You've been waiting for it...and here it is! This is our annual countdown of the preseason girls top 50 teams in the state. These are rankings based on the current information that we have for each team. There may be transfer runners, incoming freshmen, and other factors that we are unaware of...however, this is our first look at the 2022 IHSAA Cross Country Season.
#1 – Columbus North Bull Dogs
Brown County Semi-state #1
State meet history: 37 appearances (last in 2021), 20 podium finishes (last in 2021), 3 runner-up titles (1986, 2010, 2011), 2 state championships (2009, 2021)
2021 Results:
Brown County Sectional: 1st place (30 points)
Columbus North Regional: 1st place (15 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 1st place (50 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 1st place (65 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Julia Kiesler (12) – 17:41 (1st place)
Brianna Newell (12) – 18:16 (3rd place)
Sydney Morlok (12) – 19:05 (29th place)
Ellen White (12) – 19:33 (39th place)
2022 Outlook: The Bull Dogs look good to defend their state title but are hardly a lock entering 2022. North had a great track season in which they finished second in the 4x8, senior Lily Baker (8th in cross country, 6th in the open 800) asserted herself as one of the state’s very best and returns perhaps three of the 15 best individuals in the state. In addition to those four listed returners plus Baker, the Dogs have more depth than would appear: senior Julie Klaus had a great track season over 800 and 1600 meters while sophomore Kyleigh Wolf also provided solid relay legs. Both have run cross country in the past and given team environment could see big leaps in cross country to parallel their overall development as distance runners.
#2 – Noblesville Millers
Shelbyville Semi-state #1
Noblesville Regional #1
State meet history: 12 appearances (last in 2021), 4 podium finishes (last in 2021)
2021 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 1st place (39 points)
Noblesville Regional: 4th place (87 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 2nd place (78 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 5th place (254 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Brinkley Cooper (10) – 18:57 (13th place)
Summer Rempe (11) – 18:59 (14th place)
Nadia Perez (11) – 19:16 (20th place)
Paige Hazelrigg (12) – 19:19 (25th place)
Brooke Lahee (12) – 19:30 (31st place)
Kennedy Applegate (11) – 19:51 (41st place)
Elle Wirkner (10) – 20:26 (83rd place)
2022 Outlook: The Millers have all the elements needed to compete for the state title. Noblesville brings back its top 11 from last year and have ample state experience after finishing on the podium last fall and finishing runner-up this past spring in the track season. Sophomore Brinkley Cooper and Junior Summer Rempe seemed to have established themselves as legitimate All-State contenders, and many of their teammates aren’t far behind, if at all. In fact, despite being ranked second on inccstats entering the season after factoring in 1600 and 3200 track results, the Millers have the best percentage chance to win due to their depth. On top of all that, Noblesville may be getting in the best freshman in the state, an athlete who may very well be the team’s number one runner by late October. This is absolutely a title contender.
#3 – Carmel Greyhounds
Shelbyville Semi-state #2
Noblesville Regional #2
State meet history: 41 appearances (last in 2021), 37 podium finishes (last in 2021), 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)
2021 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 3rd place (60 points)
Noblesville Regional: 3rd place (86 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 1st place (46 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 2nd place (92 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Jasmine Klopstad (12) – 18:12 (4th place)
Olivia Mundt (10) – 19:14 (17th place)
Charlotte Konow (10) – 19:35 (33rd place)
Raya Chauhan (10) – 19:55 (47th place)
Cara Naas (11) – 20:09 (66th place)
2022 Outlook: The Greyhounds return a lot from last year’s team but graduate the top two, both of whom finished in the top 15 at the state finals. Carmel wasn’t especially deep last year, but the ‘Hounds do bring back a team capable of competing for the title this fall. Senior Jasmine Klopstad has been one of Carmel’s top runners since stepping onto campus with three finishes in the top 25 at the state meet, including her best last year when she was 18th in Terre Haute. Klopstad and sophomore Olivia Mundt both qualified individually for the state meet in track and should give the ‘Hounds a solid front duo; it’s really up to the rest of the squad to help Carmel stay afloat atop the state. Juniors Kara Wenzler (19:17 as a freshman) and Audrey Ricketts (2:17 split this past spring) had big track seasons and could help the ‘Hounds if they transition those performances to the grass.
#4 – Fort Wayne Homestead Spartans
New Haven Semi-state #1
West Noble Regional #1
State meet history: 21 appearances (last in 2021), 1 podium finish (2016)
2021 Results:
Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional: 2nd place (49 points)
West Noble Regional: 1st place (59 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 2nd place (95 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 6th place (255 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Addison Knoblauch (11) – 18:18 (2nd place)
Alexis Goebel (10) – 19:31 (14th place)
Elise Peckinpaugh (12) – 19:40 (20th place)
Lauren Saddington (11) – 19:41 (21st place)
Arianna Osborn (11) – 21:42 (96th place)
2022 Outlook: The Spartans missed the podium by a single point last fall and bring those five scorers back for this season. Junior Addison Knoblauch gives Homestead a great frontrunner, an individual title contender who gives the Spartans the benefit of scoring four at every meet. The Spartans are perhaps one runner away from being a title contender, and one of the best freshmen in the state did go to a Homestead feeder school. Homestead didn’t exactly have the spring season of a cross country contender, but the Spartans could push Columbus North, Noblesville and Carmel by the state meet potentially especially with two impactful freshmen on the roster.
#5 – North Central Panthers
Shelbyville Semi-state #3
Noblesville Regional #3
Brebeuf Sectional #1
State meet history: 18 appearances (last in 2021), 7 podium finishes (last in 2020)
2021 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 1st place (38 points)
Noblesville Regional: 1st place (72 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 5th place (148 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 11th place (274 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Maddie Rocchio (11) – 18:52 (10th place)
Sami Tezera (11) – 19:35 (34th place)
Mary Edwards (12) – 19:38 (35th place)
Emma Vatnsdal (12) – 19:43 (37th place)
Claire Eikenberry (11) – 20:14 (70th place)
Eleanor Hostetler (12) – 20:31 (89th place)
2022 Outlook: The Panthers have had consecutive very solid years as a podium contender, and NC returns their top six runners per inccstats rankings from 2022 and should get an impactful freshman. Junior Maddie Rocchio gives NC a real frontrunner, and the Panthers have enough depth for a formidable pack. The Panthers also had a solid track season with four returners combining to finish sixth in the 4x8 and Rocchio qualified individually in the 1600 as well. This should be NC’s best team in school history.
