Girls cross country team capsules

August 28, 2009By TAMARA McQUEEN-SALENTINE For The Beacon News

Coach: Troy Kerber

Top returners: Seniors Natalie Perry, Melissa Lindsay, Bianca Guzaldo and Katie Petry, junior Allison Alosio and sophomores Bailey Sheminski and Amanda Contreras.

Top newcomers: Sophomores Emily Schwender and Anna Susetak and freshmen Corrin Groom and Jenna Koerner.

Outlook: "The girls have a lot of potential," Kerber said. "They are making great progress."

Aurora Christian

Coach: Priscilla Copple

Top returners: Senior Dani Gorder, Juniors Sydney Bennett and Amy Berger and sophomore Sarina Oleson.

Top newcomers: Freshman Anna Pape.

Outlook: Led by Oleson, the Eagles are hoping to soar once again to an state meet berth. "We have many strong athletes that will make this possible," Copple said.

East Aurora

Coach: Shane Gillespie

Top returners: Senior Nianahi Velazquez and junior Carla Falas.

Top Newcomers: Freshman Vanessa Martinez.

Outlook: The Tomcats are a very young squad this fall. "This area (Fox Valley) forces you step it up," Gillespie said.

Geneva

Coach: Bob Thomson

Top returners: Juniors Kelly Whitley, Lisa Tauscher, Tess Ehrhardt, Megan Brady and Rachel Hammond and senior Kelly Shogren.

Outlook: Despite losing two runners, the Vikings return three All-State runners and have depth. Geneva should run away with its third consecutive Class 3A state title. Whitley, who finished second at state in her freshman and sophomore years, is in line to win the individual title.

IMSA

Coaches: William and Elizabeth Navis

Top returners: Seniors Ashley Czaplicki and Anusha Kumar, juniors Melissa O'Brien, Kelly Wallin, Shari Duval and Sonia Bajaj.

Top newcomers: Sophomore Hannah Miller.

Outlook: O'Brien competed in the difficult Belvidere Sectional last fall and should return to sectional action.

Kaneland

Coach: Doug Ecker

Top returners: Seniors Shelby Koester, Haley Johnson and Lisa Robenson, juniors Andie Strang, Kris Bowen and sophomore Kelly Evers.

Top newcomers: Freshmen Maggie Brundige, Abby Dodis and Ashley Castellanos.

Outlook: The Knights return five runners from a squad that missed qualifying for state last fall by just four points. Led by all-conference runner Strang, Kaneland adds depth to its lineup with three talented freshmen. Look for the Knights to head to Peoria in November.

Rosary

Coach: Vic Mead

Top returners: Seniors Haley Euting, Meghan Gannon, juniors Kelly Keiffer, Emma Witte and Hannah Schafer and sophomore Melissa Lifka.

Outlook: The Royals are led by Keiffer, who finished 21st at the difficult Belvidere Sectional last fall. If Rosary can stay healthy, it will be in the mix for a sectional berth in Class 2A competition.

West Aurora

Coach: Angela Cassetto

Top returners: Junior Elisia Meyle and sophomore Greta Meyle.

Top newcomers: Junior Jacquelyn Nagel, Sophomores Ytai Flores and Jessica Nagel, Freshmen Rachel Cavender, Nicki Bartell and Claire Loran.

Outlook: Last fall's City Meet champ Elisia Meyle will pace the Blackhawks. The addition of transfer students Jacquelyn and Jessica Nagl and a healthy Flores will assist West Aurora in advancing up the ranks in the difficult DuPage Valley Conference. If Meyle stays healthy, she may make her first trip to the state meet.