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XC: Rankings (10-5) [Updated]

Oct. 6, 2009 @ 8:04 p.m. by teldridge

By Taylor Eldridge

[Updated: Now that I have seen the individual girls results of the Newton Invitational.]

Another week of great races, another week of rankings. There were a lot of good races in the area last week and I am just so impressed with the top runners in this area.

We had unreal races ran by Neil Metler and Mackenzie Maki down at the Cowboy Jamboree at Oklahoma State. We had Adam Porter and Cameron Sprague going low (under 16 minutes) in Newton. We had Dani Walker and Molly Milbourn continue to raise the standard in the area. The Derby girls were once again. Just good, good stuff.

So how did it all shake out in this week’s rankings? Click the jump to find out. Also, I discovered the use of headings. So hopefully they’re easier to read this week.

GIRLS

Top 10 Teams

1. Bishop Carroll

  • Top 5 (season best time): Kaelyn Balch (14:01); Kristen Sponsel (15:58); Christen McCaulley (15:59); Brandy Tholstrup (16:11); Natalie Englert (16:21).
  • Results: 1st at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 1st at Swather Special on 9/10; 1st at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 2nd at Rim Rock Invite (Crimson) on 9/26.
  • Last ranking: 1
  • Justification: The top team in the area took the week off last week, maybe to rest up for the El Dorado this week. Or maybe just to get a week off from the sickness going around. I know the boys team had it bad, so hopefully the girls team will be ready to go for the big meet his week.

2. Derby

  • Top 5: Emily Hornbeck (15:09); Amber Green (15:52); Valerie Nielson (16:55); Brenna Kleman (16:57); Breah Waldron (17:16).
  • Results: 2nd at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 3rd at Swather Special on 9/10; 1st at K.C. Turner Invitational on 9/16; 10th at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; 5th at Cowboy Jamboree (6A) on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 2
  • Justification: In Oklahoma, they only run the 2-mile and Derby represented Kansas very well with a fifth place finish. Emily Hornbeck and Amber Green were studly in their top-10 finishes and it looked like Breah Waldron ran a good race. It’s hard to match up where their times would match up with a 4k time, but they are still sitting pretty at #2 this week.

3. Newton

  • Top 5 runners: Mallorie Coffman (15:41); Erin Loeffler (15:46); Shannon Ahlstedt (16:00); Laci McCartney (17:05); Ardys Woodward (17:37).
  • Results: 2nd at Swather Special on 9/10; 1st at Buhler Invitational on 9/17; 11th at Rim Rock Invite (Crimson) on 9/26; 1st at Newton Invitational on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 5
  • Justification: I know that East beat them straight up at Rim Rock, but I just think that this week Newton really came through with its top three runners. If Coffman, Loeffler and Ahlstedt can race like that every week then they are going to be a very good team this season. Three runners inside of 16 minutes is hard to beat.

4. Goddard

  • Top 5 runners: Megan Ballinger (15:18); Julie Randall (16:13), Courtney Maddux (16:25); Sarah Irsik (16:38); Meredith Skidmore (17:36).
  • Results: 5th at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 1st at Hutchinson Invitational on 9/10; 3rd at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 13th at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; 2nd at Newton Invitational on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 3
  • Justification: Didn’t find the individual results from Newton, so not sure but I know talking to coach Wetta that four of the top seven ran personal bests last week. Randall really broke through and if she can step up into that #2 runner slot, the Lions will be very good this season. Maddux and Irsik are solid #3 and #4 and the #5 time keeps coming down. Looking good for Goddard right now.

5. East

  • Top 5 runners: Carlin Greene (16:18), Kristen Lumpkins (16:19), Laura Combs (16:36); Lauren Sinik (17:14); Cate Dunn (17:32).
  • Results: 2nd at J.K. Gold Classic on 9/5; Participation at North Invitational on 9/10; 5th at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 1st at Ark City Invitational on 9/24; 8th at Rim Rock Invite (Crimson) on 9/26.
  • Last ranking: 4
  • Justification: East takes a week off this past week to rest up for El Dorado this Saturday. Probably a little unfair to move them down one just for not running, but I was really impressed by Newton’s running last week. A good showing against in El Dorado will move the Aces right back up though.

6. Maize

  • Top 5 runners: Dani Walker (15:02); Kelsy McNay (16:14); Najai Hill (16:18); Mary Kranick (16:31); Jordan Goss (17:49).
  • Results: 3rd at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 10th at Emporia Invitational on 9/12; 4th at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 15th at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; 2nd at Junction City Invitational on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 6
  • Justification: Walker, Hill and Kranick set season-bests last week. That’s always a good sign. The team has been without McNay, so having her will help even more if she comes back. Sarah Allen and Corinne Penner are starting to come on to push Jordan Goss for the #4 and #5 times. If the Eagles can continue to lower them in the 17’s, they should rise. I know they beat East heads up at Southeast, but right now, without Kranick, I think East is deeper. If she returns, Maize gets a boost up the rankings.

