Harrier presents: Harrier XC 2010 Pre-Season Super 25/HS Team Rankings, by Marc Bloom, note by Larry Eder

Marc Bloom has been writing about our sport for over forty years. I first read Marc’s book on cross country, then enjoyed his writing and editing of The Runner in those heady days of 1979 and the early eighties.

A keen observer of the sport of cross country, and a former coach, Marc’s Super 25 HS Rankings are followed by high school and college coaches, athletes and fans. Here is the 2010 PreSeason Super 25 HS Team Rankings.

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[2009 final ranking in parenthesis or “NR” for not ranked]

BOYS
1. Columbus North HS, Columbus, IN (’09 20th)
Four key runners from record-breaking state championship team that placed 4th in super-deep Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) Midwest Regional return after excellent track season.
Coach: Rick Weinheimer.

2. Arcadia HS, Arcadia, CA (’09 22nd)
State Div. I champion and 8:58 3200 runner Ammar Moussa leads solid top 5 featuring a trio of 3 9:26-9:27 3200 men.
Coach: Jim O’Brien.

3. Trabuco Hills HS, Mission Viejo CA (’09 NR)
Former triathlete Jantzen Oshier, a 4:10 miler, leads deep squad with 5 more sub-4:30/sub-9:40 1600/3200 runners headed for state showdown with Arcadia.
Coach Liam Clemons

4. American Fork HS, American Fork, UT (’09 8th)
State 5A record-breakers who won NXN Southwest and placed 8th at nationals return 5 of top 7 led by state champ Austin West and fast-improving junior Clayton Young.
Coach: Timo Mostert

5. York HS, Elmhurst, IL (’09 13th)
Led by 4:08 miler Jack Driggs, the Dukes seek a 27th state 3A title and re-play of ’04 NXN title run with twins Ron and Tom Hedman in the 2-3 spots.
Coach: Joe Newton

6. Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, NJ (’09 NR)
All key runners return led by 9:02 3200 man Dan Mazzaccaro with next 4 at 9:18, 9:29, 9:41, 9:43 as Colts are favored to capture their 16th state Meet of Champions title.
Coach: Tom Heath

7. Alhambra HS, Phoenix, AZ (’09 NR)
This season’s dark horse has everyone back from last year’s state 5A-I champions including individual champ Jorge Martinez but return after missing spring track amid a coaching change.
Coach: Carlos Borja

8. The Woodlands HS, The Woodlands, TX (’09 3rd)
While losing key men from its NXN 3rd-place team, the long-time national power has re-grouped with a deep roster of talent but will face a likely state 5A challenge from Marcus.
Coach: Juris Green

9. Albuquerque Academy, Albuquerque, NM (’09 5th)
The Southwest Regional runner-up on a tie-breaker returns an experienced line-up including Neil Longenbaugh, who ran NXN last year after donating bone marrow to his ailing brother.
Coach: Adam Kedge

10. Marcus HS, Flower Mound, TX (’09 NR)
NXN individual champion Craig Lutz spearheads a state 5A 4th-placer with 5 of its top 7 back and renewed power amid the pace-setting of its team leader.
Coach: Steve Telaneus

11. North Central HS, Spokane, WA (’09 7th)
A team with plenty of NXN street cred–winners in 2007, 7th last year–returns a hot front 4 and with a 5th in the wings for league, state and regional contention.
Coach: Jonathan Knight

12. Warwick Valley HS, Warwick, NY (’09 NR)
State federation 3rd-placer returns its top 5 runners led by 9:05 3200 man Tim Luthin and will face tough competition plus the demons of its 10th-place showing in the NY Regional.
Coach: Mike Potter

13. Mead HS, Spokane, WA (’09 NR)
Soph sensation Andrew Gardner, one of 12 children (9 adopted), leads a revitalized Panther team seeking to re-gain pride after not making last year’s state 4A finals.
Coach: Steve Kiesel

14. Loyola HS, Los Angeles, CA (’09 NR)
State Div II champion and 4:08 mile star Elias Gedyon leads a team returning 9 of its top 10 with younger runners gaining ground to tighten its pack.
Coach: Lalo Diaz

15. Wayzata HS, Plymouth, MN (’09 16th)
The state 2A and Heartland Regional runner-up has a team comparable to its 16th-place squad at NXN in ’09 and goes 7-deep in accomplished runners.
Coach: Bill Miles

16. Crater HS, Crown Point, OR (’09 NR)
Dominant state 5A champion (moving to 6A) loses its top two but returns the rest of its line-up including four state top-15 finishers.
Coach: Justin Loftus

17. West Windsor Plainsboro HS North, Plainsboro, NJ (’09 NR)
The unstoppable twins Joe and Jim Rosa, 1-2 in the national outdoor 2-mile, lead a team with a solid #3 man and others moving up with more Rosa records possible this fall.
Coach: Brian Gould

