#7 Chesterton Trojans
State runner-up: 2003
Podium: 2001 (4), 2002 (3),
State finalist: 2000 (8), 2004 (7), 2005 (7), 2007 (20)
Regional champion: 2001, 2005
Fab five: Sarah Kehe (2), Lindsay Hattendorf (4), Cassie Peller (7), Mary Ballinger (8), Nicole Hartford (14)
The highlight of the Trojans' decade was a runner-up finish to Valparaiso in 2003, the school's third straight podium appearance
Chesterton has tailed off a bit the last few years, but the Trojans were among the best at the early part of the decade, including six consecutive top ten finishes. In their heyday, Chesterton was always a podium contender and finished there in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Geography may have hurt the Trojans’ legacy as sectional and regional championships were hard to come by with Valparaiso just down the road. Still, the Trojans have had one of Indiana’s strongest programs and have taken their shot at state titles through the years.
A multitude of girls have earned individual medals for the Trojans, including Sarah Kehe who was the runner-up to three-time champ Alex Banfich in 2005. Lindsay Hattendorf, Cassie Peller and Mary Ballinger all earned multiple individual medals.
Though the Trojans have missed the past two years in Terre Haute, they look ready to get back on track and regain their proud tradition. Some controversy surrounded the semistate meet this year, but five of Chesterton’s seven return next season.