The seventh slot features two South Charlotte schools, one public and one private, both with a strong heritage in distance running.

 

As we approach the start of official NCHSAA cross country practices on July 30th, NCRunners will count down the top 15 teams in our Preseason All-Classes Team Rankings.  The list began with the returning 5000 rankings from the 2011 cross country season, and then modifications were made based on improvements during the spring track season, runners lost, and recent program history.  Bonus consideration was given to teams with tight packs (at least 3 of the top 5 within 30 seconds of each other) and front runners (under 16 minutes for boys, under 18:45 for girls).  Subscribers can view the statistics that were used in the rankings process:

 

Returning 5000 Team Rankings

Boys  |  Girls

 

Returning 3200 Team Rankings

Boys  |  Girls

 

Returning 1600 Team Rankings

Boys  |  Girls

 

Boys' Preseason #7 Team: Providence Day

Although the loss of #2 runner Reed Payne was definitely a blow, Providence Day has the rest of their top 7 back this fall to continue their improvement.  After finishing 10th in the final rankings in 2011, the NCISAA 3A state champs are looking to show that a private school can hang with the public-school team.  In addition to front-runner Ben Huffman, who has the 6th-fastest returning time in the state, the Chargers saw significant improvement from Eric Wineteer and Nick Linder (10:04 for 3200) during the spring track season.  Their summer project should be closing the gap between their returning 4th and 5th runners; while they have enough firepower to defend their title with what they return, they will need their entire top 5 under 17 if they want to beat some of the top 3A and 4A teams and get into the final top 5.  The good news is, with three returners in the mid-17's plus up-and-comers like Jimmy Messmer (10:49 after running 18:37 in the fall), that seems like a possibility for Providence Day this fall.  Even more good news?  The Chargers should have their top four runners, and 5 of their top 7, back again for 2013.

 

	Providence Day School
	1) Ben Huffman		15:45.40	5
	2) Nick Linder		16:26.12	43
	3) Jack Paddison		16:28.58	47
	4) Evan Gray		16:53.71	110
	5) Patrick Shearer		17:34.45	289
	Average Time: 16:37.65 -- Total Time: 1:23:08.26 -- 1-5 Split: 1:49.05
	6) Garrett Lunking		17:42.00	329
	7) Eric Wineteer		17:57.38	416

 

 

Girls' Preseason #7 Team: Ardrey Kell

After finishing the 2011 fall season ranked second all-classes, Ardrey Kell took a big hit in terms of both talent and leadership when Kaitlyn Kramer and Abby Brooks graduated.  They still have a lot of firepower back up front, though, with the continued development of Sydney Foreman (10:43 and 5:06 during the spring) and the Teague twins, whose improvement through outdoor track season may have been somewhat overshadowed by the two big guns putting up huge times in front of them.  Who wouldn't want their 2 and 3 runners to clock 11:38 (Samantha) and 11:47 (Sydney) for 3200?  This fall's success won't depend on the front three; rather, it will be determined by the development of the 4-7 runners.  In that department, the Knights got strong track seasons from Aleisha Murrell and Mary Klemmons, and both have a good shot to break 20 this year.  The girls' competition in 4A is tough this year, but with a good summer Ardrey Kell can stay in the top 5 at the state meet.

 

	Ardrey Kell
	1) Sydney Foreman		17:50.00	3
	2) Samantha Teague		18:51.00	24
	3) Sydney Teague		19:03.00	38
	4) Aleisha Murrell		20:05.00	138
	5) Mary Klemons		20:29.00	193
	Average Time: 19:15.60 -- Total Time: 1:36:18.00 -- 1-5 Split: 2:39.00
	6) Toli Schiaretti		20:44.00	234
	7) Carly Murden		20:50.00	256