So what are the chances that both Corning and St A return to NXN?
They are losing a lot of guys but….
No one came close to those teams at NXR first and foremost.
St Ants almost won the region, returned 3 scorers from nationals and a couple of other guys with sub-10:10 3200 times but didn’t get to race XC much because of injuries and what not. Returner Melloy started in the top 7 but ended season early.
I think they can take a step forward at NXR and get that regional title.
Corning showed how good they really were at NXN. Top half at NXN is very good. They lose a lot of guys obviously but they return 2 guys and also the younger Homa who did well in the open race, and raced varsity many times. They just need to find a 4 and 5.
Auburn beat FM at sections with no seniors but some freshmen. This will be another team in the mix.
Fairport and Saratoga keep most of their guys but peaking early (which other posters here said they do) doesn’t bode well for them for making NXN. They each lose some key seniors anyways.
Burnt Hills keeps most of the guys but loses 2 very key guys in Rounds and Casey. But they did reload and peak at NXR in 2019 though.
And FM boys team is continuing to fall from grace
I think that given this info, St Ants and Auburn will be the 2 early favorites to make NXN, with Corning and Burnt hills on the outside looking in
Fairport and Saratoga can get through if they fill in the holes for the grads and peak right
