Boys AA Top Team Rankings

*Post-season analysis edition- Oct. 25, 2005

 

 

1)    York (Elmhurst)- Even with the Dettman twins ailing the Dukes managed to punish Glenbard South with a flurry they havenÕt seen before.  The Dukes of York swarmed the Raiders like this: 1,3,5,6,7, (8), (11).  Nick Kuczwara was the glue to dominance as he pulled along his other ranked teammates David Montgomery and Tom Achtien at the Proviso West Regional to complete a sickening 1-5 split of :15; next is Niles West Sectional on 10/29.

2)    Glenbard South (Glen Ellyn)- What more can be said?  It was a thought by many observers that the Raiders would be able to challenge the Dukes of York but it didnÕt happen despite a solid run by #1 runner Bruce MacTaggart.  The supporting cast is going to have to get tougher if they have any hopes of at least being more competitive and proving to themselves they can run with the best team in the country as well the national stage.  Still, these results are solid all most anywhere (even anywhere in the Midwest): 15:19, 16:03, 16:04, 16:10, 16:21- Bruce MacTaggart led the way in runner up to E. Dettman of York; next is Niles West Sectional on 10/29.

3)    Palatine- For the fourth time this season, the Pirates defeated Prospect (43-46).  The Knights have dwindled the margin down each time and the Palatine was able to escape by just three points at the regional they hosted.  Scott Finley placed second to lead his Pirate squad and the rest of the scoring pack checked in less than one minute.  The improving Glenn Morris was third man, just four seconds behind second runner Matt Smoody; next is Schaumburg Sectional on 10/29.

4)    St. Charles North- The competition at St. Charles East was not mind blowing but the Stars performance was.  The confident bunch logged just 20 points in holding back a decent Geneva team by 58 points.  The Saints Matt DeSilva copped individual honors in 14:57.  DeSilva, who is hitting his stride now, ran about 30 seconds faster than he did on this course several weeks ago.  More importantly, was the Stars #5 runner was just 33 seconds back; next is Waubonsie Valley Sectional on 10/29.

5)    Sandburg (Orland Park)- The Eagles are a team on a mission now as they have a bullÕs eye on them now.  Top runner Kevin Adamowski won the Bremen Regional in 14:55 and #5 runner Mike Young checked in at 16:02.  The Eagles logged a pretty 25 points and setback a talented Lincoln Way East squad by 17 points; next up is Bremen Sectional on 10/29.

6)    Naperville North- The team that resembled the lofty pre-season expectations, are now showing those signs again.  The Huskies dismantled the solid Hinsdale Central field that featured a number of ranked teams.  The Huskies scored 58 points to second place Neuqua ValleyÕs 82.  Coach Dave Racey feels his team can improve even more after Jacob KolaczÕs fine performance (first place in 14:59), like improving on the 1-5 split of :46; next is Bremen Sectional on 10/29.

7)    Barrington- The Broncos are perhaps the most improved team in the state of Illinois, a totally different team from last year that didnÕt fare well beyond the regional.  This time they blew out the competition at the Libertyville Regional that featured a Stevenson team that was top 10 at state in Õ04.  The Broncos scored 46 points on 5,6,9,11,16 scoring and that was too much for Stevenson to handle; next is Palatine Sectional on 10/29.

8)    Prospect (Mt. Prospect)- It was mentioned earlier that the Knights are chipping away at Palatine.  This will bold well as sectional approaches.  It may also be too late to improve at the #5 position, which is most concerning.  If somehow the Knights can improve on the five spot, then the chances for a top 3 finish at state become a reality; next up is Schaumburg Sectional on 10/29.

9)    Neuqua Valley (Naperville)- An underrated team that finished second to Naperville North at Hinsdale Central Regional.  Coach Paul Vandersteen was pleased with his teamÕs effort and he should be as the Wildcats produced a :27 split.  Chris Derrick led the Wildcats with a fine 15:26 clocking; next is Bremen Sectional on 10/29.

10) Lincoln Way East (Frankfort)- LWE is dangerousÉ The Griffins are a dangerous team in that they donÕt know how good they are and can be.  They are a young team but have the heart of a veteran team.  For instance, they placed second to mighty Sandburg at the Bremen Regional by 17 points while producing a :28 1-5 split covering 15:31-15:59.  It makes one wonder if they were holding back and if so, then thatÕs scary; will compete in Bremen Sectional on 10/29.

