Day two of the countdown features a girls team trying to return to prominence and a boys team determined to stay on top.
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 #14 Team: North Lincoln
I don't think any team showed as much improvement during the outdoor season as North Lincoln. Despite losing regular top-5 runner German Perez, they will return 4 sub-4:45 milers (ranking them 2nd in the state) and 3 sub-10 3200 runners (also good for 2nd overall). The Knights return a lot of leadership from last fall's NCHSAA 2A state championship squad, and they have developed into a solid program with a culture of success. Depth is a big concern, as after their top 3 there is some drop-off between every position; they will need some younger runners to step up and fill in the gaps. With Andrew Fea, Ryan Shannon, and Chris Boyle up front, however, plus the continued improvement of Josh Mosteller, North Lincoln will be the heavy favorite repeat in 2A.
| North Lincoln | ||||
| 1) Chris Boyle | 16:39.00 | 69 | ||
| 2) Ryan Shannon | 16:45.00 | 86 | ||
| 3) Andrew Fea | 16:52.06 | 106 | ||
| 4) Joshua Mosteller | 17:18.89 | 209 | ||
| 5) Zach Wesson | 17:48.00 | 358 | ||
| Average Time: 17:04.59 -- Total Time: 1:25:22.95 -- 1-5 Split: 1:09.00 | ||||
| 6) Nathan Anderson | 18:34.42 | 646 | ||
| 7) Gill Martin | 18:51.99 | 779 | ||
Girls Preseason #14 Team: Charlotte Catholic
A promising 2011 cross country season was almost derailed before it started, as Charlotte Catholic lost one of their top runners after she moved to Raleigh. Despite that and a bit of a slow start, the Cougars rallied to finish 12th in the final All-Classes Team Rankings last fall, and they return 6 of their top 7 runners from that squad. Although losing Jamie Vezolles will hurt, the improvements of Margot Corcoran (5:19.88 for 1600) and Emma Moore (5:39) during the spring season could make up for it, possibly giving the Cougars a solid 1-2 up front. The lack of a low point-scorer up front hurt them in the postseason last year, but if Corcoran can improve to the mid-18's that weakness will be cured. If they can get their 4-5-6 girls to bunch up tighter and close on #3, they will be strong again this year.
| Charlotte Catholic | ||||
| 1) Margot Corcoran | 19:00.00 | 32 | ||
| 2) Emma Moore | 19:36.00 | 78 | ||
| 3) Alexandra Stanley | 20:06.00 | 140 | ||
| 4) Phylissa Greeley | 20:20.00 | 169 | ||
| 5) Eryn Feeney | 20:40.00 | 222 | ||
| Average Time: 19:56.40 -- Total Time: 1:39:42.00 -- 1-5 Split: 1:40.00 | ||||
| 6) Jamie Hageman | 20:48.00 | 244 | ||
| 7) Rachel Wallon | 21:25.00 | 378 | ||