Emily Covert, Minneapolis Washburn (MN)
After finishing runner-up to Tierney Wolfgram last fall, Emily Covert will be the heavy favorite to take the Heartland title. In a race that was never in any doubt, Covert defended her State title last weekend. Slipping under her previous course record in a time of 17:03.40, her resounding victory capped off arguably the greatest prep cross country season in Minnesota history. She's undefeated on the year, and no runner has even come within 20 seconds of her in the same race. Covert probably won't face a major challenge until Nike Cross Nationals. In fact, the Yankton Trails course record will be in serious jeopardy on Sunday, as Covert broke 17:00 in her sections race on the much hillier Gale Wood Farms. Expect Covert to take the lead early and control the race from wire to wire.