Preseason Boys #6: Reading

6. Reading

Reading matches up well with anyone on this list and may be the dark horse for the 2025 season. They have a standout up front in Tim Connolly, the top returner from the blazing fast Middlesex League Meet last year with a PR of 15:10. He’s joined by four more runners from that same team that finished runner up to one of the few remaining teams on this list.

Reading has one of the strongest top fours you’ll find. On paper, that fourth position belongs to 16:24 runner Andrew Princic. He’ll look to close the gap on Cameron Gigler, 16:11, and Finn Johnson-Houlihan, 16:16, to help Reading challenge for not only the Middlesex Title, but the Division and Meet of Champions as well. Johnson-Houlihan had a strong spring, running 9:38 for the Two Mile. If he can close the gap on Connolly, the Rocket’s will have a strong 1-2 punch that can compete with anyone.

Reading won the Division 1C race last season, so what’s left for the Rockets? Win the League title and improve on their fifth place showing at the Meet of Champions. To do so they’ll also need a strong five runner. Owen Sinclair and Colin Herlihy should battle for that honor.

Projected Top 7

12. Tim Connolly                                 15:10

12. Cameron Gigler                             16:11

11. Finn Johnson-Houlihan               16:16

11. Andrew Princic                             16:24

12. Owen Sinclair                                17:00

11. Colin Herlihy                                  17:01

12. Wayne Jankun                              17:36