2023 - 2024
Head Coach: Matthew Haffner
IHSA State Finalist
1983 (10th Place), 1984, 1987 (6th Place), 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
2008 (18th Place), 2016 (19th Place)
2019 (5th Place), 2020 Qualified (No Finals)
2021 (15th Place), 2022 (5th Place)
2023 (3rd Place)
IHSA Sectional Champions
1987, 1989, 2023
IHSA Regional Champions
1981, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1988, 1989, 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2022, 2023
Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Champions
1981, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1989, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2023
IntroductionCross Country is an endurance sport that incorporates both team and individual components. Saint Ignatius has a modified no-cut policy with respect to this program. This policy allows new student-athletes the opportunity to learn the sport at their own rate. Returnees of all skill levels are expected be in shape when the season starts so they can handle the training volume of the varsity team. To remain on the team, all student-athletes must commit to all of the meets and practices on the schedule.
Matt Haffner has been the Saint Ignatius College Prep Girls Cross Country Head Coach since 2007. In that time, the team has won seven GCAC titles, seven regional titles and it’s qualified for the State Finals six times. During the past four seasons, the Wolfpack finished fifth, twice.
Prior to his work at Saint Ignatius, Coach Haffner earned Level II Certification through USA Track and Field. After running collegiately at Northwestern University, he coached at the NAIA and NCAA Division III level.
When he’s not guiding his runners, Coach Haffner teaches computer science and is the assistant registrar.
Team Motto: Doing little things correctly can lead to big things.