Aurora Central CatholicCoach: Troy Kerber
Conference: Metro Suburban
Last year: tied for second in conference; fourth at Class 2A Plano sectional
Top returning athletes: Karina Liz, (sr.), sprints, middle distance, distance; Abby Fioresi, (jr.), sprints, middle distance, distance; Amy Brouch, (jr.), middle distance; Alex Johnston, (jr.), middle distance; Olivia Saucedo, (jr.), sprints, hurdles, jumps; Stephanie Hall, (sr.), sprints, middle distance; Annabelle Englehardt, (sr.), sprints, hurdles; Therese Hein, (so.), sprints; Jenna Cebulski, (sr.), throws; Caitlin Cerza, (sr.), throws.
Top newcomers: Shannon Lopristi, (so.), distance; Allison Loy (so.), sprints.
Outlook: Missouri-bound Liz is the two-time defending Class 2A state champion at 800 meters for the Chargers. But Fioresi was denied by just three-hundredths of a second by Liz at the Top Times Invitational in Bloomington last weekend. "For a small high school they are very gifted girls," Kerber said of the duo. "I am blessed to have them on the same team at the same time."
Aurora ChristianCoach: Ron Arb
Conference: Northeastern Athletic
Last year: no conference meet; Class 1A Lisle sectional champion
Top returning athletes: Carolyn Logsdon, (sr.), sprints, middle distance; Emily Angelo, (sr.), distance; Sam Hoffman, (sr.), sprints, jumps; Sasha Hasulbe (sr.), sprints, jumps; Natalie Roberts, (so.), sprints; Nora Theeke, (so.), sprints.
Top newcomers: Janae Holloway, (fr.); Kiley Hanson, (fr.); Kelly Schmieder, (fr.); McKenzie Lux, (fr.); Taylor Busker, (jr.)
Outlook: Two years removed from capturing the first girls state championship -- regardless of sport -- in school history, the Eagles have been elevated to Class 2A due to the IHSA "success policy" for private schools. "The 2016 Aurora Christian girls track and field team now looks to take on the Class 2A division," first-year coach Arb said. "The Class 2A qualifying standards are slightly more difficult than the Class 1A standards are used to. "
BartlettCoach: John Glorioso
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
Last year: seventh in division; 11th at Class 3A Bartlett sectional
Top returning athletes: Gabby Murdoch, (sr.), sprints, middle distance, distance; Autumn Chung, (jr.), jumps; Tia Green, (jr.), sprints, hurdles; Kristen Leever, (jr.), sprints; Coral McFarland, (jr.), middle distance, distance; Nicolette Zolecki, (jr.), jumps, sprints; Jessie Fagan, (so.), sprints, middle distance, distance; Serena Mitchell, (so.), sprints; Hannah Seifrid, (so.), sprints, hurdles; Olivia Wegener, (so.), sprints.
Top newcomers: Melissa Castillo, (fr.), sprints; Rowan Daubermire, (fr.), sprints, jumps.
Outlook: The Hawks will be seeking to dramatically improve their fortunes this spring as Zolecki was the lone state qualifier for the program last spring. "Our goal for every season is to win our conference and get as many girls down to Eastern Illinois as possible," Glorioso said. "We have a lot of potential with our frosh/soph group who are continuing to push for varsity spots."
BataviaCoach: Justin Allison
Conference: Upstate Eight River
Last year: Conference champion; Class 3A St. Charles North sectional champion
Top returning athletes: Hannah Schlaman, (jr.), sprints; Tori Ortiz, (so.), sprints; Darby Edmondson, (jr.), sprints; Marygrace Golden, (so.), middle distance, distance; Maia Haworth, (sr.), middle distance; Dakota Roman, (sr.), middle distance, distance; Emma Stephens, (so.), distance; Leah Narup, (sr.), hurdles; Sam Delmundo, (sr.), sprints, jumps; Sam Healy, (jr.), throws; Jada Jones-Martin, (sr.), throws; Abby Kehe, (sr.), jumps.
Top newcomers: Alexa Andrews, (fr.), middle distance; Riley Glavach, (fr.), jumps.
Outlook: The Bulldogs are the team to beat after edging traditional power West Aurora for the indoor conference championship. The Bulldogs' balanced attack features sprint stars Schlaman -- the back-to-back 100- and 200-meter sectional champion -- and fellow state qualifier Ortiz. "We are pretty excited to have almost every component back (from last year)," Allison said. "I foresee (Schlaman) having continued success." The Bulldogs' trophy-winning cross country team anchors the longer races.
