#1 – Noblesville Millers
Shelbyville Regional #1
State meet history: 13 appearances (last in 2022), 5 podium finishes (last in 2022), 1 state championship (2022)
2022 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 1st place (50 points)
Noblesville Regional: 1st place (50 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 1st place (68 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 1st place (122 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Kennedy Applegate (12) – 18:41 (12th place)
Summer Rempe (12) – 18:47 (14th place)
Nadia Perez (12) – 18:59 (20th place)
Ansley Applegate (10) – 19:02 (22nd place)
Riley Flynn (11) – 19:30 (40th place)
2023 Outlook: The Millers enjoyed an absolute banner year, winning the state championship in both cross country and track. They can follow that up with certainly enough returning to be the prohibitive favorite this fall. Noblesville doesn’t have one absolute star, but the Millers can employ a frontrunning-by-committee approach. Seniors Nadia Perez, Kennedy Applegate and Summer Rempe all had meets as the team’s number one and should harbor reasonable aspirations to finish All-State this season. Rempe was the star of the track season, mainly focusing on the 800 but also displaying great range by breaking 5:00 over 1600 meters and running 10:54 for 3200 meters. The Millers project better upfront than any of the other contenders and have the depth with six returners going under 12:00 for 3200 in track. Given the rise of some of the other contenders—either by incoming freshman or much-better-than-expected progress in the spring—Noblesville probably won’t be an absolute runaway, but the Millers are definitely the team to beat.
#2 – Carmel Greyhounds
Brownsburg Regional #1
State meet history: 42 appearances (last in 2022), 38 podium finishes (last in 2022), 9 runner-up titles (1981, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2009, 2021), 19 state championships (1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020)
2022 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 2nd place (57 points)
Noblesville Regional: 3rd place (94 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 3rd place (107 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 3rd place (176 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Sadie Foley (10) – 19:12 (28th place)
Audrey Ricketts (12) – 19:13 (30th place)
Emersyn Weaver (12) – 19:21 (32nd place)
Charlotte Konow (11) – 19:30 (41st place)
Olivia Mundt (11) – 19:31 (42nd place)
Kara Wenzler (12) – 19:34 (44th place)
2023 Outlook: The Greyhounds return a ton from last year, giving Carmel a chance for its first state title in three years. Sophomore Sadie Foley progressed well during the fall before breaking out toward the end of the spring, running 4:57 over 1600 meters in an event where she finished seventh at the state finals. She is likely the frontrunner with a plethora of options for a very solid pack behind her. Senior Audrey Ricketts, state qualifier in the open 800, is a breakout candidate as well after vaulting from deep in the junior varsity to a consistent contributor last year. Junior Olivia Mundt (11:10 for 3200), senior Emersyn Weaver (11:23), junior Charlotte Konow (11:23) should back up Foley (11:10) and Ricketts (11:23) nicely. In addition to the state’s best depth, three of the first five finishers in the Hamilton County junior high cross country meet were eighth graders from feeder schools that have matriculated to Carmel for this fall.
#3 – Fort Wayne Homestead Spartans
New Haven Regional #1
State meet history: 22 appearances (last in 2022), 2 podium finishes (last in 2022)
2022 Results:
Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional: 1st place (51 points)
West Noble Regional: 1st place (39 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 1st place (79 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 4th place (187 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Addison Knoblauch (12) – 17:19 (2nd place)
Lauren Saddington (12) – 19:15 (18th place)
Caterina Perego (10) – 19:15 (19th place)
Alexis Goebel (11) – 20:00 (54th place)
Brier Saddington (10) – 20:17 (67th place)
2023 Outlook: The Spartans return five from one of the best teams in school history, anticipate a deep incoming freshman class and score four in every meet this year. This is the exact recipe of a title contender. Senior Addison Knoblauch, fifth and eighth in the last two state cross country meets plus 10:12 this spring over 3200 meters, gives Homestead by far the best runner of any of the contending teams. Senior Lauren Saddington and sophomore Caterina Perego both ran 5:19 for 1600 meters, and the Spartans have four total returners that ran under 12:00 over 3200 meters last track season. A combination of Knoblauch’s frontrunning and the incoming freshmen could propel Homestead to its first ever title in the sport, though the most likely outcome is another podium finish.
#4 – Hamilton Southeastern Royals
Shelbyville Regional #2
State meet history: 11 appearances (last in 2022), 5 podium finishes (last in 2021), 1 runner-up title (2013)
2022 Results:
Pendleton Heights Sectional: 1st place (22 points)
Delta Regional: 1st place (53 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 3rd place (109 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 15th place (358 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-state)
Margaret Powers (12) – 18:23 (5th place)
Elizabeth Butler (11) – 19:19 (21st place)
Catherine Campbell (11) – 19:33 (31st place)
Anaya Lammie (11) – 19:50 (44th place)
Addisy Smith (12) – 19:55 (47th place)
Ava Powers (11) – 20:34 (77th place)
2023 Outlook: The Royals stumbled a bit at the state meet last fall after being a surprise podium team in 2021. With two potential stars plus difference makers coming in this school year, HSE could find itself at the top of the state. The road to contention is clear: senior Maggie Powers (16th at state in cross, 8th in the 3200) needs to continue at her level and be joined by junior Elizabeth Butler (4:59 and 11:02) who progressed rapidly in the spring. The Royals had an excellent spring among their returners. Junior Ava Powers ran 5:11 for 1600 meters 11:24 for 3200 meters and five returners dipped under 12:00 in the 3200. Southeastern also had a podium 4x8 without either of the two frontrunners, and junior Ciara Kepner had a phenomenal spring, mainly over 800 meters. HSE begins this cross country season with a full complement of returners plus at least one newcomer with seemingly no ceiling; our committee of one considers the Royals to be among the most difficult contestants in Indiana.
#5 – Fort Wayne Concordia Cadets
New Haven Regional #2
State meet history: 15 appearances (last in 2022), 2 podium finishes (last in 2011), 1 state championship (1983)
2022 Results:
Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional: 2nd place (54 points)
West Noble Regional: 2nd place (64 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 6th place (142 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 8th place (274 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Sarah Maple (10) – 18:30 (7th place)
Alexa Panning (12) – 19:36 (32nd place)
Lilly Schlicker (10) – 19:51 (45th place)
Hannah Clark (10) – 19:56 (51st place)
Elisse Walters (11) – 20:06 (58th place)
Anna Clem (10) – 22:43 (153rd place)
2023 Outlook: Reason for optimism for the Cadets heading into this fall starts with their front trio. Senior Alex Panning was 20th at the state meet in cross country and sixth over 3200 meters in track. Sophomore Sarah Maple was very nearly All-State with her 26th place finish in Terre Haute and had a solid spring. Fellow sophomore Mallory Weller was unavailable for the semi-state and state meet but ran an astonishing 4:58 for 1600 meters and finished eighth in that event. With those three, Concordia could realistically have three in the top 20. The depth is there also to contend for the title. Hannah Clark and Lilly Schilicker ran 5:21 and 5:24, respectively, for 1600 meters in their freshman year to demonstrate great progression.
