Next year looks to be a great year for XC in North Carolina. We could see some of the best boy's team in state history as many of this year's best return a solid core of athletes. Gilland and Graw come back for another year of incredible racing, too.
Myers Park's girls are the top returning team, but did the Freedom course inflate their times? It's safe to say that they will be good, as they return their core that did finish 2nd at the 4A state meet. At the same time, "yes" the Freedom times proved to be off the charts.
As you look at the top athletes and teams coming back next year, do take into account that the 4A West Regional & 4A East Regional ran about 1:00 faster than Tanglewood. The Freedom and South View courses are notably fast, but the top teams in those regions proved other places that they were talented.
Take a look next year's top returnees:
*Note: disregard the "2004" heading
