Pre-season 2012 High School Cross Country Rankings

By Marc Bloom

 

Following is a look at the prospects for “our” Olympics—the race for team honors this fall in high school cross-country nationwide.

Boys Super 25                    

 

1. Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, NJ

The reigning national champions return a top 5 with 9:08 to 9:17 3200 credentials in pursuit of becoming the first NXN boys’ team to win a second (and repeat) title.

Coaches: Tom Heath and Chris Bennett

 

2. Carroll HS, Southlake, TX

The 2011 NXN runner-up by 4 points returns its top 2 and 4 of 7 with hopes of again running CBA to the wire.

Coach: Justin Leonard

 

3. North Central HS, Spokane, WA

The 2008 NXN champion returns its entire top 7 from the 2011 NXN 7^th-place and victorious Northwest Regional squad with a great shot at a second national title. 

Coach: Jonathan Knight

 

4. York HS, Elmhurst, IL

The 2004 NXN champion and ’05 runner-up returns its entire top 7 from the 2011 13^th-place team with designs on another national crown.

Coach: Joe Newton

 

5. Davis HS, Kaysville, UT

The 2011 NXN 3^rd-placer returns 4 of its top 6 that spread 41 seconds and should contend again for a podium position.

Coach: Corbin Talley

 

6. American Fork HS, American Fork, UT

American Fork and Utah rival Davis are destined to duel in state, regional and nationals with the 2011 NXN 6^th-place Cavemen returning another solid line-up.

Coach: Timo Mostert

 

7. Stillwater HS, Stillwater, MN

The Ponies, 10^th at NXN last year, have their best team since being ranked Harrier national #1 in 1997 with 4 of their top 5 back after an excellent track season.

Coach: Scott Christensen

 

8. Cardinal O’Hara HS, Springfield, PA

The 2011 Great American champions return their top-5 from a squad that took 2^nd on a tie-breaker in the state 3A championships.

Coach: Tom Kennedy

 

9. Seattle Prep, Seattle, WA

The Northwest Regional 3^rd-placer and state 3A runner-up to North Central returns 6 of 7 in pursuit of podium contention.

Coach: John Robertson

 

10. Fayetteville-Manlius HS, Manlius, NY

The ever-present nationals’ contenders that placed 12^th in 2011 return 4 of 7 led by individual threat Nick Ryan, a 4:05 1600 runner.

Coach: Bill Aris

 

11. Trabuco Hills HS, Mission Viejo, CA

California’s best loses some up-front power from its state Div. I title team that placed 14^th at NXN but still returns 4 solid performers in a tight pack.

Coach: Liam Clemons

 

12. Bishop Hendricken HS, Warwick, RI

The 2009 Northeast Regional champions and perennial state power return their top 5 from the 2011 NE 4^th-place squad and look to do some damage nationally.

Coach: Jim Doyle

 

13. Carmel HS, Carmel, IN

State 3^rd-place team with a great tradition has its top-5 back with a chance to contend for regional honors and have an impact on the national scene.

Coach: Erhard Bell

 

14. St. John Bosco HS, Bellflower, CA

State Div. 3 runner-up returns 5 of top 7 and should be a state favorite and a contender to make nationals.

Coach: Tim McIntosh

 

15. Cleveland HS, Rio Rancho, NM

The 3-year-old school returns most of the squad that ran away with state 5A last year led by individual champion Luis Martinez, 9:12 for 3200 at altitude.

Coach: Ken Henry

 

16. Rancho Cucamonga HS, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

The 2011 NXN at-large qualifier returns 4 of its top 7 with hopes of dueling Trabuco Hills for state Div. I honors.

Coach: Terry Tierney

 

17. Bismarck HS, Bismarck, ND

Heartland runner-up Jake Leingang is back after an outstanding track season to lead a squad with 5 of 7 back and hopes of challenging Stillwater for regional supremacy.

Coach: Dave Zittleman

 

18. Council Rock North HS, Newtown, PA

Top 5 return for a long-time area power that hopes to race into state 3A contention against favored O’Hara.

Coach: David Marrington

 

19. Central Catholic HS, Portland, OR      

Galen Rupp’s alma mater returns state 6A defender Kyle Thompson along with 4 more top performers and will face Summit (5A) and Siuslaw (4A) for state-wide supremacy.

