National contenders moving to the forefront

By Adam Kopet, DyeStat Editor

As teams in many states are now focusing on state qualifying and championship meets in the coming weeks, the national picture is gaining clarity. Naperville North IL takes over the No. 2 spot with another strong performance at the Naperville Twilight Invitational.

After that, two California teams, Great Oak and Buchanan are lurking. Great Oak turned the tables on Buchanan, winning the Clovis Invitational. Buchanan had previously won the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic on Sept. 16 over Great Oak.

Issaquah WA made the biggest leap in the rankings this week after a dominant win at the Nike Hole in the Wall Invitational, moving from No. 28 to No. 16. The Eagles placed two girls in the top five, both breaking 18 minutes for 5 kilometers.

Four teams moved into the top 30 this week, led by Shenendehowa NY at No. 20. Liverpool NY is not far behind at No. 25. University WV and Chandler AZ debut at No. 26 and No. 28, respectively.

The Northwest, Southwest and Midwest remain the dominant regions this week, each with five teams in the top 30. California adds an additional four teams, but has three in the top six, with Claremont moving up three spots after placing second to Great Oak at the Clovis Invitational.

Top 30

1. Fayetteville-Manlius NY

2. Naperville North IL

3. Great Oak CA

4. Buchanan CA

5. Keller TX

6. Claremont CA

7. Bozeman MT

8. Mountain Vista CO

9. Jesuit OR

10. Wayzata MN

11. Centerville OH

12. Mountain View ID

13. Dunlap IL

14. Sun Prairie WI

15. Broomfield CO

16. Issaquah WA

17. Southlake Carroll TX

18. Sunset OR

19. Granada CA

20. Shenendehowa NY

21. Yorkville IL

22. Lone Peak UT

23. Carmel IN

24. Battle Mountain CO

25. Liverpool NY

26. University WV

27. Blacksburg VA

28. Chandler AZ

29. Riverside SC

30. Minnetonka MN