The Preseason MileSplit50 Top 25 Boys Team Rankings

No. 21: Idaho Falls (ID)

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Analysis: Somehow, someway, Idaho Falls always makes a major leap toward the end of the season.

Maybe it's the altitude. Maybe it's being out there ...in the Northwest. But this year, with junior Luke Athay leading the way -- he is a returning Eastbay Cross Country Championship qualifier -- this team could make some waves early on. With five returners back from last year's state runner-up, expect Idaho Falls to contend for a state title. 

The team has three athletes who finished inside the top 25 at state in 2021: Junior Jaiden Little was 10th last year, while senior Ben Behrmann was 22nd. If just one or two can get under 16 minutes on the season, this team's depth is going to be pretty scary. 

Biggest Question: Is Idaho Falls going to be the best team in Idaho? 

That's a good question. We clearly think so, but Bishop Kelly (ID) and Boise Senior (ID) both have better overall averages heading into the 2022 season. Kelly has two runners under 16 minutes and holds a 15:59 average, while Boise is one spot ahead of Idaho Falls with an average of 16:03 based on PRs from last year. Idaho Falls owns an average of 16:04 based on that same metric. 

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