Class 1 Districts Preview

District 3

Location: Viburnum, MO (Viburnum Country Club)

In many ways, it's a new look District 3 on the boys side.

For starters, Chadwick enters into the fray and brings with it the top two athletes by time. Most notably of the two, though, is the likely favorite for the Class 1 state title in Evan Smith. Smith was the 1600 champion on the track this spring, taking 3rd in the 800 and 4th in the 3200 as well, and breaking 10:00 in the 3200 in the process. He's one of a select few boys in Class 1 who can say that they have run 2 miles under 10:00 and 5K under 17:00 and comes in 1:29 ahead of his teammate Zach Loveland. Expect Smith to romp in this one. 

The boys team title race is completely different, too, as Dora and Winona come in as the favorites for the top two spots. Usually one of the lighter districts in terms of scoring teams, this one features an incredible 13 full teams and should be competitive through the top five teams with Van Buren, Couch, and Summersville all vying for state meet berths. Dora and Winona, the top two in our virtual meet, have never been to state as a team while the other three squads mentioned all have been before. 

The girls race features Fordland's Mia Wiley. A sophomore now, Wiley took 9th at the 2017 Class 1 state meet and is a clear favorite to bring home the win in this district meet. She could also lead her team to victory as the Fordland girls are 15 points clear ahead of reigning champs Van Buren for the district title in our virtual meet. Fordland is trying to make their first state trip since their first and only appearance in 2008. Van Buren would be making their 22nd trip and 3rd straight. Viburnum is the next closest challenger as they compete for their first trip to state since 2012. 

Viburnum Country Club Course: