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DyeStat Missouri
2000 Cross Country Preview
A rundown on the upcoming season
by Aaron Gundel and Brandon Daniels,
publishers of Missouri
Runners Nation
1A Boys - 1A Girls - 2A
Boys - 2A Girls -
3A Boys - 3A Girls - 4A Boys - 4A Girls
4A BOYS
by Brandon Daniels
Top Individuals
Who would replace Missouri's greatest distance phenom, Matt Tegenkamp, formerly of Lee's Summit high school, was questionable until the 2000 state track meet. None other than Jason Sandfort, a senior at West Plains high school, displayed potential dominance in Missouri 4A. In the 1600 meter run, Sandfort fought off Matt Tanner for second place with a time of 4:14.26. Afterwards, Sandfort demonstrated pure guts, by running side-by-side with Tegenkamp in the 3200 meter run. Although Tegenkamp pulled away with 800 meters left, Sandfort finished strong with an inconceivable 9:06.42 effort. A state championship should certainly satisfy Sandfort; however, expect Sandfort to cause damage at Orlando's Foot Locker Championships.
Several other runners, eager for a state championship, will attempt to
sidetrack Sandfort's attempt. By finishing seventh in 16:47.30, Josh
Davis of Liberty high school, (right in picture) surprised many
people at last year's state meet. By finishing fourth, Davis reached a 5K
personal best of 16:18 at the Sectional meet. Early in the track season,
Davis set a personal best 1600 meter run with a 
4:26.57.
At the state 3200 meter run, Davis crossed the line in 9:27.78 finishing
fifth overall. Blue Springs high school senior Caleb Teague (left
in picture), a runner essentially similar to Davis, has hopes of
rebounding from a disappointing track season. At the Blue Springs
sectional meet, Teague failed to qualify for state in any event. However,
Teague's talent cannot be doubted because he has 16:00 capability. Teague
began utilizing more cross training methods this summer to enhance better
running tactics.
Senior Miles Brown, of Glendale, returns to the season from an impressive track season also. In the 3200 meter run, Brown edged Davis by six-hundredths of a second; finishing in fourth place. Brown finished eleventh at the state meet in 16:50.62 nearly making the top ten.
The premiere sophomore finisher, Tim Koboldt of Parkway West, returns as the fastest St. Louis area runner and arguably the fastest junior in the state. Koboldt finished eighth last year with a time of 16:47.86.
Fort Zumwalt South senior Eric Stahl ranks fifth among return Missouri competitors. Stahl pressed a time of 16:48.45, for a ninth place finish, on the immensely difficult uphill state course. At the Sectional track meet, Stahl earned a personal best of 9:44.1 in the 3200 meter run. With high caliber runners such as Brown, Koboldt and John Basler, Stahl will have the courtesy of running against tighter competition for the 2000 season.
Basler, a junior at Hazelwood West high school, rounded-out the top ten last year in 16:49.84. Throughout his sophomore year, Basler posted mile times neighboring the 4:30 range.
Antonio Parker, a senior on the DeSmet high school squad, adds to the intense competition. Last November, Parker placed twelfth in 16:51.96 at the state meet.
Lee's Summit North's team captain, Michael Shortino, plans to run deep into the top ten this year. By breaking the 17:00 flat barrier, Shortino finished 18th last year in a time of 16:59.58. Last fall, Shortino peaked with a personal best 5K time of 16:02. Mental toughness has led Shortino to post times of: 1:59 in the 800 meter run, 4:34 in the mile, and 9:58 in the 3200 meter run.
Local competition with runners such as Marc Tegenkamp should pull Shortino and similar Kansas City area runners toward success. Marc Tegenkamp, younger brother of the widely known Matt Tegenkamp, points toward heading the Kansas City area in running. As a freshman, Tegenkamp set personal bests of 4:35 in the 1600 meter run and 9:47 in the 3200 meter run. In July, Tegenkamp pushed a 16:00 flat road race and impressed many disbelievers of his skills. The team of Davis, Shortino, Teague and Tegenkamp comprises a powerful Kansas City area team, against a very strong St. Louis area team of Basler, Koboldt, Parker and Stahl.
Others to Watch
Adam
Perkins, So. Liberty (right)- Personal best 5K of 16:07; 1:54
in the 800 meter run; 3:56 in the 1500 meter run, equivalent to a 1600
meter time of 4:14; 9:52 in the 3200 meter run; highly likely to pursue a
top 10 finish.
Ben Edgley, Jr. St. Joseph Central - Top Kansas City area runner of class of 2002; Personal best 5K of 16:12; 22nd place in a time of 17:01 at state.
