Aurora Christian girls right where they wanted to be

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Earlier this season, Aurora Christian coach Priscilla Copple was "beside" herself when her two returning All-State runners, Anna Morgan and Ann Schuette, showed up to the first week of practice in plaster.

Both seniors had broken bones and were in no condition to run.

Thoughts of returning to Peoria and taking aim at a state trophy were put on the back burner.

But instead of letting the competition pass them by, the Eagles' underclassmen stepped up their pace and Morgan battled her way back from a broken ankle to land Aurora Christian just where it wanted to be this weekend.

Peoria's Detweiller Park and the IHSA Class A Championship.

Copple says the turning point in the season came when Morgan told her, "Coach, I'm coming back. I will run on a broken ankle to help this team."

The underclassmen were inspired by her perseverance and leadership.So while her teammates competed in various meets throughout the early part of the season, Morgan tended to her ankle and logged time on the soft turf of the Aurora Country Club.

"She was pivotal," Copple said of her co-captain. "Anna is just coming to her peak. I am expecting her to run faster."

Also pivotal for the Eagles is the emergence of sophomore Deanna Jimenez. Jimenez has been the team leader on the course all season and could finish in the top five at state.

According to Copple, Jimenez held back as a freshman because she did not want to pass the stars of the team. In fact, when she races she imagines Schuette, still sidelined with a broken leg, just ahead of her.

Last weekend, Jimenez finished second in sectional competition by .50 seconds to Winnebago's Alexandria Palm. Palm is one of the top two ranked runners in state.

"She will get her next week," Copple said shortly after the sectional race.

Morgan and junior Kaitin Bellak could join Jimenez as all-state runners, as could Somonauk's Emily Paull and Plano's Karson Greiter. Both freshmen runners advanced as individuals.

"She (Paull) definitely has a shot," said Somonauk coach Cheryl Gerardi.

While Aurora Christian tries to improve upon last year's mark (sixth place), the Yorkville boys' squad is charting new territory. The Foxes have not competed as a team in state competition since 1987.

"We are primed and ready to have our best race," said Yorkville coach Chris Muth.

The Foxes will compete in Class AA and are led by senior Scott Tanis and junior Max Sliwa.

"We have a good shot at finishing in the Top 10," Muth added.

Also competing in Class AA are Valerie Cintron of Aurora Central Catholic and Andi Strang of Kaneland.

A season's best performance could catapult anyone of these Class AA athletes into All-State territory.

Another runner with an eye on earning All-State honors is Marmion's Josh Stein. The Cadet senior is ranked among the top runners in Illinois.

"Heading into state," said Marmion coach Bob Rebenstorf, "he is in good shape. "We are expecting him to do well at state."

Rebenstorf adds Stein should finish somewhere in the top 10-15.

All-State honors are given to runners placing in the top 25 in their division.

Waubonsie Valley could be the sleeper team at this year's meet, according to Rebenstorf.

After being hampered with early-season injuries, the Warriors are coming off of a strong team performance at the Schaumburg Sectional and are ready to run.

Led by seniors Mark and David Schumacher, along with Emmett Lorenz, the Warriors are deep throughout the lineup.

"The Schumacher twins are really coming on," noted Rebenstorf.

Mark finished seventh in tough sectional action and should vie for an All-State slot.

The Warriors finished fifth last season.

Whereas the Warriors are laden with veterans, the Geneva girls' squad is invigorated by youth. Six of the seven starters are freshmen.

The Vikings stunned their competition last weekend at the Schaumburg Sectional by laying waste to defending state champion Hinsdale Central, along with perennial contenders Naperville North and Wheaton North.

Kelly Whitley continues to prove she is a runner to watch out for with her second-place finish, while running partner Liza Tauscher placed sixth. Teammates Rachel Hammond and Tess Ehrhardt also scored in the top 20.

Expect to see several All-State Vikings' runners.

Geneva will contend for the state title. If coach Bob Thomson's team can run like they did last weekend, only Stagg High School stands in their way. State Cross Country Meet