IR TOP 50 BOYS TEAMS PRESEASON COUNTDOWN!!

Our annual tradition continues! IR has ranked the preseason top 50 teams in the state for each gender. Check back frequently as we update our list every few days!

BOYS TEAMS:

#1 – Bloomington North Cougars

Mater Dei Regional #1

State meet history: 38 appearances (last in 2024), 7 podium finishes (last in 2024), 2 state championships (1980, 2024)

2024 Results:

Bedford North Lawrence Sectional: 1st place (19 points)

Mater Dei Regional: 1st place (51 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 1st place (105 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Mater Dei Regional)

Jacob Mitchell (12) - 15:09 (2nd place)

Caelan D’Onofrio (12) - 15:37 (11th place)

Caleb Winders (12) - 15:43 (14th place)

Jacob Gentry (12) - 16:28 (41st place)

2025 Outlook: Last year’s number one, the Cougars had an up-and-down fall but raced well at the most important time, winning the school’s second state championship in the sport. North returns two All-Staters in seniors Jacob Mitchell and Caelan D’Onofrio who finished fifth and 13th, respectively, last fall. They followed that up with helping the Cougars to a third straight state title in the 4x8 before finishing in the top five of their individual events at the state championship in track. D’Onofrio’s 4:07.92 for 1600 and Mitchell’s 8:57.95 for 3200 are both just outside the top 25 all-time. Senior Caleb Winders won his first individual state championship in the spring and made great progress in cross country, finishing 59th at the state meet. That returning trio should be able to hang with any team in the state. Senior Jacob Gentry also got varsity experience the last two seasons, running on state championship cross country and relay teams. Sophomore Shep Jackson (4:23 for 1600) could fill a big role as his track season illustrates great potential for this fall. Juniors Jackson Walker and Lucas Sinn Trulock should bolster the Cougars’ depth as they attempt to defend their title against an incredibly strong field.

#2 – Noblesville Millers

Shelbyville Regional #1

State meet history: 14 appearances (last in 2024), 3 podium finishes (last in 2024), 2 runner-up titles (2010, 2024)

2024 Results:

Noblesville Sectional: 2nd place (57 points)

Shelbyville Regional: 1st place (78 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 2nd place (115 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)

John Libs (12) - 15:21 (2nd place) 

Banner Barnes (11) - 15:51 (9th place)

Isaiah Vohs (10) - 15:53 (10th place)

Cooper Click (12) - 16:25 (38th place)

Jack Rush (11) - 17:16 (98th place)

2025 Outlook: The Millers were ten points from a state title and return five of their seven. Senior John Libs improved from 112th as a sophomore to seventh at the state meet his junior year then followed that up with an eighth-place finish in the 3200 (9:05) at the state finals in track. Junior Banner Barnes went from outside the team’s top seven to All-State then ran 1:52, 4:10 and 9:06 in the spring. With that frontrunning duo, the Millers could essentially score three at each meet. Sophomore Isaiah Vohs (4:20 and 9:31) has a strong chance to be All-State after finishing 46th as a freshman. It will be difficult for anyone to stay close to the Millers through three runners with that level of star power, and Noblesville is also deep. Junior Jack Rush (4:23 and 9:42) had a strong track season with seniors Cooper Click and Noah Melton got varsity experience in the tournament while also breaking 10:00 for 3200 meters. 

#3 – Columbus North Bull Dogs

Mater Dei Regional #2

State meet history: 29 appearances (last in 2024), 14 podium finishes (last in 2022), 2 runner-up titles (2001, 2013), 6 state championships (2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2020)

2024 Results:

Brown County Sectional: 1st place (30 points)

Mater Dei Regional: 3rd place (82 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 6th place (203 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Mater Dei Regional)

Jace Works (12) - 15:33 (8th place)

Denton Sluder (12) - 15:44 (15th place)

Justin Reckers (11) - 16:10 (34th place)

Logan Vanzant (12) - 16:40 (50th place)

2025 Outlook: The Bull Dogs have just missed the podium the last two years and brings back a group whose sights should be set higher. Senior Jace Works finished 15th at the state meet in cross country and took another step forward in the spring, finishing second in the open 800 and running the fastest split at the state meet in the 4x8 as well as running 4:09 conversion for 1600 at the national meet. Senior Denton Sluder ran 9:20 for 3200 meters after being a regular scorer in the fall and senior Logan Vanzant ran in the state meets in both seasons. Junior Graham Pumphrey could go from out of the top seven to an All-State contender; in addition to being on North’s 7:41 relay, he ran 4:15 for 1600. In total, six Dogs ran under 10:00 for 3200 meters and six under 4:40 for 1600 meters. Sophomore Joseph Day (4:38 and 9:43) could be a scorer after a strong freshman year and help North’s already strong depth.

#4 – Carmel Greyhounds

Brownsburg Regional #1

State meet history: 51 appearances (last in 2024), 25 podium finishes (last in 2023), 13 runner-up titles (1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1992, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020), 18 state championships (1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1987, 1988, 1993, 1996, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023)

2024 Results:

North Central (Indy) Sectional: 1st place (21 points)

Brownsburg Regional: 2nd place (65th place)

IHSAA State Finals: 8th place (272 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)

Jonah Kaul (11) - 15:38 (9th place) 

Zach Flint (12) - 15:48 (16th place) 

Carter Buhr (12) - 15:54 (19th place) 

Deklin Bowser (12) - 16:01 (25th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Greyhounds had their worst finish at the state meet since 2010 the season following potentially the best two-year run in school history with consecutive titles in ‘22 and ‘23. Carmel brings a roster into ‘25 capable of challenging for what would be a third state championship in four years. Junior Jonah Kaul made a sophomore leap in cross country, going from outside the top seven for his team to a 29th place finish in the state meet. The next big performance jump could come from junior Lucas Bartlett who ran 4:23 over 1600 meters and 9:11 over 3200 meters this spring, qualifying for the state meet in the latter. Senior Carter Buhr (4:19 and 9:38) scored for the ‘Hounds at the last two state meets; fellow seniors Zach Flint (4:35 and 9:43) and Deklin Bowser (4:29 and 9:47) gained great experience last fall paired with solid track seasons. Carmel has eight returners who have gone 10:00 or faster for 3200. In a typical year, a roster like this might be preseason number one, but this is not a typical year.

#5 – Brownsburg Bulldogs

Brownsburg Regional #2

State meet history: 3 appearances (last in 2024), 3 podium finishes (last in 2024)

2024 Results:

Brownsburg Sectional: 1st place (33 points)

Ben Davis Regional: 1st place (47 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 3rd place (172 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)

Brandon Haas (12) - 15:45 (15th place) 

Eli Balbach (12) - 15:59 (22nd place)

Wesley Grant (10) - 16:43 (65th place) 

Joshua Nugent (12) -16:45 (68th place)

2025 Outlook: The Bulldogs are on a roll following consecutive third-place finishes at the state meet. Like any school at the top of the state, Brownsburg takes some graduation hits. Still, the ‘Dogs have enough back to get in the mix for the podium and potentially even unexpectedly challenge for the title as they did last year. Senior Brandon Haas emerged as one of the state’s best last fall when he won the Brownsburg Invite in early September and strung that into a plethora of great performances. Senior Eli Balbach is a potential All-Stater as well; he finished 52nd at the state meet in cross country then ran 9:20 over 3200 meters at the state meet this past spring. That duo gives Brownsburg the necessary frontrunners to stay with any team in the state and in addition to Haas and Balbach three others ran under 10:00 in the 3200 this past spring with 7 under 4:40 for 1600. In addition, Brownsburg could be reloading its roster with the best incoming freshman class in the state.

