The thing that makes XC the best season for many is the undeniable team aspect of the sport. Though you can win national titles and state titles all while setting records as an individual, it truly takes five guys or girls to bring home a team trophy in cross country.
Check out all of the rankings over the coming weeks. Check out the #5 rankings here, #4 rankings here, #3 rankings here, and #2 boys' rankings here.
Girls' Team #2: James Madison
Year after year James Madison is fighting for a podium spot at the state meet. Last year it was the boys taking home the title and this year it could very well be the girls taking home that 6A state team title. They are led by Merrill Leak and Jeana Bogdon and ready for business.
The thing that really makes Madison stand out and the reason why they are our preseason number two team is because they enter the season with a staggering seven girls under 20 minutes. Now that is special but it is very special because those are preseason times and likely to be improved upon in a big way.
They will face stiff competition from Oakton and Lake Braddock but this squad is good enough that they can say they control their own destiny. Check out their team averages and splits and you will see exactly why they are our preseason number two team.
Top Returners and State-wide rankings
| 2 | James Madison (VA) | 354 | ||
| 1) Merrill Leak | 18:44.00 | 21 | ||
| 2) Jeana Bogdon | 18:57.00 | 31 | ||
| 3) Anna Miller | 19:25.00 | 84 | ||
| 4) Elizabeth Wu | 19:28.00 | 96 | ||
| 5) Maria Bogdon | 19:36.00 | 122 | ||
| Average Time: 19:14.00 Total Time: 1:36:10.00 1-5 Split: 52.00 | ||||
| 6) Sarah Hetherington | 19:43.00 | 142 | ||
| 7) Alexandra Oskuie | 19:54.00 | 162 | ||