Dustin Collins, Sr. West Plains - Collins finished 25th last year with a 17:05.94 split; 4:24.14 in the 1600 meter run.
Sean Hartling, Jr. DeSmet - Hartling crossed in 17:04.83 for a 23rd place finish at state.
Jeremy Doherty, Jr. DeSmet - Finished 27th place in 17:14.58 at last year's state meet; 9:39.6 personal best in the 3200 meter run.
Justin White, Sr. Lee's Summit - Last year, White peaked at 16:14 for a personal best; ran 16:09 at a road race this summer.
Top 4A Boys Teams
With the strengthening and refreshment of team depth, the hunt for a team title can only intensify. Several teams lost key runners to seniority, but expect the top class teams to provide quality replacements. The defending state champions, St. Louis University High, need to replace five seniors if the team expects to defend their title. St. Louis University received a numerous amount of criticism because the team's inability to produce a single track state qualifier. The Lee's Summit Tigers should be considered a high favorite to win the state crown. The Tigers lost Chuck Parsell and team leader Matt Tegenkamp, a runner who most likely cannot be replaced. The team reloads with Marc Tegenkamp (So. 31nd), Justin White (Sr. 131st), Aaron Fitzgerald (Jr.), Matt Merrigan (Jr. 98th), Andy Nelson (Sr.), Marc Harrison and Keith Gray (Sr. 89th) or possibly Peter Browne (119th). Tegenkamp, White, Fitzgerald, and Merrigan have low-to-mid sixteen minute capability. Potential talent may arise from sophomores Harrison and Browne because Harrison's 3200 meter time neighbored in the 10:00 range and Browne has 1:56 half-mile ability. After finishing in a disappointing eight place last season, head coach Dave Denny would appreciate a cross country title under his belt. Last May, Denny coached the Lee's Summit Tiger track and field squad to a state title and a fourth place ranking among all teams in the country. Although Lee's Summit's path towards a state title appears clear, several Conference and Sectional teams will stand in their path.
Missouri's annual power house, the Liberty Blue Jays, should pose a road block in Lee's Summit's path. The Blue Jays lost team stand out Ryan Hampton, a 4:15 miler, but the team reloads for another year of running. Heading the Liberty team will be captain Josh Davis who finished seventh at last year's state competition as a junior. Adam Perkins (So. 35th) should make a statement coming off an impressive track season. At the Youth Athletic Championships, Perkins shocked the track and field community with his record breaking 1500 meter performance of 3:56.84 and an 800 meter run of 1:54.49. The rest of the Liberty squad includes: David Hatfield (So.), Aaron Martens (So.), Alex Murphy (Jr. 81st), Jason Simpson (So.), and Chris Weseloh (Sr.). Last year, the Blue Jays fell short of the state title by one point, but most members of the team feel as if the team has improved dramatically.
DeSmet could possibly be the most dominant St. Louis area school, but team members would rather dominate the entire state as well. The team returns four of their top five runners. Senior Antonie Parker (12th) heads the team and he should receive much support from Jeremy Doherty (Jr. 27th) and Sean Hartling (Jr. 23rd). The team also returns Pat Eichholz (Jr. 114th) and Joe Porter (Sr. 130th).
If any team can exert pressure on the DeSmet team, leave the job to West Plains high school. West Plains restores all 1999 state competitors, including this year's anticipated state champion, Jason Sandfort (Sr. 2nd). By recording the third fastest 3200 meter relay time in Missouri, West Plains's also gained success on the track. The team's co-captain, senior Dustin Collins (25th), returns from an impressive track season by running a 4:24.14 1600 meter time. Also returning, the 2000 season: Adam Lawson (So. 126th) Lucas Placher (Jr. 46th), Craig Rhoads (Sr. 56th), Josh Thayer (Jr. 115th), and Matt Whittingham (Jr. 63rd).
In 1999, Parkway West high school tied DeSmet for fifth place, but do not expect Parkway West to settle for fifth in the 2000 season. Five of the team's seven runners will return including: Tim Koboldt (Jr. 8th), Ben Klieve (Sr. 79th), Jason Farr (Sr. 80th), John Farr (Sr. 104th) and Andrew Glazebrook (Jr. 125th).
Other potential threats may arise from Kansas City area teams: St. Joseph Central and Lee's Summit North. Michael Shortino heads the Lee's Summit North squad with his twin brother Ryan Shortino. Ben Edgley leads the St. Joseph Central team full of high expectations. At the 1999 State Championships, Lee's Summit North and St. Joseph Central suffered disappointing performances as a team, but both teams have built potential All-State programs.
