2005 Girls XC AA preview

 

 

Building dynasties are hard but maintaining them is harder. The sport has officially only been around some 25 years or so. In this time period there have been several teams who would be considered maintaining dynasties. Palatine was the first true team to do it in the 1980’s and ‘90’s under Coach Steve Currins. He often built his teams around superior middle distance talent (check some of the all time 4x8 relay records) who used speed to overwhelm foes.

In recent times it is Naperville North’s Dan Iverson as the coach building a dynasty. Since the new millennium the Huskies have earned a trophy 4 of 5 chances under his tutelage. It appears a dynasty may be under way. It may be somewhat early to throw that out there but the truth is no other team is even close to the Huskies. Still, the state of girls big class country will be very fierce and competitive. There are about 10 other teams with a shot at one of the three trophies the IHSA issues. Stay tuned!

 

 

 

Top Teams-

 

#1Naperville North- a completely loaded team.  Consider the fact the Huskies only lost one girl from last year’s championship squad and will add more pieces that were not in the state series last year. Competition breeds competition: so good are the Huskies that Coach Iverson believes he has more than a dozen girls competing for the #7 slot! The fact is their #7 slot is as strong as anyone’s #5 position.  It appears another championship is in the works and aside from hoisting another IHSA plaque, NN would like to test its mettle against some of the nation’s best. The girls from the north side of Naperville were not pleased in getting looked over by the Nike Team National committee. Hopefully, if they take care of business statewide a trip out to Portland, Oregon will be an early holiday treat. Coach Iverson believes this line up will get it done: Shannon Phelan (sr) (third; 4:59.55, 2:13r), Bekah Regenfuss (sr) (27th; 5:06), Maggie DeBerge (Jr) (20th; 11:18), Cindy Wu (Jr) (47th; 2:20r?); Brittany Prazak (Jr) (170th), Elle Metz (so) (92nd), and Michelle Stratton (from soccer).  NN has a roster of 90 so there is no shortage of talent should injury or other unforeseen issues arise.

 

#2 Lincoln-Way East- return four top runners from a team that was a surprise.  The Griffins will be solid once again behind team leader Amanda Begs (sr) (21st; 11:25). Beggs should be amongst the top runners all season. Look for support from Sarah Scanlin (Jr), Stephanie Gabyrs (so), Kari Schneider (sr), and Kerry Pecho (sr). The Griffins will need a stay-to-it-ness formula like last year if they desire the second spot once more. Any malfunction with the corps of girls would result in open Pandora’s Box for the other teams listed below them.

 

#3 Lockport- The Porters got absolutely no respect from the gate last year but placed a strong 4th at state. This year’s edition will return 6 of top 7. The squad will be lead by Liz Phillips (so) (4th; 5:03, 2:16). Phillips burst on the scene almost immediately from the first meet last season winning several top invitationals. The Porters will receive a hefty addition to the corps in junior transfer Lindsay Kotovsky. Kotovsky comes in from Lincoln-Way East. She is a talent who has had some issues over the last year prior to this past spring’s track season, where she won the section one 3200m. If all is well Kotovsky will make a strong team stronger. Also, look for Erie Lakie (so), Brittany Johnson (so), Gina Montagno (so) to improve even more. The Porters will be a solid trophy threat all season long.

 

#4 Palatine- The perennial power did not live up to expectations mostly because of injuries and other mishaps (two DNF’s at state). Finishing 11th is solid for almost any other program except Palatine. Also, there were rumors circling of in house fighting among the girls. Whether it is true or not 2004 was a big disappointment for the Pirates. However, the Pirates did make some amends during track season by winning the 4x8r with essentially the XC girls. In addition, Amy Laskowske (sr) (2nd; 10:45, 5:05?) will be looking for her first harrier crown. Laskowske will be a solid choice for individual honors this fall, but she will want to leave Detweiller Park with a team trophy this year. In order for this to occur, she will need Katlin Millin (sr), Carly Bates (sr), Colleen Standridge (so), and Michelle Brunk (Jr) to step it up a notch. Coach Currins indicated that his girls had a great summer of training that took them to Colorado for a week. In addition, he has more depth in case of any perceived slip ups.

 

#5 Wheaton North- Finished 8th last year despite top runner Amanda Laesch (sr) (11:13- all state in track; 5:10) dropping out in state XC meet. Still, the Falcons had two all state runners and return all seven girls. A loaded team will feature scheduled runners in Jackie Laesch (so) (10th), Cassidy Wagner (jr) (18th), Jenna Cerone (sr) (99th), Jenny Kraakevik (jr) (156th), and Shannon Mueller (so). A spot in the top will depend on how well the Laesch sisters can carry the team and how will the bottom pack respond in crunch time.

 

#6 Sandburg- this is one of the few years that heavy expectations didn’t fall on Coach Jim Frye’s shoulders. Still, his Eagle squad will be tremendous should all parts of a sum stay focused and healthy. This is a team that appears ready for a serious run at a trophy if all of the above can be met. It will start with a senior dominated line up of Melanie Glander (74th), Sarah Klaczynski (69th), Michelle Janosz (44th), and Amanda Janosz. Stephanie Lakinger (Jr) is a talent that could challenge. Expect the Eagles to maximize its upperclassmen status this fall on a course near you.