7. Kapaun Mount Carmel

  • Top 5 runners: Mackenzie Maki (14:44); Marie Schaller (16:37); Katie Hand (17:05); Emilee Strecker (17:28); Veronika Kolejakova (17:28).
  • Results: 4th at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 4th at Swather Special on 9/10; 6th at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 20th at Rim Rock Invite (Crimson) on 9/26; 15th at Cowboy Jamboree (6A)
  • Last ranking: 7
  • Justification: Maki ran a great race to win the meet and Schaller (12:39) ran well behind her. Not sure how the next times translate, but here they are: Bridgette Valliere (13:09), Katie Hand (13:31) and Melissa Davied (14:10). Some new names there, so we’ll see if they can translate to 4k times this week.

8. Clearwater

  • Top 5 runners: Logan Davis (16:29); Michelle Babb (16:45); Kristen Babb (16:52); Brooke Winter (17:08); Tracy Rausch (17:21).
  • Results: Participation at Clearwater Invitational on 9/3; 6th at Wamego Invitational on 9/12; 1st at Peabody-Burns Invitational on 9/17; 1st at Oxford Invitational on 9/24; 2nd at Cowboy Jamboree (3-1A 2-mile) on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 9
  • Justification: Clearwater continues its strong push up the rankings with a solid second place showing at the Cowboy Jamboree. Logan Davis (12:28), Michelle Babb (12:31) and Kristen Babb (12:36) are making a very solid top three and Tracy Rausch, Brooke Winter, Cheyenne Layton and Katie Garrison are more than capable of providing a good #4 and #5 time.

9. Buhler

  • Top 5 runners: Shelby Nelson (16:05); Ellyn Willse (16:06); Katie Winter (17:17); Toni Androski (17:20); Carly Berblinger (17:31).
  • Results: 1st at Great Bend Invitational on 9/5; 2nd at Buhler Invitational on 9/17; 1st at Valley Center Invitational on 9/21; 1st at McPherson Invitational on 9/24; 6th at Newton Invitational on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 8
  • Justification: Two of the normal top five didn’t run at Newton, but good results were seen from Willse, Winter and Androski, all setting season-bests. Without its top runner in Nelson, the team score was a little low. Don’t pay too much attention, as I think Buhler bounces back this week with its top group.

10. Hutchinson

  • Top 5 runners: Madison Schrock (16:12); Maple Shalonda (16:23); Rachel Seitz (16:40); Erin Allender (17:03); Maggie Heck (17:19).
  • Results: 4th at Great Bend Invitational on 9/5; 3rd at Hutchinson Invitational on 9/10; 7th at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 5th at Rim Rock Invite (Blue) on 9/26; 4th at Newton Invitational on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: N/R
  • Justification: Sort of a surprise pick this week, but really the 10th spot on the girl’s side is wide open. Took a peak at Rose Hill’s team and some others, but couldn’t find anybody that matched up better than Hutch. All five girls ran strong last week and ran season-bests. We’ll see if that was a one-week wonder, or if the Salt Hawks are for real. My bet is the latter.

Top 10 Runners

1. Kaelyn Balch, Bishop Carroll

  • Results: 14:39 (1st) at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 14:37 (1st) at Swather Special on 9/10; 14:01 (2nd) at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 14:56 (1st) at Rim Rock Invite (Crimson) on 9/26.
  • Last ranking: 1
  • Justification: The number one runner takes the week off, like her team. She should be gearing up for another sub-15 minute race at El Dorado this week. Should be a good one!

2. Mackenzie Maki, Kapaun Mount Carmel

  • Results: 14:49 (2nd) at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 14:44 (1st) at Swather Special on 9/10; 14:48 (3rd) at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 15:29 (2nd) at Rim Rock Invite (Crimson) on 9/26; 11:16 (1st) at Cowboy Jamboree (6A 2-mile) on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 2
  • Justification: Call it a confidence-booster, call it whatever, but Maki returned to form this weekend. She ran a smart race, staying with the pack until the last 500-meters then blasting them with her kick to win the entire race. Will this spark her to challenge Balch this week?

3. Molly Milbourn, El Dorado

  • Results: 15:18 (1st) at J.K. Gold Classic on 9/5; 15:18 (1st) at Wamego Invitational on 9/12; 14:49 (1st) at Buhler Invitational on 9/17; 15:20 (1st) at McPherson Invitational on 9/24; 14:59 (1st) at Newton Invitational on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 4
  • Justification: Again, can there be a 3a and a 3b? It’s so hard to rank where Walker and Milbourn would be if they raced against each other. Milbourn has more experience winning (5-for-5 so far this season), but Walker has been pushed more this season. Molly wins again without much of a push this past week, but it sets up a great matchup this week at El Dorado. I’ll move Milbourn up on a hunch that she does well this week.

4. Dani Walker, Maize

  • Results: 15:38 (3rd) at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 15:20 (4th) at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 15:28 (2nd) at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; 15:02 (1st) at Junction City Invitational on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 3
  • Justification: The area girl’s runners this year are insane. So many are right around breaking 15 minutes. Walker almost did it this past week at Junction City, easily winning her first race of the season. That should be a good confidence-booster entering this week’s big test at El Dorado.

