My top 5 Presason Rankings
1. Cortland: Even tho C-state loses Henry and Nally they are still very deep. Iv heard rumors that Stermer is out as well due to grades. Even with those three gone they still have Seth (3 trips to nationals), Justin (had a rough indoor and outdoor season but still put down some good times), Jerry (ran well during cross but not as good as expected in track), Travis (not sure how he did during track), KOB (great showing at nationals in the stpl), and Scrafford returning from their regional and national team. Adding in their one recruit (not sure his name) who is supposedly very low 15s in the 5k should make a very strong top 7.
2. Geneseo: The Blue Knights only loss is Brett Dolan who was their number 2 guy at Regionals (didn’t run at nationals, anyone know why?) However there are rumors that Tom Rubens is done running for them also because he doesn’t find it fun anymore running for the Blue Knights. Even with those two gone they still return their top runner at the end of the year Chichester, both Jesse and Lee, Streb (won indoor and outdoor SUNYACs in the mile and 15), Henchen, and O’conner (will he stay healthy) from their regional and national team. Other that will help are Lee gabler, Bill Juda, and Will Haskel who all had very good outdoor seasons. Not sure about their recruits but Woods always manages to get some talented runners. With a team this deep they might challenge Cortland for the top spot.
3. SLU: The saints return 6 of their top 6. They only lose their 7th man in Burnham. Even tho the saints had a bit of a rough track season they still return some very strong runners in Ramsy (injuries slowed him down in track but still put some good times down), Fox, Kip, Malcomb, Beaudette and Millard. Other runners they have to fill out spots are Mwenda, Mike Fox, and Seth Jackson. The Saints look very talented and very deep. These top 3 teams separate themselves from the rest of region.
4. Plattsburgh: Even tho rumors are flying around that Jackson is done due to grades and Alison is just not running for some reason the Cardinals still look to be strong. Led by Heymann who had outstanding xc, indoor, and outdoor seasons. Further back is Sico (had a good cross season, All-Region), Grim (ran a 2:45 marathon just after track, and Lomax (who came on strong at the end of xc). Others that will help out the Cardinals are Seth Yernye (Poor showing during cross but ran well in track, Won ECAC 5k), also rumors of transfer who runs low 26s. Lynch has proven time and time again that he can take average runners and turn them into superstars.
5. NYU: Losing Jesse gives them a big hit up front and losing Hess hurts them as well. They are still followed up by some strong runners such as Maher, Schwelm, Lee, and Turlip. Im not sure how any of them did during the track season but they look to have a strong top 4 and fall off a little at 5. They probably have some good recruits coming in but I think it will be close between Plattsburgh and NYU for the 4 and 5 spots.
Other teams to watch:
RIT: Miller and Brindak took the top 2 spots in the 10k at ECACs. With rumors flying around saying they have some 5th year SRs. Coming back, look for them to challenge for the 4 and 5 spot.
Fredonia: They have a good top 2 in Williams and Novara but then fall off after that. If they can get some of their runners up there a little more it should be interesting for the Blue Devils.
Ithaca and TCNJ look strong as well