Invitationals: Interstate Classic, William and Mary, Bull Run, Crossfire and Scorpion Crawl.
Wilde Lake
Boys to watch: Seniors Henry Enerson and Duncan Enerson.
Girls to watch: Seniors Emma Boone and Abby Malkin; sophomore Kate McHale.
What you need to know: Wilde Lake has a small squad of boys (20); the Enersons, who are captains, will be the leaders. Tim Virostek, running cross country for the first time, is expected to have a significant inpact on the team. Others expected to be in the Wildecats' top 10 are David Smart, Jode Faulkner, Nikhil Manohar, Anthony Rizzi, Kadus Arsaras and Joseph Keating.
"The strength of our team will depend on the development of the "others" listed above, plus staying healthy because are numbers are small as is our depth," said coach Whitty Bass.
Eleven of the 18 girls on Wilde Lake's team are first year cross country runners, so they need to maximize their progress to perform well when the championship meets arrive. Boone, Malkin and McHale have the potential to be in the top tier of competitors in the county. "The challenge for us will be to realize our potential as a team that can run in the top third of a very competitive county, compete well in the regional championships and qualify for the state meet," said coach Charlie Shoemaker.
Invitationals: Bull Run.
Glenelg Country School
Boys to watch: Junior Isaiah Washington; sophomores Joey Pickens, Ben Murphy, and William Seiferth; freshman Colin Dizon.
Girls to watch: Senior Deirdre Ricaurte and Taylor Smith; junior Hannah Mansbach, Lexi Markmann and Emily Walsh; freshman Katie Morrish.
What you need to know: Glenelg Country graduated its top runner, Kikanae Punyua, who now runs for the University of Maryland, but return most of their top 10 runners from last year. The Dragons will be looking for help from senior Mike Rigaili and juniors Thomas Hannah and Justin Myers to overcome conference rivals St. Paul's and Boys' Latin.
"We are planning another championship push after finishing second in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association B Conference last year," said coach Scott Doughty.
The Dragon girls have a small team, but they are determined to defend last seasons Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland C Conference crown. If she stays healthy, Mansbach is expected to be one of the top runners in the conference. "Our goal is to giver her the support she needs to fend of challenges from conference rivals Annapolis Area Christian and Friends and bring home our second championship in as many years," Doughty said.
Invitationals: Georgetown Prep.