We'll be counting down our preseason top 50 girls teams below! Check back regularly as we'll reveal 5 new teams every two-three days...counting down all the way to our preseason #1 team! Where will your team rank?
#1 – Carmel Greyhounds
Shelbyville Semi-state #1
Noblesville Regional #1
State meet history: 40 appearances (last in 2020), 36 podium finishes (last in 2020), 8 runner-up titles (1981, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2009), 19 state championships (1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020)
2020 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 1st place (22 points)
Noblesville Regional: 1st place (44 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 1st place (30 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 1st place (52 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Jamie Klavon (12) – 18:35 (10th place)
Cara Naas (10) – 18:44 (12th place)
Alivia Romaniuk (12) – 18:48 (13th place)
Jasmine Klopstad (11) – 18:59 (18th place)
2021 Outlook: What’s not to love about the Greyhounds’ potential this fall? Carmel returns four from a team that dominated the state last year, all four of which could be All-State this season (and are ranked in the top 25 on inccstats before track performances are accounted for). Senior Alivia Romaniuk and sophomore Cara Naas have previously done that, running maybe their best races of the season in Terre Haute. Junior Jasmine Klopstad (28th in ’19 and 33rd in ’20) has perhaps the best potential of any of the ‘Hounds in 2021; she also opened up the lead on Carmel’s state championship 4x800 relay this past spring. It does take five in cross country so the ‘Hounds will need to develop depth, but that shouldn’t be too challenging in a school of 5436 that fielded 134 participants last year. In addition to any incoming freshmen, sophomore Kara Wenzler ran 19:17 in the regional in perfect conditions and sophomore Emersyn Weaver ran 19:49 in warm and humid conditions at the sectional meet.
#2 – Columbus North Bull Dogs
Brown County Semi-state #1
State meet history: 36 appearances (last in 2020), 19 podium finishes (last in 2020), 3 runner-up titles (1986, 2010, 2011), 1 state championship (2009)
2020 Results:
Brown County Sectional: 1st place (22 points)
Columbus North Regional: 1st place (19 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 1st place (50 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 3rd place (168 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Lily Baker (11) – 18:50 (6th place)
Julie Klaus (11) – 19:07 (10th place)
Ellen White (11) – 19:12 (13th place)
Brianna Newell (11) – 19:25 (22nd place)
Jessica Mezra (11) – 19:27 (25th place)
Katherine Rumsey (12) – 19:39 (31st place)
2021 Outlook: The Bull Dogs have the look of a real contender after finishing third in 2020. Juniors Brianna Newell (1600) and Lily Baker (800) as well as senior Katherine Rumsey (3200) qualified for the state finals in the past spring to follow up a great cross country season. Baker and Newell also ran with classmate Julie Klaus on a third-place 4x800 relay at the state track meet. North is incredibly deep: in addition to the listed returners, senior Abby Jacobi scored for the Dogs at the state meet and junior Sydney Morlock was a consistent contributor in September but did not compete in the tournament. Also of note, the North got an out-of-state transfer moved in that could make a big difference.
#3 – Zionsville Eagles
Shelbyville Semi-state #2
State meet history: 8 appearances (last in 2020), 6 podium finishes (last in 2002), 2 runner-up titles (2018, 2019), 1 state championship (2017)
2020 Results:
Ben Davis Sectional: 1st place (30 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 1st place (33 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 3rd place (135 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 4th place (236 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Kiersten Hill (12) – 18:35 (11th place)
Zenaida Garcia (11) – 19:25 (27th place)
Lydia Moore (12) – 19:52 (43rd place)
Maddie Scheitlin (10) – 19:55 (45th place)
Elaina Herman (10) – 19:57 (49th place)
Kyla Stalbaum (11) – 20:25 (86th place)
Taylor Osterling (12) – 20:29 (93rd place)
2021 Outlook: The Eagles are entering blueblood territory after their podium streak extended to six seasons last fall. This year’s edition brings back all seven from the previous season so it’s very possible that Zionsville could extend that to seven consecutive years in the top five at the state meet. Senior Kiersten Hill is a potential All-Staters; she was 44th in the state finals in an abbreviated season and qualified for the state meet in track in the 3200. Obviously, the Eagles have the makings of a podium team, but their spring season for a true contender was a little lacking. Of course, there could be newcomers contribute that we don’t yet know about.
#4 – Franklin Central Flashes
Shelbyville Semi-state #3
State meet history: 10 appearances (last in 2020), 4 podium finishes (last in 2012)
2020 Results:
Mt. Vernon Sectional: 2nd place (49 points)
Rushville Regional: 1st place (24 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 2nd place (125 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 6th place (269 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Ella DesJean (10) – 18:54 (16th place)
Abigail Adams (12) – 19:14 (25th place)
Cami Farmer (12) – 19:34 (34th place)
Kylie Cline (10) – 19:45 (40th place)
Elena Baumberger (10) – 21:26 (142nd place)
2021 Outlook: The Flashes bring back five from a team that finished second in the semi-state and sixth at the state meet. Sophomore Ella DesJean is coming off a fabulous freshman year in which she was All-State in cross country and ran 11:15 over 3200 meters in track. Senior Abby Adams was also good in both seasons, and the rest of the returners had a spring that warrants consideration as a legitimate podium threat. Sophomore Victoria Stacy could prove to be a difference maker; she ran just one race last fall, but she had a competitive track season where she competed in the tournament.
#5 – Valparaiso Vikings
New Prairie Semi-state #1
State meet history: 33 appearances (last in 2020), 12 podium finishes (last in 2011), 3 runner-up titles (2001, 2005, 2006), 5 state championships (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004)
2020 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 2nd place (65 points)
Chesterton Regional: 3rd place (94 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 2nd place (143 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 8th place (276 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Kaylie Politza (12) – 18:44 (3rd place)
Cheyanne Stock (11) – 19:01 (7th place)
Angela Coulopoulos (10) – 20:18 (39th place)
Anika Anderson (10) – 20:31 (55th place)
Lillian Maldia (12) – 20:39 (65th place)
Grace Thomas (11) – 20:55 (77th place)
Abigail Artherhults (12) – 21:11 (98th place)
2021 Outlook: The Vikings return everyone from their eighth-place state meet team, a group that ran its best race by far at the state finals. Senior Kaylie Politza, one of the state’s premiere distance runners, leads the way for Valpo. She was 11th at the state meet in cross country, her first appearance, and she finished second over 800 meters at the state finals in the spring. The Vikes have all the requirements for a potential podium team: a reliable frontrunner, a good number two runner and a competitive spring from some of the runners deeper into the roster. Valpo has a good shot to get on the podium for the first time in a decade.