Coach: David Frank

 

20. Desert Vista HS, Phoenix, AZ

State Div. I runner-up returns 5 of 7 with hopes of regional contention.

Coach: Chris Hanson

 

21. Glenbard South HS, Glen Ellyn, IL

State 2A runner-up returns 5 of top 7 to loom as division favorite and state’s 2^nd best overall behind York.

Coach: Andy Preuss

 

22. Mountain Vista HS, Highlands Ranch, CO

State 5A runner-up and Northwest Regional 4^th-placer returns 5 of 7 with hopes of climbing higher in state and region.

Coaches: Jonathan Dalby and Eric Selle

 

23. St. Xavier HS, Louisville, KY

Long-time regional power returns top 4 from 5^th-place Southeast squad led by two boys who placed 1-2 in state 3A with hopes of regaining national standing.

Coach: Chuck Medley

 

24. Walt Whitman HS, So. Huntington, NY

A trio of 9:20s 3200 runners could vault this team into state contention but first it will be tested by Suffolk County rival Northport, which boasts a quartet of 4:20 milers.

Coach: Rich Conroy

 

25. Marcus HS, Lewisville, TX

Five of the top 6 return for this dark horse that boasts a young squad with great promise led by last year’s frosh twins Logan and Luke Hendrix.

Coach: Steve Telaneus

 

 

 

Boys Regional Rankings

(alphabetically, #1 team in CAPS)

New York

Arlington

Chaminade

FAYETTEVILLE-MANLIUS

Northport

Msgr. Farrell

Rush-Henrietta

Saratoga Springs

St. Anthony’s

Walt Whitman

Warwick Valley

 

Northeast

(CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, PA, RI, VT)

Bishop Feehan (MA)

Bishop Hendricken (RI)

Cardinal O’Hara (PA)

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS (NJ)

Council Rock No (PA)

Henderson (PA)

North Penn (PA)

Pembroke (MA)

Pope John XXIII (NJ)

W Windsor Plainsboro So (NJ)

 

South

(AR, LA, MS, OK, TX)

Bentonville (AR)

College Park (TX)

Cypress Woods (TX)

Edmond Mem (OK)

Kingwood (TX)

Klein Oak (TX)

Marcus (TX)

SOUTHLAKE CARROLL (TX)

Strake Jesuit (TX)

The Woodlands (TX)

 

Southeast

(AL, DE, FL, GA, KY, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV)

Belen Jesuit (FL)

Blacksburg (VA)

Brentwood (TN)

Brentwood Acad (TN)

Cabell Midland (WV)

Chantilly (VA)

Chapel Hill (NC)

Fort Walton Beach (FL)

Peachtree Ridge (GA)

ST. XAVIER (KY)

 

 

Midwest

(IL, IN, OH, MI, MO)

Belvidere North (IL)

Carmel (IN)

Coffman (OH)

Columbus North (IN)

Glenwood South (IL)

Mason (OH)

Milford (MI)

O’Fallon (IL)

St. Xavier (OH)

YORK (IL)

 

Heartland

(IA, KS, MN, NE, ND, SD, WI)

Arrowhead (WI)

Bismarck (ND)

Burnsville (MN)

Dowling Catholic (IA)

Edina (MN)

Scottsbluff (NE)

Shawnee Mission NW (KS)

STILLWATER (MN)

Wayzata (MN)

Wichita Carroll (KS)

 

Southwest

(AZ, CO, NV, NM, UT, WY)

American Fork (UT)

Cleveland (NM)

DAVIS (UT)

Desert Vista (AZ)

Fairview (CO)

Galena (NV)

Los Alamos (NM)

Mountain View (UT)

Mountain Vista (AZ)

Ogden (UT)

 

Northwest              

(AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, WA)

Bozeman (MT)

Central Catholic (OR)

Eisenhower (WA)

Gig Harbor (WA)

Kamiakin (WA)

Mead (WA)

NORTH CENTRAL (WA)

Seattle Prep (WA)

Siuslaw (OR)

Summit (OR)

 

California

Arcadia

Buchanan

Carlsbad

Dana Hills

La Costa Canyon

Mount Carmel

Ramona

Rancho Cucamonga

St. John Bosco

TRABUCO HILLS

 

 

Girls Super 25                       

1. Fayetteville-Manlius HS, Manlius, NY

The remarkable Stotans shoot for their 7^th straight NXN championship with 6 of their top 7 returning led by New York Regional winner Jillian Fanning.

