This weekend will be a big one for VA runners, let's call it PR weekend! One of the two big meets this weekend will be the Third Battle Invitational which is the same course that produced state records on both the boys and girls side. This year we expect some of the top talent from all over the state to converge on this blazing fast course.
One of the biggest matchups to watch will be West Springfield and W.T. Woodson on the girls side. This team title battle is a repeat of last year's state podium for Class 6. This should be a great preview (minus a few others of course) of what two of the top three teams in the Classification could look like next month.
On the boys' side of things Loudoun County led by the Tafe brothers and Centreville led by Elijah Post should be a great battle of two teams who rank inside the top 10 for the entire state. Both teams interestingly enough have two very strong runners up front and a solid pack behind them meaning the victor this weekend will need to do it the old fashion way, head-to-head.
Individually the girls race looks to be a battle between Adeline Barker, Kate Konyar, Kiera Arenholz, and Meghan Sullivan. All four of these ladies have stellar PR's and know what it takes to perform big on the big stage.
On the boys side Jibran Hutchins and Joe Tafe seem to be the two to beat but there are so many guys right between 15:28 and 15:50 that we'd say this race is a toss-up.
With great weather and great competition these Varsity races are going to be just fun to watch for anyone who enjoys XC!