Location: Virginia Golf Course, Virginia
Weather: 60's, Sunny
BOYS
Virtual Meet Projection: Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin (47), Cromwell-Wright (78), Grand Rapids (78)
Top Individuals: Geno Uhrbom (GNK, 15:36), Wyatt Rauvola (Cromwell-Wright, 16:27), Tyler Norgord (Grand Rapids, 16:45), Taran Howard (Northland/Deer River, 16:50)
The Skinny: Uhrbom's the word. The freshman who was the Class A third-place finisher is a huge favorite not only in this meet, but once the State Championships roll around as well. Only three other freshman in the nation went faster than Uhrbom's 15:36. Coming off third- and seventh-place finishes at State in track after a tough spring of training (and little competition to race), it will be very interesting to see where what type of shape Uhrbom is in right now, as well as the rest of his GNK team. The coaches poll put GNK at #7 in the rankings, and they should easily take the win here, but Cromwell-Wright (led by returning State qualifier Wyatt Rauvola) might be an up-and-coming team to watch in that northeast section too, so keep an eye on them here too.
GIRLS
Virtual Meet Projections: Hibbing (35), Virginia (62), Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin (76)
Top Individuals: Alex Wercinski (Virginia, 20:47), Alexis Lane (Grand Rapids, 21:01), Baylie Norris (GNK, 21:03), Carlee Plackner (GNK, 21:05)
The Skinny: Hibbing faced a challenge in their first meet in Duluth, going up against Farmington and Duluth East on a tough course, but they held their own. This time around, they'll come in as the favorites, thanks to the 54-second spread of the PRs of the returning 1-5 runners. But the individual favorite is going to be the sophomore from the host team, Alex Wercinski. Last year as a cross country rookie, Wercinski managed to qualify for State and finish 99th, after having qualified for State in the 800m the spring before that. It will be interesting to see if she can start the season off faster than she did last year when she opened in only 23:50 at this meet.