#6 – Hamilton Southeastern Royals
New Haven Semi-state #1
State meet history: 9 appearances (last in 2020), 4 podium finishes (last in 2018), 1 runner-up title (2013)
2020 Results:
Pendleton Heights Sectional: 1st place (18 points)
Delta Regional: 1st place (41 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 2nd place (74 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 9th place (282 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-state)
Maggie Powers (10) – 19:02 (8th place)
Destiny Rose (11) – 19:08 (11th place)
Allie Latta (12) – 19:26 (18th place)
Grace Newton (11) – 20:08 (38th place)
Katherine Kesler (12) – 20:19 (49th place)
2021 Outlook: The Royals return five from their team that finished ninth at the state meet but looked like a podium team for much of the season. Southeastern won’t have a surefire frontrunner like they had with Halle Hill just now (or Lulu Black before her and Rachel Nichwitz prior to that). Still, this will be a deep team with certainly good runners at the top of the roster. The Royals did have an All-State 4x8 without seniors, three of whom ran cross country last year. Standard improvement coupled with the momentum of a solid track season could put HSE back among the podium contenders.
#7 – Northview Knights
Brown County Semi-state #2
State meet history: 3 appearances (last in 2020)
2020 Results:
Terre Haute North Sectional: 1st place (21 points)
Bedford North Lawrence Regional: 1st place (43 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 3rd place (118 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 14th place (375 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Gnister Grant (10) – 18:36 (4th place)
Ellia Hayes (10) – 19:19 (18th place)
Maisie Eldridge (11) – 19:22 (20th place)
Katelyn Morrison (11) – 19:57 (41st place)
Halle Miller (11) – 20:06 (45th place)
Briley Shillings (11) – 20:47 (82nd place)
Piper Brinkman (10) – 20:48 (84th place)
2021 Outlook: The Knights have an exciting present with potentially the best team in school history this fall and a promising future since they return a team of all freshmen and sophomores that ran in the state finals last year. Sophomore Gnister Grant was very close to All-State last fall in 29th place, and she teamed with classmate Ellia Hayes to send two Knights to the state finals in the 1600 this past spring. Northview was really good for stretches of last season, and an extra year of experience especially with five juniors that competed in the state meet the past two seasons.
#8 – Fort Wayne Carroll Chargers
New Haven Semi-state #2
West Noble Regional #1
State meet history: 18 appearances (last in 2020), 9 podium finishes (last in 2020), 4 runner-up titles (2015, 2016, 2017, 2020), 2 state championships (2018, 2019)
2020 Results:
Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional: 1st place (20 points)
West Noble Regional: 1st place (49 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 1st place (46 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 2nd place (77 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Taylor Hansen (10) – 19:18 (16th place)
Madalyn Ruch (12) – 19:32 (22nd place)
Paige Hout (11) – 20:34 (64th place)
Marybeth Hall (10) – 21:32 (131st place)
2021 Outlook: The Chargers seem to be entering a new era after some graduation hits and the retirement of coach Phil Yoder. Still, Carroll is a podium contender this year even if the title is a bit out of reach. In addition to the four from the semistate, senior Brooke Hansen was 26th at the state finals and has competed in three state meets in cross country. The Hansens both returning gets Carroll off to a good start, though the Chargers could have depth concerns for the first time in a while. Still, this is a long-standing tradition, a team that has qualified for the state meet in 17 consecutive years and finished on the podium in nine of those.
#9 – Chesterton Trojans
New Prairie Semi-state #2
State meet history: 20 appearances (last in 2020), 7 podium finishes (last in 2003), 3 runner-up titles (1995, 1997, 2003)
2020 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 1st place (57 points)
Chesterton Regional: 1st place (54 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 1st place (110 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 20th place (444 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Bailey Ranta (12) – 18:32 (2nd place)
Bree Gentry (12) – 19:46 (20th place)
Catherine White (12) – 20:04 (27th place)
Ciara Bonner (10) – 20:06 (29th place)
Liz Hibshman (12) – 20:31 (54th place)
Alyssa Dunlap (11) – 20:36 (59th place)
McKenna Handley (12) – 21:14 (100th place)
2021 Outlook: The Trojans return everyone from their semi-state title team last fall, including frontrunner Bailey Ranta who has been All-State in both cross country and track. An experienced and senior-heavy roster could be key for Chesterton, a school with a rich history of cross country success that has not seen the podium in almost two decades. The frontrunning of Ranta and the potential of senior Bree Gentry, who ran in three events at the state track meet and earned two medals, in combination with good coaching and a solid summer could be enough to get Chesterton back to the medals.
#10 – Noblesville Millers
Shelbyville Semi-state #4
Noblesville Regional #2
State meet history: 11 appearances (last in 2020), 3 podium finishes (last in 2016)
2020 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 2nd place (61 points)
Noblesville Regional: 4th place (114 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 5th place (209 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 13th place (308 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Summer Rempe (10) – 19:02 (19th place)
Nadia Perez (10) – 19:07 (23rd place)
Kennedy Applegate (10) – 20:11 (67th place)
Paige Hazelrigg (11) – 20:13 (70th place)
Brooke Lahee (11) – 20:33 (97th place)
2021 Outlook: The Millers have potential to be great this fall: they bring back their top three (all freshmen last year), five of their seven and could get an influx of talent to help add solid scorers. Noblesville is in a very competitive area, which can be a double-edged sword. Though their runners hardly ever stand out when going against the state’s best each week, the Millers also get a chance to see themselves against top-flight competition. Noblesville is on a three-year state meet streak and with so many good younger runners in the line-up that looks likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
#11 – North Central Panthers
Shelbyville Semi-state #5
Noblesville Regional #3
State meet history: 17 appearances (last in 2020), 7 podium finishes (last in 2020)
2020 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 1st place (39 points)
Noblesville Regional: 2nd place (85 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 4th place (179 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 5th place (237 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Sophia Tipmore (11) – 19:48 (42nd place)
Emma Vatnasdal (11) – 19:56 (48th place)
Rahiwa Tezera (12) – 20:10 (65th place)
Maddie Rochio (10) – 20:14 (71st place)
Margot Grotland (11) – 20:19 (80th place)
Mary Edwards (11) – 20:24 (85th place)
2021 Outlook: The Panthers snapped a lengthy state meet skid and a much lengthier hiatus from the podium last fall. NC brings back six of those seven, though the graduation of All-Stater Ellen Baker leaves the Panthers without a valuable frontrunner. Still, it’s possible that NC ascends the podium again even without a potential All-Stater on the roster. This will be a deep team, and the Panthers are coming off several strong track seasons from their returners. The Panthers have a likely state meet squad and a possible podium team as well.
