Section 2A Championships
Location: Blue Earth Area High School
Weather: Cloudy; temperatures in the low 50s; SW wind of 15 MPH
BOYS
Season Best Projection: Saint James (85), Mankato Loyola (93), G-F-W (125)
Season Average Projection: Mankato Loyola (65), Saint James (77), G-F-W (123)
Top Individuals: Lukas Pierson (Saint James; 16:26), Lane Schwarz (LeSueur-Henderson, 16:41), Ryan Albrecht (G-F-W: 16:45), Hugo Ruiz (Tri-City; 16:46), Mitch Johnstone (Mankato Loyola; 16:46), Drew Hastings (Belle Plaine; 16:50)
The Skinny: It is rather unusual that we get a strong reversal in results when we use average versus best time, but that is the case here with the team results. Based on performances this season, Mankato Loyola (ranked second in the coaches' poll) will be the favorites, with Saint James (ranked fifth) taking the second team qualification. Lukas Pierson will look to cap off an impressive senior year with the win here. He will be followed by some combination of Hugo Ruiz from Tri-City, Mitch Johnstone from Mankato Loyola, Drew Hastings, of Belle Plaine, and G-F-W's top two; Ryan Albrecht and Javie VIctorino.
GIRLS
Season Best Projection: Belle Plaine (61), Fairmont (77), Lake Crystal-Wellcome (144)
Season Average Projection: Fairmont (69), Belle Plaine (79), Lake Crystal-Wellcome (127)
Top Individuals: Marissa Whitehead (Martin County West; 19:00), Iliana Ramon (Fairmont; 19:25), Laura Thompson (Fairmont; 19:30), Makenna Thurston (Lake Crystal-Wellcome; 19:30), Sarah Krumholz (Fairmont; 19:34)
The Skinny: Number three, Fairmont, and number four Belle Plaine will have a tight duel for the team title here, although they are both heavily favored to qualify for state so order isn't particularly important. On average time, Makenna Thurston is the favorite, but there will be a tight battle for the top five between Marissa Whitehead of Martin County West and the three top runners from Fairmont; Laura Thompson, Iliana Ramon, and Sarah Krumholz.