5. Emily Hornbeck, Derby

  • Results: 15:58 (4th) at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 15:09 (1st) at Swather Special on 9/10; 16:54 (2nd) at K.C. Turner Invitational on 9/16; 15:52 (10th) at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; 11:35 (7th) at Cowboy Jamboree (6A 2-mile) on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 5
  • Justification: Derby has run in some tough races this year, up in KC, at Rim Rock and now in Stillwater. This will be good experience for Hornbeck and Green to gear them up for the state meet later this month. 11:35 is a good 2-mile time for Hornbeck, she was only a few seconds away from 5th place.

6. Amber Green, Derby

  • Results: 15:58 (5th) at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 15:52 (2nd) at Swather Special on 9/10; 16:44 (1st) at K.C. Turner Invitational on 9/16; 16:02 (13th) at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; 11:45 (9th) at Cowboy Jamboree (6A 2-mile) on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 6
  • Justification: Right where Hornbeck is, you can expect Green to be right behind her. Again this week they place in the top-10 and they are continuing to make the best 1-2 combo in the area. Don’t see much changing going forwards.

7. Morgan Wedekind, Valley Center

  • Results: 12:33 (1st) at Clearwater Invitational (2-mile) on 9/3; 16:33 (1st) at Wellington Invitational on 9/12; 15:22 (1st) at Valley Center Invitational on 9/21; 16:02 (4th) at Rim Rock Invite (Crimson) on 9/26.
  • Last ranking: N/R
  • Justification: I think Valley’s girls took a week off after running twice last week. Wedekind is still having a great season and shouldn’t be overlooked. She’ll run on Thursday at Circle, so how she runs there will be very interesting in how she matches up against some very good talent.

8. Amber Eichkorn, North

  • Results: 16:24 (6th) at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 17:25 (1st) at North Invitational on 9/12; 15:28 (5th) at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 16:32 (10th) at Rim Rock Invite (Crimson) on 9/26.
  • Last ranking: 8
  • Justification: She took the week off last week to rest up, or at least from what I can she did. Most teams did just as a little rest going into the final stretch of the season now. Eichkorn has been nothing but solid this whole season, so reason to change anything here.

9. Megan Ballinger, Goddard

  • Results: 16:38 (8th) at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 15:18 (2nd) at Hutchinson Invitational on 9/10; 15:34 (6th) at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 16:31 (24th) at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; 15:34 (2nd) at Newton Invitational on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 9
  • Justification: It’s not her best time of the season, but the 15:34 last week was probably one of her stronger races of the season. She wasn’t anywhere close to Milbourn, but she beat the Newton girls. Great race from Ballinger keeps her on the list.

10. Anastasiya Menestrina, Bishop Carroll

  • Results: 16:26 (7th) at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 16:04 (1st) at Southeast Invitational (JV) on 9/19; 16:37 (13th) at Rim Rock Invite (Crimson) on 9/26.
  • Last ranking: 10
  • Justification: Carroll’s top seven took the week off and will rest up for the Eldo meet this Saturday. I strongly consider Newton’s Mallorie Coffman, Rose Hill’s Taylor Carlson, Douglass’ Sarah Wright, but I just couldn’t come up with a reason to drop Menestrina off the list. Her times just match up with everyone I left off.

BOYS

Top 10 Teams

1. Mulvane

  • Top 5 runners: Evan Landes (15:55), Nikki Trooien-Smith (16:06); Nick Lockwood (16:13), Wyatt James (16:21); Josh Hansen (16:43).
  • Results: 1st at J.K. Gold Classic on 9/5; 1st at Wamego Invitational on 9/12; 1st at Chaparral Invitational on 9/17; 3rd at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; 1st at Berean Invitational on 10/1.
  • Last ranking: 1
  • Justification: All five runners are under 17 minutes now. Two runners are nearly under 16 minutes. It can’t get much better for the Wildcats right now. They are looking virtually untouchable so far this season.

2. Bishop Carroll

  • Top 5 runners: Cliff Kissling (16:44); Gage Garcia (17:14); David Thor (17:15); Andy Schepis (17:26); James Hampton (17:29).
  • Results: 1st at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 1st at Swather Special on 9/10; 11th at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; Participation at Cowboy Jamboree (5-4A) on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 3
  • Justification: It’s been a rough past week for the Carroll boys team. Most of the team was wiped out by the flu entering this week, then another rash hit and left only Kissling and Garcia to race in Oklahoma. Both ran season bests, so it paid off. But don’t be surprised if Carroll needs a week or so to recover to full strength.

3. Campus

  • Top 5 runners: Brock Nooney (16:22); Bryant Keirns (16:29); Cooper Clark (17:06); Chris Kelly (17:15); Jeremy Shear (17:15).
  • Results: 2nd at J.K. Gold Classic on 9/5; 4th at Emporia Invitational on 9/12; 2nd at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 13th at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; 3rd at Topeka Seaman on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 3
  • Justification: Campus gets some good experience up in Topeka and is still a ways off from the state’s best. But Nooney ran a great race and surprisingly surpassed Keirns for the team’s lead. Clark was great once again, but the #4 and #5 runners were a little off. Good motivation to keep up the good work, as Campus has good potential.

