In the past three years, the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic has become a crucial part of Utah's cross country calendar. Beyond producing 2 girls' champions and 1 boys' champion in that span, it has also given many teams the chance to preview their out-of-state competition at NXR Southwest or Brooks XC West.
This year, the state's top teams and individuals are returning to California to extend UT's reign of distance dominance in the nation. Below are the team and individual entries for Saturday night's sweepstakes and rated races.
Girls Teams
Herriman - Sweepstakes Race
Park City - Sweepstakes Race
Riverton - Sweepstakes Race
Utah will have three teams in the girls sweepstakes race, with Herriman, Park City and Riverton each receiving an early opportunity to establish themselves in the state title conversation. A victory--or even a strong finish against the loaded Woodbridge field--could reshape Utah's team rankings as the season moves into its heart. Desert Hills, Timpanogos and Viewmont will also look to build momentum in the rated race and prove they belong among the state's top programs.
Girls Individuals
Avery Barton (Ogden) - Sweepstakes Race
Isabella Cram (Davis) - Sweepstakes Race
Maddie Reeder (Highland) - Sweepstakes Race
Bridget Smit (Brighton) - Sweepstakes Race
Avery Barton and Bridget Smit enter the sweepstakes race with the strongest national résumés after qualifying for the Brooks XC Championships last fall. Both have a legitimate shot to continue Utah's recent run of individual success at Woodbridge, but Isabella Cram and Maddie Reeder add two more state contenders who can break through under the lights. How this group performs against elite out-of-state competition should offer an early look at the athletes who could shape Utah's postseason.
Boys Teams
Davis - Sweepstakes Race
Desert Hills - Sweepstakes Race
Herriman - Sweepstakes Race
Riverton - Sweepstakes Race
Viewmont - Rated Race
Defending sweepstakes champion Herriman returns to Woodbridge with a chance to show that last year's victory was only the beginning. The Mustangs are led by UT No. 1 Trevin Lounsbury, who recently broke Jackson Spencer's course record at the Timpanogos XC Invitational, giving Herriman the front-runner it will need to challenge for another title. Davis, Desert Hills, and Riverton will also compete in the sweepstakes race, featuring top-ranked frontrunners in the state. Carson Stafford of Riverton, Harrison Skousen of Davis, and Jackson Mathews of Desert Hills are currently ranked among Utah's top ten 5K times this season. This Saturday night will be an important early measuring stick for Utah's team and individual hierarchy.
In the past three years, the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic has become a crucial part of Utah's cross country calendar. Beyond producing 2 girls' champions and 1 boys' champion in that span, it has also given many teams the chance to preview their out-of-state competition at NXR Southwest or Brooks XC West.
This year, the state's top teams and individuals are returning to California to extend UT's reign of distance dominance in the nation. Below are the team and individual entries for Saturday night's sweepstakes and rated races.
Girls Teams
Herriman - Sweepstakes Race
Park City - Sweepstakes Race
Riverton - Sweepstakes Race
Utah will have three teams in the girls sweepstakes race, with Herriman, Park City and Riverton each receiving an early opportunity to establish themselves in the state title conversation. A victory--or even a strong finish against the loaded Woodbridge field--could reshape Utah's team rankings as the season moves into its heart. Desert Hills, Timpanogos and Viewmont will also look to build momentum in the rated race and prove they belong among the state's top programs.
Girls Individuals
Avery Barton (Ogden) - Sweepstakes Race