The Divisions are set and it's time to preview the races at what promises to be another competitive and exciting day of racing at Forest Park.
Let's start with the Individual Race on the boys in the green division.
Runners to Watch:
Dylan Quisenberry, Lafayette Wildwood : Fans who were hoping for an early season dual of Dylan and Stephen Mugeche of Blue Springs will have to wait as Stephen will be taking the ACT on Saturday morning. There is still plenty of speed in this field led by the junior from Lafayette and Missouri's #2 ranked runner in Big River's pre-season rankings.
Dorrian Gordon O'Fallon (IL): 8th in the Festival a year ago, Gordon won in Granite City last week. His 15:36 last year makes him #1 returner from 2013 racing on Saturday.
Michael Karls, Festus : 3rd in Class 3 last year for 5000 Meters and state champ in the 3200, Karls won the Fleet Feet Kickoff in Week 1.
Tyler Gilliam, Festus : The defending Class 3 Champion in Missouri.
Christian Liddell, Rogers (AR) - 3rd overall Arkansas State XC Meet in 2013.
Ian Smith, Rogers (AR) - 4th overall Arkansas State XC Meet in 2013.
Clayton Adams, Kearney: 2nd to Mugeche at his home meet, watch for this super soph to be in the mix
Teams to Watch:
St. Louis University High School: The 2 time defending champs in Missouri and pre-season #1 ranked team faces an early season test against a talented field.
Lafayette Wildwood: These guys have looked dominant so far this year will be tough to beat.
O'Fallon (IL): Winners of the Festival in 2013, the Panthers return to defend their title
Rogers (AR): 2nd to Texas powerhouse, Southlake Carroll a few weeks ago, Rogers travels north and will be a team to watch.
Festus: #5 in the Missouri pre-season rankings the Tigers are 2/2 in 14
Rock Bridge: 2nd in Memphis to West Plains and winners of the Liberty Invitational
Rockhurst: The ACT has also claimed Rockhurst's top gun Willie Thompson, but this is a deep team.
Virtual Meet of Green Division teams based on best times of returning runners (Insider Feature)
Virtual Meet of White Division teams based on best times of returning runners (Insider Feature)