4. McPherson

  • Top 5 runners: Adam Porter (15:15); Morgan Peterson (16:33); Caleb Porter (16:56); Nick Rempe (16:58); Skyler Janda (17:38).
  • Results: 4th at J.K. Gold Classic on 9/5; 6th at Emporia Invitational on 9/12; 1st at Buhler Invitational on 9/17; 1st at McPherson Invitational on 9/24; 1st at Newton Invitational on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 5
  • Justification: Mac came through big with another team win (its third on the season) at Newton. The times were a little slow across the board, but all that matters is the win. Preston Mossman was the fifth time, which creates a new possibility for the #5 time for McPherson, something that they have been looking for all season.

5. East

  • Top 5 runners: Aaron Heil (17:04); Jesse Parker (17:28); Will Marsh (17:29); David Perales (18:00); Jacob Seamster-Davis (18:04).
  • Results: 5th at J.K. Gold Classic on 9/5; Participation at North Invitational on 9/12; 3rd at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 6th at Rim Rock Invite (Crimson) on 9/26.
  • Last ranking: 4
  • Justification: East will be at full strength when running at El Dorado this week after taking a week off last. I dropped them down one, not because they didn’t run last week but I am just impressed with McPherson.

6. Hutchinson

  • Top 5 runners: Cameron Sprague (15:57); Chris Wise (16:41); Seaver Williams (17:41); Tyler Williams (17:54); Derek Mitchell (18:12).
  • Results: 3rd at Great Bend Invitational on 9/5; 1st at Hutchinson Invitational on 9/10; 4th at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 10th at Rim Rock Invite (Crimson) on 9/26; 3rd at Newton Invitational on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 6
  • Justification: By my count, all five ran season-bests. Everybody lowered their times and the good thing was seeing Sprague and Wise perform. The #3-#5 times all were lowered and Hutch has to like the momentum taken away from Newton with that third place finish.

7. Derby

  • Top 5 runners: Neil Metler (15:53); Brandon Lewis (17:50); Vontez Curry-Long (17:59); Craig Compton (18:02); Darren Dawdy (18:05).
  • Results: 4th at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 3rd at Swather Special on 9/10; 1st at K.C. Turner Invitational on 9/16; 21st at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; 10th at Cowboy Jamboree (6A) on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 9
  • Justification: Talk about a great race from Metler. Wow. He is having a heck of a season. Not to mention a great race from the pack behind him. They were bunched up very well and they all ran season-best times. Plus they edged Northwest, so that means they are improving this season. Great signs for the Panthers.

8. Northwest

  • Top 5 runners: Robbie Martinez-Garcia (16:26); Daniel Herbert (16:43); Andrew Johnson (17:25); Kevin Crafton (18:12); Max Surmeier (18:20).
  • Results: 3rd at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 7th at Emporia Invitational on 9/12; 6th at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 14th at Rim Rock Invite (Crimson) on 9/26; 11th at Cowboy Jamboree (6A) on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 7
  • Justification: The top five finally ran together at the same meet to mixed results. On one end, the team has to be happy with Robbie and Herbert both improving on their season-best times. If they can stay there in the 16’s, Northwest will have a solid 1-2 combo. But Johnson fell off a little this week and leaves some motivation to improve the #3-#5 times. Derby passes them, just barely, but I have a feeling Northwest will improve its ranking next week.

9. El Dorado

  • Top 5 runners: Casey Nightengale (16:31); Dale Nuckolls (16:48); Michael Riedl (16:56); Ben Jiles (17:02); Spencer Jensen (17:33).
  • Results: 6th at J.K. Gold Classic on 9/5; 5th at Wamego Invitational on 9/12; 2nd at Buhler Invitational on 9/17; 2nd at McPherson Invitational on 9/26.
  • Last ranking: 9
  • Justification: El Dorado narrowly missed knocking off McPherson last week, as they placed five in the top 10: Nightengale (17:34), Nuckolls (18:08), Riedl (18:11), Jiles (18:27) and Jensen (18:36). In my opinion, they were a little more impressive than the Pups last week and that should be a good duel the rest of the season.

10. Maize

  • Top 5 runners: Ryan Hopkins (17:03); Daniel Van Sickle (17:45); Landon Kilgore (17:57); Eli Ybarra (18:02); Brooks Rummery (18:19).
  • Results: 2nd at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 10th at Emporia Invitational on 9/12; 5th at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 26th at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; 2nd at Junction City Invitational on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 10
  • Justification: Maize has had some tough luck this season, but it may have finally started to come together on Saturday. It was the best bunch-up of the season for the Eagles, as #2-#5 ran well. That #5 time was lowered and the closer it can get to breaking 18 minutes, the better Maize will be.

Top 10 Runners

1. Adam Porter, McPherson

  • Results: 15:55 (1st) at J.K. Gold Classic on 9/5; 16:39 (2nd) at Emporia Invitational on 9/12; 15:18 (1st); 15:18 (1st) at Buhler Invitational on 9/17; 16:36 (1st) at McPherson Invitational on 9/24; 15:50 (1st) at Newton Invitational on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 1
  • Justification: Porter was finally pushed last week by Sprague. He took him down to the wire, but Porter proved he is still the man and is still my No. 1.

