After weather robbed us of an invite last year, this year's Oatlands Invitational looks to make up for lost time and regain its title as the best meet in the state.
Here are our points of interest in the upcoming meet.
How Fast Will Times Be?
We're already halfway through the month of September, this season flies by way too quick, and seen quite a few fast times. It is no secret though that partly the reason for the fast times is the courses that have been run on. This weekend that changes with Oatlands.
Tough competition should help athletes run fast but time wise we are unsure if we will see a girl break 18 this weekend or a boy run under 15:40.
Is Bethany Graham or Taryn Parks The Favorite? Is There A Favorite?
This one is a hard one... we'd have to say there is no true favorite. As much as we would like to say Bethany is the favorite, Taryn Parks is just too good to flat out pick against. For those unfamiliar, she is one of the many superstars from Pennsylvania is no joke. She is the national mile champion (4:39) and a Foot Locker Finalist.
This race has six superstars in it and we know better than to make some bold statements when there are that many champions in a race.
How Serious Of A Run Will This Be For LV Boys?
Loudoun Valley is gearing towards an unprecedented third consecutive national team title in a row. To achieve that they will need to be at full strength and health in late November and early December so that means they need to go easier during the season itself, especially early in the season.
Oatlands has historically been a course where we get to see them run pretty hard but this year might be different. Expect them to win but not dominate too much... dominate by their definition...because they will run away with this title.
What Should We Expect From Julia Ghiselli?
Julia is 100% about enjoying running again and taking off the pressure. That means she is going to worry about herself and not everything around her which actually bodes very well for most athletes. It has also meant some quick times for her already this season with a win at Monroe Parker and a runner-up finish at Great Meadow.
This weekend she is going to have competition no matter if she is in first or eighth with a mile to go. That is probably the best thing she could get, close competition and no pressure, to help gear her up for States this year.
Team Predictions?
Our prediction is a Loudoun Valley sweep.
Individual Predictions?
Bethany Graham in a photo finish over Parks with Gordon third and Ghiselli fourth. Carlos Shultz is our pick on the boys' side.