Saratoga Springs seeking potential showdown at Great American against Cuthbertson, but weather conditions and travel logistics could jeopardize first appearance in North Carolina since 2018; Buchanan continues to strengthen its case for top spot after Woodbridge victory, with Niwot looking toward first big test at Desert Twilight Festival
By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor
With the challenges created by travel logistics and uncertainty surrounding course conditions as a result of Hurricane Ian, a potential showdown of top-five programs Saturday at the Great American Cross Country Festival Presented by Garmin could either be in jeopardy of materializing or compromised significantly.
Saratoga Springs hasn’t traveled outside of New York for a cross country competition since winning Nike Cross Nationals in 2019 at Glendoveer Golf Course in Portland, Ore.
The Blue Streaks returned to Oregon in 2021 to race at Hayward Field for Nike Outdoor Nationals, but haven’t been to WakeMed Soccer Complex in Cary, N.C., to compete at Great American since placing second in the Race of Champions in 2018.
Saratoga Springs is entered in Saturday’s event, but the status of the event, as well as their participation and a possible matchup against No. 5 Cuthbertson High of North Carolina remains unknown.
The Blue Streaks, who have won nine times at Great American, are seeking their first title in the Garmin Race of Champions since 2011.
The Saratoga Springs lineup could also potentially be bolstered by the return of senior McKinley Wheeler to provide support for Emily Bush, Anya Belisle, Alycia Hart and Sheridan Wheeler.
Cuthbertson, which took third Sept. 16 in the Bob Day sweepstakes race at the 41st Woodbridge Cross Country Classic Presented by ASICS at Great Park in Irvine, Calif., is also looking for senior Lillian Nasta to add depth to a lineup that includes Stella Kermes, Charlotte Bell, Alyssa Preisano, Justine Preisano, Josie Schihl and Ava Waters.
Buchanan High of California continued to close the gap against Saratoga Springs by not only winning the Bob Day sweepstakes race at Woodbridge for the third time in six years and fourth in program history, but following with another impressive performance Sept. 23 at the 48th Douglas P. Rudolf Invitational at Mooney Grove Park in Visalia, Calif.
Sydney Sundgren, Elle Lomeli and Kynzlee Buckley all ran within five seconds of each other at Woodbridge, with Grace Hutchison rebounding with a strong effort to place second overall…
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