Yes. American Fork will be the favorite to win state and nationals this year, but they are NOT unbeatable. There is a difference between “the favorite” and “unbeatable”. Nothing is ever guaranteed in this sport. Especially this year. American Fork this year isn’t like the 2021 or 2022 Newbury park teams. There are many teams in this country that can win NXN this year
Yes. American Fork will be the favorite to win state and nationals this year, but they are NOT unbeatable. There is a difference between “the favorite” and “unbeatable”. Nothing is ever guaranteed in this sport. Especially this year. American Fork this year isn’t like the 2021 or 2022 Newbury park teams. There are many teams in this country that can win NXN this year
I guess I should clarify. When I say AF is untouchable, I am only speaking from a state of Utah standpoint. This thread started as an in-state ranking prediction, which is what I'm speaking to. I am not suggesting that they are the same type of favorite to win NXN or on a national level.
Unless Lone Peak, Herriman, or Riverton have runners come out of nowhere, or unforeseen issues derail AF, they will not be beat. Obviously this is only my opinion and prediction, but I am "retarded," so take it for what it's worth.
I would also like to know how the genius hehaw figures there is a "MASSIVE GAP" between Lone Peak/Riverton and Herriman. Lone Peak and Riverton both beat Herriman at state last year. Herriman lost 4 of their top 5 guys, and LP and Riverton only lost 2 each of theirs. Herriman may turn out to be better than LP and Riverton when the races are run, but to suggest that their is a MASSIVE GAP is just wishful thinking.
You may want to look at the track distance races from state. Herriman improved a lot from XC to track and I think the projection is they will continue to. They are loaded and will challenge for the NXN title which seems to be pretty normal for Soles teams. I personally think they will be number one from the NXR region but AF is legit. There is a big gap behind those 2 teams though.
It’s also worth noting that Herriman’s #1 returner from track, who ran a 9:14 3200 (Steadman), did not race at NXN. So they return him and 3 guys that did race at NXN.
They also got a transfer from NJ Noah Manwaring. He is an incoming junior who ran a 9:28 3200 last spring. So this added more depth to the team
Very solid arguments and observations by Talon-Ted and Ciel about why Herriman is the likely frontrunner ahead of LP and Riverton. (Not sure it tops the "you're retarded" argument by hehaw though) No doubt Soles will get the most out of that team, and Herriman will be tough. It's an interesting discussion to predict the future, and it will be even more interesting to see it play out.
Don’t count out MV. At the Provo July 4th 10k they had a guy who didn’t make there top 7 last year run 34:05. Kyle Steadman is the real deal, ran 31:30. They bring back 2 others who ran for them at NXN. if they get a 5th (more then likely Calvin Whaley [35:07 10k]) they have a real shot to complete a state title 3-peat
Don’t count out MV. At the Provo July 4th 10k they had a guy who didn’t make there top 7 last year run 34:05. Kyle Steadman is the real deal, ran 31:30. They bring back 2 others who ran for them at NXN. if they get a 5th (more then likely Calvin Whaley [35:07 10k]) they have a real shot to complete a state title 3-peat
Yeah Mountain View will be good again. They did lose 4 varsity guys but they return these 3200 times: Steadman - 11 - 9:26 Sohler - 11 - 9:42 Larson - 11 - 10:03 Wright - 12 - 10:07 Whaley - 12 - 10:14 Peterson - 10 - 4:46 1600 Bucy - 12 - 4:47 1600 Mendenhall - 12 - 4:49 1600 McAllister - 10 - 5:08 1600 The juniors here raced at NXN last year. So they have a good set up for 2024 as well.
Here are the top nonseniors that Herriman will have this season: Manwaring (9:28 3200, NJ transfer) Tang 1 - 9:45 3200 Ogomo - 9:48 3200 / 4:25 1600 in 2021 Tang 2 - 9:48 3200 M Steadman - 10:15 3200 So it looks like Herriman will be really good for years to come
They are, incredibly dumb for XC. Timpanogos, Orem and Mountain View getting moved down despite having some of the best 5a teams. Currently projected to go 1-2-3 for both genders
They are, incredibly dumb for XC. Timpanogos, Orem and Mountain View getting moved down despite having some of the best 5a teams. Currently projected to go 1-2-3 for both genders
2023 ILXCTF.com Sub 5/ Sub 6 Challenge - FINAL LISTS - Boys 3200m National By Michael Newman subfivechallenge@gmail.com Thank you to the coaches that have contacted me about the Sub 5 / Sub 6 Challenge program. It is greatly...
Utah girls teams on TullyRunners Lone Peak - 3 American Fork - 16 3 CO girls teams in the top 7, so it will be hard for American Fork girls team to make NXN from this region
