MattHatter wrote:
I'll just do Top 5.
#1 - NC State - not the sexiest pick but I just can't bet against Tuohy, Chimel, and Tyyneesma. It'll be up to #4 and #5 all season, but Hennes will find them. NC State will never 'lose' a race, other teams will have to step up and have A+ days to beat them.
#2 North Carolina - everyone from last years team returns and they're sick of their in state rivals getting all the attention. They remind me of NAU - they pack run, don't worry about individual titles, and maximize team points. That's the kind of philosophy that can win titles.
#3 Florida - considering their team didn't even make the NCAA Championships last year this is a massive improvement. Even with all the tranfers, Valby drives the team, when healthy, and that's a big if. if she stays healthy and all the altitude transfers can handle running at sea level, they can go all the way.
#4 BYU - If Jenna Hutchins becomes the superstar everyone is predicting she will, they'll be in the fight come November. And Coach Taylor has always been good at maximizing effort. Whether they're stacked with talent or in a rebuild, she keeps them in the conversation.
#5 - Colorado - they begin the year at #5 but have the talent to climb the polls quickly. Cook and Starliper are great additions but coming off injuries. if Cook isn't 100% by fall will she redshirt this cross country season? Colorado seems to be Frankensteined together from parts from other teams. but will all the parts work when assembled?
(on the outside looking in) NAU, Notre Dame, Oregon
I made this list a month ago BEFORE the transfer frenzy.
now that things have settled down, my only change would be moving NAU to 4th just ahead of BYU. they added some top sticks, especially Larkin. She might be the missing piece they need to podium.