#6 – Northridge Raiders

New Prairie Regional #1

State meet history: 17 appearances (last in 2024), 5 podium finishes (last in 2024), 1 state championship (2004)

2024 Results:

Elkhart Sectional: 1st place (32 points)

New Prairie Regional: 1st place (76 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 4th place (181 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)

Baylor Miller (12) - 15:48 (4th place)

Xavier Miller (12) - 15:59 (6th place) 

Milo Baullaro (11) - 16:28 (21st place) 

Brady Hicks (12) - 17:00 (45th place)

2024 Outlook: The Raiders enjoyed a dream season, culminating in an incredible state meet with a fourth-place finish. Northridge hadn’t finished on the podium since 2007, also fourth and only finished higher once in program history with the 2004 state title. Senior Baylor Miller unexpectedly finished sixth individually at the state meet and then backed up with a second-place finish in the 1600 at the track state finals in 4:07. He also ran 1:51 for 800 meters and 9:16 for the 3200. With Baylor Miller, the Raiders should score four every meet and brother Xavier could give Northridge two All-Staters after finishing 27th last year. Senior Brady Hicks made progress in the track season, running 9:24 for 3200 and could be in the mix for All-State as well. It will take either a newcomer or some development down the roster to be deep enough for another podium finish, but the Raiders have a great top four entering the season.

#7 – Fort Wayne Homestead Spartans

New Haven Regional #1

State meet history: 6 appearances (last in 2024)

2024 Results:

New Haven Sectional: 1st place (20 points)

New Haven Regional: 1st place (65 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 7th place (246 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)

Cooper Knoblauch (12) - 15:55 (4th place) 

Jace Trevino (11) - 16:17 (14th place)

Tate Knoblauch (10) - 16:50 (37th place)

2025 Outlook: The Spartans unexpectedly missed the state meet in ‘23 but rebounded last year to finish seventh at the state meet, the second highest placing in school history. Three of those athletes are back and form the foundation of what could be Homestead’s first ever podium team in boys cross country. Junior Jace Trevino finished 45th at last fall’s state meet in his first season of high school cross country. He followed that up with a phenomenal track season in which he ran 4:21 for 1600 meters and finished third in the state meet in the open 800. Senior Cooper Knoblauch gives Homestead two potential frontrunners; he ran 9:30 for 3200 meters, qualifying for the state meet in that event. Senior Riley Lembke fell out of the lineup at the regional and state meets last fall but should be a consistent scorer this season after running 4:29 and 9:48 this spring. A sophomore jump from Tate Knoblauch (4:35 and 9:50 in track) would be huge for Homestead’s podium dreams.

#8 – Franklin Central Flashes

Shelbyville Regional #2

State meet history: 13 appearances (last in 2024), 4 podium finishes (last in 2006), 2 runner-up titles (2000, 2006), 1 state championships (1998)

2024 Results:

Mt. Vernon Sectional: 2nd place (42 points)

Shelbyville Regional: 3rd place (97 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 11th place (340 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)

Justin Reedus (12) - 15:50 (8th place)

Cooper Trout (12) - 16:09 (25th place)

Andrew Wright (12) - 16:26 (39th place)

Ian Tharp (11) - 16:28 (42nd place)

Josh Lasley (12) - 17:08 (89th place)

2025 Outlook: The Flashes have five of seven back and boast a strong senior class heading into this fall. Senior Justin Reedus could develop into a frontrunner like the recently graduated Evan Farmer did last year; Reedus has run in three cross country state meets already and qualified for the state track meet in the 4x8 as well as 3200 this past spring. Senior Andrew Wright ran 9:31 for 3200 meters and also contributed to FC’s podium relay. The Flashes aren’t an especially deep team but should bring in a couple of freshmen capable of making the top seven right away.

#9 – Hamilton Southeastern Royals

Shelbyville Regional #3

State meet history: 19 appearances (last in 2024), 5 podium finishes (last in 2023), 2 runner-up titles (2011, 2021)

2024 Results:

Noblesville Sectional: 3rd place (61 points)

Shelbyville Regional: 2nd place (78 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 10th place (301 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)

Liam Powers (12) - 15:22 (3rd place) 

Riley Schamp (12) - 16:11 (27th place)

Isaac Smith (11) - 16:53 (72nd place)

2025 Outlook: The Royals have three back from a top-ten team that could be in the mix for a podium spot again this fall. Senior Liam Powers, 14th in cross country and 9th in the 3200 for his state meets as a junior, gives HSE one of the state’s best. Junior Isaac Smith has potential to join Powers as an All-Stater after running 9:16 for 3200 meters this past spring. The Royals will have roles to fill following graduation for sure. Sophomore PJ Key ran 9:58 for 3200 meters and headlines a solid class that should see opportunity to contribute this fall.

#10 – Fishers Tigers

Shelbyville Regional #4

State meet history: 14 appearances (last in 2024), 10 podium finishes (last in 2024), 3 runner-up titles (2015, 2017, 2023), 1 state championship (2007)

2024 Results:

Noblesville Sectional: 1st place (52 points)

Shelbyville Regional: 4th place (100 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 5th place (198 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)

Nate Thomas (12) - 15:46 (7th place)

Declan Mohr (12) - 17:11 (93rd place)

2025 Outlook: The Tigers have ascended the podium in four of the last five seasons, though the Tigers have never been hit harder by graduation than they are right now. It certainly isn’t a hopeless situation, however. Senior Nate Thomas was All-State in cross country, 20th in Terre Haute, then ran 9:22 for 3200 meters this spring. Senior Declan Mohr had a strong track season over 800 meters, running 1:55 in the open and leading the Tigers to another podium finish. Junior Reece Torrres competed for Fishers in both state meets last year, and his 4:26 and 9:51 should translate well to the grass.