#6 – North Central Panthers
Brownsburg Regional #2
State meet history: 19 appearances (last in 2022), 8 podium finishes (last in 2022)
2022 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 1st place (43 points)
Noblesville Regional: 2nd place (92 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 2nd place (82 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 5th place (198 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Maddie Rocchio (12) – 18:28 (8th place)
Elizabeth Rocchio (11) – 18:53 (17th place)
Samrawit Tezera (12) – 19:21 (33rd place)
Kaelina Matthews (11) – 19:21 (34th place)
2023 Outlook: The Panthers have enjoyed a program resurgence over the last three seasons, qualifying for a trio of state meets after a ten-year absence and finishing on the podium twice in that timeframe. NC could certainly make it three of four with their returning group. Senior Maddie Rocchio was All-State last fall, 22nd place after finishing 33rd as a sophomore. A good sophomore jump from her sister Elizabeth could see both at the front of races together this season. Maddie ran 5:11 for 1600 meters and Elizabeth went 5:20 for the same distance, though both focused on the 4x8 for the state meet. Junior Kaelina Matthews also ran 5:20 for 1600 meters. Beyond the four returning from last year’s tournament, the Panthers have more than adequate depth, including senior Claire Eikenberry who ran in the state meet as a sophomore.
#7 – Fort Wayne Carroll Chargers
New Haven Regional #3
State meet history: 20 appearances (last in 2022), 9 podium finishes (last in 2020), 4 runner-up titles (2015, 2016, 2017, 2020), 2 state championships (2018, 2019)
2022 Results:
Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional: 3rd place (54 points)
West Noble Regional: 3rd place (77 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 5th place (125 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 12th place (334 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Haile Schiffeneder (11) – 18:47 (9th place)
Hadley Snell (12) – 19:10 (16th place)
Megan Lanning (10) – 19:28 (27th place)
Marybeth Hall (12) – 19:55 (48th place)
Maura Sloffer (12) – 20:16 (64th place)
Stella Kruse (10) – 20:47 (92nd place)
2023 Outlook: The Chargers return the top six from a team that finished 12th in the state meet and that doesn’t include likely frontrunner Taylor Hansen who missed the cross country season but went 11:00 for 3200 meters and 5:02 for 1600 meters. This is a deep team with a good chance to return to the podium after a two-year absence that projects better in 2024. A young middle school group (three sixth graders and two seventh graders scoring) last year bodes well for the future, but there is no immediately help incoming like some of the top teams. Regardless, the Chargers should retain a spot among the usual contenders.
#8 – Bloomington South Panthers
Mater Dei Regional #1
State meet history: 24 appearances (last in 2022)
2022 Results:
Bedford North Lawrence Sectional: 1st place (29 points)
Bedford North Lawrence Regional: 1st place (31 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 2nd place (110 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 16th place (388 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Tamara Kun (12) – 19:16 (19th place)
Aurelia Martoglio (10) – 19:17 (20th place)
Jasmine Martoglio (10) – 19:46 (32nd place)
Julianne Hoover (10) – 20:32 (68th place)
Clara Graham (12) – 21:19 (107th place)
2023 Outlook: The Panthers lose their frontrunner but bring back five competitive runners in addition to one runner who missed the tournament and at least one freshman ready for high-level contribution immediately. South has never ascended the podium, but this could be the first round of medals after an excellent track season. The Martoglio twins should be ready for frontrunning duty after going 11:04 and 11:11 in the spring, leading four total returners under 12:00. Senior Grace Barada could also be a big help after running 5:25 this spring despite not competing in the cross country tournament.
#9 – Franklin Central Flashes
Shelbyville Regional #3
State meet history: 11 appearances (last in 2021), 4 podium finishes (last in 2012)
2022 Results:
Mt. Vernon Sectional: 1st place (17 points)
Rushville Regional: 1st place (20 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 7th place (245 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Kylie Cline (12) – 19:10 (27th place)
Kaitlyn Pettet (10) – 19:23 (35th place)
Savana Miller (11) – 19:27 (38th place)
Dakota Miller (11) – 20:20 (76th place)
Ella DesJean (12) – 21:41 (138th place)
Camryn Simons (10) – 21:43 (139th place)
Evelyn Medina (11) – 22:06 (153rd place)
2023 Outlook: The Flashes return all seven from a team that just missed last year’s state meet, but they knocked the track season out of the park that included six returners under 12:00. If completely available, this is absolutely a podium team in 2023. Senior Ella DesJean, who was 39th at the state meet as a sophomore and All-State as a freshman, has returned to form after sporadic availability last fall. After a track season that included 5:12 for 1600 meters and 11:03 for 3200 meters, she should be ready to lead the Flashes to the school’s best season in the last ten seasons. Although the reinforcements from the middle school are a year out, this is also a school with some staying power.
#10 – Zionsville Eagles
Brownsburg Regional #3
State meet history: 9 appearances (last in 2022), 6 podium finishes (last in 2002), 2 runner-up titles (2018, 2019), 1 state championship (2017)
2022 Results:
Ben Davis Sectional: 1st place (21 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 1st place (30 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 5th place (205 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 10th place (278 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Maddie Scheitlin (12) – 19:37 (46th place)
Audrey Magnusen (12) – 19:48 (49th place)
Mackinsey Heagy (12) – 19:50 (53rd place)
Elaina Herman (12) – 19:51 (55th place)
Katherine Bowen (11) – 19:53 (57th place)
Cailyn Murphy (10) – 19:57 (62nd place)
2023 Outlook: The Eagles are a total podium contender but have some work to do entering 2023. This was a pack running team last fall that could make a huge jump with an injection of young talent this year. Zionsville should get some newcomers with a very close second-place middle school team at the junior high state meet, though the top runner is going to a private school. The Eagles also had three freshman break 5:30 over 1600 meters in the track season. If all three run this fall in addition to the incoming ninth-graders, Zionsville could be one of the deepest teams in the state. Even without a frontrunner, that could be enough to climb the podium this season.
#11 – Penn Kingsmen
New Prairie Regional #1
State meet history: 22 appearances (last in 2022), 6 podium finishes (last in 2014)
2022 Results:
South Bend Riley Sectional: 1st place (24 points)
Elkhart Regional: 1st place (33 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 2nd place (90 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 6th place (233 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Mary Eubank (12) – 18:11 (4th place)
Ellie Stabnik (12) – 19:26 (26th place)
Arianna Balinnang (10) – 19:39 (34th place)
Aubrey Morgan (11) – 20:01 (55th place)
2023 Outlook: The Kingsmen bring back five from the team that finished sixth at the state meet—best finish in program history since 2014—and four that ran in the semi-state. Senior Mary Eubank gives Penn single digit points at any meet; she was 18th at the state cross country meet and fifth in the state finals in the 3200 when she ran a massive PR of 10:44. Senior Ellie Stabnik could also be at an All-State level on the grass after covering 3200 meters in 11:07 this past spring, an event where she also qualified for the state finals. Penn has good depth beyond that duo and an enrollment that will probably yield some newcomers with potential.