11) Waubonsie Valley (Aurora)- According to one Waubonsie Valley coach the W. Aurora Regional was Òpretty darn good meet today.Ó  He felt the team race was decided in the last mile or even as low as the half mile.  It was confirmed that WWS indeed had the jump on the Warriors throughout the race until late when Brooks Yohannes and John Gibbs assisted top runner Brent Carius in the low scoring partner. The 1-5 split of :40 should come down according to WV coaches and if so, then watch Sandburg?!; next is Waubonsie Valley Sectional on 10/29.

12) Downers Grove South- The Mustangs are probably taking numbers of observers eating crow after they finished a strong third at Hinsdale Central Regional, which is considered the toughest in the state this year.  Many didnÕt think the Mustangs deserved such a lofty ranking but the truth is they have completed well all season long no matter the competition.  Team leader Ben Bouman placed 3rd in 15:07 despite getting tripped somewhere around the first mile.  The remaining Mustangs checked in within :17 from 2-5; next is Bremen Sectional on 10/29.

13) New Trier (Winnetka)- The Trevians should count their lucky stars because an unheralded but overly pumped up Evanston team nearly took the Niles North Regional crown away.  The Wildkits produced put four runners in front of New TrierÕs 3rd runner and almost the same in front of its second runner.  However, cross-country is scored with five runners and fortunately for NT they were able to recover and win by 2 points.  The Trevians will need to improve on getting their pack to lower its overall time and split if it plans to advance to state; next is Niles West Sectional on 10/29.

14) Wheaton North- The Falcons did not have the best of days at the West Aurora Regional but did what it had to do in order to advance to the sectional round.  Chase Kadlec led the Falcons in 15:21, and the scoring was ended by Andrew Clausen in 15:55; next is Waubonsie Valley Sectional on 10/29.

15) Benet Academy (Lisle)- The Redwings escaped from the Hinsdale Central Regional in decent shape behind the leadership of Matt McCabe.  McCabe placed in the top 5 with a solid 15:14 clocking and his teammates followed pursuit :53 back to close out scoring; Bremen Sectional is next on 10/29.

16) Fenwick (Oak Park)- One up on the field again by copping the Oak Park Regional with 27 points; next is Niles West Sectional on 10/29.

17) Wheaton-Warrenville South- At West Aurora, Jon Popejoy put on a show for his Tiger team and fans- he won another cross-country race.  Perhaps more compelling is the fact that Popejoy is resilient this season after finally conquering all of his injury demons of the past.  Fellow Tiger teammate Kyle Brady is starting to well and the supporting cast ran under 30 seconds 2-5 in putting some heat to Waubonsie ValleyÕs rear end.  The Tigers finished just 7 points back.  Look for more added pressure next week; next is Waubonsie Valley Sectional on 10/29.

18) Lockport- A solid team all year that ran into a buzz saw known as the Hinsdale Central in many respects is not fair.  The Porters probably would have qualified for sectionals in just about any other regional in the state.  However, their main guys did not step up despite some issues (health/injuries); SEASON OVER.

19) Schaumburg- The Saxons are the second most improved team this year behind Barrington and itÕs fitting that they will advance to sectionals on the strength of a third place finish at the Palatine Regional with 93 points; next is the hosting of the Schaumburg Sectional on 10/29.

20) Stevenson (Lincolnshire)- The facts are the facts and Stevenson did not run well.  Observers indicated that the Patriots in fact appeared to be flat.  Tim Entwistle has been tearing up courses throughout the season but at the Libertyville Regional he was only able to muster a 5th place.  He fortunately was aided by teammate Robbie Eckhardt picked him up and the team finished second to Barrington and move on; next is Schaumburg Sectional on 10/29.

21) Rock Island- The Rocs scoring went 2,5,8,9,19= 19ptsÉ the 4/5 runner freshman Travis Anderson was held out because of knee pain.  The Rocs basically had an easy time with second place Geneseo back with 94 points; East Peoria Sectional is next on 10/29.

