* Ryan Sykes (131) won his first New York state title
Photo Credit: Tony Morales/MileSplit New York
- - -
Another weekend of state championships and NXR Regionals caused quite a bit of chaos as underclassmen across the country threw down big performances.
MORE MILESPLIT:
Whether they raced at the historic LaVern Gibson Championship Course in Terre Haute or the beautiful Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, there were plenty of underclassmen who seized the opportunity.
Check out these four talented runners who make up this season's tenth edition of Future Stars.
RYAN SYKES
Horace Greeley (N.Y.)
Class of 2027
The Horace Greeley (N.Y.) sophomore notched a new 5k PB en route to his first NYSPHSAA state title. Sykes broke the tape as the clock read 15:05, just half of a second ahead of the runner-up finisher. Sykes is the second-fastest runner in New York this fall, one of just three boys to break 15:10. Sykes has a chance to punch his ticket to Nike Cross Nationals this weekend at the new-look NXR New York regional championship. For the first time, the New York State Federation Championships is merged with the NXR New York regional.
MIA SIROIS
Barrington (Ill.)
Class of 2027
Just over a week removed from her record-breaking state title run at Detweiller Park, the sophomore held her own against the best in the Midwest. Sirois finished runner-up at the NXR Midwest Regional in Terre Haute, Indiana, running 16:57.32, a new PB. She is now the fifth-fastest runner in Illinois history, and one of only six girls to ever break the 17-minute barrier. She's also the fastest sophomore in state history, ahead of a number of state legends.
CARSON KAISER
Maple Park (Ill.)
Class of 2028
The freshman saved his best effort for the most important race, running a nine-second PB at the IHSA State Championships. Kaiser finished sixth in 14:41.3, making him the third-fastest freshman that Illinois has ever seen. Kaiser followed up his big race with an even bigger one at NXR Midwest, finishing 39th in 15:36.58, the top freshman in the region Kaiser could also qualify for the Foot Locker National Championships later this month in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
MADISON MULLER
Sarasota Riverview (Fla.)
Class of 2028
Muller's stellar freshman campaign ended it's in-state season with a runner-up finish at the FHSAA State Finals. Muller crossed in 17:54.2, 35. seconds back of Mackenzie Roy, and nine seconds ahead of the third-place finisher. Muller's freshman season saw her notch six wins and a PB of 17:33.2, becoming the fifth-fastest freshman in Florida history. Muller is ranked inside the top 30 for the NXR Southeast Regional and is in the mix for one of the five qualifying spots to NXN.