Over A Dozen Meets Make Up Massive Day Of Racing

2018 Minnesota XC Meet Previews
Milesplit MN Staff

PREVIEW

Fergus Falls Hermes Invite

Location: Pebble Lake Golf Course

Weather: Mostly sunny, mid 50s, decent breeze

BOYS

Virtual Meet Projection: West Central (45), St. Cloud Apollo (89), Alexandria (105)

Top Individuals: Jacob Bright (West Central, 16:10), Hunter Gowin (Breckenridge/Wahpeton, 16:15), Zach Haire (Breckenridge/Wahpeton, 16:15), Tanner Olson (Detroit Lakes, 16:28), Lieban Mohamed (St. Cloud Apollo, 16:35)

The Skinny: With Perham resting their top runners for Griak this weekend, the 2nd-ranked West Central boys should win without any issue. They pulled off an impressive win over multiple ranked squads at the Milaca Mega Meet, and will look to keep their momentum rolling at a much smaller race. The St. Cloud Apollo boys also had a strong day at Milaca, finishing 6th in the Division 3 race. As they're expected to finish in front of Alexandria by just 16 points in the virtual meet, it should be a close battle for second. Both Apollo and West Central have strong individuals as well. Jacob Bright is ranked 9th in Class A after taking 3rd in the D4 race at Milaca, While Lieban Mohamed had a breakout performance to take 2nd in the D3 race. And don't sleep on Breckenridge's dynamic duo of Hunter Gowin and Zach Haire, who have both run 16:15, with Haire's mark being from this season.

GIRLS

Virtual Meet Projection: Alexandria (44), Rocori (83)

Top Individuals: Bethany Miller (Alexandria, 19:18), Lexi Bright (West Central, 19:21), Aleah Miller (Alexandria, 19:21), Jerzie Finstad (Thief River Falls, 19:33)

The Skinny: The Alexandria girls quietly have a top notch team this season, and they come out on top in the virtual meet. They've benefitted from a talented middle schooler, with Jaelyn Miller stepping up. Miller has been Alexandria's top runner at certain points this year. They should have no problem winning this meet over Rocori. Alexandria's combination of Aleah Miller, Jaelyn Miller, Bethany Miller, and Caitlin Bright have been a tough force all season, so expect them to be in contention for the win. And don't sleep on Lexi Bright, who has a very strong resume of past success. Bright has been on the Class A rankings, and broke 20:00 on the State course a year ago. She'll be gunning for All-State this fall.

(Written by Sam O'Donnell-Hoff)


TODAY'S MEETS