You've been waiting for it...and here it is! This is our annual countdown of the preseason boys top 50 teams in the state. These are rankings based on the current information that we have for each team. There may be transfer runners, incoming freshmen, and other factors that we are unaware of...however, this is our first look at the 2022 IHSAA Cross Country Season.
#1 – Center Grove Trojans
Shelbyville Semi-state #1
State meet history: 3 appearances (last in 2021), 1 podium finish (2020)
2021 Results:
Franklin Sectional: 1st place (34 points)
Franklin Regional: 1st place (51 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 2nd place (77 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 6th place (164 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Parker Mimbela (12) – 15:29 (4th place)
Griffin Hennessy (12) – 15:44 (7th place)
Jarrett Rockwell (12) – 16:02 (19th place)
Kyle Montgomery (11) – 16:18 (35th place)
Gavin Rockwell (11) – 16:40 (60th place)
2022 Outlook: This feels like three years in the making for the Trojans who qualified for the program’s first-ever state finals with a host of freshmen in the fall of 2019. Despite some attrition in the line-up over time, CG looks poised to contend for the title three years after that. Seniors Parker Mimbela and Griffin Hennessy could both finish in the top ten at the state finals. Hennessy is the number two returner among all indivduals from last fall and ran 4:16 after a 4x8 relay leg on the Trojans’ 7:42 squad. Mimbela had perhaps the best fall season of any returner other than Carmel’s Kole Mathison then followed that up by going 9:22 over 3200 meters in the spring. Senior Jarrett Rockwell blitz his anchor leg of the state 4x8 in 1:53, junior Kyle Montgomery ran 9:35 for 3200 meters and junior Gavin Rockwell went 4:30 over 1600 meters. Center Grove is the favorite: other schools might have the firepower up front or enviable depth, but only the Trojans have the top five on paper that could score well under 100 points at the state finals.
#2 – Carmel Greyhounds
Shelbyville Semi-state #2
Noblesville Regional #1
State meet history: 48 appearances (last in 2021), 43 podium finishes (last in 2021), 13 runner-up titles (1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1992, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020), 16 state championships (1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1987, 1988, 1993, 1996, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018)
2021 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 1st place (36 points)
Noblesville Regional: 2nd place (54 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 3rd place (86 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 5th place (157 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Kole Mathison (12) – 15:15 (1st place)
Thomas Biltimier (11) – 16:08 (26th place)
Charlie Leedke (12) – 16:09 (28th place)
KJ Sweeney (12) – 16:26 (41st place)
Connor Mallon (12) – 16:57 (81st place)
2022 Outlook: The Greyhounds get one more year from senior Kole Mathison, who is coming off two individual state titles this spring, and also enjoy a lot of depth. Last year’s squad finished outside the top two for the first time in a decade, but this year’s team has a lot of experience. Beyond Mathison, senior Charlie Leedke has run in the past two state cross country meets and also split 1:55 on the 4x8 this past spring. Junior Thomas Biltimier also got experience in two state finals as a sophomore. The ‘Hounds had a solid track season beyond Mathison’s historic double with returners running 9:37, 9:38, 9:46, 9:49, 9:54 and 9:54 over 3200 meters (plus a strong freshman class). Last year, Carmel had two stars (fourth and seventh in Terre Haute and first and third in the 3200 in Bloomington) with a big drop off on a younger squad. This year, the ‘Hounds have an experienced group with much more depth; how much those juniors and seniors improve will determine if Carmel gets a tenth top two finish in the last 11 seasons.
#3 – Brebeuf Braves
Shelbyville Semi-state #3
Noblesville Regional #2
State meet history: 7 appearances (last in 2021), 5 podium finishes (last in 2021), 1 state championship (2021)
2021 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 1st place (45 points)
Noblesville Regional: 1st place (52 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 1st place (60 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 1st place (78 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Matteo Rosio (12) – 15:53 (12th place)
Ezra Burrell (12) – 15:55 (14th place)
Cameron Todd (11) – 16:04 (21st place)
Brennan Legue (12) – 16:37 (55th place)
Egan Williams (11) – 17:52 (141st place)
2022 Outlook: The Braves had one of the best teams in the United States last fall once they finally got cooking in late October, and they could be close to that level in 2022. Brebeuf has one of the best top trios in state history with seniors Ezra Burrell and Matteo Rosio alongside junior Cameron Todd. Burrell and Todd ran 4:12 and 4:13, respectively, at the state meet over 1600 meters and also went under 9:20 for 3200 meters. Rosio ran 9:20 but couldn’t make Brebeuf’s incredibly competitive tournament roster in any distance event. Those three could give the Braves an incredibly low score through three runners so Brebeuf could absolutely contend for consecutive titles. For three consecutive years before last season, Brebeuf had an incoming freshman in its top five. If the Braves strike gold on that again, it will be very difficult for anyone to beat them this fall.
#4 – Zionsville Eagles
Shelbyville Semi-state #4
State meet history: 10 appearances (last in 2021)
2021 Results:
Ben Davis Sectional: 1st place (16 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 1st place (21 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 4th place (129 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 7th place (263 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Will Nobbe (12) – 15:54 (13th place)
Matthew Helton (12) – 16:08 (25th place)
Sam Spees (11) – 16:13 (31st place)
Ryan Handy (12) – 16:16 (33rd place)
Evan Mayo (11) – 16:26 (42nd place)
Skyler Cole (12) – 16:48 (74th place)
2022 Outlook: The Eagles have never landed on the podium, but with the top six back from last year’s squad this feels like not only the year that Zionsville earns medals but potentially competes for the title. The Eagles had an excellent spring, concentrating on the 4x8 in the tournament where they ran 7:46 at the state finals while also qualifying seniors Matthew Helton (4:17) and Ryan Hand (4:21) in the 1600 for Bloomington individually. Both Helton and his classmate Will Nobbe could be All-Staters. This should be the best team in program history, and the Eagles’ destiny will be determined by how the rest of the team does behind that top duo. Zionsville could have plenty of depth with Sam Spees (9:39 for 3200) and a good sophomore class.