#12 – Westfield Shamrocks
Shelbyville Regional #4
State meet history: 15 appearances (last in 2021), 6 podium finishes (last in 2008), 1 runner-up title (2004), 4 state championships (1998, 2005, 2006, 2007)
2022 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 3rd place (60 points)
Noblesville Regional: 6th place (160 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Noblesville Regional)
Liz Smith (12) – 18:55 (19th place)
Galiena Colon (12) – 20:15 (46th place)
Gianna Ferreri (10) – 20:21 (49th place)
Emily Loiselle (11) – 20:39 (60th place)
Angelina Abriani (11) – 21:52 (80th place)
2023 Outlook: The Shamrocks endured an up-and-down season last fall that ended a bit prematurely. This season looks to be a little more stable with a higher ceiling. Frontrunner Liz Smith, 27th at the state meet as a sophomore, had limited availability as a junior but returned to form in the track season when she ran 5:14 for 1600 meters and 10:56 for 3200 meters. Junior Emily Loiselle—5:25 and 11:43 in the spring—could be a solid number two. A very strong eighth grade class should help with multiple incoming freshmen providing scoring this fall. Westfield isn’t a state meet lock (are there even locks in high school sports?), but this is a team that could finish in the top ten at the state meet.
#13 – Valparaiso Vikings
New Prairie Regional #2
State meet history: 35 appearances (last in 2022), 12 podium finishes (last in 2011), 3 runner-up titles (2001, 2005, 2006), 5 state championships (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004)
2022 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 1st place (33 points)
Chesterton Regional: 1st place (41 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 1st place (105 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 7th place (248 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Liv Hatch (12) – 20:24 (34th place)
Brooke Byvoets (12) – 20:34 (45th place)
Anika Anderson (12) – 20:50 (58th place)
Angela Coulopoulos (12) – 21:20 (81st place)
Elizabeth Ehrhardt (12) – 21:34 (92nd place)
2023 Outlook: The Vikings lose two quality runners but return five promising seniors in addition to a lot of depth in the JV ranks. This is one of the state’s best programs who should continue to make the state meet—nine in a row currently—even after the graduation of this year’s seniors. Based on cross country results from last fall, especially the semi-state, it might appear that Valpo won’t have any frontrunning. The track season looks otherwise. Brooke Byvoets ran 5:03 over 1600 meters with Elizabeth Erhardt 5:07. In fact, six returners ran under 5:30 for the Vikes.
#14 – East Noble Knights
New Haven Regional #4
State meet history: 6 appearances (last in 2022), 1 podium finish (1994)
2022 Results:
West Noble Sectional: 1st place (22 points)
West Noble Regional: 4th place (110 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 4th place (119 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 14th place (350 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Addison Lindsey (11) – 18:11 (3rd place)
Macey Colin (10) – 19:25 (25th place)
Chloe Gibson (10) – 19:58 (52nd place)
Rae David (11) – 20:03 (56th place)
Dakota Rodgers (12) – 20:22 (70th place)
2023 Outlook: The Knights have hit home runs in consecutive years with their freshman classes and appear positioned very well to continue qualifying for the state meet. Junior Addison Lindsey, 17th at the state meet last fall, gives EN an excellent start. In bringing five competitive runners back from last year’s team in the weakened New Haven Semi-state, the Knights should have no problems qualifying for the state meet the next couple of years, though they didn’t have a spring of a team with potential to be in the top ten.
#15 – Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles
Shelbyville Regional #5
State meet history: 2 appearances (last in 2022)
2022 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 4th place (73 points)
Noblesville Regional: 5th place (148 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 4th place (192 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 11th place (331 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Bailey Freese (12) – 19:32 (43rd place)
Katie Kolb (10) – 19:50 (51st place)
Keira Hines (10) – 20:21 (79th place)
Claire Milam (12) – 20:39 (90th place)
Grace Boivin (12) – 20:50 (100th place)
2023 Outlook: The Golden Eagles made their second ever state meet the past fall. Despite graduating the best runner in program history, Guerin could make it back in the new-look Shelbyville Regional. Senior Bailey Freese could emerge as a frontrunner in just her second year of high school cross country; she ran 11:24 for 3200 meters in the track season and gave the Eagles solid 4x8 relay legs in the tournament as well. Behind Freese, Guerin has adequate depth: senior Claire Milam went 5:31 for 1600 and junior Camille Morrow was 5:33. The Eagles also may get contributions from the freshman class.
#16 – Floyd Central Highlanders
Mater Dei Regional #2
State meet history: 28 appearances (last in 2022), 7 podium finishes (last in 1992), 1 runner-up title (1987), 4 state championships (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992)
2022 Results:
Crawford County Sectional: 1st place (24 points)
Crawford County Regional: 1st place (39 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 3rd place (140 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 9th place (275 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Kaitlyn Stewart (12) – 18:03 (4th place)
Emerson Elliott (12) – 19:50 (36th place)
Ginger Atzinger (12) – 20:16 (54th place)
Isabella Barnes (10) – 20:48 (82nd place)
Allie Main (12) – 20:56 (87th place)
2023 Outlook: The Highlanders are on a real state meet heater having qualified for ten consecutive seasons, including a top-ten finish the last three years. We expect that to continue at least through this year, but likely beyond given Floyd’s tradition and coaching. Kaitlyn Stewart—39th as a freshman, 20th as a sophomore and 27th as a junior in three state meets—could be primed for a big senior year. She also ran 5:09 for 1600 meters and 11:01 for 3200 meters this past spring. Behind Stewart, the ‘Landers should have a good enough pack to be competitive in the regional and to push for a fourth consecutive top-ten finish in Terre Haute.
#17 – Morgan Township Cherokees
New Prairie Regional #3
State meet history: 1 appearance (2022)
2022 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 1st place (25 points)
Chesterton Regional: 2nd place (56 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 2nd place (129 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 19th place (429 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Peyton Bucher (10) – 19:19 (9th place)
Dana Abbring (11) – 19:46 (18th place)
Emersyn Bland (12) – 19:55 (24th place)
Isabella Bryan (10) – 20:45 (51st place)
Vanessa Parsons (11) – 21:15 (78th place)
Aubrey Rakowski (10) – 21:38 (93rd place)
Megan Beaver (12) – 21:58 (106th place)
2023 Outlook: The Cherokees return everyone back from their first ever state meet team and could get some more help from the feeder program at the top of this season’s line-up. Last year’s qualification was likely the first in a string of state meet appearances with a junior high team that was second in the small-school division at the middle school state meet. Sophomore Peyton Bucher was the team’s top runner through all of the fall, ultimately finishing All-State with a 25th-place finish. Senior Emersyn Bland had an impressive track season, running 5:21 over 1600 meters.
