Class 1 Boys

The Top Returners

Four seniors occupied the top four spots and seven of the top eight at the 2025 Class 1 State Championships making it so this year will see an almost entirely different podium than last year. Glasgow's Jackson Meyer is the only returning all-Stater, but he is tied for fourth among returners based on marks with his 45.16m (148-2). Hermitage's Levi George is the top returner based on personal best, however, with his 49.43m (162-2) personal best from the District 6 meet, well ahead of the rest of the field. He is likely the only all-State Cross Country runner who is also competing for a State title in the Javelin throw.

The "Chase Pack"

Next among Class 1 returners is Polo's Kyle Kipping who threw 45.87m (150-6) at last spring's District 4 meet. Kipping, like George, was unable to compete at the State meet after finishing outside of the top 4 at his respective Sectional meet, but is among the pre-season contenders to win the State title this spring. Two others come in over 45 meters - Newburg's Nate Killian (45.27m) and Green Ridge's Wyatt Brosch (45.16m).

Sleeper Pick to Watch

One returner currently outside of the top ten who should be on the watchlist for a big 2026 season is Rock Port's Gabriel Gebhards. Gebhards finished ninth at the 2025 State Championships when he threw his personal best of 43.43m (142-6). That puts him outside of the top ten returners (11th), but watch for him to challenge for a high podium finish in 2026.