#5 – Columbus North Bull Dogs
Brown County Semi-state #1
State meet history: 26 appearances (last in 2021), 13 podium finishes (last in 2021), 2 runner-up titles (2001, 2013), 6 state championships (2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2020)
2021 Results:
Brown County Sectional: 1st place (27 points)
Columbus North Regional: 1st place (15 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 1st place (45 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 3rd place (136 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-state)
Clayton Guthrie (12) – 15:46 (12th place)
Mateo Mendez (12) – 15:46 (13th place)
Will Russell (12) – 16:18 (40th place)
2022 Outlook: The Bulldogs followed up a magical 2020 season with a solid year that culminated in a third-place finish at the state meet after looking like the best team for much of the fall. North certainly takes graduation hits but returns a trio of potential All-Staters in seniors Clayton Guthrie, Mateo Mendez and Will Russell all of whom had excellent track seasons. While four of their top seven from last year have left, the next ten runners per inccstats’ team bio are returning for this fall. Guthrie and Russell emerged as juniors from similar circumstances, and Mendez was in his first year of high school cross country last fall. The Dogs will be under a new coach this fall, but that should be a smooth transition after such a successful track season. The top three should keep them close with any team in the state; if North can develop beyond those three, they will find themselves in the mix for the title. Again.
#6 – Fishers Tigers
New Haven Semi-state #1
State meet history: 11 appearances (last in 2021), 8 podium finishes (last in 2021), 2 runner-up titles (2015, 2017), 1 state championship (2007)
2021 Results:
Pendleton Heights Sectional: 2nd place (51 points)
Delta Regional: 1st place (15 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 2nd place (101 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 4th place (142 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Tate Meaux (12) – 16:13 (14th place)
Sam Quagliaroli (10) – 16:21 (18th place)
Caden Carpenter (12) – 16:42 (31st place)
Austin Wilson (12) – 16:48 (35th place)
2022 Outlook: The Tigers have finished on the podium in six of the last seven years, including a somewhat surprising finish last fall. Senior Tate Meaux and sophomore Sam Quagliaroli, 9:26 and 9:30 over 3200 meters and both ranked in the preseason top 15 individuals on inccstats, give Fishers the necessary frontrunners to compete for the title. This is also one of the deepest teams in the state; the Tigers leads Carmel by one for the most individuals ranked in inccstats’ preseason list at 24 while Fishers also had some great JV duels with the Greyhounds last fall. Based on junior high meet results, Fishers also should bring in some of the state’s top freshmen. This is a title contender.
#7 – Franklin Central Flashes
Shelbyville Semi-state #5
State meet history: 10 appearances (last in 2021), 4 podium finishes (last in 2006), 2 runner-up titles (2000, 2006), 1 state championships (1998)
2021 Results:
Mt. Vernon Sectional: 1st place (31 points)
Rushville Regional: 2nd place (46 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 6th place (184 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 16th place (395 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Brayden Henkle (12) – 16:07 (24th place)
Joseph Ashman (11) – 16:20 (38th place)
Evan Farmer (10) – 16:39 (59th place)
Emilio Leal (10) – 17:13 (102nd place)
2022 Outlook: The Flashes advanced to the state meet, breaking an eight-year drought, and with a star in senior Brayden Henkle plus perhaps the best young line-up in Indiana, FC looks primed to go on a string of qualifications to Terre Haute and get back on the podium in the coming years. In addition to Henkle, who was 28th last year at the state meet and likely All-State this fall, FC had two of the best freshmen in the state last year in Evan Farmer and Emilio Leal. Franklin Township eighth graders also dominated the middle school "state meet” with quite a few boys under 5:00. It’s possible that the Flashes contend for the back end of the podium this fall and push Carmel and Fishers for the title in 2023 and beyond.
#8 – Noblesville Millers
Shelbyville Semi-state #6
Noblesville Regional #3
State meet history: 11 appearances (last in 2021), 1 podium finish (2010), 1 runner-up title (2010)
2021 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 2nd place (45 points)
Noblesville Regional: 3rd place (70 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 5th place (159 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 9th place (299 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Caden Click (11) – 15:52 (9th place)
Asher Propst (12) – 16:00 (15th place)
Alec Moore (11) – 17:08 (93rd place)
Jack Strong (11) – 17:30 (116th place)
2022 Outlook: The Millers have had great moments the past two years but ultimately fallen short of the podium. Caden Click (32nd at the state cross country meet) and Asher Propst (8th in the state 3200 in 9:10) give Noblesville one of the best top duos in Indiana, and the Millers have had a great influx of talent the last two seasons. Noblesville is tied for third with Zionsville in number of individuals ranked in inccstats’ preseason so the Millers have a great combination of star power up front and depth. The development of the sophomore and junior classes will determine if the Millers can ascend the podium for the first time since 2010.
#9 – Northridge Raiders
New Haven Semi-state #2
State meet history: 14 appearances (last in 2021), 4 podium finishes (last in 2007), 1 state championship (2004)
2021 Results:
Elkhart Sectional: 2nd place (46 points)
Elkhart Regional: 2nd place (58 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 3rd place (124 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 8th place (288 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-state)
Jaxon Miller (12) – 15:57 (7th place)
David Gingerich (11) – 16:38 (28th place)
Jonathon Spicher (12) – 17:08 (52nd place)
Will Knox (12) – 17:15 (61st place)
Nolan Bales (12) – 17:25 (74th place)
2022 Outlook: The Raiders had their best state meet finish since 2007 (tied for two other years in the tie frame) and return five of them. Senior Jaxon Miller is a capable frontrunner, one of the 20 best returners from state meet results and a state qualifier over 800 meters this past spring. Miller and junior David Gingerich (4:41 in the 1600 at the track sectional) give the Raiders a good top duo. Certainly, Northridge has the personnel to get back to the state meet and with solid development could challenge some of the top teams for a podium spot.
#10 – Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles
Shelbyville Semi-state #7
Noblesville Regional #4
State meet history: 1 appearance (2020)
2021 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 4th place (98 points)
Noblesville Regional: 7th place (164 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Noblesville Regional)
Ethan Hines (12) – 16:15 (10th place)
Johnny King (11) – 17:07 (41st place)
Ben Grissom (11) – 17:07 (42nd place)
Carson Hess (10) – 17:34 (51st place)
Jack Weber (12) – 17:43 (58th place)
2022 Outlook: The Golden Eagles have a team that parallels their only state meet qualifier from two years ago; they have five back, including two possible frontrunners in seniors Ethan Hines and Jack Weber. Hines had a breakout cross country season, qualifying individually and finishing 40th at the state meet. Weber, consistently the teams’ number two runner, ran 4:20 over 1600 meters. Both could finish in the top 20 at the regional and semi-state rounds, which would be huge for Guerin’s chances to advance. In the last three years, the Eagles have significantly overperformed against their inccstats preseason projection; our committee (of one) likes them to do that again in 2022.
