2009 2A Cross Country Preview

The 2A girls division could be seriously shaken up in 2009 vs 2008. Almost 1/3 of the 2008 field graduated, and only 4 of the 12 teams that made it to state last year return 5 or more runners.   Most of the top runners are back though, and defending champion Katelyn Henderson of Olpe has to be the clear favorite heading into the season. I think it’s worth noting that both Olpe & Downs – Lakeside which was 1A last year, have moved back and forth between 1A & 2A in recent years, so it is quite possible we could see a Renken vs Henderson matchup in either class.  

 

5 - Minneapolis – They were 5^th last year and only return 3, but 2A lost a lot of depth so it doesn’t appear to have hurt them too bad. The 3 they do return are pretty solid, including Shelbi Hamilton who was 10^th last year & 7^th in the 3200m.

4 – Berean Academy – 10^th place last year, but the biggest mover I see in the class. They return a solid pack of 4 that all finished within 30 seconds of each other last year.

3 – Clifton Clyde was 7^th last year and returns 5. They have the best 1-2 in the class (Karly Van Campen & Kenzie George).  They’ll need to improve their depth to be able to place any higher.

2 – Belleville–Republic Co returns 5 as well, but their 3-5 are all slightly better than Clifton Clyde’s, and that’s where the real points are at. 

1 – Bennington is bringing back all 7 from their team that placed 2^nd last year. They are led by Jillian Stratman who was the 2008 runner-up. Just based off returners they are way out in front to start the 2009 season off.

 2009 2A Track & Field Champions

 

Just when I thought 1A returned a ton, I took a look at the 2A boys. Only 7 points separated the top 3 teams last year, and I expect the team battle this year to be just as fierce. 11 of the 12 teams from state last year return 5 or more runners, and the 12^th team returns 4! Most of the top individuals are back, including 2008 champ Cory Keehn from Holton – Jackson Heights. Watch out for Eric Ruth from Johnson – Stanton County though. He looked much improved during track, and he may be the man to beat in 2A this year.  

5 – Olpe returns 6 from their team that took 6^th last year. They look to be a little deeper than a couple of the teams ahead of them, but they haven’t shown any front runners yet.  Although, in track they had Lance Sadler who placed 4^th in the 3200 at state, but didn’t run at State XC last year. If he runs XC this year it would instantly put them in contention for the title. It’s 2A though, so for all I know he could be their starting linebacker.

4 – Minneapolis has the best returning 1-3 in 2A, but they drop off big after that. If they can improve their depth at 4-5 they could contend for the title.

3 – Johnson–Stanton County is led by Eric Ruth and Johnathon Carrisco who placed 4^th and 6^th last year. It looks like they need to somehow shave off about 40 points between their 3-5 in order to have a chance at the title. It’s quite doable as their 5^th placed 81^st last year.

2 – Maranatha Academy only lost their 3^rd and 7^th runners from last year’s State Championship team. The 5 they return are very solid, and if they can all move up just a little each they will be a serious threat for winning 2A again.

1 – Berean Academy returns all 7 from the team that was the runner-up last year. They are loaded with Seniors and family members. They have the Busenitz’ (Josiah and Steven), and not one, not two, but three Claassen’s (Justin, Michael & Daniel). They could put 4 or 5 in the top 20 this year, and will be very hard to beat.