Boys Class AA Preseason Team Watch List

MAPLE GROVE (12)

After falling just seven points shy of qualifying for State out of Section 5AA last season, Maple Grove enters 2019 with six of their seven runners returning from that team, including three runners that own lifetime bests of 16:18 or better. With the graduation of four of Saint Michael Albertville's top runners from last year, the door is now wide open for the Crimson to take the second spot in the section behind Mounds View. One of the keys to Maple Grove's success in 2019 is going to be senior Patrick Mclean. Mclean qualified for State as a sophomore, but was hampered by injuries last year that eventually ended up forcing him to miss all of this past track season. If Maple Grove is going to live up to their potential this year, Mclean is going to have to be healthy and able to put up times comparable to what he accomplished before his injury. Another aspect of the team that is worth watching will be their age and experience, as their top six returning athletes are all seniors. Depending on how the team is able to reload, this could be Maple Grove's best chance for at least the next several years to make it back to State for the first time since they finished 3rd in 2016.

2018 RETURNING TIMES/TEAM AVERAGES