#12 – Bloomington North Cougars
Brown County Semi-state #3
State meet history: 30 appearances (last in 2020), 4 podium finishes (last in 2007), 1 runner-up title (1982)
2020 Results:
Bedford North Lawrence Sectional: 1st place (39 points)
Bedford North Lawrence Regional: 2nd place (56 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 4th place (127 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 12th place (308 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Rachel Allison (11) – 19:18 (16th place)
Nola Somers Glenn (10) – 19:28 (26th place)
Bea Cakmak (12) – 19:45 (35th place)
Avery Njau (12) – 19:49 (37th place)
Mikalah Wiles (11) – 21:49 (123rd place)
2021 Outlook: The Cougars have been solidly around the top ten teams in the state over the last several years, and that looks likely to continue into 2021. North brings back six from the state meet last fall, including two that competed as freshmen. In fact, the Cougars have nine state meet appearances on their roster for this year, a pretty high number. That recent history and consistent results give us a pretty good idea of what to expect. While North may not have the upside potential of some of the teams with better frontrunning, we know they will be solid this year and likely advance to a seventh consecutive state finals.
#13 – Floyd Central Highlanders
Brown County Semi-state #4
State meet history: 26 appearances (last in 2020), 7 podium finishes (last in 1992), 1 runner-up title (1987), 4 state championships (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992)
2020 Results:
Crawford County Sectional: 1st place (15 points)
Crawford County Regional: 1st place (27 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 2nd place (109 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 7th place (217 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Jaydon Cirincione (12) – 18:39 (5th place)
Savanna Liddle (11) – 18:58 (8th place)
Kaitlyn Stewart (10) – 19:17 (15th place)
Meredith Bielfeld (12) – 20:40 (78th place)
Ella Neafus (11) – 21:21 (107th place)
2021 Outlook: The Highlanders bring back their top three and five of seven from a team that placed seventh at the state meet, the school’s highest placing since its last state championship squad in 1992. All three of those girls qualified individually for the state finals in track this past spring, and Floyd also had a podium 4x800 relay. Cross country scores five, not just three, but the ‘Landers have some good options to round out the scoring, including two that got state meet experience in 2020. To be a podium team, Floyd would need two more not far behind their top trio, not a likelihood but perhaps a possibility.
#14 – Fort Wayne Homestead Spartans
New Haven Semi-state #4
West Noble Regional #2
State meet history: 20 appearances (last in 2020), 1 podium finish (2016)
2020 Results:
Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional: 3rd place (74 points)
West Noble Regional: 3rd place (82 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 6th place (200 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 16th place (415 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Addison Knoblauch (10) – 19:14 (13th place)
Lauren Saddington (10) – 20:26 (56th place)
Reagan Albers (11) – 20:26 (57th place)
Elise Peckinpaugh (11) – 20:59 (89th place)
Gabrielle Kiess (11) – 21:09 (100th place)
2021 Outlook: The Spartans have consistently retooled their roster in building up a nine-year state meet streak that looks likely to hit a full decade this fall. This is a young team after running two freshmen and three sophomores in last year’s state cross country meet, Homestead will get a boost with the return of senior Amelia Faber who missed the tournament this past fall but finished 21st at the state finals as a sophomore. Faber and sophomore Addison Knoblauch could give the Spartans two All-Staters, and the rest of the team certainly provides the depth needed to compete in one of the state’s toughest areas.
#15 – Fishers Tigers
New Haven Semi-state #3
State meet history: 7 appearances (last in 2020), 1 podium finish (2019)
2020 Results:
Pendleton Heights Sectional: 2nd place (57 points)
Delta Regional: 2nd place (52 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 4th place (171 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 19th place (439 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-state)
Anna Runion (12) – 19:05 (9th place)
Vera Schafer (12) – 19:25 (17th place)
Elizabeth Barrett (12) – 19:50 (29th place)
Kaitlyn Moriarty (12) – 21:35 (133rd place)
2021 Outlook: The Tigers have three girls on the roster who have finished in the top 50 at the state meet, either last year or the year prior, during their time in high school. The certainly gives Fishers, one of the largest schools in Indiana, a good start. Senior Eliabeth Barrett could provide the Tigers a valuable frontrunner and potential All-Stater; she was the number two runner on Fishers’ only podium team in their school’s (short) history, and she had a great track season over 3200 meters this past spring. This is a solid state meet team that could get into podium contention if they can bring in some athletes we don’t know about yet, although that doesn’t seem likely in looking at the Hamilton County junior high meet results.
#16 – Bloomington South Panthers
Brown County Semi-state #5
State meet history: 23 appearances (last in 2020)
2020 Results:
Bedford North Lawrence Sectional: 2nd place (47 points)
Bedford North Lawrence Regional: 3rd place (72 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 5th place (166 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 22nd place (451 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Lily Myers (11) – 18:58 (9th place)
Emma Callahan (11) – 19:08 (12th place)
Chloe Borders (11) – 19:46 (36th place)
Katherine Barada (10) – 20:33 (68th place)
2021 Outlook: The Panthers have four back, their top four, from a team that comfortably qualified for the school’s 14th consecutive state meet last fall. South followed up its fall season by qualifying returners in all three distance events to the state track meet in the spring. The key for the Panthers will be maintaining availability: South has had potential scorers, in some cases multiple of them, miss some or all of the tournament in recent years. If the Panthers are fully healthy, this is potentially a top ten team, perhaps the second best team in the south.
#17 – Center Grove Trojans
Shelbyville Semi-state #6
State meet history: 7 appearances (last in 2011), 1 podium finish (2006)
2020 Results:
Franklin Sectional: 2nd place (50 points)
Franklin Regional: 1st place (59 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 7th place (228 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Mary Hodges (12) – 19:27 (29th place)
Lily Brunsman (10) – 19:29 (30th place)
Elizabeth Madden (10) – 20:15 (72nd place)
Lara Phipps (10) – 20:20 (82nd place)
Hudson Gilstorf (12) – 20:27 (89th place)
Lauren Todd (12) – 21:11 (130th place)
2021 Outlook: The Trojans return six from a team that very nearly garnered an unlikely state meet berth last fall. Senior Mary Hodges was a big difference maker after transferring from Pike earlier in her high school career; she was also All-State over 800 meters this spring. The key to upgrading from a fun story to a team that advances beyond the semi-state (and ends a nearly decade-long drought) will be developing the rising sophomore class that had three scorers in most meets. The track season, usually a good barometer for the state’s top teams, was good for CG.
