Boys Class AA Preseason Team Watch List

EDINA (4)

When you win section 6AA you are one of the best in the state. It's been a given for years. Edina finished second behind Wayzata last year yet returned to win the state title ten days later. Though the Hornets graduated five off that squad they return depth and talent as good as anyone in the state. There is already a group of five who have PR's under 17 minutes with a tight split around one minute. Senior Russell Gokemeijer has already gone under 16 minutes and stands inline as the number one after finishing 27th at state in 2018. He lowered his 1600/3200m PR's to 4:36/9:43 in the spring and is a favorite to go in the top ten in XC this fall. Wayzata will certainly produce a new crop of names to replace the graduating class but Edina's returners have posted performances that deserve attention. What we know about Eden Prairie says they have a faster fifth man and slightly better depth behind that position than Edina. But last season taught us once again, that getting through section 6AA to the state meet means you have a shot to win it all and Edina is at that level again in 2019.

2018 RETURNING TIMES/TEAM AVERAGES

1) Russell Gokemeijer 15:58.2
2) Gus Hubbell 16:22.1
3) Noah Koelbl 16:34.5
4) Otto Schreiner 16:34.6
5) Sean Baird 16:59.0
Average Time: 16:29.68 Total Time: 1:22:28.40 1-5 Split: 1:00.80
6) Ethan Bernstein 17:29.2
7) Tobias Burgess 17:33.1