5. Charlie Ortmans, Will He Be The Guy To Beat?
Charlie was victorious last year at the states' biggest meet, MileStat XC Invite, and was the state runner-up in VISAA. This year he looks to be not only the guy in VISAA but the entire state that everyone else is going to be chasing. Can he break 15? We think so and we are excited to see what he does.
4. How Will The Change To Oatlands Change States?
If you've been under a rock for the past four months you may have missed the big fact that VHSL States (Class 4/5/6) is now moving to Oatlands after a nearly 30 year stretch at Great Meadow. We are interested in learning how it being more crowd friendly will affect the races and how the tougher course will affect who this course favors or hurts.
3. Will It Be A Big Three, Four, Five, or Six on The Girls Side?
On the girls side it is impossible to know who is going to stand out. You have a couple big names up top but then you realize that girls sitting right behind them were either freshmen or injured last year meaning we could see a big change. It is too early to pick a solid favorite for the season but right now it looks like multiple sub 17's are in the deck this season.
2. Will Tusky and Western Change The Status Quo?
If you want to know the most impressive streaks in VA history just look at Loudoun Valley and Blacksburg on the girls side. They have stayed on the podium for over a decade and this year they will have their hands full. Tuscarora and Western Albemarle are surging and hungry. They won't have a cake walk as we know Valley and Blacksburg will step up.
1. Allie Zealand vs Sailor Eastman, Who Wins?
Out of all the matchups this season, it looks like this one could rival the epic Libby Davidson vs Weini Kelati battles. For those that don't remember, that year also featured some of the greatest times ever in VA XC. Those two stood out amongst the rest and in mid-August its our guess that these could replicate that.