#18 – Penn Kingsmen
New Haven Semi-state #5
State meet history: 20 appearances (last in 2020), 6 podium finishes (last in 2014)
2020 Results:
South Bend Riley Sectional: 1st place (36 points)
Elkhart Central Regional: 1st place (34 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 5th place (183 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 11th place (307 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Julie Smith (12) – 19:16 (14th place)
Mary Eubank (10) – 20:01 (36th place)
Morgan Gannon (12) – 20:27 (58th place)
Ellie Stabnik (10) – 20:47 (74th place)
2021 Outlook: The Kingsmen have qualified for nine of the last ten state finals and could extend that this fall. Penn returns four of last year’s seven from an 11th-place state meet team and, like many teams high in our rankings can pull from a very large student body (enrollment: 3596) and deep team (42 participants in 2020). The Kingsmen built momentum for this fall through a great track season as well: a 4x800 relay with three returners finished fifth at the state meet and sophomore Mary Eubank qualified individually in the 1600. Even in the new-look New Haven Semi-state that now features teams from the Indy area, Penn has become a staple of the advancing teams; we see that continuing this year.
#19 – Park Tudor Panthers
Shelbyville Semi-state #7
Noblesville Regional #4
State meet history: Never qualified
2020 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 3rd place (100 points)
Noblesville Regional: 6th place (164 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Noblesville Regional)
Sophia Kennedy (11) – 17:49 (3rd place)
Gretchen Farley (11) – 17:54 (4th place)
Abigail Moyers (10) – 20:19 (50th place)
Isabella Wilgurn (10) – 20:38 (60th place)
Claire Carpenter (11) – 21:30 (76th place)
Mary Emma White (11) – 22:11 (83rd place)
2021 Outlook: The Panthers are an interesting team. They return a pair of All-State juniors in Sophia Kennedy and Gretchen Farley who were fifth and 12th in cross country then ran very well in the track season. Park Tudor brings back its top six from last year. With potentially two in the top ten at the state meet, it almost becomes a question of math for the Panthers. If the top two score just five or six points total, how far back can the other three finish for Park Tudor to advance from the regional or the semi-state? With those two frontrunners, a freshman phenom could be even more impactful at Park Tudor than almost anywhere else.
#20 – Lake Central Indians
New Prairie Semi-state #3
State meet history: 15 appearances (last in 2020), 2 podium finishes (last in 2008), 2 runner-up titles (2007, 2008)
2020 Results:
Highland Sectional: 1st place (16 points)
Crown Point Regional: 2nd place (87 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 3rd place (159 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 23rd place (468 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Rachel Narjes (12) – 19:55 (23rd place)
Natalie Kransky (11) – 20:06 (30th place)
Carly Davis (12) – 20:24 (45th place)
Taylor Kosiek (12) – 20:40 (66th place)
Sydney Churilla (10) – 21:08 (95th place)
2021 Outlook: Lake Central is looking for a third consecutive state finals bid and has a great chance of earning it out of the New Prairie Semi-state. LC is deep: they return five of last year’s state meet seven and sophomore Addison Roth might be the top runner more often than not this season after missing the tournament last fall but running competitively in the track season. Sophomore Nicole Vollrath, a double regional qualifier in the 1600 and 3200, could make a difference as well. This team is a state meet lock.
#21 – Warsaw Tigers
New Prairie Semi-state #4
State meet history: 9 appearances (last in 2020)
2020 Results:
Culver Academies Sectional: 1st place (41 points)
Culver Academies Regional: 1st place (64 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 4th place (162 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 24th place (531 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Wini Barnett (12) – 19:45 (19th place)
Ava Knight (12) – 20:05 (28th place)
Regan Brouwer (12) – 20:08 (33rd place)
Erika Bugg (11) – 20:52 (75th place)
Marissa Howett (10) – 21:01 (85th place)
Elizabeth Vander Bie (10) – 21:02 (88th place)
2021 Outlook: The Tigers return six from a state meet team, the bulk of a group that proved last school year it can run its best at the most important times. That included a relatively surprising state meet berth in cross country and a runner-up finish in the 4x800 relay out of the slow heat at the state finals in track. Warsaw is without a true frontrunner, but the Tigers have depth and now experience. If sophomore Josefina Rostrelli, who ran a leg on the aforementioned relay and qualified individually in the 1600 in the spring, runs this fall, the Tigers are probably a lock to make advance out of the New Prairie Semi-state (and perhaps not without a frontrunner).
#22 – Brebeuf Jesuit Braves
Shelbyville Semi-state #8
Noblesville Regional #5
State meet history: 4 appearances (last in 2019), 1 podium finish (2017)
2020 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 4th place (110 points)
Noblesville Regional: 8th place (191 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Noblesville Regional)
Kendall Martin (12) – 18:14 (5th place)
Audrey Sloan (11) – 19:47 (36th place)
Skylar Williams (11) – 20:25 (55th place)
Maya Murthy (12) – 21:00 (65th place)
Kate Williams (10) – 21:17 (72nd place)
2021 Outlook: The Braves return five from a team that was not very close to advancing out of the regional last year. Brebeuf could potentially have two in the top ten at the state meet with seniors Kendall Martin (tenth in 2020) and Madeline Keller (third in 2019), though Keller missed all of both the cross country and track seasons last school year. The Braves are another high variance team: if both Martin and Keller are up to form and they get an impactful newcomer or two then this could be a podium team, but it’s also possible that Brebeuf doesn’t advance out of the sectional. This ranking reflects that uncertainty.
#23 – Wheeler Bearcats
New Prairie Semi-state #5
State meet history: 1 appearance (2020)
2020 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 3rd place (75 points)
Chesterton Regional: 2nd place (59 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 6th place (190 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 18th place (420 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Lucca Okeley (10) – 20:25 (46th place)
Emma Hellwege (12) – 20:29 (51st place)
Elise Byers (10) – 20:30 (53rd place)
Emily Enright (11) – 20:33 (57th place)
2021 Outlook: The Bearcats qualified for a first state finals in program history and could be going back again this fall. Wheeler is a challenging team to project going into this season; the Bearcats looked like a potential state meet squad last fall then got the added benefit of two freshmen who were ready to score. This year’s group has four highly competitive runners back, but Wheeler was the smallest school at last year’s state meet (enrollment: 536) with just 11 participants. If the ‘Cats can get a fifth (and potentially sixth or even seventh) to pair with their returners, they’re a state meet lock. If not, they’ll be hoping to be high enough in scoring to close the door in time at five.
#24 – Fort Wayne Concordia Cadets
New Haven Semi-state #6
West Noble Regional #3
State meet history: 14 appearances (last in 2020), 2 podium finishes (last in 2011), 1 state championship (1983)
2020 Results:
Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional: 2nd place (60 points)
West Noble Regional: 2nd place (70 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 3rd place (124 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 10th place (303 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Keller Whicker (11) – 19:31 (20th place)
Alex Panning (10) – 19:32 (21st place)
Madelyn Borchelt (12) – 19:46 (27th place)
2021 Outlook: The Cadets return three from a top ten team last year, looking for a third straight state meet appearance as a team. That trio, the top three at the state meet in 2020 for the Cadets, give Concordia a good start, but they will obviously need to recruit some new (or improved) help to make a return trip. That is certainly possible—the boys team in a combined program has been doing it for years—but in an increasingly competitive New Haven Semi-state, making repeated trips to the state meet as a team becomes more challenging each year.
