Another talented cross country athlete making her 2022 cross country debut on Friday is St. Andrew's junior, Emily Ireland.

A 4 x MHSAA 3A State Champion, Ireland is a top-tier distance runner in her classification, as well as in the entire state.

During her junior season, she took home the 3200m title at the 2022 MHSAA 3A Track and Field Championships. On top of that, she took home an MHSAA 6A cross country title and a state title in the 1600m and 3200m during the 2021 track season.

RESULTS: 2022 MHSAA 3A Track and Field Championships

The St. Andrew's junior will have to watch out for the pack of Clinton High School Lady Arrows in the chase pack. Leading them will more than likely be senior Evelyn Mata-O'Dwyer, an MHSAA 6A state championship qualifier in the 1600m. 

Evelyn Mata-O'Dwyer, Clinton High School

Here is our pick: This is a fairly easy one - Assuming that she is healthy, Emily Ireland for the win. She is the No. 1 seed by over a minute heading into Jaguar Trails, and we think Ireland has the wheelhouse and the determination to open up her season with a win.