#11 – Valparaiso Vikings
New Prairie Semi-state #1
State meet history: 47 appearances (last in 2021), 20 podium finishes (last in 2017), 1 runner-up title (2005), 6 state championships (1966, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1997, 2000)
2021 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 2nd place (43 points)
Chesterton Regional: 1st place (53 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 1st place (90 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 15th place (379 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
James Dillabaugh (12) – 16:23 (3rd place)
Mason Nobles (10) – 16:39 (18th place)
Sam Sienkowski (10) – 17:17 (41st place)
Thomas Krueger (10) – 17:22 (46th place)
Nathaniel Melchow (12) – 17:26 (52nd place)
Nathan Nova (12) – 17:29 (57th place)
2022 Outlook: The Vikings have reason for optimism heading into this fall with six back, including three scoring freshmen, from a semi-state championship team. Valpo is clearly the best team in the New Prairie Semi-state this season and could be a fringe contender for a podium spot. Sophomore Mason Nobles, the team’s top runner at last year’s state meet in 67th place as a freshman, and senior James Dillabaugh, a state finalist in the 1600 last spring and third-place finisher at the semi-state in cross country, give Valpo two potential frontrunners for this fall. As good as the Vikes could be this year, they project even better in 2023 and 2024.
#12 – Bloomington North Cougars
Brown County Semi-state #2
Bedford North Lawrence Regional #1
State meet history: 35 appearances (last in 2021), 6 podium finishes (last in 2006), 1 state championship (1980)
2021 Results:
Bedford North Lawrence Sectional: 1st place (25 points)
Bedford North Lawrence Regional: 3rd place (57 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 2nd place (129 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 13th place (344 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-state)
Kyle Clark (12) – 16:13 (32nd place)
2022 Outlook: The Cougars are an incredibly challenging team to project heading into this season. They graduate six from a team that was just 13th at the state finals last year in a season in which they brought back the entirety of the varsity from the previous year. That one returner, though, was an individual medalist as a sophomore and returned to form with an All-State finish this spring in the 1600. North did have an incredibly deep team last year and, though they graduate almost everyone that ran in the tournament, they should still be very competitive, a state meet lock. Sophomore Jack Holden was a middle school star two years ago and had a solid freshman year that included going 4:37 over 1600 meters; he should be a consistent scorer for the Cougars.
#13 – Floyd Central Highlanders
Brown County Semi-state #3
State meet history: 24 appearances (last in 2021), 1 podium finish (1991), 1 state championship (1991)
2021 Results:
Crawford County Sectional: 1st place (38 points)
Crawford County Regional: 1st place (55 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 3rd place (151 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 11th place (323 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-state)
Will Conway (11) – 15:39 (7th place)
Noah Nifong (10) – 16:58 (71st place)
Nathan Wheatley (12) – 17:09 (89th place)
Luca Cirincione (10) – 17:09 (90th place)
2022 Outlook: The Highlanders had their best finish since 2008, and they bring back some significant team members this fall, including one of the state’s very best in junior Will Conway who enters the season ranked second for all individuals on inccstats.com and should allow Floyd to “score four” at essentially every meet. Other than Conway, the ‘Landers had a track tournament with mainly seniors, though number two returner Noah Nifong did run 10:11 over 3200 meters during the spring. With Conway and a trio of solid runners, Floyd is a likely state meet team but is probably a year away from taking a shot at the podium.
#14 – Hamilton Southeastern Royals
New Haven Semi-state #3
State meet history: 16 appearances (last in 2021), 4 podium finishes (last in 2021), 2 runner-up titles (2011, 2021)
2021 Results:
Pendleton Heights Sectional: 1st place (15 points)
Delta Regional: 2nd place (80 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 1st place (62 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 6th place (228 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-state)
Ash Caylor (12) – 16:37 (27th place)
Ian Ross (11) – 17:02 (45th place)
2022 Outlook: The Royals are in a rebuild after possibly the best season in school history in which they ultimately finished second at the state meet with three All-Staters. Five of those seven, including the top four, graduate. Senior Ash Caylor is the only returning scorer from last year’s squad, and junior Ian Ross got a lot of varsity experience and had a great track season. Like many other Hamilton County teams, HSE has a deep JV from which to draw for this year. Though this isn’t a podium team, most likely, the Royals should be back in the state meet.
#15 – North Central Panthers
Shelbyville Semi-state #8
Noblesville Regional #5
State meet history: 31 appearances (last in 2018), 11 podium finishes (last in 2010), 2 runner-up titles (1967, 1968), 1 state championship (1969)
2021 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 2nd place (70 points)
Noblesville Regional: 5th place (138 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 8th place (226 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Nate Killeen (12) – 15:42 (6th place)
Owen Osterman (11) – 16:31 (46th place)
Emmett Tuason (11) – 17:09 (94th place)
Andrew Charbonneau (12) – 17:10 (95th place)
2022 Outlook: The Panthers were in the mix last fall to advance to the state meet but ultimately fell short after surviving the gauntlet that is the Noblesville Regional. NC should be in a similar position this season: the Panthers could qualify for the state meet or they may not make it to the semi-state in such a competitive tournament path. Senior Nate Killeen—15th at the state meet in cross country as a sophomore but only 34th last year—gives the Panthers the requisite frontrunner needed to thrive. The Panthers certainly have the returners to be competitive, but even with Killeen, it won’t be easy to survive the Noblesville Regional.
#16 – Westfield Shamrocks
State meet history: 3 appearances (last in 2015), 1 podium finish (2015)
2021 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 3rd place (66 points)
Noblesville Regional: 4th place (112 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 7th place (222 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Sam Hinds (12) – 16:36 (53rd place)
Jack Loiselle (11) – 17:02 (88th place)
Owen Flynn (12) – 17:47 (135th place)
2022 Outlook: The Shamrocks have been close to the state meet for several seasons in a row but haven’t qualified since 2015. Despite graduating four from last season’s top seven, including an All-Stater, Westfield projects to be in the mix again. It certainly isn’t an easy road through the Noblesville Regional and the ‘Rocks could find themselves in Terre Haute for the first time in seven years or they could be out in just the second round of the tournament. Westfield will miss the security of Kai Connor at the top of the line-up, but in perhaps the state’s fastest growing district and one of the state’s largest teams (58 participants in ’21), the ‘Rocks could reload and get rolling quickly.
