Jesuit averaged slower today than they did on the same course 10 weeks ago. If you're looking for trending teams, probably not a great sign.
The A&M course is a strange one. It runs differently each time. Probably due to the long straight ahead start and finishes. If the race gets out too hot, people really blow up there. Also, the terrain changes are all in locations where the runners are isolated. It's challenging.
Jesuit averaged slower today than they did on the same course 10 weeks ago. If you're looking for trending teams, probably not a great sign.
Austin Vandegrift had an off race last year at NXR and got 3rd. But they got in because of other great races, and they proved that they belong at NXN by placing 7th there
I don't think a single dude ran faster than 1 second better than they did last time they raced there, and several ran much worse. Did they peak in mid-season? Can we be sure there aren't better teams?
Right now for the girls, prior to South and California running, I have:
Niwot - SW
American Fork - SW
Pella - Heartland
Penn Charter - NE
Question: What teams have a victory over an auto-qualifier? Pella has a win over Sioux Falls Christian at Griak.
James Robinson VA (Rampage TC) beat Webb (Sparta) and Penn Charter at Great American. James Robinson and Padua Academy tied for 3rd at NXR but James Robinson had a better 6th runner
Why is it that, in these results, Padua Academy (The Creek Club) listed ahead of James Robinson (Rampage TC)? Do they not go by the 6th runner tiebreaker rule?
California boys teams went 11, 15, 17 at NXN last year (and Menlo and Glendora graduated a lot of guys) which makes me wonder if California really deserves an at large on the boys side
These results pretty much killed all the hype in the California thread. Nobody is talking about the state meet and nobody cares anymore. Crazy how 1 bad year can do that for a region that had so much hype in the past.
California boys teams went 11, 15, 17 at NXN last year (and Menlo and Glendora graduated a lot of guys) which makes me wonder if California really deserves an at large on the boys side
These results pretty much killed all the hype in the California thread. Nobody is talking about the state meet and nobody cares anymore. Crazy how 1 bad year can do that for a region that had so much hype in the past.
In 2023 California already started to show signs of a decline. They had 2 teams place in the top 10, but the 3rd team (which was selected by an at large) took 17th. In 2022 California teams did much better than in 2023. And literally all of the top CA boys teams in 2023 were senior-heavy, which made it less surprising that 2024 teams didn’t do so great.
This year (in 2025), Jesuit CA is capable of placing in the top 5 at NXN, not sure where the rest of CA boys teams can place though
I’ve seen all the posts recently of this person impersonating me. All the posts under “rich g” are not my posts. This is my official account . Please don’t instantly believe what you see on this website. Make sure it’s the real person. All in all, good luck to all in the at large selection process.
James Robinson VA (Rampage TC) beat Webb (Sparta) and Penn Charter at Great American. James Robinson and Padua Academy tied for 3rd at NXR but James Robinson had a better 6th runner
Why is it that, in these results, Padua Academy (The Creek Club) listed ahead of James Robinson (Rampage TC)? Do they not go by the 6th runner tiebreaker rule?
I’ve seen all the posts recently of this person impersonating me. All the posts under “rich g” are not my posts. This is my official account . Please don’t instantly believe what you see on this website. Make sure it’s the real person. All in all, good luck to all in the at large selection process.
California cross country deserves strong defense because it offers one of the most competitive, diverse, and demanding running environments in the nation. Runners face everything from desert heat to coastal hills, mountain trails, and high-altitude courses—conditions that build toughness and versatility unmatched by most states. The depth of talent is extraordinary: massive participation, elite club systems, and powerhouse programs create fields where even a mid-pack runner could be a top finisher anywhere else. The state’s championship structure also forces athletes to consistently perform under pressure, advancing through league, section, and state meets that are often more competitive than national races. Far from being “easy,” California cross country is a true proving ground, shaping runners who are resilient, tactical, and battle-tested at every level.
I’ve seen all the posts recently of this person impersonating me. All the posts under “rich g” are not my posts. This is my official account . Please don’t instantly believe what you see on this website. Make sure it’s the real person. All in all, good luck to all in the at large selection process.
Jesuit averaged slower today than they did on the same course 10 weeks ago. If you're looking for trending teams, probably not a great sign.
Did they have a state meet the week before the first meet at College Station? Obviously the two extra days of rest this year helped the Louisiana teams, but it's still not ideal when you compare them to Texas teams that had three weeks to get ready.
Why is it that, in these results, Padua Academy (The Creek Club) listed ahead of James Robinson (Rampage TC)? Do they not go by the 6th runner tiebreaker rule?
California cross country deserves strong defense because it offers one of the most competitive, diverse, and demanding running environments in the nation. Runners face everything from desert heat to coastal hills, mountain trails, and high-altitude courses—conditions that build toughness and versatility unmatched by most states. The depth of talent is extraordinary: massive participation, elite club systems, and powerhouse programs create fields where even a mid-pack runner could be a top finisher anywhere else. The state’s championship structure also forces athletes to consistently perform under pressure, advancing through league, section, and state meets that are often more competitive than national races. Far from being “easy,” California cross country is a true proving ground, shaping runners who are resilient, tactical, and battle-tested at every level.
And thus why they’ve killed it at NXN the last few years, especially their at large teams
California cross country deserves strong defense because it offers one of the most competitive, diverse, and demanding running environments in the nation. Runners face everything from desert heat to coastal hills, mountain trails, and high-altitude courses—conditions that build toughness and versatility unmatched by most states. The depth of talent is extraordinary: massive participation, elite club systems, and powerhouse programs create fields where even a mid-pack runner could be a top finisher anywhere else. The state’s championship structure also forces athletes to consistently perform under pressure, advancing through league, section, and state meets that are often more competitive than national races. Far from being “easy,” California cross country is a true proving ground, shaping runners who are resilient, tactical, and battle-tested at every level.
And thus why they’ve killed it at NXN the last few years, especially their at large teams
Why do so many people always try to pretend to be Rich Gonzalez on here? It's been happening for 3 years now.
I strongly believe mead should receive one. They don’t get enough recognition for their talent. They were one point off and are upward trending unlike other teams. Then I would go two southwest and Jesuit LA.
who do you guys think would get the at large with what we have seen so far, not including CA
Haven't looked at the results too closely yet from the South, but I would say:
Southwest is looking strong for both #3 and 4 getting in.
Midwest #3 is looking strong to me. Even if Meylan's speed ratings aren't favorable for their #5.
Midwest #4, Northwest #3, maybe South #3 and maybe Northeast #3 are probably the main contenders for the last spot. Midwest #4 might have had the best regional performance, but also might have the weakest full resume case.
I don't think New York or the Heartland are getting at-larges, and I'd be pretty surprised if the Southeast does at this point as well. I'm guessing the California #3 team will fit in alongside the Midwest #4, Northwest #3, South #3 and Northeast #3 group. However, due to the nature of the California regional selection it wouldn't be that surprising if the #3 team looks to have had a stronger performance at CA State than others in that group (and maybe even Noblesville as well) did at their regional races.