This is my kind of post. Discussing the sport we love and making predictions rather than yelling at college kids (or each other).
You're right about BYU, Coach Taylor always gets them to peak at the right time and she was really working with half the squad last year with Indoor going on simultaneously (+ Orton's injury). I thought NC State was unbeatable before Nuttycombe, and although Hannah Steelman didn't race, still expected a W from them. Tip of the cap to New Mexico. Despite showing some vulnerability, I still like the 'Pack for the championship, and also believe the Colorado women deserve consideration after their Pre-Nats performance.
I'm a Tuohy believer long-term, and she is having a great season, but in 2021 the better XC runner is Kelsey Chmiel.
"Way-too-early Predictions"
1. Mercy Chelangat
2. Whittni Orton
3. Jenna Magness
4. Abby Nichols
5. Grace Forbes
6. Kelsey Chmiel
7. Flomena Asekol
8. Ceili McCabe
9. Taylor Roe
10. Lauren Gregory
11. Katelyn Tuohy
12. Alison Pray
13. Bethany Hasz
14. Hannah Steelman
15. Stefanie Parsons
Team
1. NC State
2. Colorado
3. New Mexico
4. BYU
5. Utah