There is only one meet left on the XC Calendar, and New York is sending a respectable squad out to San Diego. Foot Locker Nationals is a storied meet, over 40 years in existence, and the Empire State is sending out three athletes to add to it's legacy. We take a look at their chances.
Be sure to check back on MileSplit NY tomorrow morning, as we will have a live broadcast link, along with Live Updates to follow along with the race.
Katherine Lee - Shoreham Wading River
Regional Finish -2nd
Tully Projected Finish - 6th
College Choice - Georgetown
Career Highlights - 3-Time New York State Class B Champion, 2016 NXN-NY Regional Champion
Thoughts - A year ago, Katherine Lee finished 10th overall at NXN, and would have been the 4th top returner at that event. Opting for the warmer weather, Lee could finish well above her projections. She's the only runner in the field who has run 2:04.5 in the 800m, and should the race come down to a kick, Lee could surprise. Her kick came into play at Van Cortlandt Park, where she closed a significant gap on race leader Marlee Starliper. The warm weather of San Diego will surely play to her favor.
Nathan Lawler - Pittsford-Mendon
Regional Finish - 5th
Tully Projected Finish - 13th
College Choice - Syracuse
Career Highlights - 4-Time New York State Class B Gold Medalist (2x Team, 2x Individual)
Thoughts - No athlete in New York knows how to peak like Lawler, who both this year and last saw a steady climb in his performances as the season wore on. The Syracuse commit would like to run to All-American Status, something his future teammate in Silas Derfel did out at NXN. Lawler was alongside Derfel in Portland last year, but made the switch to close out his senior season.
Mason Gatewood - Saint Anthony's
Regional Finish -10th
Tully Projected Finish - 24th
College Choice - UPenn
Career Highlights - Manhattan Eastern's Champion, New York State Federation Champion
Thoughts - On nobody's radar heading into the season, Gatewood has been the surprise hit of the XC Season. Although his finish at the Regional may have been disappointing to some, all he needed to do was qualify for the race two weeks later. Now here, and Gatewood could have a big race once again, his season best Speed Rating landing him in the Top 15 competitors. With two weeks to refresh, we could see a reversal in the finishing order of the two New Yorkers.