Previewing the XC Season in Hawaii

By Ian Tsang for DyeStat

Here are seven storylines for the upcoming cross country season in the state of Hawaii this fall.

1. With the absence of last year’s standouts Kaeo Kruse and Louie Ondo, this year’s state champion for the boys division will be contested by preseason favorites Connor Lehl of Punahou and Avery Torres of Kalaheo.

2. Seven of the top 10 runners in the 2015 girls state finals race have graduated. Judging by last year’s meet results Ava Shipman of Seabury Hall seems to have the inside track. However, with the arrival of new talent and returnees this victory won’t come easy.

3. This year’s state championship course is planned for the Hawai’i Preparatory Academy on The Big Island. And because it is known for the majorly steep hill runners pass twice over throughout the race, predicting a winner is complicated. To practice for the championship, the Maui Interscholastic League changed its final course before states to incorporate steeper hills, which also makes it harder to qualify.

4. Coming off of a strong track season and a fourth place team finish in cross country last year the Waiakea boys will contend for the win in the BIIF championships. With six of their seven runners returning (three who finished in the top 38 at the state meet) they look fit enough to win BIIF champs and eventually improve as a team at states.

5. The Seabury Hall girls come into the season fresh off a win at last week’s Maui High Relays where they led from start to tape in an honest pace. With their strongest runners being Ava Shipman, Chloe Gangnath, and Veronica Winham all of whom finished top 15 at state they chase an 11th MIL and a fourth D2 state title.

6. The Iolani Invitational is on Sept. 17, part of the ILH circuit. With a history of producing fast times due to visiting runners from mainland schools, this year’s meet will be one of the highlights of the season, as well as one of Hawaii’s only chances to matchup with outside competition.

7. After winning the first two meets of the 2016 season the Maui High boys are looking to win this year’s league championship. In 2014 they finished as the top public school in Hawaii and fourth overall and in 2015 they finished seventh overall. With six of their top seven still running this year they look to be in good shape to take home the win.

Ian Tsang is a high school senior in Hawaii. You can read more of his work at his Hawaii Project web site.