Knights Crossing Invitational Preview
Knights Crossing is the second largest meet in the entire state and largest meet west of Interstate 81 all year, not just in cross country. This year will be no different with a staggering 85 teams in attendance from nearly a half-dozen states. The best part is that this is also the fastest course of the weekend as well so buckle up for a big and fast weekend down in Roanoke.
Knights Crossing Virtual Meet
In the girls race we will get to see how the 2018 Blacksburg squad looks this year. That includes both as a team and individually with their multitude of stars. That includes 4A state favorite Kaitlynn Wolfe and defending Knights Crossing Champ Ailene Edwards. Those two are also joined by 2015 state champion Sophia Link in what should be a battle for the top spot on that team.
Hidden Valley, led by Emma Rogers is slated to take second in the team battle with Emma fighting for the win and a sub 18 performance. They are the 3A favorites and thus make this race a multiple classification battle.
Three other athletes to watch in this race will be Jette Davidson, Grace Boone, and Audrey Link. Jette looks faster than ever, Grace is fresh off a dominating year on the track, and Audrey is only a freshman but enters having run 19:07 at an 8th grader.
This race itself will be very fast and favor those athletes who are more "track athletes". That means Edwards has a shot at repeating her 2017 victory but will have to work hard to do so. Expect there to be a big pack until the third mile where the pace should separate the girls going sub 18 and those fighting for a low 18 mark.
2017 Coverage & Results
Over on the guys' side it should be a very fast race yet again featuring some of VA's best against some teams from the deep south. This year that includes Scottsboro from Alabama. This team ran away with the 5A team title last year and return six of their top seven runners. This also includes Cooper Atkins at the helm who is looking for a big team and individual finish this weekend.
Representing Virginia on the team front will be Christiansburg, Blacksburg, and a young Oakton squad who all want to make a name for themselves this weekend. This should make it very exciting for the 3-4-5 runners on each squad.
Individually the top seed entering the competition is Oliver Wilson-Cook who has run 15:44. Expect the guys race to come thru the opening mile well under five minutes with at least eight guys in the lead pack. After that point though be on the look out for a big move from Dan as he attempts to remain undefeated on the season.
MileStat.com will be on site this weekend with photo and video coverage from Knights Crossing.