22) Edwardsville- The Tigers toyed around with the competition in Alton.  First, #2 man Bryan Ryan was out taking the ACT and the rest of the unit basically provided a support system to lead runner Dustin Davis, who nearly set a course record running 15:19; on next is Edwardsville Sectional on 10/29.

23) Hersey (Arlington Heights)- Sophomore sensation led his Huskies team to the Wheeling Regional title in 15:24.  Perhaps the biggest news of the day was Billy WisserÕs solid performance in 15:33.  Wisser has been a disappointment to some in terms because he wasnÕt at his best for much of the season.  Hopefully, He and Havel and their supporting cast will be ready for the Schaumburg Sectional on 10/29.

24) Bloomington- Coach John Szabo stated, ÒItÕs tough to get up for a regional meet after a great conference meet.Ó  Somehow his team was able to win another title over at Normal West.  It was the 18th such title in the last 35 years for the Purple Raiders.  The ho-hum affair netted eye opening results though: 2,4,5,12,14= 37pts; next up is the Edwardsville Sectional on 10/29.

25) Cary Grove- The Trojans are picking a bad time to run bad.  Last week, head coach made a statement that his team was better than Central after losing to them at the Fox Valley Conference Meet.  Now, they lost to Prairie Ridge as well and finished 3rd at the Woodstock Regional.  If things donÕt get straighten up soon, they wonÕt have to worry about losing to those teams as they will be watching the championships in street clothes; next up is Waubonsie Valley Sectional.

26) Crystal Lake Central- The Tigers are riding an emotional high from winning the                             FVC meet last.  The Tigers won the Woodstock Regional with 60 points and put themselves in a better position for sectionals; next up is Waubonsie Valley Sectional on 10/29.

 

Girls AA Top 25 summaries

*Post-season edition- week of Oct. 24, 2005

 

1)    Palatine- First step: took care of business by easily defeating runner-up and cross-town rival Fremd by 36 points.  The Pirates were led Amy Laskowske in 16:52.  The Pirates also plated scorers: 8,9,12,13 in the tough Palatine Regional; next up is Schaumburg Sectional at Busse Woods on 10/29.

2)    Sandburg (Orland Park)- The Eagles put it all together at the Bremen Regional as they put all five scorers in front of #9 Lincoln Way EastÕs second scorer.  Sandburg is becoming a scary team as the state series is evolving; next is Bremen Sectional on 10/29.

3)    Wheaton North- Proved first to themselves and then others that their ranking is justified.  The Falcons scored just 30 points (1,2,3, 9,15) in an emotional victory- their sixth and seventh runners were 17th and 19th at the Aurora Regional; next is Aurora Sectional 10/29.

4)    Naperville North- Dan Iverson is a great coach.  Why?  He had a reason to let the masses know that his team had some serious problems with injuries and illnesses during the regular season that prevented them from maximizing themselves.  However, itÕs post-season time and the Huskies are racing better ever.  Proof is in the pudding: The Huskies scored 42 points at this loaded Hinsdale Central Regional- 1-5 split was 1:10 (with Shannon Phelan being up on the field) and the demolition of some really good teams.  The Huskies will not go away and wrestling the championship crown away is going to be a tall order for any of the top teams; will compete in the Bremen Sectional on 10/29.

5)    Barrington- Coach Debbie Revolt did not make any excuses in reference to the poor performance at the Libertyville Regional.  The Fillies had an off day with a faraway from first place finish they are accustomed to.  Expect Coach Revolt to have her teamÕs full attention during this week of preparation; next is Schaumburg Sectional on 10/29.

6)    Edwardsville- The Tigers are a little banged up according to Coach John Cunningham.  His #1 girl, Jamie Kanter (ranked earlier this season as an individual), is ailing and hasnÕt returned to the status she is accustomed to.  Kanter relegated herself to running with the back of her teamÕs pack at the Alton Regional.  Still, the Tigers were able to place three runners in the top five.  Freshman Courtney Smith took individual honors in 18:55; Edwardsville Sectional is on 10/29.

7)    Benet Academy (Lisle)- Ran reasonably well despite a 4th place finish at Hinsdale Central Regional.  The Redwings used a :43 split to secure its spot to sectionals.  Abby Higgins is the usual #1 runner and team leader but she ran back of her teammates after suffering an oblique muscle strain during the race and finished 29th; next is Bremen Sectional on 10/29.

