* Lex Young is one of Newbury Park's top returners in 2021
Photo Credit: John Hays/California MileSplit
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No one should be surprised by Newbury Park.
Despite racing in just two cross country competitions a season ago -- at the Desert Twilight Festival in October and the XC Town USA Meet of Champions in November -- the Panthers return as the clear and obvious favorite to claim a national title in 2021.
Of course, with expectation comes pressure.
And there is a tacit understanding that nothing is guaranteed in a sport such as cross country. Surprises are the norm. And underdog performers are often the regularity.
From Newbury Park, there are challengers such as Mountain Vista (CO), Farmington (UT), Grapevine (TX) and Portland Jesuit (OR). Then there are teams like Mason (OH) and Sioux City (IA) who have a chance to truly shine in the national spotlight, if the right performances find those teams.
Below, check out the top returning 100 boys teams in the U.S. based on their 2020 averages...
