As always, Indiana Runner brings you its top 50 preseason cross country teams. We will release these five at a time through June and July, finishing before the official season starts on August 5.
#1 – Carmel Greyhounds
Brownsburg Regional #1
State meet history: 43 appearances (last in 2023), 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)
2023 Results:
North Central (Indy) Sectional: 2nd place (50 points)
Brownsburg Regional: 2nd place (88 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 7th place (187 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)
Sadie Foley (11) - 18:22 (5th place)
Larkin Taylor (10) - 19:10 (18th place)
Annabel Pollert (10) - 19:21 (25th place)
Charlotte Konow (12) - 19:56 (37th place)
2024 Outlook: The Greyhounds return a huge massive amount of talent and will bring in at least two potential scorers in the freshman class as Carmel looks to rebound from its first missed podium appearance in twenty years. Junior Sadie Foley leads the charge for the ‘Hounds. Despite missing the first half of the cross country season, she was 18th at the state meet in the fall then ran 4:59 and 10:55 in the spring. Sophomores Larkin Taylor and Annabel Pollert provided scoring all season for the ‘Hounds and had solid track seasons as well while seniors Olivia Mundt and Charlotte Konow have run in three cross country state meets each. Mundt also ran 5:12 and 10:57 in the track season, showcasing great potential for this fall. Senior Nola Elling ran 19:01 at the Nike Twilight meet in late September and could be an X-factor as the ‘Hounds look for their first title since 2020.
#2 – Fort Wayne Concordia Cadets
New Haven Regional #1
State meet history: 16 appearances (last in 2023), 3 podium finishes (last in 2023), 1 runner-up title (2023), 1 state championship (1983)
2023 Results:
Woodlan Sectional: 2nd place (33 points)
New Haven Regional: 1st place (46 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 2nd place (115 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)
Mallory Weller (11) - 17:54 (2nd place)
Hannah Clark (11) - 19:01 (15th place)
Lily Schlicker (11) - 19:19 (26th place)
Maddie Gentz (10) - 19:41 (38th place)
Ellie Walters (12) - 20:17 (56th place)
2024 Outlook: The Cadets bring back five from a team that nearly won the state championship last fall, though Concordia does graduate two of its top three. Junior Mallory Weller should be among the state’s best after finishing sixth in the state cross country meet then following that up with 2:09, 4:49 and 10:24 this spring, leading Concordia to the state title in the 4x8. In addition to Weller, the Cadets have four returners under 5:30 for 1600 and four under 12:00 for 3200. That number includes sophomore Brylee Crass, who attended Carroll in the first semester. If she is eligible for the tournament after running 10:55 for 3200 meters this past spring for the Cadets, then Concordia is probably the team to beat. They could still contend without her, especially with at least one potential difference maker coming in as a freshman, but they’re more likely just a strong podium team.
#3 – Hamilton Southeastern Royals
Shelbyville Regional #1
State meet history: 12 appearances (last in 2023), 5 podium finishes (last in 2021), 1 runner-up title (2013)
2023 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 2nd place (45 points)
Shelbyville Regional: 2nd place (94 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 6th place (179 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)
Elizabeth Butler (12) - 18:42 (8th place)
Catherine Campbell (12) - 19:28 (20th place)
Ciara Kepner (12) - 19:56 (37th place)
Ava Powers (12) - 19:59 (40th place)
Addison Smith (12) - 20:16 (50th place)
2024 Outlook: The Royals fell just short of the podium last fall and returns enough go avenge for that and then some this year. Senior Elizabeth Butler gives HSE a great start to scoring; she was 15th at last season’s state cross country meet then fourth in the state finals in track over 3200 meters after running a leg on the Royals’ 4x8 relay. Senior Ava Powers had a very strong spring (5:12 and 11:21), and Southeastern’s remaining returners were incredibly competitive in the but at much shorter distances. How Southeastern’s mid-distance superstars can fare over hill and dale will be the difference between a sixth podium finish and perhaps the school’s first ever state championship.
#4 – Fort Wayne Homestead Spartans
New Haven Regional #2
State meet history: 23 appearances (last in 2023), 3 podium finishes (last in 2023), 1 state championship (2023)
2023 Results:
Woodlan Sectional: 1st place (30 points)
New Haven Regional: 2nd place (65 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 1st place (108 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)
Caterina Perego (11) – 19:00 (14th place)
Lucy Kramer (10) - 19:07 (17th place)
Ella Antibus (10) - 19:18 (24th place)
Kaitlynn Hansen (10) - 19:56 (47th place)
Brier Saddington (11) - 20:18 (57th place)
2024 Outlook: The Spartans bring five back from its state championship team last fall and could absolutely contend for consecutive titles. Despite the graduation of superstar Addison Knoblauch, Homestead returns three others who finished in the top 50 at last year’s state meet (and gets another additional year from each of them). Junior Caterina Perego can fill the void of a frontrunner; she ran 5:07 over 1600 meters and provided a leg on Homestead’s podium 4x8 at the state meet. Beyond her, the Spartans have a ton of depth. Homestead isn’t the favorite heading into this season, but they weren’t the favorite heading into the state meet in 2023 either.
#5 – Franklin Central Flashes
Shelbyville Regional #2
State meet history: 12 appearances (last in 2023), 5 podium finishes (last in 2023)
2023 Results:
Mt. Vernon Sectional: 1st place (24 points)
Shelbyville Regional: 3rd place (115 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 5th place (178 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)
Savana Miller (12) - 18:28 (5th place)
Dakota Miller (12) - 19:33 (21st place)
Kaitlyn Pettet (11) - 19:45 (27th place)
Camryn Simons (11) - 21:15 (91st place)
Evelyn Medina (12) - 21:31 (109th place)
2024 Outlook: The Flashes have four scorers back from a team that got onto the podium by a single point last fall and could make a repeat appearance on the medal stand for the first time since 2009 and 2010. Senior Savana Miller had a breakthrough track season, finishing sixth in the state meet in the 1600 and should likely be able to translate that success onto the grass this fall. Junior Camryn Simons and senior Evelyn Medina could both contribute at a high level, and the Flashes will bring in at least one high-level freshman. With that added depth, FC should contend for a podium spot and might be on the fringes of title contention.
#6 – Brebeuf Jesuit Braves
Brownsburg Regional #2
State meet history: 4 appearances (last in 2019), 1 podium finish (2017)
2023 Results:
Ben Davis Sectional: 2nd place (56 points)
Brownsburg Regional: 6th place (178 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)
Lucy Wood (11) - 18:52 (11th place)
Isabel Garcia (10) - 19:05 (15th place)
Emily Garten (12) - 19:32 (30th place)
Adelyn Biddle (10) - 20:17 (46th place)
Claudia Keller (12) - 21:27 (91st place)
Audrey Hamilton (12) - 22:06 (134th place)
Amelia Roberts (12) - 22:07 (136th place)
2024 Outlook: The Braves fell just short of the state meet, return all seven of those and add in at least one hugely impactful freshman (and perhaps more). This is a team that could vault up the state rankings in August. Despite missing Terre Haute as a team, Brebeuf had three individual qualifiers, all of whom return this year. If the Braves can incorporate one freshman into that trio, Brebeuf could be another scorer away from a solid podium contender. Senior Claudia Keller (5:37 over 1600 meters) or sophomore Adelyn Biddle (5:44) could provide that with a great summer, or perhaps that scoring could come from a newcomer as well.
