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The Individual Title Race
The race for the individual title in Class 2 will look a bit different with defending champion Daelen Ackley now competing in Class 3. A mix of former Class 3 and Class 2 medalists from last year will be the top guys dueling it out on Gans Creek.
Sam Shuman (Spokane) is the top returner in Class 2, after finishing third last year at state. The 16:06 that earned him that spot also stands as the fastest overall returning time in Class 2. He'll look to go sub 16 and make a run for the top podium spot in 2020.
George Blanco (Bishop DuBourg) finished ninth in Class 3 a year ago, but will look to fight for a title now that he's in Class 2. He ran 16:08 at the state meet last year, so he's not far behind Shuman and will also be looking to go sub 16 this fall.
The Top 100 Rankings for Returning Boys in Class 2
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The Team Title Chase
With defending Class 2 champion Fatima making the jump to Class 3, the door is open for a new champion this season.
Last year's runner up, Steelville, is the early favorite in the virtual meet and return four of their top five and six of their top seven from that trophy winning squad.
Hermann finished fourth a year ago at Gans Creek, and this season they return four of their top five as well. They'll try and make a run at the team title this year this fall to improve on that finish.
Other teams in the trophy hunt include Father Tolton, Southwest (Washburn), Principia, Hartville, and Spokane.