Burlington CentralCoach: Vince Neil
Conference: Big Northern
Last year: second in conference; 12th at Class 2A Galena sectional
Top returning athletes: Chloe Bilyk, (so.), sprints, middle distance; Katie Kreczmer, (sr.), jumps, throws; Alondra Ruiz, (sr.), jumps; Megan Goehrke, (jr.), sprints, middle distance; Hannah Overmyer, (so.), sprints, middle distance; Lexi Saletta, (so.), sprints; Meghan Conn, (so.), pole vault.
Top newcomers: Megan Safranski, (jr.), middle distance; Grace Crawford, (fr.), sprints, pole vault; Nikki Capetillo, (fr.), sprints, jumps; Natalia Rodriguez, (fr.), middle distance, distance; Bella Baddick (fr.), sprints, hurdles; Ashlie Koch, (fr.), sprints, jumps.
Outlook: Neal is optimistic an infusion of raw talent will greatly aid the Rockets this year. "It's going to be a nice team," Neal said. "We have a lot of freshmen and new girls who are new to the sport. Their margin for growth is going to be huge." Bilyk is the Rockets' most state-hardened returnee after making the cut in both 800 races last spring. "(Safranski) is going to be a nice addition to the team," Neal said.
Cary-GroveCoach: Mark Anderson
Conference: Fox Valley
Last year: second in conference; third at Class 3A Rockton-Hononegah sectional
Top returning athletes: Nikki Freeman, (sr.), throws; Tabor Gleason, (so.), sprints, hurdles, jumps; Maggie Cherveny, (sr.), jumps; Sarah Riley, (sr.), distance; Paige Schulz, (so.), sprints; Taylor Pinnello, (so.), sprints; Cathy Franco, (so.), sprints.
Top newcomer: Jenna Walker, (fr.), sprints.
Outlook: Freeman will be the face of the program after placing fourth in the discus last May in Charleston. "We don't have a horse," Anderson said of losing Morgan Schulz (Illinois) to graduation. "I think we cover most of the events pretty well. I think we're going to be competitive." Gleason is the Trojans' most versatile athlete. G-C will seek to dethrone Huntley for conference supremacy.
Crystal Lake SouthCoach: Matt Dunker
Conference: Fox Valley
Last year: third in the conference; fourth at the Class 3A Rockton Hononegah sectional.
Top returning athletes: Cailey Ciezadlo, (jr.), sprints; Caitlin Bruzzini, (jr.), middle distance, distance; Andi Kobrick, (sr.), distance; Maddy Gil, (sr.), middle distance, hurdles; Naomi Daniel, (so.), sprints; Kayla Ehrenhast, (so.), middle distance.
Top newcomers: Taylor Bittenbender, (fr.), sprints, middle distance; Mallory Ellers, (fr.), sprints, middle distance; Tori Cowen, (fr.), sprints, hurdles; Emma Heuck, (fr.), middle distance.
Outlook: The Gators qualified in three different events at the state meet last year. Gil was one of two Crystal Lake South athletes to make the state cut in the 300 hurdles. Bruzzini and Ehrenhast were members of the Gators' 3,200 relay. "Overall, we have a solid group," Dunker said. "A lot of (our progress) is going to be underclassmen who have to fill in the departing seniors who have left the program."
Dundee-CrownCoach: Christine Hopkins-Muehl
Conference: Fox Valley
Last year: 12th in conference; 14th at Class 3A St. Charles North sectional
Top returning athletes: Audrey Schmatz, (sr.), sprints; Lauren Hogue, (sr.), sprints; Kaylee Rendl, (jr.), sprints; Vikki Kolros, (jr.), sprints; Daniela Hernandez, (jr.), sprints; Jessica Pflanz, (sr.), throws; Alyssa Muhvic, (jr.), throws; Tarrah Kamp, (so.), throws; Kayla Leal, (jr.), hurdles, jumps; Karly Livengood, (jr.), hurdles, jumps; Lily Brunner, (jr.), hurdles, jumps; Resma Roman, (so.), hurdles, jumps; Maggie Himmel, (sr.), distance; Kayla Hostetier, (sr.), distance; Sylvia Waz, (so.), distance; Emma Hopkins, (sr.), distance.
