Central region: The usual suspects...but will Minnesota-Duluth miss out?

It’s the smallest (by number of teams), but qualifies the most. The Central region usually produces the winners of the national meet. And it’s usually one of these two teams: Adams State orWestern State. Both will qualify both men’s and women’s teams, though the women’s winner will be close. My gut tells me Adams men (with Ryan McNiff (pictured) leading the way) and Western women (ditto for Sophie McNeeley). You know my bias: I’ll be rooting for Adams in both.
But what is perhaps more interesting is the three-way battle for the remaining two women’s spots. The men get five qualifiers. It’ll be Colorado Mines, Metro State and Augustana.
The Augie women pulled a big-time upset at the Northern Sun meet. Their young team (all frosh and sophs) will be close to home, which will work in their favor. And in spite of their stumble, Minn.-Duluth will tighten up their pack and beat out a very good Mary squad (with the nation’s best-named runner, Dakota Wolf) and qualify for Louisville. (Another disclosure: I recently lived in Duluth for 2 ½ years, so I’m familiar with UMD’s squad.)

Central: Adams State, Mwei

I've checked the weather forecast, and it should be a nice day on the Great Plains. Wayne State (Neb.) plays host to the Central Region, which has become D2 dominant region.

Although, five teams will qualify for Evansville, the drama won't be at the front end. Western State might catch Adams State this year, but it's doubtful. The Mountaineers will likely have steadied their emotional ship, after the tragic death of an assistant coach and former WSC national champ.

I'm not exactly sure who Adams State will bring, but I know these three will be on it: Reuben Chebon-Mwei, Aaron Braun and Brian Medigovich. And I suspect Ryan McNiff and Edwin Cruz will make the trip, too. Two Europeans may make the top 7, but I'm unsure of the team selection criteria. I don't want to bet against any of these guys, but I'll take Mwei to win; he's had a great season. (I'm still thinking of that sub-25 minute effort in Denver.)

Western State, though, is no slouch. Led byTyler Pennel, Iain Donnan and Loren Ahonen, WSC won't just hand over the regional title to their rivals over the hill. And if they don't win in Wayne, nationals will present another chance. (It's happened before.)

Colorado Mines, too, is a cinch. Perhaps as a measure of their strength, All-American Ben Zywicki was only the team's No. 4 runner at the conference championships.

The real race is for fourth and fifth, where Metro State (Colo.), Augustana (S.D.), Nebraska-Kearney and Mankato State all have legitimate shots.

• Augustana really put it together to win the Northern Sun, besting Mankato State and keeping their top five pack at one minute. They also topped Mankato at the Griak, albeit by a point.
• >But Mankato State was missing their stalwart No. 3 man, Denise Mokaya, at the NSICs. The squad, Mankato State is led by All-American James Krasja, was eighth last year in Slippery Rock.
• Metro State has been rejuvenated by the presence of 800 outdoors champ Anthony Luna, who may or may not take a liking to 10,000 meters this weekend. (I am impressed by his range.) This is a squad that abruptly lost their coach just before the season start, and they've fared well.
• Nebraska-Kearney has a young squad, but I suspect they'll be on the outside looking in when it's over. Next year?

I'll take Metro State and Augustana. I'm looking forward to seeing how my picks unfold.