4A GIRLS
by Brandon Daniels
Top Individuals
After last year's cross country season ended, one runner walked away
from the Missouri State cross country course victorious. In late May, she
walked from the Missouri Track and Field State 
Championships with 3 gold
medals. Sophomore Nicole Graham of Blue Springs high school (right)
is the
favorite to win the State meet. She proved last May she
was the best runner in Missouri by winning the 1600 meter run (1st
5:00.04), the 3200 meter run (1st 11:07.27), and anchoring a state
champion 3200 meter relay team (1st 9:37.32).
Expect several highly talented runners to chase after Graham this season. Last year's runner up, Senior Erin Jordan of Parkway Central, will run with hopes of leaving high school with a state championship title. Unfortunately, Jordan's absence from post season track competition may possibly provide an opportunity for another runner to emerge such as West Plains junior Amanda Marcak. Although Marcak finished tenth at last year's state cross country meet, she went to the Midwest Regional championships where she finished 27th. Marcak's 18:50 in Kenosha, Wisconsin headed all Missouri competitors including the third place finisher at the state meet, Maggie Nelsen (Kirkwood former Sr. 41st 19:03). Last May, Marcak settled for a mediocre performance in the 1600 meter run finishing in ninth place in 5:13.53. In the 3200 meter run, she fell victim to Graham's blazing kick in the last 150 meters, finishing in second place at 11:09.20.
After finishing fourth at the state cross country meet in 19:47, Francis Howell junior Jillian Petersen joins the top group. Petersen finished in 61st place at the Midwest Regional meet with a 19:20 time. By losing to Marcak at Regionals and also at the state 3200 meter run (3rd 11:09.75), Petersen also lost bragging rights to Marcak. Petersen's All-State performance in the 1600 meter run (5th 5:07.78) should boost her confidence for more advanced competition.
The closest Missouri finisher to Petersen in Jefferson City faired with the same result in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Senior Laura Kennedy, of Lafayette - Rockwood high school, finished fourth in 19:48 at the state meet. She finished 67th at the Midwest Regional meet in a time of 19:22. Kennedy finished fifth in the state 3200 meter run at 11:19.23 and eighth in the 1600 with a time of 5:08.16.
After a disappointing 44th place finish at the state cross country meet, Francis Howell North senior Jackie Pirtle has high expectations coming off of a spectacular track season. Pirtle rebounded from the state meet (21:06) with a photo finish race at the Foot Locker Regional meet (67th 19:22) against Kennedy. Pirtle converted her success onto the track finishing third in the 1600 meter run (5:02.74), fourth in the 3200 meter run (11:12.18), and second with her 3200 meter relay squad (9:34.58).
The top freshman runner at last year's state meet, Beth Shearman (7th 19:53), returns with full focus on cross country. Liberty high school's leading runner, Bethany Detrick (Sr.), will also chase for the state title. Detrick holds an impressive resume`, finishing eighth at the state meet(20:00), 12th at the state track 1600 meter run (5:20.90), and an she topped her junior year with an All-State 3200 meter relay team (6th 9:46.21). Robyn Dirnberger, the second fastest finisher at last year's state meet (9th 20:02), returns to cross country without participating in the state track meet. Junior Kristen Hogheem, of Marquette high school, should have an impressive season after a remarkable track season. At state, Hoghem finished 6th in the 1600 meter run (5:07.78), ninth in the 800 meter run (2:21.23), and finished off a fourth place 3200 meter relay (9:43.44).
Others to Watch
Kelli Denny, Fr. Lee's Summit - In July, the impressive 14 year old ran a 18:48 at the Nite Flight 5K run; fastest 14 year old finisher.
Courtney Cockerell, So. Raytown - Finished 25th at last year's state meet in 20:33; 5:13.84 in the 1600 meter run; 11:29.90 in the 3200 meter run.
Elizabeth Smith, Sr. Glendale - Last year, she finished 11th with a 20:03 split.
Abby Rodenbeck, Jr. West Plains - 20:26 for a 22nd place finish at last year's meet; fourth at Foot Locker Midwest's freshman-sophomore race in a time of 19:46.
Carrie Coughlin, Sr. Parkway Central - Finished 13th at last year's state meet in 20:06.
Natalia Smith, Sr. Fort Zumwalt South - Finished 15th at last year's state meet in 20:12.
Heather Brokaw, Jr. Wentzville - Finished 18th at last year's state meet in 20:15.