#11 – Avon Orioles

Brownsburg Regional #3

State meet history: 7 appearances (last in 2024)

2024 Results:

Ben Davis Sectional: 2nd place (77 points)

Brownsburg Regional: 4th place (146th place)

IHSAA State Finals: 17th place (409 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)

Quinn Murray (11) - 16:01 (27th place)

Colin Packer (12) - 16:14 (39th place) 

Dean Semski (12) - 16:19 (43rd place) 

Aeden Aspaas (11) - 16:38 (59th place) 

Mitchell Ford (12) - 16:39 (61st place) 

Maxwell Hunter (11) - 17:10 (108th place)

2025 Outlook: The Orioles have qualified for the last two state meets and extending that streak looks probable with six of seven back. Junior Quinn Murray could give Avon frontrunning; he ran 9:26 for 3200 meters, very nearly making the state meet in that event. Junior Aeden Aspaac ran 4:26 for 1600 meters despite concentrating on the 4x8 in the tournament and should see improvement in his cross country performance. The Orioles should be one of the deepest teams in the state with six returners who ran 4:40 or faster for 1600 meters this past spring. Sophomore Simon Gerber did not compete in the tournament for Avon but ran 9:56 for 3200 this recent track season; he could absolutely be a scorer for the Orioles this fall.

#12 – North Central Panthers

Brownsburg Regional #4

State meet history: 32 appearances (last in 2023), 11 podium finishes (last in 2010), 2 runner-up titles (1967, 1968), 1 state championship (1969)

2024 Results:

North Central (Indy) Sectional: 3rd place (84 points)

Brownsburg Regional: 6th place (195 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)

Gus Phillips (12) - 15:59 (24th place) 

Grant Hostetler (12) - 16:01 (26th place) 

Charlie Cromer (11) - 16:28 (49th place) 

Dawson Pikus (11) - 16:45 (69th place) 

Keegan Terry (11) - 16:50 (75th place) 

Lewis Mandel (11) - 17:53 (167th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Panthers looked a likely state meet team nearly all of last season but stumbled down the stretch and just missed Terre Haute. NC does return a group capable of advancing this year with six of seven back. Seniors Gus Phillips and Grant Hostetler did advance individually and could be the team’s top runners this fall. Junior Keegan Terry has displayed great potential with track performances in the past. Juniors Charlie Cromer and Dawson Pikus have shown steady improvement over two year, both breaking 10:00 for 3200 this spring. With all that returning talent, the Panthers are in a good position to qualify for state, but the tournament path is very competitive.

#13 – Fort Wayne Carroll Chargers

New Haven Regional #2

State meet history: 15 appearances (last in 2024), 5 podium finishes (last in 2016), 2 runner-up titles (2008, 2012), 1 state championship (2016)

2024 Results:

West Noble Sectional: 1st place (62 points)

New Haven Regional: 5th place (158 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 22nd place (500 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)

Sam Sweet (10) - 16:12 (9th place) 

Will LeCoque (12) - 16:44 (29th place) 

Cohen Brunson (11) - 17:09 (44th place) 

Charlie Mitchell (11) - 17:12 (48th place) 

Zaraab Habib (12) - 17:24 (61st place) 

Cal Sloffer (11) - 17:56 (104th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Chargers have competed in the state meet with two freshmen the last couple of seasons. Carroll is now a team with an enviable mix of experience and youth that should be solidly in the mix for a top-ten finish this spring. Sophomore Sam Sweet is a clear number one for the Chargers after a freshman track season in which he ran an astounding 4:23 for 1600 meters at the state finals as well as 9:48 for 3200 meters. Senior Will LeCoque (4:39 and 9:56) should be improved from last year also. Senior Aiden Borbiev was the Chargers’ top runner most of the regular season but did not compete in the tournament. His return to form would be huge for Carroll’s potential on the state level.

#14 – Penn Kingsmen

New Prairie Regional #2

State meet history: 15 appearances (last in 2024), 1 podium finish (1999)

2024 Results:

New Prairie Sectional: 1st place (27 points)

New Prairie Regional: 2nd place (94 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 13th place (356 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)

Kush Grewal (12) - 16:12 (9th place) 

Kale Grewal (12) - 16:51 (36th place) 

Brody Lederer (11) - 16:58 (43rd place) 

2025 Outlook: The Kingsmen return just three from last year’s team that qualified for a fifth consecutive state meet. Penn did have a deep team, though, and should have no problem reloading for another run to Terre Haute out of New Prairie. Junior Brody Lederer was typically outside of scoring last year but ran 9:30 for 3200 meters last track season and could be a frontrunner this fall. Lederer is one of four returners under 10:00 for 3200 and one of six returners under 4:40. In one of the easier paths to the state meet, Penn should have no problems advancing for a sixth straight.

#15 – Yorktown Tigers

New Haven Regional #3

State meet history: Never qualified

2024 Results:

Marion Sectional: 1st place (20 points)

New Haven Regional: 6th place (189 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)

Thomas Loney (10) - 16:27 (21st place) 

Isaiah Loney (11) - 16:45 (31st place) 

Wyatt Turner (11) - 17:10 (45th place) 

Owen Lamb (11) - 17:21 (56th place) 

Cal Shanayda (11) - 17:41 (80th place) 

Owen Fouts (12) - 17:44 (84th place)

Cody Lee (11) - 18:56 (181st place) 

2025 Outlook: The Tigers appeared a likey state meet team until illness overcame the squad right at the start of the tournament. Fortunately, a young team has the opportunity to turn that heartbreak into a march to the top of the state. Junior Wyatt Turner gives Yorktown great frontrunning, coming off a spring in which he ran 4:21 for 1600 meters and 9:16 for 3200 meters. Thomas Loney covered 3200 meters in 9:44 and could be a candidate for a big sophomore jump. The Tigers have all seven back from last year’s varsity and with two incoming freshmen that could crack the top seven, it is possible Yorktown returns all seven again next year as well.

#16 – Center Grove Trojans

Shelbyville Regional #5

State meet history: 5 appearances (last in 2023), 2 podium finishes (last in 2022)

2024 Results:

Shelbyville Sectional: 1st place (78 points)

Shelbyville Regional: 7th place (223 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)

Cameron Cox (12) - 16:00 (15th place)

Ethan Holbrook (11) - 16:41 (59th place) 

Yared Seyoum (11) - 16:48 (66th place) 

Jayden Salo (11) - 17:00 (79th place) 

Isaac Schemmel (12) - 17:04 (84th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Trojans made five state meets in a row, the only appearances in school history, before missing last year. With five of those seven back, CG looks ready to start a new streak. A successful track season displays great potential for the Trojans to make it back to Terre Haute. Senior Cameron Cox qualified for the state cross country meet individually and concentrated on relay duty in the track tournament. Three returners dipped under 4:30 for 1600 meters and three ran under 10:00 for 3200 meters. Senior Michael Leavitt missed the end of the cross country season but rebounded this spring to run 4:27 and 9:49; he should be a scorer this season.

#17 – Crown Point Bulldogs

New Prairie Regional #3

State meet history: 29 appearances (last in 2021), 4 podium finishes (last in 1981), 3 runner-up titles (1975, 1976, 1977)

2024 Results:

Highland Sectional: 2nd place (53 points)

New Prairie Regional: 6th place (187 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)

Jacob Metzger (12) - 16:38 (27th place)

Caleb Kotynski (12) - 16:49 (35th place) 

Jackson Zona (11) - 16:53 (37th place) 

Ryder Doyle (10) - 17:00 (46th place) 

Dylan Ryder (11) - 17:17 (59th place) 

Blythe Dieck (12) - 17:19 (63rd place)

Evan Kearns (12) - 17:47 (101st place) 

2025 Outlook: The Bulldogs were just 17 points from the state meet last fall and bring all seven of those runners back for a team that should be in comfortably this season. CP doesn’t project to have any frontrunner–no one ran under 4:30 for 1600 meters or 10:00 for 3200 meters this spring for the ‘Dogs–but this could be the deepest team in the New Prairie Regional. One likely team member did run under 4:30 for 1600 meters, an eighth-grader at a feeder school for Crown Point. Adding in a talent of that magnitude to this mix could be massive for the Bulldogs.