#18 – Brownsburg Bulldogs
Brownsburg Regional #4
State meet history: 2 appearances (last in 2017)
2022 Results:
Brownsburg Sectional: 1st place (41 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 2nd place (70 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 10th place (279 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Lucy Tolliver (10) – 19:46 (48th place)
Hannah Oppy (12) – 20:21 (78th place)
Scout Newman (10) – 20:24 (80th place)
Mackenzie Steele (11) – 20:25 (83rd place)
Elise Cougill (12) – 20:30 (85th place)
2023 Outlook: The Bulldogs bring back five of the seven from the a tenth-place semi-state team and have a new path toward the state meet that should make it easier to qualify for the first time in six years. Sophomore Lucy Tolliver was the team’s top runner at the regional and semi-state and classmate Scout Newman served as the number one at other times. Junior Mackenzie Steele (5:18 for 1600 meters and 11:49 for 3200 meters) showcased improvement in the spring after a fall of sporadic ability. This is a group with a good chance to make the state meet.
#19 – Columbus North Bull Dogs
Mater Dei Regional #3
State meet history: 38 appearances (last in 2022), 21 podium finishes (last in 2022), 4 runner-up titles (1986, 2010, 2011, 2022), 2 state championships (2009, 2021)
2022 Results:
Brown County Sectional: 1st place (15 points)
Columbus North Regional: 1st place (15 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 1st place (58 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 2nd place (153 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
No returners
2023 Outlook: This may be a first in all of the years for our committee (of one): a top 50 team that has no returners. We project the Bull Dogs to land on their feet and make it back to the state meet for a 16th consecutive year. Despite graduating all seven who ran in the semi-state and six that competed in the state meet, North does have an impressive amount of depth. Sophomore Ainsley Sherlock ran (and scored) in the state finals for the Dogs last fall and junior Kyleigh Wolf had a strong track season in running 5:17 for 1600 meters and 11:33 for 3200 meters. Junior Carys Glen-Jones had a great spring as well, mainly over 800 meters. This will be North’s most vulnerable year in not advancing to the state meet, though the Dogs have a great chance.
#20 – Corydon Central Panthers
Mater Dei Regional #4
State meet history: 1 appearance (2022)
2022 Results:
Crawford County Sectional: 2nd place (37 points)
Crawford County Regional: 2nd place (68 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 6th place (171 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 22nd place (512 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Lilli Pavey (10) – 19:44 (31st place)
Erika Valdivieso (12) – 19:48 (33rd place)
Addison Applegate (12) – 19:48 (35th place)
Peri Leghart (10) – 20:15 (53rd place)
Morgan Adams (12) – 20:43 (76th place)
Gabby Holland (11) – 22:08 (132nd place)
Katie Eve (10) – 22:28 (140th place)
2023 Outlook: The Panthers return all seven from their first ever state meet team. This year’s squad projects to be a good mix of youth and experience. The Panthers don’t have a true frontrunner, but the front three should be very competitive on a regional level, especially after a solid track season that included running 9:33 at the state meet in the 4x8. With three seniors projected in the top five, Corydon has a great chance to make it back to the state meet, but with two sophomores and a competitive junior high team this is not the end of the road by any means for this emerging program.
#21 – Brebeuf Jesuit Braves
Brownsburg Regional #5
State meet history: 4 appearances (last in 2019), 1 podium finish (2017)
2022 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 4th place (101 points)
Noblesville Regional: 8th place (176 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Noblesville Regional)
Lucy Wood (10) – 18:49 (16th place)
Emily Garten (11) – 19:19 (25th place)
Sophia Meier (11) – 19:30 (31st place)
Hollis Carbrey (12) – 20:25 (54th place)
Anna Dunn (10) – 20:56 (64th place)
Eva Fetahagic (11) – 21:04 (69th place)
2023 Outlook: The Braves had a lot of young talent last year and could bring in more. Brebeuf has Lucy Wood, an individual state qualifier in her freshman year, plus Emily Garten who qualified for the state meet over 3200 meters last spring as a sophomore. Sophia Meier also had a solid sophomore track season, running 5:23 over 1600 meters. With that top trio combined with the new path, Brebeuf has a realistic chance to make the state finals. A newcomer could certainly help and a pair of talented freshmen would vault the Braves way up in the state pecking order.
#22 – Warsaw Tigers
New Haven Regional #5
State meet history: 11 appearances (last in 2022)
2022 Results:
Manchester Sectional: 1st place (31 points)
Culver Academies Regional: 1st place (51 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 3rd place (144 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 20th place (430 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Josefina Rastrelli (12) – 18:43 (3rd place)
Samantha Rastrelli (10) – 20:33 (42nd place)
Marissa Howett (12) – 20:49 (56th place)
Elizabeth Vander Bie (12) – 20:52 (59th place)
Ella Laput (11) – 20:55 (62nd place)
Eliana Transparenti (11) – 23:16 (154th place)
2023 Outlook: The Tigers bring back six on a team that our committee (of one) loves to make the state meet for a fourth consecutive year. Warsaw has an enviable balance of frontrunning in senior Josefina Rastrelli (7th in cross country, 2nd in the 1600 as a junior) and very good depth. The move from New Prairie back to New Haven should help future teams to extend the streak as well. Sophomore Eden Metz was greatly improved in the spring compared to the fall after missing the top seven, running 5:19 for 1600 meters and 11:57 for 3200 meters; she should factor into the scoring.
#23 – Franklin Community Grizzly Cubs
Shelbyville Semi-state #6
State meet history: 1 appearance (2020)
2022 Results:
Franklin Sectional: 1st place (44 points)
Franklin Regional: 4th place (93 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 12th place (288 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Lauren Klem (12) – 19:08 (24th place)
Ava Ott (10) – 20:05 (67th place)
Hannah Lindsay (11) – 20:41 (92nd place)
Ainsley Botkin (11) – 20:49 (97th place)
Rylie Wilkinson (12) – 21:11 (111th place)
2023 Outlook: The Shelbyville Semi-state opens pretty significantly, and the Grizzly Cubs may be in a position to take advantage as they were three years ago when the current seniors were freshmen. Senior Lauren Klem has been the team’s best runner nearly the entirety of her time in high school and should be looking to bookend her career with trips to the state meet. Junior Kathleen Lacy might be the key for the Cubs; she ran cross country as a freshman, did not appear in any races last fall but did run 5:23 this past spring. She would be a great number two for Franklin and would significantly bolster chances at returning to Terre Haute.
