And with a 12+ minute 3200M last year, after putting down a high 9, indicates either a change in regimen and distance adaptation or an injury. Either places Englehart as not in NXN winner contention.
For the record that 12 minute 32 was because she was pacing a teammate not because she was injured. But I certainly agree her focus last year was in the 800 to mile range almost certainly because the goal of her training was to make the Olympic trials in the 1500. and speed work to help her finish was the focus over endurance work. and it sure seemed to pay off.
doesnt mean she wont be a force to be reckoned with in cross country though, especially at the fast surface CA meets. well see if she has something to prove at NXN or if she is content to go back to Footlocker. I feel like the competitor in her will want to take on the challenge of getting an NXN title before she graduates but she would likely need ideal conditions to pull it off. and even then beating a wiser better pacing Leachman and an actually healthy Hendegren would be an enormous task.
Engelhardt very much a national xc contender. Just running 800 and 1500 in track does not suddenly make you slow in xc.
Past 2 national xc meets, Sadie was recovering from injury '22, and not very happy in the cold rainy mud pit '23.
Assuming she is healthy, she's not a favorite, but for surè a contender in '24.
There will be two at-large teams from the Southwest and possibly two from California. If not two from California, then one from California and one from the Midwest
With JSerra moved up to #7 because a missing runner was added, 5 CA teams in the top 8. And 3 SW teams in the top 5 (4 in the top 10). Not it would be less surprising if 2 at-larges come from the Southwest and 2 from California.
There will be two at-large teams from the Southwest and possibly two from California. If not two from California, then one from California and one from the Midwest
With JSerra moved up to #7 because a missing runner was added, 5 CA teams in the top 8. And 3 SW teams in the top 5 (4 in the top 10). Not it would be less surprising if 2 at-larges come from the Southwest and 2 from California.
There will be two at-large teams from the Southwest and possibly two from California. If not two from California, then one from California and one from the Midwest
With JSerra moved up to #7 because a missing runner was added, 5 CA teams in the top 8. And 3 SW teams in the top 5 (4 in the top 10). Not it would be less surprising if 2 at-larges come from the Southwest and 2 from California.
Word is, JSerra got yet ANOTHER transfer, in the form of Dana Hills' #1 runner, Annie Ivarsson. She's a good one to help replace Summer Wilson. This battle for the NXN invites in CA is going to be insane - with Ventura, Trabuco, and J Serra all getting better via transfers.
I haven't heard anything on transfers to the other top 2 teams at Buchanan or Santiago, but both of those teams have a lot of younger girls (emerging Soph & Juniors), so they will likely see big improvements this year. Somebody with a video camera needs to follow this story of these 5 teams all year!
With JSerra moved up to #7 because a missing runner was added, 5 CA teams in the top 8. And 3 SW teams in the top 5 (4 in the top 10). Not it would be less surprising if 2 at-larges come from the Southwest and 2 from California.
Word is, JSerra got yet ANOTHER transfer, in the form of Dana Hills' #1 runner, Annie Ivarsson. She's a good one to help replace Summer Wilson. This battle for the NXN invites in CA is going to be insane - with Ventura, Trabuco, and J Serra all getting better via transfers.
I haven't heard anything on transfers to the other top 2 teams at Buchanan or Santiago, but both of those teams have a lot of younger girls (emerging Soph & Juniors), so they will likely see big improvements this year. Somebody with a video camera needs to follow this story of these 5 teams all year!
Word is Vista also is receiving a other runner from out of state.
Word is Vista also is receiving a other runner from out of state.
A great program gets even better. Their 'B' team is probably going to be one of the top 20 in the country, like the old Great Oak days.
We're seeing lots of anger about transfers lately - mostly on social media posts from self-righteous pundits and private coaches who elevate themselves by throwing shade at High School coaches. Truth is, every kid deserves to pursue the best training opportunities. Critics act like these kids are just chasing a championship, but that's just the bonus for them going to programs that will have like-minded, dedicated athletes and superior coaching. If your current coach isn't right for you, find a way to surround yourself with better people. It's YOUR future, and it shouldn't be limited. I congratulate those who have the ambition to make the change, and move away from their friends to pursue bigger goals.