#7 – North Central Panthers
Brownsburg Regional #3
State meet history: 20 appearances (last in 2023), 9 podium finishes (last in 2023)
2023 Results:
North Central (Indy) Sectional: 1st place (26 points)
Brownsburg Regional: 1st place (70 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 4th place (152 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)
Elizabeth Rocchio (11) - 18:46 (8th place)
Kaelina Matthews (12) - 18:48 (9th place)
Kelsey Rehmel (12) - 19:42 (33rd place)
Clara Smith (10) - 19:57 (38th place)
Izzy Tipmore (12) - 20:22 (51st place)
2024 Outlook: The Panthers have had the best three teams in program history over the last trio of years. While this year’s group could take a half-step back, it will still likely be in the top four. Junior Elizabeth Rocchio is one of the state’s best, coming off an All-State cross country finish and individual qualification to the state track meet in the 800. Senior Kaelina Matthews took a clear step forward in track, also qualifying for the state meet in the open 800 as well. Senior Kelsey Rehmel should serve as a great number three after going 5:15 and 11:31. Despite graduation, NC has enough back to contend for the podium once again.
#8 – Bloomington South Panthers
Mater Dei Regional #1
State meet history: 25 appearances (last in 2023)
2023 Results:
Bedford North Lawrence Sectional: 1st place (26 points)
Mater Dei Regional: 1st place (70 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 14th place (384 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Mater Dei Regional)
Jasmine Martoglio (11) - 18:49 (2nd place)
Lexi Kollbaum (10) - 19:01 (4th place)
Aurelia Martoglio (11) - 19:10 (7th place)
Mary Asplund (10) - 21:09 (55th place)
2024 Outlook: The Panthers have an incredibly high ceiling but quite a few questions coming into the fall. South had potentially the best trio in the state last year when all were available, and all three return. In addition to those three, the Panthers should bring in one of the state’s best freshman and junior Julianne Hoover had an abbreviated fall but ran in the state meet in 2022 and returned to form this past spring with 5:30 and 11:43. At the best version of themselves, the Panthers have three All-State candidates and enough depth to make a serious bid for the podium, but there is a lot of uncertainty after the spring season.
#9 – Zionsville Eagles
Brownsburg Regional #4
State meet history: 10 appearances (last in 2023), 6 podium finishes (last in 2002), 2 runner-up titles (2018, 2019), 1 state championship (2017)
2023 Results:
North Central (Indy) Sectional: 3rd place (88 points)
Brownsburg Regional: 3rd place (143 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 9th place (290 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)
Kathryn Green (11) - 18:49 (10th place)
Cailyn Murphy (11) - 19:24 (27th place)
Anwesha Mishra (11) - 19:40 (32nd place)
Katherine Bowen (12) - 19:43 (35th place)
Sara Bostwick (11) - 20:13 (42nd place)
Addisyn Hoffman (10) - 20:20 (49th place)
2024 Outlook: The Eagles were a very deep team last year and should bring in plenty of newcomers that will make the squad even better this fall. Junior Katy Green gives Zionsville a good start; she ran 5:11 and 11:22 this past spring to pair with her strong cross country campaign. Junior Anwesha Mishra demonstrated great improvement in track as well, running 5:14 and 11:30. With those two upfront and a host of solid runners competing for a varsity spot, the Eagles seem very likely a top-ten team but still not quite a podium contender yet. The Eagles do project much stronger in 2025 when the current top runners will be seniors and the incoming class will be sophomores.
#10 – Westfield Shamrocks
Shelbyville Regional #3
State meet history: 16 appearances (last in 2023), 6 podium finishes (last in 2008), 1 runner-up title (2004), 4 state championships (1998, 2005, 2006, 2007)
2023 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 3rd place (85 points)
Shelbyville Regional: 4th place (154 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 10th place (291 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)
Alivia Lozier (10) - 18:51 (10th place)
Gianna Ferreri (11) - 20:07 (46th place)
Maggie Naas (10) - 20:14 (48th place)
Jordyn Landrum (11) - 20:25 (55th place)
Emily Loiselle (12) - 20:52 (72nd place)
Ella Bozarth (10) - 21:35 (115th place)
2024 Outlook: The Shamrocks entered last fall as a borderline state meet team then leveraged a strong class of newcomers to earn a top-ten finish in Terre Haute. With another strong class incoming–Westfield’s single middle school was second at the big school middle school state championship–and an already young squad, the ‘Rocks have all the look of a program that can keep it rolling for years. Sophomore Alivia Lozier gives a lot of reason for optimism at the top of Westfield’s lineup; she was 40th in her first state cross country meet and qualified for the state track meet in the 3200, breaking 11:00 over that distance. Westfield has a strong frontrunner and a ton of depth. If this team doesn’t contend for the podium this fall, it certainly will be in the mix in the future.
#11 – Columbus North Bull Dogs
Mater Dei Regional #2
State meet history: 39 appearances (last in 2023), 21 podium finishes (last in 2022), 4 runner-up titles (1986, 2010, 2011, 2022), 2 state championships (2009, 2021)
2023 Results:
Brown County Sectional: 1st place (30 points)
Mater Dei Regional: 2nd place (94 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 12th place (353 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Mater Dei Regional)
Carys Glyn-Jones (12) - 19:01 (5th place)
Kyleigh Wolf (12) - 19:18 (9th place)
Ainsley Sherlock (11) - 19:50 (18th place)
Macy Eaton (12) - 20:23 (32nd place)
Emma Lowther (10) - 21:03 (51st place)
Tristan Works (10) - 21:26 (64th place)
Lana Wisler (11) - 23:28 (162nd place)
2024 Outlook: After a two-year run as a serious title contender, the Bull Dogs were in unprecedented territory last year with no returners from the tournament before. That didn’t stop North from qualifying for a 17th consecutive state finals and finishing 12th. This year’s squad is the opposite with all seven back, including senior Carys Glyn-Jones who just missed finishing All-State in cross country and did earn All-State status in the spring over 800 meters. Behind Glyn-Jones, the Dogs enjoyed a very good spring with four total returners under 5:30. With a strong frontrunner and depth, this is a team on the fringes of podium contention.