#24 – Lake Central Indians
New Prairie Regional #4
State meet history: 16 appearances (last in 2022), 2 podium finishes (last in 2008), 2 runner-up titles (2007, 2008)
2022 Results:
Highland Sectional: 1st place (20 points)
Crown Point Regional: 2nd place (58 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 5th place (178 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 21st place (510 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Sydney Churilla (12) – 19:55 (25th place)
Addison Roth (12) – 20:34 (44th place)
Nicole Vollrath (12) – 20:43 (49th place)
Marie Weber (12) – 20:50 (57th place)
Mackenzie Smith (11) – 20:58 (65th place)
Essey Gonzalez (11) – 22:05 (109th place)
Tara Schassburger (11) – 22:21 (122nd place)
2023 Outlook: Lake Central qualified for the state meet last year and return all seven after narrowly missing Terre Haute as a team in 2021. Senior Addison Roth (5:14 and 11:20) and classmate Nicole Vollrath (5:24 and 11:45) had great spring seasons with fellow senior Sydney Churilla running as the team’s top runner last fall on multiple occasions. This is a very likely state meet team with that top trio plus a good deal of depth.
#25 – Edgewood Mustangs
Mater Dei Regional #5
State meet history: 4 appearances (last in 2019)
2022 Results:
Crawford County Sectional: 2nd place (43 points)
Crawford County Regional: 3rd place (57 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 7th place (185 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Hannah Crain (10) – 19:02 (14th place)
Riley Haskett (12) – 20:08 (47th place)
Ellie Vagedes (10) – 20:09 (48th place)
Allison Bland (10) – 21:43 (120th place)
Ryleigh Burnette (10) – 23:21 (161st place)
2023 Outlook: The Mustangs have five back from a team that came very close to making the state finals last fall. Graduating perennial All-State contender Clara Crain hurts Edgewood’s depth. Sophomore Hannah Crain, individual state meet qualifier in cross country and 5:14 and 11:09 in track gives the Mustangs a great frontrunner. Realistically, Edgewood needs one more quality scorer to make it to the state meet for the first time in four seasons. Two more scorers at the level of sophomore Ellie Vagedes (5:41 and 12:03 in the spring) would make the Mustangs a lock out of Mater Dei.
#26 – Crown Point Bulldogs
New Prairie Regional #5
State meet history: 16 appearances (last in 2022), 1 podium finish (2013)
2022 Results:
Hebron Sectional: 1st place (28 points)
Crown Point Regional: 1st place (34 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 6th place (180 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 24th place (526 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Destiny Lopez (12) – 20:13 (33rd place)
Gabby DeJesus (10) – 20:39 (46th place)
Jenny Diesem (10) – 20:40 (47th place)
Nadia Brumbaugh (12) – 21:12 (76th place)
Elliza Pycraft (12) – 21:47 (98th place)
Jane Myres (11) – 21:54 (102nd place)
2023 Outlook: The Bulldogs return six from a team that qualified for the state finals last year. CP is again in a good position to advance to Terre Haute even with a couple top programs moving in after the tournament restructure. The ‘Dogs don’t have a true frontrunner, but senior Destiny Lopez had a very solid track season and senior Nadia Brumbaugh displayed great improvement in the spring as well. That could give CP a good top four and a great chance at a second straight state meet appearance.
#27 – Batesville Bulldogs
Shelbyville Regional #7
State meet history: Never qualified
2022 Results:
South Dearborn Sectional: 2nd place (31 points)
Franklin Regional: 2nd place (70 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 13th place (305 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Lexiyne Harris (10) – 20:06 (68th place)
Charlotte Trossman (10) – 20:44 (94th place)
Megan Allegier (12) – 21:01 (106th place)
Kaylie Raver (12) – 21:57 (148th place)
Bayleigh Demaree (10) – 23:58 (174th place)
2023 Outlook: One of these years, the Bulldogs are going to break through to the other side and qualify to Terre Haute. It could even be this fall. Batesville brings back five of their seven from last year’s semi-state, but availability issues forced the ‘Dogs to run shorthanded there. In addition to the listed returners, junior Kaylynn Bedel has served as the number one runner in times over the past two years. Despite missing the entire cross country tournament, Bedel did run the entire track season. Like some of the other fringe contenders to qualify for the state meet, Batesville will need to wait a year or two for some reinforcements from the feeder program.
#28 – Avon Orioles
Brownsburg Regional #6
State meet history: 6 appearances (last in 2021), 2 podium finishes (last in 2014), 1 runner-up title (2014)
2022 Results:
Brownsburg Sectional: 2nd place (51 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 3rd place (78 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 8th place (249 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Jessica Hegedus (12) – 18:34 (9th place)
Eve Schurr (11) – 19:52 (56th place)
Lauren Mosley (12) – 20:25 (81st place)
Ava Watkins (11) – 21:01 (107th place)
Ava Webb (10) – 21:59 (149th place)
Malak Marzak (10) – 22:07 (154th place)
2023 Outlook: The Orioles missed the state meet last year but made it the year prior. They will be in a competitive path through the Brownsburg Regional against familiar competition for the foreseeable future. Six of last year’s seven return with senior Jessica Hegedus providing excellent frontrunning. She was 13th in the state cross country meet last fall and ran 10:51 over 3200 meters in the track season and very nearly broke 5:00 for 1600 with both those performances happening in the state meet. Junior Ava Watins also broke 5:30 and 12:00 this past spring
#29 – West Lafayette Red Devils
Brownsburg Regional #6
State meet history: 18 appearances (last in 2021), 8 podium finishes (last in 2018), 1 runner-up title (2012)
2022 Results:
Harrison (West Lafayette) Sectional: 1st place (32 points)
Harrison (West Lafayette) Regional: 1st place (40 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 7th place (199 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Annie Dunford (10) – 19:42 (15th place)
Henriette Schminke (12) – 19:50 (21st place)
Alivia Lewis (10) – 21:02 (68th place)
Charlotte Simpson (10) – 21:15 (79th place)
Sarah Flesher (10) – 21:25 (86th place)
2023 Outlook: The Red Devils were close to the state meet with a very young team and should be in the mix to advance from a more difficult path. Senior Henriette Schminke was solid in cross country and excellent in the track season, finishing All-State in the 800 and running 5:04 for 1600 and 11:12 for 3200 this past spring. Sophomore Annie Dunford should pair with Schminke for a solid 1-2 punch. West Side returns five runners capable of qualifying for the state meet. More depth is probably a year away with most of West Lafayette’s best middle schoolers last year being in seventh grade.