2. Evan Landes, Mulvane

  • Results: 16:25 (3rd) at J.K. Gold Classic on 9/5; 16:36 (3rd) at Wamego Invitational; 16:39 (1st) at Chaparral Invitational on 9/19; 16:20 (5th) at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; 15:55 (1st) at Berean Invitational on 10/1.
  • Last ranking: 2
  • Justification: Landes has really come into form as the season has progressed. He really built on last week’s race at Rim Rock and broke through with his first sub-16 minute 5k of the season. Wouldn’t expect anything less.

3. Neil Metler, Derby

  • Results: 16:47 (1st) at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 16:34 (1st) at Swather Special on 9/10; 17:15 (1st) at K.C. Turner Invitational on 9/16; 16:32 (15th) at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; 15:53 (2nd) at Cowboy Jamboree (6A) on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 4
  • Justification: I know NTS beat him last week at Rim Rock fair and square, but how do you deny Metler after the race he ran in Oklahoma? We are talking one of the better races of the season anywhere in this area so far. He is having a heck of a season on a very difficult schedule. He’s definitely filling the shoes of Jake Wike right now.

4. Nikki Trooien-Smith, Mulvane

  • Results: 16:20 (2nd) at J.K. Gold Classic on 9/3; 16:35 (2nd) at Wamego Invitational on 9/12; 16:55 (2nd) at Chaparral Invitational on 9/17; 16:29 (12th) at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; 16:06 (2nd) at Berean Invitational on 10/1.
  • Last ranking: 3
  • Justification: He is knocking on the door of breaking 16 minutes, but hasn’t quite found it yet this season. It’s kind of surprising, but don’t be shocked if he continues to dip below 16 minutes in the season’s final weeks.

5. Cameron Sprague, Hutchinson

  • Results: 16:28 (3rd) at Great Bend Invitational on 9/5; 17:04 (2nd) at Hutchinson Invitational on 9/10; 16:25 (2nd) at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 16:53 (4th) at Rim Rock Invite (Crimson) on 9/26; 15:57 (2nd) at Newton Invitational on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 5
  • Justification: Race of the year no doubt about it for Sprague. He pushes Porter to the very end and breaks 16 minutes to set a season-best. There were a lot of good races this past week, so it’s hard not to move him up any. But the top-5 are very solid right now, let’s just say that.

6. Robbie Martinez-Garcia, Northwest

  • Results: 16:54 (2nd) at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 17:13 (8th) at Emporia Invitational on 9/12; 16:40 (5th) at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 17:13 (10th) at Rim Rock Invite (Crimson) on 9/26; 16:26 (8th) at Cowboy Jamboree (6A) on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 7
  • Justification: His times are coming down, so watch out for Robbie Martinez-Garcia. He is one of those runners that takes it easy at the start of the season, paces himself well, and then really hits his peak towards the end of the season. You know his times will be down there, so watch for him to climb the rankings starting now.

7. Bryant Keirns, Campus

  • Results: 16:31 (4th) at J.K. Gold Classic on 9/5; 17:00 (6th) at Emporia Invitational on 9/12; 16:36 (4th) at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 17:09 (41st) at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; 16:29 (8th) at Topeka Seaman on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 6
  • Justification: This week he was surprisingly passed up by his teammate Nooney, so not sure what to make of that. Keirns has already established himself as one of the top runners in the area in previous meets, but he needs a good week to move back up.

8. Cliff Kissling, Bishop Carroll

  • Results: 16:52 (3rd) at Swather Special on 9/10; 17:12 (43rd) at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; 16:44 (5th) at Cowboy Jamboree (5-4A) on 10/3.
  • Last ranking: 8
  • Justification: Another solid race by Kissling, as he sets a season best in the Cowboy Jamboree. It will be interesting to see what he can do when he is back to full strength, and teammate David Thor pushing him in practice if he can get healthy too.

9. Nick Lockwood, Mulvane

  • Results: 17:23 (15th) at J.K. Gold Classic on 9/3; 17:53 (16th) at Wamego Invitational on 9/12; 17:45 (4th) at Chaparral Invitational on 9/17; 17:04 (32nd) at Rim Rock Invite (Gold) on 9/26; 16:13 (3rd) at Berean Invitational on 10/1.
  • Last ranking: 9
  • Justification: Lockwood was a controversial selection last week, but I think he proved it was justified this week with a time of 16:13. No matter what course you’re running, that’s blazing. He’s not far behind NTS, so believe that he belongs.

10. Skylar Gutierrez, Southeast

  • Results: 17:17 (3rd) at Bishop Carroll Invitational on 9/5; 17:23 (1st) at North Invitational on 9/12; 16:50 (7th) at Southeast Invitational on 9/19; 16:56 (2nd) at Ark City Invitational on 9/24.
  • Last ranking: 9
  • Justification: Southeast was like many schools this past week to take the week off leading into El Dorado. Nothing to update here really.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 at 8:04 p.m. and is filed under Cross Country. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

30 Responses to “XC: Rankings (10-5) [Updated]”

  1. ccfan27 says:
    October 5th, 2009 at 9:27 am

    Thanks for the continued good work on XC reporting. I wish that we had something like this in NE Kansas.

