1A State Meet Preview
Representing the small schools this year and attempting to win a sweep of the titles is Auburn from Riner. They enter the meet as two-time defending champions on the boys' side and twice runners-up on the girls'. They are led by senior Nolan Harris and junior Caitlin Dominy.
Individually leading the way for the girls though will be top returner Catherine Grossman (Patrick Henry) who has run 20:59 this season and Rachel Weghorst, the freshman from Rappahannock County, who has run 20:11 this season. Sophie Dryden of Parry McCluer has also ran a speedy 20:39 this season to rank herself inside the top three.
Though Grossman may have been the runner-up last year, she will not have an easy path to winning the individual title this year. Her biggest competitor will certainly be Weghorst who has run well all season and hails from a school that has produced three of the previous four 1A state champions. Expect this group of four girls to separate early and battle it out to the line.
Team wise for the girls Auburn is the heavy favorite heading into the meet but Mathews and Stonewall Jackson (Q) cannot be counted out this weekend.
In the guys' competition the team battle and individual race could serve as a coronation of Auburn's dynasty or as one of the biggest upsets in recent history. Working to stage this upset will be returning runner-up Colin Henry Stevens (Galileo), Dylan May (Parry McCluer), and Gavin Grossman (Patrick Henry). All three of these guys have the speed to win and know how to. If pre-race favorite Nolan Harris has an off day you can expect these guys to capitalize on it and go for the win.
Nolan Harris (Auburn) will do everything he can though to win his first XC state title. He enters the meet having run 15:29 already this season. A time that is the fastest ever by a 1A or "A" athlete. He will also be focused on score this weekend as he attempts to lead Auburn to a third straight team title.
Auburn's biggest competition in the team battle will be George Wythe and Mathews.
The 1A State Championship races will be run at 11:45am and 12:30pm Saturday.