York’s Cross Country Team Aims for Second State Title in 2024

The York girls cross country team is setting its sights on clinching a second state title as the 2024 season unfolds. After a narrow defeat at the Class 3A state meet last year, the Dukes finished just one point behind champion Barrington, earning a remarkable second place with a total of 131 points. The team’s motto, LEO—Love Each Other—reflects the strong camaraderie that has propelled the Dukes to four consecutive top-two finishes at state competitions.

York’s senior, Sophia Galiano-Sanchez, who finished 17th at the previous state meet, expressed confidence in the team’s unity. “The team energy we had all kind of motivated each other. It was just a great way to end off the season,” she stated. The Dukes aim not only to replicate their success from 2024 but to surpass it.

The team boasts two standout runners returning from last season: sophomore Karlin Janowski, who achieved a remarkable second place finish with a time of 16:30.6 for 3.0 miles, and Galiano-Sanchez. They are joined by seniors Maggie Quinn and Lila Stanley, both of whom have previously shown strong performances at the state level. The addition of senior transfer Molly McGreal, a former two-time 2A all-stater from Trinity, adds depth to an already competitive squad.

Returning Champions and New Talent

The Dukes have been recognized in preseason rankings, featuring prominently alongside strong competitors such as Barrington and the 2024 2A state champion, St. Ignatius. Coach Lauren D’Angelis noted the team’s motivation, highlighting the chemistry that has developed with McGreal’s arrival. “There’s a lot of girls going for that No. 7 spot,” she said, indicating the competitive spirit within the team.

Last season, four returning runners set personal bests at the state meet, reinforcing their potential for the upcoming season. McGreal also broke her school record with an 18th place finish and a time of 17:35.69. Galiano-Sanchez and Quinn contributed significantly to York’s state title victory in 2023, with Quinn reflecting, “State is really the only meet that matters.”

With the memories of coming so close to the championship still fresh, Stanley remarked, “Looking back at that now, it definitely drives us to come to state and be able to do better things.” The Dukes are not just focused on state glory but also have aspirations for the Nike Cross Nationals.

Competitive Landscape Ahead

The upcoming season sees a competitive landscape as several teams are poised to challenge York’s ambitions. Downers Grove North, which secured one top-10 ranking, features returning all-staters such as senior Lily Eddington. Meanwhile, Glenbard West’s senior Alexa Novak is also among the top competitors returning this season.

York faces a challenging schedule, with teams like Fenwick, which has moved up from 2A to 3A, fielding two-time all-state junior Juliana Gamboa. In 2A, St. Francis returns strong all-state juniors Erin Hinsdale and Elena Mamminga, both of whom are ranked among the top contenders.

While the Dukes prepare for a season filled with anticipation, their focus remains clear: to harness their collective strength and aim for the top. As Galiano-Sanchez noted, the team’s senior leadership has shaped their training approach. “We see the vision and we’re more driven,” she said, a testament to their commitment to excellence as they pursue another state championship.