    One question – How can you rate BC’s boy’s team ahead of Campus? Each Campus runner has a better season best than their counterpart from BC.

    I would like to see your thoughts on where you think the Wichita area schools would fit in the statewide rankings (subject for a future blog article???).

    Keep up the good work.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  2. Courage says:
    October 5th, 2009 at 10:34 am

    GREAT WORK!!

    I bet 10th Spot for girls was hard to pick. Carlson has has 2 phenomenal the past 2 weeks 15:52 and 15:51. Legit I must say. Wright is only a Freshmen and pretty much dominating in most of her races. Shes a stud!

    Agreed with ccfan27 on it would be interesting to see STATEWIDE but that sounds like way to much work. haha

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  3. teldridge says:
    October 5th, 2009 at 10:50 am

    ccfan27:

    While I take into heavily consideration the season best times, I have to go by how the teams did straight-up against each other too. Like you know, every course is different and Carroll and Campus have only ran in one of the same race: Rim Rock. And Carroll won. Plus I know they are kind of banged up right now and are waiting for Kissling and Thor to really come on strong towards the end of the year. So even though Campus has the better season best times, Carroll finished ahead (11th to 13th) of them at Rim Rock.

    I agree, that would make for a good blog article and I will probably look more into that after this week and going into Regionals. I don’t think many of the teams can compete, outside of Carroll and Derby girls and Mulvane boys. Maybe Carroll boys, but 6A is just too tough up there. Individual-wise though, we have some good ones. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Balch-Maki go 1-2 in 5A, Walker be 2nd in 6A, Milbourn win 4A and the Derby girls be top-10 in 6A. Mulvane boys should win easily the 4A team title and Landes might even sneak in there with an individual title. Neil Metler is looking like a 6A option to win. There is a lot of talent in this area, I think they are starting to catch up a little bit. But nowhere near most of the talent in the NE.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  4. teldridge says:
    October 5th, 2009 at 10:52 am

    Courage:

    Yeah, that 10 spot has really been hard to pick. I wanted to get Carlson and/or Wright on there, but I don’t see how you can take Menestrina/BC #2 off right now. They have ran great all season and I think Menestrina proved she belonged up there with a real strong race at Rim Rock. I think she comes back and proves it again this Saturday in El Dorado.

    And yeah, state-wide would be a lot of work. Maybe if I was doing a web site haha. But yeah, I’ll stick to the Wichita area for now.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  5. Ralph says:
    October 5th, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    The Coaches Association has team rankings on their website, at http://www.kcctfca.org, but no individual rankings that I know of. There are such big differences in courses and conditions from race to race, that it would be really hard to do. You can sure look at the big meets like Rim Rock and get a feel for how people stack up. Even so, if somebody has a bad day, injury or illness (like the defending 2A girls champ did at Rim Rock), they can fall off the chart and be missed.
    Sure love the XC coverage on this site! Keep it coming and we’ll keep reading!

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  6. ccfan27 says:
    October 5th, 2009 at 1:24 pm

    Thanks for the helpful and informative response.

    I understand your thoughts on keeping BC rated ahead of Campus, but to keep them rated higher based on runners being sick or injured may not be the best strategy. If they are hurt, there is no guarantee that they will return and, if they do return, that they will be at full strength. If they are sick, their times can be impacted for quite a while depending upon how sick they are. If they are down for several days with the 3 to 5 day flu bug that is going around, full recovery may take several weeks.

    Metler has a chance to be top five in 6A, but Logan Sloan, Roy Wedge, and Andrew Stevens have all been running some crazy fast times this year and will all be hard to beat.

    Clifton appears to have 6A to herself, but the race for 2nd could be interesting. There is a freshman from Olathe East who ran a 15:14 4k yesterday that appears to be getting faster each week that might challenge for second individually.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  7. Tim says:
    October 5th, 2009 at 1:47 pm

    Taylor,

    Great Analysis! I agree with your logic regarding the placement of BC. Even though they have had some injuries and illness on the team, when matched head to head with Campus they still beat them. Sound logic. Who knows what is going to happen the rest of the season with these flu bugs flying around. I know BC will not be the only team impacted.

    Comparing times in XC is not the same as in track. You must compare times on the same course. Any other comparison leads to incorrect conclusions…The times are indicators otherwise, and not much else.