#12 – Noblesville Millers
Shelbyville Regional #3
State meet history: 14 appearances (last in 2023), 5 podium finishes (last in 2022), 1 state championship (2022)
2023 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 1st place (37 points)
Shelbyville Regional: 1st place (76 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 8th place (226 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)
Riley Flynn (12) - 19:04 (12th place)
Ansley Applegate (11) - 19:06 (13th place)
Gretchen Graham (11) - 20:28 (57th place)
Kate Mumaw (10) - 20:59 (78th place)
2024 Outlook: The Millers were one of the top teams in Indiana last fall, entering the state meet as one of the top contenders before ultimately finishing eighth. One sub-par race does not make an entire season, however, and Noblesville enters this fall as one of the best teams in the state once again. Senior Riley Flynn and junior Ansley Applegate give the Millers two potential frontrunners with experience. Applegate has finished 45th and 52nd the last two state cross country meets and ran 5:01 and 10:58 this past spring. Flynn has progressed tremendously through high school, also running 5:01 over 1600 meters this past spring and 11:10 for 3200 meters. Senior Brinkley Cooper, who didn’t race in the regional but did in the state meet, could give Noblesville a formidable top three. The Millers have enjoyed strong incoming classes in recent years but don’t project any newcomers who could score this fall.
#13 – Valparaiso Vikings
New Prairie Regional #1
State meet history: 36 appearances (last in 2023), 13 podium finishes (last in 2023), 3 runner-up titles (2001, 2005, 2006), 5 state championships (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004)
2023 Results:
Chesterton Sectional: 1st place (34 points)
New Prairie Regional: 1st place (45 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 3rd place (146 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)
Whitney Anderson (10) - 18:51 (1st place)
Meredith Isley (12) - 20:17 (32nd place)
Ena Gilliana (11) - 20:35 (39th place)
2024 Outlook: The Vikings take some heavy graduation hits but should still be the best in the northwest given those who do return a year after a surprise third-place finish in Terre Haute. Sophomore Whitney Anderson, fifth at the state cross country meet, enjoyed a strong spring also in running 5:05 for 1600 meters. Despite being a senior-laden group last year, Valpo has one of the deepest rosters in the state with 16 in inccstats’ preseason top 1000 and eight in the top 300. The Vikings are probably too far back to challenge for another podium finish without a big newcomer, but Valpo should easily qualify for an 11th consecutive state meet.
#14 – Pendleton Heights Arabians
Shelbyville Regional #5
State meet history: 6 appearances (last in 2016)
2023 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 5th place (132 points)
Shelbyville Regional: 11th place (286 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)
Ava Jarrell (12) - 18:51 (11th place)
Maddie Marsh (10) - 20:33 (61st place)
Hadley Walker (12) - 20:58 (77th place)
Lily Hessler (11) - 23:09 (168th place)
Ashlyn Walker (10) - 23:19 (175th place)
2024 Outlook: The Arabians survived the state’s toughest sectional and competed well in the most competitive regional. Pendleton should set its sights much higher this year. Senior Ava Jarrell turned the corner from very good to perhaps the state’s best this past spring when she won the state championship over 3200 meters. Pendleton brings back five of seven, including its frontrunner, but the Arabians could have the top duo in the whole state with perhaps the best incoming freshman moving up from the middle school. That level of frontrunning–the Arabians would essentially be scoring three at the regional level–gets Pendleton off to an incredible start. Still, Pendleton has a wide-range of possible outcomes this fall: the Arabians could be a top-ten team in Terre Haute or they may not advance from the sectional.
#15 – Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles
Shelbyville Regional #6
State meet history: 3 appearances (last in 2023)
2023 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 4th place (100 points)
Shelbyville Regional: 5th place (165 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 21st place (461 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)
Claire Flannagan (10) - 19:50 (32nd place)
Katie Kolb (11) - 20:06 (45th place)
Keira Hines (11) - 20:16 (51st place)
Camille Morrow (12) - 20:17 (52nd place)
Brinna Wolf (10) - 21:14 (90th place)
2024 Outlook: The Golden Eagles qualified for a second consecutive state meet last fall and bring five back for a team that looks to be in contention for Terre Haute once again. Junior Katie Kolb turned the corner in the track season, running 2:18 for 800 meters and helping the Eagles qualify for the state meet in the 4x8 and sophomore Brinna Wolf got good experience in both seasons as a ninth-grader last year. Sophomore Claire Flannagan concentrated more on the 400 in the spring, running under 60 in that, and should be a contributor on the grass again. In addition to a solid and experienced pack, Guerin brings in the winner of the small school middle school state championship race. Despite being a smaller school, the Eagles also have enviable depth with 14 in inccstats’ preseason top 1000; junior Delaney Gould or senior Eva Parr may be ready for varsity contributions this year also.
#16 – Brownsburg Bulldogs
Brownsburg Regional #5
State meet history: 3 appearances (last in 2023)
2023 Results:
Ben Davis Sectional: 1st place (40 points)
Brownsburg Regional: 4th place (147 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 11th place (352 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)
Scout Newman (11) - 18:53 (12th place)
Lucy Tolliver (11) - 19:17 (24th place)
Mackenzie Steele (12) - 19:28 (29th place)
Savannah Dyer (10) - 20:19 (47th place)
2024 Outlook: The Bulldogs made the state finals for the first time in six years last fall and will continue to face a tough but manageable path. Junior Scout Newman continues to develop into a potential All-Stater after a solid cross country season and track season in which she ran 11:06 for 3200 meters. Senior Mackenzie Steele has potential to give Newman a running mate on the grass after running 5:10 for 1600 meters in the spring, while Steele and Newman both also gained more state meet experience in the track season on the Bulldogs’ 4x8 relay. Brownsburg should add some depth from its two middle school feeder programs, though no one who projects as a frontrunner. The ‘Dogs bring back a good team, but the regional looks to be a bit tougher this fall.
#17 –Chatard Trojans
Brownsburg Regional #6
State meet history: 4 appearances (last in 2019)
2023 Results:
North Central (Indy) Sectional: 4th place (88 points)
Brownsburg Regional: 8th place (223 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)
Julia Score (11) - 17:37 (1st place)
Grace Leppert (10) - 19:43 (34th place)
Ceci Jackson (11) - 20:13 (43rd place)
Emmerson Bloede (10) - 20:14 (80th place)
Maggie Rushenberg (11) - 21:22 (86th place)
2024 Outlook: The Trojans have a lot of potential but also a very tough path to the state finals. Chatard’s chances start with star Julia Score who has finished in the top ten at the state cross country meet both of her her first two years of high school. The Trojans should score four every meet. Junior Ceci Jackson had a strong track season (5:17 and 11:32) and sophomore Grace Leppert had a strong freshman year in both sports. Those three make a front top trio, and the Trojans should get at least one newcomer to score from a strong incoming freshman class. Sophomore Maisie Chesebrough was not in the Trojans’ top seven last year but has real potential to be a contributor in the fall as well after running on Chatard’s state meet 4x8 last spring.
