There is a select group of runners and programs that have what it takes to challenge Fenske. Emma Atkinson is definitely one of those athletes. Atkinson's talent and the culture at Wayzata represent the needed ingredients to earn the individual crown. She is the reigning Lake Conference champ and finished second to Emily Covert the last two Section 6AA meets. Her XC PR of 17:15.11 (NXR 2017) and recently set 1600m best of 4:56.97 that earned a runner-up medal at State in June are credentials few can match. She recorded head to head wins over Fenske at Griak and NXN last year so it would not feel like an upset if Atkinson used her senior campaign to claim a state title.
2018 XC Results
| TIME | MEET | DATE | RESULT |
| 18:17.6 | Nike Cross Nationals | 12/1/18 | 66th |
| 17:39.1 | Nike Cross Nationals Heartland Regional | 11/11/18 | 6th |
| 17:54.3 | MSHSL State Cross Country Championships | 11/3/18 | 4th |
| 17:57.4 | MSHSL Section 6AA Championships | 10/24/18 | 2nd |
| 17:58.8 | Lake Conference Championships | 10/15/18 | 1st |
| 18:23.1 | Roy Griak Invitational | 9/29/18 | 9th |
| 18:04.2 | Milaca Mega Meet | 9/22/18 | 1st |
| 19:28.4 | Metro Invitational | 9/15/18 | 4th |
| 18:26.2 | St. Olaf High School Showcase | 8/30/18 | 4th |