Keller, Marcus return strong teams intact

By Adam Kopet of DyeStat

The biggest factor in this year’s preseason rankings in the South Region is the returning runners from last year. The top two teams to begin the season return entire squads from a year ago.

As has become the norm, Texas again dominates the South. Only Texas teams have qualified for NXN out of the region for the past 10 years. Tupelo MS is the only non-Texas team to qualify for NXN out of the South. This year appears like it will extend that streak to 11.

Fayetteville AR is an early leader for best of the rest. Last year, the Bulldogs finished 16th at NXR South. They have the potential to improve their placing this year, but have a long way to go to reach the level necessary to challenge for an NXN berth out of the South.

This year there appears to be clear separation between the top three teams in the region, with Keller TX leading the way by a sizable margin. However, there is a four-way battle for the fourth and fifth places, all of which could make a big leap into the top three with the addition of a talented freshman or a transfer student.

1. Keller TX: Keller is one of the few top teams in the country to return its entire varsity seven from the squad that competed at NXN last year. Abbey Santoro and Julia Black, both seniors, lead an experienced group and are early favorites to return to Portland in December.

2. Marcus TX: The Marauders also return their top seven runners from last year. Senior Quinn Owen is coming off a fantastic track season that saw her win the 1,600 meters at the Texas UIL 6A Outdoor State Meet in 4:47.32. She also finished third in the 3,200.

3. Southlake Carroll TX: The Dragons lost three of their top four varsity runners to gradation, but the defending NXR South champions will be looking to return to Portland. Senior Cate Tracht ran 10:46 for 3,200 meters in the spring and will be one of the top returning runners this fall.

4. Hebron TX: The Hawks return four of their top five from last season when they finished 10th at NXR South. They are led by senior Abby Riordan, who had a season best of 17:46 last year for 5K.

5. Kingwood TX: The Mustangs only graduated one from their varsity squad that finished ninth at NXR South last year. Senior Jessica Hergott, who has run 18:24 for 5K, is the early favorite to lead the team this season.

Watch list:

Randall TX

Katy Cinco Ranch TX

Katy Tompkins TX

Frisco Liberty TX

Fayetteville AR