#6 – Fort Wayne Carroll Chargers
New Haven Semi-state #2
West Noble Regional #2
State meet history: 19 appearances (last in 2021), 9 podium finishes (last in 2020), 4 runner-up titles (2015, 2016, 2017, 2020), 2 state championships (2018, 2019)
2021 Results:
Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional: 1st place (44 points)
West Noble Regional: 3rd place (67 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 1st place (95 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 10th place (271 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Taylor Hansen (11) – 19:09 (8th place)
Marybeth Hall (11) – 19:24 (12th place)
Paige Hout (12) – 19:59 (28th place)
Haile Schiffeneder (10) – 20:00 (29th place)
Hadley Snell (11) – 20:02 (30th place)
Maura Sloffer (11) – 21:24 (84th place)
2022 Outlook: The Chargers bring back six from a team that contended for a podium finish last fall after a lengthy run as a title contender. Junior Taylor Hansen could be an All-Stater and junior MaryBeth Hall was close to her for most races last season. Carroll gets a chance to measure itself against a true contender in cross-town rival Homestead, and the Chargers certainly bring enough back (plus any incoming freshmen) to be competitive against just about any team in the state. Carroll had a good team last year, almost all of them back, but it was the school’s worst state meet finish since 2005; expect a bounce back year for the Chargers here.
#7 – Franklin Central Flashes
Shelbyville Semi-state #4
State meet history: 11 appearances (last in 2021), 4 podium finishes (last in 2012)
2021 Results:
Mt. Vernon Sectional: 1st place (24 points)
Rushville Regional: 1st place (17 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 3rd place (133 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 7th place (266 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Ella DesJean (11) – 19:17 (22nd place)
Kylie Cline (11) – 19:18 (24th place)
Victoria Stacy (11) – 19:52 (43rd place)
Savanna Miller (10) – 20:11 (68th place)
Dakota Miller (10) – 20:39 (99th place)
2022 Outlook: The Flashes have been close but just off the podium, sixth and seventh the last two years, and return a team that should contend for the next two years after running two freshmen and three sophomores last year. Junior Ella DesJean has finished in the top 40 both of her high school cross country state meets so far and junior Kylie Cline was close to her for the times both raced together last fall. The Miller Sisters may also be primed for a breakthrough after finishing third and fourth in the regional 3200. FC is a ways behind the top four contenders but should be as good as anyone else in Indiana this fall.
#8 – Hamilton Southeastern Royals
New Haven Semi-state #3
State meet history: 10 appearances (last in 2021), 5 podium finishes (last in 2021), 1 runner-up title (2013)
2021 Results:
Pendleton Heights Sectional: 1st place (22 points)
Delta Regional: 1st place (45 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 3rd place (105 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 4th place (232 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-state)
Maggie Powers (11) – 19:07 (6th place)
Addison Smith (10) – 19:42 (22nd place)
Grace Newton (12) – 20:24 (39th place)
Ciara Kepner (10) – 20:41 (49th place)
Elise Herman (11) – 21:02 (65th place)
Elizabeth Butler (10) – 21:08 (75th place)
2022 Outlook: The Royals were a surprise podium team, vaulting two of the teams who beat them at the semi-state in their best race of the season in Terre Haute. Six of those seven come back, including a near All-Stater in junior Maggie Powers and an up-and-coming potential star in sophomore Elizabeth Butler. Both of those two qualified individually for the state finals in track, and the Royals also finished seventh at the state meet in the 4x8. This is a young line-up (three freshmen and two sophomores ran in the state meet) so certainly the Royals have some staying power atop the rankings.
#9 – Floyd Central Highlanders
Brown County Semi-state #2
State meet history: 27 appearances (last in 2021), 7 podium finishes (last in 1992), 1 runner-up title (1987), 4 state championships (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992)
2021 Results:
Crawford County Sectional: 1st place (16 points)
Crawford County Regional: 1st place (36 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 2nd place (96 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 9th place (269 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Kaitlyn Stewart (11) – 18:32 (8th place)
Savanna Liddle (12) – 18:52 (15th place)
Emerson Elliott (11) – 19:14 (32nd place)
Hallie Mosier (12) – 20:07 (54th place)
Alice Main (12) – 20:35 (76th place)
2022 Outlook: The Highlanders finished in a logjam around the podium, finishing just a handful of points away from medals. Floyd could certainly get into the mix this season again. The ‘Landers have Kaitlyn Stewart at the top of the line-up, All-State as a sophomore, as well as Savanna Liddle. Both qualified for the state track meet in the open 800 and ran big legs on Floyd’s fifth-place 4x8. Floyd has five back from last year’s team, all runners that could score without an issue. This is a state meet lock—that would be ten in a row for the Highlanders—and a possible podium team again, though the second tier of teams outside of the top four project to be tight once again.
#10 – Zionsville Eagles
Shelbyville Semi-state #5
State meet history: 8 appearances (last in 2020), 6 podium finishes (last in 2002), 2 runner-up titles (2018, 2019), 1 state championship (2017)
2021 Results:
Ben Davis Sectional: 1st place (27 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 1st place (39 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 7th place (175 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Maddie Scheitlin (11) – 19:17 (23rd place)
Audrey Magnusen (11) – 19:44 (38th place)
Ava Ward (12) – 20:48 (106th place)
Kyla Staubaum (12) – 20:51 (109th place)
2022 Outlook: The Eagles had some availability issues down the stretch and that inconsistency led to an early end to the tournament. Zionsville brings back four that ran in last year’s semistate and sophomore Katherine Bowen was the team’s top runner in the first two meets and ran a good track season. The Eagles have traditionally run well in the tournament—six straight podium finishes until last year—but they didn’t have a great spring season either. Still, expect Zionsville to be in the mix to advance to a ninth state finals in the last ten years.
