It's hard to argue with the 46 percent that picked Adams State to three-peat next fall -- and that's not because I'm an alum.
In spite of losing their 1-2-3 punch (Aaron Braun, Brian Medigovich and Reuben Mwei) and their No. 5 man (Luke Cragg), they'll return a deep squad. Remember this bunch had different 5-6-7 runners at regionals. Assuming everyone returns healthy, Ryan McNiff, Edwin Cruz, Anthony Gauthier, Drew Graham, Keegan Calmes, Brandon Birdsong and someone else I don't really know about, will be a formidible force.
Their biggest threat? According to the poll, it's Colorado Mines. If the Orediggers can improve their 1-6 just a bit, they could be threats for RMAC, regional and national crowns. In Evansville, third place was their best showing ever.
Voters picked (to be) junior-heavy Grand Valley State as third-best bet to win. I suspect Tyler Emmorey and company were a bit disappointed by their fifth-place finish in Evansville. They were fifth in Slippery Rock, too. The school's best-ever finish is fourth. A first-ever national title would be greatly received in that athlete-rich school.
For posterity's sake, here's the early Louisville men's (women's is coming, promise!) results:
Adams State 22
Colorado Mines 7
Grand Valley State 6
Western Washington 4
Abilene Christian, Western State 3
Some other team 2
Western state loses Iain Donnan only they are going to win nat xc
ReplyDeleteI was surprised there weren't more Mountaineer votes. Always, always, tough.
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