#18 – Morgan Township Cherokees
New Prairie Regional #2
State meet history: 2 appearances (last in 2023)
2023 Results:
Chesterton Sectional: 2nd place (60 points)
New Prairie Regional: 3rd place (108 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 18th place (430 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)
Dana Abbring (12) - 19:18 (8th place)
Peyton Bucher (11) - 19:23 (10th place)
Isabella Bryan (11) - 20:15 (31st place)
Audrey Rakowski (11) - 20:49 (50th place)
Vanessa Parsons (12) - 21:49 (101st place)
Shae Bucher (10) - 25:20 (222nd place)
2024 Outlook: The Cherokees have qualified for consecutive state finals and look likely to make it a third this fall. With senior Dana Abbring and the Bucher sisters, Morgan has a strong top three which the Cherokees can couple with surprising depth given the very low enrollment. Abbring and both Buchers ran under 12:00 for 3200 meters this past track season and all there were close to 5:30 for 1600 meters or under. Now with an older team, Morgan should get some reinforcements from its feeder program after winning the middle school state championship in the small school division, but that will take a year as most of the scorers were in seventh grade last school year.
#19 – Lake Central Indians
New Prairie Regional #3
State meet history: 17 appearances (last in 2023), 2 podium finishes (last in 2008), 2 runner-up titles (2007, 2008)
2023 Results:
Highland Sectional: 1st place (31 points)
New Prairie Regional: 4th place (138 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 17th place (430 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)
Brigid Crowley (10) - 20:23 (35th place)
Mackenzie Smith (12) - 20:37 (41st place)
Chloe Neal (10) - 25:00 (219th place)
2024 Outlook: Lake Central has made consecutive state meet trips and, despite what looks like a lack of returners based on last year’s regional, LC has a strong chance to put together a string of appearances in Terre Haute. Sophomore Chloe Neal, the number one runner for most of the fall, did not race in the state finals in cross country but backed up a solid first season with a very strong spring campaign that included 5:04 for 1600 meters. Beyond Neal, LC concentrated more on the 800 in the spring with sophomore Macey Thompson running 2:15 in the open 800. A strong front three of sophomores gives LC a great chance this year and a bright future.
#20 – East Central Trojans
Shelbyville Regional #7
State meet history: 1 appearance (2022)
2023 Results:
Connersville Sectional: 1st place (25 points)
Shelbyville Regional: 7th place (201 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)
Callie Bentley (11) - 18:39 (7th place)
Jena Weiler (10) - 19:26 (19th place)
Adeline Brewer (12) - 19:56 (36th place)
Emily Klem (12) - 20:52 (73rd place)
Delaney Donawerth (12) - 21:41 (122nd place)
2024 Outlook: The Trojans qualified for the program’s first state meet appearance in 2022 and fell just short of consecutive trips to Terre Haute last fall. Junior Callie Bentley and sophomore Jena Weiler, both individual qualifiers to last year’s state cross country meet, give EC one of the top duos in the state. Bentley was All-State in the fall and ended just shy of the podium in the 1600 this past spring while Weiler ran 11:02 over 3200 meters in April but did not compete in the tournament. Senior Adeline Brewer gives EC some added depth, but to make it two state meets in three seasons the Trojans will need some pretty big improvement on the back end of the lineup.
#21 – Northridge Raiders
New Prairie Regional #4
State meet history: 26 appearances (last in 2021), 7 podium finishes (last in 2005), 2 runner-up titles (1993, 2002)
2023 Results:
Elkhart Sectional: 1st place (59 points)
New Prairie Regional: 9th place (266 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)
Dakotah Moore (11) - 18:53 (2nd place)
Gretchen Ludwig (12) - 20:34 (38th place)
Briene Berris (10) - 21:09 (67th place)
Izzy Snyder (12) - 21:49 (100th place)
Hannah Miller (10) - 22:01 (112th place)
Natalie Gillette (10) - 22:50 (154th place)
Jade Snyder (10) - 23:38 (191st place)
2024 Outlook: Unavailability down the stretch hurt Northridge’s state qualification chances as the Raiders missed the state meet for the second consecutive year. The Raiders do bring back their top 12 from last fall, per inccstats, and junior Dakotah Moore was 29th at the state meet. Despite a real frontrunner and returning depth, this team isn’t a state meet lock. A combination of a solid season from Moore and better availability at the top of the line-up should give Northridge a great chance through the New Prairie Regional.
#22 – Fort Wayne Carroll Chargers
New Haven Regional #3
State meet history: 21 appearances (last in 2023), 9 podium finishes (last in 2020), 4 runner-up titles (2015, 2016, 2017, 2020), 2 state championships (2018, 2019)
2023 Results:
West Noble Sectional: 1st place (29 points)
New Haven Regional: 3rd place (180 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 13th place (379 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)
Haile Schiffeneder (12) - 19:23 (29th place)
Megan Lanning (11) - 20:20 (59th place)
Emre Lieland (12) - 20:52 (81st place)
2024 Outlook: The Chargers are on a 20-year state meet streak likely to continue even with the transfer of a top returner to a rival school. Though just three return, Carroll will still be one of the deeper teams in the state and certainly the regional with 13 athletes in inccstats’ preseason top 1000 individuals. Nothing in the track season was overly impressive as the Chargers had just two returners under 12:00 for 3200 meters and one under 5:30 for 1600 meters. Still this is a group that should have no trouble navigating northeast corner of the state down to Terre Haute into a third consecutive decade.
#23 – Roncalli Royals
Shelbyville Regional #8
State meet history: Never qualified
2023 Results:
Mt. Vernon (Fortville) Sectional: 3rd place (66 points)
Shelbyville Regional: 9th place (266 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)
Tessa Mize (10) - 19:39 (23rd place)
Ava Shirley (11) - 19:50 (33rd place)
Madelyn Kitchens (11) - 20:56 (75th place)
Marygrace Rykowski (11) - 21:33 (114th place)
Rachel Flick (12) - 22:39 (158th place)
2024 Outlook: The Royals spent much of the season in the state’s top 25 and bring back five from a top-ten regional team. Roncalli certainly has frontrunning. Junior Charlie Fletter was unavailable for the tournament, which could have made a massive difference in advancing to the state finals. She ran 11:09 over 3200 meters and qualified for the state track finals in that event. Junior Ava Shirley and sophomore Tessa Mize could team with Fletter for a strong top trio. Both were individual state meet qualifiers last fall and ran under 5:30 for 1600 meters this past spring. This is a team likely one top newcomer away from making the state finals, although the Royals have to go through the toughest regional.
#24 – Harrison (WL) Raiders
Brownsburg Regional #7
State meet history: 3 appearances (last in 2023)
2023 Results:
Harrison (West Lafayette) Sectional: 1st place (26 points)
Brownsburg Regional: 5th place (167 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 20th place (458 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)
Kaitlyn Manfra (11) - 19:06 (16th place)
Sawyer DeWitt (12) - 19:11 (19th place)
Rubi Rider (12) - 19:17 (23rd place)
Zoe Cook (11) - 20:43 (58th place)
Gabrielle Converse (10) - 20:43 (59th place)
Isabella Burgess (10) - 20:51 (63rd place)
Lacie Cooley (11) - 21:30 (93rd place)
2024 Outlook: The Raiders bring back everyone from the school’s third ever state finals appearance. It will still be very challenging to qualify for the program’s first ever consecutive state meets in such a strong tournament path. Harrison does bring back a very strong top trio, and some of the “role players” had a very strong spring. The Raiders were fifth at last year’s regional and return everyone but rank seventh entering this season because other team’s have confirmed difference-makers coming in. Harrison will definitely still contend to advance, and adding senior Anja Peterson who ran 5:29 in the track season but has never competed in cross country would be gigantic.
