UPDATED RANKINGS:
The major invitationals are beginning to deliver big performances, and the Southwest and Heartland regions are building strong cases for individual title contenders.
Oliver Horton of the Southwest and Sean Fries of the Heartland have each posted key wins over ranked competition in recent weeks and have been rewarded for their efforts. Jackson Spencer, also of the Southwest, faced less competition on his trip to California but still managed an impressive solo run at Woodbridge. In Iowa, the nation's only sub-4 high school miler proved his speed translates to 5K just as well.
The Eastern seaboard is expected to make its move over the next two weekends. The Great American XC Festival will feature some of the South's top talent, while the Manhattan Invitational and Shore Coaches Invitational will give the Northeast a chance to make its mark.
Meanwhile, the nation's No. 1 runner is set to debut in the middle of next week, which should bring full clarity to the national landscape. The season is only heating up.
MORE MILESPLIT 50:
Girls Individual | Girls Team | Boys Team