18. Oak Park River Forest HS, Oak Park, IL (’09 NR)
State 3A 9th-place team has its top 5 back and could be a force against established state and national powers like York and Neuqua Valley.
Coach: Jose Sosa

19. Fayetteville-Manlius HS, Manlius, NY (’09 9th)
New York Regional titlist and 9th-place NXN team returns 4 of top 7 with excellent experience plus developing talent moving up.
Coaches: Bill Aris and John Aris

20. Eden Prairie HS, Eden Prairie, MN (’09 14th)
State 2A and Heartland Regional champ Aaron Bartnik leads a trio of returning 9:20s 3200 runners but the state and regional defenders lack depth after losing 4 key seniors.
Coach: Jeff Lindlief

21. Dana Hills HS, Dana Point, CA (’09 6th)
State Div I champ and 6th-place NXN squad returns two stellar performers while losing 4 of its next 5 and will face a tough challenge defending its state title.
Coach: Tim Butler

22. Eisenhower HS, Yakima, WA (’09 NR)
Fourth-place state 4A team returns 6 of top 7 include two all-state performers and should duel the Spokane powers for state supremacy.
Coach: Phil English

23. Don Bosco Prep, Ramsey, NJ (’09 24th)
After losing 3 key seniors, the defending state champion re-loads with 8 sub-10-minute 3200 runners but may need more experience to handle big-meet competition.
Coach: Kevin Kilduff

24. Neuqua Valley HS, Naperville, IL (’09 12th)
State 3A champion and NXN 12th-place team that won NXN in 2008 has a solid top 5 and many more to draw upon with 180 boys in its summer training program.
Coach: Paul Vandersteen

25. Blacksburg HS, Blacksburg, VA (’09 NR)
State Div. II defender by 80 points returns a trio of top-15 harriers and should be a state and regional threat to follow its girls’ team success of last year.
Coach: James DeMarco

BY REGION:
New York:
1.Warwick Valley
2.Fayetteville-Manlius

Northeast
1.Christian Bros (NJ)
2.W. Windsor Plainsboro No (NJ)
3.Don Bosco (NJ)

Southeast
1.Blacksburg (VA)

South
1.The Woodlands (TX)
2.Marcus (TX)

Midwest
1.Columbus North (IN)
2.York (IL)
3.Oak Park River Forest (IL)
4.Neuqua Valley (IL)

Heartland
1.Wayzata (MN)
2.Eden Prairie (MN)

Southwest
1.American Fork (UT)
2.Alhambra (A
Z)
3.Albuquerque Acad (NM)

Northwest
1.North Central (WA)
2.Mead (WA)
3.Crater (OR)
4.Eisenhower (WA)

California
1.Arcadia
2.Trabuco Hills
3.Loyola
4.Dana Hills

GIRLS

1. Fayetteville-Manlius HS, Manlius, NY (’09 1st)
The 4-time Nike Cross Nationals champions return another rousing squad with 6 proven performers led by senior Courtney Chapman in pursuit of a 5th straight NXN title.
Coaches: Bill Aris and John Aris

2. Saratoga Springs HS, Saratoga Springs, NY (’09 2nd)
The ’04 NXN winners, ’09 runner-up and all-time national title leader has one of its deepest teams ever to chase FM all the way to Portland.
Coaches: Art and Linda Kranick

3. Saugus HS, Saugus, CA (’09 4th)
The California power seeks a 5th straight state Div. II title and 4th straight NXN podium finish with 6 of its top 7 back and the experience to go all the way.
Coach: Rene Paragas

4. Tatnall HS, Wilmington, DE (’09 14th)
This small team of 14 girls seeks a 5th NXN appearance after winning the Southeast Regional and a state championship track title paced by 10:17 3200 runner Haley Pierce.
Coach: Patrick Castagno

5. Queensbury HS, Queensbury, NY (’09 7th)
Senior twins Danielle and Brittany Winslow lead the state 1A titlist and NXN 7th-place team returning 4 of its top 5 to give New York a 3rd national contender.
Coach: Bob Underwood

6. Jesuit HS, Portland, OR (’09 11th)
State 6A and Northwest Regional defender that placed 11th at NXN returns all 7 varsity runners led by state champ Annamarie Maag and runner-up Payton Schutte.
Coach: Tom Rothenberger

7. Great Oak HS, Temecula, CA (’09 19th)
State Div. II threat returns deep squad led by senior twins Anna and Katie Johnson, 10:37 and 10:50 for 3200, with designs on over-taking Saugus for over-all state supremacy.
Coach: Doug Soles

8. Palatine HS, Palatine, IL (’09 22nd)
The state 3A champion, Midwest Regional runner-up and NXN 19th-place team returns all 7 varsity runners led by all-state performers Sarah McIntosh and Courtney Brown.
Coach: Steve Currins