#25 – Mt. Vernon Marauders
Shelbyville Regional #9
State meet history: Never qualified
2023 Results:
Mt. Vernon (Fortville) Sectional: 2nd place (68 points)
Shelbyville Regional: 12th place (304 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)
Hannah Hauser (11) - 19:22 (17th place)
Chesnie Willis (10) - 20:34 (64th place)
Lillian Quinn (11) - 21:05 (82nd place)
Emma Gale (12) - 21:07 (85th place)
Makenna Laffey (10) - 21:28 (104th place)
Julia Iselroth (12) - 21:30 (106th place)
Kenydi Russell (11) - 21:47 (130th place)
2024 Outlook: The highest ranked team not in last season’s top 50, the Marauders return all seven runners from a team that looked in contention for the state meet for much of the season prior to the tournament. Junior Hannah Hauser gives Mt. Vernon a frontrunner; she’s been the Marauders’ top runner both years of high school and qualified for the state meet individually last fall. Sophomore Makenna Laffey could be a strong number two after running 5:21 for 1600 meters and running at MV’s second best runner almost all of the season.
#26 – Center Grove Trojans
Shelbyville Regional #10
State meet history: 7 appearances (last in 2011), 1 podium finish (2006)
2023 Results:
Shelbyville Sectional: 1st place (65 points)
Shelbyville Regional: 6th place (198 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)
Marissa Pogue (12) - 19:55 (34th place)
Gretchen Meisberger (10) - 19:57 (38th place)
Hallie Mimbela (12) - 20:13 (47th place)
Lexi O’Barr (10) - 20:24 (53rd place)
Chloe Farmer (10) - 20:36 (65th place)
Adriana Rosales (11) - 21:27 (101st place)
2024 Outlook: The Trojans enter this fall with six back from a team that finished one spot away from the state finals. This year’s group should harbor realistic hopes of ending a 12-season drought, though geography and incoming freshmen won’t make that easy. The key for CG to end the drought will be translating track success into the much longer distance on the grass; the Trojans earned medals in the 4x8 relay with no seniors, and senior Hallie Mimbela ran 2:14 over 800 meters individually. CG will need every bit of that spring success to emerge from the loaded Shelbyville Regional.
#27 – Penn Kingsmen
New Prairie Regional #5
State meet history: 23 appearances (last in 2023), 6 podium finishes (last in 2014)
2023 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 1st place (27 points)
New Prairie Regional: 2nd place (102 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 16th place (429 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)
Ari Balinnang (11) - 19:42 (16th place)
Gabby Smith (11) - 20:29 (36th place)
Aubrey Morgan (12) - 20:33 (37th place)
Janine Mbianda (12) - 20:52 (54th place)
Lila Van Hoveln (10) - 21:28 (81st place)
2024 Outlook: The Kingsmen have qualified for the last five state meets, and though five return this year that streak is in more jeopardy now than any other time recently. Penn still has a great chance to advance to Terre Haute, however, even in a New Prairie Regional of growing strength. Junior Air Balinnang projects as Penn’s top runner, especially after a solid track season in which she ran 5:23 and 11:43. Sophomore Lila Van Hoveln took a big step in the spring also. Good depth (12 in inccstats’ preseason top 1000), great tradition and one of that’s biggest enrollment makes the Kingsmen a tough out in the tournament; there are a number of schools close enough entering this fall to make it interesting, though.
#28 – Fishers Tigers
Shelbyville Regional #11
State meet history: 7 appearances (last in 2020), 1 podium finish (2019)
2023 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 6th place (168 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Noblesville Sectional)
Abby Lotter (11) - 19:48 (22nd place)
Isabella Murch (12) - 19:56 (24th place)
Grier Swaim (11) - 20:32 (36th place)
Charlotte Lawrence (10) - 21:02 (45th place)
2024 Outlook: The Tigers have four back from a team that did not advance from the sectional and may be the best team out of the first round again this year. Fishers should be improved this year, perhaps massively so. Four returners ran 5:30 or faster for 1600 meters this past spring, and the Tigers should get reinforcements from a solid middle school feeder program that finished well at the county and state level. Long-time boys coach Nathan Warnecke, who had coached the girls track team in recent seasons, will now lead the cross country program as well. Surviving such a strong sectional will be especially challenging this fall, however.
#29 – East Noble Knights
New Haven Regional #4
State meet history: 7 appearances (last in 2023), 1 podium finish (1994)
2023 Results:
West Noble Sectional: 2nd place (44 points)
New Haven Regional: 4th place (202 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 19th place (431 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)
Chloe Gibson (11) - 19:10 (19th place)
Addison Lindsay (12) - 19:33 (35th place)
Macey Colin (11) - 20:41 (69th place)
Johanna Carpenter (10) - 20:42 (72nd place)
Gracyn Koons (10) - 20:48 (77th place)
2024 Outlook: The Knights have utilized great incoming classes to string together three consecutive state meet appearances and seem likely to make it four this fall based on returners. Senior Addison Lindsay–17th at the state meet in 2022—has reinvigorated the EN program. Her frontrunning matched with good depth gives the Knights a great chance to navigate the New Haven Regional. Junior Macey Colin struggled a bit last fall but got back in track this spring with solid performances over 1600 meters (5:33) and junior Chloe Gibson backed up a great fall season with sub 12:00 performances in the 3200.
#30 – Jasper Wildcats
Mater Dei Regional #3
State meet history: 9 appearances (last in 2023)
2023 Results:
Jasper Sectional: 1st place (37 points)
Mater Dei Regional: 3rd place (148 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 24th place (614 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Mater Dei Regional)
Andyn Lampert (11) - 19:53 (20th place)
Monica Lorey (12) - 20:17 (28th place)
Cara Jones (12) - 20:42 (40th place)
Molly Isaacs (10) - 20:49 (43rd place)
Riley Werner (10) - 21:36 (77th place)
Claire Linette (11) - 22:12 (96th place)
2024 Outlook: The Wildcats late-season charge spurred them to an unexpected appearance in the state meet. With six of those seven returning, Jasper could go on a run of trips to Terre Haute with this group. Senior Monica Lorey enjoyed a solid track season, running 5:22 for 1600 meters and sophomore Molly Isaacs made a jump as well, running 5:33 for the same distance. Both also competed at the track state finals with the Wildcats’ 4x8 relay, which could become a habit as well.