    Well done and keep up the great work! It is great to see the XC kids getting the attention they have earned with their outstanding efforts this year.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  8. big_ballin says:
    October 5th, 2009 at 5:54 pm

    didnt campus run gold and carrol and crimson at rim rock if so how could you compare them its a completely different race, paces are different, i think campus would win head to head against carroll

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  9. teldridge says:
    October 5th, 2009 at 6:11 pm

    No, Carroll and Campus boys both ran gold at Rim Rock. Carroll won. That’s what I based it on.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  10. vcxc says:
    October 5th, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    I saw your comment on valley centers morgan wedekind. Im also a runner for valley and we didnt take this past week off we ran at newton but morgan just didnt run due to soccer up in kansas city. we also havent been running a full varsity team due to health.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  11. Brayden Barrientez says:
    October 5th, 2009 at 8:04 pm

    Strong work, Taylor!
    While I too think Campus is better than Bishop Carroll, BC did beat them straight up at Rim Rock, same division. At that point, you’ve gotta give the 2 spot to the Carroll boys, for now at least.
    I saw Neil Metler at OSU, and that’s a tough course to run a 15:55 at. Very impressive. This kid is peaking at the right time, and I really think he can win State this year. Yeah, Wedge, Sloan, and Stevens have run good times, but they do that every year around this time. Once late October rolls around, the guys from the area seem to really peak out and outperform the others at State.
    As for teams, I still think Campus can contend for 6A if they get their act together. They simply looked bad at the last 2 races, but have done too well before that against schools like Washburn Rural to count them out. Again, I think they can peak at State, and contend for the title and place really well if they race well.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  12. wushock20 says:
    October 5th, 2009 at 8:43 pm

    I know how you can get Menestrina off the number 10 spot in the girls rankings. Put Carlson in there! She has ran two weeks in a row in the 15:50’s. One of them being at Goddard. You can’t tell me that the Lake Afton course is a mediocre course. Just giving my two cents!

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  13. XC_fun says:
    October 6th, 2009 at 12:43 am

    No love for Cheyenne Becker from Pratt who ran a 15:36 last week at her home meet?
    And what about Josh Munsch from Hays? Thought he might break into your top 10…

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  14. wushock20 says:
    October 6th, 2009 at 8:31 am

    XC_fun, you didn’t read Taylor’s comment about putting Becker into his top ten? She is a good runner, don’t get me wrong. I saw her at Goddard. But, Pratt is really not in this area. At least I don’t think that Pratt is in this area.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  15. xcrun says:
    October 6th, 2009 at 8:47 am

    Cheyenne Becker is a BEAST! thats all i got to say. If she was in this area she would most likely deserve a spot! Considering she is only a sophomore and AWESOME!

    and a thing to think about wushock 20 do these rankings really mean anything? All that really matter is State and regionals. Especially State Then you can sho-bo about how you did there not what some website says. Just a word for thought

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  16. ccfan27 says:
    October 6th, 2009 at 8:58 am

    Brayden – Your memory about Wichita area schools outperforming NE KS schools at state is a bit foggy. 7 of the top 10 finishers at 6A state last year were from NE KS schools. Neil has certainly made a big jump this year rising from a 26th place finish at state last year to being one of the top 5 6A runners in the state this year.

    Nevertheless, good luck to all runners for the rest of the season. Its been a good season thus far and it looks like the rest of the season will be interesting as well.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  17. wushock20 says:
    October 6th, 2009 at 1:44 pm

    I never said that Becker is not a beast! Yeah, I would agree with you that going to state matters, but the rest of the season is not a slouch either. It is working up to that point that also matters. How is the rest of the team? I would like to see the rest of the runners compliment your stud runner. It really doesn’t matter, because I don’t think that anyone is going to beat Molly Milbourn in 4A. Now, she is a beast!

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  18. Anonymous says:
    October 6th, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    Greetings from Johnson County!!
    From MileSplit KS affiliate website (Posted 10/06/2009 by duffy79)
    Greater Kansas City CC Coaches Assn (GKCCCCA)
    Latest Poll for KANSAS side of KC Metro:

    KC Metro KANSAS 5A-6A Girls
    1. Aquinas 66
    2. Olathe East 62
    3. SM South 61
    4. BV North 47
    5. BV West 35
    6. BV Northwest 34
    7. Olathe South 25
    8. SM Northwest 21
    9. SM East 11
    10. Lawrence 10
    Others receiving votes
    Free State 5, BV, 3, SM North 2, SM West, 1

    KC Metro KANSAS 5A-6A Boys
    1. SM South 68
    2. SM Northwest 59
    3. Lawrence 58
    4. BV West 42
    5. Olathe East 41
    6. Aquinas 40
    7. BV Northwest 23
    8. SM North 16
    9. SM West 15
    10.Olathe North 10
    Others receiving votes
    BV 7, BV North 3, Turner 2

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  19. teldridge says:
    October 6th, 2009 at 8:09 pm

    wushock20:

    I know it’s not the strongest logic, but it’s the only kind I have to go by. But here is my justification on Menestrina being #10.

    At Buhler, Coffman was faster than Carlson by about 10 seconds if I recall right.

    At Rim Rock, Menestrina was faster than Coffman by a lot. I can’t remember, but I know she finished ahead of her.