#17 – Chatard Trojans
Shelbyville Semi-state #10
Noblesville Regional #7
State meet history: 2 appearances (last in 2005), 1 podium finish (2005)
2021 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 3rd place (70 points)
Noblesville Regional: 6th place (146 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Noblesville Regional)
Max Bourgeois (11) – 16:33 (19th place)
Davis Falcon (12) – 16:50 (28th place)
Ian Kolbus (11) – 17:04 (38th place)
JD Haines (10) – 17:25 (46th place)
Aaron Loiselle (12) – 18:13 (74th place)
2022 Outlook: The Trojans are perhaps another year away, or realistically speaking given current tournament alignment and age of the line-up, it may never happen. Or this could be the year for Chatard. The Trojans do have some great young runners with still more time in high school: junior Max Bourgeois is a developing star and sophomore JD Haines has potential to make a great leap. The Trojans did get state meet experience this spring with a 4x8 that qualified, and they did that without Bourgeois or Haines; adding sophomore Luke Monahan could certainly help. The Trojans project very close to teams that they will need to beat to advance to the semi-state, but they are in a regional with a third of the state’s preseason top 15.
#18 – Bloomington South Panthers
Brown County Semi-state #4
Bedford North Lawrence Regional #2
State meet history: 50 appearances (last in 2021), 7 podium finishes (last in 2018)
2021 Results:
Bedford North Lawrence Sectional: 2nd place (32 points)
Bedford North Lawrence Regional: 2nd place (54 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 5th place (196 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 18th place (441 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-state)
Ryan Rheam (11) – 16:05 (26th place)
Hunter Tabor (11) – 16:51 (63rd place)
Jack Gildea (12) – 16:59 (75th place)
Joe Zinkan (11) – 17:06 (85th place)
2022 Outlook: The Panthers seem a perennial lock for the state meet with this year being no exception. Though South graduates three important scorers from last year, the Panthers should be very competitive in the southern semi-state. Junior Ryan Rheam has been at times brilliant, an All-State level runner; in this spring he ran 9:21 over 3200 meters at the state finals despite missing much of the regular season. With Rheam scoring single digits points potentially at every meet, the Panthers certainly have a supporting cast good enough to be very competitive this fall.
#19 – Chesterton Trojans
New Prairie Semi-state #2
State meet history: 38 appearances (last in 2021), 4 podium finishes (last in 2009), 1 runner-up title (2009)
2021 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 5th place (104 points)
Chesterton Regional: 3rd place (75 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 2nd place (121 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 21st place (489 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Jackson Tuck (12) – 16:47 (23rd place)
Bobby Berger (12) – 17:17 (40th place)
Evan O’Connor (11) – 17:18 (42nd place)
Josh Tuck (12) – 17:19 (44th place)
Max Welburne (11) – 17:30 (60th place)
2022 Outlook: The Trojans look extremely likely to make it four state meets in a row with five back from last year’s squad that easily qualified. Senior Jackson Tuck has run in three state finals in cross country and should be Chesterton’s number one, though the Trojans were a great pack-running team last fall. With those five returners, despite not having a very deep team last fall, Chesterton projects to be a little better this season than last and should finish a few spots higher in Terre Haute.
#20 – LaPorte Slicers
New Prairie Semi-state #3
State meet history: 22 appearances (last in 2021), 2 podium finishes (last in 2007), 1 runner-up title (2007)
2021 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 1st place (42 points)
Chesterton Regional: 2nd place (67 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 3rd place (128 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 14th place (350 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Janan Pillai (12) – 16:28 (9th place)
Brayden Sobecki (11) – 16:41 (19th place)
Tyler Troy (12) – 17:38 (71st place)
Stephen Klimczak (12) – 17:52 (98th place)
Preston Peterson (11) – 19:43 (173rd place)
2022 Outlook: The Slicers graduate their great frontrunner but could be close to as good as they were the season before. Senior Janan Pillai, 27th at the state meet last fall and a qualifier in the 3200 in the spring, could fill in as an excellent top scorer. Junior Brayden Sobecki should give LaPorte perhaps the best top duo in the semi-state. In addition to the listed returners, sophomore Hunter Quadlin had a strong spring and could be a difference maker if he makes the typical leap often seen in second-year high school runners.
#21 – Crown Point Bulldogs
New Prairie Semi-state #4
State meet history: 29 appearances (last in 2021), 4 podium finishes (last in 1981), 3 runner-up titles (1975, 1976, 1977)
2021 Results:
Hebron Sectional: 1st place (54 points)
Crown Point Regional: 2nd place (70 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 6th place (176 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 20th place (482 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Weston Hulen (11) – 16:29 (10th place)
Nathan Murphy (12) – 16:50 (28th place)
Jacob Bell (12) – 17:31 (64th place)
Andrew Luri (11) – 17:41 (76th place)
Evan Turner (12) – 18:16 (132nd place)
Chase Payne (10) – 18:43 (152nd place)
2022 Outlook: The Bulldogs have qualified for the last nine state meets and both the numbers (75.3% chance per inccstats) and our committee (of one) like to stretch into a cool decade this fall. Crown Point squeaked by with an 11-point gap over seventh at last year’s semi-state, but with six of those seven back including a frontrunner in junior Weston Hulen, the ‘Dogs should be one of the best in the northwest.
#22 – Brownsburg Bulldogs
Shelbyville Semi-state #11
State meet history: 1 appearance (2019), 1 podium finish (2019)
2021 Results:
Brownsburg Sectional: 2nd place (54 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 2nd place (77 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 10th place (268 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Ian Baker (10) – 16:43 (65th place)
Sherjeel Khan (11) – 16:58 (82nd place)
Sudharshan Srinivasan (11) – 17:02 (86th place)
Josh Waggoner (11) – 17:28 (114th place)
Ean Packard (12) – 17:46 (133rd place)
2022 Outlook: The Bulldogs are three years removed from the only state meet (and podium finish!) in program history, though they were in the mix to qualify each of the last two years. Brownsburg probably takes a half-step back this year after graduating their top two from the semi-state (as well as another top senior that didn’t run in the last two rounds in ’21) even after some very promising spring seasons by these returners. In an historically deep year for the Shelbyville Semi-state, the ‘Dogs may be more middle-of-the-road in ’22 than a threat to advance, but inccstats’ way-too-early numbers like Brownsburg’s chances in ’23.
