The top runner on the #1 ranked team in the state returns this season as a sophomore looking to assert herself amongst the state’s best. Jane Conrad was seventh last year at the Meet of Champions and fifth at the Division 1A race. Just looking at the numbers, the margin for improvement is rather small. However, after a strong freshmen season on the track, Conrad can look to close the gap on runners like Greta Hammer and Abigail Hennessy.
This past spring, Conrad ran the third fastest Two Mile in the state with a blazing 10:38. The only returning runner with a faster time is defending champ Greta Hammer. Where Conrad can make up ground is in her range and versatility. She’s no slouch over 800m as she was a member of Lexington’s squad that ran 9:09 at New Balance Nationals. She also competed in the Steeplechase last season running a PR over 2K of 7:04. The way the barriers and water jump throw off and challenge your rhythm are the closest thing to an undulating Cross Country Course that you have on the track.
Top ranked Lexington will be counting on Conrad to fight for the win in every race. They were runner up last season, and most teams will have a target on them. Last season Lexington was sixth at the NXR Northeast Regionals. While they’ll focus on securing wins in state at Meet of Champs and the Divisional Championships, they will undoubtedly have their eyes set on regionals as well. A low finish, top ten, maybe even top five, from Conrad, would go a long way in helping Lexington secure a spot at Nationals.
