Now that you've seen the #2 teams (both of them NCHSAA 3A squads), you should be able to guess the schools at #1.

 

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 #2 Team: Weddington

If you only consider the top 5 runners, Weddington is as good as anyone: the Warriors return five guys under 16:50 and three under 16:30 (which only one other team in the state can claim).  They do have some depth issues, however, and need to develop at the 4-7 spots to maintain this high ranking and contend for a 3A championship.  They also did not have as much evidence of progress during the outdoor track season as some of the other teams on this list, although returning #3 runner Matt Burns did post a strong 4:31 mark for the 1600.  This program takes great pride on its summer effort, though, and that intangible quality reinforces their position in the rankings.  Just as departed #1 runner Jonathan Bivens made a big step forward last year, expect several runners to do the same this year (and their only other loss from last fall was their #7).  Staying healthy is the only thing Weddington needs to be in position for a monster season, and they do have the luxury of having two runners (Hunter Roark and Matt Glackin) in perfect position to develop into strong sub-16 front-runners.  If that happens, the Warriors have a chance to finish the season in the top spot.

 

	Weddington
	1) Hunter Roark		16:06.00	18
	2) Tanner Glackin		16:16.00	21
	3) Matt Burns		16:25.30	40
	4) Luke Warner		16:41.30	80
	5) Chris Burns		16:49.00	98
	Average Time: 16:27.52 -- Total Time: 1:22:17.60 -- 1-5 Split: 43.00
	6) Ryan Hobbs		17:09.00	163
	7) Cameron Cogdell		17:24.00	238

 

 

Girls' Preseason #2 Team: Cardinal Gibbons

With two strong front-runners and five sub-20 runners returning, Cardinal Gibbons would be one of the top 5 teams in these rankings regardless of what happened during their spring season.  Then, Rachel Bartolomeo put up 5:15 and 11:08, while Mary Grace Doggett clocked in with 5:19 and 11:19.  In addition, the Crusaders had last year's #6, Krista Rosenquist, at 11:47 and Katie Magee at 12:04, while Samiiah Wilson posted a 5:21.  If Lauren Velasco (5:22 in the spring) runs cross country this fall, that could add yet another talent to the mix, and the word from Raleigh is that they have a rising 9th-grader who has the ability to run with their current top two.  That's a load of talent, coupled with a program that has a strong history and a powerful culture of effort.  Cardinal Gibbons could have one of the best teams in state history, and this girls' squad certainly has its eyes on repeating as 3A state champions; they only lost two runners, #3 and #7, from that title-winning squad.

 

	Cardinal Gibbons
	1) Rachel Bartolomeo		18:40.00	13
	2) Mary Grace Doggett		18:42.20	18
	3) Katie Magee		19:23.00	59
	4) Samiiah Wilson		19:43.00	90
	5) Laura Hart		19:59.00	125
	Average Time: 19:17.44 -- Total Time: 1:36:27.20 -- 1-5 Split: 1:19.00
	6) Krista Rosenquest		20:06.00	141
	7) Amanda Wiggenhorn		21:12.00	329