SAN DIEGO -- By the time Zoe Nelson completed her run-through of the Balboa Park course on Friday morning, the Montana phenom quietly reminded all: “I like running on hills.”

Less than 24 hours later, her tune changed to: “I LOVE running on hills!”

In a show of phenomenal strength, the Flathead HS sophomore star eventually dominated the competition along the fabled 5-kilometer layout to win her first national crown. Nelson, who finished 20th on the Florida course employed at nationals last year, clocked 17:30 here, winning by 14 seconds over Red Bank Regional’s (NJ) Kathleen Trotter.

Just as in Chris Solinsky’s winning effort in the boys race, Zoe relied on her strength to handle the competition, opening a small gap on the steep hill along the first circuit of a double-loop trek. By the time the hill came up a second time, none in the race handled the task as well as she.

“I was going to hang with the pack for a while, but I got a little clear after a corner and decided not to hold back,” said Nelson, a five-foot, 93-pound mighty mite. “I really tried working from there. After the hill (the second time), I felt a little fatigued. I liked the hill – it was pretty big!”

Nelson, who finished her season undefeated, credited her massive success to her summertime training, noting she didn’t have similar focus in the months before her freshman season.

“I concentrated during my races more this year,” who admitted she didn’t get excited about her position until the final straightaway. Showing her fine humility and flashing her perfect smile, Zoe then quickly discounted one reporter’s question of possibly becoming the first girl ever to three-peat (she is eligible for two more cracks) by stating she was just thrilled to win this year’s event, choosing not to speculate on the future.

That future could involve substantial doses of New York flavor, as three non-seniors from that state finished in the top 10: Caitlin McTague, Laura Cummings and frosh phenom Nicole Blood.

Trotter, who helped share the spotlight on a sensational distance medley relay crew last spring, was among the leaders throughout, clocking 17:44 in pacing her Northeast Region squad to an upset victory! Trotter, also the first senior to finish, finished three seconds ahead of previously unheralded McTague (Niskayuna HS) and four ahead of Cummings (Bay Shore HS). Junior Amber Smith (Westwood HS) of Michigan headed up the Midwest’s effort, being edged out on a lean to place fifth in 17:48.

Utah junior Heidi Magill (Mountain View HS), who aims to challenge the national outdoor 800-meter record as a senior, closed her “off-season sport” out in fine fashion, earning first-team All-America honors with a sixth-place finish in 17:51. Reportedly seeking a top 10 finish here, she did it with just two seconds to spare!

A mad dash to the chute took place from here, with super soph Katelyn Kaltenbach (17:51), Connecticut senior Meghan Owen (17:52), New Yorker Nicole Blood (17:52), Ohio’s Sunni Olding (17:53) and Washington’s Jamie Geissler (17:54) are cascading down a short final grade all at once!
Blood, a sensational talent for national superpower Saratoga Springs HS of New York, was beaming and giddy afterward, more than pleased with her showing.

“I’ve had a cold for three weeks, so I was a little worried,” said Blood, who only started taking antibiotics in recent days, helping alleviate continued nasal and throat ailments.

“Normally, I’m used to being out in front. But here, you slow down any and 20 girls go right on by! I was just hoping for Top 10 after the last few weeks, so I am happy! Plus, the weekend has been great – Tons of snow back home, but nice and sunny here!”

Foot Locker Midwest Region champion Megan Kaltenbach had problems holding form from midrace on, forced to settle for a 20th-place finish in 18:25. Obviously bummed by her placing after high goals, she nonetheless kept composure in granting interviews.

“I really never felt that good today, right from the first mile,” she said. “What happened, I really don’t know. I just tried to hang together as best I could, but it was kind of tough. At this level, so much talent reels you in if you are off.”

That predicament actually struck several runners, as sickness was spreading through pockets of some team corners like wildfire (athletes were paired two to a room, with West athletes paired with Northeast athletes and Midwest athletes pairing with the South). Reports of sickness surfaced for at least five female runners in the few days preceding the meet.

“It wasn’t the best feeling in the world, but it’s part of the sport,” said Californian Caitlin Chock, who finished 26th after coming in a little under the weather. She was purely coincidentally paired with Northeast Region champion Ari Lambie (22nd here), who also was reportedly under the weather in recent days.

“I tried getting out in the first half mile, but nothing went well, said Chock. “From there, I definitely knew it was not going to be an easy day. Still, I was thrilled with the whole trip. They treat you like Gods here. The meet people have all been so phenomenal. It’s been an unforgettable experience!”