Pennridge? What's the difference? Well right now the difference is obviously their two lesser known legs, but the other thing that's the difference is Austin Kohler. He's taken the next step and right now I feel comfortable saying he is a top 5 800m runner in the district, if not the state. I think he has only lost head to head to Magaha and has dropped some 1:55s in dual meets. He didn't quite produce at Penn but he and Logue could run back legs of 1:53 each at states if the boys are each running fresh. That puts you 14 seconds under right there. If they can find two legs to dip under 2 minutes again they will be around 7:45 and will be top 3-5 at states but not win. If they can bring back 1:57ish guys, they will be around 7:40 and win the race.
So how about the other 4x8s? Talked about this briefly in the Penn question so keep that answer in mind. Bensalem is the sleeper, but I'm not sure they will have the fresh legs to go fast in the 4x8 and 4x4 as planned. May be better off with individuals and the 4x4. Great Valley could really have a squad. I think they could run mid 7:40s or so and place top 5 at states, if things aren't deep they could compete for the win. But again its hard to say for sure they won't scratch the relays and go inviduals. And no Willig at Chestmonts in the open? Isn't the best sign.
Kiski Area for sure is a sleeper pick. Thing holding those guys back is the potential for Lednak and Snider to make states in the 32 out of the WPIAL. If they do they are going to be too tired to compete in the 4x8 at the top level. Not to mention the fact the squad still hasn't managed to crack the 7:55 barrier which they were stuck at a year ago. They have A LOT of potential. I just am not sure it will pan out.
DT West? I was ready to pick them for state champs but I need a little more. No Graham or Leidal at Chestmonts? I really like Jenkins this year, he can split 1:53 at states and the other 3 are all under 2 minutes in the open (not even talking about Devlin who split 1:57 last year in the 4x8 trials, but doesn't look like he will be back), but injuries would hold this team back if those guys aren't healthy. I'm hoping to see what they have at districts.
Penncrest has 4 legs under 2 minutes in the open. Strath Haven almost certainly is dropping the 4x8 they don't have the pieces to give Huemmler and Seelaus a reason to skip out on fresh shots at the individuals. But hey maybe they will surprise me.
O'Hara you have to keep in the back of your mind at least. LaSalle also would be a sub 7:50 squad if they choose to run.
The D3 squads will be good. Chambersburg is a state title contender as I said earlier and CV will compete out front as well.
I didn't see NA or Mt. Lebo as big contenders at WPIALs so I am not sure what to expect. Penn Hills? I don't know their plans but Baily is a champ, 1:52 split could definitely happen.
North Penn I think is going individuals but keep them in mind. They would have potential as well.
As for Magaha, the only reason I wonder if he reads the blog or not is because he changed his indoor split from 1:51.0 to 1:51.? and a lot of people on here were questioning the accuracy of his split. It would be cool if he reads the blog.
PS Performance worth noting:
Rico Galassi 4:19.19-9:39.28
looking like quite a few teams capable of running around the 7:45-7:47ish range. Should be exciting.
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