Conference Championships Begin

2017 Minnesota XC Meet Previews

Oct 10, 2017

Northwest Minnesota Conference Championships

Weather: 60º, sunny, moderate winds, moderate humidity

BOYS

Top Teams: Ada-Borup/NCW (41 points), East Grand Forks (41), Roseau (65)

Top Individuals: Christian Sterton (Ada-Borup/NCW, 16:39), Ben Andringa (Crookston, 16:45), Cole Nowacki (East Grand Forks, 16:56), Zach Heppner (Warroad, 17:12), Mahar Tyson (East Grand Forks, 17:16)

The Skinny: Ada-Borup/NCW and East Grand Forks have been two of the most overlooked and underrated teams in Minnesota this year. But while EGF has been succeeding for a while, Ada-Borup's team is only in their second year of existance, yet they are already battling for a conference title and State appearance. In this meet, our virtual projected puts them in a dead-tie, with Ada-Borup taking the tiebreaker thanks to their better depth. Sterton is the reigning conference champion, but has run into a mildly rough spot recently which could open the door for Ben Andringa, Cole Nowacki, or even Warroad's senior Zach Heppner (the last male Heppner of the remarkable 17-child running family).

GIRLS

Top Teams: East Grand Forks (27 points), Warroad (55)

Top Individuals: Katherine Geist (Crookston, 20:05), Marin Garrett (East Grand Forks, 20:41), Mckenna Langerud (East Grand Forks, 20:44), Lydia Floden (East Grand Forks, 20:47)

The Skinny: East Grand Forks should win this competition comfortably. The girls competition in this conference is not nearly as deep as the boys competition, as only five of the ten schools are expected field enough runners to score. But that shouldn't diminsh EGF's team quality, as they are easily good enough to compete for a spot at State out of Section 8A. There is also a clear favorite individually with Crookston's Katherine Geist, the reigning conference champion and All-State runner from 2016 who has been amazingly consistent this year.