Regional best: South Central is a doozy

One thing is almost a certainty: The South Central Region will have at least four berths to nationals next year. (Each region gets two plus one more for each team in the top 8.)

But this year, there are only three. And it's the most-interesting regional meet this year.

I detailed the strong points of the contenders, so now I'll pick the qualifiers: Abilene Christian, Southwest Baptist and Pittsburg State.

Abilene Christian, in spite of its variable lineups and a summer of uncertainty, are just too talented to overlook. Plus they're running at home. Plus, I like Amos Sang for the individual win, mostly on the strength of his resounding pre-regionals win a few weeks ago. Although I don't think they're national title contenders, I'd be a fool to rule them out before their top-flight team runs at regionals.

Southwest Baptist won the D2 race at the Griak. Impressive. Michael Pierce will shine.

And Pittsburg State has put together an impressive season.

Missing, of course, are the two Missouri schools: Missouri Southern and Central Missouri. Each are worthy and I won't be surprised at all if they advance to Evansville.