by Mike Newman

5 – Richmond-Burton

Coach – Ryan Carlson

2015 Finish – 13^th, 2A Woodstock North Sectional

Top Runners – Breanne Retherford SR, Amy Frisch JR, Emma Langlois SR, Gabby Ross SR, Kelsey Christansen JR, Mikayla DeCarlo SR, Maggie Piecz SR, Morgan DeGroot SO, Nova Sweeney SO, Jessica Blaschak SR.

Preview – Do not be fooled by how the way Richmond-Burton finished last season finishing 13^th in what was the toughest 2A sectional in the state. This school moves into 1A this season becoming one of the biggest schools in 1A instead of being the smallest in 2A. Six of their top seven return from last year’s top seven led by Breanne Retherford. The senior, who won the Big Northern Conference title last fall, finished 46th in 2A state 2 years ago but did not qualify last year. It would not surprise me if she finishes among the top 25. Their top four is strong with Amy Frisch, Emma Langlois, and Gabby Ross with the ability to stay within a minute of Retherford. The key will be getting their fifth runner to within 90 seconds of the front. This team could make a visit to Peoria in November but only if the 2-5 pack stays within 40 seconds of each other.

Read more: DyeStatIL.com - News - 2016 DyeStat Illinois XC Season Previews - 1A Girls Teams