#25 – Northridge Raiders
New Haven Semi-state #7
State meet history: 25 appearances (last in 2019), 7 podium finishes (last in 2005), 2 runner-up titles (1993, 2002)
2020 Results:
Elkhart Sectional: 1st place (32 points)
Elkhart Central Regional: 2nd place (60 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 9th place (205 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Haylee Hile (11) – 19:06 (10th place)
Clare Ritchie (12) – 19:54 (31st place)
Tame Baylis (11) – 20:13 (46th place)
Emma Long (11) – 20:45 (65th place)
Ella Hoefer (12) – 21:10 (101st place)
Kylie McMann (11) – 21:45 (139th place)
Bria Jones (10) – 22:12 (150th place)
2021 Outlook: The Raiders return everyone from a team that was eighth place and just five points from the state meet last fall. Northridge has seemingly everything needed to qualify for a ninth state meet in 11 years: a frontrunner, an experienced team and a desire to make amends for last year’s disappointments. Junior Haylee Hile, 27th at the state meet as a freshman and an individual qualifier last year, gives Northridge a good frontrunner. The Raiders also had a solid, if somewhat unremarkable, track season in the spring. They will be a tough out in October this year.
#26 – Huntington North Vikings
New Haven Semi-state #8
State meet history: 11 appearances (last in 2015)
2020 Results:
Marion Sectional: 1st place (21 points)
Marion Regional: 1st place (59 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 7th place (202 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Addison Wiley (12) – 18:26 (4th place)
Johanna Bragg (10) – 20:10 (44th place)
Ella Colclesser (10) – 20:48 (75th place)
Gracie Fields (10) – 20:54 (79th place)
Elle McDonald (10) – 21:20 (118th place)
2021 Outlook: The Vikings return four scorers and six of seven from a team that was just two points shy of the state meet last fall. Huntington has all-world talent Addison Wiley, the state record holder over 800 and 1600 meters and in her senior year, to pair with a great rising sophomore class. Thanks for the influx of new talent in 2020, the Vikes had a season much better than expected, and they carried that momentum through the spring. In addition to Wiley’s dual state titles over in the 1600 and 800, Huntington qualified a 4x800 relay for the state meet and ran 9:39 without her. The athletes are there for a run to Terre Haute as a team.
#27 – Lowell Red Devils
New Prairie Semi-state #6
State meet history: 4 appearances (last in 2019)
2020 Results:
Hebron Sectional: 2nd place (58 points)
Crown Point Regional: 3rd place (84 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 10th place (267 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Karina James (12) – 18:08 (1st place)
Reilly Boyer (11) – 20:27 (49th place)
Megan Brandon (12) – 20:50 (72nd place)
Isabella Medina (12) – 22:54 (154th place)
Olivia Decker (11) – 23:02 (158th place)
Payton Boyer (10) – 23:14 (164th place)
2021 Outlook: The Red Devils made all four of the school’s appearances in consecutive years prior to the pandemic and could get a new streak started this year. Lowell has the ultimate low stick in the incredibly consistent Karina James, the cross country state champion last fall and double All-Stater this spring in the 1600 and 3200. Senior Megan Brandon had a good track season as well. Based on results from 2020, the Devils look like they’ll need to develop or bring in at least one more runner to compete for a state berth; James’ prowess gives Lowell the ability to negate one high scorer but certainly not two at the semi-state.
#28 – Franklin Community Grizzly Cubs
Shelbyville Semi-state #9
State meet history: 1 appearance (2020)
2020 Results:
Franklin Sectional: 1st place (43 points)
Franklin Regional: 3rd place (70 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 6th place (211 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 15th place (390 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Lauren Klem (10) – 18:26 (7th place)
Jenna Newton (12) – 19:53 (44th place)
Sydney Woodward (10) – 20:48 (109th place)
Mallory Luse (11) – 21:14 (132nd place)
Eran Treibic (11) – 21:29 (144th place)
2021 Outlook: The Grizzly Cubs qualified for their first ever state meet on the strength of freshmen and frontrunning. Franklin loses one of its two frontrunners, but sophomore Lauren Klem (27th at the state meet last fall) should give the Cubs consistent contributions for another three years. Beyond Klem, who was also solid in the spring, track tournament results are inconclusive for the returners with a couple of seniors running in the other spots in the distance events. The Cubs should be in the mix to making the state meet for a second straight year, and the easier path to the semi-state certainly doesn’t hurt those odds.
#29 – Leo Lions
New Haven Semi-state #9
West Noble Regional #4
State meet history: Never qualified
2019 Results:
Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional: 4th place (96 points)
West Noble Regional: 4th place (111 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 10th place (282 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Maya Norris (10) – 19:58 (34th place)
Isabelle Shenfeld (10) – 20:09 (41st place)
Eden Norris (12) – 20:33 (60th place)
Olivia Lashure (11) – 21:24 (120th place)
Leah Handshoe (12) – 21:36 (134th place)
Taylor Stine (12) – 21:47 (140th place)
2020 Outlook: The Lions got a pair of freshmen to contribute and went from a team often out after the sectional round to a group that looks like it has a genuine shot to make its first state meet ever. The return of senior Renee Beaubien, Leo’s number one runner throughout most of the fall before missing the last two tournament meets, bolsters the Lions’ chances. In addition to her, sophomores Maya Norris and Isabelle Shenfeld displayed potential to be long-term scorers on a state-ranked team with solid spring seasons. Senior Leah Handshoe has intriguing potential as a distance runner; she scored for the Lions often last year and was All-State in the 300 hurdles. Something is building at Leo, and our committee (of one) will be keeping an eye on the Lions this fall.
#30 – Batesville Bulldogs
Shelbyville Semi-state #10
State meet history: Never qualified
2020 Results:
South Dearborn Sectional: 1st place (30 points)
Franklin Regional: 2nd place (65 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 12th place (259 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Ava Hanson (11) – 19:45 (39th place)
Sophie Myers (11) – 19:56 (47th place)
Maria Lopez (12) – 19:59 (51st place)
Megan Allgeier (10) – 20:27 (88th place)
Lily Pinckley (12) – 20:47 (106th place)
Madison Rahschulte (11) – 21:05 (122nd place)
2021 Outlook: The Bulldogs were sneakily close to advancing out of the semistate despite being 12th place, and they bring back six from that team. Batesville has never made the state meet, boys or girls, and the ‘Dogs are coming off their two best girls’ teams in school history (according to inccstats’ all-time team page). If Batesville is to take that next step and qualify for the state finals, the key will be developing its depth: five runners around where their first three finished at last year’s semi-state would get the job done. That seems possible as senior Lily Pinckley was the team’s top runner in 2019 and the best distance runner this past track season.
