2007 A Girls Cross Country Preview

by: Tony Jones- illinoisprep@yahoo.com 

Class A Girls preview

The landscape of Class A cross country is not going to change much despite earlier predictions.  In fact, nearly all of the top teams will remain intact.

Individually, there will be a change in the guard.  There will be a new state champion as Carthage’s Katelyn Bastert has finally graduated and moved on to Duke University.

Winnebago appears to be the favorite once more as the ‘Bagos six of their top seven runners.  Alexandria Palm (So.) and Hayley Thomas were 5^th and 14^th respectively.  Only the #3 runner will need to be replaced.  The ‘Bagos 1-5 split usually in the 1:10 range last season could see the same if #6 and #7 runners improve.  If so, there will another championship will be celebrated on the streets of Winnebago.

Elmwood has an amazing year and even better state championship.  They actually outperformed Winnebago overall and from 4-7 but fell three points shy of the top spot.  This season may be different as they return nearly all of the same cast.  Things will tighten up in November.  Jackie Mckown (So.) was 31^st.  Look for her to move into all state territory.

Urbana University should move into state trophy land as Rockford Lutheran moves up to Class AA.  U-High return all seven runners including all-stater senior Michelle Mehnert, who placed 7^th.

Aurora Christian will be Chicagoland’s best small school team.  AC return six back from a team that placed 6^th at state.  Senior Anne Schuette will lead and will be an individual contender as she looks to move up from 4^th.

Petertsburg-Porta will be strong as the PP look to advance from the fine 5^th place effort from state.  Team ace will show she is much better than the 32^nd she ran at state last November..

Top A Runners-

Olivia Klaus (Sr.) Eureka

Stephanie Brown (Jr.) Downs Tri-Valley

Anne Schuette (Sr.) Aurora Christian

Alex Palm (So.) Winnebago

Teneal Pinkston (Sr.) Robinson

Aftan Noon (Sr.) Argenta-Oreana