Class 3 Girls Preview
The Contenders
Nicole Lee, Clinton, SO
Last Year: 3rd, 19:35
Best - 18:39, AVG - 19:05
While Laurenzo got the better of Lee at Ray-Pec and beat her by 15 seconds, Lee has the factor of consistency of her side. Lee has been running sub 19 for a couple of weeks now. She has had success at the state meet despite only being a sophomore. She was third last year and could improve on that finish this year.
Sammy Laurenzo, Liberty North, SO
Last Year: 21st, 20:08
Best - 18:41, AVG - 19:09
Coming into this weekend I would have to say Laurenzo was the favorite in Class 3. I am not certain what happened at districts, but she finished 4th. Whatever it was, if she is healthy and ready to go she could be the champ. She has had a fantastic season where she has barely lost. She has beaten Lee this year, as well as many other strong runners. Again, if she is ready, she will be a force this Saturday.
Olivia Franklin, Kearney, FR
Best - 18:48, AVG - 19:11
The freshman has had a fantastic first year and has improved throughout the year. Franklin has stood out the past few weeks, winning three out of her past four meets. She has shown that despite not having as much experience compared to other runners she can run well in big meets with an 18th place finish at Forest Park, 4th at Rim Rock, and 5th at KC Metro. She is coming off of a great district performance where she won by 40 seconds. Watch for her to lead the strong Kearney team this weekend.
Elizabeth Kiblinger, Notre Dame, SR
Last Year: 17th, 20:01
Best - 18:50, AVG - 19:44
Kiblinger had a great district meet where she beat a very talented field by 18 seconds. She has been running well throughout the season which includes two sub 19 minute performances. She was 22nd back in September at Forest Park and with 19:37. Watch for her to be in the mix this weekend.
Anna Nelson, Ladue, JR
Last Year: 54th, 21:09
Best - 19:17, AVG - 19:44
Nelson has had a breakout season. Last year at state she finished 54th but this year has been a bit different. She has won her conference meet, Borgia, and her district. Her team traveled up to Illinios to compete at the Richard Springs Invite where she ran a blazing 18:09 3 mile. She was about 20 seconds behind Franklin at Clayton two weekends ago where she ran her PR of 19:17. As Ladue’s top girl, she should help lead to a possible top four finish.
Kassie Rawlings, Potosi, SO
Last Year: 27th, 20:18
Best - 19:08, AVG - 19:55
Rawlings was second behind Kiblinger at her district. She is a part of a Potosi team, which has had a great runner on their team for many years in a row. She finished just outside of All-State last year, which should have her motivated and ready to go come Saturday. Her teammate, Sarah Jacobson, was fourth last year, but Rawlings has been able to lead the Trojans this year.
Katherine Sitzes, Farmington, SR
Last Year: 28th, 20:25
Best - 18:57, AVG - 19:39
Sitzes is a part of the competitive district 1, where she finished 4th. She has had a good year running just under 19 at Notre Dame. She leads a very strong Farmington team, which should contend for a trophy. She also was just out of All-State finishing one place behind Rawlings with a 28th place finish. She should improve on that and be looking at a top ten finish this year.
Shelby Werner, Ste. Genevive, SO
Last Year: 16th, 20:01
Best - 19:32, AVG - 20:10
Werner is having a solid sophomore year. She finished third in a tough district beating out Farmington’s Katherine Sitzes. After a great freshman year Werner looks to improve on her 16th place performance from last year.
Katie Tuck, Smithville, JR
Last Year: 15th, 20:00
Best - 19:30, AVG - 20:18
The Smithville junior finished second in a tough district squeeking by Jasmine Edwards and Sammy Laurenzo. She has turned it on as of late finishing below 20 in three out of her past four races. Look for her to improve on her 15th place finish from last year.
Jasmine Edwards, Kearny, SR
Last Year: 5th, 19:41
Best - 19:26, AVG - 20:10
Edwards knows what it is like to compete for a state title. After finishing 5th last year she has had a solid senior year. Her team is the favorite to win the team battle so having the team incentive should help motivate her. Others to look for include Lutheran South's Amanda Behnke and Duchesne's Maggie Noble.