8)    Hinsdale Central- ÒOur regional is tougher than any sectional in the state, and we knew itÕd be a battleÓ, said Head Coach Mark McCabe.  He was right as his team finished 3rd at its own regional.  Perhaps, the more telling story was that several of his top girls, Gina Kapustka and Jenny Laser were sick during the week and it carried over to the meet.  The Red Devils have been aided by two freshman much of the season: Lauren Zumbach and Roey Hines- they stepped it up even more for their ailing teammates and ensured the teamÕs solid placing and the right to move on next weekend; Bremen Sectional will be next trek on 10/29.

9)    Lincoln Way East (Frankfort)- The Griffins probably had upset on their mind going into the Bremen regional final against #2 Sandburg but it was not to be, as they had to just settle for a solid runner up finish.  Amanda Beggs led her team with a second place finish and stemmed the Sandburg rush; next is Bremen Sectional on 10/29.

10) Cary Grove- CG has been a joy this season in the girls cross-country world.  They donÕt possess any outstanding runners that would wow you.  Instead, they have a great cast of runners who compete as a team.  This game plan earned them the Woodstock Regional title over a good and #20 Prairie Ridge team.  The Trojans sweet pack was all in the top ten, scoring 33 points to PRÕs 45.  The Trojans were led by Caitlin Wooldridge, who finished 4th; next is Waubonsie Valley Sectional on 10/29.

11) Lockport- The Porters should be a proud team as they finished second overall at the Hinsdale Central Regional to Naperville North.  However, more compelling is that after shuffling the line up all season, Coach Evon Schlotter used Janna Mitsos, Erin Lakie, Liz Phillips, and Lindsay Kotovsky together for one of the few times this season.  That line up produced solid results and may yet more greetings as the season goes along; next is Bremen Sectional on 10/29.

12) St. Charles East- SCE is running as well as any team in the state right now.  This proved true, as they made sure no upsets would occur in distance themselves from runner up Lake Park (50-75) at their own regional.  A 1,3 finish from Lizzy Hines and Kirsten Lang was all the Saints needed in securing victory; next is Waubonsie Valley Sectional on 10/29.

13) Lyons Township (LaGrange)- Won the Argo Regional with rather ease.  Actually it was like a day off for the Lions.  Check the stats: The Lady Lions scored 1,2,4,5,6=18 points.  Jane Simpson cruised the Bullfrog course in 18:50; next is Niles West Sectional on 10/29.

14) Stagg (Palos Hills)- The Chargers endured a charge from rival Andrew at the Bremen Regional.  The difference between third and fourth place was two points (87-89).  Annette Glaz and Kara Moylan led the charge with 4th and 7th place finishes; next is Bremen Sectional on 10/29.

15) Wheaton-Warrenville South- The Tigers continue to impress in the latter part of the season after a solid second place finish at West Aurora Regional against a proven and great Wheaton North team.  The Tigers endured the 1,2,3 finish by WN to post solid performances by Alicia Zimmerman and Nicole Farr, who both finished in the top ten; Waubonsie Valley Sectional on 10/29.

16) New Trier (Winnetka)- The Trevians did not run terrible but they didnÕt run very great either.  Perhaps, they were a little flat from winning conference over Evanston last weekend.  Jill Roettiger led her team with a 3rd place finish; Next is Niles West Sectional on 10/29.

17) Evanston- The Wildkits used a tremendous surge in the middle of the race to overtake rival New Trier for the Niles North Regional title.  Katherine Page led the Wildkits with a second place finish; next is Niles West Sectional on 10/29.

18) Palatine Fremd- It is clear that the Vikings are not the team that ran well during the early portion of the season.  Somehow they mustered enough strength to finish second to Palatine at its regional and hold off league foe Conant (79-90), who finished third.  Chelsea Bolton showed signs of life with a second place finish as her teammates finished a considerable distance back (more than a minute for second runner); next is Schaumburg Sectional on 10/29.

19) York (Elmhurst)- The Dukes heated things up with a 2,3 finish from Maggie Sack and Molly Sullivan in defeating Glenbard East 31-78 over at Proviso West Regional; next is Niles West Sectional on 10/29.

