Category: 2020 Previews

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48. Josh Oom, Caledonia

• Consistently been the top-15 in his class for his first two years in HS, with improvement along the way
• Saved his best races for last, although he didn’t have a subpar race (at an invite) all year
• Curiously no victories on his athleticnet scorecard, the crew over here believes that will change this year
• Along with a runner not yet named, leaders on a Caledonia team primed for a top-10 finish at MIS

48. Abigail Petr

• MS career predicted great success for her and she did not let down
• Remarkable consistency in terms of time, only one major, championship season race not within that 18:50-19:10 window
• Showed some improvement in indoor, sporting a 3 second PR in the 3200m, one that we know from EGR’s history that would drop in the spring
• As with Oom, saved her best for last, a major aid in EGR’s successful bid for a state title

No better time than to start a season preview.  There are a few weeks until regional sites and assignments are handed out.  Before that time and those previews are compiled, I want to notice and give celebration to the top 50 returners.

The rank of these top returners is based on a few factors.  Most importantly, the ratings from the 2019 season.  From then, projected improvement, based on age, speed, and past history.  Unfortunately, track has played a minor role, but for some, we saw some early progress. 

These are more of a celebration than a hierarchy.  For the upperclassmen, their mention is a testament to their drive, work ethic, and list of accomplishments.  The little freshmen, a show of their great potential.  There’s not an athlete on here that doesn’t put in the work needed to be a leader and accomplished runner. 

49. Audrianna Enns, Hart

• Top 10 finisher at MIS the past two years
• Finished her 2019 season with three of her best races, PR at Regionals, then best finish yet at State
• Hart is likely the favorite in Division 3, consistently rising performers like Audrianna are a main reason
• Improvement continuing this spring, having gone 5:18 in a Virtual 1600m

49. Jacob Harberts, Macomb Dakota

• Steady drops during his first three years at Dakota, at least 1:30+ over that time
• That improvement most exemplified by his regional performances, from 66^th as a freshman, to 43^rd as a sophomore, to 9^th in a blazing fast race
• That dedication also present this indoor season, with a consistent string of 4:40-4:45 performances
• Dakota has a real chance of pushing Romeo in the county this year, Harberts’ racing will be a major factor

No better time than to start a season preview.  There are a few weeks until regional sites and assignments are handed out.  Before that time and those previews are compiled, I want to notice and give celebration to the top 50 returners.

The rank of these top returners is based on a few factors.  Most importantly, the ratings from the 2019 season.  From then, projected improvement, based on age, speed, and past history.  Unfortunately, track has played a minor role, but for some, we saw some early progress. 

These are more of a celebration than a hierarchy.  For the upperclassmen, their mention is a testament to their drive, work ethic, and list of accomplishments.  The little freshmen, a show of their great potential.  There’s not an athlete on here that doesn’t put in the work needed to be a leader and accomplished runner. 

50. Braxton Lamey, Ithaca

• Leader of an Ithaca team looking to return to the State Finals
• Sports a PR of 15:24 on the roads and this spring, went 4:26 in a time trial
• Winner of three TVC West Jamborees, along with Spartan and Marauder
• First appearance on the podium last year, finishing 7^th (but only 5^th! in a stacked regional)

50. Joy Wolfe, Otsego

• One of many Otsego runners to come on strong at the end of the year, knocking out a 30+ second PR at MIS
• Showed great improvement from 2018 to 2019, dropping nearly a minute from her previous best
• 11:45 3200 in the 2019 track season was an early predictor of that success
• Earned medals at notable invites, such as Cougar Falcon and Otsego Bulldog
• All-State last year, finishing 18^th, outperforming the projections here by 30+ spots