Previews: The Top 10 girls cross country teams

Prior to the start of the 2007 girls cross country season, HoosierAuthority.com will bring you daily previews of our Top 50 teams. Finally, weâ�?��?�re down to Nos. 1-2 â�?�¦ Westfield and Noblesville!

#1 Westfield Shamrocks

Franklin Central Semistate #1

Brebeuf Regional #1

2006 Results:

Carmel Sectional: 1st place (32 points)

Noblesville Regional: 1st place (31 points)

Franklin Central Semistate: 1st place (75 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 1st place (114 points)

Returning Runners (based on results from the Franklin Central Semistate):

Maggie Bingham (12) â�?��?? 14:17 (1st place)

Kaitlyn Love (11) â�?��?? 14:36 (5th place)

Breanne Ehrman (12) â�?��?? 15:07 (18th place)

Dana Christie (10) â�?��?? 15:48 (60th place)

2007 Outlook:

You have to beat the best to be the best. Westfield enters the season as the favorite to win a third consecutive state title. The graduation of some of the Shamrock seniors, especially Kristina Krasich, will hurt. The â�?��?Rocks were not the deepest team last season (their fifth runner was defeated by seven other fives at the state meet). Westfield will once again rely on frontrunning. The â�?��?Rocks could have three All-Staters, but they will need help at four and five. Last year, the fifth runner just needed to clean up after the team obliterated the field through four runners. There will need to be more depth this year if the â�?��?Rocks are going to join Valparaiso, Carmel, and Floyd Central as the only three-peaters in Indiana history.

#2 Noblesville Millers

Franklin Central Semistate #2

Brebeuf Regional #2

2006 Results:

Carmel Sectional: 3rd place (51 points)

Noblesville Regional: 3rd place (53 points)

Franklin Central Semistate: 2nd place (94 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 3rd place (129 points)

Returning Runners (based on results from the Franklin Central Semistate):

Taylor Bowles (11) â�?��?? 14:50 (11th place)

Jalynne Foley (10) â�?��?? 14:55 (14th place)

Tiffany Cange (10) â�?��?? 15:12 (25th place)

Megan Bowles (10) â�?��?? 15:58 (69th place)

Alex Kacer (10) â�?��?? 16:07 (79th place)

2007 Outlook:

Noblesville fell just short of the runner-up title last year. The surprising Millers bring back five from that team, all of whom will return for at least one more year. The â�?��?Xâ�?� factor for Noblesville is sophomore Meg Bowles. Bowles was the frontrunner for much of the regular season before developing an injury that cost her in the tournament. If she can rebound and run with the other frontrunners, Noblesville should be a main contender for the state title.

#3 Center Grove Trojans

Franklin Central Semistate #3

2006 Results:

Edinburgh Sectional: 1st place (19 points)

Franklin Central Regional: 1st place (31 points)

Franklin Central Semistate: 3rd place (105 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 4th place (144 points)

Returning Runners (based on results from the Franklin Central Semistate):

Shelbi Burnett (11) â�?��?? 14:25 (2nd place)

Kristen Marley (12) â�?��?? 14:55 (13th place)

Sophie Paguette (10) â�?��?? 15:17 (28th place)

Sarah Higgens (11) â�?��?? 15:25 (37th place)

Nicole Kruezman (10) â�?��?? 15:43 (55th place)

2007 Outlook:

Two years ago, Center Grove broke through the barrier and qualified for the state finals. The next year, the Trojans medaled by finishing fourth at Terre Haute. This season, CG could be in contention for the big wooden Indiana if all goes well. Shelbi Burnett, Kristen Marley, and Sarah Higgens return for their third straight season as the Trojansâ�?��?� top trio. Though the Trojansâ�?��?� 4×800 relay failed to improve upon its finish from the year before, most of the individuals had decent track seasons. Depth needs to be developed, but if it is, Center Grove could contend for the state crown.