Top newcomers: Audrey Solberg, (sr.), sprints; Paige Gieseke, (jr.), sprints; Courtney Abraham, (fr.), sprints; Paige Gieseke, (jr.), jumps; Jessica Kolros, (fr.), distance; Lauren Michel, (fr.), hurdles; Maille Grant, (fr.), hurdles.
Outlook: The Chargers have a tremendous base of athletes to draw from this spring. "We have nearly 100 girls out," Hopkins-Muehl said. "We have leadership, but not necessarily a lot of experience."
East AuroraCoach: Mike Begich
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
Last year: 8th in division; 15th at Class 3A Naperville North sectional
Top returning athletes: Jazmine Reyes, (sr.), distance; Isamar Salazar, (sr.), sprints; Arsinoe Del Real, (sr.), distance; Deana Brown, (so.), jumps; Vanessa Zamora, (so.), Jennifer Romero, (sr.), sprints; Gabriela Trejo, (jr.), sprints; Maqiela Valverde, (so.), middle distance; Stephanie Lozano, (jr.) distance; Gabriela Juarez, (so.), distance; Brenda Holguin, (so.), hurdles; Abril Patino, (jr.), sprints.
Top newcomers: Ahjah Hill, (fr.), sprints; Rylee Smith, (fr.), Maria Becerra, (fr.), hurdles; Blanca Valencia, (fr.), sprints; Leanalyn Figueroa, (fr.), jumps.
Outlook: Reyes is the most experienced of the East Aurora distant group. Begich will look to develop the Tomcats' underclass team while concentrating on the four relays on varsity. "I think we have some relays that can place (at the major invites)," Begich said. "I think we can be competitive with the Elgin schools (at conference)."
ElginCoach: Dave Borg
Conference: Upstate Eight River
Last year: seventh in division; 12th at Class 3A St. Charles North sectional
Top returning athletes: Anali Cisneros, (sr.), distance; Nyali Cisneros, (jr.), middle distance; chloe Burkhardt, (sr.), middle distance; Rose Salazar, (sr.), middle distance; Stephanie Lagares, (jr), sprints; Sara Toren, (sr.), sprints; Gabby Pierre-Louis, (so.), sprints, jumps.
Top newcomer: Yulina Deanda, (fr.), sprints.
Outlook: The Maroons will seek a better foundation with greater numbers this spring. "Huge numbers will figure into future success," Borg said. "We are very young, learning lots and getting in shape. Our 400 and up is where we are strongest."
Elgin AcademyCoach: Bill Harris
Conference: Independent School League
Last year: 4th in conference; 9th at Class 1A Oregon sectional
Top returning athletes: Corinne Lam, (sr.), middle distance, throws; Tori Teik, (sr), sprints; Isabella Richardson, (sr.), sprints; Nataly Perez, (sr.), sprints; Chibuzor Onwochei, (so.), throws.
Top newcomers: Simran Sidhu, (sr.), jumps; Roma Hameed, (sr.), sprints; Kalia Higa, (jr.), middle distance, distance; Renee Scimeca, (fr.), sprints, jumps.
Outlook: Harris' central task this spring will be to make up the lost points all-state sprinter Kaitlin Pearson brought the Hilltoppers last year. "I am hoping to get a repeat performance in the conference meet," Harris said. "There's a chance to pull enough points to do that. (Last year) we didn't have any jumpers, a 2-miler or a four-by-eight."
GenevaCoach: Peter Raak
Conference: Upstate Eight River
Last year: 3rd in division; 3rd at Class 3A St. Charles North sectional
Top returning athletes: McKenzie Altmayer, (sr.), distance; Ndidi Ukaboshima, (sr.), sprints; Emma Ehrhardt, (jr.), distance; Collette Malovany, (jr.), middle distance; Kristin Higgins, (jr.), hurdles, jumps; Shannon Callahan, (sr.), jumps; Molly McQueeny (sr.), middle distance; Holly Nusser, (so.), middle distance.
Top newcomers: Stephanie Howe, (so.), middle distance; Kelly Perozek, (fr.), jumps.
Outlook: The Vikings improved dramatically as the season progressed last year culminating in ending the West Aurora five-year Kane County monopoly. Altmayer is the unquestioned star for Geneva this spring as the Syracuse recruit will do the 1,600-3,200 double. Altmayer was well below the qualifying standard for each event on a consistent basis during indoor season. "I think we have a combination with experienced seniors and newcomers," Raak said. "We're looking forward to have it come together."
