Preview: FlashRock Invitational



We may not see any meet records fall this weekend, after Tyler Schwartz dropped a bomb of a time last year, and Futsum Zienasellassie's time almost untouchable from 2011. But that doesn't stop top racing from happening. Worth noting, Hamilton Southeastern Boys and Girls and Fishers Boys will be resting their "normal" top 7 this weekend to prevent over-racing with a busy two weeks coming up.


Girls Championship (9am)

Four of the top 10 ranked teams will compete in this race providing a good look at how these teams look on a tough course after a tough August. Phoebe Bates is the big favorite to win this year, but keep an eye on Abby Green and Meagan Hathaway to not let her get to far ahead. Carmel likes to shake up it's top 7 week to week, so if they are able to put the right group together they may have a shot at the team title. But that pack of Carroll girls is a tough one to get in front of so far this year. We also have not seen Zionsville's top girls race in a big time meet yet. It looks like FW Carroll will get those low points they need with Green and Hathaway in this meet and pull of the team title win. Carmel and Zionsville will be a close battle for 2nd.

 

Boys Championship(9:30am)

In this boys race, the individual winner is almost guaranteed to be Cole Hocker, but as we know things happen and someone may be able to upset him. Brennan Butche, Quinn Gallagher and Cole Powers may find a way to sneak up with him just long enough to take away the shine. We know Hocker likes to race with others to help push him, so he may look to stay with them as long as possible before breaking away. The true test will be who decides to go with him. The team race here is going to be insane! It will truly come down to where those 5 place runners are. Heck just one or two points could mean the difference from winning the team title to going home in 2nd place. Based on current season average times, FW Carroll and Carmel could tie each other in this meet. The North Central Panthers and FW Snider also look pretty good this year. This course is Carmel's "home" course, but they haven't really hosted or raced much here in the past few years so it'll be a gamble if they are able to go fast on a course that is not real flat. FW Carroll has the low points in Powers and Waldron, so they look like they may be able to pull off the team win here. Carmel, North Central and FW Snider will look to fight it out for 2nd - 4th.