Durham Striders HS Opener This Weekend Ben Hovis Dec 31, 2007

With most teams only having participated in "Polar Bear" meets thus far, the Durham Striders HS Opener looks to be a good one. A few schools have traveled to Virginia for indoor meets, but for most this is it, the FIRST of the year.

 

Later this week, I'll take a closer look at some of the events, but for now. Here is the performance list, also found on DurhamStriders.com.

 

IMPORTANT UPDATE ON ENTRIES!!!! New CUTOFF STANDARDS

Girls Preview | Boys Preview 

New Year\'s Resolutions/Goals For 2008 Ben Hovis Dec 25, 2007

With the New Year quickly approaching, many of you will be setting those WORLD FAMOUS New Year's resolutions. Many of will also take a look back at 2007 and begin to set new goals for your 2008 running career.

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I just wanted to wish everyone the best of luck on your 2008 goals. I have done a bit of research for you as you look forward to 2008. 

Scott Simmons Speaking Saturday Ben Hovis Dec 19, 2007

 Photo: Courtesy of Queen's  University  XC.\"\"

One of the finest college coaches around, Scott Simmons of Queens University of Charlotte, will be speaking on Saturday.

 

Scott has been around at a few colleges now, but has landed at Queens. He just completed his first XC season as the head coach and the Queens' men's team had their most successful season.

 

Queens won the DII SE Regional title and then finished 15th at the National Championships.

 

Scott's resume is very impressive . . .   

Queen's Bio

**Foot Locker Prediction Contest** Ben Hovis Nov 30, 2007

Last year's Foot Locker prediction contest was won by Providence Day's Preston Lennon.  Preston scored 74 points last year. This year the rules will be slightly different as you will also predict the team finishes. Read more for rules and how to enter. 

2007-2008 Indoor Track: Top Athletes Ben Hovis Nov 30, 2007

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Photo: Kenneth Brooks of Riverside is one of this year's top prospects.  

 

With the "Polar Bear" season underway, indoor track is now upon us.

 

Appalachian is hosting the first indoor meet on the 15th of December. Then look for both meets at Chapel Hill to be very well attended.

 

Let's take a look at some of the top returning athletes in NC. 

2009-2013 Realignment = New Rivalries Ben Hovis Nov 28, 2007


\"\" The new public school numbers were released recently and they have created quite a stir. There are some major changes in the classifications, with some of the states best track and XC teams headed in new directions.

I’ve received a lot of emails from parents and coaches asking me questions, ones that I didn’t know the answers to. So, I contacted the NCHSAA and talked with Rick Strunk via email.

 

I may have missed some teams who are changing classes. If so, let me know. 

NCRunners.com XC Awards Ben Hovis Nov 25, 2007

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It was a solid cross country season in North Carolina.

 

Two boys qualified for the Foot Locker National meet, two ladies finished in the top 13, 1 boy's team finished in the top 10 at the NTN Southeast Regional, course records were set, the girl's junior class looks strong, and the boys' sophomore class looks very good

 

Here are the NCRunners.com Awards for the season. Runners' of the Year and more. 

Green Hope & Broughton Compete at NTN SE Regional Ben Hovis Nov 25, 2007

 

The boys from Green Hope and Broughton traveled to the first ever Nike Team Southeast Regional. 

 

16 of the top teams in the SE regional traveled to Hoover, AL for the regional. Green Hope pulled off a top 10 finish with their 8th place overall. Broughton, the 4A state champs, finished 12th in the race. 

Hill 2nd, Campbell 9th - Qualify for Foot Locker Nationals Ben Hovis Nov 24, 2007

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Photo: Courtesy of Ken Charnock. 

 

Ryan Hill of Hickory is heading to San Diego for the 2nd time after finishing 2nd today to Colby Lowe of Texas. Joining him will be his 3A conterpart, Patrick Campbell of Moorseville. Patrick's season has been unbelievable as he has improved a great deal. This is a great way for both boys to finish off XC in high school.

 

In the girl's race, NC almost ended its draught, as Adrianne Soo of Durham Academy placed 11th and Kimberly Spano of North Meck was 13th. Both ladies return next year so it could be a trip to San Diego for one or both! 

 

Much more on North Carolina at Foot Locker South inside.

Photo Albums:

Ben Hovis' | Paisley Gallery | John Olson's

Videos:

Boys Seeded | Girls Seeded | Fr./So. Girls | Jr./Sr. Girls | Fr. Boys | So. Boys | Jr. Boys | Sr. Boys | Open 

 

2008 Top Returning XC Teams & Athletes Ben Hovis Nov 18, 2007

\"\"Next year looks to be a great year for XC in North Carolina. We could see some of the best boy's team in state history as many of this year's best return a solid core of athletes. Gilland and Graw come back for another year of incredible racing, too.

 

Myers Park's girls are the top returning team in NC. It's safe to say that they will be very good, as they return the majority of their state 4A runner-up team.

 

As you look at the top athletes and teams coming back next year, do take into account that the 4A West Regional & 4A East Regional ran about 1:00 faster than Tanglewood. The Freedom and South View courses are notably fast, but the top teams in those regions proved other places that they were talented. 

I need your HELP again! Ben Hovis Nov 11, 2007

401 girls broke 21:30 this season and are entered in the NCRunners.com database

504 boys went under 18:00 and met the NCRunners.com standard

 

I would like to post the top returning athletes and teams soon, but I don't want to leave anyone out. If a "year of grad" says 0 in the database then it won't mark that athlete as returning.

 

I am still missing a number of years of graduation and need your help with this. PLEASE go through the rankings and email with additions. Your help is greatly appreciated!