Top Girls 4A Teams
Team competition will intensify as each top five team from last year's state meet returns their top five runners. Francis Howell, led by Jill Petersen, will attempt back-to-back championships. Helping Jill will be Melissa Bergman (Jr. 123rd), Emily Grindeland (Jr. 41st), Lorelei Pacholec (Jr. 27th), and Marie Pacholec (Fr. 51st). Kirkwood, 2nd last year, returns a top five full of experience. Since the Kirkwood girls fell twelve points shy of the state title, the team needs to fill the sixth and seventh spots with strong runners. The team's 3200 meter relay efforts earned All-State honors, with a fifth place finish of 9:46.12. Headed by sophomore Robyn Dirnberber, they will make the assault with Nora Burbank (Jr. 97th), Lauren Dirnberber (Sr. 93rd), Meredith Dobson (Sr. 29th), and Gayle Gourde (Sr. 88th).
West Plains will try to overcome the disappointment of losing second place by one point a year ago. The team consists of: forerunner Abby Robenbeck (22nd 20:26) who finished fourth at the Foot Locker Freshman/Sophomore race, with a time of 19:46, Brianne Hobbs (Jr. 83rd), Melinda Marcak (Sr. 42nd), Tristin McKee (Jr. 94th), and Nicki Taylor (Sr. 46th).
The Liberty high school girls anticipate a hunt for the state title. The squad returns with an All-State 3200 meter relay team (6th 9:46.21) and a top ten runner, Bethany Detrick (Sr. 8th). Returning competitors include: Rachel Holferty (So. 20th), Jessica Hostin (Jr. 92nd), Moudie Irsik (So. 57th), and Krista James (Sr. 76th).
After viewing the 2000 state track meet, many people predict autumn success for the Blue Springs girls. In fact, many favor them over the defending state champions, Francis Howell. With a fairly young team, headed by defending state champion Nicole Graham, the team has the most depth in Missouri. At last year's state meet, the team finished fifth, but the team dominated the 3200 meter run (1st 9:32.32), in track. Members of the team include: Sarah Babcock (Sr. 32nd), Becky Craig (Jr. 74th), Megan Gerhart (Jr. 82nd), Krista Loughran (Jr. 112th), Valeri VanDyke (Jr. 67th) and Megan Zinchuk (So. 96th). Junior Katy John would be a lethal asset to the team, after viewing her impressive legs of the 3200 meter relay.
3A BOYS
by Brandon Daniels
Top Individuals
After a season of dominance by Walker Eye, formerly of Potosi high school, a new runner heads the 3A scene. For many reasons, Hannibal's Mark Munzlinger earns the label of "pre-season favorite." At last year's championships, the senior placed second with a time of 16:39.82. At the 4A track meet, the standout displayed an impressive showing, with a sixth place 1600 meter time of 4:19.04.
Andy Person, another successful 3A runner in 4A track, will probably not look foward to carrying the "runner up" label. Person, a senior at Ladue Horton Watkins, finished thirteen seconds behind Munzlinger in third place. Person's 9:32 3200 meter ability ranks among the top 3A cross country competitors.
Aaron Grimes, a junior at Farmington, returns from an outstanding track season. Finishing sixth, Grimes ran the fastest sophomore 1600 meter run in the state at 4:20 flat. Grimes can only improve his tenth place finish of 17:12.48 from last year.
Junior Charlie Bromley finished two places ahead of Grimes, but still focuses on improvement. Bromley, of Carl Junction high school, crossed the line in 17:11.02 at the 1999 state championships.
North Kansas City's Ray Taylor finished ninth last year with a time of 17:11.53. Taylor is widely known for his 800 meter speed, which can only aid him at this point in his career.
Michael Don, a senior at Clayton high school, will focus on his attempts to crack the top ten this year. After finishing twelfth last year, Don made impressive efforts on the track with as a 9:41 two-miler.
Senior Charlie Hawkins also returns from an outstanding track season. Hawkins has sub 4:30 mile speed and two mile endurance in the range of 9:40.
Others to Watch
Dylan Allen, Sr. Cental-Springfield - Finished 11th last year in a time of 17:13.60; 9:58.8 two-miler. Jason Lindemann, Sr. St. Clair - Fifteenth place finish of 17:18.55.
Brandon Cherry, Sr. St. Charles West - 9:40.11 3200 meter time; placed 26th last year in 17:20.61.
Kenneth Bowling, So. Republic - Placed 18th as a freshman with a 17:26.20 split; 3A state 3200 meter time of 9:44.47.
Jerry Huber, Sr. Warrenton - Clocked in at 17:34.07 while finishing 23rd as a junior; personal best 3200 meter time of 9:47.24.
