Class AA Predictions

Obviously, the conference times mean nothing because the GDC had a miserable day to run and a course that may well have been long. What does everyone think now about who will win this thing and who is going to make the podium? Here are my predictions:

I think that Heitcamp has once again worked his way back into the favorite spot but Wilson has just run the two best races of his life beating Espeland (twice) and now Brenner and Ailts. Depending on the conditions, I could see Wilson and Heitcamp possibly getting away from the pack. If things are windy, it's a whole different ball game and I think the edge goes back to Brenner, Espeland and all of the sub-1:55 half milers if they run a smart race and refuse to break wind.

On the top 25 side, it looks like the GDC might have a little more of what it takes right now. Unless something happens (which it usually does) it appears that Heitcamp (Wash.), Holm (Wash.), Richardson (Stevens), Coates (Stevens), Arechigo (Roosevelt), Kjerengtroen (Stevens), Wiles (Lincoln), Hanneman (Lincoln), Schuster (Sturgis), Wilson (Aber. Cent.), Espeland (Pierre), Brenner (Yankton), Ailts (Yankton), Lillevold (Yankton), Billy Brockmueller (BV), Yaggie (Yankton), and Henderson (Huron) are on the inside looking out.

Here are my thoughts on the other eight spots:

Waddell (Wash.) -- I'd bet on him. He's been consistent all year and looks like he is still running strong based on his GDC performance. Besides, he's a Freshman and who wants to root against a Freshman:)

Tyler Anderson (Brookings) -- probably should have him in the list above based upon the last couple of races. Just seems to be getting better.

Kenny Mayer (Watertown) -- will chew his arm off to stay in the top 25. Has been pretty solid all year and seems to run hard even when he's absolutely in pain. If you're going to war you want Kenny on your side.

Keith McIntire (Roosevelt) -- finished 12th in a pretty good field at the Huron Invite. 15th at the GDC, but that wasn't exactly a postcard day.

Brendon Hascke (Roosevelt) -- finished 13th at Huron Invite in 16:46. Outside the top 15 at GDC. If he runs 16:46, he'll make it.

Bobby Brockmueller (BV) -- tenth at the ESD and running better all the time. Won't want his brother on the podium without him.

Casey Coates (Douglas) -- ran well at Huron Invite. Doesn't want Riley getting all the glory.

Jared Hicke (Spearfish) -- 16:52 at Huron Invite and 12th at GDC.

Runners to look out for if they have a good day:

Smoragiewicz (RCC) -- All GDC and 18th at Huron Invite

Abera (SFO) -- has been real tough at times this year. 10th at GDC

Kris Monroe (Pierre) -- 18th at Huron Invite and 16th at ESD

Marquel Crawford (Aberdeen) -- ran a solid race at Watertown Invite and a disappointing ESD but was rumored to be recovering from an illness.

Mark Wilcox (Yankton) -- o.k., I forgot about him before and he'll probably make it but how many Yankton runners can you put in the top 25:) Most Yankton people would say "7". Solid performance at ESD.

Scharn (RCS) -- don't see his name in the Huron Invite results, but made all - GDC

Nathan Hauge (BV) -- 13th at ESD. Has been pretty solid as a Soph. all year.

Griffin Hieb (Aberdeen) -- 14th in ESD and under 17:00 for first time. 19th at Huron Invite. Might not be there yet as an 8th grader.

I'm sure I offended someone by forgetting them or not suggesting they'll be in the running. I'm also sure that someone will mention them if I did