This Week's Nominees:
Ben Crane, Winnetka-New Trier (Ill.): The Illinois senior has had himself quite the November up to this point. It started with his commitment to BYU, and since he's won both the Illinois 3A state title and NXR Midwest regional title. On Sunday, Crane emerged victorious in Terre Haute, running a new 5k PB as he broke the tape in 14:46.03 as all five qualifiers dipped below 15:00. A year ago, Crane qualified for Foot Locker Nationals, and after notching one qualifier, he has the opportunity to pursue both championship berths.
Tayvon Kitchen, Crater (Ore.): Ever since 'Spooky Season' came to a close, Kitchen has been an absolute menace in every race he toes the line. He won both the OSAA 5A state title, as well as his first NXR Northwest Regional title, doing so in 14:53.3, 10 seconds shy of his PB from earlier this month. Kitchen has been running well all season, but if his last month is any indication of what's to come, don't be surprised if he's in the mix for a title down the homestretch in Portland.
Ryan Sykes, Horace Greeley (N.Y.): For the fifth-straight race, Sykes was the first to cross the finish line, but this time it meant more than it typically did. Sykes clocked 15:05 on the dot as he won his first state title. Sykes is now the fastest sophomore in New York history, and is No. 15 in New York's all-time record books. The up-and-coming star has a chance to punch his ticket to Nike Cross Nationals next week at the New York Federation Championships, which merged with the NXR New York Regional.
Marcelo Mantecon, Belen Jesuit (Fla.): For the first time in his young career, Mantecon was crowned a Florida state champion over the weekend. The sophomore finished in 14:57.8, his third-fastest time of the season, and wasn't challenged in the slightest. With 24 seconds of silence behind him, Mantecon broke the tape without a care in the world as he led the Wolverines to their eighth-straight state title and 16th overall. After finishing 68th and 23rd as an eighth grader and freshman during his first two times at NXN, Mantecon is in the hunt for some hardware next month.
Joe Barrett, Christian Brothers Academy (N.J.): Another week means another accolade for the CBA standout, this time coming in the form of his second NJSIAA XC Meet of Champions title. Barrett pulled away from the field in 15:24, as the lone runner under 15:30. The future North Carolina Tar Heel led the way in the Bronco's 1-3-4-5-7-10-14 finish for their top seven, slamming the door on any potential upset bid. Though he hasn't had the need to put pedal to the metal, Barrett sports a PB of 14:36 and is one of the best prep runners in the nation.
