6. Erin Gilbert - Francis Howell, SR
PR - 2:20.24
Gilbert struggled through a series of tough illnesses this cross country season, but after a strong junior year of track, one could definitely make a case for her to be a top 5 in the 800. She is also a 5:16 miler. She has qualified for state twice in the 800 now, but has adversely been affected by two different weather delays in both trips. The third time is a charm, though, for the girl with the killer instinct who split 2:18.00 in last year's 4x8, a leg which gave Maddi Leigh the baton right with LSW's Jana Shawver. Expect Gilbert to make at least one individual trip to the podium this spring after back to back trips with the 4x8.
5. Saige Peterson - Smith-Cotton, SR
PR - 2:17.28
Peterson has been one of the top girls in the state the past few years in the 800, having run 2:18 as a freshman, and gone under 2:20 twice last year, but she has been rather low on the radar still. She was 11th the last two years, but it is only because she has been unable to put it all together at the state meet just yet. Peterson boasts a low 2:17 personal best and has also run 59.22 in the quarter, so her wheels are for real. Watch for Peterson to grab her first medal this season and expect it to be a top 5 one.