It's Championships Galore On Conference Tuesday!

2017 Minnesota XC Meet Previews

Oct 17, 2017

Central Lakes Conference Championships

Weather: 68 degrees and sunny

BOYS

Top Teams: Willmar (39), Sartell-Saint Stephen (53), Saint Cloud Apollo (87), Alexandria (88)

Top Individuals: Samuel Ringger (Sauk Rapids-Rice, 16:09), Hudeife Mire (Willmar, 16:10), Keaton Gruber (Alexandria, 16:20), Mason Wendt (Willmar, 16:22), Alex Nemeth (Sartell, 16:31), Ryan Fernholz (Sartell, 16:41)

The Skinny: There are probably a few surprised people who look above and see that it is Willmar, and not Sartell, who is topping the virtual meet considering just how good Sartell has been all year. It is, however, worth mentioning that Willmar is coming off the St. Cloud Tech Invitational, which is the home of one of Minnesota's fastest courses every year, and that using season averages instead of season bests for a virtual meet, Sartell is back on top 36-61. But in any event, it is fair to say that both squads are very good, but that Sartell is probably most appropriately labeled the favorite. But another surprise is the individual favorite, which is Sauk Rapids-Rice's Samuel Ringger. Ringger has been the poster child for under-the-radar seasons this year, as he has actually been consistantly improving and usually winning. He has won four of the six races he's run this year, and some have been by wide margins. Of course, Willmar's Mire, Alexandria's Gruber and Sartell's Nemeth will be strong competition, but don't be surprised if this is the race that Ringger starts making a name for himself in the state.

GIRLS

Top Teams: Willmar (17 points), Sartell (66), Brainerd (94), Alexandria (98)

Top Individuals: Heidi Schmitz (Willmar, 18:23), Serena Monson (Willmar, 18:44), Leah Hansen (Willmar, 18:52), Ingrid Buiceag-Arama (Sartell, 18:54)

The Skinny: There is nothing up for debate here - the Willmar girls are very strong favorites. It seems to have taken a little while for them to fully find their form after graduating four seniors who helped them reach NXN three years in a row, including a couple early-season losses to Section-rival Marshall. But that form appears to have been found as they are on an impressive winning streak and their Saint Cloud Tech Invite performance is comperable to what they achieved last year. Whether they can get back to NXN a fourth time remains to be seen, but it does not appear to be out of the realm of possibility.