Future Stars: Underclassmen Continue To Shine This Season

* Abby Downin of Tatnall (DE) is one of the top underclassmen in the nation this season

Photo Credit: Derick Dingle/MileSplit

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It shouldn't be a surprise that talented underclassmen, including runners in the Class of 2028, are putting their best foot forward on cross country courses across the U.S.

As the season continues to unfold, we have noticed young distance runners who are performing at very high levels. 

Who caught our attention over the weekend? 

We're back this week with six more Future Stars who have left a big impression. 

Anna McGaffin

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Shenendehowa (NY)

Class of 2028

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The eighth-grade McGaffin has been able to toe the line against high school athletes all season long and played a pivotal role for Shenendehowa at the Manhattan College Cross Country Invitational on Saturday. 

She finished 24th overall in 15:43, helping push the New York squad to a third-place team finish. She was the second-fastest runner on her team this weekend. 

Her performance makes her the fastest girl for her age group by nearly 30 seconds for the 4,000 meter distance. 

Patrick Noonan

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Lexington (MA)

Class of 2027

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Noonan has put together impressive performances thus far. Earlier this season, he grabbed a dual-meet title and then was 20th at the Ocean State XC Invitational, setting a lifetime 5K best of 15:58.

This weekend, he was able to be the rock for Lexington. 

At the Catholic Memorial Invitational, Noonan was the second-fastest runner for his team. He finished seventh on the Franklin Park course in Boston with a time of 16:14. 

Noonan's contributions helped his team to a close second-place finish behind Coe Brown Academy as they finished with a 16:51 team average. 

Abby Downin

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Tatnall (DE)

Class of 2026

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Over the last few weeks, Tatnall has surged through the national rankings. The sophomore Downin has been a big reason why. 

At the Manhattan College Cross Country Invitational, she finished second in the 4K race with a time of 14:28. She earned a 140 speed rating for her efforts. 

Her performance led Tatnall to another team title with a 14:44 team average. 

Sean Fries

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Minnetonka (MN)

Class of 2026

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The Lake Conference Championships is a staple meet in the Heartland. Just when it mattered the most, Fries was able to put a solid performance together. 

In his fourth race of the year, the sophomore finished second. He crossed the finish line in 15:25 and led Minnetonka to a second-place team finish. 

Lily Alder

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Timpview (UT)

Class of 2026

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As a sophomore, Alder has remained undefeated, earning titles at the TwiKnight Invite, Region 7 XC Championships and recently at her Utah 3A-6A Divisional Championships.

In the girls 5A-Section B race, she dominated the 5,000 meter course with a time of 18:10, winning her section by nearly a minute. Alder was the fastest girl across all divisions and earned a 135 speed rating.