Key Losses
None
Key Returners
Thomas Moore - 5:03, 16:16 5K XC, 5th NCHSAA 1A State Meet
Timmy O'Neill - 4:49 1600, 9:59 3200, 16:43 5K XC
2015 All-Class Rankings - 45th
2016 Returning Rankings - 22nd
NCHSAA 1A 2015 State Meet Finish - 3rd
Raleigh Charter will be a heavy favorite heading into the season for the NCHSAA 1A Boys Team Title. They return their entire top 7 from last XC season where they finished 3rd behind Walkertown and Research Triangle. Thomas Moore was their top guy last XC season, but only raced once during track season, but was 5th at the state championships. Timmy O'Neill had a strong track season and was the teams top distance runner in both the 1600 and 3200. Calvin Koonce who is returning as their fifth best from 2016 should be running with O'Neill and Moore after a strong track season giving them a solid top 3.
After their third you have Yates McConnell, who ran 17:13 last XC season, but like Moore didn't run during track season, so it is hard to predict where he will be at fitness wise for the fall. But he has been a 3 year varsity runner for Raleigh Charter without running much track over his 3 years, so I'd expect him to be just fine this fall.
When comparing them to other 1A schools they rank much better and should be tough to beat towards the end of the season assuming everyone returns and stays healthy. They'll even matchup fairly well with a lot of the larger 3A and 4A programs. Third place in 2015 left these boys hungry and they won't be willing to leave anything on the table this fall.