#11 – Valparaiso Vikings
New Prairie Semi-state #1
State meet history: 34 appearances (last in 2021), 12 podium finishes (last in 2011), 3 runner-up titles (2001, 2005, 2006), 5 state championships (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004)
2021 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 1st place (40 points)
Chesterton Regional: 2nd place (52 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 3rd place (141 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 13th place (317 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Noelle Gapinski (11) – 20:36 (47th place)
Brooke Byvoets (11) – 20:43 (52nd place)
Grace Thomas (12) – 20:46 (54th place)
Elizabeth Ehrhardt (11) – 21:00 (66th place)
2022 Outlook: The Vikings return a lot of quality runners from a 13th-place team last fall. The above listed returners don’t properly illustrate Valpo’s potential this fall. Per inccstats rankings, the Vikes’ top two returners didn’t compete in the semi-state or state finals. Senior Cheyenne Stock was the team’s second best runner but missed the last two races; she was 38th in the state finals as a sophomore in cross country, ran a leg on Valpo’s state title 4x8 this past spring and qualified individually in the open 800 as well. Junior Elizabeth Ehrhardt was the sixth runner at the semi-state for the Vikings, but she was the team’s number two at the state meet and qualified individually in the 1600. Despite graduating some key runners, Valpo should have seven on their roster this fall with cross country state meet experience.
#12 – Northview Knights
Brown County Semi-state #3
State meet history: 4 appearances (last in 2021)
2021 Results:
Terre Haute North Sectional: 1st place (21 points)
Bedford North Lawrence Regional: 1st place (38 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 3rd place (110 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 14th place (331 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Gnister Grant (11) – 18:28 (5th place)
Ellia Hayes (11) – 18:48 (14th place)
Halle Miller (12) – 19:13 (30th place)
Maisie Eldridge (12) – 20:16 (60th place)
Katelyn Morrison (12) – 20:32 (70th place)
Brooklyn Eldridge (11) – 20:33 (74th place)
2022 Outlook: The Knights are in the midst of the best run of program history with still more time remaining with this current group. Junior Gnister Grant is halfway through the best career in Northview history, coming off finishes of 29th and 25th the last couple of years. The Knights finished 14th each of the last two years at the state meet—in fact, they had the same finishes at all four tournament meets and scored about the same amount of points—and project to be around the same level this season. In addition to last year’s fall success with six of those seven back, the Knights had a solid track season by making the state meet in the 4x8 and Grant and senior Halle Miller qualifying in the open 800 as well.
#13 – Chesterton Trojans
New Prairie Semi-state #2
State meet history: 21 appearances (last in 2021), 8 podium finishes (last in 2021), 3 runner-up titles (1995, 1997, 2003)
2021 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 2nd place (44 points)
Chesterton Regional: 1st place (49 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 1st place (50 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 3rd place (221 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Ciarra Bonner (11) – 19:34 (12th place)
Grace Carpenter (12) – 19:45 (16th place)
Alyssa Dunlap (12) – 20:05 (29th place)
Ali Sierazy (11) – 21:00 (67th place)
2022 Outlook: Last fall, the Trojans brought back everyone from a good team the year prior and nailed the last two races of the season, dominating the semi-state and finishing third at the state finals. Chesterton doesn’t have quite the same number of returners, but the Trojans still bring back a competitive team that will make it back to the state meet and could finish in the top ten. Chesterton’s track season that included scoring in the 4x8 was dominated by their seniors, but the Trojans still got good seasons from some returners as well.
#14 – East Noble Knights
New Haven Semi-state #4
West Noble Regional #3
State meet history: 5 appearances (last in 2021), 1 podium finish (1994)
2021 Results:
West Noble Sectional: 1st place (25 points)
West Noble Regional: 2nd place (62 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 5th place (143 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 20th place (442 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Addison Lindsey (10) – 19:39 (19th place)
Rae David (10) – 19:43 (23rd place)
Lydia Kehin (12) – 20:04 (32nd place)
Dakota Rodgers (11) – 20:21 (37th place)
Rachel Becker (12) – 21:00 (64th place)
Lilly Crow (10) – 21:06 (72nd place)
Cady Smith (12) – 22:48 (145th place)
2022 Outlook: The Knights went from outside the top 50 rankings to the state meet, thanks to an influx of ninth-graders that made a huge impact on the team. This certainly appears to be a team with staying power. Though sophomore Addison Lindsey didn’t compete at the state meet, she certainly proved to be at the level of an All-State runner in both seasons, including qualifying for the state meet in the 3200. The rest of the returners also had solid track seasons and that combined with a year of high-level experience could lead to an even improved squad this fall.
#15 – Westfield Shamrocks
Shelbyville Semi-state #6
Noblesville Regional #3
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)
2021 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 2nd place (43 points)
Noblesville Regional: 2nd place (82 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 4th place (144 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 8th place (267 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Liz Smith (11) – 18:55 (12th place)
Sydney Klingensmith (12) – 19:58 (51st place)
Robyn Schemel (12) – 20:20 (74th place)
2022 Outlook: The Shamrocks were a rare case heading into last season, a team that had run six seniors in the semi-state. Surprisingly enough, Westfield had shot up the state rankings throughout the fall before qualifying for the state meet and finishing as high as they in eight years. The ‘Rocks only return three from last year so we’ll see if they can pull another rabbit out of their hat this fall. Junior Liz Smith, 27th at the state cross country meet and a state finalist in the 3200, gives Westfield a great frontrunner. Like last year, Westfield shouldn’t have too many issues reloading its line-up from a large team (65 participants) and deep JV.
#16 – Bloomington South Panthers
Brown County Semi-state #4
State meet history: 23 appearances (last in 2020)
2021 Results:
Bedford North Lawrence Sectional: 2nd place (48 points)
Bedford North Lawrence Regional: 3rd place (82 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 7th place (238 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Lily Myers (12) – 18:32 (7th place)
Katherine Barada (11) – 20:09 (55th place)
Chloe Borders (12) – 20:16 (61st place)
Elizabeth Merkley (10) – 20:41 (84th place)
Grace Stringer (10) – 21:15 (110th place)
Clara Graham (11) – 21:28 (123rd place)
2022 Outlook: The Panthers snapped a 14-year state meet streak last fall but seem very likely to begin a new run this year. South has a clear frontrunner in senior Lily Myers—14th in the state cross country meet and 10th in the 3200 last year—plus their top six back from a team that just missed advancing from the semi-state. The above returning line-up gives South a clear path back to Terre Haute; if senior Emma Callahan returns after missing all of last fall but competing in the state meet her freshman and sophomore cross country seasons, the Panthers could be looking at a top-ten finish.
