It's Championships Galore On Conference Tuesday!

2017 Minnesota XC Meet Previews

Oct 17, 2017

Suburban East Conference Championships

Weather: Partly cloudy; high of 68; mid 60s by race time

BOYS

Top Teams: Stillwater (34), White Bear Lake (66), Mounds View (90)

Top Individuals: Acer Iverson (Roseville; 15:40), Addison Stansbury (Stillwater; 15:50), Charles Babcock (Forest Lake; 16:11), Joe Hesse-Withbroe (Stillwater; 16:21), Austin Streit (Mounds View; 16:25)

The Skinny: Up to this point in the season, Roseville's Acer Iverson has performed like the best runner in Minnesota. With two head to head wins over 12th-ranked Stansbury, Iverson appears likely to continue his unbeaten streak heading into sections. Stansbury has yet to reach a time to the caliber of his first couple races, so his performance here should indicate his podium chances at State. Stillwater, White Bear Lake, and Mounds View are all ranked among the top eight teams in the state. Historically, Stillwater has dominated this conference, and it should be no different in 2017. With its entire top five at 16:40 or better, it looks as though the Ponies should ease their way to the crown. Keep an eye out on the Mounds View boys though, as David Dahl, who was their #1 man at times last year, seems to be regaining his form after a slow start to this season.

GIRLS

Top Teams: Roseville (51), Forest Lake (56), Stillwater (90)

Top Individuals: Bergen Haag (Roseville; 18:38), Regan Duffy (Forest Lake; 19:09); Morgan Dahl (Mounds View; 19:17), Samantha Kurkowski (Roseville 19:18), Analee Weaver (Stillwater; 19:21)

The Skinny: Though she's returning to defend her conference title from last year, Morgan Dahl probably isn't even the favorite to win. Bergen Haag has picked up steam as the season has progressed, and owns the fastest season best in the field by a whopping 31 seconds. Haag also took down Dahl at the Alexandria Lions Meet of Champions on October 7th. Regan Duffy was 15th at last year's State Meet, so she should never be counted out either. Expect these three to stand out from the field. Though Roseville wins the virtual meet, they've been ousted by the Stillwater girls every time they've faced off, so it will likely come down to them and 9th-ranked Forest Lake for the win. However, it will undoubtedly be very tight between these three squads.