#23 – Fort Wayne Concordia Cadets
New Haven Semi-state #3
West Noble Regional #1
State meet history: 8 appearances (last in 2020), 3 podium finishes (last in 2019), 1 state championship (2019)
2021 Results:
Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional: 1st place (58 points)
West Noble Regional: 2nd place (74 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 7th place (223 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-state)
William Schlegel (10) – 17:24 (73rd place)
Ben Bentz (11) – 17:38 (85th place)
Vaughn Hendrickson (11) – 17:56 (115th place)
2022 Outlook: The Cadets had qualified for six consecutive state finals until barely missing last season. Even after graduating four of the top seven, Concordia still has a good chance to return to Terre Haute this year. The Cadets really shouldn’t have any issues reloading: junior Ben Bentz ran 4:32 over 1600 meters, and Concordia has a penchant for getting good runners into the system and helping them to impove pretty rapidly once they’re on campus.
#24 – Mt. Vernon (Fortville) Marauders
Shelbyville Semi-state #12
State meet history: 5 appearances (last in 2015)
2021 Results:
Mt. Vernon Sectional: 2nd place (44 points)
Rushville Regional: 1st place (30 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 9th place (238 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Tristan Trevino (12) – 16:09 (27th place)
Colin Strachman (11) – 16:53 (77th place)
Landon Willis (10) – 17:27 (113th place)
Ahmed Saleh (10) – 17:36 (125th place)
2022 Outlook: The Marauders bring back four from a pretty competitive team that finished in the top ten at last year’s semi-state. In addition to returning senior Tristan Trevino who finished All-State last spring and should be a serviceable frontrunner this fall, the Marauders had a solid freshman class last year with a lot of upside. While Mt. Vernon has a clear path out of the regional and looked like a real contender to advance last year, the Marauders will be harder pressed to advance this year in an incredibly strong year for the Shelbyville Semi-state.
#25 – Perry Meridian Falcons
Shelbyville Semi-state #13
State meet history: 1 appearance (1985)
2021 Results:
Ben Davis Sectional: 2nd place (54 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 3rd place (84 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 11th place (322 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Luke Haggerty (11) – 16:32 (48th place)
James Haggerty (11) – 16:43 (63rd place)
Alec Dial (10) – 17:15 (105th place)
Kyle Corbin (11) – 17:48 (136th place)
Jude Hunt (11) – 17:55 (146th place)
2022 Outlook: With five back from last year’s 11th-place semi-state team, none of them seniors, Perry is maybe a year away from taking a shot at qualifying for the state finals. With a clear path to the semi-state, this could be the year that the Falcons finish in the top ten. Perry also made strides in the spring that illustrates any program on the rise with the Haggerty brothers going 1-2 in the sectional in the 1600 and the team very nearly qualifying for the state finals. The Falcons are a longshot, a real underdog, to make it to Terre Haute this year with a much better chance in 2023.
#26 – Northview Knights
Brown County Semi-state #5
Bedford North Lawrence Regional #3
State meet history: 5 appearances (last in 2021)
2021 Results:
Terre Haute North Sectional: 1st place (25 points)
Bedford North Lawrence Regional: 1st place (51 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 4th place (157 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 12th place (334 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-state)
Jcim Grant (11) – 15:54 (19th place)
Douglas Dillman (11) – 16:18 (39th place)
Hank Slater (12) – 17:10 (94th place)
Clint Mager (11) – 17:30 (122nd place)
Garrett Dowdy (12) – 18:16 (156th place)
2022 Outlook: The Knights continued their march toward the top of the state and their best years in school history last season. Two of Northview’s big three have graduated, but the Knights still have a potential All-Stater in junior Jcim Grant. The Knights won’t be as good as they were last year with those graduating seniors, but they could certainly be at the top of their sectional and potentially back at the state meet for a third consecutive season.
#27 – Warsaw Tigers
New Prairie Semi-state #5
State meet history: 12 appearances (last in 2021), 1 podium finish (2012)
2021 Results:
Manchester Sectional: 1st place (34 points)
Culver Academies Regional: 1st place (27 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 5th place (165 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 24th place (552 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Garrett Hall (12) – 16:46 (22nd place)
Tyler Swartz (11) – 17:28 (54th place)
Andrew Potter (11) – 17:41 (77th place)
Alex Schrock (10) – 18:12 (128th place)
Ryun Hoffert (12) – 18:17 (133rd place)
2022 Outlook: The Tigers made consecutive state meets and could be three straight this fall. Warsaw certainly has a lot back with five of last year’s seven. Track results were very good for the Tigers in addition to all the returners from last year’s state meet. In addition to the five listed (with one senior mismarked on inccstats as a junior from last year), sophomore Tyler Mimnaugh ran 9:52 over 3200 meters to break a school record for freshman but didn’t run cross country; if he participates this fall, that should make the Tigers a certain state meet squad.
#28 – Jasper Wildcats
Brown County Semi-state #6
State meet history: 5 appearances (last in 2020)
2021 Results:
Jasper Sectional: 1st place (37 points)
Crawford County Regional: 2nd place (69 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 8th place (257 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-state)
Jaryn Weinel (12) – 16:14 (34th place)
Harrison Hulsman (12) – 16:30 (47th place)
Wylee Kippenbrock (11) – 17:24 (117th place)
Carter Blume (11) – 17:26 (118th place)
Jacob Welp (12) – 17:54 (144th place)
Cameron Crawford (10) – 19:31 (175th place)
2022 Outlook: The Wildcats graduate their best runner in school history, by far, but still have a great chance to make it further in the state tournament than last year with six runners back from the varsity in 2021. Senior Jaryn Weinel should serve as a great frontrunner, potentially top ten in the semi-state and even an All-Stater, after a track season that included running 4:22 over 1600 meters.
#29 – Goshen RedHawks
New Haven Semi-state #4
State meet history: 9 appearances (last in 2021), 1 podium finish (1976)
2021 Results:
Elkhart Sectional: 1st place (38 points)
Elkhart Central Regional: 1st place (53 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 4th place (146 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 10th place (301 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-state)
Tommy Claxton (12) – 16:29 (22nd place)
Luis Loera (12) – 17:15 (62nd place)
Oliver Biek (12) – 17:29 (77th place)
Brady Abney (11) – 18:30 (140th place)
2022 Outlook: The RedHawks were the victim of unfortunate timing with their best team in program history, by far, in the deepest year in state history (also by far). That did lead to a top ten finish at the state meet and, despite losing their two state medalists, Goshen has a good chance to make it back to Terre Haute for a third consecutive season. Senior Tommy Claxton, 9:23 in the 3200 at the state finals after competing in the 4x8, could be giving Goshen another All-Stater even after graduating two top 20 finishers from last year.
