Ringert had some issues during cross that he has figured out, he was bonking the last 400m in XC races and losing 10-20 seconds at the end of districts and state XC, great seeing him back to his normal self.
As for sub 9 next year….
Heemeyer has broke 9 so yes on him
yes for Ringert, Cervi, and Lucas
Athay hopefully!
Kemper no, once you go mid distance you never come back
Johnston yes if he gets to a big invite
Heemeyer has done it and had sub 9 fitness in cross. Probably a lock as long as he gets in the right race.l with good weather.
Athay had sub 9 fitness in 2021 cross. Probably also a lock if he can get back to full strength and in the right race. It might not happen until summer 2024 national meets because winter training in SE Idaho is a disaster with meaningful outdoor running all but impossible until March.
I think that Kemper could do it if he ditches 800 training and focuses on the 3200. Seem like that wouldn’t best use his talents so probably won’t happen. I more expect some great 800 and 1600 times.
Ringert, Cervi, and Lucas - I’d be surprised if at least one doesn’t get it at Arcadia or some Oregon meet.
Probably a worthwhile story line to follow is that Eagle has had a change of coaching since last fall for the distance kids. The coach that is there now was coached by Pat McCurry, who is now the coach of Marisa Howard, one of the Rocky Mountain coaches and wife to Jeff Howard, the head coach. If there isn't already, there will probably be quite a bit of overlap between the two programs now between coaching style and training. It's been pointed out on other threads that Eagle's program has been traditionally strong, and lately has had less and less kids, resulting in less than 35 kids on the roster this last fall. Hopefully that will be trending a different direction with a changing of the guard.
Wyatt Carr is still faster. His 3000 from indoor converts to a 9:55. Right now, CDA has 5 guys in front of Rocky's #3 and 4 in front of Boise's #3. Centennial doesn't have a mark for Bryson Blaser, but does have 1:54/4:16, 1:59/4:23, 4:30/9:55, 4:37/9:54, 4:49/9:54, 4:38/10:17 returning as well.
It looks like its CDA, a pretty good sized gap, and then Centennial, Rocky, and Boise are all kind of in the same tier. Maybe Timberline if they make a jump over the offseason.
Maybe we will see both Rietze and Carr and maybe Rohlinger close the gap on CDA’s 4th so that they have people to back the scorers up in case someone has an off day. That would be helpful.
5. Idaho Falls (if Athay is back, slide ‘em down if he isn’t.)
6. Timberline
Girls:
1. Boise
2. Rocky
3. Mountain View
4. Preston
5. Timberline
6. ??
IF is back in 4a. Athay will be back and if everyone stays healthy and has a good summer don’t be surprised if they push for top 5 at NXR. The battle in 4a is against BK, who also looks to be very good and somehow doesn’t get mentioned often enough in these discussions.
I believe the NW Meet Director attempts to take the best 22 teams and 45 individuals to mimic the NXN field size. Idaho historically hasn’t had more than 4 teams that belong in the championship race. This fall could be different which would be cool for Idaho!
I believe the NW Meet Director attempts to take the best 22 teams and 45 individuals to mimic the NXN field size. Idaho historically hasn’t had more than 4 teams that belong in the championship race. This fall could be different which would be cool for Idaho!
The top 4 5A teams should get in, and possibly the 5th if either Eagle or MV can develop depth. I would think BK and IF (with Athay) should get in as well.
The top 4 are really, really good. Rocky has had a lot of success over the last decade, so I think it’s hard for people to pick against them or to acknowledge that it’s totally possible they could be 4th at the state meet if they have even a slightly off day. Centennial is very legit. 1:54/4:15, 1:59/4:23, 4:30/9:55, and two 9:54 freshmen. They also have a 4:55 8th grader coming in and a 10:13 sophomore. Boise has Kemper and Helder, both potential top 5 guys and 4:31/9:54, 4:33/9:32 and 10:03 guys. Rocky could also totally win it if they hit on all cylinders and CDA has one guy have a bad day.
Boise could also just not trophy. They are thin enough that if they have a guy stink it up they could finish 5th.