 

#7 Hinsdale Central- a team that will be solid as six of 7 return. Emily Cleary (so) (17th) ran well during last year’s post-season. Although a cluster of good teams are above the Red Devils, they have a legitimate shot at top 5 if returnees can match their intensity of a year ago. Look for Jennifer Laser (Jr) (38th), Gina Kapusta (Jr) (38th team scorer), and Ashley Soltwisch (sr) (101-tm) to form a winning combination.

 

#8 Palatine (Fremd) - proved to be the best of the MSL conference and the town of Palatine at the end of the season. The Vikings just barely advanced to Peoria (5th and final slot out of Schaumburg sectional) but placed 10th with the same amount of points as rival Palatine H.S. (293). However, the Vikings will be in a dogfight to maintain its position in an improving environment. They will look no further than from super star Chelsea Bolton (Jr) (25th). Bolton burst on the scene last year in impressive fashion. First, she grabbed the final all state honors slot and then proceeded to have a great track season. Now, it will be interesting to see if Ms. Bolton can help elevate the Vikings further. Opening day roster may consist of Bolton, Jordan Gorrell (so) (89th), Colleen Sorensen (sr) (93rd), Alison Neubauer (Jr) (135th) and Catherine Zachar (so) (141st).

 

#9 Naperville Central- something strange happened at the end of the season that wasn’t ever explained. NC either totally disappeared or didn’t show up at the Rich East sectional. At any rate the Redhawks were a top 10 team all season and didn’t advance to state nor did they have anyone advance. Hopefully, this year’s team will have better resolve. That resolve will start with Mary Patterson (sr), Lydia Simanek (sr), Holly DeBuck (Jr), and Allyce Husband (Jr). Expect a more improved finish in 2005.

 

#10 Lyons Township- only lose two runners from last year’s team that finished 10th. The Lions only lose Lisa Bokios in terms of a big name. Expect the LaGrange based team to actually improve its stature because of maturity. The Lady Lions will lean heavy on the legs of Jane Simpson (so) (15th; 10:49). Simpson is proving that she isn’t a hit a one hit wonder as she continually improves. She will back up by a lovely returning cast of Christine Farrell (Jr) (80-tm), Jessica Lee (so) (105), Danielle Zimmer (Jr) (110), and Lisa Devereux (Jr) (123). The Lions has one of the bigger programs, girls or boys in the state with over a hundred girls on the team.

 

Others to watch (in no particular order):

 

Barrington- should be back in picture after taking some time off to rebuild.

 

New Trier- need to prove they are a top 10 team after losing several top girls.

 

Lake Forest- will surprise even though not as good as last year’s 3rd place team that earned a trophy. The Scouts will have Regan Grumley (Sr) and Claire Birkhauser (Sr) back.

 

Wheeling- despite losing top runners and several key cogs, Wheeling should have some young talent coming in from fine feeder system. Amber Stack (so)(defending champion; all state in track) will be vital to Wildcats chances on getting back to state and doing well.

 

Chatham-Glenwood- return top four scores. CG has potential of breaking Chicago suburban dominance if key runners step it up. Look for Stacy Nelson and Jenna Kruse to have solid seasons.

 

Benet Academy- will be a better team behind star Abby Higgins (Jr). Higgins is one of the best runners in the state which bolds well for a team that qualified three other girls at sectionals. Katie Dunn (Jr), Jeanine Bentley (sr), and Sarah Clark (Jr) will aid Higgins cause. The Redwings will probably end up a top 10 team if the above girls contribute as well as they did during the track season when they ran 9:17 in the 4x8r- good for runner up honors.

 

 

-Super 25 girls (in no particular order)-

 

  1. Amy Laskowske (sr) (Palatine) - enters her senior season as one of the most consistent distance runners in IHSA history. Laskowske has maintained solid times and performances since entering high school. The two-time 3200m state track champion will be looking for her first XC crown; was runner-up in 2004.

 

  1. Shannon Phelan (sr) (Naperville North) - a well-rounded runner with solid leg speed to go with strength. Phelan is a favorite for the individual crown should she go for it.

 

  1. Jane Simpson (so) (Lyons Twp) - enjoyed a tremendous introductory high school season that extended out to the summer. Hopefully, there won’t be any lingering effects from summer track. Simpson should be a top 5 runner by the time state rolls around.

 

  1. Amber Stack (so) (Wheeling) - is defending champion. It will be interesting to see if there will be sophomore blues. Stack had a so-so track season (11:06). It would be beneficial for her to get off to a great start.

 

  1. Liz Phillips (so) (Lockport)- got her high school career noticed by winning the prestigious Oak Park-River Forest Invite; finished things up with a 4th place at state. Should be amongst the best once again.