HampshireCoach: Patti Nihells
Conference: Fox Valley
Last year: 9th in the conference; 2nd at the Class 2A Vernon Hills sectional
Top returning athletes: Elizabeth Evans, (sr.), sprints, middle distance; Morgan Richert, (jr.), distance; Alexis Nguyen, (jr.), sprints, hurdles; Jessica Pytel, (so.), distance; Rosa Rivera, (sr.), hurdles; Claire Baxter, (jr.), throws; Alex Brakeall, (jr.), throws; Sophia Oury, (so.), distance; Jacqueline Patel, (sr.), sprints, jumps; Stefanie Puczek, (sr.), jumps.
Top newcomer: Riley Seagren, (fr.), sprints, jumps.
Outlook: The Whip-Purs will be in unchartered territory this spring after being elevated to Class 3A. "We have moved up and the team is embracing the challenge," Nihells said. Jacqueline Patel is a defending sectional champion for the Whips as well as a sprint-relay state veteran. Evans is the Whips' other senior leader.
Harvest ChristianCoach: Steven Bland
Conference: Northeastern Athletic
Last year: 2nd in conference; 4th at Class 1 Oregon sectional
Top returning athlete: Rachel Higbee, (so.), sprints.
Top newcomers: Grace Callahan, (fr.), sprints, hurdles, jumps; Alyssa Iverson-Brown, (so.), sprints, middle distance.
Outlook: Bland has reason for optimism. "The 2016 season looks promising: this is by far the largest team HCA has ever fielded," Bland said. "As a small school, it is hard for us to compete against the largest schools in Class 1A, but getting individual athletes to state is a win for us." Hannah Hendricks is the senior leader for Harvest Christian.
HuntleyCoach: Shawn Nordeen
Conference: Fox Valley
Last year: conference champion; Class 3A Rockton Hononegah sectional champion
Top returning athletes: Kate Mitchell, (sr.), sprints, middle distance; Kiera Daly, (sr.), sprints, middle distance; Chloe Smith, (so.), middle distance, distance; Lindsey Ferguson, (so.), distance; Cassidy Lackovic, (so.), sprints; Alex Handchetz, (so.), sprints; Nicole Zielinski (sr.), sprints; Tyra Miller, (so.), sprints, jumps; Mackenzie Krich, (so.), jumps; Morgan O'Connor, (jr.), jumps; Sarah Henderson, (sr.), throws; Kate Bessey, (so.), throws.
Top newcomers: Mary Raclawski (fr.), middle distance, distance; Rhian Whitfield, (so.), hurdles, pole vault.
Outlook: The Red Raiders must find a way to replace sectional champions Macy Tremblay, Delaney Lyman and Tess Miller this spring. "Our team goal is to continue off last year's team championships," Nordeen said. "We are very deep in the mid-distances, which will keep the girls' workloads down. We have a very solid core of our sprinters and sprint relays back." Huntley remains the team to beat in the Fox Valley after claiming the indoor championship last month.
JacobsCoach: Ryan Lemanski
Conference: Fox Valley
Last year: 4th in conference; 6th at the Class 3A Rockton Hononegah sectional
Top returning athletes: Rachel Holestin, (jr.), hurdles, jumps; Kylie Steknik, (so.), sprints; Caliegh Walsh, (sr.) hurdles, jumps; Tiffany Johnson, (sr.), throws; Kathryn Van Vlierbergen, (jr.), middle distance; Nikki Dobson, (jr.), middle distance.
Top newcomer: Evelyn Dale, (fr.), sprints.
Outlook: With the possible exception of Streamwood, Jacobs' Lemanski has the unenviable duty to replace the incomparable Lauren Van Vlierbergen. The Michigan freshman was not only a state champion but also the national Wendy's Heisman award winner. But Lemanski is undaunted. "We are going to do everything to capitalize on last year's success," Lemanski said. "Our field events have got much more experience."
KanelandCoach: Doug Ecker
Conference: Northern Illinois Big XII
Last year: conference champion; Class 2A Galena sectional champion; fourth at state meet
Top returning athletes: Allie Heinzer, (sr.), sprints; Nicole Sreenan, (jr.),sprints; Noele Espino, (sr.), middle distance; Brianna Bower, (sr.), middle distance; Olivia Galor, (sr.), sprints; Lexie Guerra, (jr.), middle distance, pole vault; Becca Richtman, (jr.), middle distance; Sarah Daley, (jr.), middle distance; Carly Bartholomew, (sr.), sprints, middle distance; Jamie Martens (so.), sprints; Carly Elliott, (jr.), sprints; Shanya Hurston, (so.), sprints.