#18 – Evansville Reitz Panthers

Mater Dei Regional #3

State meet history: 7 appearances (last in 2024)

2024 Results:

Mater Dei Sectional: 1st place (16 points)

Mater Dei Regional: 2nd place (58 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 9th place (280 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Mater Dei Regional)

Carter Zieren (11) - 15:36 (9th place)

Will Dierlam (11) - 15:37 (10th place)

2025 Outlook: The Panthers had their best team in school history last year, thanks in large part to a pair of sophomores who had improved tremendously. With both Carter Zieren and Will Dierlam back this fall, Reitz should contend to make it out of the Mater Dei Regional again. That would be a fourth consecutive appearance at the state finals. The strength of that frontrunning duo should give the Panthers a very low score through two runners. The key will be developing some depth behind them. Junior Isaac Goedde ran just one cross country race last fall but had a full track season with performances of 4:45 and 10:20.

#19 – Ben Davis Giants

Brownsburg Regional #5

State meet history: 25 appearances (last in 2024), 7 podium finishes (last in 1996), 1 runner-up title (1996), 4 state championships (1961, 1989, 1990, 1995)

2024 Results:

Ben Davis Sectional: 3rd place (83 points)

Brownsburg Regional: 5th place (166th place)

IHSAA State Finals: 15th place (401 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)

Aboubakar Ibrahim (12) - 15:04 (1st place) 

Elroe Tafese (12) - 16:10 (30th place) 

Tesfaldet Hailu (12) - 16:34 (55th place)

Fthawi Shumai (12) - 17:12 (111th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Giants ended a lengthy state meet drought and have more than enough of a team returning to make a return trip to Terre Haute. Senior Aboubakar Ibrahim burst onto the scene at a state level last fall, finishing All-State and winning the Brownsburg Regional. The supporting cast performed well enough at the most important time to get BD into the state meet. Ibrahim should be among the state’s best again, and even an abbreviated track season illustrates his potential. Seniors Tesfaldet Hailu (9:36 for 3200 meters) and Elroe Tafese (9:42 for 3200) should be high-level contributors as well. Junior Lewis Claxton ran 4:40 over 1600 meters this past spring and could be a big difference-maker for the Giants.

#20 – Zionsville Eagles

Brownsburg Regional #6

State meet history: 13 appearances (last in 2024), 2 podium finishes (last in 2023), 1 runner-up title (2022)

2024 Results:

North Central (Indy) Sectional: 2nd place (53 points)

Brownsburg Regional: 3rd place (136 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 20th place (437 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)

Soren Johnson (12) - 16:14 (40th place) 

Owen Haan (12) - 16:18 (42nd place) 

Jackson Meneely (11) - 16:20 (44th place) 

Andrew Schonlau (12) - 16:50 (74th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Eagles qualified for the state meet last season following the two best years in school history prior to that. Zionsville has made the past nine state meets and projects to be in the mix for number ten this fall. It won’t be easy out of the Brownsburg Regional after some graduation hits. A trio of upperclassmen returns to give the Eagles a good foundation. While no track seasons stick out in particular to project great improvement this fall, Zionsville does enjoy great depth. The Eagles will also get in one of the state’s top freshmen this year who should be in a position to contribute right away.

#21 – Wabash Apaches

New Haven Regional #4

State meet history: 10 appearances (last in 2024)

2024 Results:

Manchester Sectional: 2nd place (36 points)

New Haven Regional: 3rd place (144 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 21st place (472 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)

Isaiah Cordes (12) - 16:13 (11th place) 

Brett Shull (12) - 16:57 (41st place) 

Ezra Church (11) - 17:20 (55th place) 

Caidan Burchett (12) - 17:29 (65th place) 

Kamden Oswalt (10) - 17:29 (67th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Apaches are on a two-year state-qualifying streak after advancing with relatively young teams in ‘23 and ‘24. This season’s group starts the season in a good position for a three-peat. Senior Isaiah Cordes has progressed into a legitimate frontrunner and could be in the mix for All-State after finishing 55th at the state meet as a junior. Wabash concentrated on the 4x8 this past spring, advancing to the state meet so that had some impact on individual track performances. Still, this is a team with enough back from the last two state meet teams to advance out of the New Haven Regional.

#22 – Lawrence North Wildcats

Shelbyville Regional #6

State meet history: 8 appearances (last in 2013), 4 podium finishes (last in 2010)

2024 Results:

Mt. Vernon Sectional: 3rd place (79 points)

Shelbyville Regional: 9th place (294 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)

Conrad Schumacher (12) - 16:05 (20th place) 

Josh Gamble (11) - 16:48 (64th place) 

Tyler Lenze (12) - 16:48 (65th place) 

Evan Miller (12) - 17:10 (92nd place) 

Xavier Little (11) - 17:16 (100th place) 

Jason Russell (12) - 17:37 (116th place) 

Rory Hernandez (12) - 18:11 (158th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Wildcats are one of the most intriguing teams heading into 2025 with a rapidly improving frontrunner and seven back from a top-ten regional finish. Senior Conrad Schumacher could go from a solid number one to an All-Stater this fall. He ran 4:17 for 1600 meters this past spring after qualifying for the state meet individually last fall. Senior Tyler Lenze (9:50 for 3200) junior Xavier Little (4:35 for 1600) should be strong contributors. If Schumacher can translate his track success to the grass, LN has enough returning paired with excellent coaching; they could take a swing at making it out of Shelbyville and on to Terre Haute.

#23 – Mt. Vernon (Fortville) Marauders

Shelbyville Regional #7

State meet history: 6 appearances (last in 2024)

2024 Results:

Mt. Vernon Sectional: 1st place (42 points)

Shelbyville Regional: 5th place (134 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 16th place (403 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)

Caden Cassada (12) - 16:24 (37th place) 

Cooper Hunziker (12) - 16:37 (56th place) 

Austin Baugh (12) - 16:50 (67th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Marauders had their best team in 40 years, per inccstats’ all-time team page, and advanced to state for the first time in nine years. Mt. Vernon graduates the top four finishers from that state meet appearance (including an All-Stater), but the Marauders return enough to be competitive again in the Shelbyville Regional. Senior Caden Cassada could progress into a frontrunner after a strong track season in which he qualified for the state meet in the 800, ran 4:23 over 1600 meters and dipped under 10:00 for 3200. Senior Cooper Hunziker ran 4:25 for 1600 and also dipped under the ten-minute barrier. With a strong JV to draw from after all the graduation, the Marauders should be in contention to advance again.

