2002outprevned3

    The northeast regional will be a step behind the northwest in terms of out front runners, but it is just as deep.
     In the 4x800 look for Hawken to take the title with Christine Shin, Smanatha Johnson, Natalie Kachurek, and likely freshman Nikki Seaman. Kirtland should contend as well. They return their team of Meghan Feran, Elizabeth Straus, Jessica Veri, and Traci Fails. Look for Gilmour Academy and possibly Berkshire to contend as well. Those four schools all come out of the Cuyahoga Heights Distict. After them I like McDonald to be very strong behind Jenn and Jessica Wenhold, Nicole Booth and yet another Koppel, this time freshman Erin.
      In the 800 Fails is the tope returner with a 2:21 with Warren JFK's Jamie Musick nect in 2:22. Erin Koppel should be her as should Christine Shin of Hawken.
     In the 1600 there are no returning runners. Look for the Wenhold sisters to contend with Julie Nemergut of South Range in there along with Katrina Bricker or Lisbon David Anderson and Booth of McDonald.
     In the 3200, in contrast to the 1600, there is a lot coming back. Katrina Bricker is the top returner in 11:39 at state. However, Gilmour Academy's Andrea Pinchak went 11:32 before getting to State. Julie Nemergut also went faster prior to state with am 11:53 best last season. It is likely the Wenhold's will stick to the shorter races, but they could contend here as well as could Hawken Frosh Nikki Seaman. Outside shots go to Lindsey Shaw of Rootstown and Kelly Phillips of Berkshire.
     Since this is the division they rightfully belong in, I would be remiss if I did not mention Western Reserve Academy. Suzanne Andrews had a tremendous XC season, finishing 5th on the OGXC Top 25 list, even without the benefit of the State meet. Joining her is Gina DiPiero, DiPiero is more of a track runner than an XC one and should find success in the 1600.