UPDATED:
Woodbridge and Wingfoot emerged as the standout meets in late September for very different reasons.
At Woodbridge in Southern California, eight nationally ranked athletes faced off on a flat, fast course. The meet offered an early look at how top talent stacks up, both individually and in team scoring. Lily Alder captured first place against a strong field, reinforcing her position among the MileSplit50 Top 5.
Meanwhile, Wingfoot in Georgia introduced two new names to the national scene. Averi Lowen has made significant improvements over last season and has positioned Georgia as a contender for a national title. Jane Wangari, a Kenyan transfer running for an American private school, made a strong debut. Wangari, who has a 16:01 track personal best, is now eligible for a national title. Whether she will be the first of many such athletes or a standout star remains to be seen.
Lowen and Alder are set to face each other this weekend at the Great American Invitational, where national rankings may be further defined. Sitting at the top of the rankings is 2023 NXN national champion Addison Ritzenhein, who is building slowly in Colorado while supporting a strong team. Her postseason credentials remain unmatched, though a return by Elizabeth Leachman could change the dynamic.