7. Richard Springs Invitational (IL)
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Description: With five nationally ranked teams and several nationally ranked individuals, Richard Springs will throw down some great racing over the weekend at Detweiller Park -- just a week after a spicy First to Finish Invitational.
Perhaps needing a tune-up ahead of the Roy Griak Invitational, the MileSplit50 No. 18 ranked Downers Grove South girls will run here and will be the favorite to win as challengers like O'Fallon, Elmhurst and Hinsdale Central chase. But this might be a great move for DGS in the long-term. Wins ultimately look better on resumes than third-place finishes, which is how a fare amount of races ended in 2018 when the program went up against Naperville North and Yorkville. A win at Richard Springs could begin to set DGS apart from its competitors as it looks to contend for a state title, and NXN qualifier, in 2019. Meanwhile, Glenbard West's Katelynne Hart will compete alongside standouts Aly Negovetich of Grant and Chicago Latin's Ava Parekh.
The boys 3A race should be even livelier with No. 5 York, No. 9 and defending champs Wheaton Warrenville South, and No. 12 St. Charles East all going head-to-head in Peoria. Individually, nationally-ranked Josh Methner will return to Detweiller and looks to be the favorite.
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