Outlook: The Knights are on a mission after its 1,600- and 3,200-meter relays won indoor championships at Top Times last weekend in Bloomington. The Knights almost certainly would have captured a team trophy last year had Sreenan -- a four-event all-stater as a freshman -- not missed the meet with a back injury. "I am just hoping to make it through this season after not being able to finish last season," said Sreenan, state runner-up at 400 meters as a freshman. "I just want to run with my team this season." Heinzer, another all-state 400 runner, and Sreenan anchor the Knights' state-viable sprint relays.
LarkinCoach: Brandie Lindo
Conference: Upstate Eight River
Last year: 8th in division; 15th at Class 3A St. Charles North sectional
Top returning athletes: Katarina Knowles, (sr.), sprints; Diana Cruz, (jr.), sprints; Izzy Orozco, (jr.), hurdles; Shawniece Douglas, (sr.), throws; Esperanza Golden-Garcia, (so.), sprints; Makayla Hill, (so.), sprints; Roshiece Hall, (jr.), sprints; Giselle Solano (so.), middle distance; Gina Clements, (sr.), hurdles, Hannah Rangel, (so.), middle distance; Hailey Buttrum, (so.), throws; Rosa Juarez, (jr.), throws; Layla Wisser, (jr.), sprints.
Outlook: The Royals will center their team around sprinters Knowles and Cruz this spring.
RosaryCoach: Vic Meade
Conference: Girls Catholic Athletic
Last year: no conference meet; Class 2A Plano sectional champion
Top returning athletes: Madison Ronzone, (sr.), middle distance, distance; Brooke Delahanty, (so.), sprints, middle distance; Shea Vero, (sr.), sprints, middle distance; Laney Cahill, (jr.), sprints, hurdles; Karianne Hoban, (so.), sprints, hurdles; Mary Kate Bakala, (jr.), sprints, jumps; Neethara Abraham, (sr.), sprints; Danielle Goring, (jr.), sprints, jumps.
Top newcomers: Maria Goheen, (fr.), middle distance; Megan Ronzone, (fr.), Taylor Obish, (fr.), sprints; Hannah Regan, (fr.), distance.
Outlook: Notre Dame recruit Madison Ronzone is the defending state runner-up at 1,600 meters in Class 2A. The Royals' senior standout also -- especially in tandem with classmate Vero -- makes Rosary one of the odds-on favorites in the 3,200 relay this spring. Rosary also has multiple members of its four relay state-qualifying units back this season.
South ElginCoach: Jorie Bartholomew
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
Last year: 6th in division; 7th at the Class 3A St. Charles North sectional
Top returning athletes: Bridgette Williams, (sr.), sprints, throws; Lauren Toussaint, (jr.), sprints, jumps; Samantha Czuprynski, (sr.), middle distance, distance; Emalee Smith, (sr.), hurdles, jumps; Jasmine Duncan, (sr.), sprints, hurdles.
Top newcomer: Olivia Cabaj, (so.), distance.
Outlook: Bartholomew will miss much of the season due to impending maternity leave. But the South Elgin coach is looking for the Storm to better its indoor conference showing. "I am really looking forward to outdoor to see this (level of) commitment rise," Bartholomew said. "We are trying to improve our indoor (conference) status. We are always looking for the postseason (push)."
StreamwoodCoach: Eric Manuel
Conference: Upstate Eight River
Last year: 5th in division; 10th at the Class 3A St. Charles North sectional
Top returning athletes: Kim Perkins, (jr.), sprints; Kandice McGill, (jr.), sprints, jumps; Sophia Roberts, (sr.), sprints; Gabrielle Moreno, (jr.), middle distance; Kirti Doshi, (jr.), sprints, jumps; Geenta Vitja-Hoti, (jr.), throws; Sarah Fannin, (sr.), throws.
Outlook: Gabby Juarez (Bradley) capped her sensational Streamwood running career with a dramatic come-from-behind victory in the 1,600 run last spring to become the first state champion in program history. First-year coach Manuel, former boys coach at Glenbard North, will also have Cynthia Figueroa, Jeriann Gumila, Taylor Sewell, Mark Kate Guy, Maddi Exline and Jahnia Gould at his disposal this spring.
