There will be a new champion in the Girls 800m, but five state medalist do return for 2020. Emma Kelley (Webster Groves) is the top returner from last year, as she placed second at State with a 2:19.75. She will have to fend off last year's third place finisher Reina McMillan (Parkway North) who owns the fastest returning time from last year with a 2:18.47.
Defending State Champion Jack Crull (Helias Catholic) leads three returning medalists in the Boys 800m. In addition to being the reigning champion, Crull also has the top returning time in Class 4 with a 1:54.67. Crull is actually a threat to win all three distance crowns, a feat that would've even been possible last year if it wasn't for the change in the schedule.
There is plenty of returning firepower in the Girls 1600m, as five state medalists from a year ago return. Olivia Littleton (Smithville) is the top returner from last year where she placed third at the state meet. She also owns the second fastest returning time with a 5:12, just behind Emma Puetz (Rolla) who returns with a 5:11.
There are three returning medalists in the Boys 1600m, led by last years runner up Michael Rebello (Excelsior Springs). He had a season best of 4:22 in that race, but if he wants to capture the title this year he'll have plenty of competition. Jack Crull (Helias Catholic) has the fastest returning time by a wide margin with a 4:13 and has already ran a 4:21 indoor mile this winter, and surely he will be gunning for the title this Spring.
With the top two finishers from last year returning, the Girls 3200m will have plenty of fire power. Defending Champion Olivia Littleton (Smithville) will look to defend her title this season, and returns with the fastest time in the State from last season with an 11:20. She'll have to fend off last year's runner up, Ally Kruger (Liberty - Wentzville) to do so, and Kruger comes into the season with a PR of 11:21.
Five medalists return in this years Boys 3200m, so there will likely be some familiar faces on the podium again this year. Michael Rebello (Excelsior Springs) is the top returner from last year as he places second, and he also recently won the Class 3 XC State Title. To win this year though he'll have to fend off Jack Crull (Helias Catholic) who comes in with the fastest returning time in the State with a 9:17, and just recently finished as the runner up at Class 4 XC State. Another one to keep an eye on is Blake Morris (Notre Dame - Cape Girardeau) as he was the third place finisher last year and comes in with a PR of 9:31.