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PREVIEW

Charter Stars Invitational (Postponed)

Location: St. Catherine University, St. Paul.

Weather: Low 80s, party cloudy.

BOYS

Virtual Meet Projection: North Lakes Academy (28), Saint Paul Harding (34), Math & Science Academy (87)

Top Individuals: Henry Long (Eagle Ridge/ISM, 17:48), Gyru Thor (Saint Paul Harding, 18:32), Zach Farr (Calvin Christian, 19:11), Noah Hampton (North Lakes Academy, 19:29), Jordan Norwood (North Lakes Academy, 19:41)

The Skinny: Although Math & Science Academy is sitting out their varsity squad for the St. Olaf High School Showcase, they are still projected to place in the top three teams, behind North Lakes Academy and Saint Paul Harding. The absence of MSA's top guys does leave the individual title open for Henry Long of Eagle Ridge, whose time sits nearly 45 seconds ahead of the rest of the field. Harding's Thor and Calvin Christian's Farr also sit comfortably in their second and third returning spots. However, a lot can change in a year, so watch out for the North Lakes boys, especially number three runner Kelvin Luebke. Luebke comes into the 2018 season with a 19:42, which he ran as a seventh grader. His young success bodes well for North Lakes's top-ranked team going into this meet.

GIRLS

Virtual Meet Projection: North Lakes Academy (25), Saint Paul Humboldt (39), Math & Science Academy (67)

Top Individuals: Kaliana Andriamananjara (Charter Stars, 21:36), Sara Christians (Charter Stars, 21:38), Klara Karlson (Saint Paul Humboldt, 23:34), Kaylynn Kuehn (North Lakes Academy, 23:45), Anna Paulsen (North Lakes Academy, 23:50)

The Skinny: Math & Science Academy is also saving their top girls for St. Olaf, but they are also projected to place third in the Charter Stars 4K race. The absence of Tierney Wolfgram and MSA's other varsity runners gives other schools a chance to shine. At the front of the race will be Charter Stars' Andriamananjara and Christians, both of whom come in with times almost two minutes ahead of the rest of the field. It will be a battle to round out the top five, as Kuehn and Paulsen of North Lakes, Iseli Centeno of Calvin Christian and Nicole Blake of Eagle Ridge Academy have all run around 24:00. Teamwise, North Lakes is projected with a healthy lead over the other scoring squads, though Saint Paul Humboldt may be within striking distance if they can pick up a breakout runner.

(written by Maddy Lawler)

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