Can Aimee Bryson of Cedar repeat as 3A State Champion? - Photo by Kyle Perry
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I appologize to all who read the outdated article. I knew there were some changes in classifications but didn't know about Wasatch or Ogden. I have updated the season preview and appreciate all the feedback keeping me on track. I love covering the sport and trying to help give better exposure to the kids. Thats what it is all about. Any time I post a stat wrong or put a team in the wrong classification please keep me updated. your help will boost the exposure for all the talented athletes in the state.
Thank you- Kyle Perry
This weekend opens the 2013 Utah Cross Country season. Stansbury will host their invite, with most teams opening their season early next week. WIth the season upon us, we preview what to watch for in the 3A classification.
Girls-
There are two very interesting storylines in the 3A Girls classification this season, the individual story and the team story. Last season, the 3A Girls classification provided some of the most excitement with very good teams coming from Park City and Ogden. Both had fantastic seasons, as Park City was 5th and Ogden 6th at the Nike Cross Regionals meet. This season Ogden will make the move to 4A, which will open the door wide for Park City. However, it won’t be a walk in the park for the Miners as they lost their 1-2 punch of Annie Orr and Alisse Walker, as well as their 5th runner Emily Schmidt. Cedar Will return 5 of their top 6, including defending champion Aimee Bryson. They were 60 points behind park city last season but having experience on the team could help reduce that gap.
Aimee Bryson of Cedar won the 3a State meet last season, and has great foot speed. She will be looking to repeat this season and add to her already storied career. Alyssa Snyder will be taking the helm of the Park City Team and that could propel her to a very good season as well. Last season she was 5th at the state meet and 23rd at NX-SW. She does have the ability to compete with Bryson and they should have some great battles through the course of the season.
Teams to Watch:
1- Park City (1st at state, 5th at NX-SW last season)
2- Cedar (3rd at state last season)
3- Canyon View (4th at state)
Individuals to Watch:
1- Aimee Bryson (1st at state, 23rd at FL-W last season)
2- Alyssa Snyder (5th at state, 23rd at NX-SW last season)
3- Sophie Mcdonald- (9th at state last season)
4- Kamryn Watts- (12th at state last season)
Boys-
Last season the 3A Boys story was dominated by one name, Ben Saarel. He captivated the entire state last year and leaves some huge shoes to fill as we dive into the season preview. While reviewing last season state meet results and removing all the graduating seniors and then the Ogden and Wasatch changes. it left us with just 3 of last years top 20 returning. The door is wide open for anyone to come in and take center stage.
The team title is all mixed up as well. All of the top 5 teams from last years state meet lose their top athlete. Ogden won’t be the repeat champion in 3A, as they will be making the transition to 4A this season. Last years 2A champion Richfield also moves up a classification the to 3A. Going off of times from last year they will have a mountain to climb, but the cream always rises to the top, so give them a chance. If not this season Richfield will eventually be in the mix in their new classification. For all the other teams it will literally be an unfamiliar scene with so many graduating seniors at the front of the pack. This Classification is a toss up completely, and any speculation seems like a guessing game. It will be fun to watch though.
Individually, the story is much of the same. Garrett Marsing of Carbon is the top returner from last season to the 3A classification. He was 18th at the state meet last season. Keep an eye on the 3A boys throughout the season to see who steps up to the challenge.
Teams to watch:
1-Pineview (5th at State)
2-Desert Hills (3rd at state)
3-Park City (4th at state)
Individuals to watch:
1-Garrett Marsing- Carbon (18th at state)
2-Byron Warby- Pine View (20th at state)
3-Bryan Pearson- Cedar (22nd at state)
4-Joshua McPhie- Desert Hills (23rd at state)
We would love your comments on who you think will be the next up and coming star of the 3A classification. Comment here or send us an email.
2012 State Championship Results