#31 – Crown Point Bulldogs
New Prairie Semi-state #7
State meet history: 15 appearances (last in 2018), 1 podium finish (2013)
2020 Results:
Crown Point Sectional: 1st place (29 points)
Crown Point Regional: 2nd place (56 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 9th place (253 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Elli Pyrcraft (10) – 20:14 (35th place)
Jordan Siminski (11) – 20:54 (76th place)
Rhena Kiger (12) – 21:05 (93rd place)
Caitlin Deriwinski (12) – 21:08 (97th place)
Nora Carpenter (11) – 21:50 (130th place)
Bri Eaton (12) – 21:59 (138th place)
2021 Outlook: The Bulldogs bring six back from a team that was a contender to make the state meet last fall. CP has no true frontrunner in this group, but they do have solid depth and a large enrollment (2861) to draw new talent as well. Sophomore Allie Hopkins, not in the semi-state results, should factor into the scoring for the ‘Dogs this season regularly. In addition to all the returners listed or previously discussed, CP also had two freshmen compete in individual events in the tournament last spring but didn’t run in the cross country tournament. This should be a deep team that can get enough improvement from the returning roster to advance to the state finals.
#32 –Chatard Trojans
Shelbyville Semi-state #11
Noblesville Regional #6
State meet history: 4 appearances (last in 2019)
2020 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 6th place (118 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brebeuf Sectional)
Mayan Stickel (12) – 20:18 (20th place)
Alex Gantz (12) – 20:19 (21st place)
Caroline Bell (11) – 21:43 (35th place)
Mara Foley (12) – 21:44 (37th place)
Anna Zymorski (10) – 22:23 (40th place)
Mary Bea Sowinski (12) – 23:51 (48th place)
2021 Outlook: The Trojans were ousted at the sectional (on the sixth-runner tiebreaker), but they could find themselves back at the state finals this fall. How? For starters, Chatard should score four in each meet with the return of junior Lily Cridge who missed the tournament in cross country but whose subsequent track exploits were otherworldly. Certainly, the Trojans will be better this year than last, though there is a high variance to the scorers behind Cridge. Chatard could be out at the regional, or they could be in contention to advance to the state finals, which the Trojans did in 2019 with essentially this same line-up.
#33 – Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles
Shelbyville Semi-state #12
Noblesville Regional #7
State meet history: 1 appearance (2016)
2020 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 4th place (114 points)
Noblesville Regional: 7th place (164 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Nobles Regional)
Bridget Gallagher (11) – 18:18 (6th place)
Allison Wozniak (12) – 19:56 (41st place)
Joelle Klavon (12) – 20:22 (53rd place)
Rosie Barrett (11) – 21:10 (68th place)
2021 Outlook: The Golden Eagles have consistently been on the other side of qualifying out of the regional since the tournament re-alignment several years back on the north side of Indy. This year’s team returns four from a group that had its best race in the team’s last meet at the regional, per inccstats’ performance ratings. Junior Bridget Gallagher was All-State (13th) last year and gives Guerin some certainty at the top of the line-up. The Eagles could be in a position to do what their boys team did in 2020: get in a good offseason and survive enough in the tournament to make a surprise run to the state finals.
#34 – Brownsburg Bulldogs
Shelbyville Semi-state #15
State meet history: 2 appearances (last in 2017)
2020 Results:
Brownsburg Sectional: 1st place (32 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 2nd place (71 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 11th place (238 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Eva Altschul (11) – 20:19 (78th place)
Elise Cougill (10) – 20:27 (90th place)
Kiley VanNess (12) – 20:39 (101st place)
Sydney Parpart (11) – 20:48 (108th place)
2021 Outlook: The Bulldogs were a top-heavy team in 2020, but their top two graduate heading into this new school year. Senior Lindsay Huston, who didn’t run in the semistate but scored for the ‘Dogs in many other meets, could provide additional depth. Brownsburg probably shifts to more of a pack-running team this fall, and the ‘Dogs should still be competitive in the sectional and easily get out of the regional, though the projected team returning is quite a ways from contending for advancement to the state meet. A school the size of Brownsburg (enrollment: 2802) is always a threat to bring in a couple of freshmen at the top of the roster to pair with a solid line-up and be back among the state’s best teams.
#35 – Avon Orioles
Shelbyville Semi-state #13
State meet history: 5 appearances (last in 2014), 2 podium finishes (last in 2014), 1 runner-up title (2014)
2020 Results:
Brownsburg Sectional: 2nd place (43 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 5th place (121 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 13th place (352 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Jessica Hegedus (10) – 19:41 (37th place)
Hannah Taylor (11) – 20:16 (74th place)
Clare Wigger (12) – 20:53 (113th place)
Jaiden Davis (12) – 21:11 (129th place)
Emma Carew (12) – 21:31 (145th place)
2021 Outlook: The Orioles could have their best team in the last five years or so since their string of state meet and podium teams in the middle part of the previous decade. Sophomore Jessica Hegedus and junior Hannah Taylor potentially give Avon a good top two. The pair showed good improvement in the spring running 11:27 and 11:41, respectively, over 3200 meters. This is a team a bit behind other possible state meet teams, but an influx of newcomers could put the O’s in the mix. Avon should battle rivals Brownsburg and Plainfield for Hendricks County supremacy much of the season.
#36 – Westfield Shamrocks
Shelbyville Semi-state #14
Noblesville Regional #8
State meet history: 14 appearances (last in 2016), 6 podium finishes (last in 2008), 1 runner-up title (2004), 4 state championships (1998, 2005, 2006, 2007)
2020 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 3rd place (94 points)
Noblesville Regional: 5th place (123 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 8th place (228 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Robyn Schemel (11) – 21:06 (123rd place)
2021 Outlook: The Shamrocks are an interesting team to project heading into 2021. Westfield ended its season just 17 points from the state meet last fall, but the ‘Rocks graduate their top six, a rarity in girls’ cross country. Westfield was a very senior-heavy squad in 2020 so the ‘Rocks will need to rebuild the roster through the JV ranks, an area in which they have always exceled certainly, but Westfield is in a very difficult tournament path for a rebuilding year.