#30 – Maconaquah Braves
Brownsburg Regional #7
State meet history: 6 appearances (last in 2022)
2022 Results:
Logansport Sectional: 1st place (42 points)
Culver Academies Regional: 2nd place (80 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 4th place (172 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 17th place (413 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Zoie Laber (10) – 19:51 (22nd place)
Abby Jordan (12) – 19:54 (23rd place)
Chloe Jordan (10) – 20:45 (52nd place)
Lucy Loshnowsky (11) – 20:55 (63rd place)
Samantha Jones (11) – 21:07 (71st place)
Aubrey McClain (11) – 22:46 (143rd place)
2023 Outlook: The Braves qualified for the state finals for the first time in nearly a quarter-century with a young team that had no seniors. Shifting from New Prairie to Brownsburg will certainly make advancement a more difficult proposition, but Maconaquah could make it two in a row. To do so, they’ll probably need another incoming class as good as the last year. Sophomore Zoie Laber and senior Abby Jordan give the Braves a competitive top two, but the depth will need to be developed to stay in contention to advance.
#31 –Chatard Trojans
Brownsburg Regional #8
State meet history: 4 appearances (last in 2019)
2022 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 2nd place (76 points)
Noblesville Regional: 4th place (139 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 9th place (277 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Noblesville Regional)
Julia Score (10) – 18:04 (5th place)
Alex Teed (12) – 20:51 (101st place)
Maggie Rushenberg (10) – 21:00 (105th place)
Ceci Jackson (10) – 21:20 (123rd place)
2023 Outlook: The Trojans contended to advance to the state meet behind a great frontrunning duo. They lose half of that pair to graduation, but Chatard could still be in a position to qualify for Terre Haute. Sophomore Julia Score gets the scoring off to a good start. She was tenth in the state cross country meet as a freshman then finished in the medals in the 1600 and 3200 at the track state finals, running 4:56 and 10:32 over those distances. Sophomore Ceci Jackson should also be much improved after a breakout track season in which she ran 5:18 for 1600 meters and 11:26 for 3200 meters. Realistically, the Trojans will need one or even two freshmen around Jackson’s level to compete for a state meet berth. That’s certainly possible.
#32 – Center Grove Trojans
Shelbyville Regional #8
State meet history: 7 appearances (last in 2011), 1 podium finish (2006)
2022 Results:
Franklin Sectional: 3rd place (63 points)
Franklin Regional: 5th place (109 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 16th place (395 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Chloe Farmer (10) – 20:02 (64th place)
Lilly Brunsman (12) – 20:37 (88th place)
Andra Veleta (10) – 20:54 (102nd place)
Elizabeth Madden (12) – 21:07 (108th place)
Gracie Livingston (12) – 21:13 (115th place)
Allison Cohen (12) – 21:13 (116th place)
Adriana Rosales (10) – 21:31 (129th place)
2023 Outlook: The Trojans return all seven and more—the top 13 on inccstats were not seniors—from last year’s team. The route to the state meet opens up quite a bit with the departure of Carmel, Zionsville, Avon and Brownsburg with only the addition of Hamilton Southeastern from the perspective of state-ranked teams. CG is still realistically a bit behind the five best teams in the regional without a frontrunner, though a couple of incoming freshmen could change the Trojans’ fortunes.
#33 – Chesterton Trojans
New Prairie Regional #6
State meet history: 21 appearances (last in 2021), 8 podium finishes (last in 2021), 3 runner-up titles (1995, 1997, 2003)
2022 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 4th place (85 points)
Chesterton Regional: 5th place (123 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 12th place (265 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Madison Trumbo (12) – 20:48 (55th place)
Ali Sierazy (12) – 21:04 (69th place)
Caroline Mills (11) – 21:48 (99th place)
Alison Van Kley (10) – 21:52 (101st place)
2023 Outlook: The Trojans missed the state finals a year after finishing third as a team in Terre Haute. Despite graduating three of last year’s seven from the tournament, Chesterton could return to the state meet this fall. Senior Ciara Bonner would be a big help to the Trojans; she competed in the state finals as a freshman and sophomore and was the team’s top runner early before missing all of September and October in 2022. Sophomore Lauren Kroft could be an important scorer as well. She broke 12:00 in the 3200 this past spring but didn’t make the seven during the tournament last fall.
#34 – East Central Trojans
Shelbyville Regional #9
State meet history: 1 appearance (2022)
2022 Results:
South Dearborn Sectional: 1st place (24 points)
Franklin Regional: 1st place (45 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 6th place (220 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 13th place (346 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Callie Bentley (10) – 18:35 (10th place)
Emily Klem (11) – 20:10 (70th place)
Adeline Brewer (11) – 20:31 (86th place)
Jocelyn Inderhees (12) – 21:17 (120th place)
Kendall Pflum (12) – 22:16 (159th place)
2023 Outlook: The Trojans qualified for the first state meet in school history and bring five back of those seven but just three of the scorers from a team that was only five deep on a state level. Sophomore Callie Bentley was nearly All-State in cross country as a freshman (29th place) and was All-State in both the 4x4 and 4x8 in the spring. She’s likely an individual qualifier this fall, but if the Trojans get a combination of big improvement or talented newcomers, they could get in the mix in the Shelbyville Regional again.
#35 – Harrison (WL) Raiders
Brownsburg Regional #10
State meet history: 2 appearance (last in 2021)
2022 Results:
Harrison (West Lafayette) Sectional: 2nd place (55 points)
Harrison (West Lafayette) Regional: 2nd place (61 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 10th place (237 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Sawyer DeWitt (11) – 19:46 (19th place)
Kaitlyn Manfra (10) – 19:58 (28th place)
Rubi Rider (11) – 19:59 (32nd place)
Hannah Beecher (12) – 22:13 (114th place)
Lacie Cooley (10) – 22:19 (120th place)
Zoe Cook (10) – 22:21 (124th place)
Emma Obert (12) – 22:24 (127th place)
2023 Outlook: The Raiders return all seven from a group that ran three freshmen in the tournament last fall. The change out of New Prairie and into Brownsburg makes the path more treacherous for Harrison, but there could be years that Harrison challenges for advancement. The Raiders certainly have the top three to be very competitive in any regional. They would likely need two more at that level to be a threat to qualify for Terre Haute this season.
#36 – Pendleton Heights Arabians
Shelbyville Regional #10
State meet history: 6 appearances (last in 2016)
2022 Results:
Pendleton Heights Sectional: 2nd place (66 points)
Delta Regional: 2nd place (74 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 10th place (327 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-state)
Ava Jarrell (11) – 19:02 (12th place)
Hadley Walker (11) – 20:44 (86th place)
Jaycee Thurman (12) – 20:45 (89th place)
Lily Hessler (10) – 21:13 (114th place)
Abigail Davidson (12) – 22:43 (151st place)
Olivia Welpott (12) – 22:50 (154th place)
Raya Conway (11) – 23:22 (165th place)
2023 Outlook: The Arabians are an exciting team heading into this fall. Junior Ava Jarrell has emerged as a potential star; she was 31st in the state finals in cross country then 12th in the 1600 this past spring after breaking 5:00 earlier in the season. Pendleton has four solid returners and should get a boost from at least one incoming freshman. This may be a group about a year away, though the path to Terre Haute got immensely more difficult with the new alignment that sends Pendleton to Shelbyville rather than New Haven. With one of the best eighth graders in the state, the Arabians could be a darkhorse to advance to the state meet in Jarrell’s senior year.