#31 – Warsaw Tigers
New Haven Regional #5
State meet history: 12 appearances (last in 2023)
2023 Results:
Manchester Sectional: 1st place (49 points)
New Haven Regional: 5th place (224 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 15th place (387 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)
Samantha Rastrelli (11) - 19:22 (28th place)
Eden Metz (11) - 20:04 (52nd place)
Ella Laput (12) - 20:35 (65th place)
Margot Sprankle (11) - 21:37 (117th place)
Annabel Parker (12) - 22:05 (148th place)
2024 Outlook: The Tigers bring back a good amount of their team and should be a very difficult out for anyone in the New Haven Regional despite losing longtime frontrunner Josefina Rastrelli. Losing that level of a star is impossible to replace, but the trio of juniors Samantha Rastrelli and Eden Metz along with senior Ella Laput can easily handle the majority of scoring for Warsaw. All three ran well under 12:00 in the spring for 3200 meters with Laput (5:23) and Metz (5:26) well under 5:30 also. Lakeview Middle, a Warsaw feeder, finished fifth at the middle school state meet in late September, though with mainly seventh-graders. If the Tigers can advance this year, they should be able to transition into the next generation of Warsaw harriers to stretch the state meet streak into double digits over the next several seasons.
#32 – Avon Orioles
Brownsburg Regional #8
State meet history: 6 appearances (last in 2021), 2 podium finishes (last in 2014), 1 runner-up title (2014)
2023 Results:
Ben Davis Sectional: 3rd place (67 points)
Brownsburg Regional: 7th place (218 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)
Ava Watkins (12) - 19:14 (22nd place)
Malak Marzak (11) - 21:13 (78th place)
Ava Lillpop (10) - 21:18 (83rd place)
Eve Schurr (12) - 21:44 (110th place)
Haley Uberta (12) - 22:24 (142nd place)
2024 Outlook: The Orioles enter the season with a lot of potential. Senior Ava Watkins has proven her mettle on the grass, qualifying individually for the state meet last fall. Senior Eve Schurr could be a big difference-maker for Avon. She ran 10:59 for 3200 meters and qualified for the state meet in that event this past spring. That senior duo might be enough frontrunning when paired with the returning depth the Orioles have (11 in the preseason top 1000 on inccstats).
#33 – Edgewood Mustangs
Mater Dei Regional #4
State meet history: 5 appearances (last in 2023)
2023 Results:
Crawford County Sectional: 2nd place (43 points)
Mater Dei Regional: 5th place (164 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 23rd place (559 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Mater Dei Regional)
Hannah Crain (11) - 19:25 (11th place)
Ally Bland (11) - 20:35 (35th place)
Ellie Vagedas (11) - 20:49 (20:49 (45th place)
Nayeli Young (12) - 21:32 (72nd place)
Nerissa Zelhoff-Arriaga (10) - 23:28 (161st place)
Avery Rayl (11) - 25:03 (210th place)
2024 Outlook: The Mustangs bring back six from a state finals team, including a very formidable top three. After a three-year streak of state meet appearances, Edgewood ended a three-year drought last fall and looks to be in a good position to start another streak. Junior Hannah Crain gives the Mustangs yet another frontrunner from that family, and she is coming off an excellent track season in which she ran 11:23 over 3200 meters and 5:15 for 1600. Junior Ellie Vardegas also had a successful spring at 5:33 and 11:53. In comparison to the other schools vying for advancement from the regional, depth will likely continue to be a concern for Edgewood, but the Mustangs enter this season with a great chance to get back to Terre Haute.
#34 – Portage Indians
New Prairie Regional #6
State meet history: 21 appearances (last in 2023), 2 podium finishes (last in 1996), 1 runner-up title (1988)
2023 Results:
Chesterton Sectional: 3rd place (81 points)
New Prairie Regional: 5th place (196 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 25th place (615 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)
Madisyn Mikels (11) - 19:43 (18th place)
Briana Krapf (12) - 20:54 (55th place)
Madilynn Fehlman (10) - 20:55 (56th place)
Brooklyn Reed (11) - 20:58 (62nd place)
Alannah Sweeney (12) - 21:46 (94th place)
Kara Krapf (10) - 22:04 (117th place)
2024 Outlook: Portage returns six of seven from a team that made the state meet last season after a three-year drought. Junior Madisyn Mikels is a clear number one; she was all-regional last fall and ran 5:20 for 1600 meters this spring. Beyond her, Portage does enjoy some depth, including four more under 6:00 this most recent track season. This is also a relatively young team with two freshmen and two sophomores competing in last fall’s state meet. Advancing spots from New Prairie project very close in the preseason with newcomers potentially shaking things up significantly for many of those teams.
#35 – LaPorte Slicers
New Prairie Regional #7
State meet history: 8 appearances (last in 2021)
2023 Results:
New Prairie Sectional: 3rd place (87 points)
New Prairie Regional: 10th place (276 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)
Faith Spain (12) - 19:35 (15th place)
Lila Gillisse (12) - 20:52 (53rd place)
Caitlyn Carnes (12) - 21:03 (64th place)
Natalie Poston (12) - 21:34 (85th place)
Margaret Conner (12) - 22:01 (114th place)
2024 Outlook: The Slicers should be squarely in the mix to advance to the state meet out of the New Prairie Regional. Senior Faith Spain, who qualified individually and finished 45th last fall, gives LaPorte a legitimate frontrunner. Senior Caitlyn Carnes improved tremendously in the track season, running 5:22 for 1600 meters and could see a similar performance jump this fall. The Slicers bring back five runners, all seniors, from the tournament. Curiously, LaPorte just ran five in the sectional and regional meets last fall and the school bio on the IHSAA site reports just eight participants in girls cross country. A little more depth would help the Slicers’ margin of error.
#36 – Franklin Community Grizzly Cubs
Shelbyville Regional #12
State meet history: 1 appearance (2020)
2023 Results:
Shelbyville Sectional: 2nd place (73 points)
Shelbyville Regional: 13th place (348 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)
Ava Ott (11) - 20:37 (66th place)
Kathleen Lacy (12) - 20:57 (76th place)
Hannah Lindsay (12) - 21:18 (94th place)
Ainsley Botkin (12) - 21:55 (135th place)
Willamina Thompson (11) - 21:59 (137th place)
Emma Small (10) - 22:57 (163rd place)
2024 Outlook: The Grizzly Cubs have been a consistently competitive squad since qualifying for the school’s first ever state meet in 2020. Realignment and restructuring of the tournament theoretically should have made for an easier path to Terre Haute, but the regional seems especially challenging this season. Franklin returns six of seven from last year’s regional and saw really good track seasons from senior Kathleen Lacy and Ava Ott, both under 12:00 for 3200 meters. Geography is a constant battle, though, and the Grizzly Cubs will need to beat multiple top 25 programs at the regional to advance.