#24 – Westfield Shamrocks

Shelbyville Regional #8

State meet history: 3 appearances (last in 2015), 1 podium finish (2015)

2024 Results:

Noblesville Sectional: 4th place (89 points)

Shelbyville Regional: 6th place (212 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)

Owen Dilley (12) - 16:42 (61st place) 

Nathan McKeever (11) - 16:44 (62nd place) 

Caleb Haney (12) - 16:53 (73rd place) 

Luke Moulder (11) - 17:23 (105th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Shamrocks have been improving on the grass in recent years, but the tournament path remains treacherous. Though Westfield brings back just four of last season’s top seven, this is one of the deeper teams in the state with 58 participants last fall. Junior Luke Moulder could catapult to be the team’s number one after running 4:22 for 1600 meters this spring and senior Caleb Haney has potential for big improvement this season. The ‘Rocks should be deep but not have the necessary frontrunning to contend for advancement out of Shelbyville this year.

#25 – Chesterton Trojans

New Prairie Regional #4

State meet history: 39 appearances (last in 2022), 4 podium finishes (last in 2009), 1 runner-up title (2009)

2024 Results:

Chesterton Sectional: 2nd place (58 points)

New Prairie Regional: 9th place (288 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)

Spencer Martin (11) - 16:29 (22nd place)

Ryan Nix (11) - 17:05 (50th place) 

Ray Hundt (12) - 17:26 (70th place) 

Nolan Harrington (11) - 18:12 (132nd place) 

Nick Jakel (11) - 18:23 (144th place) 

William Morgan (12) - 18:30 (156th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Trojans look to be in a good position to end a two-year state meet hiatus in a wide-open New Prairie Regional. Chesterton has the prototype of a state meet team: they return six from a team that was in the top ten at last season’s regional and have a frontrunner. Junior Spencer Martin qualified for the state meet individually last fall and came close to making it this past spring in the 1600. The Trojans could field a strong pack behind him with three returners around 10:10 over 3200 meters in track. That should be good enough to advance this fall.

#26 – Bloomington South Panthers

Mater Dei Regional #4

State meet history: 32 appearances (last in 2023), 3 podium finishes (last in 2018)

2024 Results:

Bedford North Lawrence Sectional: 2nd place (62 points)

Mater Dei Regional: 7th place (236 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Mater Dei Regional)

Chase Norris (10) - 15:45 (16th place)

Isaiah Dilger (11) - 17:03 (76th place)

Luke Reinhart (11) - 17:12 (81st place)

Garrett Pitkin (11) - 17:36 (107th place)

2025 Outlook: The Panthers snapped a seven-year state meet streak when their underdog team finished seventh at the regional. This season’s young team looks in a good position to get back to Terre Haute and start another run of consecutive appearances. Sophomore Chase Norris provides South with frontrunning; he qualified for state individually in cross country and ran 9:40 for 3200 meters as a freshman. A strong junior class provides depth, and hope, for multiple years. Senior Abe Brown could be a scorer after running 4:42 for 1600 meters this past spring. 

#27 – Silver Creek Dragons

Mater Dei Regional #5

State meet history: 7 appearances (last in 2015), 1 podium finish (1990), 1 runner-up title (1990)

2024 Results:

Crawford County Sectional: 2nd place (63 points)

Mater Dei Regional: 10th place (353 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Mater Dei Regional)

Ryan Graham (12) - 16:35 (47th place)

Trey Smith (11) - 16:49 (61st place)

Brady Day (12) - 16:58 (72nd place)

Alex Smith (12) - 17:32 (103rd place)

Jacob Ryan Baggett (10) - 17:57 (128th place)

Logan James (12) - 18:09 (149th place)

Dane Neafus (10) - 18:37 (183rd place)

2025 Outlook: The Dragons return seven from a top-ten regional team that harbors realistic hopes of finishing in the top five and advancing to Terre Haute this season. Junior Trey Smith could be a big-time difference-maker for Silver Creek. After two cross country seasons as a solid contributor, Smith ran 4:14 for 1600 meters and looks poised to be among the best in the state over the next two years. Behind him, the Dragons have capable depth to compete in the bottleneck of teams behind title contenders Bloomington North and Columbus North for advancement out of the Mater Dei Regional.

#28 – Castle Knights

Mater Dei Regional #6

State meet history: 1 appearance (2000)

2024 Results:

Mater Dei Sectional: 2nd place (60 points)

Mater Dei Regional: 9th place (267 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Mater Dei Regional)

Austin Carlile (10) - 15:58 (22nd place)

Dane Kramer (12) - 16:26 (39th place)

Ethan Morris (11) - 16:51 (64th place)

Nathan Whitacre (11) - 16:52 (65th place)

Austin Monroe (11) - 17:40 (112th place)

2025 Outlook: The Knights have a young and exciting team that feels likely to make the state meet in the next two years. Sophomore Austin Carlile provides the most reason for hope after an excellent freshman year in which he ran in both state meets, individually in cross country and on Castle’s 4x8 in track, and he has all the tools to develop into a multiple-time All-Stater over the next three years. Juniors Ethan Morris and Nathan Whitacre should be strong contributors this fall after running 9:48 and 9:45, respectively, over 3200 meters this past spring. With that trio and senior Dane Kramer, the Knights have a steady top four and should be in contention to advance to Terre Haute.

#29 – Whiteland Warriors

Shelbyville Regional #9

State meet history: Never qualified

2024 Results:

Shelbyville Sectional: 3rd place (90 points)

Shelbyville Regional: 8th place (261 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)

Colton Watson (10) - 16:07 (23rd place) 

Nolan Edens (12) - 16:18 (33rd place) 

William Watson (12) - 16:29 (46th place) 

Tristan Jordan (12) - 17:06 (87th place) 

Jayden Clark (12) - 17:38 (121st place) 

2025 Outlook: The Warriors bring back five back from their second best team in school history, per inccstats’ all-time team page. Two of those returners were individual state meet qualifiers, including sophomore Colton Watson who finished 100th at the state meet as a freshman. Both Watson and senior teammate Nolan Edens enjoyed strong track seasons with Edens running 4:22 for 1600 meters and 9:41 for 3200. That duo gives Whiteland two legitimate frontrunners in the Shelbyville Regional, though that once again appears to be the toughest route to Terre Haute.

#30 – Valparaiso Vikings

New Prairie Regional #5

State meet history: 50 appearances (last in 2024), 20 podium finishes (last in 2017), 1 runner-up title (2005), 6 state championships (1966, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1997, 2000)

2024 Results:

Chesterton Sectional: 1st place (37 points)

New Prairie Regional: 3rd place (98 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 12th place (344 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)

Otto Leake (12) - 16:45 (32nd place) 

Layne Galindo (10) - 17:26 (69th place) 

2025 Outlook: More a ranking of respect rather than purely on returners, the Vikings do bring back two from their group that qualified for the program’s 16th state finals in 17 years. Senior Otto Leake should get Valpo off to a good start; he has run in two state cross country meets and ran 4:26 for 1600 meters and 9:49 for 3200 this past spring. Beyond him, the Vikes will need to completely reload. Doing so well enough to advance to state again certainly isn’t out of the question through the New Prairie Regional.

