6A Boys State XC Preview

6A BOYS STATE XC PREVIEW

While there is a favorite in the field, there is a reason the race will be run – nothing is for sure.  The favorite of course is Blue Valley West junior, Stuart McNutt.  We have known McNutt is good for a while, finishing third in the 3200m and fourth in the 1600m as just a sophomore last spring.  However, this year he has become the dominant force in Kansas Cross Country, receiving an honorable mention in the Saucony Elite 50 Rankings.  With a quick start with a 15:13 at the Southern Stampede, McNutt finished just 12 seconds behind sub-9 minute 3200m runner, Noah Kauppila, at Rim Rock. After two more wins, one at the Chile Pepper in Arkansas, and another at his league meet McNutt clocked in at under 15 minutes to win his regional meet.  On paper, there is nothing like that.  

Most would agree that the closest person to McNutt is Sam Guinn.  Guinn and McNutt are no strangers as we have them racing nearly 30 times against each other.  Guinn has the heavy advantage with nearly 20 victories while McNutt is approaching ten times finishing ahead the Blue Valley Norhtwest senior.  This year has been one-sided with McNutt not only beating Guinn every race, but defeating him by a margin of at least 18 seconds every time.  The most recent battle – regionals – saw McNutt win by 23 seconds.  Guinn, second a year ago, will have a tough road ahead to grab a state title this weekend.  

Outside the two there are a number of guys capable of being in the mix. These include the likes of Alex Finestead, Ben Burchstead, and Chris Melgares.  Finestead, third at the quick Olathe Norhtwest Regional meet, has a number of big races under his belt this year such as the Heartland Classic in Iowa, Rim Rock Farms XC Classic, and the KC Metro Championship. Burchstead won his regional meet at Shawnee Mission East but placed second to Finestead the week before at the Sunflower League Meet. Another regional winner, Melgares has been undefeated since his 9th place finish at Rim Rock.

The team battle should be a good one.  We see Manhattan as the pre-race favorites.  Led with a strong number one, Chris Melgares, they will have a low scoring first runner without a doubt.  After that, they don’t really lose too much.  With four of their top five from their team that was sixth a year ago, they look ready for a strong finish this weekend.  A big addition, Jackson Schroeder, is currently ranked 18th in 6A as only a freshman. Keep an eye on the North’s though – Olathe and Wichita. Olathe North has another strong number one in Alex Finestead. With two more runners who have gone under 16 this year, this team is no joke.  Wichita North might only have one sub 16 runner this year, but having a five that has run 16:30 helps quite a bit. It’s hard to see this team not finishing well as they return everyone but one from their team that was second a year ago.