#37 – Southport Cardinals
Shelbyville Regional #11
State meet history: 5 appearances (last in 1992), 2 podium finishes (last in 1982), 1 state championship (1981)
2022 Results:
Ben Davis Sectional: 2nd place (40 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 4th place (90 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 14th place (310 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Evelynn Garcia (12) – 19:48 (50th place)
Isabella Meece (12) – 19:51 (54th place)
Lucy Hiller (12) – 20:26 (84th place)
Erin Herwehe (10) – 20:59 (104th place)
2023 Outlook: The Cardinals bring four scorers back from last year’s team that qualified for the semi-state and could move up the ranks in a regional meet that could be a bit easier to manage. Southport doesn’t look to have the frontrunning or the depth to make a bidfor the school’s first state finals appearance since 1992, though a couple of star newcomers combined with central Indiana teams being split between Shelbyville and Brownsburg could put the Cards in the mix.
#38 – Bloomington North Cougars
Mater Dei Regional #6
State meet history: 31 appearances (last in 2021), 4 podium finishes (last in 2007), 1 runner-up title (1982)
2022 Results:
Bedford North Lawrence Sectional: 3rd place (66 points)
Edgewood Regional: 4th place (98 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 10th place (279 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Ellie Patrick (11) – 20:06 (46th place)
Lilah Reed (11) – 20:58 (89th place)
Nola Somers Glenn (12) – 21:11 (98th place)
Ruth Bartlett (11) – 22:03 (131st place)
2023 Outlook: They missed Terre Haute for the first time in over a decade last season. The Cougars have four back from a team that with the new tournament will be more possible to advance to the state finals as a team. Nola Somers Glenn—third in the state meet over 800 meters—made great strides as a distance runner this spring and could be more of a force on the grass this fall. It’s more likely that North misses the state meet rather than advances, but the Cougars will be In the mix in late October.
#39 – Northview Knights
Brownsburg Regional #11
State meet history: 5 appearances (last in 2022)
2022 Results:
Terre Haute North Sectional: 1st place (22 points)
Bedford North Lawrence Regional: 2nd place (56 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 4th place (143 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 17th place (393 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Ellia Hayes (12) – 19:31 (25th place)
Gnister Grant (12) – 19:34 (28th place)
Aubrey Miller (10) – 21:00 (92nd place)
Reagin White (10) – 22:45 (148th place)
2023 Outlook: The Knights are at the tail end of the best run in school history, one that has yielded four consecutive trips to the state finals. Northview does have two frontrunners in seniors Ellia Hayes and Gnister Grant, both of whom have seen success on the state level throughout high school. Hayes broke five minutes this spring over 1600 meters and both combined for a podium 4x8. The move from Brown County to Brownsburg makes qualifying for the state meet immensely more difficult moving forward, however, especially with the graduation of Hayes and Grant looming.
#40 – Northridge Raiders
New Prairie Regional #7
State meet history: 26 appearances (last in 2021), 7 podium finishes (last in 2005), 2 runner-up titles (1993, 2002)
2022 Results:
Elkhart Sectional: 1st place (47 points)
Elkhart Regional: 2nd place (50 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 7th place (149 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Dakotah Moore (10) – 19:04 (13th place)
Addy Long (10) – 20:41 (82nd place)
Gretchen Ludwig (11) – 20:46 (91st place)
Isabel Snyder (11) – 21:50 (136th place)
2023 Outlook: The Raiders barely missed the state meet but had the rarity of three individual qualifiers, all of whom finished in the top 15 at the semi-state. Things will look much different for Northridge this year in going through New Prairie rather than New Haven. The new path is a little more manageable in advancing to the state meet, though that still doesn’t seem likely for the Raiders this season. Sophomore Dakotah Moore gives Northridge a good start, and she participated in both state finals last year after qualifying individually each season.
#41 – Cathedral Irish
Shelbyville Regional #12
State meet history: 11 appearances (last in 2015), 2 podium finishes (last in 2015)
2022 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 3rd place (79 points)
Noblesville Regional: 7th place (164 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brebeuf Sectional)
Lucille Marquart (12) – 19:08 (24th place)
Addison Stanley (11) – 20:36 (59th place)
2023 Outlook: The Irish were a team that looked on the bubble for the state meet last fall, if only they could advance from the state’s most competitive regional. Cathedral was unable to do that with a senior-laden line-up and could find advancement difficult this year as well. Senior Lucy Marquart gives Cathedral a good start, and there is some depth to be competitive enough to advance out of the sectional, but the path through the Shelbyville Regional is as tough even with stalwarts Carmel and North Central in a different route.
#42 – Portage Indians
New Prairie Regional #8
State meet history: 20 appearances (last in 2019), 2 podium finishes (last in 1996), 1 runner-up title (1988)
2022 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 2nd place (66 points)
Chesterton Regional: 4th place (109 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 11th place (250 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Madisyn Mikels (10) – 19:45 (17th place)
Brooklyn Reed (10) – 20:59 (66th place)
Hannah Walsh (12) – 21:06 (70th place)
Briana Kropf (11) – 21:19 (80th place)
Alannah Sweeney (11) – 21:43 (96th place)
Ave Gurley (10) – 22:19 (119th place)
2022 Outlook: Portage returns six of seven and could move up the rankings in New Prairie with some of the top programs switching tournament paths. Sophomore Madisyn Mikels is a promising potential frontrunner, having just missed the state meet individually in the fall and covering 1600 meters in 5:19 in the spring. This is a group with an outside shot at the state meet, and an impactful newcomer like Mikels could push Portage over the top.
#43 – Fishers Tigers
Shelbyville Regional #13
State meet history: 7 appearances (last in 2020), 1 podium finish (2019)
2022 Results:
Pendleton Heights Sectional: 3rd place (71 points)
Delta Regional: 3rd place (77 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 9th place (320 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-state)
Abby Lotter (10) – 19:49 (43rd place)
Emma Schwertfeger (11) – 20:44 (85th place)
Addison Kane (12) – 20:54 (99th place)
Mia Schiesser (11) – 21:16 (117th place)
Isabella Murch (11) – 21:29 (127th place)
Katelyn Thomas (12) – 21:36 (130th place)
2023 Outlook: The Tigers bring back six of last year’s seven, but the new path through the shorter tournament will make it much harder to return to the state meet in the foreseeable future. Fishers has a good foundation to be competitive, though geography and the new alignment complicates that future. Sophomore Grier Swaim did not compete in the tournament but could score for the Tigers after a solid spring season (5:41 for 1600) and junior Isabella Murch (2:17 for 800) is looking to translate her track speed onto the grass.