St. Charles EastCoach: Tim Young
Conference: Upstate Eight River
Last year: 2nd in division; 2nd at the Class 3A St. Charles North sectional
Top returning athletes: Stephanie Garcia, (jr.), sprints, Reece Fisher, (so.), sprints; Kathleen Strohaker, (jr.), middle distance; Casey McNichols, (jr.), middle distance; Anastasia Honea, (sr.), middle distance, distance; Jess Glass, (sr.), sprints, hurdles; Lauren Williams, (so.), sprints, jumps; Reiney Scull, (so.), middle distance; Kennedy Gift, (jr.), pole vault; Emily Gier, (sr.), pole vault; Hannah Ewaldt, (jr.), distance; Lexi Scull, (jr.), middle distance, distance.
Top newcomers: Callie Gentry, (fr.), sprints; Gionna Shaffer, (so.), throws.
Outlook: Saints McNichols and Honea are past relay state champions for the trophy-winning squad from two years ago. As usual, St. Charles East should be a balanced team, able to score across all 18 outdoor events. "Our upperclassmen are not too experienced in terms of varsity," Young said. "I can't honestly say what the future will hold (conference-wise). I think we'll do quite well again."
St. Charles NorthCoach: John Osmanski
Conference: Upstate Eight River
Last year: 4th in the division; 6th at its sectional
Top returning athletes: Hannah Schilb, (sr.), sprints, hurdles, jumps; Audrey Ernst, (so.), middle distance, distance; Natalie Waters, (jr.), sprints, jumps; Nina Oleshever, (sr.), middle distance; Alyssa Graf, (jr.), sprints; Ava Fiandaca, (jr.), middle distance; Hailee Stay, (sr.), pole vault.
Top newcomer: Natalie Galvan, (fr.), distance.
Outlook: The North Stars will go as far as Schilb and Ernst can carry them. The former, bound for Iowa, and the latter are the North Stars' two returning all-staters. Schilb was sixth in the triple jump; Ernst was fourth at 1,600 meters. "I want to place in more than one event this year," said Schilb, who will seek a fourth consecutive appearance in the state triple jump. Osmanski said a state title for Schilb is not out of the question. Ernst is a viable candidate for both the 1,600 and 3,200 runs.
St. EdwardCoach: Katie Beckett
Conference: Metro Suburban
Last year: 6th in conference; 4th at the Class 1A Oregon sectional
Top returning athlete: Becca Uscila, (so.), sprints.
Outlook: The Green Wave will focus on individual gains due to the size of its team. Megan Ostrander and Mary Catherine Kelly are the sprint leaders for St. Edward. Alyssa Doruelo and Jillian Rolando will complement the duo. Megan Ostrander is another sprinter for the Green Wave, who will count on Emily Wagh for longer distances.
West Aurora:Coach: Teresa Towles
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
Last year: 4th in division; 4th at Class 3A St. Charles North sectional
Top returning athletes: Tamia Rayford, (jr.), sprints; Tatyana Skokan, (jr.), sprints; JeMya McClendon, (jr.), sprints; Rajiah Andrews, (so.), sprints, hurdles; Lauren Harris-Williams, (sr.), sprints; Kiyanna Rodgers, (so.), sprints; Marin Munos, (jr.), sprints, jumps; Kayla Battle, (jr.), jumps; SaMya Hunt, (sr.), throws; Ashley Williams, (sr.), sprints; Riley McCabe, (so.), distance.
Top newcomers: Rashida Naylor, (fr.), sprints; Maddie Wahlart, (fr.), middle distance; Terese Solgos, (fr.), sprints.
Outlook: Towles has turned the program into a state-known entity after taking over 12 years ago. The Blackhawks are once again gifted with a plethora of interchangeable sprinters. Towles cannot wait for the outdoor season to start. "The goal for (the team) is to be in the top-five at state," Towles said. "It's realistic. I have been there before. All they have to do is continue to put the pieces together." Rayford, Andrews and McClendon were all-state in the 800 relay. Skokan teamed with her fellow juniors in the 400 relay; the quartet missed finals by one one-hundredth of a second.
Westminster ChristianCoach: Adriana Armstrong
Conference: Northeastern Athletic
Last year: 7th in conference; 15th at Class 1A Oregon sectional
Top returning athletes: Tess Anderson, (so.); Gracie Armstrong, (sr.); Sophie Danner, (so.); Alecia Guttila, (jr.); Annie Sterkel, (so.).
Outlook: Westminster Christian, like St. Edward, will have limited expectations due to having only five athletes in the program.