#31 – Lowell Red Devils

New Prairie Regional #6

State meet history: 5 appearances (last in 2018), 1 podium finish (2016)

2024 Results:

Highland Sectional: 4th place (98 points)

New Prairie Regional:10th place (325 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)

Daniel Frevert (12) - 16:32 (24th place) 

Jose Vazquez (11) - 16:48 (34th place) 

Aiden Hernandez (10) - 17:36 (85th place) 

Zakary Hudak (12) - 18:00 (119th place) 

Carter Wulitich (11) - 18:25 (149th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Red Devils have five back from a team that finished in the top ten at the regional and should push for a top-five placement this season. Lowell has a lot of potential contributors to be excited about this fall. Sophomore Aiden Hernandez was the team’s number one runner for much of 2024, and senior Daniel Frevert qualified for the state meet individually. Senior Zakary Hudak dipped under 10:00 this spring and junior Jose Vazquez saw massive improvement last fall, running a minute faster on average than his preseason expectations, per inccstats.com’s ratings. This is a team capable of qualifying for the state meet, which would be the program’s first since 2018.

#32 –Franklin Community Grizzly Cubs

Shelbyville Regional #10

State meet history: 7 appearances (last in 2018), 3 podium finishes (last in 2007), 1 state championship (2001)

2024 Results:

Shelbyville Sectional: 4th place (106 points)

Shelbyville Regional: 12th place (365 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)

Liam Fennig (11) - 16:27 (40th place) 

Isaiah Tunis (12) - 16:50 (68th place) 

Brooks Huddleston (11) - 17:17 (101st place) 

Alex Lin (12) - 17:19 (103rd place) 

Luke Dougherty (10) - 17:38 (120th place) 

Phoenix Hoge-Mills (11) - 17:58 (143rd place) 

William Holcroft (12) - 19:07 (214th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Grizzly Cubs bring all seven back from last fall. This is a very deep team with a potential frontrunner in junior Liam Fennig who is coming off a track season where he ran 9:35 for 3200 meters. In addition to Fennig, four Cubs ran under 4:45 for 1600 meters and another three went well under 5:00, highlighted by junior Brooks Huddleston at 4:30. Franklin undoubtedly has the most challenging of the five paths to Terre Haute, but this is a team showing clear progress with a lot to be excited about this fall.

#33 – Harrison (West Lafayette) Raiders

Brownsburg Regional #7

State meet history: 2 appearances (last in 2019)

2024 Results:

Harrison (West Lafayette) Sectional: 1st place (41 points)

Brownsburg Regional: 14th place (326 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)

Jonathan King (11) - 16:46 (70th place) 

River Bender (12) - 16:48 (73rd place) 

Jacob Tilton (10) - 16:52 (78th place) 

Logan Breon (10) - 17:07 (101st place) 

Evan Lottes (12) - 17:08 (102nd place) 

Evan Coates (12) - 17:48 (157th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Raiders return six from a group that won its sectional then finished in the middle of the pack at one of the more competitive regionals in Indiana. Harrison should again have a close competition with rival West Lafayette for local supremacy and could get into the mix to advance from the state meet. The Raiders don’t have frontrunning at the regional level, no one likely to finish in the top 20, but this is a very deep team with nine returners under 5:00 for 1600 meters, including three who were freshmen. 

#34 – West Lafayette Red Devils

Brownsburg Regional #8

State meet history: 19 appearances (last in 2022), 5 podium finishes (last in 2015), 1 runner-up title (1963) 2 state championships (1964, 2014)

2024 Results:

Harrison (West Lafayette) Sectional: 2nd place (59 points)

Brownsburg Regional: 9th place (301 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)

Zach Johnson (12) - 16:10 (31st place) 

Ryan Kelley (11) - 16:45 (67th place) 

Will Springer (11) - 17:08 (104th place) 

Grant Johnson (10) - 17:31 (133rd place) 

2025 Outlook: The Red Devils take some graduation hits but bring back four that competed in last year’s cross country regional and have more with varsity experience. West Side is returning three boys that ran under 10:00 this past spring for 3200 meters, a good start for a team hoping to return to Terre Haute after missing the last two seasons following a tournament restructuring. Senior Zach Johnson was close to making state individually and could do so this year if the Devils finish outside the top five at the regional. Junior Lucas Reynolds missed the tournament last fall as unavailability upended the Devils’ state meet hopes; he was good in the track season and should be a consistent contributor on the grass.

#35 – Greenfield-Central Cougars

Shelbyville Regional #11

State meet history: Never qualified

2024 Results:

Mt. Vernon (Fortville) Sectional: 4th place (104 points)

Shelbyville Regional: 15th place (401 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)

Bryce Cotterman (11) - 16:34 (53rd place) 

Henry Rahe (11) - 16:52 (71st place) 

Otto Sickels (10) - 17:49 (133rd place) 

Davis Wasson (12) - 18:03 (147th place) 

John Wait (10) - 18:15 (164th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Cougars for a long time have been on the most difficult path to the state meet and are still looking for their first trip there. This might be a group more like a year away from taking a swing at some of the state’s top programs for a ticket to Terre Haute. Junior Bryce Cotterman is an emerging frontrunner after a big spring that saw him run 4:22 for 1600 meters and 9:45 for 3200 meters. Sophomore John Wait could be a big difference-maker after 9:51 for 3200 in the track season. Junior Braylon Mumaugh missed the second half of last cross country season but returned to form this past spring; he also had the best performance of any Cougar last fall, per inccstats’ advanced ratings. This is a very solid team, but the bar to advance from Shelbyville is just so high.

#36 – Concord Minutemen

New Prairie Regional #7

State meet history: 2 appearances (last in 2009)

2024 Results:

Elkhart Sectional: 2nd place (95 points)

New Prairie Regional: 7th place (261 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)

Jaxson Meyer (12) - 16:35 (25th place) 

Jackson Yoder (12) - 16:43 (30th place) 

Jacob Hernandez (12) - 17:33 (80th place) 

Jayden Anglemyer (12) - 17:55 (110th place) 

Alejandro Gonzalez (12) - 18:06 (126th place) 

Daniel Motiel (12) -18:25 (147th place)

2025 Outlook: The Minutemen went from out at the sectional to nearly qualifying for the state meet in one year. With six of seven back, Concord could take that next step this fall. Senior Jaxson Meyer qualified for the state meet individually last fall and classmate Jackson Yoder was close to joining him, though Yoder did qualify for the state track meet in the 800. Both ran on Concord’s 4x8 relay this past spring that competed at the state meet and at one point held the best team in Indiana. An experienced and senior-laden lineup should make Concord a tough out in the New Prairie Regional this fall.