#17 – Bloomington North Cougars
Brown County Semi-state #5
State meet history: 31 appearances (last in 2021), 4 podium finishes (last in 2007), 1 runner-up title (1982)
2021 Results:
Bedford North Lawrence Sectional: 1st place (33 points)
Bedford North Lawrence Regional: 2nd place (55 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 5th place (175 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 15th place (365 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Rachel Allison (12) – 18:56 (19th place)
Nola Somers Glenn (11) – 19:04 (28th place)
Aubrey Yake (11) – 20:11 (56th place)
Ruth Bartlett (10) – 20:57 (96th place)
Caroline Norrick (11) – 21:03 (102nd place)
Emma McDivitt (12) – 21:58 (138th place)
2022 Outlook: The Cougars have a great top duo in senior Rachel Allison and junior Nola Somers Glenn. Beyond those two, North definitely has a group likely to make it eight straight state meets that includes six total that ran in Terre Haute last year. This is a team with a lot of experience (nine combined state meet appearances on the roster in cross country alone). North projects to be dead even heading into this fall with Bloomington South, which could make for an interesting back-and-forth all season.
#18 – Penn Kingsmen
New Haven Semi-state #5
State meet history: 21 appearances (last in 2021), 6 podium finishes (last in 2014)
2021 Results:
South Bend Riley Sectional: 1st place (25 points)
Elkhart Regional: 1st place (34 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 4th place (116 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 12th place (274 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Mary Eubank (11) – 19:09 (7th place)
Julia Economou (12) – 19:51 (25th place)
Ellie Stabnik (11) – 19:54 (26th place)
Aubrey Morgan (10) – 21:27 (87th place)
Kaylie Hanyzewski (11) – 21:55 (108th place)
2022 Outlook: The always solid Kingsmen have made 10 of the last 11 state finals and bring back five of those. This is a likely state meet team and, even more so than their returners, Penn’s outlook should be buoyed by great track success: juniors Mary Eubank and Ellie Stabnik both qualified for the state meet in the 3200 and the Kingsmen scored in the 4x8 relay. Senior Abby Stevens could make a scoring difference for Penn after running 5:26 over 1600 meters in the spring, a massive leap from previous performances.
#19 – Avon Orioles
Shelbyville Semi-state #7
State meet history: 6 appearances (last in 2021), 2 podium finishes (last in 2014), 1 runner-up title (2014)
2021 Results:
Brownsburg Sectional: 1st place (23 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 2nd place (53 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 6th place (172 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 18th place (426 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Jessica Hegedus (11) – 19:21 (27th place)
Hannah Taylor (12) – 19:27 (29th place)
Ava Watkins (10) – 20:31 (88th place)
Eve Schurr (10) – 21:41 (143rd place)
2022 Outlook: The Orioles ended a six-season hiatus from the state meet but graduate three key runners from that team. Still, Avon brings back a great top two and project at around a similar likelihood to make the state meet as last year when the O’s got it done. Junior Jessica Hegedus and senior Hannah Taylor both improved mightily last fall from the season before and each had solid track seasons as well. Avon is a team that could certainly benefit from a talented newcomer; even a freshman consistently around 20 minutes could be huge to shore up the Orioles’ depth to support Hegedus and Taylor.
#20 – Northridge Raiders
New Haven Semi-state #6
State meet history: 26 appearances (last in 2021), 7 podium finishes (last in 2005), 2 runner-up titles (1993, 2002)
2021 Results:
Elkhart Sectional: 1st place (31 points)
Elkhart Central Regional: 2nd place (54 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 6th place (146 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 16th place (401 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Haylee Hile (12) – 19:33 (16th place)
Tame Baylis (12) – 19:33 (17th place)
Emma Long (12) – 20:30 (46th place)
Kylie McMann (12) – 21:23 (83rd place)
2022 Outlook: The Raiders are a pretty consistent state meet team and should be in the mix this fall as well, though no guarantee in a competitive New Haven Semi-state. Northridge brings back four from last year’s team, all seniors and three of which have run in multiple state meets. That’s a pretty substantial advantage going into this season. Clearly, the Raiders will need at least one more runner to be successful this fall. That could be a newcomer or a returner, and Northridge had a trio of freshmen listed on inccstats that could help out this season.
#21 – LaPorte Slicers
New Prairie Semi-state #3
State meet history: 8 appearances (last in 2021)
2021 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 3rd place (65 points)
Chesterton Regional: 3rd place (85 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 4th place (157 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 19th place (426 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Brenna Sobecki (12) – 19:08 (5th place)
Lila Gillisse (10) – 19:33 (9th place)
Tatum Bumgardner (12) – 21:04 (71st place)
Natalie Poston (10) – 21:13 (84th place)
Faith Spain (10) – 21:24 (97th place)
2022 Outlook: The Slicers have an intriguing team back with two top-notch frontrunners in senior Brenna Sobecki and sophomore Lila Gillisse and a young and experienced line-up with a lot of upside. With five back from that team and perhaps the ability to score three at the semi-state level, LaPorte is a near-lock for a second consecutive trip to Terre Haute and may have two individual medalists at that meet.
#22 – Franklin Grizzly Cubs
Shelbyville Semi-state #8
State meet history: 1 appearance (2020)
2021 Results:
Franklin Sectional: 1st place (34 points)
Franklin Regional: 2nd place (58 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 10th place (310 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Kathleen Lacy (10) – 19:52 (42nd place)
Lauren Klem (11) – 20:01 (56th place)
Ainsley Botkin (10) – 20:11 (69th place)
Amelia Tisdale (12) – 20:35 (93rd place)
Abigail Demaree (12) – 21:31 (137th place)
Jenna Kaster (12) – 23:01 (166th place)
2022 Outlook: The Grizzly Cubs got an influx of talent but missed the state meet a year after the first qualification in program history. All of Franklin’s top runners return for this fall so there’s certainly a chance the Cubs could make it two out of three, though it is the most competitive of the four semi-states. Franklin won’t need to go through the gauntlet of the Noblesville Regional so the geography at least increases the chances of advancing from the semi-state by guarantee of competing there.
#23 – Lake Central Indians
New Prairie Semi-state #4
State meet history: 15 appearances (last in 2020), 2 podium finishes (last in 2008), 2 runner-up titles (2007, 2008)
2021 Results:
Highland Sectional: 1st place (15 points)
Crown Point Regional: 1st place (43 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 7th place (223 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Sydney Churilla (11) – 20:17 (36th place)
Isabelle Martisek (11) – 20:58 (64th place)
Nicole Vollrath (11) – 21:11 (80th place)
Addison Roth (11) – 21:13 (85th place)
Mackenzie Smith (10) – 23:53 (170th place)
2022 Outlook: Lake Central had a sub-par showing at the semi-state last year and just missed the state finals. This year’s group should be in a good position to make amends. LC doesn’t project to have a dominant frontrunner, though they will have substantial depth to emerge from the New Prairie Semi-state, especially after having one of the area’s top JV squads last year and a solid track season.
