The Boys Team race favorite is O\'Hara, with Upper Darby and Bonner in the hunt. The #1 individual favorite is Greg Thomas (11) OH who was 3rd last year. Strath Haven sophomore Rob Speare, who trained like an animal this summer, is unbeaten in the Central League and has an outside shot. Kyle Keehn(12) of Ridley finished 7th last year. Also in the mix will be Archbishop Carroll\'s squad, fresh off a great 2nd place performance in the Small School race at Great American in North Carolina. Junior Chris Tilger and senior John Savoy should be in the front pack, as well.
The Girls Team race appears to be among four teams--O\'Hara (champ in 2001 and 2002) Prendergast, (champ in 2000) Strath Haven and Radnor (champ in 2003). O\'Hara is led by Katie Kelly (11), two stud freshmen Beth Kelly and Carolyn Grant, and senior Joni Irwin. Prendi is very solid with soph Colleen Boland in front of four other strong runners. Kelli Fierras is a key. If she is healthy and runs well, Prendi will be impossible to beat! Radnor has two strong sophs in Shannon Holm and Liz Milewski, but needs to get their other girls farther up front. Strath Haven was only 8th last year, but has really improved. Kristen Kildea (11) has shown she can run with the best and Haven is six deep.
The fight for the individual crown should be outstanding, as it appears that any of ten girls could win it. Among them are Julie Karaskiewicz, Garnet Valley (12)(1st in 2003), Katie Kelly, O\'Hara, (11) (2nd in 2003, 1st in 2002), Colleen Boland, Prendit (10) (21 in 2004), Julia Somers, Haverford (12) (6th in 2003 5th in 2002), Shannon Holm, Radnor, (10)(5th in 2003), Kristen Kildea Strath Haven (11)(JV in 2003), Stephnie Hayden, Notre Dame (broke two course records this season), Beth Kelly, O\'Hara (9), Carolyn Grant, O\'Hara (9), and Lis Milewski, Radnor (10).