#37 – New Palestine Dragons
Shelbyville Semi-state #16
State meet history: Never qualified
2019 Results:
Mt. Vernon Sectional: 1st place (48 points)
Rushville Regional: 2nd place (69 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 10th place (232 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Emma Mann (12) – 19:16 (26th place)
Courtney Study (10) – 20:07 (64th place)
Jocelynn Flagle (10) – 21:23 (138th place)
Emily Adam (12) – 21:56 (154th place)
2020 Outlook: The Dragons have had their three best teams in school history over the last three seasons, including coming up just short of a state meet berth last fall. New Pal brings back only four of those seven, two of which got state meet experience in the spring on the team’s 4x800 relay. The graduation of longtime frontrunner Brenna Shaw will certainly have an impact on a team that wasn’t especially deep last year, but senior Emma Mann could be an individual qualifier in 2021. The Dragons will need to develop their line-up through newcomers or improvement, but this should still be a semi-state team.
#38 – Plainfield Quakers
Shelbyville Semi-state #17
State meet history: Never qualified
2020 Results:
Brownsburg Sectional: 3rd place (77 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 3rd place (104 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 14th place (366 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Veronica Hargrave (11) – 19:26 (28th place)
Addison Dockery (12) – 20:06 (62nd place)
Mackenzie VanBibber (12) – 20:40 (102nd place)
Karlee Waugh (12) – 21:18 (134th place)
Riley Mehringer (11) – 22:05 (157th place)
Sarah Price (11) – 22:24 (165th place)
Bryn Evans (11) – 22:42 (169th place)
2021 Outlook: The Quakers return all seven from a team that was 14th in the semistate. Perhaps the best program in Indiana never to have qualified to the girls’ state finals in cross country, Plainfield returns a group very likely to advance from the regional but highly unlikely to qualify for the state meet. Junior Veronica Hargrave gives the Quakers a frontrunner; she was close to making the state meet in cross country last fall and just hundredths of a second from earning All-State honors over 800 this past spring. Plainfield also got additional tournament success with a state-qualifying 4x800 relay and senior Mackenzie VanBibber competing in the state track meet in the pole vault. (That has no correlation to cross country potential, but it’s interesting nonetheless.)
#39 – West Lafayette Red Devils
New Prairie Semi-state #8
State meet history: 17 appearances (last in 2019), 8 podium finishes (last in 2018), 1 runner-up title (2012)
2020 Results:
Harrison (West Lafayette) Sectional: 1st place (34 points)
Harrison (West Lafayette) Regional: 2nd place (56 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 7th place (191 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Emma McClellan (11) – 19:42 (17th place)
Annabel Prokopy (12) – 20:07 (31st place)
Alli Steffey (12) – 20:58 (79th place)
Shannon Dineen (10) – 21:58 (136th place)
2021 Outlook: The Red Devils saw their ten-year string of state meet appearances snap in heartbreaking fashion by a single point last year. West Side certainly takes some graduation hits, but the Devils are returning a team that, coupled with one of the state’s best traditions, could start a new streak. Senior Alli Steffey could be a big difference maker with a return to her usual form; she missed virtually all of the regular season last year before giving it a go and improving through the tournament. If she performs around the same level as her sophomore year when she finished 31st at the state meet, the Devils have a frontrunner to help them get back to Terre Haute.
#40 – Harrison (West Lafayette) Raiders
New Prairie Semi-state #9
State meet history: 1 appearance (2019)
2020 Results:
Harrison (West Lafayette) Sectional: 2nd place (38 points)
Harrison (West Lafayette) Regional: 3rd place (80 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 11th place (272 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Caitlin Williams (12) – 20:19 (41st place)
Chloe Poindexter (10) – 20:19 (42nd place)
Hannah Beecher (10) – 21:25 (110th place)
Emma Beimfohr (12) – 21:29 (112th place)
Alexandra Kerkhove (12) – 21:55 (135th place)
Erin Beimfohr (12) – 23:11 (162nd place)
2021 Outlook: The Raiders had the first state finals team in school history two years ago, took a bit of a step back to finish just outside the top ten at the semi-state last year and could get into the mix again this fall. In addition to a solid cross country season in 2020, Harrison had many runners enjoy an excellent spring track season: senior Caitlin Williams was very competitive over 800 meters, senior Emma Beimfohr ran 5:30 for the 1600 and senior Jaylie Lohmeyer was fifth in the open 400. Williams and Lohmeyer also teamed up with sophomore Chloe Poindexter on an All-State 4x400 relay, and while there’s little correlation between a good 400 meter performance and cross country, Harrison is still very clearly building a strong program between the two sports.
#41 – Pike Red Devils
Shelbyville Semi-state #18
Noblesville Regional #9
State meet history: 5 appearances (last in 2018), 3 podium finishes (last in 1987)
2020 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 2nd place (79 points)
Noblesville Regional: 3rd place (108 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 9th place (232 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Katelin Schwab (12) – 19:29 (31st place)
Kristiana Read (12) – 20:37 (100th place)
Rachel Schwab (10) – 21:11 (131st place)
2021 Outlook: The Red Devils been exceptionally competitive over the last few years, despite a move into the vaunted Noblesville Regional. Last year’s squad had a chance to make the state finals after advancing from the regional but fell just shy at the semi-state level. Only three of those girls return this year for Pike, which could signify the need to rebuild the roster for a year. Still, the Devils have continued to field good teams, and though the tournament path is as daunting as ever, a mixture of experience and good coaching should keep Pike afloat in 2021.
#42 – Terre Haute South Braves
Brown County Semi-state #6
State meet history: 13 appearances (last in 2012)
2020 Results:
Terre Haute North Sectional: 2nd place (50 points)
Bedford North Lawrence Regional: 4th place (107 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 9th place (258 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Micah Peals (12) – 19:38 (29th place)
Madison Beaumont (10) – 20:07 (46th place)
Demme Hanciewicz (10) – 20:17 (56th place)
Caitlyn Strecker (10) – 20:55 (89th place)
Ava Rose (12) – 21:00 (93rd place)
Kaya Tanner (12) – 21:01 (95th place)
2021 Outlook: The Braves had a solid 2020 season, finishing in the top ten of the semi-state, and they bring the top six back for another shot this year. Senior Micah Peals qualified individually in cross country last fall, and South had a relatively competitive track season with some of their returners. If the Braves make the state meet, as projected, it will be due to good improvement from the sophomore class where THS is likely to get three scorers this fall.
#43 – Lawrence North Wildcats
Shelbyville Semi-state #19
Noblesville Regional #10
State meet history: 8 appearances (last in 2005), 4 podium finishes (last in 2005), 1 runner-up title (1999)
2020 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 7th place (120 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brebeuf Sectional)
Brielle Vale (11) – 19:25 (6th place)
Carol Ludington (12) – 19:52 (9th place)
Olivia Back (10) – 20:59 (26th place)
Sam Springer (11) – 21:44 (36th place)
Jenna Lahaie (11) – 23:43 (47th place)
2021 Outlook: The Wildcats had a short tournament run, and geography dictates that this year may see a similar end. Still, LN has a pretty competitive line-up returning. With some of the other nearby schools at their apex, it may be difficult for the ‘Cats to advance through any rounds, though they still could qualify for the regional based on what we know heading into the season. Senior Carol Ludington had a good season over 800 meters, advancing to the state finals in that event.