#24 – Fort Wayne Concordia Cadets
New Haven Semi-state #7
West Noble Regional #4
State meet history: 14 appearances (last in 2020), 2 podium finishes (last in 2011), 1 state championship (1983)
2021 Results:
Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional: 3rd place (92 points)
West Noble Regional: 4th place (85 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 7th place (167 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Alexa Panning (11) – 19:01 (5th place)
Keller Whicker (12) – 20:17 (36th place)
Faye Kropf (12) – 21:02 (66th place)
Elissa Walters (10) – 21:08 (74th place)
Sierra Luttik (10) – 22:05 (116th place)
Emily Clark (11) – 22:36 (137th place)
2022 Outlook: The Cadets have six back from a team that was close to a third consecutive state finals. This fall could be four appearances in five years. Junior Alexa Panning, 21st at last year’s state cross country meet, gives Concordia the chance to score four at the semi-state. If there is a weakness, depth could be the Cadets undoing, but Concordia has a penchant for developing difference makers at the semi-state and state levels.
#25 – Warsaw Tigers
New Prairie Semi-state #5
State meet history: 10 appearances (last in 2021)
2021 Results:
Manchester Sectional: 1st place (31 points)
Culver Academies Regional: 1st place (46 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 2nd place (134 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 17th place (413 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Josefina Rastrelli (11) – 19:29 (8th place)
Mikayla Minaugh (12) – 20:28 (42nd place)
Elizabeth Vander Bie (11) – 20:41 (51st place)
Marissa Howett (11) – 20:56 (62nd place)
2022 Outlook: The Tigers lose four to graduation from the squad that ran in the state championship last fall, the second straight appearance and third in four years. With a frontrunner in junior Josefina Rastrelli, now going into her second season of high school cross country, and a good amount of depth, Warsaw should be able to make it three consecutive. Rastrelli has a great chance to be All-State this fall after a track season in which she was a state finalist in both the 1600 and 3200 as well as medalist in the shorter distance.
#26 – Jasper Wildcats
Brown County Semi-state #6
State meet history: 8 appearances (last in 2021)
2021 Results:
Jasper Sectional: 1st place (27 points)
Crawford County Regional: 2nd place (47 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 4th place (164 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 22nd place (475 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Linzi VanMeter (10) – 18:59 (21st place)
Ally Wigand (12) – 19:02 (25th place)
Monica Lorey (10) – 20:30 (68th place)
Kate Jerger (11) – 20:56 (95th place)
Emma Schipp (11) – 22:23 (147th place)
2022 Outlook: The Wildcats have made the last two state meets and could make it a third with five back from last year’s team. Those five returners, especially with two frontrunners at the semi-state level, gives Jasper a good chance to make it back to Terre Haute. Junior Ari Wiseman, who competed in just one cross country race last fall could make a difference after participating in the state tournament in the 3200.
#27 – Park Tudor Panthers
Shelbyville Semi-state #9
Noblesville Regional #5
Brebeuf Sectional #2
State meet history: Never qualified
2021 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 4th place (115 points)
Noblesville Regional: 7th place (173 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Noblesville Regional)
Gretchen Farley (12) – 18:15 (2nd place)
Sophia Kennedy (12) – 18:15 (3rd place)
Isabella Wilburn (11) – 21:33 (62nd place)
Abby Moyers (11) – 21:34 (63rd place)
Mary Emma White (12) – 22:14 (77th place)
Kavya Chheda (10) – 26:29 (88th place)
2022 Outlook: The Panthers had the third and fourth place individual finishers at the state meet last year, both Eastbay National finalists, both of whom return for their senior year after great track seasons as well. It’s even possible that Park Tudor girls could finish first and second at the state meet this fall but not have the team advance beyond the regional. The Panthers could be one talented newcomer away from advancing out of the regional and perhaps even to the state meet or, theoretically, one influx of twins from being a podium contender. As it stands now, though, Park Tudor has perhaps the best duo in state history but not the depth needed to navigate the state’s most difficult path to Terre Haute.
#28 – Brebeuf Jesuit Braves
Shelbyville Semi-state #10
Noblesville Regional #6
Brebeuf Sectional #3
State meet history: 4 appearances (last in 2019), 1 podium finish (2017)
2021 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 2nd place (79 points)
Noblesville Regional: 5th place (143 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 11th place (323 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Claudia Keller (10) – 20:33 (92nd place)
Audrey Hamilton (10) – 20:55 (111th place)
Audrey Sloan (12) – 20:57 (114th place)
Skylar Williams (12) – 21:03 (116th place)
Elizabeth Dolan (12) – 22:00 (155th place)
2022 Outlook: The Braves graduate a key runner, a multiple-time All-Staters and one of the very best in program history, in Kendall Martin. Sophomore Emily Garten, who didn’t run in the semi-state, could provide Brebeuf with some frontrunning after a successful spring season. Beyond her, the Braves have a competitive team. They certainly could make it out of the state’s toughest regional, and if they do, they could harbor hope of qualifying for the state meet as a team after a two-year absence.
#29 – Plainfield Quakers
Shelbyville Semi-state #11
State meet history: Never qualified
2021 Results:
Brownsburg Sectional: 3rd place (83 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 4th place (99 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 12th place (326 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Veronica Hargrave (12) – 18:45 (9th place)
Claire Durell (10) – 20:20 (76th place)
Claudie Van Bibber (10) – 20:47 (105th place)
Jaylin Jones (10) – 21:04 (117th place)
2022 Outlook: The Quakers have their top four back from a 12th-place semi-state team, including senior Veronica Hargrave who is coming off a double All-State season (22nd in cross, 7th in the 1600). Hargrave gives Plainfield security at the top of the line-up, and the Quakers could get some incoming help at the end of their scoring. The Quakers project better this year than last year, close to their best team ever, but will probably finish around the same place in a loaded semi-state.