#37 – Fort Wayne Concordia Cadets

New Haven Regional #5

State meet history: 11 appearances (last in 2024), 3 podium finishes (last in 2019), 1 state championship (2019)

2024 Results:

New Haven Sectional: 2nd place (63 points)

New Haven Regional: 4th place (149 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 23rd place (514 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)

Hunter Panning (12) - 16:17 (15th place) 

Zachary Cecil (12) -17:17 (51st place) 

Karsten Sheets (11) - 17:39 (76th place) 

Connor Cruetz (10) - 18:02 (109th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Cadets have qualified for nine of the last ten state meets and enter this season with a strong chance to make another trip to Terre Haute as a team. Senior Hunter Panning enjoyed a strong spring, running 9:29 over 3200 meters; he could join a lengthy list of Concordia boys to finish All-State in cross country over the last ten years. After a long string of sustained success, our committee (of one) knows what to expect from the Cadets: a team that will be solid at the most crucial times and get great contributions from its frontrunner.

#38 – Terre Haute South Braves

Brownsburg Regional #9

State meet history: 15 appearances (last in 2016), 1 podium finish (2013)

2024 Results:

Terre Haute North Sectional: 1st place (38 points)

Brownsburg Regional: 13th place (323 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)

Aiden Miller (11) - 16:11 (34th place) 

Owen Frazier (12) - 17:00 (86th place) 

Braeden Chastain (12) - 17:01 (92nd place) 

Noah Price (11) - 17:17 (113th place) 

Kasen Ward (11) - 17:27 (125th place) 

Tyreese Brandon (12) - 17:42 (145th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Braves bring back six from a team that projects on the fringes of advancement out of the Brownsburg Regional. Junior Aiden Miller was close to advancing as an individual and could do so this year; he was solid in the track season, running 9:40 over 3200 meters and qualifying for the regional in the 4x8 and 3200. Still a relatively young team with experience now, the Braves will likely to factor into the mix of teams outside of central Indiana in their regional with slight chances to get to the state meet. 

#39 – Pendleton Heights Arabians

Shelbyville Regional #12

State meet history: 4 appearances (last in 2017)

2024 Results:

Noblesville Sectional: 6th place (177 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Noblesville Sectional)

Benson Davis (12) - 15:45 (9th place) 

Zack White (12) - 16:46 (30th place) 

Ashton Smith (12) - 16:54 (36th place) 

Ryder Engelhardt (11) - 18:17 (50th place) 

Henry Corbin (11) - 18:21 (52nd place) 

Dane Sutton (10) - 18:34 (58th place) 

Max Ricketts (10) - 21:53 (83rd place) 

2025 Outlook: The Arabians were perhaps the best team in the state not to advance out of the first round, given the difficulty of qualifying for the Shelbyville Regional through the Noblesville Sectional. A similar fate could befall Pendleton this year again, but at a minimum the Arabians should be much improved with all seven boys back. Senior Benson Davis finished 51st at the state meet in cross country then ran 4:27 and 9:33 in the spring; he could be in the mix for All-State but will at least give the requisite frontrunning for the Arabians needed to advance to the regional. Sophomore Luke Sellers could help Pendleton if he decides to run cross country after a successful spring on the track.

#40 – Goshen RedHawks

New Prairie Regional #8

State meet history: 10 appearances (last in 2022), 1 podium finish (1976)

2024 Results:

Elkhart Sectional: 3rd place (107 points)

New Prairie Regional: 11th place (346 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)

Dorian Diaz (12) - 16:44 (31st place) 

Levi Schlegel (11) - 17:28 (72nd place) 

Jesse Sawatzky (10) - 17:49 (104th place) 

Jose Perez (12) - 17:57 (113th place) 

Christian Ramirez (11) - 18:27 (152nd place) 

Ciaran Deegan (11) - 18:29 (155th place) 

2025 Outlook: The RedHawks return six from a team that finished in the middle of the regional and should be higher this fall. Senior Dorian Diaz (4:27 for 1600 meters) and junior Levi Schlegel (4:31 for 1600 meters) could give Goshen a competitive top duo, and a sophomore jump from Jesse Sawatzky would help as well. Senior Jose Perez (10:23 for 3200 meters) saw good progress in the track season and should be solid for the ‘Hawks as well. This is more like a top-ten team at the regional but a path back to Terre Haute is possible in one of the easier tournament routes.

#41 – DeMotte Christian Knights

New Prairie Regional #9

State meet history: Never qualified

2024 Results:

Rensselaer Central Sectional: 1st place (44 points)

New Prairie Regional: 18th place (456 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)

Michael Thatcher (12) - 17:33 (79th place) 

Easton Drain (11) - 17:41 (94th place) 

Tanyon Bakker (12) - 18:10 (130th place) 

Harper Perkins (11) - 19:11 (197th place) 

Levi Frump (11) - 19:46 (217th place)

Jaxson Peak (12) - 22:03 (227th place)

2025 Outlook: Alternatively known as Covenant Christian, the Knights are an up-and-coming program but not necessarily a contender for the state meet yet. That could take some time or perhaps never materialize at a school with an enrollment of 129 last year. The Knights do have some semblance of depth with four under 5:00 this past spring. The highest success for DeMotte could be mixing it up with schools in the northwest well more than ten times its size in enrollment.

#42 – Warsaw Tigers

New Haven Regional #6

State meet history: 15 appearances (last in 2024), 1 podium finish (2012)

2024 Results:

Manchester Sectional: 4th place (97 points)

New Haven Regional: 2nd place (112 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 14th place (389 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)

Jackson Gackenheimer (12) - 15:39 (1st place) 

Sam Allebach (12) - 17:47 (88th place)

2025 Outlook: The Tigers take some massive graduation hits after two of the three strongest seasons in consecutive years. Senior Jackson Gackenheimer should get Warsaw off to a strong start. He was 40th at the state meet in cross country (and 27th as a sophomore) then ran 4:13 and 9:05 this past spring, making him a likely All-Stater this fall. The ability to score four every meet outside of state should be a massive advantage for the Tigers; after him is a depth chart full of progressing runners just under 5:00 this past track season for 1600 meters. With solid improvement across the roster, that very well could be enough for a sixth straight state meet.

#43 – Indian Creek Braves

Shelbyville Regional #13

State meet history: Never qualified

2024 Results:

Shelbyville Sectional: 2nd place (80 points)

Shelbyville Regional: 14th place (398 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)

Noah Greenwood (12) - 16:42 (60th place) 

Isaac Smith (10) - 17:16 (99th place) 

Hank Seitzinger (10) - 17:27 (109th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Braves return just three from a team that finished 14th in the state’s most competitive regional but still have a lot of potential upside with a strong sophomore class. Indian Creek isn’t in a strong position to qualify for state, and geography will continue to be a tough adversary for a small school so close to Indianapolis. Still, this is a program with a strong feeder program and good coaching that will be competitive on a smaller school for the foreseeable future. Senior Noah Greenwood (4:40 and 9:59 in the track season) could return to the form that made him an individual state meet qualifier in 2023 to give the Braves representation in Terre Haute.

