I have to start with theOhio Team. For the men, Jeff See, from Middletown, looks to be an early favorite, but Levi Fox (Troy) has pushed and pulled Jeff all year. From the Southwestern Ohio region, Luke Beuerlein (Moeller), Nik Schweikert (Beavercreek), Taylor Candeila (Lakota West) and Tom Middleton Dayton/Carroll) make up a strong part of this year's men's team. Add the highly competitive Chris Thurber (Worthington), Ryan Crocker (Cuy. Valley Christian Acad,) and Tony Jordanek (Reynoldsburg) and you have a Solid Ohio group!
The Ohio women's team should be lead by Brittany Tinsley (Indian Lake). A solid group of women will support Brittany as the Ohio women look to compete for the Women's team championship award. The supporting group includes local favorite, Vanessa Gilbert (Fairmont), Bailey Flask (Pickerington North), Melissa Green Brecksville Broadview Hts.), Ellen Knopf ( Mother of Mercy), Sarah McCort ( N. Canton Hoover), Lisa Ortiz (Old Fort), Amy Sanders (Sycamore), Kristina Schuerle (Barnsville) and Julie Weisenborn (Otsego).
Pennsylvania brings Sam Luff (Emmaus) just off a 2nd place finish at his AAA state meet and Amin Garnett (Coatesville), 3rd in AAA state. Sean McGinley (LaSalle) should provide some help up front along with Brandon Pomerantz (Council Rock N.) and Jed Christiansen (Greenville).
PennsylvaniaWomen's team have typically been in the hunt for the top team spot and this year should be more of the same. Katie Thaeder (Unionville) and Jessica Squier (Elk Lake) could provide a valuable 1-2 punch! They should expect help from Andrea Florida (Muhlenberg), Nicole Smith ( Mercer) and Lynn Morelli (St. Basil's Acad).
Indiana's team is full of all kinds of "All State" runners. The men have Ryan Byrne ( N. Harrison) state runner up, Scott Kenney (Frankfort Central), Adam Settle (Franklin Central) and Tony Krock (E.Noble) just to get you started. The women have Adele Mitchell (Ft.Wayne Concordia Luth.) state champion and Stephanie Greer (Indianapolis Roncalli). They should get some assistance from Eleanor Lammers (Indianapolis N. Central) and Laura Carr (Penn).
West Virginia women's team should be able to bring a more competitive group. If they can survive the always challenging "Mineral Wells" course, they should be able to handle the course in Kettering! I look to see Claire Berryman (Morgantown) represent her state well. She should expect some help from Karly Hamric (Preston), Katie Burda (Elkins), Clara Grandt and Jennie Spencer of (Doddridge) too.
The West Virginia men's team should be well represented with the likes of Ryan Skotnicki and Joe Schaeffer of University and Eric Ryan and Bryan Hooton of Preston. I hope to see Jarren Morian (Braxton), John Natow (Liberty), Matt Null (POCA) and Straton Schemel (Ritchie Co.) compete too.
Illinois is always tough and always ready. This year they are bringing Tim Maier (Lyons), James Macatangav (Palatine) and Kyle Cameron (United Township) along with a decent solid group of individuals. The women's side will bring Pam Staton (Grant), Jessie Morgenthal (Wheeling), Kim Smudde (Geneva) and Jennifer Roberts (Romeoville) as a solid front five. I expect they will get some solid assistance form their next five. Their state times look to provide an opportunity for a nice pack.
Michigan hopefully will have a former Ohio lady leading the pack for them Jenny Morgan (Clarkston) should be ready to go. Liz Mengyan (Clarkston) and Janee Jones (Goodrich) should provide a push up front. The Michigan Men should be bringing Justin Switzeer (Waterford Kettering), Josh Hofbauer (HarborSprings), and Justin Todd (Climax-Scotts) and a big part of their always tough ten athletes.