It's Championships Galore On Conference Tuesday!

2017 Minnesota XC Meet Previews

Oct 17, 2017

Saint Paul City Conference Championships

Weather: Mid 60s and sunny

BOYS

Top Teams: St. Paul Highland Park (26 points), St. Paul Central (35 points)

Top Individuals: Mickies Kiros (Central, 16:31), Oliver Paleen (Highland Park, 16:35), Sidney Gross (Highland Park, 16:48), Connor Gregg Escalante (Highland Park, 16:49), Michael Smith (Central, 16:56), Kalid Ali (Central, 16:56)

The Skinny: As Paleen has not raced since September 14th, even if he does return, it's anyone's guess what sort of shape he'll be in. That means that this is likely Mickies Kiros's race to lose, though based on season bests, there will also be a fairly tight chase pack. Central and Highland Park are far ahead of the field, and they're incredibly close to each other. Without Paleen in the mix, the projected team score is Highland Park 30 points, Central 31. This race could also indicate whether either of these teams might have a chance at upsetting White Bear Lake for the second State berth out of Section 4AA.

GIRLS

Top Teams: St. Paul Highland Park (27 points), St. Paul Central (35)

Top Individuals: Molly Moening (Highland Park, 19:10), Sophia Rabins (Central, 19:45), Delia Johnson (19:45, Highland Park), Florence Uwajenza (Como Park, 19:47), Emily Cerveknik (Central, 19:58)

The Skinny: Like the boys race, this will largely be a battle between Central and Highland Park. 8th-grader Molly Moening took 8th in the 3200m at State this spring, and she should cruise to a victory somewhat easily. Behind her, the field gets much more crowded, with four runners all within 13 seconds of each other. Of that pack, watch out for Florence Uwajenza, who has done well on hilly courses, including a win in the Roy Griak Invitational Maroon Race. On the team side, both squads are very close. However, Highland Park will have the advantage of a clear #1 runner, which could put them over the edge.