Top 3A Boys Teams
At this point, the team champion appears too difficult to predict. The defending state champions, Potosi high school, could likely capture the state crown. Although the team loses key runners Walker Eye, last year's state champion, and Jake Malloy, the team returns Sammy Davis (So. 52nd), Sam Patterson (Sr. 45th), and Jesse Wilkinson (So. 118th).
Last year's runner up, Hannibal high school, finished 49 points behind Potosi. Led by Mark Munzlinger (Sr. 2nd), the team should rise. Returning runners include: Mike Churchill (Sr. 137th), Andy Lemons (Jr. 31st), and Bennett Wood (So. 144th).
By returning their top two runners, Dave Roper (Sr. 26th) and Jason Chase (Sr. 27th), Eureka has a chance of dominating the 3A boys division. Chase and Roper should finish within the top twenty finishers, but they will need assistance from Ryan Morris (Sr. 80th), Tony Payton (So. 58th), and Matt Wyatt (Sr. 161).
3A GIRLS
by Brandon Daniels
Top Individuals
With several returning standout runners, the 3A girls competition should make for an exciting battle. Senior Ashley Lucas, of Moberly high school, returns with the majority of bragging rights. Lucas's fifth place finish, of 20:37.10, ranks above any returning runner from the 1999 state competition. In addition, Lucas competed at the Foot Locker Midwest meet and finished 128th with a time of 20:00.
Lucas's biggest threat comes from Fulton high school's Kari Haus. Haus, also a senior, finished seventh last year (20:42.57) and recently completed a remarkable 2000 track season. While Haus finished 138th with a time of 20:08, Lucas defeated Haus by a narrow margin of eight seconds at the Midwest Region meet. At the state track meet, the Fulton standout placed third in the 3200 meter run with a time of 11:24.61. Haus displayed quite a bit of speed by finishing fourth in the 1600 meter run with a 5:11.61 split.
Last season, Savannah Brown posted the best freshman finish with her sixth place 20:41.03 effort at state. At the 4A state track meet, Brown placed 14th in the 1600 meter race with a time just under 5:30. During her freshman season, Brown stood as the lone 3A cross country competitor to qualify for the 3200 meter run (11:55.1). In attendance at Hillsboro high school, Brown not only ranks among the top runners of the 2003 class, but also one of the highest ranking runners in the state.
Sophomore Kelli Schulte returns as the second competitor, from the class of 2003, to place among the top ten. By only one second behind Brown, Schulte finished last year in a time of 20:42.98.
MacKenna Muncy, a senior at St. Teresa's Academy, was ninth with a 20:43.47 performance. Muncy also uses her impressive 1600 meter speed as a weapon against slower competitors. She finished fifth in the 1600 meter run at the state meet in 5:13.16.
Last year, Julia Garrett rounded out the top ten, resulting as the third best freshman finisher. Garrett, of Mexico high school, crossed in 20:59.20.
Others to Watch
Jessica Butcher, Sr. Hillsboro - Finished 11th last year with a time of 21:10.42. Lauren Wamsley, Sr. Incarnate Word Academy - Finished 12th last year in a time of 21:13.20.
Anna Britt, Sr. Raytown South - Aided the Raytown South squad to a state championship finishing 16th at 21:24.07.
Katie Davis, Sr. Branson - Finished 19th last year with the second pack of runners; 21:28.72.
Jessica McDonnell, So. St. Charles West - McDonnell placed 20th last year in a time of 21:29.25.
Top 3A Girls Teams
Many 3A girls teams lost crucial senior athletes and will need to restock. After finishing third last season, the girls of Park Hill South high school should return with a stronger 7. The team returns all state competitors including: Ashley Ballard (Sr. 36th), Emily Doucette (So. 37th), Michelle Hagen (Sr. 38th), Amanda James (Jr. 80th), Sarah McKain (Sr. 94th), Marilyn McGinniss (Sr. 114th) and Taryn Philips (So. 44th). If Park Hill South wants to make an attempt for the state title, several runners need to place in the top 20.
Standing in Park Hill South's path, stands the team of Hillsboro high school. Savannah Brown (So. 6th) and Jessica Butcher (Sr. 11th) leads the team after both girls finished in the top 12. Other team members include: Amber Butcher (Sr. 122nd), Keli Butcher (Sr. 50th), Rachell Dixon (So. 90th), Shannon Marler (So. 117th) and Haley Sherrow (Jr. 143rd). Last year, Hillsboro finished sixth, but the team seems to have greater potential this year.
Eureka high school, a team loaded with underclassmen, may be the team to beat this season. Although the team lost All-State performer Jen Heutel, Eureka reloads with McKenzie Adelman (So. 46th), Lori Carline (So. 51st), Jessica Niles (Sr. 123rd), Caroline Stockwell (So. 105th), Angie Truemper (Jr. 131), and Stephanie Wattler (Sr. 41st).
