It looks like a double win could be in the cards for TC Roberson today against a solid field and a tough course.
One of a small number of large invitationals that run on weekdays, the Owen Invitational has recently been a big test for ambitious teams from the southwestern part of the state. In addition to bringing in great competition, there is a challenging course to run (and teams that race on challenging courses in midseason often do very well in November). It's very hard to compare teams from the mountains to the "flatlanders" during the season, especially in a time when travel budgets have been slashed; however, we can get a good sense for which mountain teams are the strongest, and this meet helps us make a big step in that direction. With the first in-season All-Classes Team Rankings due out next week, some teams can make a big impact on their placement with a big day in Black Mountain.
Meet Page
(Previous years, other information)
Girls Preview
Individuals to Watch
Brooke Gordon (TC Roberson) has been a fixture among North Carolina's elite since her arrival four years ago, and she is the heavy favorite for the win today after a strong showing at the Eye Opener. Larissa Wood (AC Reynolds) burst onto the scene with eye-opening performances of her own last fall, but right now she trails two freshmen on her own team: Anna Vess and Emma Himelein-Wachoviak have run well to start the season. TC Roberson teammates Lily Anderson and Rachel Koon will try for top-5 finishes to cement their team's dominance in the race, while Katarina Ruehl (North Buncombe) and Mackenzie Galyean (Pisgah) will be in the mix, as well.
Teams to Watch
The T.C. Roberson girls have looked very good so far this year, as the addition of Lily Anderson has moved them ahead of their expected strength thus far. They should dominate this race, leaving a much-improved A.C. Reynolds team to battle for second place. The girls from Pisgah will have their eye on the top 3, but will have to fight through Asheville and North Buncombe to get there.
Girls' Virtual Meet
(Using last year's times)
Girls' Virtual Meet
(Using this year's times)
Boys Preview
Individuals to Watch
This should be our first look at the top returner in the state, Carolina Day's Trevor Sleight. He ran 16:30 here last year, a testament to how tough the course can be. Tanis Baldwin (East Henderson) has been running very well this year, and Josh Thornburg (Asheville Christian) finished third in this race in 2011. Zach Boone (Mitchell) ran his PR at Jackson Park earlier this year, and he should be a factor in this race. Paul Kovach and River Gordon will look to lead T.C. Roberson to the team title, while teammate Alex Zorich has yet to debut this year.
Teams to Watch
T.C. Roberson is the favorite for this race, with East Henderson appearing to be the nearest challenger. Mitchell and Asheville are pretty evenly-matched, and could have a great battle for third place.
Boys' Virtual Meet
(Using last year's times)
Boys' Virtual Meet
(Using this year's times)