If Joel Hanlon stays at James Wood instead of going to Millbrook then James Wood is the clear favorite to win the state title of AA State Cross-Country Champion. Even without Hanlon, they may just pull it off. With All-State contenders James Printz, Zach Frye, and Kyle Russell they will head a very strong team that has Kevin Pugh that is a proven runner. However, if Hanlon moves on then the door will be open for Fort Defiance. Fort Defiance returns five individuals that have legitimate chances to be All-State. They have leading them Jordan Bowman with Owen Parkinson, Jeffrey Weeks, Derek Hizer and Robby Corbett not too far behind. The dark horses in the race are Tabb and Rockbridge County. Tabb has three individuals that have good chances at All-State in Sean Bossman, Jeffrey Wheeler, and Ryan Kent. Adrian Smith should be one of the top 20 runners, and Ben Mulherin had a good season last year. Rockbridge County has two of the top 10 individuals in Will Williams and Andrew Friski. Williams is one of the favorites to win, but it takes five outstanding runners to win. It looks like Miles Morrison is capable of All-State, but after that Ivan Mogensen and Jerry Kahn will have to improve greatly for them to have a chance against the other three contenders.
Girls:
Western Albemarle will repeat as State Champions barring a catastrophic event. With Jessica and Tasmine Fanning as favored to be top 15 runners and Kelsey and Samantha Stafford and Gina Cassella contending for All-State the Western Albemarle team looks unbeatable. However, there are a few teams that look strong and look for James Wood to take the runner-up spot with Potomac Falls, Christiansburg, John Handley, Jamestown, Rockbridge County and Jefferson Forest to place well.