Key Losses
Matthew Hellenbrand
Devin Engelmohr
Top Returners
River Rhodes - 4:49.77 1600,10:27 3200, 16:38 5K XC
Josh Lamont - 4:501600, 10:12 3200, 16:44 5K XC
Price St. Clair - 4:48.77 1600, 10:09 3200, 16:57 5K XC
Grant Pilkington - 4:56 1600, 10:21 3200, 16:55 5K XC
2015 End of Season All-Class Rankings - 18th
2015 4A State Meet Finish - 11th
2016 Returning Rank based off 2015 Times - 21st
Watauga boys had a few down years, but were back up to speed in 2015. They lose Matt Hellenbrand who has been one of their top guys the last few years. But they return a strong pack in their top 4 with River Rhodes, Josh Lamont, Price St.Clair, and Grant Pilkington. What they will lack is a strong 5th runner and a front runner to consistently score low points. Having a top 4 that are all battling each other to be the top guy every race will be a big benefit for Watagua. It'll cause them to have inter team competition and cause them to never be satisfied with the desire to beat your teammate.
They'll still have a tough battle to advance through the 4A West Regionals where their are a ton of young teams that could surprise this year. Returning they rank 3rd in their region but it is no gimme. If they are able to develop a solid #5 that can compete with their top 4 they will have a very solid pack. They had a handful of guys at or around the 5 minute mile barrier for 1600 last spring, so the potential is definitely their for the Pioneers.