PREVIEW
Lakeview Invitational
Location: Lakeview Golf Course, Cottonwood
Weather: Rain, high 60s
BOYS
Virtual Meet Projection: Redwood Valley (30), Canby/Minneota (53), Lakeview (88)
Top Individuals: Rory Schackelford (Yellow Medicine East, 17:29), Selim Gilon (Lakeview, 17:44), Xander Seaman (Redwood Valley, 17:56), Jayson Peyerl (Redwood Valley, 17:58), Cilek Camden (Redwood Valley, 18:06)
The Skinny: Redwood Valley is coming in with their five scorers projected to finish in the top ten. If they finish as projected, they will pull off a solid win to start their season off strong. Canby/Minneota follows them with their five scorers projected to finish in the top fifteen, which would secure them the runner-up position. Redwood Valley's top three runners of Xander Seaman, Jayson Peyerl, and Cliek Camden (who is just an 8th-grader) only have a spread of ten seconds based off of their personal bests. That trio should help them to secure the win. Rory Schackelford is no rookie at being in the top pack as he only finished outside of the top ten at one race last year, that being the MSHSL State Championships.
GIRLS
Virtual Meet Projection: Canby/Minneota (28), Redwood Valley (59), Wabasso (67), Ortonville (73)
Top Individuals: Grace Drietz (Canby/Minneota, 19:20), Mckenzie Ruether (Canby, 20:19), Lauren Karnitz (Redwood Valley, 20:30), Catherine Buffie (Redwood Valley, 20:31)
The Skinny: The race will be led by the young duo from Canby of Grace Drietz and Mckenzie Ruether. They look to follow up their performances from a year ago where they finished first and second at this race. Drietz is returning after last year's successful season where she grabbed a Camden Conference title and a 17th place finish at the State Cross Country Championships, which she then followed up with All-State performances in the 800m and 1600m in track. The three that will be following their front runner teammates will not be far behind as Canby should place all five scorers in the top ten. Lauren Karnitz and Catherine Buffie of Redwood Valley will be looking to try to break up the duo of Drietz and Ruether as they will be close on their heels. To steal the win, Redwood Valley will need to have their next three runner finish towards the top ten to try to break up the pack that is the Canby top five.