indications that the Hawks should be in the mix of contenders for an MSL title and a deep postseason run. Peinado, Prigge, Morales, and Bonney add plenty of depth. Look for Macnider to put the pieces together as the season progresses with mid-October in mind. "The pack is back, we'll be pushing hard early to get the girls linked up. We had a good summer of training and I'm very confident in what we have," said Macnider.
PalatineCoach: Joe Parks (eighth year).
Last year: 23rd in Class 3A, third in MSL, second at Palatine regional, fifth at Schaumburg sectional.
Key losses: Kelly O'Brien (Northwestern), Sam Lechowicz (Bradley), Rebbeca Duran, Sabina Yosif.
Top returning runners: Anna Buckstaff (sr.), Izzeh Stankiewicz (sr.), Lauryn Simons (jr.), Jaclyn Frank (jr.).
Promising newcomers: Kate Lechowicz (so.), Liz Lechowicz (so.), Nadya Lloyd (sr.), Danya Lloyd (sr.).
Outlook: The Pirates will miss O'Brien and Sam Lechowicz, the pair powered the attack last season and both are former all-state runners. Buckstaff is the top returning runner and Simons should also make an impact after injury-plagued sophomore season. Buckstaff is bit behind in training due to a bout with mono, but is catching up quickly, while Simons is still shaking a bit of rust off from her injury. Two sets of twins are hoping to make quick contributions. Nadya and Danya Lloyd, both seniors, made progress during in their first track season. Kate and Liz Lechowicz join the team after competing in swimming last fall. Both sophomores look to make an immediate impact and help smooth Palatine transition. "We enter this season with a lot of question marks," said Parks. "We could be great or we could be sitting home watching the state meet."
SchaumburgCoach: Kristin Zillmer (first year).
Last year: Fourth in MSL, second at Hoffman Estates regional, seventh at Schaumburg sectional.
Top returning runners: Madison Marasco (jr.), Lauren Kubinski (jr.), Racheal Vaccaro (jr.), Valerie Schackelton (sr.), Ellie O'Connell (sr.), Maggy Centeno (sr.).
Promising newcomers: Mikeelie Jensen (so.), Katie Smith (fr.), Toria Treni (fr.).
Outlook: Zillmer takes over the reins for the Saxons this year, replacing Courtney Smith. Zillmer was an all-state runner for Maine South in 2007 and 2008. She inherits a team that is primed for success and returns all seven runners from last year's fourth-place MSL run. It starts with Marasco, who finished 16th in Class 3A last season and also finished fifth in the MSL. Marasco also combined with Kubinski, Vaccaro, and Schackelton in leading the Saxons to a second-place finish in the 3,200 relay at the Class 3A state track meet last spring. "She s in really great shape, she is always doing the extra things and that is what makes her so good," added Zillmer of Marasco, who has cemented herself as one of top runners in the MSL. The Saxons definitely offer plenty of experience and talent. Kubinski had a strong track season and is looking to carry that over to the fall. She is looking at pushing Marasco. Vaccaro, Schackelton, and O'Connell also add experience for a Saxons attack that is aiming to break through for a state berth.
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Greg Regalado (19th year).
Last year: 11th in CSL, 9th at Nile West regional.
Key losses: Richa Patel, Ashiya Thomas.
Top returning runners: Lesley Bux (sr.), Brooke Gorski (sr.), Danica Roque (so.), Jocelyn Pantoja (so.),
Promising newcomer: Grace Yue (fr.).
Outlook: Pantoja and Gorski were the Warriors' top two runners at the CSL meet last year and return this year to lead the charge. Gorski is the Warriors' No. 1 runner and will set the pace, joining Pantoja and Roque as potential all-conference runners. "The girls have done a nice job with bonding," said Regalado.
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: Kelli Wosick (second year).
Last year: 8th in ESCC, 3rd at Fenton regional, 6th at Chicago University sectional
Key losses: Kelly Bergstrom.
Top returning runners: Payton McDonnell (so.), Brianna Mastrodomenico (jr.), Claire Bottcher (so.), Maura Hogaboom (so.), Maddie Fitzpatrick (so.), Megan Lifka (jr.).
Promising newcomers: Mia Rafferty, Sophia Dominguez.
Outlook: After finishing 8th in the ESSC, Wosick moved up a group of underclassmen, including four freshmen, and the Lions took off and just missed qualifying for the Class 2A state meet by 6 points. Six runners are back from that sectional team and the Lions may be in business this year. McDonnell qualified as an individual to the Class 2A race and will pace the Lions' attack. She finished third at regionals and sixth at the sectionals and has established herself as the team's No. 1 runner. Botcher and Hogaboom are primed for a breakout season and they figure to push McDonnell. "The team's expectation for this year is to make it state. Last year the majority of my top runners were freshman, they now understand what it takes to make it down to state together, " said Wosick.
WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Emily Schader (16th year).
Last year: 2nd in WSG, 8th at York regional.
Key losses: Estefania Ramirez, Misia Szelazek, Katherine Hinojosa.
Top returning runners: Jasmine Salvador -Diaz (sr.), Jazmin Santoyo (so.), Anmar Cabral (jr.), Salma Rodriguez (jr.), Evelyn Arzola (so.), Jazlyn Zavala (jr.).
Promising newcomers: Evie Perez (fr.), Brenda Bolivar (fr.).
Outlook: Santoyo will pace the Eagles' attack and is looking to build off a strong freshman season. Salvador-Diaz and Cabral will keep the surge moving and also add valuable leadership. Last year Leyden finished second in the WSG, the best finish under Schader, who has been the Eagles' coach for 16 years. They lost four runners from that group, but Schader seems to have the numbers to make another strong run in conference. "We look to push the pace again this year and see where our new talent can take us," added Schader.
NORTHEASTERN ATHLETICChristian Liberty AcademyCoach: Taylor Stafford Bauer
Key returning runners: Isabella Wolke, Emma Wolke.
Outlook: Isabella Wolke has definitely made a name for herself. The Chargers senior is coming off consecutive state medals in cross country, including a 15th-place finish in Class 1A last season. She has also earned three Class 1A state track medals, including a fifth-place finish in the 3,200 and sixth-place finish in the 1,600 at last season's state track meet. Big things are expected of Isabella in her final year and the senior seems ready. "She has been huge, and she is a great role model. It has been great for our school to have a runner like her. She is always looking to improve and the goal is always to get a bit closer to the No. 1 spot," said Bauer of her star runner.
- Michael Eaken