Finally, the defending state champions, Raytown South high school, should make another run for the state crown. The girls squad returns Ashley Anderson (Jr. 66th), Anna Britt (Sr. 16th), Sarah Howard (Sr. 52nd), and Milleshia McGlothen (Jr. 93rd).
1A BOYS
by Aaron Gundel
As a 1A runner myself (surprise, surprise, lol) I'm going to have to put my team's hopes and goals aside to write this preview. I shall do my best. First, we'll look at last year's top four teams, in order.
The Teams; Last Year's Top 4
For the past 2 consecutive years, the Linn Wildcats (State Champs, 1999) have DOMINATED 1A Cross Cross Country. Their program is excellent, and fairly young at that. Led by Coach Brett Phillips, the Wildcats look to increase their streak by another title this coming year. They are returning an amazing six of seven runners, losing only senior Colby Nilges (10th place, 18:13). This, however, should not prove to be too much as a blow, as incoming junior Matt Seifert (11th place, 18:17) looks to pick up where Nilges left off. Linn will definitely be the team to beat in 2000, it looks to be.
Alton (2nd, 1999) also looks to be a strong force in 2000, led by Sophomore Matt Blanton (22nd place, 18:45) to a 2nd place team finish in 1999. Graduation may sting though, as they only return 4 of their 7 runners, losing Blake Willard, (25th place, 18:52) Jacob Deckard, (42nd Place, 19:23) and Dan Oesch (92nd Place, 20:16).
Southwest (3rd, 1999) may also be stung in 2000, as the Trojans lose seniors Josh Sapp, (18th Place, 18:36) Adam Finuf, (140th Place, 1999 21:52) and freshman Caleb Askins (74th Place, 20:03) to personal matters. The Trojans will be led in 2000 by junior Cody Sapp, (36th Place, 19:16) and sophomore Aaron Gundel (21st Place, 18:39). Southwest also returns 4 of 7 runners.
Valley Park (4th, 1999) returns in 2000, led by junior Adam Morris (17th Place, 18:35). To graduation, they lose Jon Stark (9th Place, 18:11) and Dustin Findlay (60th Place,19:45). Valley Park returns a VERY young team though, and should do a lot of good this coming year.
And in the finale of this team debate, I'd like to bring up most likely to surprise. Personally, I was shocked to see two freshman from the same school in the top 10 at state. Kenny Burtke, (2nd Place, 17:39) and Bryan Baldwin (6th, 18:09). Cardinal Ritter (7th, 1999) may turn some heads in 2000, they sure did in 99'. It is obvious that there is some talent there for sure.
The Individuals; Last Year's Returning Top Ten
The Individual battle seems to be headed by the overpowering force of Leeton's Tommy Neal. He will start his junior year in 2000, already having won 3 individual state championship titles (XC: 1st, 17:11; Track/1600, 1st: 4:31; 3200, 1st: 9:50). Neal looks to increase his already awesome streak this fall, and bring home yet another XC title, expect to see him dominate again this year.
Cardinal Ritter's sophomore Kenny Burtke (2nd, 17:39) leads the opposition. His 17:39 is the closest to touching Neal's 17:11. He seems to be the only competitor who will stand a chance this year, and may not fall completely prey to Neal.
Sparta's Richard Barnes (3rd, 17:43) enters into his final year of competition in 2000, this being his senior year. The upcoming senior from southwest Missouri looks to do very well this year, and, barring injury, should bring home yet another top 3 finish in 2000.
Other returning competitors include St. Mary's senior, Andy Pace (5th, 18:06); Cardinal Ritter's sophomore, Bryan Baldwin (6th, 18:09); and Purdy's junior, Legrand Jones (7th 18:09). These top 10 returners from last year should strengthen the 1A field significantly in 2000.
I would expect to see the champion's time to be under 16:30 this year, as that seems to be the going pace. Not to say there won't be any shockers this year, as there were 5 freshmen and 7 sophomores earning All-State honors last year. This makes for a fairly young field in 2000.
In closing, I'd like to say good luck to all of these runners in 2000. It will be interesting to see what develops.
1A Girls
by Aaron Gundel
The Teams; Last Year's Top 4
In 1999, the Linn Lady Wildcats (State Champs, 1999) took their first team Cross Country title. One can only expect to see a repeat in 2000, as the team returns an astounding 7 of 7 runners. This experienced team will, I believe, kill the field in 2000, losing no runners to graduation. The girls are led by the remarkable junior, Christa Maasen (3rd, 21:40), and senior, Jennifer Kirk (9th, 22:14). Their four individual All-State titles in 1999 should make them an unbreakable force in 2000.
