Weekend Preview: Saltillo XC Invite On Deck

Mooreville XC Invitational
MileSplit Mississippi Staff

Saltillo Cross Country Invitational

Saltillo High School Campus Saltillo, MS
Sep 16, 2023
Last Year's Meet

Venue Records: Saltillo High School Campus

Reigning Champions:

Entries

Teams Entered

Articles (1)

Quick Hits:

  1. Bailey Kosko: Oxford High School's standout Bailey Kosko, the No. 5 ranked runner on the All-MileSplit Mississippi XC team and is on a hot streak, is currently the only male under 16 minutes in Mississippi this year with an impressive 15:43 at the 2023 Mooreville XC Invitational.
  1. Battle at the Front: Colin Brannon, the reigning MHSAA 6A 3200m Champion ranked sixth on the All-MileSplit Mississippi XC Team, was a close contender to Kosko at the 2023 Memphis Twilight finishing just one spot behind. Brannon is a natural competitor, and they promise a thrilling race. 
  2. Undefeated Streak: Graham Weiss of Hernando, who has maintained his winning streak and knows this course very well as he ran 16:09 on it at last year's invitational, will be seeking his fourth consecutive victory.
  3. More Contenders: Watch out for Brodie Moore(16:09 5K PR), Sam Johnson(16:12 5K PR), Jeb Hamilton(16:17 5K PR), and Giles Jones(16:09 5K PR), all boasting 5K PRs close to the 16-minute mark. Plus, the defending champion, Parker Shannon, has the home-course advantage.
  1. Team Rivalries: Madison Central High School(#3 rank), Starkville High School(#10 rank), and host Saltillo High School(#8 rank) are the main contenders.
  2. Home Turf Advantage: Saltillo, with the benefit of racing on their home course, is looking strong, but Brannon and Braxton Rea of Madison Central might disrupt their plans.
  3. Starkville's Charge: Led by Giles Jones and a cohesive running pack, Starkville might surprise everyone.
  1. Top Contenders: Kaitlyn Burge vs. Alex Lee - a highly-anticipated matchiup heading into this weekend Burge, who just recently ranked at the top of the All-MileSplit Mississippi XC team, boasts a recent 19:14 and three course records this season, while Lee, ranked third, delivered a 19:38 at the 2023 Memphis twilight.
  2. Breaking Records: With both girls undefeated in Mississippi this year, could we see the first sub-19-minute run from either Burge or Lee?
  3. More Elite Runners: The field also includes fast-paced runners like Julianna Hamilton, Emily Ireland, Emma Ruffin, and Riley Jackson, ensuring a thrilling race for all. 
  4. It should be noted that there's a small school and large school division, leaving some uncertainty on which elite athletes will face off.

Pass Christian Invitational

Pass Christian Pass Christian, MS
Sep 16, 2023
Last Year's Meet

Venue Records: Pass Christian

Reigning Champions:

Entries

Teams Entered

Quick Hits: 

  • Rainey's Reign: Ocean Springs' Addison Rainey, the esteemed 2022 Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year and recently ranked second on the All-MileSplit Mississippi XC Team, is the key runner to watch. Fresh from her stellar performance at The Opener, where she stood out as the top Mississippian with a time of 19:23, Rainey is expected to bring her A-game.

  1. Maya's Return: Ocean Springs has another ace in their pack - Maya Messenger will be making her much-anticipated 2023 Cross Country season debut. Can she make a statement in her first race back?

  2. Battle of the Boys: On the male side, the spotlight shines on Trent Lansdown, the leader of the #9 ranked Ocean Springs. He's set for a clash against defending champion, Dallas Stricker. With both athletes boasting impressive resumes, this face-off promises fireworks.

  3. Castleman's Debut: Though he hasn't raced this season, Tate Castleman, armed with a commendable 1600m PR of 4:34, can't be dismissed. He may very well be the dark horse of this event.

Warren Central Valhalla Invitational

Warren Central Intermediate School XC Course Vicksburg, MS
Sep 16, 2023
Last Year's Meet

Venue Records: Warren Central Intermediate School XC Course

Reigning Champions:

Entries

Teams Entered

Quick Hits: 

  • Chasing Records: Keep an eye on #3 ranked William Fugate, who not only is the frontrunner for the win but is also setting his sights on the course record. Given his current form, we could witness history in the making.

  1. Team Dynamics: Brookhaven High School, currently ranked at #5, is in prime position to secure their second win of the season. The team cohesion and momentum they bring could spell success.

  2. Dynamic Duo: Saint Aloysius boasts two powerhouse runners in Samantha Edwards and Hendrix Eldridge. The pair is aiming for a commanding 1-2 finish. Edwards, as the defending champion, will undoubtedly be on everyone's radar.

  3. The Smith Factor: Olivia Smith of Jackson Prep can't be overlooked. With an impressive 2:18 in the 800m and a 5:24 in the 1600m under her belt, she has the potential to disrupt the Saint Aloysius duo's plans and pose a significant challenge.