News Summary

The Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School cross country team is set for a dynamic new season with Sally Ellis as the head coach. After a successful tenure by Dustin Franckey, the team welcomes new talent, including Brooklyn Stafford and Julio Barradas. With ambitious goals for the season and a strong community backing, athletes look forward to competing in local and state meets, showcasing their skills in preparation for the upcoming challenges.

Paxton Welcomes Fresh Faces to Cross Country Team

The charming little town of Paxton, famous for its strong community spirit and vibrant youth activities, is buzzing with excitement as the Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School cross country team gears up for an exhilarating new season. In mid-July 2025, a significant change took place when the school hired Sally Ellis as the new head coach of the team. With the departure of Dustin Franckey, who had dedicated over a decade to the program, the dynamic of the team is set to shift prominently.

A New Chapter Begins

Franckey’s tenure since 2013 saw numerous achievements, including leading the boys’ team to compete in the IHSA Class 1A state meet in both 2017 and 2018, alongside guiding the girls to join him at state just last fall. As the team transitions to a new era under Ellis’s coaching, the players are optimistic they can thrive under her leadership.

Excitement in the Air

Junior athlete Audrey McCoy shared feelings of enthusiasm about the upcoming season, emphasizing the team’s capability to handle transitions effectively. On the other hand, senior athlete Eli Grohler acknowledged the need to adapt to Ellis’s new coaching strategies, a refreshing yet necessary shift for their progression.

Coach Sally Ellis: A Popular Choice

Ellis isn’t a stranger to the cross country community, having previously coached at the PBL Junior High School in 2024. Her extensive background with various volunteer roles in the program truly makes her an excellent fit for this position. Adding to her credentials, Ellis has a personal connection to long-distance running. She has been a supportive sister to her brothers who competed in the sport and is the proud mother of Evie Ellis, a standout state qualifier in 2016 and 2018.

Building the Program

The dedicated squad is keen to enhance their running program this season, with practice set to kick off right at the start of school. So far, summer running sessions have been a hit, consistently attracting an average of ten participants to the club. The return of three seasoned runners from last year’s state team, namely McCoy, Maddison DeOrnellas, and Ella Strebeck, adds to the team’s strength as they push towards not just local meets but state competitions.

Setting Ambitious Goals

This season, expectations are high. The girls’ team is aiming to revisit the state meet while staying accountable for the summer training they’ve completed. Four major goals have been set, including making the all-Illini Prairie Conference team for the upcoming conference meet scheduled for October 7 in Rantoul.

Racing Ahead

Mark your calendars! The first official competitive meet, the Light It Up Invitational, is slated for 7 p.m. on August 30 in Clinton. Grohler showcased his determination by recently participating in an informal race, finishing with a commendable time of 21:25.64, and hopes to further improve his personal record this season.

New Faces on the Team

This year, the team welcomes fresh talent, including girls’ runner Brooklyn Stafford, and boys’ participants Julio Barradas and Nolan Bunag, both of whom have previously showcased their potential at the state meet during their junior high years. Grohler expresses hope that the boys’ team will make a mark and reach the sectionals this season as they adapt to new strategies under Ellis’s guidance.

Community Support is Key

The community can expect a thrilling season ahead, with growth and camaraderie at its core. As the new coach settles in and the runners lace up their shoes, keep an eye on how the PBL Panthers tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in cross country. Together they stride into a promising season filled with potential and athletic prowess!

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