Runners To Watch: Needham’s Greta Hammer
Over the past few weeks, our cross-country previews have focused on the top teams to watch. With the competitive season kicking off Sept. 6, we’re turning the spotlight to some of the state’s best returning runners. This fall features five returning champions from last year’s Meet of Champions — setting up what promises to be […]
Preseason Boys #1: Concord-Carlisle
Concord-Carlisle returns their top eight runners from last season making them arguably the deepest team in the state. On paper they have a 1-5 spread from 16:08-16:23. Compared to some of the previous teams we’ve highlighted, those times may not jump off the page. However, if you dig into the results, you see a team built to win from top to bottom.
Preseason Girls #1: Lexington
Lexington tops our list as they bring back their top seven after fishing runner up at the Meet of Champions and winning the Middlesex League Meet. After finishing runner up to Needham at the Divisional race, you could argue their second place at the Meet of Champions was a surprise. There will be no surprises this year.
Preseason Boys #2: Natick
The fact that Natick isn’t in our number one spot goes to show how tough it will be to be at the top this season. Most years their top four runners would be unbeatable. Up front they have top contender John Bianchi, who was 8th at the Meet of Champions and boasts a 4:11 mile PR. Bianchi will have his sights set on both the individual title as well as the team.
Preseason Girls #2: Billerica
Billerica won the Division 1C race last season by 29 points with a team made up of freshmen and sophomores. That same squad finished fourth at the Meet of Champions the following week. How good can that team be this year?
Preseason Boys #3: Lexington
As mentioned before, the Middlesex League is one of the most difficult to race in, and Lexington is the primary reason. The defending league champs return their top five from that race that all ran 16:00 or better.
Preseason Girls #3: Westford Academy
The defending Champs from the Division 1 race at the Meet of Champion return a formidable squad this fall led by one of the best runners in state history. After a record-breaking outdoor season that saw a new state best in the Mile, all eyes will be on Abigail Hennessy this fall. However, Westford Academy managed to win last year without their star.
Preseason Boys #4: Newton South
Newton South gets the nod over Brookline due to their strength in the middle of their top seven. Dashiell Martin comes in as their number three runner with an impressive 16:01 PR and behind him is Cody Herman at 16:34.
Preseason Girls #4: Winchester
Winchester returns their top six from last year after fishing runner up at the Middlesex League meet. Junior Riley Newman leads the way with an 18:47 5K PR from that same meet. Winchester’s strength comes from the pack the follows her. Caroline Lanz, Julia Ramsey, and Chloe Walker finished 11th, 12th, and 14th at the same meet. A pack like that can take over a race in the final mile.
Preseason Boys #5: Brookline
Now we come to the reigning Division 1 Champions going on three years now. Brookline comes in with what should be the best 1-2 Punch in the state. Liam Hartman and Theodore Butty will not only battle for Brookline’s top spot but the number one spot in the state as well.