One school occupies the 12th slot in the rankings for both boys and girls, though they took very different paths to get there.
As we approach the start of official NCHSAA cross country practices on July 30th, NCRunners will count down the top 15 teams in our Preseason All-Classes Team Rankings. The list began with the returning 5000 rankings from the 2011 cross country season, and then modifications were made based on improvements during the spring track season, runners lost, and recent program history. Bonus consideration was given to teams with tight packs (at least 3 of the top 5 within 30 seconds of each other) and front runners (under 16 minutes for boys, under 18:45 for girls). Subscribers can view the statistics that were used in the rankings process:
Returning 5000 Team Rankings
Boys | Girls
Returning 3200 Team Rankings
Boys | Girls
Returning 1600 Team Rankings
Boys | Girls
Boys Preseason #12 Team: Mount Tabor
Often in boys' distance running, the strongest teams are powered by senior runners. That was the case for Mount Tabor's boys last fall, with their top 4 runners powering the Spartans to the overall #1 ranking and a second-place finish at the 4A state meet, a fantastic season by just about any standard. Of course, those same seniors left a gaping hole to fill, but you can expect the Tabor juggernaut to roll on this year. This program has arguably the deepest talent base in the state, with huge numbers on their team that ensure they can discover a few new talents every year. They are a year-round program, as well, and so they often make big gains in the winter and spring; for example, Andrew Krivsky and Ian Milder showed that they are ready to step into top-5 roles during cross country season. Although depth should not be a problem, this team will most likely lack front-running power, and that will probably hold them back from getting into the top 5 again this year.
| Mount Tabor | ||||
| 1) Dalton Nickel | 16:25.00 | 39 | ||
| 2) Nathan Kirse | 16:49.00 | 99 | ||
| 3) Hendricks Stowe | 17:00.00 | 129 | ||
| 4) Andrew Krivsky | 17:03.00 | 147 | ||
| 5) Ian Milder | 17:42.00 | 330 | ||
| Average Time: 16:59.80 -- Total Time: 1:24:59.00 -- 1-5 Split: 1:17.00 | ||||
| 6) Anthony Conforti | 18:40.00 | 692 | ||
| 7) Chris Manthey | 18:53.00 | 787 | ||
Girls Preseason #12 Team: Mount Tabor
Although the 2011 season might have been a bit below the standard of some of Tabor's past girls teams, and definitely flew under the radar compared to their boys last fall, if you looked closely you could see a young team quietly improving and gaining experience. That should pay off this fall, with only one top-7 runner (their #3) having graduated. The emergence of Kayla Montgomery as a legit #1 runner, starting in the fall and progressing through her 11:15 spring 3200 PR, should set the tone for a positive step for the whole team. Kataryna O'Neil and Rhiannon Farney also showed strong improvement in the spring, bolstering the Spartan's depth. This is a group of girls that is one strong summer away from breaking into the top 10 in the state this fall, especially if they can add a solid freshman or two (as is often the case for this consistently strong program).
| Mount Tabor | ||||
| 1) Kayla Montgomery | 19:02.00 | 34 | ||
| 2) Anna Gervasi | 19:47.00 | 98 | ||
| 3) Susie Oliver | 20:14.00 | 161 | ||
| 4) Jenna Gledhill | 20:37.00 | 212 | ||
| 5) Rhiannon Farney | 20:40.00 | 223 | ||
| Average Time: 20:04.00 -- Total Time: 1:40:20.00 -- 1-5 Split: 1:38.00 | ||||
| 6) Kataryna ONeil | 20:54.00 | 270 | ||
| 7) Katherine Leak | 21:30.00 | 398 | ||
Tier 6 Teams: 947 + points
