N.C.S. Division I Mid-Season Rankings

Just as in many other sections, Division I doesn't always yield the most powerful teams or deepest competition. The majority of the teams usually fall in either Division II or III unless you are one of the many SS Division I teams. NCS Division I might not be the deepest division but the top teams can compete favorably with any of the stellar teams in the other divisions.

It appears that College Park will be the team to beat in both boys and girls. After longtime coach, Chuck Woolridge, moved to rival Campolindo during the summer, CP still has the culture of winning that has been in place there for many years. They have run very well in league and at Stanford and continued their fine running at the Castro Valley Invitational.

Without the presence of three time defending champion De La Salle which got bumped down to Division II, the road to the state meet opens up a bit. CP's closest pursuer will be Deer Valley which finished 5th behind the Falcons' victory at Stanford. They will be lead by senior Anthony Palermini although their top returner from last year is senior James Avery. The last state meet birth could come down to a trio of teams that will hope to peak at Hayward. Those three teams will be Liberty, Castro Valley and San Ramon Valley. Liberty got the best of Castro Valley on CV's "home" course so they appear to have the upper hand at this point.

The boy's individual favorite will be Andy Peabody of College Park. He's the fastest returner from last year's championship meet as well as a state meet qualifier in the 3200 meters on the Track. The race will be for second among the following runners: James Fazzio of Castro Valley, Doug Whichard of Granada, and the much improved Bhavik Kanzaria of Monte Vista and Pallermini of DV. Liberty's sophomore Wyatt Landrum should be in the mix come November and keep on eye out for junior Jeremy Rubio of College Park who is CP's #2 man behind Peabody.

On the girl's side in this division, it's top two or stay at home during Thanksgiving. With College Park appearing to be the favorite for the 1st place, the 2nd. state meet qualifier will come down to a battle between California H.S. and Castro Valley. CV upended Cal High at their invitational and gave CP quite a scare but SAT Saturday leaves many teams just shy of their top lineup.

The girls individual title will go through Diana George of Livermore who handily won the title last year as a freshman. She is currently nursing an injury so that might open the door for the next freshman phenom, Alycia Cridebring of College Park. She finished a strong 2nd. at Stanford as well as another 2nd. place finish to Jacque Taylor at the Castro Valley Invitational. Yet another freshman, California's Colleen Lillig could also be in the mix if any of the top runners falter.

Division I Boys (Top 3 advance to state)
1) College Park-Peabody will be favorite for individual crown.
2) Liberty-Strong 2nd at Castro Valley Invite.
3) Deer Valley-Could be sleeper this year.
4) Castro Valley-Run well when it counts.
5) San Ramon Valley-Returns top 7 runners.

Top 5 Individuals based on season to date:
Andy Peabody (12) College Park
Doug Whichard (12) Granada
Jeremy Rubio (11) College Park
Wyatt Landrum (10) Liberty
James Fazzio (11) Castro Valley

Division I Girls (Top 2 advance to state)
1) College Park-The cupboard is definitely not bare.
2) Castro Valley-Historically strong program.
3) California H.S.-Strong up front with star freshman.
4) San Ramon Valley-One of best combined programs.
5) Deer Valley-Strong upside with Hodges.
On the bubble: Antioch

Top Five Individuals based on season to date:
Alycia Cridebring (9) College Park
Diana George (10) Livermore
Zuna Portillo (12) Pittsburgh
Colleen Lillig (9) California H.S.
Alexis Nordine (12) San Ramon Valley

Feel free to comment on the above rankings. The next rankings will be at NCS. Any helpful information would be appreciated.