 

  1. Haley Staples (Fr) (Crystal Lake?)- will enter high school as one of the top runners in the Land of Lincoln. Staples put on a clinic this summer in JO’s by running blazing metric times: 10:22.88m and 4:42.35 (sub 11:00 for 3200c and 5:03+ mile). This young lady should be amongst the best.

 

  1. Molly Sullivan (sr) (York) - known more for her middle distance prowess despite running well in the longer runs (11:15 for 3200 and 19th in XC ’04). Expect Sullivan to move up the charts in her last year.

 

  1. Maggie DeBerge (Jr) (Naperville North) - sometimes its ok being second best. DeBerge should be the second all state runner from her team. Top 15 is a distinct possibility.

 

  1. Nefeteri Williams (sr) (Proviso West) - one of the most gifted runners in IHSA history. Williams is an accomplished sprinter (short and long hurdles), heptathlete, middle-distance and long distance runner. The stats look like this: 100H- 14.6pr (all-state honors- 4th), 300H (44.84- all state), 800m (2:16 in ’04), 1600 (5:15), Heptathlon (7th in JO’s in ’04), and was Young Women’s steeplechase champion in 7:30.48 (ninth fastest time overall in girls), IHSA XC all state runner- 24th in ’04. Williams is only getting better and should be amongst the leaders in the fall after a nice summer.

 

  1. Amanda Laesch (sr) (Wheaton North)- did not finish last year’s xc final due to injury but rebounded nicely during track season picking up all state honors in the 3200 (11:13). Has the ability to be a front runner. It will all depend on what transpires during the course of the season.

 

  1. Stephanie Hughes (Jr) (Chicago Lane Tech) - Top 15-20 capability if runs well with top tier runners. Has shown some flashes of what could be (IPTT Indoor Classic runner up-11:30) and defeating some high profile runners such as top 10 runner Elaine Zelby (OPRF) last year.

 

  1. Colleen Donovan (sr) (Carmel) - has been a consistent runner over the past few years. Will look to add another all-state plaque in the trophy case.

 

  1. Sequoia McKinney (sr) (Thornridge/Thornwood Coop) -

    just as talented as N. Williams in terms of having a sprint background. McKinney has the most speed of any returning athlete. McKinney has run 11:20, 5:06, and 2:09 for good measure. Nothing should be put past this tremendous athlete in that she could win the XC title and it should not be a surprise because of her tremendous talent, poise, and heart.

 

  1. Abby Higgins (Jr) (Benet Academy) - ran sub 18mins for 3m and all-state honors. Has also run 5:10 for 1600m; should gain confidence as the season goes along with tough schedule.

 

  1. Paulina Garcia (sr) (Streamwood) - how soon do people forget. Just two years ago Garcia was the toast of the town in winning the XC crown as a sophomore on her birthday. Now it appears she has gone the route of many young female champions- forgotten about. However, it’s time for a comeback after finishing 84th last year. Hopefully the confidence gained from all-state honors this past season in track (3200) will pay off.

 

  1. Nancy Nieto (Jr) (Streamwood) - has had some difficulty in finishing strong like teammate Garcia. Nieto likes to be a front runner if possible but would be wise to be patient in the earlier stages of races. Look for Nieto to have a break out year.

 

  1. Chelsea Bolton (Jr) (Palatine Fremd) - enjoyed a great year. Last year’s tour of duty started with earning the final all state spot in xc (25th) and then following it up with runner up honors with an outstanding effort in the 1600 (4:59) at state. Being in the tough MSL as well as challenging rival Palatine H.S. will prove to have the seasoning at crunch time.

 

  1. Emily Cleary (so) (Hinsdale Central) - did not run track but that should stop her from being a top runner. Cleary may be notch above or down from last year though.

 

  1. Bekah Regenfuss (sr) (Naperville North) - the one time transfer from Iowa has paid dividends by contributing in a very big way to the defending team championship run and being an important piece on the track team. Regenfuss placed 8th in the 1600 and ran a leg on the 4x8r that placed in the top five.

 

  1. Jackie Laesch (so) (Wheaton North) - the little sister of Amanda performed well as a freshman, placing 10th. The tall order for this year is for her to continue improving and staying steady. It will be interesting to see what transpires as she didn’t run tracks season.

 

  1. Emily Hartley (sr) (Neuqua Valley) - finished strong last fall in XC state meet with a solid 12th placing. Should be even more improved after honing speed during the track season.

 

  1. Cassidy Wagner (Jr) (Wheaton North) - enjoyed a solid full year of high school competition. Also, placed in the 800m at state. Also, having the Laesch sisters as training partners is a plus.

 

  1. Stephanie Baliga (sr) (Rockford Auburn) - will be looking to bounce back this fall after average track season. XC appears to be her strength and it will be interesting to see how things fair for Ms. Baliga.

 

  1. Amanda Beggs (sr) (Lincoln- Way Central) - limitless potential. It would be a surprise if she ended up a top 10 runner by end of season, but that will depend on how the team runs behind her.

 

  1. Caitlin Comfort (so) (Peoria Notre Dame) - one of the most high profile runners who did not run track. It will be interesting to see what transpire; first big meet will be at host Peoria Notre Dame Invite in mid September.