The first Nike Cross Regional takes place this weekend, and registration is filling up for the Brooks XC Championships.
We're finally ready to see the head-to-head matchups we've been waiting for - but just how might they play out?
Who Could Win?
The boys individual title this year is more intriguing than it has been in the past decade. While there's no clear breakout favorite this season who has separated himself from the rest, that doesn't mean the year has been slow. In fact, multiple record-breaking athletes have emerged across the country, setting themselves up for a collision course at regionals. Even then, we may not get a clear front-runner - the main objective at regionals is simply to survive and advance.
In our eyes, five athletes have earned the right to be labeled as U.S. No. 1. You wouldn't be wrong in picking any of them. The only thing left to do now is run the race.
Jackson Spencer, Herriman (Utah)
Pro: Broke the most venerated course record in California history.
Con: Has not beaten anyone else on the MileSplit 50.
Oliver Horton, Coronado (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Pro: Broke 15 minutes on the Colorado state meet course - no other athlete ever has.
Con: Only beat Van Meerten by two seconds head-to-head.
Yohanes Van Meerten, Northland Preparatory (Flagstaff, Ariz.)
Pro: Shattered the Mt. SAC course record in 14:10.
Con: Has a loss on his résumé.
Caden Leonard, Carroll (Southlake, Texas)
Pro: NXN top returner in good form.
Con: Had a late start to the season; no breakout performance yet.
Sean Fries, Minnetonka (Minn.)
Pro: Undefeated all season, winning against tough competition.
Con: Has not dominated a race the way the others have; lowest speed rating of the group.