20) Prairie Ridge (Crystal Lake)- Finishing second to Cary Grove at the Woodstock Regional has to be taken with a smile.  Clearly, they were the better team but Wolves can hang their hats on the performances of Danielle Lebreck, Allison Clark, Amy Campbell, Kirsten Hoklas, and Hailey Justes (3,6,11,12,13); next is Waubonsie Valley Sectional on 10/29.

21) Conant (Hoffman Estates)- The Cougars performed well behind the performances of Kali Dalton and AÕseret Dokubu (4th and 5th).  The problem is their 5th runner, who was nearly two minutes back.  They need to shore this area up; next is Schaumburg Sectional on 10/29.

22) East Peoria- a little controversy was on hand at the Metamora Regional in the final team scoring.  After a closer check, it was proven that Metamora indeed won by two points (48-50).  The truth is that EP did not run well enough to win.  Fortunately, they have Emily Gustafson on their side and she will be much needed in the sectional round; next is East Peoria Sectional on 10/29.

23) Mother McAuley (Chicago)- Breezed at the Reavis Regional with 24 points.  It could have been worse for second place Marist if not for the excellent performance of Lauren Haberkorn, who established a new course record.  Still, the Macs put on a clinic and displayed why they are one of the top teams in the state with this outcome: 2,4,5,6,7,8,9.  It took all of 1:16 to finish act; next is Bremen Sectional on 10/29.

24) Downers Grove South- Sometimes life isnÕt fair and the Mustangs found out the hard way at Hinsdale Central Regional after they finished sixth.  Although the regional was extremely tough, they had their chances to move on to the sectional round.  It appeared they did not get solid enough performances out of its big guns: Nicole Thate (13th) and Molly Kelly (17th); SEASON OVER.

25) Andrew (Tinley Park)- Advancing to the sectional round has to be a big deal to the Thunderbolts. Why?  Going into the season there wasnÕt much talk for the team from the southern suburbs making noise on the cross-country front.  The T-Bolts used a 51 second split in securing their spot; Bremen Sectional is next on 10/29.

 

Super 25-AA Boys

*Post-season edition- Oct. 25, 2005

 

1)    Jon Popejoy (Sr.) Wheaton-Warrenville South- Maintains dominant hold on the top spot after running away with ease at West Aurora Regional.

2)    Ryan Craven (Sr.) Prospect (Mt. Prospect)- stayed with pack for about a third of the race at Palatine before taking off and nearly establishing a course record held by former York great Sean McNamara (14:00-2.95m).

3)    Steve Finley (Sr.) Palatine- finished second for the umpteenth time but still ran well at Palatine Regional.

4)    Eric Dettman (Sr.) York (Elmhurst)- wasnÕt supposed to compete (doctorÕs orders) but showed signs of what might come down the line in winning the Proviso West Regional in 15:18 for 3.06m.

5)    Evan Jager (Jr.) Jacobs (Algonquin)- tried a new strategy of running reserved instead of front running and still won by a handful at the Woodstock Regional.

6)    Kevin Havel (So.)  Hersey (Arlington Heights)- kick off his post-season with a team victory at Wheeling Regional.  Havel pulled his team along before taking off and winning by a substantial margin.

7)    Bruce MacTaggart (Sr.) Glenbard South (Glen Ellyn)- did his best to break up the Dettman attack at Proviso West by finishing second behind E. Dettman and just in front of M. Dettman.

8)    Luke Ryan (Jr.) Downers Grove North- ran well overall despite finishing second at Hinsdale Central Regional.  Ryan may have timed his kick late but still almost caught the winner who hung on by less than a second.

9)    Matt Dettman (Sr.) York (Elmhurst)- suffering the same fate as twin brother E. Dettman in terms of an ailment but still ran well enough to contribute mightily to team victory.

10) Jesse Luciano (Sr.) Willowbrook- getting himself back into race shape by running tactically and still finishing a respectable 4th place at Proviso West.  Luciano could have possibly placed higher but settled for running another solid race.

11) Kevin Adamowski (Jr.) Sandburg (Orland Park)- out performed conference foe Battista once again at the Bremen Regional but by just one second this time.