#30 – Austin Eagles
Brown County Semi-state #7
State meet history: 2 appearances (last in 2021)
2021 Results:
Austin Sectional: 1st place (24 points)
Columbus North Regional: 2nd place (61 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 6th place (213 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 23rd place (526 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-state)
Carlos Mata (10) – 16:22 (44th place)
Brandon Rice (12) – 16:27 (45th place)
Jackson Marshall (12) – 16:49 (62nd place)
Brayden Furnish (11) – 17:22 (113th place)
2022 Outlook: The Eagles made the state finals last year for just the second time in program history with nearly three decades between appearances. Austin could make it back to Terre Haute again this fall; the semi-state is top heavy but not quite as deep as last year, and the Eagles do bring back four key runners. In terms of state meet qualifiers, Austin is a tiny school (enrollment 433 with 14 participants in 2021). This is clearly a program with a strong culture and coaching, and a top newcomer would do wonders for the Eagles’ chances of consecutive state finals.
#31 – Penn Kingsmen
New Haven Semi-state #6
State meet history: 12 appearances (last in 2021), 1 podium finish (1999)
2021 Results:
South Bend Riley Sectional: 1st place (25 points)
Elkhart Central Regional: 3rd place (79 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 6th place (210 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 17th place (428 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-state)
Nicholas Probst (12) – 17:04 (47th place)
Jason Juarez (12) – 17:10 (57th place)
Hudson Kaser (11) – 17:38 (84th place)
Elijah Poorman (12) – 17:43 (92nd place)
William Mickelson (11) – 18:28 (138th place)
2022 Outlook: The Kingsmen have made two straight state finals and could make a third this fall despite losing a strong top duo. Penn does have five back from a state meet team and in a semi-state of diminishing strength. The combination of those returners plus the state’s eighth-largest enrollment gives the Kingsmen a chance to reload and make it three trips in a row to Terre Haute.
#32 –Greenfield-Central Cougars
Shelbyville Semi-state #14
State meet history: Never qualified
2021 Results:
Mt. Vernon Sectional: 3rd place (66 points)
Rushville Regional: 3rd place (125 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 15th place (390 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Griffen Wheeler (12) – 16:28 (43rd place)
Liam Brinkruff (11) – 16:46 (67th place)
Carter Crouch (11) – 17:54 (145th place)
2022 Outlook: The Cougars return a great top trio with senior Griffen Wheeler and juniors Liam Brinkruff and Chris Ross, the latter of whom did not compete in last fall’s tournament. Wheeler is coming off a great spring over 800 meters where he qualified for the state meet. Both Brinkruff and Ross ran under 10:00 over 3200 meters in the sectional also. In a different tournament path, Greenfield could be looking at a possible appearance in the state meet. As the tournament is aligned now, the Cougars would need two more to join that top trio to get close to Terre Haute.
#33 – Lake Central Indians
New Prairie Semi-state #6
State meet history: 15 appearances (last in 2020), 2 podium finishes (last in 1983), 1 runner-up title (1982)
2021 Results:
Highland Sectional: 1st place (29 points)
Crown Point Regional: 3rd place (79 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 10th place (252 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Drew McGrath (11) – 17:30 (59th place)
Riley Petrovich (11) – 17:42 (81st place)
Austin Wojcik (11) – 17:50 (93rd place)
Kaden Smith (12) – 18:32 (149th place)
2022 Outlook: Lake Central has four back from a team that harbored realistic hopes of qualifying for the state meet last fall and does again this year. Even with just four back from a tenth-place semi-state squad, LC could be a contender to advance this season, which would make it three in four years. With perhaps the largest enrollment (3242) and biggest team (48 participants), LC is always a threat to advance to Terre Haute.
#34 – NorthWood Panthers
New Haven Semi-state #7
State meet history: 2 appearances (last in 1987)
2021 Results:
Elkhart Sectional: 3rd place (77 points)
Elkhart Regional: 4th place (139 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 10th place (296 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-state)
Jordan Burden (12) – 17:18 (66th place)
Owen Allen (11) – 17:24 (72nd place)
Bereket Bennett (11) – 17:48 (100th place)
Jonathan Towler (11) – 17:49 (101st place)
Cole Davies (12) – 18:34 (145th place)
2022 Outlook: The Panthers bring back five from last year’s team and have a very realistic chance to qualify for the state finals for the first time in 35 years. Without a true frontrunner, NorthWood’s margin of error is pretty thin, especially with some times behind the Panthers always a threat to reload quickly due to tradition or enrollment. Still, NorthWood has very legitimate cause of excitement heading into this fall, and perhaps their best team in nearly fifty years.
#35 – Plainfield Quakers
Shelbyville Semi-state #15
State meet history: Never qualified
2021 Results:
Brownsburg Sectional: 3rd place (67 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 5th place (144 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 13th place (374 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Emerson Nehring (12) – 16:06 (23rd place)
Jakob Nehring (10) – 17:17 (106th place)
Addison Neuen (11) – 17:33 (121st place)
Joey Thompson (10) – 17:55 (148th place)
Trent Tomaszewski (10) – 21:47 (180th place)
2022 Outlook: The Quakers could have one of their better teams in recent memory and should be a lock to advance to the semi-state. Unfortunately, Plainfield is located right in central Indiana which will have the strongest of the four semi-states by far this season. Senior Emerson Nehring should make the state meet again individually and could improve enough to be a contender for an All-State finish. The Quakers will be competitive, though not especially deep behind him, but geography is the main opponent here for a deep tournament run.
#36 – West Lafayette Red Devils
New Prairie Semi-state #7
State meet history: 18 appearances (last in 2019), 5 podium finishes (last in 2015), 1 runner-up title (1963) 2 state championships (1964, 2014)
2021 Results:
Harrison (West Lafayette) Sectional: 2nd place (59 points)
Harrison (West Lafayette) Regional: 2nd place (47 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 9th place (200 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Elijah Stenberg (12) – 16:36 (14th place)
Albert Rajwa (11) – 17:13 (37th place)
Jacob Wright (12) – 17:46 (89th place)
Liam Rochet (11) – 17:55 (102nd place)
Yian Koh (12) – 18:46 (154th place)
2022 Outlook: The Red Devils were improved in ’21 and should be even better in ’22 with a team that should harbor great hopes of qualifying for the state meet with five of seven back from last year. Senior Elijah Stenberg, a varsity runner for the entirety of high school career, gives West Side a potential frontrunner for the semi-state especially after a great track season in which he was sectional champion in the 800 and 1600.
