RETURNER XC RANKINGS: MHSAA 1A Boys
As the MHSAA introduces a seventh classification, it's undeniably causing waves across multiple classifications. Yet, the MHSAA 1A Boys Cross Country Championships continue to offer a familiar storyline, characterized by the ongoing rivalry between Tupelo Christian's Bounds Simmons and West Union's Brodie Moore.
The Head to Head Battle: Moore versus Simmons
Simmons and Moore are the fastest returning runners in MHSAA 1A, as well as the top two returners to the MHSAA 1A Boys Cross Country Championships. With PR's as close as 17:05 for Simmons and 17:10 for Moore, it's anyone's guess who'll have the upper hand on the championship day.
Moore, last year's runner-up and the top returner, certainly has momentum. His notable achievements include the 2021 MHSAA 1A Boys Cross Country Individual Championship. However, he'll need more than previous laurels to outpace Simmons, who may not yet have a grass title but boasts four impressive track titles in MHSAA 1A. These victories stem from Simmons doubling in the 800m and 1600m in both 2022 and 2023.
The Dark Horse: Hagan McCarley
While the spotlight largely shines on Simmons and Moore, we shouldn't overlook Hagan McCarley's downshift from MHSAA 2A. McCarley, with a 5K(XC) personal best of 17:29 from his third-place finish at the 2022 MHSAA 2A Cross Country Championships, is the only other returner under 18 minutes. Clearly, McCarley is not a contender to ignore.
Team Title Tussle: West Union versus TCPS
Parallel to the intensity of the individual title race, the team contest also promises to be fiercely competitive. The face-off between West Union and Tupelo Christian(TCPS) is set to be a nail-biter. In fact, the race could be so close that the first finisher between Moore and Simmons could swing the team title.
TCPS has a longstanding history of success in MHSAA 1A, but West Union disrupted their winning streak last year, emerging as the reigning MHSAA 1A Boys team champions. Both teams present evenly matched line-ups through their No. 5 runners, turning the spotlight on which team's positioned runners can make it to the line first.
Predicting the outcomes is a tough call at this early stage. Nevertheless, fans can anticipate a thrilling spectacle at the 2023 MHSAA 1A Boys Cross Country Championships. Whether it's the individual title or the team victory, every stride, every second, and every decision will count.