Coach: Bill Aris

 

2. Tatnall School, Wilmington, DE

While the Hornets lose 2011 NXN runner-up Haley Pierce, the perennial finalists look better than ever with their next 6 back and plenty of big-race experience.

Coach: Pat Castagno

 

3. Fort Collins HS, Fort Collins, CO

All 7 girls return from the 2011 NXN 6^th-place team which is known for its master peaking and should be on the short list of national contenders.

Coach: Chris Suppes

 

4. New Trier HS, Winnetka, IL

Runaway state 3A champion and 2011 NXN 4^th-placer returns 5 of top 7 in pursuit of another shot at the podium.

Coach: John Burnside

 

5. Xavier Prep, Phoenix, AZ

Runaway state Div. I champion and 2011 NXN 8^th-placer returns 5 of top 7 led by state titlist Sarah Fakler.

Coaches: Dave Van Sickle and Jeff Messer

 

6. La Costa Canyon HS, Carlsbad, CA

With 6 of its top 7 back from the 2011 NXN 13^th-place squad, the Mavericks have a shot at dethroning Saugus in state Div. 2 and racing into the national top-10.

Coach: Bill Vice

 

7. Saratoga Springs HS, Saratoga Springs, NY

Returning 3 of its top 7, the 2004 NXN champions will face a stiff challenge in achieving a 4^th-straight national runner-up position and 7^th podium spot overall.

Coaches: Art and Linda Kranick

 

8. Grosse Pointe South HS, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

Senior twins Hannah (2010 national mile champion) and Haley Meier lead a strong varsity that could prove to be one of the best in the midwest.

Coach: Steve Zaranek

 

9. Monarch HS, Louisville, CO

In a renewal of their rivalry with Fort Collins, the state 5A champs return the entire top 7 (and 6 of them will be back again in 2013).

Coach: Kent Rieder

 

10.Carmel HS, Carmel, IN

Four of the top 7 return from the 2011 Midwest Regional champions that won state by 97 points and placed 7^th at NXN.

Coach: Mark Ellington

 

11. Glacier Peak HS, Snohomish, WA

Reigning Northwest Regional champion Amy Eloise-Neale, 5^th at nationals, leads 6 of the top 7 back for the 2011 NXN 16^th-place squad.

Coach: Dan Parker

 

12. Academy of Holy Names, Albany, NY

The 5^th-place New York Regional team has its top 6 back while adding Saratoga transfer Estela Smith with hopes of joining the premier state’s elite.

Coach: Carlo Cherubino

 

13. Simi Valley HS, Simi Valley, CA

2011 NXN champion Sarah Baxter returns for her junior year with 4 other varsity performers to try and challenge La Costa and Saugus for state Div. 2 honors.

Coach: Roger Evans

 

14. Saugus HS, Saugus, CA

The state and national power with a history of NXN podium finishes will defend its Div. 2 title against tough opposition.

Coach: Rene Paragas

 

15. Carroll HS, Southlake, TX

Only 2 of top 7 return for the 2011 South champions and NXN 7^th-placer but the Dragons are famous for molding new talent into a strong, complete varsity.

Coach: Justin Leonard

 

16. Ogden HS, Ogden, UT

The Utah 3A school loses its state champion but returns its remaining scorers from the 2011 Southwest 5^th-place squad trying to break into the regional elite.

Coach: Don Hall

 

17. Saline HS, Saline, MI

The 2011 state Div. 1 5-point runner-up behind Grosse Pointe South returns 5 of its top 6 led by a pair of sophs and should give GPS a run for its money.

Coach: Michael Smith

 

18. Voorhees HS, Glen Gardner, NJ

The 2010 Northeast Regional champion that fell off in late 2011 with a state meet 5^th-place returns its entire line-up seeking redemption in 2012.

Coach: Justina Cassavell

 

19. San Clemente HS, San Clemente, CA

The 2011 State Div. 1 champion returns 5 of 7 with a line-up that could contend for an NXN berth.

