With less than a week to go before the 2009 State Cross Country Meet, Chris Ammen couldn’t fit this week’s conversation into one day. In Part 2 of this week’s edition Chris talks to Brian Winckler of Humansville, Ryan Banta of Parkway Central and Jesse Griffin of
Brian Winckler - Humansville
What is your favorite memory of the state meet?
Well, I am still pretty much a “young pup” at this since I have only been at State a total of 5 or 6 times, but I would probably say my favorite memory from the State Cross Country Meet is from 1999 when Matt Tegenkamp set the course record. A feat like that being accomplished is enough for someone not to ever forget, but the best part was when he nearly caught the golf cart in front of him and the kid couldn’t believe he was right there. Matt just smiled and continued doing his thing but it was definitely a memory I will not soon forget.
Who will win in each class for boys and girls on Saturday in
I think most of the Classes are pretty clear-cut on the individual side this year with a few exceptions (Class 1 Girls, Class 2 Boys, and Class 3 Girls), in my opinion. I really wish we would get to see an “All-Star Race” so that we could see
Class 1 Girls Individual- Mackenzie Weiss, Cass Midway.
Class 1 Girls Team- Cass Midway (But it is going to be CLOSE!! Penney is very well coached and always shows up at State)
Class 1 Boys Individual- Caleb Hoover,
Class 1
Class 2 Girls Individual- Eileen Schwiess,
Class 2 Girls Team- Herculaneum
Class 2 Boys Individual- This could be going out on a limb… but I will say Will Shadwick from Fair Grove. (There was probably a collective- “WHO?” but wait til State, he will be in purple)
Class 2 Boys Team- Bowling Green
Class 3 Girls Individual- Olivia McCormick, West Plains
Class 3 Girls Team- Kearney (As hard as it is to ever go against Coach Dixon, I have to go with
Class 3 Boys Individual- Maksim Korolev, Harrisonville
Class 3 Boys Team- West Plains
Class 4 Girls Individual- Emily Sisson, Parkway Central
Class 4 Girls Team- Lee’s Summit West
Class 4 Boys Individual- Danny Thater, Kickapoo
Class 4 Boys Team- Lee’s Summit North
In Class 3 Boys I would say Festus has a shot at taking down West Plains if they have a good day. They were very impressive at their Conference Meet (albeit on their own course), and they seem to have the potential to step up.
In Class 3 Girls I think this could be one of the best races of the day for the individual title. I am going with Olivia, but Jasmine Edwards of Kearney and Sierra Jenkins of Clinton should both be close by and could have a shot at it taking the title.
In Class 1 Boys I wouldn’t really call them a “sleeper” but West Platte could step up and take down
I know Kevin Colon is a household name after last year, but I don’t see him as the “favorite” heading in this year so I’ll be watching him, as well. Finally, in Class 4 Girls I would say that Courtney Wood from
What do you look forward to the most at the state meet?
I am most looking forward to seeing if I can have my first All-State Cross Country athlete this year. I also enjoy seeing other coaches and the opportunity to see the best competition in the State going at it, but to have one of my own on the stand for the first time in Cross would be priceless.
Ryan Banta – Parkway Central
What is your favorite memory of the state meet?
Without a doubt my favorite moment at the state meet to this point was watching Billy Bell run to the front and give everything he had trying to win the state championship. He got past just barely at the end as he literally climbed the last hill on his hands and feet. Now to many (probably even Billy) that was a sad day. But, I can say without a hesitation that Billy went to a place many runners are afriad to go. Running fast and winning championships is more about enduring pain then most mortals dare to attempt. Billy's heart and determination was magnificent. I will never forget Billy's senior year state championship as it was the bravest performance I have witnessed from a Central Athlete.
Who will win in each class for boys and girls on Saturday in
This is tough because
A Russian (Korolev) and a Christian (
Why is no one talking much about Courtney Wood!!! I mean wow she is winning every race she runs and is running FAST! Personally got to meet her this summer as the assistant coach of Team
As a team I am always a bit surprised why Ladue doesn't get the fan fare I would expect! I know the coaches and athletes on a personal level can tell you few teams have put in the work these kids did this summer to get ready to do something special at the 3a state championship. By far the Ladue girls are my darkhorse of the year.
What do you look forward to the most at the state meet?
Certainly the most wonderful thing about XC is on an individual level the best athletes are typically in the meet. So on that day the state meet showcases the best the state of
Jesse Griffin – Lees
What is your favorite memory of the state meet?
My favorite memory from the state meet occurred when my Lady Cardinals, at Raytown South, won their first state championship in cross-country in 1999. During that hot November state meet my number one girl Stephanie Nicoll was in 3rd place at the bottom of Firestation Hill and collapsed. The rest of my girls picked up the pace and we won the meet despite very difficult circumstances. Before I went to look at the result board I did not think we had a chance to even be in the top 6. What a surprise that was for me!
Who do you think are some of the favorite teams and individuals on the guys and girls side this year and why?
For the boys in Class 1 Hoover from
For the girls in Class 1, I like Weis from Cass-Midway and Class 2 Barzowski from
Although I do not follow all the results closely I will do my best at picking some of the favorite teams.
Girls
Class 1-Penney
Class 2-Herculaneum
Class 3-West Plains
Class 4-Lees
Boys
Class 1-College Heights
Class 2-Herculaneum
Class 3-West Plains
Class 4-Lees
I think on the boy’s side in Class 2, Bowing Green is primed for an upset. On the girl’s side look for Class 1 Cass Midway and Class 3 Kearney to challenge for the upset as well. Individually if Diane Robison is having a great day she could challenge for the top individual spot in Class 4 girls.
What do you look forward to the most at the state meet?
I am looking forward to watching
Thanks guys. There is more to come this week. Tomorrow we will hear from Greg Hipp, Yael T. Abouhalkah, Jake Holt, and Jim Crowe.
Don’t forget to tune into the Big River Running Company’s State XC Preview show on prepcasts.com tonight where Ben & Matt will interviewing other coaches and making their own predictions.