Future Stars: These Freshman Rose To The Occasion At State

The next generation of high school distance stars is already making noise on the biggest stages.

From state championship podiums to all-time lists, these freshmen didn't just hold their own; they made history, proving that the future of sport is in very good hands.

As a freshman, the state championship can feel daunting enough on its own, but finishing seventh overall with a massive lifetime best is the kind of moment that defines rising stars. Scappaticci did exactly that at the MHSAA LP Finals, running 17:30.9 as the only freshman in the top ten. The up-and-coming talent broke 18:00 for just the second time this season, doing so when it mattered most to move to No. 8 all-time among Michigan freshmen.

For the first time, Dewagan broke the 15:40 barrier, placing 17th overall at the 6A UIL Cross Country State Championship. The freshman gave everything he had to help his Austin Vandegrift squad challenge the Southlake Carroll dynasty, but despite his effort, the Dragons didn't budge. Serving as the No. 2 runner for the Vipers, Dewagan has already shown the poise and potential to become a perennial contender in the Lone Star State over the next four years.

In her first trip to the WIAA State Championships, McCabe made the most of a rare opportunity for a freshman, placing third overall in Wisconsin's DI Championship. The top underclassman in the field nearly snagged the runner-up spot, finishing just two seconds shy while clocking 17:43.2, a four-second personal best. McCabe now ranks No. 5 all-time among Wisconsin freshmen and could climb to No. 2 if she dips under 17:40 before the end of the year.

Over the demanding hills of the Les Bolstad Golf Course, one of the youngest runners in the field rose to the challenge and delivered a lifetime best performance. At the MSHSL Class AA State Championships, Freeland placed 10th overall behind a deep group of veteran competitors, breaking 16:00 for the first time with a 15:51.4 finish, an improvement of 10 seconds from his previous best. One of only a handful of freshmen in state history to dip under 16:00, Freeland now ranks No. 12 all-time among Minnesota's elite.