The only plausible challenge to the Lady Wildcats would be the forces of Bishop LeBlond (2nd Place, 1999). This team returns a fairly large force, 6 of their 7 runners in 1999, losing only Kate Hamera (5th, 21:50) to graduation. This may be a small blow, but not enough to seriously injure the team as a whole. Lauren VanVickle (1st, 20:15) returns to lead the team to what looks to be a successful season. Sophomore to be Janelle Logan (28th, 23:12) will have to step up in 2000, however, if they are to provide a challenge to the mighty wildcats.
Elsberry (3rd Place, 1999) also returns 6 of 7 runners in 2000, being led by senior Kristen Hasemeier (21st, 22:47), look to return a successful team. They lose only Patricia O'Brien (26th, 23:09) to graduation, but junior Amanda Cushman (31st, 23:30) looks to take her place this coming year.
Whitfield will be severely wounded with graduation in 2000. They lose Lauren Alberts (6th, 21:57) and Megan Curran (8th, 22:13). These top two finishers will represent a significant blow for the team, because as far as I have seen, their next finisher, Emily Luderer (49th, 24:19) will need some significant work before she can replace her two fallen comrades.
Well, that closes out the 1A team battle, as I can see very few surprises that may come up this year. It looks to be cut and dry already, barring injury and such.
The Individuals; Last Year's Returning Top 10
Simply put, the 1A girls team battle looks finished already, probably being an exact duplicate of last year. Bishop LeBlond's junior, Lauren VanVickle returns in 2000 to defend her 3rd consecutive 1A Cross-Country title. She has won the title since she was a freshman, and there looks to be nothing new to her in this matter. Her amazing ability should lead her to at least one more title (and probably another in 2001) in 2000.
Southwest's sophomore Ashley Hendrix, (2nd, 21:33) leads up the opposition, but with a time more than a minute slower than Lauren's, it is doubful we'll see any fireworks. Hendrix should at least make another top 3 finish in 2000.
Linn's junior, Christa Maasen (3rd, 21:40), returns for another round in 2000, with a time nearly 7 seconds seconds slower than Hendrix in 2000, there should be a significant battle in the coming year, as Maasen looks to lead her team to another victory in 2000.
Other returning runners this year will include Valley Park's sophomore Kate Brittan, (4th, 21:47) Wellsville's sophomore Angela Hank, (7th, 22:05) and Linn's senior, Jennifer Kirk (9th, 22:14).
The 1A Girls All-State field lost 10 seniors in 1999, a significant amount that may somewhat weaken it in this coming year. However, there's always someone to step it up, as we have well seen.
2A Boys
by Aaron Gundel
The Teams; Last Year's Top Four
The St. Francis Borgia Knights (1st, 1999) raced to a State Cross Country Championship in 1999. The question on everyone's mind....can they do it again? Returning 6 of 7 runners, the odds are high that they may do just that. Losing only Brian Alfermann (99th, 19:24) to graduation, barring any other circumstances, the Knights may return to center Stage in 2000. The Knights are led by senior Travis Straatmann (5th, 17:25).
Principia (2nd, 1999)will most likely be severely wounded with graduation in 2000, as their team even continues to age in 2000. They return only 4 of 7 runners, all of those they graduated were in their top four. They lose seniors Brian Bort, (8th, 17:36) Sune-Tamm Buckle, (80th, 19:02) Charlie Rankin (28, 18:12). Their newfound leader, senior Ben Glass (11, 17:41) will be leading the team in 200, but it looks as though all fight has been eliminated. Tim Holzworth will be another senior in 2000, and this will leave Principia with a mere 1 runner from 1999 on their 2001 roster.
Clinton (3rd, 1999) will also be hurt by graduation, but somewhat more severely than Principia. They lose seniors Jordan Milliam, (1st, 16:17) Luke McKenny, (21st, 17:56) Jaren Houk, (34th, 18:22) and Clancy Kirk (117th, 19:42). In 2000 they will be led by senior Chris Martin (19th, 17:54) but this will most likely not be able to rebound successfully this year, as only 1 senior and 2 sophomores return from 1999.
St. Louis Priory (4th, 1999) loses their two last seniors, Stephen Merjavy (56,18:42), and Partick D'Sovza (56, 18:52). They return 5 of 7 runners in 2000. What amazes me the most about their finish in 1999 is the INCREDIBLE pack time of places 2-6 with less than 30 seconds!!! It is obvious that their training program is quite remarkable. I expect to see at least another top 4 finish from Priory in 2000.
