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 | 11/15/09 at Lavern Gibson Course, Terre Haute IN
Indiana - Illinois - Ohio - Michigan - Missouri
Preview - Girls
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State Champions Abound
By Bob Geiger
DyeStat Illinois
On paper, the girls’ race at the NXN Midwest appears to be very exciting. Team wise, we will see the State Champions from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Misourri face off. Palatine XC Club (Palatine HS) of Illinois and Columbus Thorn (Columbus North) of Indiana both seem to be very similar. Both teams had a 45 second split at their respective state meets. Both teams have a tested front runner. Not to be left out, Titan XC Club (Lee's Summit West High School) of Missouri will be hanging tough with their Midwest foes. NXN Midwest #1 and Ohio state champions Blue Streaks of Rocky River XC Club (Rocky River Magnificat) will be in the hunt as well. They had an impressive 1:04 1-5 split at the Ohio State Championships.
Columbus Thorn will be lead by Jessica Richardson and Siri Retrum. Richardson managed a top ten finish at the Indiana State Meet, covering the 5 kilometer LaVern Course in 19:48. Richardson was not far behind, in 19:53. Virginia Steilberg (20:14) and Erin Shurffett (20:23) both garnished All-State accolaides, finishing 22nd and 24th respectively, while teamate Rachel Sollman just missed by finishing 29th(20:33). Thorn has a distinct advantage, as they have run the NXN course before.
Palatine XC had an awesome 1-2-3 punch at the Illinois State Meet. Ruth Allen, an all-state 800 meter runner, lead Palatine with her 13th place finish (17:47- 3 miles). Right behind her were teammates Sarah McIntosh (17:47) and Courtney Brown (17:52). Rounding out the scoring for Palatine were Tess Wosowicz (34th-18:12) and Laura Schweikert (61st-18:32). Look for Palatine XC's McIntosh, as she ran under the weather at the IHSA meet. She has been under 17:00 for three miles twice this season, including her 16:58 victory at the Schaumburg Sectional. If she's back at full health, that could be the difference for the team title.
The Blue Streaks XC club has Madeline Chambers. The Ohio State runner up ran an impressive 18:07 5K at her state championships. Sisters Clare and Abby Fisher ran 18:43 and 18:44 respectively to finish 7th & 8th, while Abigail Marquard finished 20th and Erin Riley 21st (both in 19:11). If the Blue Streaks can repeat their State performance, they will likely be the Midwest representatives in Portland this year.
Titan XC brings with them the State runner up in Chelsey Phoebus. Her 18:59 (5 kilometer) put her 1:03 behind Champions and 3 time All-American Emily Sisson, but giver her front running credibility. Teammates Alex Moase finished 10th (19:50), Johanna Kleinsasser 12th (19:53) and Liga Blyholder 18th (20:05). Fifth runner Ashley Wolkomir was 41st in 20:58. For Titan to contend, their fifth runner needs to be closer to the rest of the pack. Look for Blyholder to be closer to Pheobus. She has excellent track credentials (5:01 & 10:58) and could make a difference in both the team and individual races.
Other teams to watch:
Sounds Big XC (Geneva HS, IL)- Last year's NXN Midwest champions have had their ups and downs this season. The loss of the Heuer sisters this year (Sarah to graduation, Meghan to transfer) hurt Sounds Big, yet they still managed a 5th place finish at the IHSA state meet. Kelly Whitley led the team for the past three years and continues to do so again. Her 18th place finish gave her a third All-State performance. Sunday will show if they are gaining momentum or shutting down.
Carmel Ladies (Carmel HS, IN)- 1-3, the Carmel Ladies look good. In order for them to compete with the champs, they will need a closer 4th and 5th runner. Sarah Bennett is a legitimate front runner who could contend for an individual qualification to Portland.
Prospect RC (Prospec HSt, IL)- The NXN #3 ranked team was plagued by illness at last weeks IHSA State Meet. If they recover, they should be in the mix. Front runners Annette White and Brooke Wolfe could make a difference and have a shot at qualifying as individuals if the team doesn't make it.
Kroy (York, IL)- No longer sitting in the Kroy boys NXN shadow, the Kroy ladies have a very tight pack. Senior Meghan Frigo had a poor race last week, and if she rebounds Kroy will be in the hunt.
Noblesville XC Club (Noblesville, IN)- Noblesville XC is lead by two freshmen All-Staters in Kendra Floey (13th at IHSAA-19:52) and Rachel Kacer (25th- 20:25).
Individuals:
Here we will see more state Champions. Notably absent are Missouri State Champions Emily Sisson and Michigan State Champion Megan Goethals. Both are proven runners on the National scene. Also missing will be Ohio State Champion Meredith Wagner.
Present on Sunday will be Indiana State Champion TaPring Goatee (19:07-5k), and Illinois State Champion Lavinia Jurkiewicz (17:11-3 miles). Ohio Division II Champ Christina Blair (18:39 5K) will be in the mix. This trio will not be alone, as a handfull of runners up and top ten runners will be in the lead pack. Look to Indiana runner up Dana Payonk (19:15 5k), as well as Phoebus of Ohio's Titan XC and Chambers of Missouri's Blue Streak.
Other individuals to look out for include Bennet of Carmel Ladies, Michigan's Michelle Moriset (6th place-18:23 5k), Indiana's Waverly Neer (7th place-19:42 5k), Dani Sullivan of Franklin XC (10th-19:49), Brianna Johnson of Fort Wayne XC (11th-19:50), and Sydney Lesko (12th- 19:50). Illinois brings front runners Megan O'Brian (5th-17:21 3 miles) and Amanda Fox (7th- 17:27). From Ohio, look for Hannah Neczypor (3rd at OHSAA- 18:15 5k), Division II runner up Taylor Hatfield (18:49), and Michelle Thomas (4th- 18:19).
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