One of the things I haven't done well in my time shepherding NCRunners is to take time to look back on the season(s) that we just completed before moving on to the next one. It's just in my nature to be forward-looking; I was the same way as a coach, always taking time at end-of-season banquets to talk to my athletes about what comes next.
Still, before I throw myself fully into the upcoming cross country season, I wanted to take the time to recognize five athletes whose performances more or less defined the 2014-2015 school year for NCRunners. In the case of four of these young women, I had the opportunity to get to know them fairly well, some over a period of multiple years (and it's my #1 goal to get to know the 5th girl in the next school year). Three of these awards were pretty clear, and one of them won't be decided (if at all) for at least another year (there I go looking forward again!). All 5 of the athletes in this article are either the best ever in the state in their events, or are threatening to be - and that's a truly remarkable collection of talent to have in one state in one school year! Will we ever see a more talented group of athletes than what we had in this state on the girls' side this school year?