Illinois and Indiana remain front and center as strongest states in region, with York, Prospect and Columbus North having potential to upstage perennial qualifiers and earn first trips to NXN; Naperville North looks to extend run of consecutive appearances in Oregon after eight-year streak was paused due to pandemic
By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor
Girls NXR Midwest Preview
Teams from Illinois and Indiana have been the most successful in representing the Midwest in the history of Nike Team Nationals and Nike Cross Nationals, accounting for 31 combined appearances by the two states from 2004-19, before the pandemic prevented the event from being held in Portland, Ore., the past two years.
The states expect to be front and center again Nov. 13 at the regional competition at the prestigious LaVern Gibson course in Terre Haute, Ind., but it could be new representatives pursuing their opportunities to advance to race Dec. 3 at Glendoveer Golf Course.
York High from Illinois has had the potential to qualify the past two years, but still has enough depth to secure its first NXN appearance, as does 3A rival Prospect.
York won the title at NXR Midwest last year, although Ann Arbor Pioneer from Michigan – competing as Purple Track Club – was allowed to race unattached and didn’t score.
The Michigan Division 1 state champion would’ve been credited with a lower score than the top program in Illinois 3A, but only individuals from the state are allowed to compete unattached at the regionals, as teams have been advised by Michigan officials that they risk the punishment of being ineligible for spring track competition should they pursue the opportunity to race at NXN.
Still, junior Rachel Forsyth of Ann Arbor Pioneer and senior Arianne Olson of Holland West Ottawa are both capable of qualifying to represent Michigan at NXN, along with Tatum David of Olney High in Illinois, Lily Cridge of Bishop Chatard in Indiana, and teammates Sophia Kennedy and Gretchen Farley of Park Tudor High in Indiana.
Prospect was runner-up to York at last year’s regional, with Indiana state champion Columbus North taking third.
In addition to York and Prospect seeking their first opportunities to race in Oregon, Columbus North is hoping to make similar history as well.
Since NXN has been canceled the past two years, Naperville North from Illinois still has a streak of eight consecutive appearances competing in Portland from 2012-19 that it can build on, the most successful stretch in…
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