12) Mark Battista (Jr.) Lincoln Way Central (New Lenox)- just one second back of Adamowski at regionals.  Battista is proving to be a solid runner and one to look out for.

13) Jacob Kolacz (Sr.) Naperville North- surprised the field and especially Luke Ryan with a long kick in copping the Hinsdale Central title.

14) Luke Rygh (Jr.) Oswego- just keeps pushing along with a victory at Minooka by over 30 seconds.

15) Chas Gillespie (Sr.) New Trier (Winnetka)- maintain solid splits of 5:05, 9:59, 15:14- good enough to win by more than six seconds at Niles North Regional.

16) Ryan Jacobs (Jr.) Rockton (Hononegah)- won the Belvidere Regional in 14:59 for 2.9m.

17) Matt DeSilva (Sr.)- St. Charles North- a front-runner on a team that is known for pack running.  DeSilva only had challenges from teammates but still won comfortably under 15:00.

18) Dan Chenoweth (Jr.) Geneseo- won the Moline Regional at ÒCredit IslandÓ by a sizable margin (15:03-15:13 for 3m).

19) Brent Carius (Sr.) Waubonsie Valley (Aurora)- the son of great coach Al Carius is making a name for himself.  Carius led his team to victory in a personal best of 15:11 at the West Aurora Regional.

20) Tim Entwistle (Sr.) Stevenson (Lincolnshire)- simply did not have it at the Libertyville Regional- a bad day- will pick things back up at sectionals.

21) Christian Escareno (Sr.) Rolling Meadows- back to running after several weeks nursing an injury; placed third at Palatine Regional.  Escareno appeared strong down the stretch of the race and should only get better as time passes.

22) David Grange (Jr.) Marmion Academy (Aurora)- finished 5th at West Aurora while running on a seriously sore ankle that got swollen the size of a grapefruit after the meet.

23) Ben Bouman (Jr.) Downers Grove South [re-entry]- back on the scene after a solid 3rd place at Hinsdale Central Regional.  Bouman had an opportunity to win the race but tripped and fell at the mile while with the lead pack.  Still, he maintained poise and guts to finish well in 15:07 and just six seconds back of the winner.

24) Nick Kuczwara (Jr.) York (Elmhurst)- starting to establish himself as a spark plug for an already monster machine.  The junior placed a solid 5th at Proviso West and will only solidify what the Dukes need beyond state toward NTN.

25) David Montgomery (Sr.) York (Elmhurst)- dropped a notch but somehow will get better over the next several weeks as state and NTN approaches.

 

 

 

 

Girls Super 25 (AA)

(Post-season edition)- Oct. 24, 2005

 

 

1)    Caitlin Comfort (So.)  Peoria Notre Dame- the usually front running and smooth sophomore adjusted her style in winning the Metamora Regional individual title by 12 seconds over E. PeoriaÕs Emily Gustafson.  Comfort felt a little tired before the race but was able to her lead throughout the lead running a solid 17:41 at Detweiller Park.

 

2)    Haley Staples (Fr.) Crystal Lake Central- continues impress by winning her first state series competition, the Woodstock Regional, by just six seconds over her teammate (Peisker).

 

3)    Shannon Phelan (Sr.) Naperville North- itÕs post-season time and athletes coached by Dan Iverson usually turn up the heat (if itÕs not already hot enough).  There has only been a handful of defeats that Phelan has suffered this season and she avenged one of them at the Hinsdale Central Regional over previously #2 Janna Mitsos (Lockport).  Phelan smashed the old course record (17:52) and any hope of Mitsos winning.  The confident senior prevailed easily 17:33 to 17:46.

 

4)    Stephanie Peisker (Fr.) Crystal Lake Central- itÕs starting to sound like a broken record, but Peisker is ÒundefeatedÓ too.  Her only losses this season has been to teammate Staples.  While no one has been close to Staples this season, Peisker has been a pest at times in races against her dominant teammate.  Peisker ran well once again by finishing just six seconds back in 19:10 on the rugged Woodstock course.

 

5)    Janna Mitsos (Fr.) Lockport- Finished a strong second to Phelan at Hinsdale Central Regional despite never being in the hunt for the individual title.  Mitsos prevailed by six seconds on the rest of the field.