#37 – Portage Indians
New Prairie Semi-state #8
State meet history: 46 appearances (last in 2016), 22 podium finishes (last in 1999), 7 runner-up titles (1973, 1981, 1988, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1998), 4 state championships (1974, 1984, 1992, 1999)
2021 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 3rd place (99 points)
Chesterton Regional: 5th place (134 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 12th place (279 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Shane Conroy (10) – 16:50 (27th place)
Ethan Miller (12) – 16:55 (32nd place)
Chase Reyes (12) – 17:39 (73rd place)
Noah Bosstel (11) – 18:03 (117th place)
Ethan Weiler (12) – 18:52 (161st place)
2022 Outlook: Portage returns a promising front duo as well as the top four from a 12th-place semi-state team from last fall. Portage’s path to the state meet—it has qualified just once since 2005—is about improvement through the line-up. Sophomore Shane Conroy could make a leap toward the top of the semi-state individually, which would be helpful for state meet hopes. Track results are basically inconclusive for returning individuals here.
#38 – Avon Orioles
Shelbyville Semi-state #16
State meet history: 5 appearances (last in 2018)
2021 Results:
Brownsburg Sectional: 1st place (45 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 4th place (110 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 12th place (346 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Sam Clore (11) – 16:44 (62nd place)
Andrew Demerly (12) – 17:29 (115th place)
Jaxon Davis (11) – 17:48 (137th place)
Benton Hunter (11) – 18:06 (153rd place)
Nathan Wigger (11) – 18:29 (166th place)
2022 Outlook: The Orioles could be a year away from making a bid for the state meet after running four sophomores in the semi-state last fall. Junior Sam Clore—9:26 indoors over 3200 meters—gives Avon a potential frontrunner, especially after some great races to open last cross country season. Fellow junior Benton Hunter could play an important scoring role after running 4:32 over 1600 meters and qualifying for the state meet in the 4x8. The O’s do benefit from an easier path to the semi-state.
#39 – Homestead Spartans
State meet history: 5 appearances (last in 2019)
2021 Results:
Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional: 2nd place (74 points)
West Noble Regional: 1st place (68 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 8th place (233 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-state)
Aiden Waugh (10) – 17:09 (54th place)
Grayson Welch (12) – 17:43 (93rd place)
Evan MacMahon (10) – 18:27 (137th place)
2022 Outlook: The Spartans were close to the state meet last year but ultimately finished eighth at the semi-state a week after winning the very competitive West Noble Regional. The semi-state gets significantly less challenging, but that also comes in a year when Homestead is hit hardest by graduating after losing four of the top seven. It certainly isn’t impossible that the Spartans qualify for the state meet after a two-year absence, but Homestead would need some big improvement from their sophomore class.
#40 – Tell City Marksmen
Brown County Semi-state #8
State meet history: 8 appearances (last in 2018)
2021 Results:
Jasper Sectional: 3rd place (76 points)
Crawford County Regional: 5th place (135 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 16th place (358 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-state)
Lachlan Russell (11) – 16:48 (59th place)
Brayden Lain (12) – 17:01 (77th place)
Alden Marion (10) – 17:09 (91st place)
Orrin Kaiser (10) – 17:22 (112th place)
Ayden Zuelly (10) – 17:37 (127th place)
2022 Outlook: The Marksmen have solid depth back, providing a team with a chance to make the state finals. Tell City does not have a bonafide frontrunner, nor did any of the Marksmen have stellar track seasons. What TC does have is an established tradition, good coaching, experience and upside with their young line-up. With a really good summer among their runners, the Marksmen could certainly challenge for their first trip to Terre Haute in the last four years.
#41 – Lawrence North Wildcats
Shelbyville Semi-state #17
Noblesville Regional #8
State meet history: 8 appearances (last in 2013), 4 podium finishes (last in 2010)
2021 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 4th place (123 points)
Noblesville Regional: 8th place (229 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Noblesville Regional)
Nick Ostendorf (12) – 16:54 (31st place)
Spencer Harshbarger (11) – 17:26 (47th place)
Jackson Russell (11) – 17:41 (56th place)
Carter Norris (12) – 17:54 (63rd place)
Nick Anderson (12) – 17:56 (66th place)
Trace Cole (12) – 18:02 (68th place)
2022 Outlook: The Wildcats will be an improved team, perhaps much so, in 2022. LN will benefit from bringing back its top six last year as well as new coach Joe Murphy. After a great track season, senior Nick Ostendorf could be a contender to advance to the state meet individually; he ran on LN’s 4x8 that nearly finished on the podium at the state meet and he ran 4:20 over 1600 meters at the regional. The tournament path is the biggest to the longevity of LN’s season. In any other semi-state, the ‘Cats could harbor hopes of advancing; as it is now, they’ll likely be done at the regional.
#42 – Evansville Reitz Panthers
Brown County Semi-state #9
State meet history: 4 appearances (last in 1957)
2021 Results:
Evansville Mater Dei Sectional: 2nd place (61 points)
Bedford North Lawrence Regional: 2nd place (71 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 9th place (277 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-state)
Jackson Nolan (10) – 16:21 (43rd place)
Brice Johnson (10) – 16:52 (65th place)
Jacob Conner (11) – 17:14 (98th place)
Zachary Traylor (12) – 17:23 (114th place)
Sawyer Mossberger (10) – 17:40 (129th place)
John Hackney (12) – 18:21 (157th place)
2022 Outlook: The Panthers lose just their top runner from last year’s top ten team at the semi-state and should be in a similar position this fall. With three freshmen in last year’s line-up, this is a high variance team. After an excellent freshman year that included 4:34 over 1600 meters and 9:49 over 3200 meters, Jackson Nolan could provide Reitz with an adequate frontrunner to contend for advancement to Terre Haute, and Sawyer Mossberger should see a lot of improvement.
