Preseason Rankings

Both the Boys and Girls Teams will enter the 2017 season as teams that can have a significant impact at the State Finals. ILXCTF ranked both the Boys & Girls teams 10th, while MileSplit ranked the Girls at 16th.

As mentioned previously, we appreciate the recognition, but ultimately do not place too much importance on rankings. Rankings are opinions and ultimately we have the opportunity to impact the final results. We will work relentlessly to reach our targets in our pursuit of excellence. We cannot control how other teams perform, but we can control our attitude, effort, teamwork, and character. We are stronger, braver, and wiser togther. We are FASTER UNITED.

GIRLS

10 Lake Villa Lakes Community

2016 Finish – 8th 2A Belvidere Sectional

Coach – Keith West

Top Runners – Olivia Schmitt SO, Hannah Grant JR, Simone Lippman JR, Rae Dwyer JR, Morgan Gillespie JR, Megan Knuettel, Ashley Whitis SO, Natalie Maguire SR, Isabella Pomon JR. Brooke Stromsland FR, Alex Bryant FR.

Notes – It was not their best race of the season at last October’s Belvidere Sectional. Lakes Community, who was ranked in the top ten most of the season, finished 8th in the race failing to make the trip to Peoria. Six of their top seven is back led by Olivia Schmitt. As a freshman last fall, she had a tremendous season up to sectionals including running 17:46 at Detweiller Park at the beginning of October. She finished 15th in the sectional failing to make it to state. She rebounded during track earning 3A all-state honors for finishing sixth at 800-meters at the state meet.

“It definitely was a teaching moment,” Coach Keith West said about the sectional race. “It was an outstanding season full of personal records and another regional championship. The focus was on the positive as the team adjusted to their abrupt end to the season at the sectional championship. The race put into perspective the principles that we talk about throughout the season. We often talk about trusting in our process and controlling what we can. Ultimately, we didn't have the race that we wanted and other teams beat us. However, despite the heartbreak we can fall back on these pillars and continue to move forward as a together. We will continue to develop our positive mindset and we will be ready to embrace any challenges.”

Rae Dwyer should lead the rest of the pack behind Schmitt. The pack behind Schmitt was 43 seconds on the four runners in the sectional race. It was only 11 seconds at their conference meet with the group 48 seconds behind Schmitt. If that consistency happens during the state series, this could be a team to watch in Peoria. Freshmen Brooke Stromsland and Alex Bryantare runners who could also contribute immediately.

“Last year’s 8th place finish was not in line with our top six state ranking during the season,” West said. “The team is motivated to improve at the sectional championships. We are not deterred by last year's result and are embracing the challenge. We return 6 of our top 7 and after a successful track season the girls have regrouped. They are refreshed mentally and enter the season with a renewed hunger for success.
Read more: Mike Newman - News - Will the 2017 2A Girls state team race surpass the state race in 2016? We think so! 

BOYS

10 Lake Villa Lakes

2016 Finish – 8^th 2A Belvidere Sectional

Coach – Travis Shepherd

Top Runners – Kael Moran SR, Ethan Schoemer JR, Jack Erwin JR, Owen Wenberg JR, RJ Migas SO, Charlie Halberg JR, Talon Knauf SO, Tim Smith SO, Max Burton SR, Jorge Halek SR, Ethan Albenero SR.

Notes – Even after losing all-state runner Jeremy Wallace, Lakes Community is ready for the 2017 season returning six of their top seven on varsity. It won’t matter that this team could be in the toughest sectional in the state at Kaneland, their eighth-place finish from a year ago was an indication that the Eagles could punch a ticket to Peoria for November’s state meet.

Kael Moran will step into to replace Wallace at the top spot. He ran 15:36 in Peoria during the season last fall. He could drop his time down 30 seconds on that course. An injury from track has slowed him down this summer. He should be ready to go at the start of the season. The surprise on this team could be sophomore Talon Knauf. During the track season as a freshman, he ran 2:01.69 for 800-meters. Coach Travis Shepherd mentioned that he has been training this summer with the top group.

This team has the potential to get out of the rough Kaneland Sectional. Keeping their split on five near 50 seconds would help. “I think that we have set some high expectations for this year. We worked hard last year to qualify for state, but despite our best efforts, fell short. Regardless of Sectional assignments, we plan to not only find our way to Peoria this year, but to make some noise,” Shepherd said. “In training, I anticipate some more growing pains like we had this Summer. We will not be at full force until Kael fully returns. I will not rush him back, so that may not be until October. In the mean-time, our Sophomores and Juniors will be expected to carry the load. We have the potential to build upon last year which was our best year ever. Look for us to do our damage with a tight pack.”
Read more: Mike Newman - News - Mahomet-Seymour looks for the repeat in 2017 2A Boys