Class A Boys-
Last year's pre-season #1 team, Monticello, placed third in the state championship. Star Garrett Dixon wasn't enough to pull his mates up by the bootstraps. In essence, it was Clifton Central that proved all season long that strong pack running was the key to winning a state title. The Comets triumphed with 139 points- that was four better than Elmwood and 50 pts up on Monticello.
So what will this fall produce in terms of a repeat? The Comets bring back six of their top seven runners- only Jeremy Snejberg graduated from the tight-knit crew. Elmwood and Monticello could potentially fight again for trophy positions in November. The Tigers will be tough with six compact starters back- they are ideally made for cross country because of strong pack running. Monticello returns the bulk of their top seven for another deep run. Losing Dixon to graduation will be felt by the Sages. However, Luke Sokolowski should supplant himself as the team ace and frontrunner in big meets.
No longer emerging forces, Stanford-Olympia will be strong as an ox with a ton of talent coming back. As with any team, it all matters what the fifth man can do on championship Saturdays.
The race to the finish line will be interesting with a ton of talent having graduated over the past several seasons. Negus Bogard of Robinson is ready to attack the courses in his senior campaign. Dawson Smith of Rock Falls is back here after competing in 2A track and field. Smith was a 9:25 performer in the 3200m. But watch out for super sophomore rising talents in Ryder James of Paxton-Buckley-Loda and Miles Sheppard of Hamilton.