#4 Lake Central Indians

New Prairie Semistate #1

2006 Results:

Hammond Gavit Sectional: 1st place (20 points)

Crown Point Regional: 1st place (26 points)

New Prairie Semistate: 3rd place (111 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 8th place (207 points)

Returning Runners (based on results from the New Prairie Semistate):

Megan Plenus (10) â�?��?? 14:47 (4th place)

Dana Payonk (10) â�?��?? 15:20 (9th place)

Kailey Jensen (11) â�?��?? 15:48 (20th place)

Anna Bona (12) â�?��?? 16:16 (45th place)

Mora Haddad (12) â�?��?? 16:35 (62nd place)

Rachel Zajac (11) â�?��?? 16:25 (63rd place)

Jackie Henderson (12) â�?��?? 17:16 (115th place)

2007 Outlook:

A young, inexperienced Lake Central team took eighth last year after a few sub-par races. This yearâ�?��?�s squad should return with a great chance to finish on the podium, and perhaps even win the whole thing. The Indians bring back super sophomores Megan Plenus and Dana Payonk, both of whom individually qualified for the state finals in cross country and track. The team resurgence at LC continued in the spring as Plenus teamed up with Kailey Jensen, Anna Bona, and Rachel Zajac to finish All-State in the 4×800 meter relay. Expect the improvement to keep on rolling.

#5 Carroll (Fort Wayne) Chargers

New Haven Semistate #1

2006 Results:

Carroll (Fort Wayne) Sectional: 1st place (25 points)

Marion Regional: 1st place (22 points)

New Haven Semistate: 2nd place (84 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 9th place (214 points)

Returning Runners (based on results from the New Haven Semistate):

Chelsea Blanchard (12) â�?��?? 14:18 (1st place)

Samantha Ginther (11) â�?��?? 14:58 (4th place)

Abbey Bunnell (11) â�?��?? 15:59 (34th place)

Samantha Simonson (12) â�?��?? 16:08 (40th place)

Chelsie Norris (11) â�?��?? 16:13 (46th place)

Audrey Hess (12) â�?��?? 16:16 (49th place)

Rebecca Downs (11) â�?��?? 16:31 (65th place)

2007 Outlook:

Carroll is a team that has hung around on the brink for many years and now appears ready for a breakthrough. The Chargers have a state championship contender in senior Chelsea Blanchard and another potential All-Stater in junior Samantha Ginther, who finished 18th last year at the state finals. Carroll is a definite podium possibility, and a very strong incoming freshman class should only help. The roster has a combined 15 state meet appearances in cross country alone, with the three seniors having already competed in three cross country state finals.

#6 Carmel Greyhounds

Franklin Central Semistate #4

Brebeuf Regional #3

2006 Results:

Carmel Sectional: 2nd place (43 points)

Noblesville Regional: 2nd place (50 points)

Franklin Central Semistate: 5th place (133 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 5th place (152 points)

Returning Runners (based on results from the Franklin Central Semistate):

Kayla McCurdy (11) â�?��?? 14:41 (6th place)

Lauren Waterman (12) â�?��?? 15:16 (27th place)

Kelly McCurdy (11) â�?��?? 15:20 (32nd place)

Caren Charles (12) â�?��?? 15:51 (64th place)

Kristen Schultz (11) â�?��?? 15:57 (68th place)

Allie Baumer (12) â�?��?? 16:18 (96th place)

2007 Outlook:

Carmel returns a good portion of last yearâ�?��?�s podium team, including the McCurdy sisters, who both finished in the top 25 at Terre Haute. With Lauren Waterman (13th in â�?��?�05), the Greyhounds have three All-Staters on their roster this season. Depth cost the â�?��?Hounds a chance to move further up the podium last year, and even that should be improved this year. Kristen Schultz and Lindsay Brown, who did not run at the semistate, should help Carmelâ�?��?�s chances.

#7 DeKalb Barons

New Haven Semistate #2

2006 Results:

West Noble Sectional: 1st place (22 points)

Elkhart Central Regional: 2nd place (60 points)

New Haven Semistate: 4th place (106 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 10th place (257 points)

Returning Runners (based on results from the New Haven Semistate):

Autumn Beachy (10) â�?��?? 15:28 (18th place)

Rachel Hissong (11) â�?��?? 15:32 (20th place)

Emily Iddins (11) â�?��?? 15:35 (21st place)

Emma Weiler (12) â�?��?? 16:30 (64th place)

Chelsea Miller (11) â�?��?? 17:23 (117th place)

Brittany Hanes (11) â�?��?? 18:06 (136th place)

2007 Outlook:

DeKalb brings back a tough top three, all of whom have the potential to finish in the first 15 at the semistate. After that, the Barons have a tough team that should repeat last yearâ�?��?�s Top 10 state meet performance. However, the depth needs to improve if DeKalb is to end up on the medal stand. Autumn Beachy, who has been performing well in summer races, is primed for a breakout season. DeKalb will face the areaâ�?��?�s best competition all year long against Carroll (Fort Wayne).