#30 – Princeton Tigers
Brown County Semi-state #7
State meet history: 1 appearance (2021)
2021 Results:
South Knox Sectional: 2nd place (58 points)
Pike Central Regional: 1st place (36 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 6th place (201 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 21st place (463 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Heidi Meade (12) – 18:39 (9th place)
Haley Meade (12) – 18:43 (10th place)
Lexi Smith (11) – 20:24 (65th place)
Kyndal Anthis (12) – 20:39 (79th place)
Heidi Breidenbaugh (10) – 21:03 (101st place)
Breylin Turner (12) – 25:16 (171st place)
2022 Outlook: The Tigers were perhaps the surprise team of 2021, going from unranked in our preseason top 50 to the first state meet in program history. The top five are back so clearly Princeton has a great chance to make a repeat trip. The Meade twins, 29th and 30th at the state finals last fall, get the Tigers off to a great start so Princeton essentially only needs to score three runners at the semi-state level. Even with two solid frontrunners and five scorers back, however, it is no guarantee that Princeton advances from the semi-state this season.
#31 –Chatard Trojans
Shelbyville Semi-state #12
Noblesville Regional #7
Brebeuf Sectional #4
State meet history: 4 appearances (last in 2019)
2021 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 3rd place (85 points)
Noblesville Regional: 6th place (170 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Noblesville Regional)
Lily Cridge (12) – 17:17 (1st place)
Alex Teed (11) – 20:20 (33rd place)
2022 Outlook: Chatard is a high variance team. The Trojans graduate five of the seven that competed in the regional last year, a meet that Chatard may have advanced with a full line-up. It won’t be any easier to advance out of the state’s toughest regional this year, and some uncertainty in the line-up could exacerbate the loss of last year’s seniors. The Trojans are maybe a couple talented newcomers, always a theoretical possibility and this year a near certainty, from contending to advance to the state finals; they’re also a team that may be ousted in the sectional round.
#32 – Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles
Shelbyville Semi-state #13
Noblesville Regional #8
State meet history: 1 appearance (2016)
2021 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 5th place (140 points)
Noblesville Regional: 10th place (227 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Noblesville Regional)
Rosie Barrett (12) – 21:14 (55th place)
Camille Morrow (10) – 21:34 (64th place)
Anna Hoshaw (12) – 21:38 (66th place)
Madison Scheidler (12) – 22:00 (75th place)
2022 Outlook: The Golden Eagles had a tough fall in 2021. Long-time frontrunner Bridget Gallagher—13th in the state meet as a sophomore in 2020—competed in just one meet. Guerin still advanced out of the sectional before finishing last in the regional. This year’s team should be vastly improved, potentially making it out of the regional. Gallagher should provide valuable frontrunning again; she was fifth in the state meet over 1600 meters and won both that distance and the 3200 in an incredibly competitive regional meet. In addition to her, fellow senior Rose Barrett had a good spring over 800 meters which could translate given a strong summer of training.
#33 – Batesville Bulldogs
Shelbyville Semi-state #14
State meet history: Never qualified
2021 Results:
South Dearborn Sectional: 1st place (25 points)
Franklin Regional: 1st place (57 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 8th place (245 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Kaylynn Bedel (10) – 19:34 (32nd place)
Ava Hanson (12) – 20:10 (67th place)
Megan Allgeier (11) – 20:17 (71st place)
Sophie Meyers (12) – 20:28 (84th place)
Madison Rahschulte (12) – 22:20 (162nd place)
2022 Outlook: The Bulldogs are consistently competitive, always a contender in their sectional and regional and a middle-of-the-pack finisher at the semi-state year in and year out with last year’s eighth-place finishes one of the best in program history. In fact, Batesville’s three best seasons have come in the last three years, per inccstats’ all-time team page. The ‘Dogs could have their best team ever this fall again; they return their top runner from the regional and semi-state and had a wildly successful spring with many of the other returners, including qualifying for the state meet in 4x8.
#34 – Brownsburg Bulldogs
Shelbyville Semi-state #15
State meet history: 2 appearances (last in 2017)
2021 Results:
Brownsburg Sectional: 2nd place (57 points)
Ben Davis Regional: 3rd place (76 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 9th place (300 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Eva Altschul (12) – 19:50 (40th place)
Maya Rowe (12) – 20:24 (81st place)
Elise Cougill (11) – 20:31 (86th place)
Riley Owens (11) – 21:10 (121st place)
Emily Baker (12) – 21:11 (123rd place)
Isabel Anderson (12) – 21:45 (148th place)
2022 Outlook: The Bulldogs have six of their seven back from a team that was ninth at last year’s semi-state. With a clear path out of the regional, Brownsburg probably isn’t much of a threat to advance to the state finals but could match or improve last season’s semi-state placing. In addition to the returners from the tournament, junior Skyler Dickenson ran 5:30 over 1600 meters and could be a difference maker for the ‘Dogs this fall. With the state’s 14th biggest enrollment (2995 last school year) and a big team (41 participants), Brownsburg is always a threat for an influx of talent.
#35 – Cathedral Irish
Shelbyville Semi-state #16
Noblesville Regional #9
Brebeuf Sectional #5
State meet history: 11 appearances (last in 2015), 2 podium finishes (last in 2015)
2021 Results:
Brebeuf Sectional: 7th place (149 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brebeuf Sectional)
Lucille Marquart (11) – 21:09 (19th place)
Dearbhla Delaney (12) – 21:40 (28th place)
Brooke Wojcieszek (12) – 21:48 (31st place)
2022 Outlook: Mark down our committee (of one) for being a Cathedral believer. The Irish were out in the state’s toughest sectional last fall, and certainly are no lock to advance. Cathedral, however, has a host of solid returners that were hampered by inconsistent availability in 2021. With solid spring results by some of the top returners coupled with a new coach, the Irish should be one of the most improved programs in Indiana. A semi-state appearance is unlikely this fall given the tournament path, however.
#36 – West Lafayette Red Devils
New Prairie Semi-state #6
State meet history: 18 appearances (last in 2021), 8 podium finishes (last in 2018), 1 runner-up title (2012)
2021 Results:
Harrison (West Lafayette) Sectional: 2nd place (42 points)
Harrison (West Lafayette) Regional: 2nd place (58 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 6th place (205 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 24th place (602 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Henriette Schminke (11) – 20:12 (32nd place)
Krisha Shah (12) – 20:49 (57th place)
Sophia Greenwell (11) – 21:33 (109th place)
Shannon Dineen (11) – 22:31 (145th place)
Bea Cabot (11) – 23:08 (158th place)
2022 Outlook: The Red Devils returned to the state meet after a one-year break and could start a new streak of consecutive qualifications to Terre Haute. West Side will feel the effects of graduation, but junior Henriette Schminke could emerge as a viable frontrunner after a successful spring. The Devils have also leveraged good freshman classes in the past to help the team. A difference-making newcomer this year could vault WL from a possible state meet squad to a probable one.
