Photo by Patty Morgan
10. Who's the new top dog in the boys' 4x8?
Moving the 4x800 to the beginning of the meet certainly changed how many teams approached the state meet, when it was implemented. But you can't deny the excitement that it has created in the 4x8, a relay that the Keystone State always manages put a bunch of team's near the top of the national rankings.
After a big win at Millrose and then indoor states, State College Area proved to be the best 4x8 squad in the state (they followed that up outdoors). But how about this year? All eight teams that medaled last year have lost at least one of four members from their relay.
State College can still be strong again, despite losing Alex Milligan and Anthony Degleris. CB West and Abington are both losing crucial pieces, but always seem to have the ability to retool. Germantown Friends loses Grayson Hepp, but brings back three, including Nick Dahl. Penn Wood can also be tough. Can CR North carry its XC momentum onto the track? How about the PCL's Cardinal O'Hara and LaSalle? Can Josh Hoey ignite Bishop Shanahan, which took sixth last year? Pennridge will be a team to watch after taking tenth with two freshman last year. Seneca Valley should be a strong team to throw into the mix.
And how about Carlisle? They may be more suited for the DMR with the Affolder brothers, but surely they can put together a fast 4x800 as well with those pieces.
It's an open field for now, but surely, there are plenty of squads with legitimate claims to the top spot in PA.
Watch last year's 4x800-meter relay from the PTFCA Indoor State Championships: