The boys race will start at precisely Saturday, 1:35p CST
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TJ Hansen (Sr., Freeland, MI)- The University of Colorado commit is coming off of a banner cross country season. Hansen was the runner up at the Nike Cross Nationals. Last weekend at a small, lowkey local meet, he ran 4:12.70 to test his fitness. Oh yeah, he is ready to challenge his personal best 4:02.81.
Keegan Smith (Sr., Knoxville Catholic, TN)- Just Hansen, Smith will be a future "Sko buff." At NXN, he finished six seconds behind Hansen. The former child prodigy has one All-American honor from last indoor season and a PB of 4:07.50y.
Tony Anania (Sr., Norwalk, IA)- A solid all-around runner who appeared to have more success in the mile/metric event. Anania was the state champion in Iowa and later placed 8th at the HOKA Festival of Miles in 4:09.44.
Jackson Miller (So., St. Louis University)- Though a freshman a year ago, Miller ran like a seasoned veteran, running a speedy 4:12.66.
Ben Crane (Sr., Winnetka New Trier, IL)- The Illinois big class state cross country champion and several times All-American on the grass will take an opportunity to "run down" with the big boys. He has run 4:14.60 for 1600m.
Ayden Taylor (Sr., Liberty Wentzville, MO)- Completed a solid cross country season and earned all-state honors, but the real cup of tea for Taylor is on the track. He dropped from 4:55 in 2023 to 4:11.96 a year ago in the 1600m. It's a good bet he will be in the mix on Saturday.
Luke Sievers (Jr., Rockbridge, MO)- From Mizzou's top cross country program, Sievers is the team's statesman. He clocked 9:16 and 4:12.48 on the track. The latter was at the Missouri portion of the HOKA Festival of Miles.
Jack Bidwell (Sr., Marshall, MI)- After completing an outstanding cross country season, the mindset switches to the track. Bidwell brings a 4:14.62 to the big dance.
Canaan Dunham (Jr., Pella, IA)- A flurry of runner-up placements in big meets over the past school calendar, including missing a trip to NXN, may have him locked into a knockout placement at HOKA. We will see how well he can improve on his 4:14.32 PB.
Owen Wolfe (Sr., Dowling Catholic, IA)- The third Iowian in the elite field and owner of a 4:16.11y PB. He also has a bit of leg speed as well, running 1:54.35 for 800m.
Josh Shriver (Sr., Summit, CO)- Hailing from the Rocky Mountain state, Shriver brings a 4:14.72 into the field.
Corban McGaughey (Sr., Horizon Christian School; Indianapolis)- A relative unknown because he doesn't compete in the IHSAA state series (competes as a home schooler), but his results were impressive nonetheless. He has run 1:57.68 and 4:14.85.