NCS Division III Pre-Season Rankings

What will be the most competitive Division for girls in NCS this year? Without drawing too much of an argument, Division III will once again rule as the toughest division. Looking at the state meet results of the past six years, the girls in this division have recorded two state championships (Miramonte 2003, Campolindo 2001), three 2nd. place finishes (Maria Carrillo 2004, Campolindo 2003, 2002) and two 3rd. place finishes (Miramonte 2005 and Campolindo 2000).

Maria Carrillo is back in Division III this year and will have an impact on both races. Losing their lead runner (Jacqui Wentz) from last year, the MC girls will return the next 6 runners and will definitely be one of the top four teams. The battle for the top two spots is no surprise as Miramonte and Campolindo renew their rivalry. These teams have won 5 of the last 6 NCS Division III titles. Losing coach Chris Walsh should have been a tough loss for Campolindo but they quickly signed on Chuck Woolridge from College Park who will keep the red train rolling.

The Acalanes boys will once again be the team to beat. According the pre-season state rankings on Dyestatcal, Acalanes is ranked 2nd in the state going into the season. Maria Carrillo and Campolindo also made the top 10 as they came in at 6th and 8th respectively. It should be interesting how quickly these two teams rebuild after losing some of their top runners from last year. The battle for the fourth and last state meet qualifying spot should come down to Bishop O'Dowd and Miramonte.

Division III Boys (Top 4 Advance to state)
1) Acalanes-Top 4 return to win first crown.
2) Maria Carrillo-Deep, competitive team that could upset.
3) Campolindo-Some big shoes to fill from last year.
4) Bishop O’Dowd-In a battle to hold this spot.
5) Miramonte-Always in the hunt despite graduation losses.
On the bubble: Las Lomas, Analy, Alhambra

Top 5 Returning Individuals, (place) & time 2005 NCS meet:
Nate Beach (3) Acalanes 15:51
Connor Mooney (4) Acalanes 15:55
Joey Kochlacs (7) Campolindo16:02
Tyler Cannon-Reese (10) Analy 16:08
Carl Swanson (11) Alhambra 16:09

Division III Girls (Top 4 Advance to state)
1) Campolindo-Return strongest lineup to defend crown.
2) Miramonte-Will they hit the freshman lottery again?
3) Maria Carrillo-Top 2 teams will bring out the best of this group.
4) Acalanes-No Mo, no problem?
5) Bishop O’Dowd-Pappas steps in as team leader.
One the bubble: Albany, Las Lomas, Northgate

Top 5 Returning Individuals, (place) & time 2005 NCS meet:
Elaine Tanski (3) Miramonte 17:59
Alexi Pappas (4) Bishop O'Dowd 18:02
Laurie Finnegan (5) Campo 18:17
Catherine Murillo (6) Campo 18:31
Jenny Bergren (7) Miramonte 18:42

Division IV will be posted on Monday. Feel free to comment on above rankings.