 

Boys Rankings | Girls Rankings

 

Email me at ben@ncrunners.com & again THANKS! 

North Carolina Top 15 . . . picked by the athletes Ben Hovis Nov 11, 2007

A number of athletes chose to vote in the first ever rankings by athletes. I appreciate all of you who took the time to submit your votes. It was obvious those that voted put time into their picks.

 

Here are the athletes' votes for NC's top 15 teams. 

NCRunners.com Final Cross Country Coaches Poll Ben Hovis Nov 06, 2007

The majority of coaches agreed the rankings for each classification should simply remain as they finished at states. However, there were a couple slight changes. You'll have to check that out for yourself.

 

Also included, the coaches top 15 poll. Twenty boys and twenty girls teams received votes to be in the top 15.

 

I'm inviting athletes to submit your Top 15 teams. I'd love to see how you differ from the coaches and I know many of you have strong opinions! Please send in your votes by Saturday at midnight. I'll post the Athletes Top 15 Poll this weekend. Don't miss your chance to participate!

 

Please email me at: ncrunners.com@gmail.com 

Need a 2-miler before Foot Locker? Ben Hovis Nov 04, 2007

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Photo: Taken by Ken Charnock at last years Charger's Tune-up 

Now that the season is complete for both the NCISAA and the NCHSAA, it is time to prepare for Foot Locker or the NTN Southeast Regional meet.

The Foot Locker South race is November 24th at McAlpine Park in Charlotte. Last year a lot of North Carolina athletes competed, but even though it’s in our back yard, we didn’t have the most numbers . . . come on people! Support North Carolina and Cross Country by competing this November!

Dedication & \"Sisterly Bond\" has Bishop\'s girls on the right track Ben Hovis Nov 01, 2007

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Photo: From the Seahawk Invitational, by Ben Hovis 

The Bishop McGuinness girls head into this weekend’s 1A race as the favorites. This is unfamiliar territory for the girls from Bishop, as it is only their 3rd year in the 1A classification. Prior to becoming a member of the NCHSAA, they competed in the NCISAA. Last year Hayesville won their 4th straight title, but only squeaking by a determined Bishop team by 3 points.

 

Coahc Youtz has a great team with talented girls. This team should go down in history as Bishop McGuinness' most successful, not matter what happens on Saturday. 

NCHSAA 2A State Meet Preview Ben Hovis Oct 31, 2007

\"\"The 2A state meet should prove to be a very competitive competition. The girl's team title is probably decided as Gibbons is quite possibly the best team in the state and will most likely place 5 in the top 10. However, the girls individual race may be between 2 athletes, and should be very fast.

 

The boys team title looked to be Owen's but West Henderson has come on strong throughout the year and only lost by 6 at the West Regional. The individual title should also be a lot of fun to watch. Look for a group of about 4 to race together for much of the race.

 

Photo: Look for the Owen/West Henderson battle to continue this weekend. Photo taken by Susan Anton. 

NCHSAA 1A State Meet Preview Ben Hovis Oct 29, 2007


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Start of 2006 1A meet, NCRunners.com photo 

The 1A races should be quite entertaining. The individual races for both look to be up for grabs. In both races we could be treated to a small pack of athletes battling through the first half of the race. The boys team title could go to about 4 different schools, while the girls title looks to be in Bishop's hands. Nothing is ever certain, so I'm looking forward to these two races.

 

NCISAA Athletes Roll in the Mud Ben Hovis Oct 26, 2007

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Providence Day claims 3rd straight

 

 

 

 

 

 Charlotte Latin wins 1st ever title

 

 

 

 

 

Fayetteville Academy wins 1st title

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fayetteville Academy takes 2nd in a row

 

 

Photos courtesy of John Olson, SCRunners.com 

NCRunners \"Classification\" Team Standings Ben Hovis Oct 14, 2007

For the last month or so, NCRunners has been posting team standings based on the database of times. The standings have been combined with all the classifications being listed. With conferences and regionals coming up, I thought it would be fun to post these standings instead.

 

I think you'll enjoy this. 

TC Roberson Girls 6th in ROC Race Ben Hovis Oct 13, 2007

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Photo: awards ceremony at the 2007 WNC CC Carnival

 

Great American isn't what it used to be, but that doesn't take anything away from the TC Roberson girls. The last two years they have competed in the Race of Champions while in Hoover, AL and done well. In 2006 they were 11th and Saturday they finished 6th. 

NCRunners.com Cross Country Coaches Poll - 10/9/07 Ben Hovis Oct 09, 2007

 

Most of the large invitationals are now behind us with Wendy's and the Hagan Stone Classic this past weekend. On the horizon is the Tanglewood Invitational this Saturday. Some teams will be checking out the course and others will be racing hard.

 

Conference meets begin next week, don't forget to send it your results!!!

 

The season is quickly coming to an end. Best of luck to everyone. It's been a fun season of NC XC. 

She\'s Back! Adrianne Soo Blasts Durham Championships Ben Hovis Oct 04, 2007

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Adrianne Soo and Michelle Lutz matched up on the tough Durham Academy course to see who was tops in the area. Michelle has been the most dominant NC girl so far this year, but Soo was the fastest in the state last year. Soo took this one with a new course record, 18:23.

 

In the boy's event, freshman Blake Williams of Northern Durham won the event with a time of 17:17.  

Wendy\'s Invitational on the Horizon Ben Hovis Oct 02, 2007

Check out the race assignments for all the Wendy's Invitational races. Start making your predictions now.

 

Weather should be in the 70's for most of the races so you can bet on fast times. The course may even be a bit damp . . . with this drought, however, don't bet on it.