Boys Preview
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The Favorites
The top three athletes in the boy's field are a little less defined than that of the girls. Much like NXN, the Boys' field is wide open.
Jack Graffeo didn't have to worry about NXN, one of five in the top ten who opted solely for Foot Locker. He's the only undefeated athlete in the field, but some of that is because of that absence last week. Still, he had the best Foot Locker Regional performance, and comes in on fresh legs, despite winning FL-NE by 15 seconds over the top returner at Nationals a year ago. His winning margins have been similar all season, at least 15 seconds ahead of the field at States and prior. We'll see how he does with more company at Balboa.
Keegan Smith had the speed at NXN, but not the footing. Despite the muddy conditions, he still was the top finisher in the field, taking 6th overall. It came two weeks after his record-breaking run at NXR, and a repeat win at Foot Locker South. He's proven to be able to maintain that speed on varying conditions, and looks to make his mark here, after finishing 18th at Regionals in 2023.
Juan Gonzalez was part of the pack at NXN, where the conditions forced the front runners to work together, and a mad sprint for the finish doesn't really reflect the true strength of these athletes. Fellow Foot Locker Midwest athlete Robert Mechura was right with him, as he was at NXR Midwest, proving both athletes within the M50 Top 5 are capable of a big race on proper footing. They are the next-best finishers at NXN, and were two of the favorites heading into that race, before the rain scattered everyone's race plans.
The Rest
As we mentioned, this race is similar to NXN, with a large group of athletes with fitness parity. Anyone could make a breakaway, and take home the race. Tamrat Gavenas is the top returner from the year before, and cruised the regional after Graffeo made a move in the backwoods to pull away. He'll have more motivation than to just qualify on the line at Balboa. Tyler Daillak is in the field after a DNF at the California State Meet, so redemption is on the line for the hometown athlete, albeit his hometown being 6 hours away. Sean Fries missed a bid to NXN after a great State Meet, but came back with a monster run at FL Regionals to place second. Josiah Tostenson has a similar story, injury recovery not being full by the time his NXR rolled around. At full strength, he's capable of winning the whole race.
Based on NXN Finish
Related:
Video Interview: Juan Gonzalez Takes FL Midwest Regional Title
Photos, Video, Results & More: 2024 NXN
RXC5 Recap: Texas Runners and Bishop Steal the Show
Smith Wins NXR SE, Sets Course & Tennessee State 5K Records
COROS CC Boys Individual Rankings 2024 (11/27)
UNC Adds Two More Talented Distance Stars To 2025 Class
Graffeo Corwned Northeast Champion