Way Too Early Predictions - Boys' Class AAA
Senior boys have taken the last three AAA state titles in XC, but the top returner headed into next year based on states finishes is junior-to-be Daniel McGoey of North Allegheny. Of course, he'll have more than his fair share of challengers.
Wallenpaupack's Tyler Wirth dazzled us in his first season of XC. As a senior, look for Wirth to be even stronger with more experience under his belt. He's never been one to back down from a challenge and he'll be in the mix. Seneca Valley's Seth Ketler was sixth at states. Along with teammate Sam Owori, the Raiders should have a few up near the front.
Mifflin County's Chayce Macknair, Downingtown West's Payton Sewell, Phoenixville's Carlos Shultz, and Mount Lebanon's Patrick Anderson are among the other medal returners in what should be an interesting season on the trails.
The defending champs from LaSalle College lose its top runner in Evan Addison, but bring back five of its top seven (along with a large and eager JV squad). Downingtown West, which has placed third in each of the last two seasons (after winning in 2015), also returns five of seven led by medalist Sewell. West, too, has a strong JV squad.
WPIAL squads Seneca Valley, North Allegheny, and Mount Lebanon all have a healthy group of returners back next season, as well, with some frontrunners to boot. Of course, there's plenty of room for other contenders to emerge.
Prediction
Wirth will return an individual state championship to District 2, out-dueling McGoey, Shultz, and Ketler in a classic Hershey battle.
While there won't be a tie for first like this year, LaSalle College repeats at AAA state champs by six points over Downingtown West, which beats Seneca Valley by three points, which beats North Allegheny by four points.