We're seeing lots of anger about transfers lately - mostly on social media posts from self-righteous pundits and private coaches who elevate themselves by throwing shade at High School coaches. Truth is, every kid deserves to pursue the best training opportunities. Critics act like these kids are just chasing a championship, but that's just the bonus for them going to programs that will have like-minded, dedicated athletes and superior coaching. If your current coach isn't right for you, find a way to surround yourself with better people. It's YOUR future, and it shouldn't be limited. I congratulate those who have the ambition to make the change, and move away from their friends to pursue bigger goals.
I agree that athletes deserves the best training opportunities and have the right to find a program with like-minded, dedicated teammates and coaching. But there are implications that this increasing trend has for how we recognize the best teams in the nations. As a high school coach, it seems that varying state association policies and school district rules create an uneven playing field. In some states, transferring for athletic purposes is relatively straightforward, while in others, strict zoning regulations and transfer policies limit athletes options. So I am just not sure all teams are competing on an equal footing, particularly at the national level. It's not just about private versus high school coaches or self-righteous pundits. It's about fairness and the integrity of competition. Teams that win NXN are unquestionably talented and well-coached, but the differences in transfer policies can sometimes mean that the best teams aren't necessarily those with the most naturally developed talent, but those with the most freedom to assemble their rosters. Maybe I am a bit self-righteous but personally I am holding back my enthusiasm for these type of teams and cheering for the teams getting it done the more traditional way even if they aren't at the top of the podium.
Great post, solid points. I completely agree with you. Allow transfers, but it would be more equitable if the rules across all states were similar. The self-righteous pundits that I refer to seem to only attack the great coaches who built solid programs that draw the talent to them. It's easy to use math to see which coaches get the most improvement out of their athletes over the years. I haven't done that math, but I'm confident that the top coaches who drive results are also the coaches who are blessed with talent that transfers in. Win - Win. Those coaches should be celebrated, as long as they're not out recruiting kids from other schools, which I don't think is a problem at all. Kids talk to one another and complain about their coaches, then hear from other athletes how great their coach is, and they want that for themselves. Can't blame them.
2024 ILXCTF.com Sub 5/ Sub 6 Challenge - FINAL LISTS - Girls 1600m National By Michael Newmansubfivechallenge@gmail.com Thank you to the coaches that have contacted me about the Sub 5 / Sub 6 Challenge program. It is greatly...
2024 ILXCTF.com Sub 5/ Sub 6 Challenge - FINAL LISTS - Girls 3200m National By Michael Newmansubfivechallenge@gmail.com Thank you to the coaches that have contacted me about the Sub 5 / Sub 6 Challenge program. It is greatly...
had to do a double take before realizing the winner was a younger Buckley. out of the gate fast like her sister when she was her age. and Ive heard theres more where that came from. and good to see Lomeli healthy after last season.
had to do a double take before realizing the winner was a younger Buckley. out of the gate fast like her sister when she was her age. and Ive heard theres more where that came from. and good to see Lomeli healthy after last season.
Impressive. What will be more impressive is if she can progress for four years. It seems like that program is not known for juniors and seniors that can run at the level they did as underclassmen. The slow down is real. But it will be exciting to see.
had to do a double take before realizing the winner was a younger Buckley. out of the gate fast like her sister when she was her age. and Ive heard theres more where that came from. and good to see Lomeli healthy after last season.
Impressive. What will be more impressive is if she can progress for four years. It seems like that program is not known for juniors and seniors that can run at the level they did as underclassmen. The slow down is real. But it will be exciting to see.
She won the middle school race in the same meet in 2022 & 2023. She also has a 6th grade and a 7th grade sister who placed high in this middle school race yesterday