Individuals; Last Year's Returning Top 10
The facts are simply this: 2A is an old (agewise) division. Exactly half (5) of the top 10 runners in 1999 are not returning. And with State Champion Jordan Milliam a senior, a spot stands open for 2000, and with it there is always a chance for a surprise.
The first returning runner, Travis Manning, (4th, 17:21) a junior from St. Louis Priory, heads the stampede for victory in 2000. However, being more than a minute off the leader's time of 1999, anything is possible, and surprises should NOT be ruled out at all.
A bullet-burn is all that can describe Manning's position in comparison to St. Francis Borgia's senior Travis Straatmann (5th, 17:25) as he was clipped by less than 5 seconds. Depending on all the factors, it looks as though it may be a stout battle between these two in 2000.
Nonetheless, yet another runner looks to steal the crown in the coming year. Fatima's Mike Wieberg (6th, 17:30) is working for an upset in the coming year. On the grand scale of things, a nine second differential between Manning and and Wiebeg can be overcame in 2000, so guessing on which of these three will prevail this next year is pointless. It all boils down to who will want it more.
Other returning runners in 2000 include Winfield's Junior, Artie Randall, (7th, 17:35) and Herculaneum's senior, Adam Gross (10th, 17:39).
2A Girls
by Aaron Gundel
The Teams; Last Year's Top Four
In 1999, the girls from Logan-Rogersville (1st, 1999) stole the State Championship from Notre Dame de Sion by a mere 10 points. The defeat hurled them to the top of the 2A line. The question on everyone's minds...can they do it again? In the coming year, the girls will return four of their six runners from 1999. To graduation they will lose the senior phenomenon, Elizabeth Guillebeau (6th, 20:12) and Aubree Dock (69th, 22:25). The team will be led in 2000 by junior Casey DeWitt (7th, 20:14).
The same situation seems to happen to Notre Dame de Sion (2nd, 1999)in 2000. They also lose two runners, returning only 5 of 7. They lose their main dominance in 2000, the remarkable Katherine Hoffman (2nd, 19:45) and Lindsay Pierce, (113th, 24:01). Notre Dame will be led by the junior Jessie Aisenbrey (15th, 20:15) in 2000. These two seem to be a fairly nice matchup in the coming season.
Clinton (3rd, 1999)looks to be nearly killed off in 2000. The return a mere three of six runners in 2000. Not to say that those three individual's aren't very good, but three people CANNOT win state alone. Clinton loses seniors Sarah Johns, (47th, 22:06) Mary Marbourg, (80th, 22:50) and Beth Mann, (153rd, 27:32) these three were the last places on the team last year, but it will hurt them significantly. Clinton is lead by the returning junior state champion, Ashley Sanders (1st, 19:37).
St. Dominic (4th, 1999) is in the exact same boat as Clinton is in 2000. They return three of seven runners in 2000, and do not look to be able to recover. Among the lost are their top two, Jenny Burke (3rd, 19:47) and Maria Ewersmann (22nd, 21:10). Others leaving include Laura Dooley (58, 22:15) and Andrea Dupont (104, 23:41). This makes up the majority of the team's superiority. St. Dominic will be led in 2000 by senior Colleen Burke (25th, 21:16).
So what do I say about the 2000 XC Season for these girls? Look for some new faces, new team powers, and a definite fight.
The Individuals; Last Year's Returning Top 10
Barring all the circumstances, Ashley Sanders of Clinton (1st, 19:37) looks to attain her second State Title in a row. The junior's remarkable finish in 1999 makes it almost impossible for her to be defeated in 2000, as places 2, 3, and 4 were graduated. I will definitely be expecting to see her return to the top this year
Ashely's sole challenge would be East Newton's senior, Barbie Korchendorfer (5th, 20:10). The senior's talent earned her a 5th place finish in 1999, but taking almost a 30 seconds off your time is no easy task, especially when your competitor is improving also. This is why I believe that Sanders has it easily again this year.
The next in line is Logan-Rogersville's junior, Casey DeWitt (7th, 20:14). She also looks to lead her team to back to back championships in the coming year, replacing their team's old leader, Elizabeth Guillebeau (6th, 20:12). She will definitely earn a top three finish in 2000.
2A's girl's age is definitely apparent in the fact that only one other runner from the top 10 is returning from 1999. Marjorie Clever (10th, 20:35) The top 10 lose 6 of their 10 top competitors. Yes, definitely look for new faces in the individual battle also. But expect Sanders to repeat her dominance again. ~
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