PREVIEW
Milaca Early Bird Invitational
Location: Stones Throw Golf Club, Milaca
Weather: Partly cloudy, mid 70s with 90% humidity
BOYS
Virtual Meet Projection: Mora (35 points), Little Falls (65 points), St. Cloud Cathedral (76 points)
Top Individuals: Cooper Lennox (Mora, 16:16), Nathan Williams (Mora, 16:50), Jake Andres (Pierz, 16:54), Drew Peterson (Little Falls, 17:08)
The Skinny: The most intriguing part of this meet will be the debut of Cooper Lennox, currently ranked 3rd in Class A after an 8th place finish at State last fall. Though not as strong as in previous years, Lennox's 9th ranked Mora squad will surely be contenders come November. Pay attention to Jake Andres of Pierz as well, who took 35th at State a year ago and will be in contention for an All-State position this season. Little Falls and St. Cloud Cathedral will likely be fighting for the second team spot.
GIRLS
Virtual Meet Projection: Mora (22 points), Milaca (86 points)
Top Individuals: Peyton Oslin (Mora, 20:17), Johanna Schwinghamer (Mora, 20:28), Andrea Fromelt (St. Cloud Cathedral, 20:30)
The Skinny: Like in the boys race, the Mora girls should take the win rather convincingly. On paper, their margin of 64 points indicates plenty of room for error. Led by Peyton Oslin and Johanna Schwinghamer, the only question is which of these two will be Mora's top runner. They both will be in contention for the individual title as well, as will Andrea Fromelt of St. Cloud Cathedral. And though her track season was somewhat disappointing, Schwinghamer does hold a 2:18 800m PR, perhaps giving her the edge in a kick.
(written by Sam O'Donnell-Hoff)