The Calm Before The Storm - Monday Meets

Forecast: Sunny; high of 63

BOYS

Top Teams: West Central Area (75), Detroit Lakes (94), Ada-Borup/Norman County West (105)

Top Individuals: Jacob Bright (West Central; 16:10), Emmet Anderson (Staples-Motley; 16:27), Christian Sterton (Ada-Borup; 16:34), Tanner Olson (Detroit Lakes; 16:35), Hunter Gowin (Breckenridge; 16:41), Ben Andringa (Crookston; 16:46)

The Skinny: This meet will mark the last great battle for Western Minnesota teams before sections. There are at least half-a-dozen teams here that are aiming for one last boost of momentum to try to extend their season, but the most interesting battle by far isn't necessarily who wins, but whether East Grand Forks or Ada-Borup/RCW finishes higher, as those will be the two teams gunning for the second spot out of Section 8A (assuming Perham takes the win as expected). Individually, Jacob Bright has had a very solid season, bringing his times down almost every meet from 17:26 in August to 16:10 last week. Here, he will be challenged by an equally-impressive Emmet Anderson from Staples-Motley, the winner of the 1A race at Milaca gunning for his sixth consecutive victory. While victory may come down to one of those two, there is absolutely no shortage of high-quality Class A talent (plus Tanner Olson of Detroit Lakes) to make for a high-quality race. 

GIRLS

Top Teams: West Central Area (52), East Grand Forks (86), Lake Park-Audubon (99)

Top Individuals: Lexi Bright (West Central; 19:21), Kira Sweeney (Staples-Motley; 19:46), Lily Peterson (Lake Park-Audubon; 19:47), Katherine Geist (Crookston; 20:00), Abby Syverson (Pelican Rapids; 20:08)

The Skinny: A family sweep could be in store, as Lexi Bright appears to be the favorite here with her season PR of 19:21. Kira Sweeney (the runner-up at this meet in 2016) will give her a challenge, but will also have to hold off a charging Lily Peterson of Lake Park-Audubon, and returning All-State runner Katherine Geist of Crookston. It is entirely possibly that each of these athletes could be one of the top 25 finishers come November 4th. The team title looks to be comfortably in the hands of West Central, with second place being a bit more of a competition between East Grand Forks and Lake Park-Audubon.