Girls Class A - Individuals
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What The Numbers Say: For the past three years, the narrative has revolved around Katelyn Tuohy. In 2017, it was just how fast would she go. 2018, after a late season injury, it was if she would run at all. Healthy and happy in 2019, well rested and ready to peak for post-season, Katelyn Tuohy returns as the favorite, for her third straight State Title. Just how fast she runs will come down to the conditions. If it's icy and slippery, does this turn into a kickers race, out of sheer precaution? Tuohy can back up her XC times with those on the track, so pacing for 2500m wouldn't be out of the question. It's hard to predict the race not knowing how the weather will play out.
What Can Change: Once again, New York has risen to the challenge of an athlete of Katelyn's caliber. Kelsey Chmiel managed to put pressure on the lead race for the past few years, and it seems like Claire Walters has taken that next jump to be able to put pressure here as well. The pair met up at Manhattan, where Walters finished 12-seconds behind Tuohy. It may sound like a lot at first, but it is the closest anyone has finished to Katelyn in a Cross Country race since 2016. Walters soloed her best race of her career at Sectionals a week ago, and could be just as close at States. Karrie Baloga, the underclassmen, looks to be capable of something big, running alone for most of her season, and given the competition, could pop a big performance too. Nothing's unheard of.
