Ten Class A Girls Squads Who Believe 2018 Is Their Year

Perham

After falling just two points shy of the State title in 2016, the Perham girls reversed their luck with a one-point victory in 2017. On paper, their chances for a repeat are excellent. Their entire top seven return from last year's championship squad, including leader Caitlin Covington. In her senior year, Covington should be a strong lowstick after two consecutive All-State finishes in cross country. However, Covington will have some friendly competition for being Perham's top runner, as 8th grader Liz Birkeland blossomed in a phenomenal track season that culminated in her taking 7th at State in the 3200. And with a third runner in Hailey Wegscheid, who has finished in the top 30 in each of the last two State meets, it's likely that the Yellowjackets will have (at least) three All State performers. However, Perham's greatest strength is their depth. Their 1-5 split was just 49 seconds, while their 1-7 all crossed the line within 1:19 of each other. Though their lowsticks are not on the same tier as Cotter's, the tightness of Perham's pack was what earned them the win in 2017. That same advantage is what makes them, once the team to beat this fall.