#44 – Jasper Wildcats
Mater Dei Regional #7
State meet history: 8 appearances (last in 2021)
2022 Results:
Jasper Sectional: 1st place (44 points)
Crawford County Regional: 3rd place (78 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 9th place (272 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Anydyn Lampert (10) – 20:18 (55th place)
Monica Lorey (11) – 20:54 (86th place)
Arianna Wiseman (12) – 21:21 (109th place)
Cara Jones (11) – 21:43 (119th place)
Emma Schipp (12) – 22:01 (130th place)
Kate Jerger (12) – 22:57 (154th place)
2023 Outlook: The Wildcats missed the state meet after two consecutive appearances, and this is a program that has made it about half the time over the last decade or so. Jasper graduates its frontrunner, someone who had run in three state cross country meets, but their road to the state meet is affected little by the restructured tournament. The ‘Cats look to get a couple of potentially impactful freshmen, but this is likely a group outside of contention for the state finals this fall.
#45 – Norwell Knights
New Haven Regional #6
State meet history: 5 appearances (last in 1995)
2022 Results:
Bellmont Sectional: 1st place (47 points)
Marion Regional: 1st place (68 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 14th place (407 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Ashley Waldman (10) – 20:59 (103rd place)
Addison Meyer (10) – 21:05 (109th place)
Brooklyn Meyer (10) – 21:18 (120th place)
Elizabeth Norris (10) – 22:17 (144th place)
Alana Cady (11) – 23:25 (166th place)
Emerson Meredith (11) – 23:44 (173rd place)
2023 Outlook: The Knights had a very young team last year, scoring four freshmen at the semistate. They will still be a young team this fall, and very few teams will benefit more from the restructuring of the tournament with Hamilton Southeastern and Fishers moving to the Shelbyville Regional and Penn and Northridge moving to the New Prairie Regional. Norwell may need another big influx of talent to compete for a state finals berth, but the road to state certainly looks more open for the future.
#46 – LaPorte Slicers
New Prairie Regional #8
State meet history: 8 appearances (last in 2021)
2022 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 3rd place (84 points)
Chesterton Regional: 6th place (137 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Chesterton Regional)
Lila Gillisee (11) – 19:43 (9th place)
Faith Spain (11) – 20:11 (16th place)
Natalie Poston (11) – 20:50 (41st place)
Margaret Conner (11) – 22:13 (51st place)
Megan Lambert (12) – 24:41 (78th place)
2023 Outlook: The Slicers have an intriguing team yet again, one brimming with two potential frontrunners in juniors Lila Gillisee and Faith Spain. Gillisee missed each race until the conference meet in mid-September but was solid after that, including qualifying for the state meet individually. Spain was very good in the spring, running 5:27 over 1600 meters. LaPorte doesn’t have a ton of depth, but the new-look New Prairie Regional could see some openings for a path to the state finals. Junior Caitlyn Carnes, who ran 5:41 over 1600 meters but has not run cross country in the past, could certainly help.
#47 – Plainfield Quakers
Brownsburg Regional #12
State meet history: Never qualified
2021 Results:
Brownsburg Sectional: 3rd place (59 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 5th place (110 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 15th place (383 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Katherine Campbell (10) – 19:54 (60th place)
Claudia VanBibber (11) – 21:50 (142nd place)
Gwendolyn Williams (10) – 22:05 (152nd place)
Caitlyn Kluszynski (12) – 23:34 (173rd place)
2023 Outlook: The Quakers lose longtime frontrunner Veronica Hargrave from graduation but return a promising team in addition to possible incoming scorers from the middle school. In addition to the listed returners, Jaylin Jones scored for Plainfield last fall—albeit just competing in two races—after a solid freshman campaign in 2021. The Quakers also have three returners from a state finalist 4x8 last spring, though none of them were listed on the cross country team; getting them out this fall could change Plainfield’s trajectory by quite a bit.
#48 – Roncalli Royals
Shelbyville Regional #14
State meet history: Never qualified
2022 Results:
Mt. Vernon (Fortville) Sectional: 3rd place (66 points)
Rushville Regional: 2nd place (77 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 17th place (443 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Charlie Fletter (10) – 20:47 (96th place)
Ava Shirley (10) – 20:50 (99th place)
Madelyn Kitchens (10) – 21:08 (109th place)
Amelia Shirley (12) – 21:25 (125th place)
Valeria Lara (12) – 21:34 (132nd place)
Rachel Flick (11) – 21:52 (145th place)
2023 Outlook: The Royals have a solid team back with six of seven returning from 2022. Staying in the Shelbyville route, Roncalli should be good again this year, especially with three sophomores potentially at the top of the line-up coming off good track seasons. The Royals should make the regional but would need a lot of incoming talent to contend for advancement from there.
#49 – Western Panthers
Brownsburg Regional #13
State meet history: Never qualified
2022 Results:
Logansport Sectional: 2nd place (63 points)
Culver Academies Regional: 3rd place (96 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 13th place (301 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Kendall Depoy (10) – 20:32 (41st place)
Madelyn Shoaff (11) – 20:56 (64th place)
Hattie Harlow (11) – 21:01 (67th place)
Lauren Bradley (12) – 21:28 (88th place)
Avery Shock (12) – 22:35 (137th place)
Joy Marley (11) – 23:26 (156th place)
2023 Outlook: The Panthers have six back from last year’s group, including all of the scorers from a team that made the semistate. Western’s path does get more challenging, moving from the New Prairie Semi-state to the new Brownsburg Regional against many north and west Indianapolis area schools. The top four keep Western competitive at the local level so a newcomer could make the Panthers more competitive in the tournament, though this looks like a group assured of regional qualification with little chance to make the state finals.
#50 – Greenwood Community Woodmen
Shelbyville Regional #15
State meet history: Never qualified
2022 Results:
Franklin Sectional: 4th place (111 points)
Franklin Regional: 6th place (140 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Franklin Regional)
Lillian Rollings (10) – 19:45 (8th place)
Ryann Marker (11) – 19:55 (12th place)
Makena Cruse (11) – 21:01 (28th place)
Hailey Lusk (10) – 22:48 (57th place)
Kara Ennis (10) – 22:54 (59th place)
Norah Wallischeck (10) – 22:58 (60th place)
2023 Outlook: Greenwood brings back six of last year’s seven, including two who broke 20:00 minutes in last fall’s tournament. With the new tournament this fall, Greenwood has a good but not great chance to get out of its sectional. This is still a young team with no seniors in the projected top seven, and sophomore Lillian Rollings gives Greenwood a good start after a very solid track season as a freshman.
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