#37 – Crown Point Bulldogs
New Prairie Semi-state #7
State meet history: 15 appearances (last in 2018), 1 podium finish (2013)
2021 Results:
Hebron Sectional: 2nd place (52 points)
Crown Point Regional: 2nd place (74 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 11th place (283 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Destiny Lopez (11) – 20:32 (46th place)
Nadia Brumbaugh (11) – 21:02 (71st place)
Jordan Siminski (12) – 21:37 (113th place)
Eliza Pyrcraft (11) – 22:05 (133rd place)
Reilly Lustina (11) – 23:10 (159th place)
Lillia Hacker (11) – 23:10 (160th place)
2022 Outlook: The Bulldogs bring six back from a team that was a contender to make the state meet last fall and, despite losing their frontrunner, could find themselves in a similar position this season.
#38 – East Central Trojans
Shelbyville Semi-state #17
State meet history: Never qualified
2021 Results:
South Dearborn Sectional: 2nd place (47 points)
Franklin Regional: 3rd place (89 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 15th place (358 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-state)
Rachel Campbell (12) – 19:15 (19th place)
Adeline Brewer (10) – 20:20 (77th place)
Jocelyn Inderhees (11) – 20:55 (112th place)
Emily Klem (10) – 21:16 (128th place)
Faith Henderson (11) – 21:17 (130th place)
Jorija Ferguson (11) – 21:43 (146th place)
Kendall Pflum (11) – 23:12 (169th place)
2022 Outlook: The Trojans bring back all seven from last year’s 15th-place semi-state, including senior Rachel Campbell who made the state finals individually. Campbell had a good spring as well, qualifying for the state meet on EC’s 4x400 relay and winning the sectional championship individually in the open 800. Two other Trojans won individual sectional titles in distance races: Annabelle McDonald (1600) and Emma Hartley (3200). Neither has run cross country in the past but adding them to the line-up this fall would be huge for EC.
#39 – Center Grove Trojans
Shelbyville Semi-state #18
State meet history: 7 appearances (last in 2011), 1 podium finish (2006)
2021 Results:
Franklin Sectional: 2nd place (54 points)
Franklin Regional: 4th place (108 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 14th place (351 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Elizabeth Madden (11) – 20:00 (55th place)
Gracie Livingson (11) – 21:14 (125th place)
Diana Hodges (10) – 21:33 (138th place)
Hallie Mimbella (10) – 22:03 (155th place)
2022 Outlook: After a very competitive last couple of years, the Trojans take some graduation hits this fall. CG still brings back enough runners to be competitive at the sectional and regional level, likely finishing in the teens at the semi-state. Junior Lily Brunsman had a fall season with sporadic availability but did compete in track. Her presence would certainly help CG this year.
#40 – Illiana Christian Vikings
New Prairie Semi-state #8
State meet history: Never qualified
2021 Results:
Hebron Sectional: 1st place (41 points)
Crown Point Regional: 3rd place (94 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 14th place (340 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Avery Olthuff (11) – 19:46 (18th place)
Ella Olthuff (10) – 19:52 (22nd place)
Faith Van Wieren (12) – 21:32 (107th place)
Faith Van Ryn (11) – 22:16 (137th place)
Aliza Nelson (12) – 23:53 (171st place)
Nora Filler (11) – 25:23 (175th place)
2022 Outlook: The Vikings have the majority of their line-up returning after a solid fall and very good spring season. Junior Avery Olthuff qualified for the state meet last fall. Illiana Christian was also borderline dominant in their sectional with five different athletes advancing to the regional in distance event as well as the 4x8. Senior Alex Vis will be a big difference maker for the Vikes; she isn’t listed in results at last year’s semi-state, but she was the team’s second runner through all of August and September while winning the 1600 at the sectional in the spring.
#41 – Southport Cardinals
Shelbyville Semi-state #19
State meet history: 5 appearances (last in 1992), 2 podium finishes (last in 1982), 1 state championship (1981)
2021 Results:
Ben Davis Sectional: 2nd place (46 points)
Franklin Regional: 5th place (134 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 16th place (393 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Lucy Hiller (11) – 19:25 (28th place)
Cecelia Mitchell (12) – 19:55 (48th place)
Ava Campbell (10) – 21:25 (132nd place)
Andrea Cerda-Duran (12) – 21:27 (133rd place)
Evelyn Garcia (11) – 23:01 (167th place)
Ashley Martinez (10) – 24:35 (177th place)
Josephine Bolen (11) – 32:02 (179th place)
2022 Outlook: The Cardinals have their entire team back after qualifying for the semi-state last season. Given their tournament path and the strength of the top two, it seems likely that Southport will again advance out of the regional round. Junior Lucy Hiller was close to advancing to the state cross country meet as an individual and could do so this year while junior Evelyn Garcia was sectional champion over 3200 meters this past spring and could help give the Cards a formidable top trio.
#42 – Corydon Central Panthers
Brown County Semi-state #8
State meet history: Never qualified
2021 Results:
Crawford County Sectional: 2nd place (53 points)
Crawford County Regional: 3rd place (90 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 10th place (306 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Addison Applegate (11) – 19:35 (40th place)
Erika Valdivieso (11) – 19:36 (41st place)
Morgan Adams (11) – 20:41 (83rd place)
Gabby Holland (10) – 21:01 (100th place)
Camille Coffman (10) – 22:39 (153rd place)
Olivia Martin (11) – 22:50 (157th place)
2022 Outlook: The Panthers bring back their top four from a squad that had a wide gap to a fifth runner. This projects to be a top-ten semi-state team again, and with a competitive front duo in juniors Applegate and Valdivieso could maybe become a fringe contender to advance to the state meet with another one incoming runner to eliminate that gap this fall. Corydon had a competitive spring season and could carry that momentum forward with a core here that could eventually qualify for state meets together in cross country or the 4x8.
