Standings Set To Be Squared Away At Chenango - Pre-State Preview Blowout

If Boys Race 7 is the power race for the guys, Race 6 is the female equivalent.  Nowhere else in the state would a 150 speed rating be the only thing that could possibly guarantee a victory.  Headlining the field is course record holder, and last year's State Meet Runner-Up Jessica Lawson of Corning.  No doubt lowering that record with a win in November is on top of the goal list for Lawson, and Pre-States will be an important step in that direction.  But there is more than capable competition standing in her way.

Three from North Rockland would like to see the tables turned.  While they were one of the At-Large teams selected for NXN last year, they are almost equally impressive as three individuals.  Alex Harris has represented Team USA in the Steeplechase, Katelyn Tuohy was the only New Yorker to give unbeatable Sammy Watson a run for her money on the track, and Haleigh Morales has taken big steps forward last spring.  All are capable of a big race, anything can happen.

The big names don't stop there.  Brooke Rauber (Tully) finds herself in the footsteps of Tuohy, now an 8th Grader running amonst national claiber competition.  Rauber was the sole runner to break up Fayetteville-Manlius at the Chittenango Invite, and came back with a convincing win at ESM the week after.  Also on the collision course is Hannah Butler (Jamesville-Dewitt), who was absolutely cruising at Chittenango, coming away with a very strong time.  She took a week off last week to take a visit to Brown, and will be returning for her first major race of her season.  Will the revamped training pay off with a big personal speed rating best?

With all these names being dropped, it's best to remember there are more quality runners who can place high in the merge.  Local talent Kaylee Stone (Windsor) and Lizzy Rayle (Ithaca) could well be Top 3 in any other race, but will be trying to break through here.  This one will be fast.