#37 – Batesville Bulldogs
Shelbyville Regional #13
State meet history: Never qualified
2023 Results:
Connersville Sectional: 2nd place (33 points)
Franklin Regional: 10th place (271 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)
Kaylynn Bedel (12) - 19:44 (26th place)
Lexiyne Harris (11) - 19:48 (30th place)
Samantha Adams (11) - 21:15 (92nd place)
Bayleigh Demaree (11) - 21:18 (103rd place)
Charlotte Trossman (11) - 22:20 (151st place)
Isabel Raab (12) - 23:48 (198th place)
2024 Outlook: One of the top programs in Indiana never to have qualified for the state finals, the Bulldogs return six of seven from a top-ten regional team last fall. Senior Kaylynn Bedel and junior Lexiyne Harris get Batesville off to a good start; both qualified for Terre Haute individually and look to be in a good position to do that again. The ‘Dogs should also be bolstered by at least one incoming freshman that should make immediate scoring contributions; Batesville Middle School was second at the middle school state championship in the small school division with a mix of seventh and eighth graders.
#38 – Crown Point Bulldogs
New Prairie Regional #8
State meet history: 16 appearances (last in 2022), 1 podium finish (2013)
2023 Results:
Highland Sectional: 2nd place (63 points)
Crown Point Regional: 7th place (213 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)
Everly Pycraft (10) - 20:41 (43rd place)
Genevieve St. Clair (10) - 21:14 (70th place)
Jane Myres (12) - 21:32 (83rd place)
Ashley Wallace (10) - 21:50 (102nd place)
2024 Outlook: The Bulldogs graduate the top two bring back the next four from a team that was within twenty points of advancing to the state meet. This is one of the deeper teams in northwest Indiana with 11 individuals in inccstats’ preseason top 1000, though no real frontrunner hurts in early projections. Sophomore Everly Pycraft ran as CP’s top distance runner for most of the track season. This was also a younger team with three freshmen competing in the tournament last fall, which could mean good things for future seasons.
#39 – Chesterton Trojans
New Prairie Regional #9
State meet history: 21 appearances (last in 2021), 8 podium finishes (last in 2021), 3 runner-up titles (1995, 1997, 2003)
2023 Results:
Chesterton Sectional: 4th place (82 points)
New Prairie Regional: 6th place (202 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)
Jessica Martin (10) - 19:52 (22nd place)
Allison Van Kley (11) - 21:08 (65th place)
Kyndal Haynes (12) - 21:33 (84th place)
2024 Outlook: The Trojans have missed the state meet the last two seasons after a podium finish in 2021. Graduation has taken a steady toll on Chesterton’s line-up, and this past season is certainly no exception. This is still a group that could contend for advancement to Terre Haute. A well-coached team with a deep tradition, the Trojans have three back from the team that just missed the state meet, including sophomore Jessica Martin who qualified for the state finals individually in cross country. Junior Lauren Kroft enjoyed a strong track season and could give Martin a training partner and second frontrunner for Chesterton.
#40 – Floyd Central Highlanders
Mater Dei Regional #5
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)
2023 Results:
Crawford County Sectional: 2nd place (42 points)
Mater Dei Regional: 6th place (167 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Mater Dei Regional)
Adeline Shultz (10) - 20:19 (29th place)
Emma Campbell (10) - 21:08 (53rd place)
Kara Walter (10) - 21:25 (62nd place)
Jenna Wheatley (10) - 22:15 (102nd place)
Lucy Jenks (11) - 22:47 (124th place)
2024 Outlook: The Highlanders return five of seven from a team that barely missed the state meet for the first time in a decade, but they take one big graduation hit with the departure of frontrunner Kaitlyn Stewart. Floyd should still find itself in the mix to advance out of the Mater Dei Regional. Beyond the graduated Stewart, Floyd’s track results are pretty inconclusive, though sophomore Emma Campbell ran 5:33 for 1600 meters and could be the top Highlander this fall. In addition to the listed returners, junior Bella Barnes was a scorer for the ‘Landers most of last season but did not compete in the tournament.
#41 – Columbia City Eagles
New Haven Regional #6
State meet history: 5 appearances (last in 2010)
2023 Results:
Manchester Sectional: 3rd place (88 points)
New Haven Regional: 8th place (271 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)
Kenya Leitch (10) - 18:49 (9th place)
Samantha Lickey (11) - 19:14 (21st place)
Brooke Sigler (12) - 20:57 (86th place)
Emma Kennedy (12) - 21:31 (111th place)
Ava Sigler (11) - 21:54 (134th place)
2024 Outlook: The Eagles didn’t make the state meet this past year, though they were decently close. Sophomore Kenya Leitch and junior Samantha Lickey, both state finalists last fall, give Columbia City two good frontrunners and a great foundation for the next two years. In particular, Leitch could help the Eagles to score four every meet; she had an outstanding spring, running under 5:00 for 1600 meters and finishing seventh at the state meet over 3200 meters in 10:34, nearly an all-time mark for freshmen. That sort of security at the top of a line-up could be the start of a state meet team, but the Eagles will likely need some incoming help to get to Terre Haute.
#42 – Huntington North Vikings
New Haven Regional #7
State meet history: 11 appearances (last in 2015)
2023 Results:
Manchester Sectional: 2nd place (73 points)
New Haven Regional: 6th place (231 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)
Alice Friesen (10) - 18:22 (5th place)
Lillian Brumbaugh (12) - 20:55 (84th place)
Brenna Cady (12) - 21:02 (92nd place)
Hannah Haupert (12) - 21:45 (129th place)
Gwen Kiser (10) - 22:09 (151st place)
2024 Outlook: The Vikings were just short of the state meet last fall and could make a bid for it this year. Sophomore Alice Friesen, 13th in her first cross country state meet, followed up a successful opening season with a great spring campaign in which she earned a medal in the 3200 and helped her team to qualify for state in the 4x8 relay. Her frontrunning certainly gets Huntington off to a good start, and with five total returners of seven the Vikes might have enough depth to push for advancement out of the New Haven Regional.
#43 – West Lafayette Red Devils
Brownsburg Regional #9
State meet history: 18 appearances (last in 2021), 8 podium finishes (last in 2018), 1 runner-up title (2012)
2023 Results:
Harrison (West Lafayette) Sectional: 3rd place (60 points)
Brownsburg Regional: 12th place (367 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brownsburg Regional)
Charlotte Simpson (11) - 20:48 (62nd place)
Maddie Boesch (12) - 21:50 (118th place)
Sarah Flesher (11) - 22:01 (129th place)
Alivia Lewis (11) - 22:01 (130th place)
Gigi Ascarelli (12) - 22:49 (161st place)
2024 Outlook: The Red Devils are in a bit of a blip in terms of state meet qualifications, missing the last two years, but could be back on track with some additions to the lineup this fall. The return of junior Annie Dunford, absent from cross country results last fall but the number one runner often as a freshman, should boost West Side’s chances. The restructuring of the tournament definitely does not help the Devils in moving from New Prairie to the new Brownsburg Regional, however, as the fifth best projected team ranks 15th in the state in the preseason.
