2002outprevsed2

      Look for Circleville and Barnesville to pretty much have there way in the distance races here.
      In the 4x800 Barnesville (9:38) only loses one member, be it the state champion from their team in Jennie Castle, but have a strong team coming back with Ruthie and Molly Morgan and Molly Dieringer. Lisa and Sarah Anderson could both contend for the last spot. Circleville also only lost Leslie Kiser from last year's team. But, the good news is Kiser was the slowest member of the team, so they should be as good as last season or better. (9:55). West Holmes will have a harder time replacing two key seniors. Look for Gallia Academy to make it as the fourth team.
     In the 800 Ruthie and Molly Morgan could make it out, Ruthie was 8th in 2:18 last year. Lindsey Ward of Faifield Union had a disappointing state meet, but has gone 2:18 as well, so she should contend as should Michelle Schmidt of Wheelersburg (also 2:18). The The 800 here is very strong and with everyone back except for Castle it will be tough to break in.
      In the 1600, Reeser and Ankrom from Circleville will be the top contenders. Reeser has fought off a nagging hamsting injury and should finally be at full strength for track season. Ankrom has gained some experience after last yaers 10th place finish as a frosh. She went 5:15 last yean and can go sub 5:10 this season easy. Katrina Jones of Martins Ferry is a senior and also went 5:15 last year, so she should be ready to finish off her last track campaign strongly. The Morgan's again will be a factor as well.
     In the 3200 all of the runners mentioned above will be in contention here as well, but Reeser has the edge on experience and should take the title. She was unable to get past Molly Morgan last year. Sarah Wiseman of Gallia Academy went 11:28 last year as a frosh and backed it up with a 18:58 this year in XC, she will be strong.
        I think this region has the best chance of producing somebody to challenge Arnold. Last year at the state meet, Arnold played it cool until the last lap of both the mile and the 3200 and then destroyed the field with her kick. Ankrom and a healthy Reeser can both match her leg speed and the Morgan sisters have the ability to run with Arnold under the right conditions. While Wiseman is young and improving and could contend as well. If they don't kill eachother trying to get out like they did last yeat they could do it. The big thing stacked against them and Uible from Indian HIll is that they will have to try much harder in their respective regionals than Arnold will. That could be the difference.