#44 - Western Panthers

Brownsburg Regional #10

State meet history: 1 appearance (2020)

2024 Results:

Logansport Sectional: 1st place (62 points)

Brownsburg Regional: 12th place (318 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)

Camden Raab (12) - 15:32 (7th place)

Miles Rudy (12) - 15:59 (23rd place) 

Maddox Carver (11) - 17:08 (103rd place) 

Beck Bennett (10) - 17:25 (122nd place) 

Jace Bagley (11) - 19:19 (226th place) 

John Gilbert (11) - 19:48 (237th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Panthers made the state finals for the first time in programs history five years ago and stands a chance as a longshot to qualify this fall. Western returns two individual state qualifiers in their senior year, including Camden Raab who ran 9:14 for 3200 meters and qualified for the track state finals in that event. The Panthers don’t have a ton of depth but still return their top four from a team that finished 12th at the regional, albeit one of the state’s more competitive. A talented newcomer or two could wildly swing Western’s fortunes this fall.

#45 – Floyd Central Highlanders

Mater Dei Regional #7

State meet history: 27 appearances (last in 2024), 1 podium finish (1991), 1 state championship (1991)

2024 Results:

Crawford County Sectional: 1st place (43 points)

Mater Dei Regional: 5th place (196 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 18th place (421 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the Mater Dei Regional)

Luke Baylor (10) - 16:07 (31st place)

Miles Elrod (12) - 17:13 (82nd place)

Hunter Schultheis (10) - 17:40 (113th place)

Liam Borchers (11) - 17:45 (119th place)

2025 Outlook: The Highlanders are on a seven-year state meet streak that is in jeopardy but could continue despite graduation losses. Sophomore Luke Baylor gives reason for optimism after a freshman year that included scoring on a state meet team and advancing to the regional in track over 1600 meters as well as 3200 meters. Classmate Hunter Schultheis had a good ninth-grade campaign as well and should see improvement going into his sophomore year. Floyd has graduated three runners of All-State caliber in the last two years but should still be competitive in the southern regional for the foreseeable future.

#46  - Barr-Reeve Vikings

Mater Dei Regional #8

State meet history: 1 appearance (2016)

2024 Results:

Jasper Sectional: 3rd place (80 points)

Mater Dei Regional: 16th place (425 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the Mater Dei Regional)

Pierce Yoder (11) - 16:24 (38th place)

Alton Klopfenstein (11) - 17:21 (93rd place)

Nicholas Wright (11) - 17:27 (97th place)

Tye Thompson (12) - 19:45 (229th place)

Ethan Darcus (10) - 21:43 (246th place)

Dawson Fitch-Edwards (12) - 22:57 (247th place)

2025 Outlook: The Vikings bring back six from a regional qualifier and should benefit greatly from the return of junior Paxton Traylor who did not race in the tournament but enjoyed an excellent track season, running under 10:00 for 3200 meters. Traylor and classmate Pierce Yoder should give Barr-Reeve an excellent frontrunning duo in the southern semistate, and junior Alton Klopfenstein ran 4:38 for 1600 meters. Those three are the start of a potential state meet team. While the Vikings don’t have an abundance of depth, two incoming freshmen finished in the top 20 of the middle school state meet small school division and could help round out the scoring. Perhaps this is a team a year away.

#47 – Roncalli Royals

Shelbyville Regional #14

State meet history: Never qualified

2024 Results:

Shelbyville Sectional: 5th place (112 points)

Shelbyville Regional: 11th place (335 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)

Will Lewis (11) - 16:37 (57th place) 

Jim Buchmeier (11) - 16:55 (74th place) 

Owen Lewis (12) - 16:58 (77th place) 

Thomas Mallers (11) - 18:19 (172nd place) 

Luke Senac (10) - 18:26 (177th place) 

Chris Jerry (10) - 18:33 (188th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Royals enter the season with the impossible task of replacing frontrunner Sam Vaught. Roncalli does bring back a solid top trio and got great experience in both seasons last school year. In particular, junior Will Lewis ran under 10:00 for 3200 meters and could see continued progression after improving rapidly as a sophomore. That would possibly put him in position to qualify for the state meet individually out of the state’s most competitive regional.

#48 – Lake Central Indians

New Prairie Regional #10

State meet history: 18 appearances (last in 2024), 2 podium finishes (last in 1983), 1 runner-up title (1982)

2024 Results:

Highland Sectional: 1st place (37 points)

New Prairie Regional: 4th place (163 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 19th place (426 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)

Ben Perschon (12) - 16:15 (10th place) 

Ethan Gonzalez (12) - 17:42 (96th place) 

2025 Outlook: Lake Central has made each of the last three state finals and could extend that streak despite graduating five of the team’s top six runners. Senior Ben Perschon has finished in the top 40 at the last two state cross country meets and competed in three different state finals in track, the most recent in a season where he covered 3200 meters in 9:21. LC is in an easier route to the state meet, though certainly it will need more than Perschon’s frontrunning to get there. Perhaps a strong freshman class could help LC levitate in the top five of the regional.

#49 – LaPorte Slicers

New Prairie Regional #11

State meet history: 24 appearances (last in 2023), 2 podium finishes (last in 2007), 1 runner-up title (2007)

2024 Results:

New Prairie Sectional: 2nd place (27 points)

New Prairie Regional:12th place (365 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)

Ethan Howes (11) - 17:34 (83rd place) 

Jack Miskowicz (11) - 17:49 (103rd place) 

Luke Romine (11) - 18:13 (134th place) 

Josh Diaz (11) - 20:31 (234th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Slicers missed the state meet last season, snapping a three-year streak, and takes heavy graduation hits. Not all hope is lost to get back to Terre Haute, though. Junior Jack Miskowicz had an excellent track season, running 4:28 for 1600 meters and 9:27 for 3200 in addition to running on LaPorte’s 4x800 relay at the state meet. He should serve as an excellent frontrunner and a couple of talented newcomers could possibly make the difference to qualify for the state meet in perhaps the least treacherous path.

#50 - Angola Hornets

New Haven Regional #7

State meet history: 2 appearances (last in 2023)

2024 Results:

West Noble Sectional: 3rd place (105 points)

New Haven Regional: 8th place (273 points)

Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)

Kaden Klink (12) - 16:22 (19th place) 

Gavin Cooke (12) - 16:33 (24th place) 

Hugh Robertson (10) - 18:23 (141st place) 

Grady Hoover (12) - 18:35 (160th place) 

Aiden Burns (11) - 19:38 (215th place) 

Brady Leininger (12) - 20:11 (227th place) 

2025 Outlook: The Hornets broke a five-decade drought from the state meet two seasons ago and could wait significantly less time for a return trip after missing last year. Angola has two solid returners in seniors Kaden Klink and Gavin Cooke, both of whom enjoyed strong track seasons. If the Hornets fall short of the state meet as a team, the pair should qualify individually like they did last year. Junior Ayden Copeland ran 1:57 for 800 meters after moving up from the 400 earlier. If he elected to run cross country, he could pair well with a strong incoming freshman class to put Angola in contention for a second state meet appearance in three years.