Coach: Dave Proodian

 

20. Assumption HS, Louisville, KY

Returns 5 of its top 7 with hopes of returning to nationals after dominating state and taking second to Tatnall in the Southeast Regional.

Coach: Barry Haworth

 

21. Bozeman HS, Bozeman, MT

Young squad that dominated state and placed 3^rd in the Northwest returns 6 of top 7 with an excellent chance to challenge for regional supremacy.

Coach: Clint May

 

22. Los Alamos HS, Los Alamos, NM

Long-time regional power training at over 7,000 feet returns entire varsity from its runaway 2011 state 4A title team with hopes of making it back to nationals.

Coaches: Rob and Kathy Hipwood

 

23. Flower Mound HS, Lewisville, TX

The 2011 State 5A 3^rd-placer that was only 6 points behind would-be California state Div. 3 champion at Nike South Invite has its top 5 back and could be the best in Texas.

Coach: Andrew Cook

 

24. Hamilton-Wenham HS, Hamilton, MA

Surprise 2011 Northeast Regional winner by 55 points returns 5 of its top 7 with hopes of defending its title against deeper opposition this season.

Coach: Steve Sawyer

 

25. The Woodlands HS, The Woodlands, TX

With 5 of its top 7 back led by state 5A bronze medalist Maddie McLellan, the Highlanders hope to be back in contention for state-wide honors.

Coach: Noel Hansen

 

 

Girls Regional Rankings

(alphabetically, #1 team in CAPS)

 

New York

Bronxville

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake

Canandaigua

East Aurora

FAYETTEVILLE-MANLIUS

Greenwich

Holy Names

Honeoye Falls-Lima

North Shore

Saratoga Springs

 

Northeast

(CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, PA, RI, VT)

Barrington (RI)

Champlain Valley (VT)

Hamilton-Wenham (MA)

La Salle (RI)

Pennsbury (PA)

Randolph (NJ)

Rumson Fair Haven (NJ)

Unionville (PA)

VOORHEES (NJ)

Whitman-Hansen (MA)

 

South

(AR, LA, MS, OK, TX)

Cedar Park (TX)

Clear Lake (TX)

College Park (TX)

Cypress-Fairbanks (TX)

Flower Mound (TX)

Highland Park (TX)

Kingwood (TX)

Marcus (TX)

SOUTHLAKE CARROLL (TX)

The Woodlands (TX)

 

Southeast

(AL, DE, FL, GA, MD, KY, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV)

Assumption (KY)

Bethesda-Chevy Chase (MD)

Colonial Forge (VA)

Estero (FL)

Green Hope (NC)

Lake Braddock (VA)

Midlothian (VA)

Oakton (VA)

TATNALL (DE)

Walton (GA)

 

Midwest

(IL, IN, MI, MO, OH)

Carmel (IN)

Centerville (OH)

Columbus North (IN)

Grosse Point South (MI)

Lee’s Summit West (MO)

Naperville North (IL)

NEW TRIER (IL)

St. Charles East (IL)

Saline (MI)

Wheaton Warrenville So (IL)

 

Heartland

(IA, KS, MN, NE, ND, SD, WI)

Arrowhead (WI)

Dowling Catholic (IA)

Eden Prairie (MN)

Lakeville South (MN)

Monticello (MN)

NEENAH (WI)

Pleasant Valley (IA)

Shakopee (MN)

Wayzata (MN)

Wichita Carroll (KS)

 

Southwest

(AZ, CO, NV, NM, UT, WY)

Classical (CO)

Davis (UT)

Desert Vista (AZ)

FORT COLLINS (CO)

Los Alamos (NM)

Monarch (CO)

Mountain Vista (CO) 

Ogden (UT)

Park City (UT)

Xavier Prep (AZ)

 

Northwest

(AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, WA)

Bellarmine Prep (WA)

Boise (ID)

Bozeman (MT)

Camas (WA)

Crater (OR)

GLACIER PEAK (WA)

Jesuit (OR)

Mountain View (ID)

South Eugene (OR)

Tahoma (WA)

 

California

Great Oak

LA COSTA CANYON

Palos Verdes

Redondo Union

St. Francis (Sacto)

San Clemente

Saugus

Simi Valley

Ventura

Vista Del Lago