The Preseason MileSplit50 Top 25 Girls Team Rankings

No. 7: Fayetteville-Manlius (NY)

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Analysis: The New York girls cross country powerhouse returns five runners from a season ago, including MileSplit50 preseason top 25 runners Hannah Kaercher, a high school senior, and sophomore Izzie Sullivan, who was a state champion in New York's Class A division last year as a freshman. Both Kaercher (No. 22) and Sullivan (No. 11) return with PRs under 17:40 for 5K, while the team's three, three four and five will build upon strong seasons in 2021. 

Last year was Saratoga Springs' year. F-M's rival won the late-season meets on the calendar, including the New York Federation Championships and the NYSPHSAA Class A championships, though the Hornets did bring home wins from Section 3, Pre-State, V-V-S and Chittenango. Never count out F-M, which has over 10 national titles to its name in girls cross country. 

Biggest Question: Depth.

Roster size has been an issue in recent seasons, though Kaercher and Sullivan still are star-level talents. 

Schedule: 

Section 3 Championships, November

NYSPHSAA Class A Championships, November

NY Federation, November

Regionals, November

X Factor: Up-and-coming runners. 

New York benefits from an infusion of middle-school athletes who are eligible for high school competition. If F-M finds the right young talent, could that athlete or athletes boost the Hornets' attempt to take down Saratoga Springs? 

MileSplit50 Boys Team National Rankings Countdown