Saratoga is looking much better than I expected, with four 8th graders in their top 6.
As of now they have 6 runners between FM's #3 and #4, per meylan. not sure if all of FM's runners have raced yet?

i think we can safely move Fayetteville back to the top of the class after lasts weeks showing - talk about re-stocking

Estela Smith is back at Saratoga.

NY XC Follower, on , said:

The point of the write-up: Those programs lost a lot, and are thus not ranked as highly as they are used to, but they are programs with proven track records of being among the best in the nation, so it shouldn't surprise anyone in the least if they end up in Portland this December.

Also, for clarification, the write-up was singling out the Saratoga GIRLS program, and both programs at Fayetteville-Manlius.

As for what gives Northport and St. Anthony's the edge over FM and Saratoga on the boys side... they return much more.

St. Anthony's has Pat Tucker, Louis Santelli, Tyler Wolfe, Joe Tucker, and John McMullin coming back - that's a strong top five, and they have pretty good #6/7 runners as well.

Northport has Tim McGowan, Mike Branigan, Justin Leopold, Jack McGowan and Nick Termine. That's an even stronger five.

Saratoga counters with Jay Navin, Brent Freestone, Aidan Tooker, Joe Verro, and the next best by the data specified is Ethan North, who as of last year was not really that close to that front quartet.

FM counters with Bryce Millar, Adam Hunt, Andrew Berge, Riley Hughes, and an unknown runner to be developed. That last bit should be all the description necessary - they have a lot of work ahead of them before they can develop into an NXN caliber team.

with the write up you would think that Saratoga and FM were ranked 1 & 2 not 3 and 6. What gives Northport and St. Anthony's and edge over those 2?

good meet at Queensbury NY this weekend where 4 of the pre-season top 80 match-up,
#8 Northport
#45 Saratoga Springs
#58 Corning
#80 Liverpool

good luck to all the runners

Scott Joerger, on , said:

If I remember right, wasn't Centennial NV also listed as competing in both meets?

I guess we'll find out which meet they choose in a few days...

SteveU, on , said:

Haha sorry Steve! I will try to remember to call it how we usually do, California (Whittier). They were an NXN team last year so they are legit!

No offense, but whoever thought of naming a high school after the state where the high school resides ... well, that person is responsible for a LOT of damn confusion!

DougB, on , said:

DougB, on , said:

Interesting - California (Whittier) has Woodbridge on their website but I now see they aren't in the entries. McFarland, however, I see listed on both meet websites.

There are actually three from California, including California the High School.
http://bobfirman.run...19&page_id=1368

I'm not aware of any California team attending Bob Firman this year. If you hear of one please let me know.

Watchout for BobFirman, Boise ID, this weekend (Arcadia, North Central, Davis, & Ogden to name a few.

Check out runnercard.com 2013 results from Murray Invit: US # 63 Ogden UT - 1st with impressive times for 5K at altitude. Two under 16min & #5-16:30.

These types of predictions are great for banter, even the early meets will not prove as a measuring stick as some teams will be resting or having others racing a little different. I know in NY it will quiet until Mid/late October at the Manhattan Invitational and then the conference championships. Personally I think Northport and St. Anthonys ahead of Saratoga Springs and Fayetville is a mistake. Saratoga is the reigning state champs (yes they lost 1) and Fayetville is well Fayetville. But i guess if you are using the spring 3,200 times as a measuring stick that is the conclusion.