Note: The Vedette reached out to coaches at all area schools. These previews are based on their responses.
Boys cross country
Manteno
The Panthers will have a new look with just three runners back from last season: Ethan Tudor, Max Marshall and Spencer Michalesko. Some newcomers expected to make an impact are senior Nick Iwanus and freshmen Noah Nevel, Lucas Skrobot Kolton Kramerich, Dylan Hoots and Declan Matys. Qualifying for the sectional as a team is a goal.
Girls cross country
Manteno
The Panthers have big dreams again after winning the Illinois Central Eight and finishing 22nd in Class 1A last fall. Juniors Klarke Goranson and Lydia Nevel are back to lead the way after finishing 12th and 42nd at state in 2025. Goranson also was all-state in two events in track in the spring. Sophomore DeLanie Monroe and senior Olivia Zwirkowski also were on the state team last fall. Others expected to contribute this fall are sophomore Riley Powell, junior Sawyer Maveety and freshman Kylie Stanley.
Boys golf
Manteno
Senior all-conference returner Landon Bukowski leads the Panthers. Other experienced golfers include senior Carson Russert and juniors Liam Jedlicka, Kyle Hupe and Peyton Swinford. Competing in the ICE and improving on last year’s dual record are goals.
Girls golf
Manteno
The Panthers are coming off a breakthrough season that included conference and regional titles. Goals include repeating as Illinois Central Eight champ, compete for another regional crown and set the program record for dual-meet wins. All-conference performers back are juniors Ginny Kvasnicka and Ava Fundukian along with sophomore Olivia Bukowski.
Boys soccer
Beecher
Sebastian Salazar takes over as the Bobcats coach and will build around senior center back and captain Axel Avil. Other players to watch include sophomore defensive midfielder Mikey Zaher and freshman center attacking midfielder Vince Kelly.
Grant Park
One of the area’s more inspirational athletes is Dragons senior Luis Maldonado, who is back on the pitch after battling stomach cancer for almost two years. Also keep an eye on seniors Ian Hamann, Aiden Overbeek and Sam Cordes along with sophomore Dirk VanDrunen. Cordes is a returning all-conference selection. Being competitive in the River Valley is a goal.
Peotone
Hopes are high for the Blue Devils with nine starters back from a team that went 16-6-1 last year. Conference and regional titles are goals. Among the top veterans are senior goalkeeper Tristan Drabik (12 shutouts, 6.4 saves per game), a two-time all-conference and all-sectional pick; senior forward Santino Petrizzi (20 goals, eight assists), a returning all-conference and all-sectional pick; and sophomore Patryk Krupa (10 goals, 13 assists), another returning all-conference selection.
Girls volleyball
Crete-Monee
All-conference setter/opposite hitter Sophie Wieczorek returns after ranking among the top 20 in the state in aces. A junior, she recently was included on the AVCA phenom watch list. Junior outside Lucy Joyce, who led the Warriors in kills last season, is another returning all-conference player. Goals including winning Southland and regional titles.