The Northeast has had a down couple years, but that could be changing. The top team in the region a year ago, North Hunterdon NJ, returns all seven runners that went on to finish 21st at NXN. The Lions will have a good shot at returning for their third straight year.

 

Behind North Hunterdon are several teams from New Jersey and Massachusetts. Colts Neck NJ and Natick MA both appear to have strong returning varsity squads and will be working to earn tickets to Portland.

 

After the top three teams, there is a great deal of parity, meaning many teams will be in contention for a top-five Northeast region ranking during the season. Middletown South NJ and Shepherd Hill Regional MA hold those fourth and fifth spots now, but Bishop Guertin NH, Oakland Catholic PA and Wellesley MA could all figure into the rankings come October.

 

1. North Hunterdon NJ. The Lions have qualified for NXN the past two years. They return their seven runners from a year ago and will be looking to improve on their 21st place national finish last year.

2. Colts Neck NJ. The Cougars return all seven runners from the squad that finished third at the New Jersey Meet of Champions last year. They are led by senior Colleen Megerle who ran 17:45 for 5K in 2017.

3. Natick MA. The redhawks return their varsity-seven from a year ago, but they did not compete at NXR Northeast. They are led by senior Grace Connolly who ran 16:48 at the BSC Championships. She also ran a 4:49 mile in the spring.

4. Middletown South NJ. The Eagles only lost one runner to graduation from last year's team that finished 10th at NXR Northeast.They are led by senior Kathleen Shay, who ran 18:08 for 5K last year.

5. Shepherd Hill Regional MA. The Rams return four of their top five runners from last year's squad that finished ninth at NXR Northeast, including their top runner, senior Rebekah James.