Boys Regional Rankings – 11/3/2022
By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor
Twenty-one state meets this weekend will put nearly half the country into play for championship stakes from Washington and Oregon in the Northwest to Florida in the Southeast.
And after that wave, the first of the Nike Cross Regionals will be within reach for Northwest Heartland and Midwest — meets that will qualify teams to Nike Cross Nationals for the first time in three years.
In the Midwest, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio are all set for state meets. But the Indiana meet showed that two of the teams that will contend for national berths are Carmel and Zionsville, which were separated by just three points in the one-size-fits-all state meet at Terre Haute. Carmel has beaten Illinois’ presumed best team, Plainfield (South), but this weekend’s meet at Detweiller Park will serve to reveal the progress of Camryn Viger, Ethan Reynoso, Owen O’Shea, BJ Sorg, Dylan Maloney et al as the Cougars seek their first state championship.
In Ohio, Mason has been th premier team in the state and can boost its momentum with a strong showing this weekend at Fortress Obetz. A front three of Isaac Schachleiter, Max Liao and James Mroczka has the Comets in position to retain their Division 1 title.
In Minnesota, the top programs all seem to be on the upswell. Wayzata has moved to the top of the Heartland rankings, ahead of Roy Griak Invitational winner Dowling Catholic, which won the Iowa state meet impressively with 51 points, led by Heartland individual contender Jackson Heidesch. In Wisconsin, Stevens Point enjoyed a great day at its state meet and is also now firmly on the radar for an NXN berth. But there are more teams in Minnesota that appear to be rock-solid through five and the state meet this weekend provides another opportunty to show it. Lakeville North, Rosemount and Mounds View all have deep lineups.
The Northwest is shaping up to be a fierce competition. Tyrone Gorze from Crater ran 14:41 at Lane Community College last week at his district meet, which is one of the fastest times ever on the course that also serves as the state championship venue. The Comets are six deep and looking for a breakthrough NXN berth. Jesuit of Portland had three runners under 15 minutes at the Metro League district meet and are looking this weekend to defend its 6A title, with Jacob Nenow leading the way. West Salem, Lincoln and Central Catholic are all worthy challengers.
Blanchet Blanchet of Seattle…
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