My write-up on the state championships that happened this week - Kansas, Iowa, North Dakota, Wisconsin. (Other States are available in nxn thread).
Kansas State Championships
Boys- Wichita Trinity
Academy encountered a setback in their quest for victory, as they
struggled to secure a dependable 5th runner to complement their
formidable core. It's unfortunate, as their first four runners displayed
impressive skills and determination. However, the fifth runner's
performance fell short, with a speed rating of just 138, highlighting a
missed opportunity for the team. Despite this, there were shining
moments within the Kansas running community, including the triumphant
performance of Shively, who clinched the 3A state title alongside a
teammate, both finishing with an outstanding 177-177 speed rating.
The
true standout of the day, though, was Blue Valley Southwest, showcasing
the most remarkable team performance among Kansas teams. Their
collective effort resulted in an impressive average speed rating of 168.4,
setting a high standard for excellence. Meanwhile, individual
accomplishments added to the excitement, with Micah Blomker securing the
6A title with an impressive 187 speed rating and Jackson Esquibel
claiming the 3A title with a remarkable 182 speed rating. These
exceptional performances underscore the depth of talent and the
competitive spirit in Kansas cross country.
Girls- Olathe
West stole the spotlight with an astounding team performance that left
spectators in awe. The Kansas team's collective effort led to an
impressive average speed rating of 116, signaling their
exceptional prowess on the cross country course. However, it was Anjali
Hocker Singh from Olathe North who truly set the course ablaze, boasting
an extraordinary speed rating of 144. Not to be outdone, Katelyn Rupe
showcased her remarkable talent with a commendable 142 speed rating.
These standout performances by Anjali Hocker Singh and Katelyn Rupe
undeniably establish them as two of the most prominent runners to keep a
close eye on in the heartland region.
Kansas has undeniably become a
fertile ground for producing swift and exceptional individual runners,
with a growing reputation for nurturing remarkable talent in the sport
of cross country.
Iowa State Championships
Boys - Dowling Catholic's remarkable performance earned them the 4A state title with an impressive team average of 172.6,
positioning them as strong contenders for the coveted 2nd automatic
qualifier spot in the heartland region. Nevertheless, the competition in
the region is fierce, as Cedar Falls finished a mere 12 points behind
Dowling Catholic, displaying their prowess with an identical average
speed rating of 172.6. Iowa is indeed home to two formidable
teams this year, promising an exciting season of cross-country
racing.
The individual battle unfolded among the talented trio of Ethan
Zuber, Jaden Merrick, and Natnael Kifle. These runners have frequently
engaged in thrilling head-to-head contests, with Zuber consistently
emerging as the victor. Zuber continued his winning streak, securing the
state title with an impressive 187 speed rating, narrowly outpacing
Jaden, who posted a strong 186 rating. Natnael Kifle, known for his
remarkable 15:05 performance at the Heartland Regionals last year,
achieved a noteworthy 181 speed rating, further intensifying the
competition.
Zuber's reputation for tactical racing adds an intriguing
layer to the competition, particularly in comparison to Jackson
Heidesch, one of the nation's fastest runners, who ran an astonishing
14:56 on this course last year. Zuber's performance of 15:07 this year
underscores the fierce competition and pursuit of excellence in the
heartland region.
Girls - Johnson secured the coveted
girl's 4A team title, demonstrating their collective strength with an
impressive average speed rating of 113.8. In a highly competitive
individual race, Addison Dorenkamp emerged victorious, earning the
girl's individual title with a notable speed rating of 136, while Olivia
Verde displayed a strong performance by finishing in second place with a
commendable 133 speed rating. Notably, the 4A girls state race in Iowa
witnessed an astonishing 13 runners achieving speed ratings above 124,
highlighting the exceptional depth of talent in this division.
In the 3A
category, Pella clinched the girl's team championship, showcasing their
prowess as a collective force. Additionally, Hillary Trainor secured
the 2A state title with a notable 127 speed rating. However, when
examining regional rankings, it may appear that the heartland region's
girls have fewer standout individual and team runners, suggesting room
for potential growth and development in the competitive landscape.
Wisconsin State Championships
Boys- Stevens Point's boys' team delivered a staggering performance, with an exceptionally high speed rating averaging 178.2 at their state championship course. The competition was fierce, with Hudson trailing in second place at 170.2,
though Stevens Point's victory was both decisive and widely
anticipated, cementing their status as the top team in the
heartland.
The individual showdown took center stage, featuring a
thrilling battle among three exceptional runners: Aloysius Franzen,
Manny Putz, and Grady Lenn. Among them, Grady Lenn has garnered
recognition as one of the swiftest sophomores nationwide. In a contest
of age and experience, junior Manny Putz emerged triumphant, displaying
his prowess with an impressive 191 speed rating, narrowly outpacing
senior Aloysius Franzen, who secured a commendable 190 speed rating.
Meanwhile, Grady Lenn left a remarkable mark by posting the fastest
sophomore speed rating to date, an outstanding 187, underscoring his
potential and making his performance one for the record books.
Girls- Slinger emerged as the standout girls' team in Wisconsin, showcasing their exceptional abilities by averaging a commendable 107.8
speed rating to secure the division 1 state title. A riveting
competition unfolded between Ella Anschutz and Olivia Chellevold for the
division 1 state title, with Ella delivering an impressive performance,
achieving a noteworthy 134 speed rating, while Olivia trailed closely
behind with a strong performance at 129. The rivalry between these two
athletes added a thrilling dimension to the event, keeping spectators on
the edge of their seats.
In the division 2 category, Nora Gremban made a
significant mark by capturing the state title with a stellar 138 speed
rating, outshining her competition, including Abigail Sadler, who posted
a commendable 131 rating. Nora's outstanding achievement highlighted
the depth of talent in the division 2 race, making it a memorable
competition.
North Dakota
Bismark is the best team in North Dakota. The boys team averaged a 168.4 speed rating.