One More Massive Day - Thursday Sections

Section 7AA Championships

Weather: Mid-40s, mostly cloudy, good chance of rain (especially in the afternoon)

Top Individuals: Tom Breuckman (Andover, 15:52), Charles Babcock (Forest Lake, 16:11), Lucas Gustafson (Elk River, 16:36), Mathew Trutna (Big Lake, 16:43), Tyler Norgord (Grand Rapids, 16:45)

The Skinny: On the heels of a solid season as a team, Forest Lake shouldn't have much trouble securing their birth to State, as they project to put all seven of their runners in the top 16. Andover might have a little bit more of an adventure as their projected 1:49-spread is more than cut in half by Cambridge-Isanti's 47-second spread, so a great day collectively for them could get them that second spot. But in all likelihood, Andover will take second as a team. They also will likely have the individual section champion as Tom Breuckman has been having a masterful season, finishing first or second in every race he's run. Charlie Babcock could possibly give him a run for his money, but it would be difficult to see Breuckman falter here.  

GIRLS

Season Best Projection: Forest Lake (45 points), Andover (60), Duluth East (74)

Season Average Projection: Andover (44), Forest Lake (47)

Top Individuals: Regan Duffy (Forest Lake, 19:03), Ava Wilson (Forest Lake, 19:14), Emma Stertz (Grand Rapids, 19:23), Cheresa Bouley (Zimmerman, 19:34), Alyssa Gerth (Andover, 19:35), Elizabeth Donner (Andover, 19:35)

The Skinny: Much like the boys race, Forest Lake and Andover are in the drivers seat for the two State-qualifying positions, but they could certainly see a challenge from Duluth East. East has a long history of being able to peak well at Sections, and their recent races have certainly been indicating that they are moving in the right direction. However, they would probably need some help from Andover or Forest Lake in order to make up that full gap. Individully, it is reasonable to expect that last year's champion, Regan Duffy, will also take the title again this year, but it is fair to point out that Duffy's season isn't quite up to the same caliber as 2016 thanks to a brief sidelining in the middle of the season. But her last few races have proven her healthy, and a healthy Duffy is hard to beat. If she is beaten, however, look for her teammate Ava Wilson to be the one to do it.