RETURNER RANKINGS: MAIS 3A Boys
The ripple effects of the MAIS reclassification will certainly be felt in the upcoming season, particularly as powerhouses Regents of Oxford and St. Augustine lock horns for supremacy in the MAIS 3A Boys Cross Country Championships.
Regents of Oxford Moves Up: A New Power in 3A
Regents of Oxford, moving up from 2A to 3A, has all eyes on them. The team is equipped with formidable competitors, the Bryan brothers - Tristan and Samuel - who are already being touted as likely contenders for the individual title.
The Bryan Brothers: A Duo to Watch in MAIS 3A
Tristan Bryan, boasting a lifetime best of 16:43 and Samuel Bryan, with a close 16:55, both recorded at the 2022 All-Mississippi Cross Country Championships, are no strangers to competition. Particularly Tristan, who is already a decorated athlete, with the 1600m and 3200m titles from the 2023 MAIS 2A Track and Field Championships adorning his mantle. Should both brothers stay injury-free, we could well witness a Bryan one-two finish at the upcoming championships, giving Regents of Oxford a significant edge.
Team Battle: Regents of Oxford vs. St. Augustine
However, the path to the team title won't be a smooth ride for Regents of Oxford.
St. Augustine, known for its strong distance program, remains a formidable opponent. James Edwards of Regents, who has the potential to secure a top-three finish, could give his team an almost insurmountable lead. But St. Augustine's Truman Poole and Jake McGaugh stand as obstacles on this path.
Moreover, St. Augustine boasts a strong line-up beyond their top two runners. Their 3-4-5 spots, held by J.J. Metcalf, Samuel Perritt, and Harrison Murray, are by no means weak links, but rather reinforce the depth of the team, making them a formidable challenge to Regents' pursuit of the team title.
In light of these facts, it's safe to say that the race for the MAIS 3A Boys team title is going to be a nail-biter, teeming with adrenaline, strategy, and unyielding competition. The victorious team will not only celebrate the title, but also secure an automatic qualifier spot to the 2023 All-Mississippi Cross Country Championships, adding to the stakes of the race.
Fans, athletes, and enthusiasts alike eagerly await the starting gun. Let the races begin!