2023 KSHSAA 4A State Cross Country Preview

If we're being completely honest, I thought the team races in 4A were all but decided. Buhler's boys have transcended to another level, turning even Wamego into an afterthought. Baldwin's girls have run the Frontier League gauntlet, beating #2 Eudora time and time again... but then Eudora, down on the mat with an 8-count, threw a leaping right hook back at Baldwin, knocking them down with a 12-point victory at the SM Northwest Regional. 

The major story was Baldwin's typical #2, Shea Griffith, did not cross the finish line on Saturday. A normal day from her, and the Bulldogs win easily. The biggest question now is: Will she be ready to go at state? Clearly, Eudora is ready to pounce on the opportunity if she isn't.

Eudora's charge is led by Hanna Keltner, who will be a major contender individually. The junior Cardinal has a treasure-chest of state medals, including a 3rd place finish last year. None of her medals are for first place, however. This could be the year, particularly with Hayley Trotter now out of the picture. She'll still have to deal with her teammate, Sydney Owens, though, who was runner-up to Trotter last year.

4A Team Computer Rankings    |    4A Individual Computer Rankings

Clay Center's Lauren Smith also has a shot individually. the NCKL champion crushed the field at the Wichita Regional, including fellow contender Brett Jacobson of Circle, who fell all the way to 6th. Irelyn Kennedy of Baldwin also has an outside chance, finishing just 8 seconds behind Keltner at regionals.

While the boys race mostly lacks team drama, there could be a bit of a battle for third place. Chapman has the best odds of taking the final trophy, being the Wichita Regional champs. Scott City, Tonganoxie, McPherson, and Baldwin could all make a move if the Irish were to stumble.

The exciting part of 4A boys: it is likely to produce one of the best individual races of any class this year. Eudora's Zach Arnold is the top returner after placing 2nd a year ago. He has won 3 of his last 4 races, including the SM Northwest Regional. Early in the year, though, he lost to Drew Elliott (Chapman), Peyton Parker (Wamego) and Caleb Muehler (McPherson) in a wild finish at the Wamego Invite. Just five seconds separated that pack, with multiple Buhler Crusaders in the area as well for most of the race. This time around, Circle's duo of Blake Logan & Dylan Hunter join the fray, with Logan defeating Elliot at the Wichita Regional. 

In short, there is no favorite for the 4A boys individual title, and it has the best chance of any at coming down to the final stretch. If you want to see a race, 4A is the meet to watch.