#8 Indianapolis Chatard Trojans

Franklin Central Semistate #5

Brebeuf Regional #4

2006 Results:

Brebeuf Sectional: 2nd place (39 points)

Brebeuf Regional: 1st place (54 points)

Franklin Central Semistate: 4th place (130 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 7th place (202 points)

Returning Runners (based on results from the Franklin Central Semistate):

Carly Sobolewski (11) â�?��?? 15:06 (17th place)

Lindsey Laconi (12) â�?��?? 15:20 (31st place)

Angela Nebesny (11) â�?��?? 15:38 (49th place)

Christine Kirby (10) â�?��?? 15:39 (51st place)

Katie Rudolph (12) â�?��?? 16:14 (88th place)

2007 Outlook:

After finishing sixth and eighth at the previous two semistates, Chatard broke through last year to the state finals. The Trojans also qualified for the state meet in the 4×800 relay and earned All-State honors with their sixth-place finish in that event. With the majority of that team back from last yearâ�?��?�s seventh-place cross country team, the Trojans could be on the podium if all goes well. Junior Carly Sobolewski is a potential All-Stater, and the rest of her teammates could contribute enough to receive medals. By the same token, one slip and Chatard could be done at the regional level. Such is life in Central Indiana.

#9 Franklin Central Flashes

Franklin Central Semistate #6

2006 Results:

Ben Davis Sectional: 1st place (31 points)

Franklin Central Regional: 2nd place (68 points)

Franklin Central Semistate: 8th place (187 points)

Returning Runners (based on results from the Franklin Central Semistate):

Karleen Ritchie (11) â�?��?? 15:22 (32nd place)

Allison Blanck (11) â�?��?? 15:33 (42nd place)

Christine Talhelm (12) â�?��?? 15:35 (45th place)

Casey Ross (9) â�?��?? 15:35 (46th place)

Danielle Dunlap (10) â�?��?? 15:54 (64th place)

Brianna McKenney (10) â�?��?? 16:09 (81st place)

2007 Outlook:

Franklin Central figures to be in the mix at its own semistate. The Flashes return six of seven from last yearâ�?��?�s semistate team that was eighth, 54 points back from fifth but just 10 back from the sixth-place spot that will advance this year. Without a true frontrunner, FC will need to rely on team tactics to succeed this year. After a great spring at 800 meters, it will be interesting to see how senior Christine Talhelm progresses.

#10 Culver Academies Eagles

New Prairie Semistate #2

2006 Results:

Logansport Sectional: 1st place (48 points)

Culver Academies Regional: 2nd place (81 points)

New Prairie Semistate: 5th place (181 points)

IHSAA State Finals: 14th place (336 points)

Returning Runners (based on results from the New Prairie Semistate):

Alex Banfich (12) â�?��?? 14:26 (1st place)

Kiley Trennepohl (12) â�?��?? 15:35 (14th place)

Mary Peter (11) â�?��?? 16:11 (40th place)

Elise Hoover (12) â�?��?? 16:56 (90th place)

2007 Outlook:

A year removed from last yearâ�?��?�s injury-plagued season, Culver brings back four from its state finals team. The Eagles will also be boosted by the return of sophomore Willow Smith, who ran 16:05 and finished just 12 seconds behind Kiley Trennepohl at the Culver Invite. With two-time defending state champion Alex Banfich, Culver will have the benefit of scoring virtually four runners in every meet. With good senior leadership and better health, donâ�?��?�t be surprised if the Eagles make a run for the podium in October.

The archives:

Click here for Nos. 11-15!

Click here for Nos. 16-20!

Click here for Nos. 21-25!

Click here for Nos. 26-30!

Click here for Nos. 31-40!
Click here for Nos. 41-50!

So what do you think? Share your thoughts on our Girls Cross Country message board.