    It’s not the best, but it’s the closest I can come. But Carlson and Coffman are definitely deserving.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  20. teldridge says:
    October 6th, 2009 at 8:09 pm

    XC_fun:

    This is Wichita-area only. Pratt nor Hays is very close to here. Sorry.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  21. teldridge says:
    October 6th, 2009 at 8:11 pm

    xc run:

    You are exactly right. These rankings are nothing close to official. Just something that I do for free and for the entertainment for cross country fans, athletes and coaches. I’ve gotten pretty good feedback on it, so glad everyone is enjoying it. But yeah, I wouldn’t take them too seriously. But I would like to think I am somewhat accurate.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  22. xc says:
    October 6th, 2009 at 9:20 pm

    wright had a good race today. and also the girl from olpie and remington. personal records today

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  23. xcrun says:
    October 6th, 2009 at 9:43 pm

    wushock20 – I do not know how the rest of the team is from there I don’t run for them. I run for someone else. An just because she doesn’t have a team to follow her doesn’t mean anything. Cross Country is just not a “team” sport, It also is a “individual” sport. Since the school I run at does not have a very good “team”, I look at xc as more of a “individual sport.” I think Cheyanne will be closer to her this year but Molly will still win.

    Yes, I agree much so teldridge its just something for fun. It is quite interesting to read about other classes just not my class.

    xc- Yes, Freshmen Wright had a phenomenal race. 15:49 was awesome! then you have the girl from Olpe that ran 15:36. That was just what Wright needed someone up there pushing her.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  24. Cameron sprague says:
    October 6th, 2009 at 9:48 pm

    im pumped for the race this weekend at El Dorado. Adam, Neil, Robbie, Bryant, Skylar, and me. will be there. it should be an intersting race.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  25. Tim says:
    October 7th, 2009 at 8:51 am

    It sounds like Thor will be at El Dorado this weekend. Don’t know if he will be 100%, but he will be in the race.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  26. Brayden Barrientez says:
    October 7th, 2009 at 9:10 am

    CCfan27- I actually remember State last year pretty well… While you’re right in saying that 7 of the top 10 runners were from the Northeast, I wouldn’t be so bold as to say that we’re better than them. Sheer numbers matter too much in this sport, and they clearly have too many good runners to compare in that way. But here’s proof that Wichita runners peak more at State competitions:
    - 2 years ago, Jake Wike took 6th or 7th at Regionals. He and Neil went on to take 4th and 5th at the State meet.
    - Last year, Roy Wedge absolutely destroyed me by 30 seconds at Topeka, and had run much faster times throughout the year. That is, until State.
    - In track, where times are easier to compare across the board, the same thing happened. In last year’s mile, local runners had very low seeds. I think Robbie was the highest at 6, but Jake and I were far lower. The Northeast regional put up incredible regional times, but Wichita went 1-2-3 in that race.
    - In last year’s 3200, Alex Hendee of Shawnee Mission South had been running lights out all year. In the middle of the season, he was already running in the 9:30s, a solid 15-20 seconds faster than us Wichitans. But again, at State, it was Wike who won it and I who took second.
    Which leads me to Neil Metler, who didn’t run incredible times early in the year, has lost to Wedge thus far at Rim Rock, and has really only had 1 solid race so far. Nonetheless, I’m sure he’ll show up at State and place in the top 3, and he’ll contend to win it.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  27. wushock20 says:
    October 7th, 2009 at 11:33 am

    Taylor, I do understand your logic on placing Menestrina in the 10 spot. On another note, the Circle meet tomorrow will be a very good one. It will answer a lot of questions on placings for League and Regionals.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  28. ccfan27 says:
    October 7th, 2009 at 4:48 pm

    Brayden – Just a thought on your analysis (which was very good by the way). Do you think that the deeper level of competition in NE Kansas tends to wear on runners as the season progresses? I know that Wedge and Hendee had to run pretty hard in their regional just to qualify for state and I don’t think that the runners in the Wichita area had to do the same due to the shallower level of competition in SE Kansas. Is it possible that running in an “easier” regional makes it easier to run faster at state?

    An advantage that you and Jake had over most of the other top runners (excluding Hendee who was a senior that may have overtrained) was that you were seniors and were able to use your experience to get your best performance when it mattered most. This is why I don’t think you’ll see the late season fade displayed by some runners last year as the vast majority of the top runners in 6A this year are seniors.

    6A boys XC state should be a very, very good race. There may be as many five runners run sub-16.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  29. Brayden Barrientez says:
    October 7th, 2009 at 6:44 pm

    CCfan27- I would definitely agree that the level of competition in the Northeast not only wears at them, but brings out excellent times throughout the year. When there is 5 or 6 great runners in a race instead of one or two, it certainly pushes the pace. I think it also could be stylistic in recent years, as we haven’t really produced a runner who likes to kill the pace in the first mile. Guys like Adam Porter, Jake Wike, Robbie Garcia, Neil Metler, and myself were all the kind of runners who liked to wait longer to make a move in races.
    As for the effect of having more shallow regionals, I think that can give us a slight physical advantage. Moreso, I think a mental advantage can be drawn by not having to pour it all out just to get to State. I guess time will tell what happens to this years crop of runners. But with the incredible times coming out of that region early in the year, I’m just not sure they can keep it up.

    [REPORT A VIOLATION]

  30. RunThisTown says:
    October 7th, 2009 at 8:15 pm

    El Dorado meet this week will be cold….Interesting to see who the cold weather runners are lol…..Highs are in the fourties for the weekend and temperatures might not get out of the 30’s before race time. This is why the sport is so great. The extremes…whether it be extreme hills or extreme weather. Should be fun

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