AT A GLANCE
CONFERENCE WSC Silver
HOME COURSE Greene Valley Forest Preserve, Greene and Hobson, Woodridge
LAST YEAR’S RESULTS Fifth at regionals, 12th at sectionals
COACH Tim McDonald

Top returners
Samantha Fry    so.
Emily Henson    sr.
Anne Correll    sr.
Amanda Fry    sr.
Shannon Gavin    sr.

Key newcomers
Gabriella Effrein    so.
Lisa Lutz        so.
Vlora Osmani    jr.

KEY MEETS
Oct. 2 at Hinsdale Central The Trojans run against the perennial state contending Red Devils
Oct. 11 at West Aurora Invite A talented field of teams to run against two weeks before regionals

OUTLOOK
Samantha Fry comes off a great freshman year both in cross country and later in track distance events. She was the Trojans’ top finisher at regionals (12th) and sectionals (34th) in Downers North’s run to its first cross country sectional appearance since 2004 last year, then qualified for state in the two-mile run last spring.

Fry’s role this fall will be even larger, as the Trojans graduated five of the seven runners from their cross country postseason lineup of a year ago. The only other returnee is Henson, who was typically the No. 3 to 5 finisher in Downers North’s lineup in 2007 and placed 70th at regionals.

Besides Fry, underclassmen who are no strangers to running well under pressure are Effrein and Osmani. Last spring, both qualified for the state track meet as part of relays (with Effrein advancing on two relays as a freshman).

Other newcomers figuring into the mix are juniors Jessica Balagtas, Dana Rotz, Sarah Stelter and Alexandra Wirtas.