#43 – South Knox Spartans
Brown County Semi-state #9
State meet history: Never qualified
2021 Results:
South Knox Sectional: 1st place (44 points)
Pike Central Regional: 2nd place (70 points)
Brown County Semi-state: 9th place (274 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Ava Like (12) – 19:13 (31st place)
Aubrey Nowaskie (11) – 19:44 (44th place)
Abigail Cunningham (11) – 20:42 (85th place)
Peyton Robbins (12) – 20:58 (98th place)
Ella Like (10) – 21:18 (111th place)
Daphne Kinnett (11) – 25:04 (170th place)
2022 Outlook: The Spartans are perhaps the most consistently competitive very small school in Indiana. With the top five back from last year’s ninth-place team at the semi-state, our committee (of one) expects that to continue. Being such a small school, South Knox doesn’t have much margin of error, but if the Spartans could add a talented newcomer or two at the front of the line-up, a first-ever trip to Terre Haute as a team could become realistic.
#44 – Indian Creek Braves
Shelbyville Semi-state #20
State meet history: Never qualified
2021 Results:
Franklin Sectional: 5th place (128 points)
Franklin Regional: 6th place (155 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Franklin Regional)
Samuela Grosso (12) – 21:01 (12th place)
Paige Iaria (12) – 22:08 (24th place)
Phoebe Dowty (11) – 22:22 (31st place)
Hannah Setzinger (11) – 22:55 (47th place)
Ella Taylor (11) – 23:53 (59th place)
2022 Outlook: The Braves have all five scorers back on a veteran team that could absolutely advance to the semi-state this season. Indian Creek also took a big step in the track season in qualifying for the state meet in the 4x8 without any seniors. The past two years, Indian Creek has had its best team ever, per inccstats’ all-time team page, and this season’s squad should be another positive step.
#45 – Pendleton Heights Arabians
New Haven Semi-state #8
State meet history: 6 appearances (last in 2016)
2021 Results:
Pendleton Heights Sectional: 3rd place (71 points)
Delta Regional: 3rd place (80 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 13th place (338 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-state)
Ava Jarrell (10) – 21:42 (95th place)
Hadley Walker (10) – 21:57 (109th place)
Olivia Wellpot (11) – 22:22 (131st place)
Abigail Davidson (11) – 22:53 (147th place)
2022 Outlook: The Arabians lose three of their scorers from a semi-state team last fall, in a New Haven Semi-state hit pretty hard by graduation, Pendleton looks to be in a good position to move up the order this year. Junior Jaycee Thurmond could step into an important scoring role after a solid spring season over 1600 and 3200 meters.
#46 – Huntington North Vikings
New Haven Semi-state #9
State meet history: 11 appearances (last in 2015)
2021 Results:
Marion Sectional: 1st place (21 points)
Marion Regional: 1st place (59 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 14th place (341 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Ella Colclesser (11) – 20:51 (59th place)
Kaylee Brooks (12) – 22:18 (126th place)
Elle McDonald (11) – 22:44 (142nd place)
Gracie Fields (11) – 22:57 (148th place)
Hannah Haupert (10) – 23:01 (150th place)
Brenna Cady (10) – 23:30 (157th place)
2022 Outlook: The Vikings bring back six of last year’s seven, though from a score perspective graduating all-time great Addison Wiley will hurt quite a bit. Huntington should still be competitive in their tournament path, a likely sectional and regional champion again, though the semi-state has a wide gap between seventh and eighth best teams is massive at this point.
#47 – Fishers Tigers
New Haven Semi-state #10
State meet history: 7 appearances (last in 2020), 1 podium finish (2019)
2021 Results:
Pendleton Heights Sectional: 2nd place (59 points)
Delta Regional: 2nd place (51 points)
New Haven Semi-state: 10th place (308 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-state)
Nithya Murthy (12) – 22:17 (125th place)
Emma Schwertferger (10) – 22:48 (144th place)
2022 Outlook: The Tigers are a hard team to get a handle on after finishing tenth in last year’s semi-state and graduating most of that team. Fishers is just three years removed from the podium and boasts the state’s fifth-highest enrollment. An influx of talented freshmen is theoretically possible given the number of students but unlikely based on results of the Hamilton County junior high meet.
#48 – Roncalli Royals
Shelbyville Semi-state #21
State meet history: Never qualified
2021 Results:
Mt. Vernon (Fortville) Sectional: 3rd place (69 points)
Rushville Regional: 3rd place (88 points)
Shelbyville Semi-state: 17th place (396 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Semi-State)
Valeria Lara (11) – 20:23 (80th place)
Rachel Flick (10) – 20:33 (91st place)
Sara McGraw (12) – 20:38 (97th place)
Taylor Turk (11) – 22:13 (160th place)
2022 Outlook: The Royals are a low variance team, both very likely to advance from the regional but incredibly unlikely to qualify for the state meet. Some incoming talent could possibly vault Roncalli closer to the top ten than the back end of the semi-state meet.
#49 – Portage Indians
New Prairie Semi-state #9
State meet history: 20 appearances (last in 2019), 2 podium finishes (last in 1996), 1 runner-up title (1988)
2021 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 4th place (111 points)
Chesterton Regional: 5th place (135 points)
New Prairie Semi-state: 12th place (308 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Hannah Walsh (11) – 21:09 (78th place)
Briana Krapf (10) – 21:13 (83rd place)
Alannah Sweeney (10) – 21:25 (99th place)
Jocelyn Martinez (10) – 21:55 (128th place)
2022 Outlook: Portage returns four from a mid-level semi-state squad last season. Based on their tournament path, Portage is a likely semi-state qualifier again but would need a lot of incoming talent to qualify for the state finals.
#50 – DeKalb Barons
New Haven Semi-state #11
West Noble Regional #5
State meet history: 15 appearance (last in 2010), 1 podium finish (2003)
2021 Results:
West Noble Sectional: 3rd place (99 points)
West Noble Regional: 7th place (210 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the West Noble Regional)
Lydia Bennett (12) – 20:27 (21st place)
Abby DeTray (12) – 20:46 (26th place)
Olivia Woodcox (11) – 22:29 (61st place)
MeiLin Gentis (10) – 23:07 (75th place)
Lydia Yoder (10) – 24:49 (85th place)
KaiLin Gentis (10) – 24:52 (86th place)
2022 Outlook: The Barons could get out of the regional after falling short last year. Lydia Bennett, an individual state finalist in both seasons as a junior, gets DeKalb off to a great start. The Barons are in perhaps the second most competitive regional in the state.
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