9. Fort Collins HS, Fort Collins, CO (’09 3rd)
State 5A and Southwest Regional winner and NXN 3rd-place team has 4 varsity runners back in pursuit of a 4th straight national appearance and another spot on the podium.
Coach: Chris Suppes

10. Kingwood Park HS, Kingwood, TX (’09 NR)
Two-time defending State 4A champion with best state-wide showing of ’09 meet returns all 7 varsity runners led by 3 top-10 finishers and starts the season as the best in Texas.
Coach: Brittney Lanehart

11. East Aurora HS, East Aurora, NY (’09 20th)
State association “B” champion returns 6 of top 7 runners from team that placed 5th in powerful New York Regional and will try to crack the top 3 this fall.
Coach: Walt McLaughlin

12. Torrey Pines HS, San Diego, CA (’09 18th)
State Div. I champion has 6 of its top 7 back and will need them all to hold off Great Oak and others as well as contend for a nationals berth.
Coach: Brent Thorne

13. Xavier Prep, Phoenix, AZ (’09 NR)
State 5A-I champion returns 6 of its top 7 led by state runner-up Sarah Fakler and other top performers after an excellent track season.
Coach: Dave Van Sickle

14. La Salle Academy, Providence, RI (’09 NR)
The state champion Lady Rams return 6 of their top 7 led by state champion Molly Keating after a stellar track season and loom as the best in the northeast region.
Coach: Kelly Martin

15. Midlothian HS, Midlothian, VA (’09 NR)
State 3A runner-up and long-time southeast power has a solid group of 7 and 5 girls from 11:11 to 11: 28 for 3200 meters on the track.
Coach: Stan Morgan

16. Mira Costa HS, Manhattan Beach, CA (’09 17th)
State Div. II runner-up to Saugus and NXN 17th-place squad has 5 of its top 6 back and will try keep pace amid the state’s considerable depth.
Coach: Renee Williams-Smith

17. Green Hope HS, Cary, NC (’09 NR)
State 4A winner regional 5th-place squad returns its top 6 girls including 5 top-20 performers and will use its tight pack to seek southeast supremacy.
Coach: Mike Miragliulo

18. Schaumburg HS, Schaumburg, IL (’09 NR)
Traditional state power returns 5 of its top 7 girls including a trio from its state-winning 4 x 800 relay and looks to challenge Palatine in the state 3A ranks.
Coach: Jon Macnider

19. Glacier Peak HS, Snohomish, WA (’09 NR)
The state 3A runner-up and state track titlist returns 5 of its top 6 girls led by state champion AmyEloise-Neale and seeks to over-take team defender Shadle Park in another great duel.
Coach: Dan Parker

20. North Gwinnett High School, Suwanee, GA (’09 NR)
State 4A defender returns its entire top 7 led by a trio of top-15 performers and will have to get by 6-time state champ Collins Hill en route to regional contention.
Coach: Mark Karen

21. Hidden Valley HS, Roanoke, VA (’09 13th)
Blue-chip runners Annie LeHardy and Haley Cutright lead the state 2A champions that placed 13th at NXN and will have to hold off Blacksburg and Western Albemarle in state.
Coach: Daniel King

22. Red Bank Catholic, Red Bank, NJ (’09 NR)
State Meet of Champions 4th-placer has 6 of its top 7 back and a tight pack following team leader Molly McNamara, a 4:51 1600 runner.
Coach: Rob DeFilippis

23. Mountain Brook HS, Mountain Brook, AL (’09 NR)
Runaway state 6A winners return top 6 girls that placed in the top-20 at state and boast an array of outstanding track credentials from the 400 through 5k.
Coach: Glen Echols

24. Carmel HS, Carmel, IN (’09 NR)
The state runner-up returns an excellent top 5 led by a trio of all-state performers and will have to face a deep defending champion in Columbus North for top honors.
Coach: Mark Ellington

25. Mountain View HS, Meridian, ID (’09 NR)
State 5A runner-up returns its top 5 girls that placed in the state top-20 and went on to excel in track with 1600 times from 5:09 to 5:16.
Coach: Tracy Harris

BY REGION
New York
1.Fayetteville-Manlius
2.Saratoga Springs
3.Queensbury
4.East Aurora

Northeast
1.La Salle (RI)
2.Red Bank Catholic (NJ)

Southeast
1.Tatnall (DE)
2.Midlothian (VA)
3.Green Hope (NC)
4.North Gwinnett (GA)
5.Hidden Valley (VA)
6.Mountain Brook (AL)

South
1.Kingwood Park (TX)

Midwest
1.Palatine (IL)
2.Schaumburg (IL)
3.Carmel (IN)

Heartland
[none]

Southwest
1.Fort Collins (CO)
2.Xavier (AZ)

Northwest
1.Jesuit (OR)
2.Glacier Peak (WA)
3.Mountain View (ID)

California
1.Saugus
2.Great Oak
3.Torrey Pines
4.Mira Costa