Top 5 Distances Races At State

Boys Races


5) 3A 1600- There will be a tight pack of runners for the first five spots in this race which will be the top five from last outdoor state meet as well. The question is how this race will play out? Last year a slow start kept the field in the race, and with the 2nd-5th runners all sporting season bests between the low 4:30s and low 4:40s, the podium spots could up for grabs. Main players: Devyn Keith (John Curtis), Austin Ballow (Sumner), Hank Patrick (U-High), Trey Stewart (John Curtis), Kolby Cooper (North Webster).


4) 3A 800- Two of the faster 800 runners in the state from John Curtis square off against a runner who has been closing the season out well in Austin James. It may take a 1:58 to podium, but don't be surprised with a 1:55-56 winning time. Main players: Devyn Keith (John Curtis), Austin Brown (John Curtis), Austin Ballow (Sumner).


3) 5A 3200- This race will go one of two ways. Either the pace will go out slow, allowing some of the slower seeds into the race (and letting the kicks be the determining factor) or the top two runners will take it out and run away from the field, both trying to outdo each other. As noted earlier, this race has postal championship implications as well. Look for it to take a 9:35 or so to podium if the race is fast. Main players: Eric Coston (St. Pauls), Jeff Kelley (Catholic), Adam Wise (Fountainbleau), Conner Killian (Rummel).


2) 5A 800- There is no clearcut favorite in this race, and last year a sit and kick won the 800. It isn't often you see a sit and kick in the 800 and there is no guarantee that strategy will happen again this year, or if it is even a good one for such a short distance. Main players: Sean Washington (New Iberia), Matthew Myrtue (Fontainebleau), Zack Rice (Pineville)


1) 5A 1600- This showdown features several of the states top milers and could take a 4:20 or better to podium. This race features a rematch of the XC state championship with former XC champion Eric Coston looking to beat current XC champion Hayden Kingfisher. Don't blink because there are a couple other runners with sub 4:20 capability in the mix. The 5A 1600 has been an awesomely quick race the past few seasons. Can we expect more of the same? Main players: Eric Coston (St. Pauls), Pierce Hill (Catholic), Ryan Burrell (Baton Rouge), Hayden Kingfisher (Parkway).


Girls Races


5) 2A 800- With several girls who have sub 2:20 capability, and a tremendous talent like Hailey Hesterman, this race could be a very quick one. Hailey has won her fair share of state titles and has a 2:14 PR, but we haven't seen that fitness in recent years. Now a senior, can she brush off the newcomers? Main players: Hailey Hesterman (Calvary), Meghan Becerra (STA), Alicia Stamey (EHS)


4) 4A 3200- Three girls in this race have personal bests between 11:30 and 11:40. Expect this to be a quick race as the girls try to outdo each other in the second mile. Main players: Alexa Breaux (Vandebilt Catholic), Ellen Feringa (St. Scholastica), Kaitlin Tanner (Loyola).


3) 5A 1600- In what looks to be a race between two girls ahead of the rest of the pack, still don't blink. This race may not have the depth of previous years, but the top few girls could easily live up to the billing. Main players: Annie Hill (St. Josephs), Claire Crosby (Mandeville), Ciara Gilroy (Barbe).


2) 5A 3200- This is an open race for several runners. The ever-dominant Annie Hill will attempt to hold off a rolling Mandeville in her second race of the day. Could she be tired? And quietly seeded fourth is your XC champion, looking to make her mark once again. Main players: Annie Hill (St. Josephs), Olivia Murphy (Mandeville), Ally McCulley (Mandeville), Sara Funderburk (Parkway).


1) 5A 800- What could be one of the most exciting races of the day overall, your defending 800 champion takes on a pair of teammates trying to usurp her crown. It may take a sub 2:15 to get onto the stand. Main players: Chelsey Jones (Mandeville), Kennedy Smith (Baton Rouge), Raelynn Price (Baton Rouge).