Boys XC Preseason Rankings: #11

<p> <span style="font-size: 13.63636302947998px;">NCRunners is counting down the top 25 boys teams heading into the fall season. &nbsp;The full rankings will be released on the first day of official practice: Friday, August 1st. &nbsp;These are subjective rankings (not computer generated); they take into account returning team rankings, returning team averages, team rankings in the 1600 and 3200 from indoor and outdoor track, and a school&#39;s &quot;Improvement Rating.&quot; &nbsp;Improvement Rating is a custom metric developed by researching the improvement in a team&#39;s 5-person average from year to year, in comparison to that same team&#39;s ranking. &nbsp;Improvement Rating numbers and methodology will be released on the weekend of August 2nd.</span></p>

One of the most consistently excellent programs in the state over the last 6 years, Marvin Ridge is poised for just that in 2014.

 

	Marvin Ridge (NC)
	1) Jake Blizzard		15:44.00	12
	2) Daniel Ferguson		16:18.00	54
	3) Austin Payeur		16:48.74	141
	4) Jacob Lipsey		17:04.85	188
	5) Roark Habegger		17:18.00	255
	Average Time: 16:38.72 Total Time: 1:23:13.59 1-5 Split: 1:34.00
	6) Taivion Taylor		17:37.74	343
	7) Mack Despard		17:44.30	386

Marvin Ridge lost two seniors (only one from the top 5) from the team that finished 7th in the 3A state meet last year.  The Mavericks' top 3 returners will all be seniors this fall, however, which should provide both veteran leadership and solid improvement.  This team finished third in the Midwest 3A regional last year, to the teams that ended up first and third in the state meet.  Marvin Ridge will have to contend with Union County rival Weddington again this year, but you can bet on another top-7 finish from the Mavericks: after all, they have been in the top 7 every year since 2008.  The database projects this team to finish 4th in 2014, definitely in range of 3rd place - or maybe more, since you never know what can happen over the summer.  Marvin Ridge has solid but not spectacular Improvement Ratings, which support the consistency the team has displayed.  One of these years, though, the Mavericks are going to make the leap into title contention, as they did when they finished 2nd in 2010.

Important Data:

• 2013 XC Returning Ranking: 10th

• 2014 Outdoor Returning Team 1600 Ranking: 16th

• 2014 Outdoor Returning Team 3200 Ranking: 23rd (ranking only 4 runners)

• 5-Year Improvement Rating: 6.607 (16th)

• 3-Year Improvement Rating: 5.473 (18th)