Dudek pulled out of Brooks PR after losing the state meet to Helen Sachs. Top underclassman today was Rodriguez, then Ritzenhein, Calista Garmer and Sirois.
Dudek still has a faster 3200 PR than Rodriguez, and Dudek has been improving rapidly. Give Dudek another 6 months and she will be in contention for the podium at NXN.
Dudek did not quality to NXN this past year. Many superior freshman, including Elin Latta who placed 23rd at NXN and has a faster 3200 PR than Dudek.
Dudek still has a faster 3200 PR than Rodriguez, and Dudek has been improving rapidly. Give Dudek another 6 months and she will be in contention for the podium at NXN.
Dudek did not quality to NXN this past year. Many superior freshman, including Elin Latta who placed 23rd at NXN and has a faster 3200 PR than Dudek.
Both Dudek and Latta had a 147 speed rating last fall. Dudek just had a more competitive regional.
If Leachman isn't back to being 100% healthy, NXN should be a close race between the top girls, just like it was last year when so many girls were close to finishing in 2nd place, behind Jane Hedengren.
Dudek did not quality to NXN this past year. Many superior freshman, including Elin Latta who placed 23rd at NXN and has a faster 3200 PR than Dudek.
Both Dudek and Latta had a 147 speed rating last fall. Dudek just had a more competitive regional.
If Leachman isn't back to being 100% healthy, NXN should be a close race between the top girls, just like it was last year when so many girls were close to finishing in 2nd place, behind Jane Hedengren.
Looking at the history of the sport, I expect someone to break out and ascend to next-level status like we've seen from Tuohy, Young, Riggs, and Hedengren.
---------------- NY is going to have a bunch of strong programs:
Bethlehem returns 5 of 7, Shen returns 6 of 7 Saratoga returns 6 of 7. ( We will see how they do with the krannicks finally retiring) Northport returns 5 of 7 (all 5 scorers) Guilderland returns 6 of 7. FM will hopefully put a team together this decade. (lol)
For NXN spots, I would lean 2 of the top 3 I posted, but the overall depth on the girls side will be great.
12:55 - The announcer of this race is hoping to see FM at NXN in the future too
will vista girls even get top 4 for a chance to autoqual
I think this is a wait and see situation. They have 2 girls from last year's team returning, but they have a few girls that are faster than their 6 and 7 girls. Plus last year one of the freshman that ran 18 flat that didn't go to nationals. So, I really think that is will need time.
will vista girls even get top 4 for a chance to autoqual
I think this is a wait and see situation. They have 2 girls from last year's team returning, but they have a few girls that are faster than their 6 and 7 girls. Plus last year one of the freshman that ran 18 flat that didn't go to nationals. So, I really think that is will need time.
Additionally, the year before last they weren't even in the conversation and got 3rd. So, that's something to consider.
I think this is a wait and see situation. They have 2 girls from last year's team returning, but they have a few girls that are faster than their 6 and 7 girls. Plus last year one of the freshman that ran 18 flat that didn't go to nationals. So, I really think that is will need time.
Additionally, the year before last they weren't even in the conversation and got 3rd. So, that's something to consider.
I think Lone Peak, Niwot, and Chaparral are strong favorites for 1-2-3, in some order. Lone Peak returns all but one of their best kids (2nd at NXN last year). Same with Chaparral (5th at NXR, likely top 15 at NXN if they had gotten in). Niwot's depth leveled up this spring, as they had five girls under 5:07 for full mile at NON, plus two solid XC-only girls returning, and with the lowest stick in the region who will be scoring for a team. Lack of depth was the only reason they were 6th last year. To me, that leaves everyone else fighting for that last at-large. Mountain Vista will likely be in the mix, but it will be a busy mix.
Additionally, the year before last they weren't even in the conversation and got 3rd. So, that's something to consider.
I think Lone Peak, Niwot, and Chaparral are strong favorites for 1-2-3, in some order. Lone Peak returns all but one of their best kids (2nd at NXN last year). Same with Chaparral (5th at NXR, likely top 15 at NXN if they had gotten in). Niwot's depth leveled up this spring, as they had five girls under 5:07 for full mile at NON, plus two solid XC-only girls returning, and with the lowest stick in the region who will be scoring for a team. Lack of depth was the only reason they were 6th last year. To me, that leaves everyone else fighting for that last at-large. Mountain Vista will likely be in the mix, but it will be a busy mix.
No mention of Air Academy?
Lone Peak and Niwot look like locks for 1-2.
3rd and 4th spots at NXR SW will be a battle between Chaparral, Air Academy, and Mountain Vista
Chap has a ton of problems, bad coaching, false promises, and a lot of discord on the team. Wouldn’t be surprised if there is an exit or firing in the near future of the coaching staff.
New Jersey's Union Catholic will be at Woodbridge. Have they ever run Woodbridge before?
Wait, I was looking on Tully, Union Catholic returns their entire 7 and placed 10th last year now with a legitimate low stick in Sheppard. They're going to be insane.
The NE meets (Bowdin Classic, Manhattan) between them Shen and Bethlehem should be slugfests as well.
New Jersey's Union Catholic will be at Woodbridge. Have they ever run Woodbridge before?
Wait, I was looking on Tully, Union Catholic returns their entire 7 and placed 10th last year now with a legitimate low stick in Sheppard. They're going to be insane.
The NE meets (Bowdin Classic, Manhattan) between them Shen and Bethlehem should be slugfests as well.
Yes Union Catholic is definitely a podium contender. They won the DMR with 3 sophomores and 1 senior (the 400 leg). Their incoming junior class is really strong.