Let's Preview the Races:
The boys race first tonight so let's start with that race. The team battle should be epic, assuming everyone runs their top runners. Hamilton Southeastern, Carmel, and Fishers are all ranked in the Top 10 as of this week. INCCStats has HSE at #2, Carmel at #4, and Fishers at #9 in the statistical rankings. Not to be forgotten, Noblesville and Westfield are both in the Top 15 coming in at 11th and 14th respectively. The first thing to look at here is depth. Carmel's 1-2-3 punch of Kole Mathison, Charlie Schuman, and Charlie Leedke will have to match up against HSE's similar trio of Nolan Satterfield, Will Marquardt, and Bennett DuBois. On paper, these three could represent 6 of the first 10 runners in the field. Kole Mathison should be the class of the field and that is saying a lot with the group running tonight. Mathison is currently nationally-ranked by MileSplit and, if he runs tonight, might open his season with a bang. This battle, assuming all of the runners compete, could very well decide the team competition. Kai Connor from Westfield and Asher Propst should figure prominently in the Top 10 of the field to help break up the Carmel-HSE pack.
Fishers will have to rely on a tight 105 gap to figure into the overall team mix. Westfield, Noblesville, and Fishers should really have a great team battle to set the stage for not only regular season matches coming up- but for the state tournament as well. Although they split up to go to different Semi-States, the podium only holds 5 teams at the State Finals. Each of these teams will have a clearer picture after tonight of what they will need to do to get on that stand in October.
The girls race will be equally, if not slightly more, competitive than the boys race. According to INCCSTATS, Carmel is the #1 team in the state with Noblesville #5, Hamilton Southeastern #7, and Westfield coming in at #9. Fishers is also in the Top 25 coming in at #21. This meet really could give a peak at what it will take to make the podium in October. Carmel is the dominant team in the state on paper from last season but has yet run its full squad in early competition. Cara Naas should lead a competitive group of experienced ladies against the field. Naas should find teammates Jasmine Klopstad, Alivia Romaniuk, and Jamie Klavon right up front controlling the Top 10 in the field. Noblesville will rely on a mix of youth and veterans to hold pace with Carmel. Nadia Perez and Summer Rempe should lead the way but veteran Paige Hazelrigg has experience in these meets and should be a leader for the team. Westfield's Liz Smith leads a tightly packed team which could definitely vie for a high finish at the end of the season. Bridget Gallagher from Guerin Catholic has been a constant individual threat her entire career and should be competitive for the victory in the individual race as well.
The HCC is a tournament-caliber meet fans will be treated to before we even get to September 1st. MileSplit Indiana will have coverage of the meet with a recap and photos. Look for huge competition to kick off a really interesting September as we get a true look at Indiana High School Cross Country starting this week. We will have coverage of the Rick Weinheimer Classic this weekend from Columbus as well as other outstanding meets from across the state.