 

6)    Amber Stack (So.)  Wheeling- continues to improve each week and is quietly nominating herself as a state title contender.  Oh, she did win the Wheeling Regional by 50 seconds over Meghan Gojney (Hersey) 17:27.

 

7)    Amy Laskowske (Sr.) Palatine- ÒAmy LasÓ is now starting to put it together as crunch time arrives.  The senior ran perhaps her best ever cross-country race to date in destroying the Deer Grove East course record (her home course) in 16:52.  As it turns out, Laskowske is now starting to match the greatness her team has displayed throughout the year: ÒI think weÕre getting stronger now and I donÕt see anything stopping us right now.Ó

 

8)    Chelsea Bolton (Jr.) Palatine Fremd- Backed up her teamÕs second place performance with a nail-biting second place finish.  This was a performance that Bolton needed after several no-so great races over the last few weeks.  Bolton holds off a hard charging 3rd place runner by just one second.

 

9)    Christina Schaefer (Sr.) Buffalo Grove- Placed just one spot back of Bolton by a scant one second.  Schaefer has taken the girls cross-country world by storm from the midway point in the season and hasnÕt slowed down.

 

10) Kristin Sutherlin (So.)  Sandburg- Won her first ever-state series meet, the Bremen Regional, by 15 seconds.  Sutherlin held a slim lead throughout the race but was able to actually extend it in the closing stages.

 

11) Amanda Beggs (Sr.) Lincoln Way East- Ran decent in finishing second to the upstart runner Sutherlin at Bremen.  Beggs time was a modest 18:04.

 

12) Amanda Laesch (Sr) Wheaton North- Won the West Aurora Regional easily despite having some company.  LaeschÕs younger sister Jackie (a soph.) was just two seconds back, but it was a no-doubter than the elder one would win.

 

13) Sequoia McKinney (Sr.) Thornridge Coop- At Rich East, McKinney won individual honors in 18:40- more than 40 seconds better than teammate Mercedes Hankins.

 

14) Lizzy Hines (Fr.) St. Charles East- Ran her best race to date in a blazing 17:28 on her home course over some strong competition.  Perhaps the freshman is making a case that she will be among the very best competitors in a few weeks down in Peoria.

 

15) Kalli Dalton (Fr.) Conant- Returns with a solid 4th place finish at the talent rich and fiercely competitive Palatine Regional.

 

16) AÕseret Dokubu (Sr.) Conant- Placed 5th behind teammate Dalton at Palatine in a solid time of 17:42 for 2.95 miles.

 

17) Michelle Stratton (Fr.) Naperville North- Finished 5th at Hinsdale Central Regional.  Perhaps, Stratton was attempting to maintain her top 5 spot and not do too much considering there were a host of talented runners in the field.

 

18) Emily Gustafson (Fr.) East Peoria- Placed a very strong second to #1 ranked Comfort in the Metamora Regional.  Gustafson has finished the closest to Comfort (just 12 seconds back) besides ComfortÕs two defeats to #1 overall Katelyn Bastert (Carthage).

 

19) Jane Simpson (So.)  Lyons Township- Won the Argo Regional by over 20 seconds and will be one of several favorites for individual title at Niles West Sectional.

 

20)  Nefeteri Williams (Sr.) Proviso West- running well at the right time with victory at home regional.  Will shoot for title at Niles West Regional.

 

21) Nicole Benson (So.)  Limestone- placed third behind Gustafson at Metamora Regional.

 

22) Stephanie Hughes (Jr.) Chicago Lane Tech- ran exceptionally well in winning Niles North Regional.  The confident junior took just a three second lead at 2m and turned it into 15 seconds over the final mile; will be a favorite for individual title at Niles West Sectional.

 

23) Kim Ebbeson (Sr.) Bartlett- bounced back after a few tough meets and finished second to a very good Lindsay Hines.

 

24) Ashley Verplank (So.)  Bloomington- known more for her middle distance prowess in track but has come on as late in XC as evidenced by a personal best in winning the Normal Community Regional.

 

25) Lauren Haberkorn (So.)  Chicago (Marist)- back amongst the leaders since falling off early in the season.  Won the Reavis Regional in a big way by destroying the competition and setting a course record in the process.