Connor McMillin of American Fork (3) and Andrew Brewer of Bingham (5) will battle for podium positions come this fall- Photo by Kyle Perry
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Last season was one of the most impressive in the history of the state. Kicking it off in the fall was American Fork placing higher than any team from the state ever had at Nike Cross Nationals. The exciting XC season was followed up by an equally impressive track season. Can the 5A boys pick up where they left off last season? Here are just a few of the teams and individuals that are ready for a great season.
Top Teams-
The team battle will be a question of who can fill in the void behind American Fork. There are a lot of good teams, and a lot of changes with graduations. Teams will be fighting for every point in October as they could be very tightly bunched.
American Fork- The Cavemen return 5 from last year’s team that placed 2nd at Nike Cross Nationals. Connor McMillan was 4th at state and 19th at NXN. Zac Jacklin was 7th at state and 38th at NXN. We like them for another top 10 finish at nationals.
Riverton- The Silverwolves Return a very solid pack of now seniors. Brady Earley and Clay Lambourne were 8th and 9th at state last year with Michael Bluth and Sam Coleman 21st and 22nd. The key for this team will who emerges as a pivotal 5th scorer.
Lone Peak- The Knights were 6th at last years state meet and return a lot of talent. Who they return from XC makes us think they can climb even higher, but they didn’t have any huge performances on the track. The rumor is they will have an incoming transfer from Colorado. Clayson Shumway was the 1600m state champion for Colorado last season and makes the move to Utah where he will make a huge impact on this team.
Davis- The Darts were 2nd last season at state, and 13th at Nationals, but may have a rough go this year. They lost 5 of 7 from their NXN team. Skylar Williams is their top returner and was 12th at state. Coach Talley has done a great job rebuilding in situations like this historically, so do not count them out based on their losses.
Bingham- The Miners return 5 of 7 from last seasons team. Not only that, but their top guy Andrew Brewer has emerged as a serious threat for the individual title. He was 17th last season, but went on to tear up the track running 1:53 and 4:13 on the track.
West Lake- Led by Austin Brower, the Thunder will have their hands full in their new classification. They would be one of the top teams in 4A, but now they will have the battle just to get through regionals. If they can do so they could very well make the top 5 at state. Region 4 also includes American Fork, Riverton, Lone Peak, and Herriman so it will be a very intense region.
Alta- Led by Kramer Morton as the 2012 state champion, the hawkslost a lot of talent from last year’s XC team. They do have Morton back which is a good place to start. They did see some big track performances from some younger runners who could contribute very well to the hawks. They are a dark horse, but we still see them as a potential threat to get in the mix for a top 5 finish come October.
Individuals-
Kramer Morton, Alta- Last season's state champion. 7th at Footlocker west and 12th at Nationals. He has run 4:14 for 1600m and 1:55 for 800m. Watch for him to break into the top 5 at FL Nationals.
Austin Brower, West Lake. 11th at state last year in 4A. Made huge improvements on the track, where he ran 4:14 and 1:52. Expect a leap in his position from 11th to what we feel is a legitimate top 5 in a stacked race. He has great post season potential as well at Foot Locker or NXN, whichever he choses.
Rory Linkletter, Herriman- Time wise would have been second behind Morton last season. New to the 5A classification and will have his hands full with the depth this season. 36th at FLW but definitely capable of making the national team.
Andrew Brewer- He is our pick for the most improved from last state meet to this one. He was only 17th at last years state XC but won the 800m state championship. He was 3rd in the 3200m as well.
Clayson Shumway- Moving in from out of state he will get a taste of the Utah distance strength. He was Colorado’s 1600m state champ and XC runner up. He is talented and will try to make an immediate impact on the state.
Connor McMillan- Leading the Cavemen is a big job. If anyone can do it Connor can. He was 2nd at state on the track in the 3200m and showed he is ready to lead the state this season. He will look for a top 10 finish at NXN individually and a high team finish as well.
Clay Lambourne- 400m state champ proved he also has some endurance placing 9th at state last season.
Our Favorites:
Team-
1- American Fork
2- Lone Peak
3- Riverton
Individual-
1- Kramer Morton
2- Andrew Brewer
3- Austin Brower
4- Connor McMillan
5- Clayson Shumway