#44 – Goshen RedHawks
New Prairie Regional #10
State meet history: 1 appearance (2007)
2023 Results:
Elkhart Sectional: 2nd place (62 points)
New Prairie Regional: 8th place (244 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)
Kassandra Ortega (12) - 19:23 (11th place)
Edith Loera-Arambula (11) - 20:36 (40th place)
Eliza Heber (11) - 21:02 (63rd place)
Lindsay Rodman (11) - 21:26 (77th place)
Katherine Rheinheimer (11) - 21:48 (98th place)
Jetcimani Cid (11) - 22:01 (113th place)
Yesenia Medina-Santos (12) - 23:07 (172nd place)
2024 Outlook: The RedHawks bring back all seven from a team that was eighth in the regional. Despite the abundance of returners, Goshen projects at around the same spot in a pretty top heavy New Prairie Regional. Senior Kassandra Ortega gets the ‘Hawks off to a good start; she was 67th at the state meet last fall and advanced out of the sectional in the 1600. Juniors Eliza Heber (12:15) and Lindsay Rodman (12:23) had good seasons over 3200 meters and should continue to make contributions for Goshen, who had its best team in over fifteen years last fall.
#45 – Fort Wayne Northrop Bruins
New Haven Regional #8
State meet history: 12 appearances (last in 2008), 6 podium finishes (last in 2000)
2023 Results:
Woodlan Sectional: 3rd place (96 points)
New Haven Regional: 7th place (245 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)
Maren Wilson (11) - 18:52 (10th place)
Ella Schmidt (12) - 20:07 (54th place)
Maleah Williams (12) - 20:25 (61st place)
Mandy Williams (11) - 21:19 (103rd place)
Ariana Sheckler (12) - 21:33 (114th place)
2024 Outlook: The Bruins have five back from a team that was much closer to the state meet than would have been projected at the start of last fall. Junior Maren Wilson returns after a 46th-place finish at the cross country state meet and a monster spring that included 5:06 for 1600 and 11:17 for 32000. Wilson could be an All-Stater this fall, and senior Ella Schmidt displayed a lot of improvement in the spring. An older team could take another shot at the school’s first trip to Terre Haute in 15 years, though it’s still a longshot.
#46 – Fort Wayne Dwenger Saints
New Haven Regional #9
State meet history: 3 appearances (last in 2018)
2023 Results:
Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional: 3rd place (54 points)
New Haven Regional: 12th place (347 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)
Emily Bruns (12) - 19:18 (23rd place)
Anna McCarthy (12) - 20:52 (80th place)
Elizabeth Veerkamp (10) - 21:00 (91st place)
Geena Howe (11) - 21:33 (113th place)
Hannah Thurber (10) - 21:35 (115th place)
Shannon Roussel (10) - 21:40 (121st place)
Madison Felkner (11) - 21:54 (137th place)
2024 Outlook: The Saints return their top seven from a middle-of-the-pack regional team that could be in the top ten this year. This should be an improved team; senior Emily Bruns was an individual qualifier and ran 5:20 and 11:49 in the track season. Well beyond her, Dwenger has potential for a solid pack. The Saints have a frontrunner and they're deep, giving them some margin of error. This isn’t a team that's close to contending for the state meet, but a very talented newcomer could change their world.
#47 – Whiteland Warriors
Shelbyville Regional #14
State meet history: Never qualified
2023 Results:
Shelbyville Sectional: 3rd place (82 points)
Shelbyville Regional: 8th place (264 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Shelbyville Regional)
Lena Shepp (10) - 19:25 (18th place)
Isabella Fuentes (12) - 20:01 (43rd place)
Ramya Flaherty (12) - 21:25 (99th place)
Claire Proctor (10) - 23:15 (171st place)
Eden Muhlhauser (10) - 23:19 (174th place)
Alaina Roll (10) - 24:57 (217th place)
2024 Outlook: The Warriors are an improving group coming off their second best team in school history. Frontrunner Tori Jackson graduates after an excellent senior year, but sophomore Lena Shepp should give Whiteland adequate frontrunning after running in both state meets as a freshman. Senior Bella Fuentes was solid through three seasons but made a lot of progress this past spring and should give the Warriors a solid number two this fall. That won’t be enough to push for the state meet out of Shelbyville, but the Warriors should be in the middle of standings there again.
#48 – Highland Trojans
New Prairie Regional #11
State meet history: 6 appearances (last in 1986), 3 podium finishes (last in 1986), 1 runner-up title (1985)
2023 Results:
Highland Sectional: 3rd place (102 points)
New Prairie Regional: 12th place (58 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)
Jolie Burleson (12) - 20:14 (30th place)
Madison Greiner (12) - 21:25 (75th place)
Kayla Guajardo (12) - 21:26 (75th place)
Julia Zamudio (10) - 21:42 (89th place)
Jordan Steele (11) - 22:44 (152nd place)
2024 Outlook: The Trojans had one of their best teams in nearly a decade and should be better with six of their seven best back based on inccstats’ season-long ratings. Highland could get one possible contributor from the middle school level, maybe more, though this is a team a long way from contending to advance out of New Prairie. Senior Jolie Burleson saw significant improvement last season, and she can could be an individual qualifier to the state finals in either sport with consistent progression.
#49 – West Noble Chargers
New Haven Regional #10
State meet history: 8 appearances (last in 2010), 2 podium finishes (last in 1999)
2023 Results:
West Noble Sectional: 3rd place (100 points)
New Haven Regional: 11th place (337 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)
Lanie Martin (11) - 20:04 (51st place)
Trinity Parson (11) - 20:40 (68th place)
Mya Emmert (10) - 20:49 (78th place)
Ava Bish (12) - 21:18 (101st place)
Abigail Ruch (10) - 23:11 (207th place)
2024 Outlook: The Chargers bring back five from a team that just missed the top ten last fall at the regional. Based on these returners, West Noble might be one short of making a push for the state meet out of New Haven. With one top eighth grader potentially incoming, the Chargers could get that one extra scorer they need. For the third year in a row, though, New Haven seems like the favorite teams are very likely to advance starting in the preseason.
#50 – Corydon Central Panthers
Mater Dei Regional #6
State meet history: 2 appearances (last in 2023)
2023 Results:
Crawford County Sectional: 2nd place (42 points)
Mater Dei Regional: 4th place (160 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 22nd place (497 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Regional)
Lilli Pavey (11) - 19:52 (19th place)
Peri Leghart (11) - 20:50 (46th place)
Cora Broom (10) - 22:11 (95th place)
Camille Coffman (12) - 23:18 (146th place)
2024 Outlook: The Panthers are coming off their two best years, and only two state meet appearances, in program history. Graduation will take some pretty big hits as three of the top four Corydon runners from the state meet graduate. Still, the Panthers could bring back enough to navigate a slightly weaker Mater Dei regional. Juniors Lilly Pavey and Peri Leghart got double state meet experience after the Panthers qualified in the 4x8 relay. Pavey is a clear number one for Corydon after running 5:19 in the spring, and the Panthers had a good junior high squad but are a year or two away from a lot of contributors.
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