Every year at Nike Cross Nationals, there is a surprise boys team or two who challenge for a top three finish. While that could very well be the case again in 2012, it’s more likely that there will be 5-6 teams challenging for those top three spots, all of who are ranked very high in all of the various polls to begin the season.

Leading the way once again are the defending champions, Christian Brothers Academy (NJ). The squad narrowly beat runner-up Southlake Carroll (TX) by four points, but showed that their strong ranking all year was warranted. They return five harriers who ran between 9:08-9:17 on the track this past spring, and while that doesn’t always translate to cross country success, it’s a good start.

Speaking of Southlake Carroll, they’ll be right up front again challenging for the win. This squad is always strong and return four of their seven varsity runners from 2011, including their top two runners. Like most teams, their 3-5 runners are the key to success. Can their depth show up big once again? If it does, they’ll be hard to beat.

Perennial powers North Central (WA) and York (IL) each return their entire top 7 and have the national-level experience to make a true challenge for the top prize. Since the inception of NXN (then NTN) in 2004, York has made the national meet every year, the only team in the country to do so. Legendary coach Joe Newton knows how to get his kids ready and they should peak perfectly in Portland.

Last but not least, in-state rivals Davis (UT) and American Fork (UT) return enough of their top seven from their NXN qualifying squads in 2011 that they should challenge for a trophy if they can stay healthy and consistent. Davis, after placing third last year, returns 4 of 6, and while they lose some upfront firepower, know what it means to come up big at the national championship.

Who do you think will challenge for the boys NXN title this year?

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With the cross country season kicking off over the next two weeks, we're tackling ten burning questions heading into the 2012 campaign. These questions cover both the high school and college levels. Check back each day as we provide some answers to the questions.

Question 1: Who Will Be The Top American Male Finisher at the NCAA XC Championships?
Question 2: Will Erin Finn and Sarah Baxter Face Off This Fall?