The Challengers
Judy Pendergast | Naperville North, IL | SENIOR
Harvard recruit Judy Pendergast may be the most improved prep in the nation. Just a year ago, she was celebrating her national breakout with a 22nd-place performance at Nike Cross Nationals. Last weekend, she led the pack in Portland and finished with a top ten position (8th, 17:20.8) in what she admitted was a disappointing performance. The Illinois state champion is one of the most consistent runners in the nation -- even when she doesn't win, she keeps things close. Of the early leaders at NXN (they went out in 5:14 for the mile), Pendergast finished the best in eighth place compared to Kaitlyn Neal in 15th and Stephanie Jenks in 25th.
If that humbling run encourages Pendergast to stay calm in the pack for the first few miles, she has the speed (U.S. No. 1 15:53 three mile PR!) to take the 'W' in this field.