One of the most competitive girls cross country meets of 2011 (so far) will occur Saturday when the Class 4, Sectional 4 meet is held at the Longview Community College course.
And what a battle it should be. Here are four questions about the meet - which features at least three of the top 7-ranked squads in Missouri - and my attempt at exploring a few answers.
1. So who’s going to emerge as the best squad in Kansas City?
LS West certainly appears to be the favorite. In recent weeks it has posted strong victories at KC Metro and at District 7 last week. That’s also where the Titans finally and convincingly avenged their only loss - to the LS North Broncos at this year’s first meet - in more than three seasons.
2. Who else could be going to the State Meet?
Start with St. Teresa's and LS North. St. Teresa's edged the Broncos at districts, showing that St. Teresa's is ready to make a late-season push to show it could belong on the podium at next week’s State Meet.
But don't forget the convincing winner of last week's District 8 contest. St. Joseph Central easily defeated Liberty. A few weeks ago St. Joe placed behind LS West at the Suburban Red Conference meet, but it was a pretty solid second. And keep in mind that Liberty was 2nd in the Gold Conference race to LS North, which puts in perspective St. Joe Central's performance at districts.
Oh, no, I'm not forgetting Blue Springs. With a healthy squad, the team certainly has the opportunity to qualify for state.
3. Will Samantha Nightingale set yet another course record this weekend?
The defending Class 4 State Champion from Blue Springs South certainly is on a roll, with record-setting performances in recent weeks at KC Metro and on the Lake Jacomo course last week at districts. Nightingale set the Longview record of 17:46.96 at the 2010 Sectional race, breaking the old mark by 25 seconds. No one but Samantha and her coaches know her strategy for sure this weekend, because defending her state title certainly is the most important goal of the regular season. But I could see Nightingale continuing to ramp up her performances, going for a new course record on Saturday and sending yet another message to Eureka freshman Hannah Long (the No. 2-ranked Missouri girls runner) and other potential competitors at the State Meet.
4. Who else has a good chance to come on strong and make it to the State Meet?
Some of the racers to watch:
At LS West, the Titans are led by Kiersten West, the No. 10-ranked runner by Big River Running Co. But she's often accompanied near the front of races by teammates Samantha Phillips and Kennadee Williams. As the season has progressed, Elizabeth Nolke has solidified the middle part of the LS West varsity. And the Titans have Olivia Chapman, Karen Brocket and Kayla West as potential No. 5 scoring runners.
This is a good place to point out that - on Saturday - the Nos. 4 and 5 runners certainly will have a lot to say about which teams roll on to the State Meet, and which ones unfortunately end up staying home.
At St. Teresa's, Lane Maguire continues her extraordinary season; she placed 4th at districts. Teammate Courtney Coppinger gives the squad a good one-two punch up front.
At LS North, the Broncos have a good trio of top runners in Tessa Riley, Carson Severson and Elizabeth Carpino.
At Blue Springs, the squad is led by Julia Dury and Maria Wendell. Dury had a remarkable 6th place finish at KC Metro on Oct. 1, had an off week at the Gold Conference Meet, but came back strongly with an 8th place finish at the tough District 7 contest.
St. Joseph Central starts up front with Rachel Pankau and Morgan Downey. But the squad also has strength in the middle of its varsity, with Kaylee Ball andMorgan Goodrick. Don't overlook St. Joe Central on Saturday.
Finally, Liberty hasn't received as much attention in the girls ranks as if often does, but if the Bluejays can pack some runners behind leader Marie Taylor, they could surprise some fans.
Based on recent performances, other tops runners who have good chances to finish in the top 30 and qualify for the State Meet include Hannah DeVries of North Kansas City, Kim Rau of Park Hill, Lizzy Jurries of Park Hill South and Lauren Sharp of Staley.
Good luck to all on Saturday.