#44 – Jasper Wildcats
Brown County Semi-state #7
State meet history: 7 appearances (last in 2020)
2020 Results:
Jasper Sectional: 1st place (36 points)
Crawford County Regional: 2nd place (52 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 6th place (175 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 17th place (416 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Andi Van Meter (12) – 18:26 (3rd place)
Ally Wigand (11) – 20:09 (48th place)
Ari Wiseman (10) – 20:42 (81st place)
Emma Schipp (10) – 21:10 (99th place)
Kate Jerger (10) – 21:52 (125th place)
2021 Outlook: The Wildcats ended a five-year hiatus from the state meet last fall and could make a return trip with a line-up that included an All-Stater and three freshmen in 2020. Senior Andi Van Meter gets Jasper off to a great start; she was 16th at the state cross country meet and qualified in the 3200 in the spring as well. Behind her, the ‘Cats have a competitive group, but like nearly any team on this list a talented newcomer or some massive improvement on the roster would be of major help.
#45 – Rochester Zebras
New Prairie Semi-state #10
State meet history: Never qualified
2020 Results:
Manchester Sectional: 3rd place (72 points)
Logansport Regional: 4th place (122 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 13th place (318 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Madilyn Calloway (12) – 19:07 (8th place)
Zoe Seward (11) – 19:56 (24th place)
McKendyll Bradley (11) – 21:05 (94th place)
Madison Henizmann (11) – 21:59 (137th place)
Elena Bohde (12) – 22:28 (147th place)
Elly Fuller (11) – 25:41 (179th place)
2021 Outlook: The Zebras return all six that ran for them at the semi-state last year, including frontrunning senior Madilyn Calloway who qualified individually for the state finals in both cross and track last year. With a frontrunner plus every scorer back from a 13th place semi-state team, Rochester seems like a contender to move into the top ten, though still a ways back from advancing to the state finals. One or two really talented newcomers could really change the Zebras’ outlook this fall.
#46 – Seymour Owls
Brown County Semi-state #8
State meet history: 3 appearances (last in 2016)
2020 Results:
Brown County Sectional: 3rd place (80 points)
Crawford County Regional: 3rd place (105 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 14th place (363 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Kinsley Folsom (11) – 19:43 (34th place)
Vivienne Siefker (10) – 20:22 (61st place)
Hayley Harpe (12) – 20:40 (77th place)
Samantha Jacobi (12) – 22:34 (144th place)
Grace Lewis (12) – 23:31 (156th place)
Eliana Baker (12) – 24:33 (172nd place)
Emilee East (12) – 26:32 (178th place)
2021 Outlook: The Owls bring everyone back that ran in the tournament, plus should get contributions from senior Lillian Sunbury who ran the first half of the season but missed the tournament. Seymour is a fringe contender to advance out of the semi-state for the first time since 2016. Junior Brooke Trinkle, regional champion in the 1600 who has not run cross country the previous two years, could be a massive difference maker for the Owls if she gives it a go this fall.
#47 – South Knox Spartans
Brown County Semi-state #9
State meet history: Never qualified
2020 Results:
South Knox Sectional: 2nd place (48 points)
Pike Central Regional: 1st place (50 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 8th place (248 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Ava Like (11) – 19:40 (32nd place)
Aubrey Nowaskie (10) – 20:25 (62nd place)
Macie Couchenour (12) – 20:37 (73rd place)
Peyton Robbins (11) – 20:59 (90th place)
Abby Cunningham (10) – 21:21 (106th place)
Tori Thompson (10) – 22:59 (153rd place)
2021 Outlook: The Spartans had a strong season last year and bring back six of those seven. In fact, the best five years in South Knox history have come consecutively over the last five seasons, per inccstat’s all-time team pages, with 2020 being the high mark for the program. In 2021, the Spartans probably find themselves in a similar position: they should compete to advance to the state meet but are ultimately a longshot (6.2% chance on inccstats’ preseason ratings).
#48 – Barr-Reeve Vikings
Brown County Semi-state #10
State meet history: Never qualified
2020 Results:
South Knox Sectional: 1st place (46 points)
Pike Central Regional: 2nd place (62 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 7th place (246 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Makenna Pruett (12) – 19:53 (39th place)
Abigail Ballengee (12) – 20:01 (43rd place)
Adeline Jarrett (10) – 20:51 (88th place)
Elle Knepp (10) – 21:36 (116th place)
Alyssa Lasher (10) – 24:06 (168th place)
2020 Outlook: The Vikings have a great back-and-forth rivalry with South Knox, another school that follows the same tournament path. Expect that to continue for another year with Barr-Reeve bringing back five of last year’s seven. Like other smaller schools on this countdown, the Vikes graduate some scorers which can be hard to replace.
#49 – Seeger Patriots
New Prairie Semi-state #11
State meet history: Never qualified
2020 Results:
Benton Central Sectional: 1st place (19 points)
Harrison (West Lafayette) Regional: 1st place (35 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 8th place (216 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Jennifer Romero (12) – 19:21 (12th place)
Hadessah Austin (10) – 20:18 (40th place)
Nataleigh Yarborough (11) – 20:56 (78th place)
Avah Watson (11) – 22:12 (142nd place)
Leah Kirkpatrick (12) – 24:08 (169th place)
2020 Outlook: The Patriots had a heartbreaking end after what looked like a state finals team for most of the season fell short of a trip to Terre Haute. Five of those seven come back, but two of them were scorers; in a school of just 381 students with only 11 participants in girls cross country last year, replacing 40% of a team’s scorers can be a tall order. Still, our committee (of one) is telling you there’s a chance, and inccstats backs that up with 7.1% possibility of making the state meet.
#50 – Fort Wayne Dwenger Saints
New Haven Semi-state #10
West Noble Regional #5
State meet history: 3 appearances (last in 2018)
2020 Results:
Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional: 5th place (124 points)
West Noble Regional: 5th place (111 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 11th place (299 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Kaitlyn Woods (12) – 20:04 (37th place)
Ella Grashoff (12) – 21:05 (97th place)
Erin Klinenberger (12) – 21:30 (128th place)
Victoria Rodenbeck (11) – 22:10 (149th place)
2021 Outlook: The Saints return a competitive team from last fall. Dwenger is a ways away from competing for another state finals berth, though a couple of highly talented newcomers could change that. Senior Paige Aselage could be a valuable scorer for the Saints. She was not listed in cross country results in 2020, but she has run cross country in the past and had a competitive track season especially over 1600 meters.