2002outprevsed1

   This might as well be called the Columbus Showdown as the whopping 10 East and Southeast d1 schools stand little or no chance of making any noise. Though Carrollton or Dover could get a runner or two out.
     In the 4x800 it will likely be a mini recap of the State XC meet. Hilliard Davidson, Dublin Coffman, and Dublin Scioto should all be able to field strong teams. Coffman was 6th at state last year and are only losing their number three runner. Davidsion was 15th, but ran much slower at State than at Regionals (9:48 to 9:35) a likely offshoot of the tough competition for them to get out of their regional. This could be the place for Carrollton or Dover to get a team out.
     In the open 800 only Michelle Warnkey of Worthington is back. She went 2:20 last season and was 10th at state. I'm telling you if you are a girl with decent leg speed, this is your year to go for the 800 in d1, it is wide open!!!
     The 1600 is where the competition will begin to stand out. Emily King is back after a 5:01 to finish 3rd at last year's state meet. Erica Moriarity of Pickerington (5:06) is also back as is Jessica Schmidt of Davidson (5:19). I think Kendra Churchill of Coffman could make a splash as could Davidson freshman Kellie Crook and Scioto's Stephanie Baird.
     In the 3200 King is again the top returner. She doubled at State last year and came back to run a 10:54 to finish 3rd in the 3200 as well. Lindsay Helge of Davidson went 11:30 to garner 12th and Groveport Madison's Mechimar Zokruah went 11:47.04 to get 15th. Crook could make it her as could Mia Fiegelist, also of Davidson. Not to be overlooked is Abby McCutcheon of Lancaster. Only a freshman, she could do quite well. Another freshman to look out for is Abby Wood of Carrollton. A good frosh XC campaign, she may transfer well to the track.
    I think King could make it out in two events again if she so chooses, but I think she could stand a better shot at Roth and Sikes at state if she opts out of the 1600 and stays to the 3200 only.