#43 – Morgan Township Cherokees
New Prairie Semi-state #9
State meet history: 1 appearance (2021)
2021 Results:
Rensselaer Central Sectional: 1st place (35 points)
Chesterton Regional: 4th place (89 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 4th place (149 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 22nd place (500 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Ty Ivanyo (12) – 16:51 (29th place)
Harrison DePorter (12) – 17:34 (66th place)
Aiden Ilic (12) – 17:40 (75th place)
Kegaen Holder (11) – 17:47 (90th place)
2022 Outlook: The Cherokees qualified for the program’s first ever state finals with the strength of a frontrunning duo. Those top two have graduated, and Morgan Township brings back four of those seven. In an improving New Prairie Semi-state, the Cherokees aren’t favored to advance to Terre Haute again, but they’ve clearly established a culture and tradition. With a solid line-up it isn’t out of the question if they can find a fifth runner that Morgan Township advances to Terre Haute again.
#44 – Wabash Apaches
New Haven Semi-state #9
State meet history: 8 appearances (last in 1999)
2021 Results:
Marion Sectional: 3rd place (87 points)
Marion Regional: 7th place (144 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Marion Regional)
Kaden Vogel (11) – 17:06 (6th place)
Jace Bullins (10) – 17:46 (22nd place)
Jonas Church (10) – 17:54 (26th place)
Chase Howard (10) – 18:45 (55th place)
Kasen Oswalt (10) – 20:19 (74th place)
2022 Outlook: The Apaches nearly advanced out of the regional last fall after scoring an almost unheard of four freshmen at that meet. With typical progression, plus the return of senior Dave Ford who had an abbreviated junior season, Wabash should challenge to finish in the top ten at the semistate. Ford and junior Kaden Vogel give the Apaches a good top duo and could very well be joined by some of the sophomores.
#45 – Fort Wayne Dwenger Saints
New Haven Semi-state #10
West Noble Regional #3
State meet history: 9 appearances (last in 2013), 1 podium finish (1977)
2021 Results:
Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional: 6th place (152 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional)
Brendan Nix (12) – 17:31 (10th place)
Pablo Sutter (12) – 18:04 (23rd place)
William Kleber (11) – 18:38 (35th place)
Eric Delaney (12) – 19:39 (62nd place)
Logan Felkner (11) – 20:11 (68th place)
2022 Outlook: The Saints had their season cut short in a very competitive tournament path, finishing sixth at the sectional round. Dwenger has a great chance to extend that run a couple more weeks this season especially in an area that looks to take a step back overall after graduation hits from many of the traditionally to programs. Sophomore Grant Hilger had a good freshman season but did not compete in the tournament. His presence could be huge for the Saints.
#46 – Leo Lions
New Haven Semi-state #11
West Noble Regional #4
State meet history: Never qualified
2021 Results:
Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional: 5th place (113 points)
West Noble Regional: 6th place (121 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the West Noble Regional)
Luke Shappell (12) – 16:55 (7th place)
Jaydon Steidinger (11) – 17:34 (19th place)
Brayden Gustafson (11) – 18:22 (52nd place)
Fernando Flores (11) – 18:52 (59th place)
Austin Johnson (11) – 19:09 (68th place)
2022 Outlook: The Lions were within ten points of advancing to the semistate and look to enter this season in a crowded middle section of the West Noble Regional. Senior Luke Shappell, an impressive 41st at the state cross country meet last fall, gives Leo a really good start. The Lions will need to develop their depth to solidify a top five finish at the regional.
#47 – Fort Wayne Carroll Chargers
New Haven Semi-state #12
West Noble Regional #5
State meet history: 13 appearances (last in 2021), 5 podium finishes (last in 2016), 2 runner-up titles (2008, 2012), 1 state championship (2016)
2021 Results:
Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional: 3rd place (77 points)
West Noble Regional: 3rd place (98 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 5th place (198 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 19th place (455 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-state)
Blake Niefert (12) – 17:08 (49th place)
Jacob Blackburn (12) – 17:55 (114th place)
Jacob Kieferr (12) – 18:00 (119th place)
Elijah Silcox (11) – 18:10 (128th place)
2022 Outlook: The Chargers qualified for the state meet last year—two in a row after two-year hiatus—but graduate their top three. The road back to the state meet will be tough, but Carroll has a good chance to advance from one of the state’s tougher regionals.
#48 – DeKalb Barons
New Haven Semi-state #13
West Noble Regional #6
State meet history: 13 appearance (last in 2007), 3 podium finishes (last in 1997)
2021 Results:
West Noble Sectional: 3rd place (90 points)
West Noble Regional: 7th place (191 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the West Noble Regional)
Jaren McIntire (11) – 18:01 (36th place)
Landon Knowles (12) – 18:26 (53rd place)
Will Haupert (11) – 19:21 (74th place)
Braylon Meyer (11) – 19:43 (80th place)
2022 Outlook: The Barons were a distant seventh in the state’s second toughest regional. With four back plus the return of Matthias Hefty who didn’t compete in the tournament, DeKalb has a team capable of taking the next step this fall especially after a very good spring in which the 4x8 with a junior and two sophomores ran 7:57 twice.
#49 – Hobart Brickies
New Prairie Semi-state #10
State meet history: 18 appearances (last in 2012), 7 podium finishes (last in 1962), 2 state championships (1957, 1960)
2021 Results:
Hebron Sectional: 3rd place (96 points)
Chesterton Regional: 7th place (149 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Owen Stankich (11) – 17:33 (21st place)
Felix Lopez (10) – 17:48 (25th place)
Ryan Mattel (11) – 18:19 (39th place)
Kolin Gladney (10) – 18:22 (42nd place)
Thomas Martin (11) – 18:27 (45th place)
Vicente Gutierrez (11) – 18:42 (49th place)
2022 Outlook: The Brickies bring back six from a team that was ousted at the regional. In a semi-state that is growing stronger, Hobart is a ways back from contending for a spot from the state meet, though it’s not out of the question with a strong summer of training.
#50 – Pike Red Devils
Shelbyville Semi-state #19
Noblesville Regional #9
State meet history: Never qualified
2021 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 7th place (149 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brebeuf Sectional)
Simon Bosslet (11) – 16:43 (7th place)
Matthias Smith (10) – 18:23 (37th place)
Elijah Gornik (12) – 18:29 (39th place)
Xavier Cooper (11) – 18:39 (41st place)
Jude Hawkins (11) – 18:40 (43rd place)
Ibrahima Diallo (12) – 19:55 (55th place)
2022 Outlook: The Red Devils return a very competitive group and also enjoyed a strong track season. Geography is the main opponent for Pike as the Devils were seventh in the most competitive sectional in the state. The Devils could advance to the regional this year with this group, or they could meet a similar fate as last fall.