NCS Pre-Season Division V Rankings

The season of '08 offers a few changes for the North Coast Section as several teams join the section (Fremont Christian, Redwood Christian and Valley Christian-Dublin) and one team (Crystal Springs Uplands) leaves to join the Central Coast Section. So what do those changes mean for the section? Time will tell but at this point the new teams (most notably Redwood Christian) will inject a new challenger in the boy's race.

The defending boys' team champions, Red Devils of San Francisco University HS, will once again be the favorites to win the team battle. Following their 7 straight NCS titles, University was handed a rare loss in 2006 by College Prep but UHS quickly rebounded to soundly win last year's title (58 to 102). They packed 6 in the top 20 last year and return 5 out of the top 7 which includes their top 4 runners-Robert Kealhofer, Weishen Mead, David Kealhofer and Miles Horton.

Berean Christian should be their closest challengers as they return their top 6 runners including their tough 1/2 punch of Matthew Day and Tyler Deniston. College Prep, last year's 2nd place finishers, only return 3 of their top 7 but will have a strong front runner (Charlie Sauter) and have made it a habit of going to Fresno on Thanksgiving weekend.

The two wild cards in this division includes Redwood Christian which had a trio of sophomores last year finish in the top 6 at the CCS final including the individual champion, Josh Macdonald. If they can find two runners to go along with their talented juniors, RC could challenge the previously mentioned teams. The second wild card will be St. Joseph Notre Dame which claimed the last state meet spot last year and return 6 out of 7 from that team.

The individual title chase could be a good one this year as there are no clear favorites. The top returner is Charlie Sauter of College Prep who finished 6th last year. UHS will add the Kealhofer twins and Weishen Mead to the list of challengers. Day and Deniston for BC will also contend along with Macdonald of RC who has a rare chance to win an NCS title to go along with his CCS title. Steven Iglehart of Branson had a spectacular track season and a fine effort at the Dipsea to stamp himself as another contender. Skyler Thomas of Mendocino had an equally impressive track season and will be a player this coming season.

The favorites for the girls' team will be College Prep and Marin Academy. CPS just outdistanced MA last year by a score of 68 to 70 and this year's race should be equally as tight. If I had to give a slight edge to one team, it would be to CPS who return their entire top 7. MA will return the majority of their team including the defending individual champion but will be without the graduated Alesandra Roger who is now running for the Cal Bears.

Last year, four teams (CPS, MA, University and Crystal Springs Uplands) clearly separated themselves from the field to take the four state meet berths. One of those teams (CSU) will now be in CCS which means one spot should be available for several teams to battle for that last elusive trip to Fresno. Those teams should include Lick Wilmerding, Head Royce, Chinese Christian, Rincon Valley Christian and Santa Rosa Christian.

Unlike the boys, the girls will have a favorite for the individual title and that goes to the defending champion, Lucy McCullough of Marin Academy. She enjoyed an equally successful track season and will look to repeat this year. Her main challengers will include Adrienne Strait of CPS, Eliza Weiss of MA, Jessica Ho of CCS, CPS teammates Barbara Barnes and Emily Erickson, and Grace Hafner of Sonoma Academy.
Division V Boys (Top 5 Advance to state)
1) University-Looking to return to state podium again this year.
2) Berean Christian-Experienced team ready to challenge for title.
3) College Prep-No stranger to state meet trips.
4) Redwood Christian-3 very strong runners lead the way.
5) St. Joseph Notre Dame-Qualified for state meet last year.
On the bubble: South Fork, Stuart Hall, Lick Wilmerding

Top 5 returning individuals, (place) & 2007 NCS meet time:
Charlie Sauter (6) College Prep 16:16
Robert Kealhofer (8) SF University 16:25
Weishen Mead (9) SF University 16:29
David Kealhofer (10) SF University 16:32
Matthew Day (11) Berean Christian 16:36

Division V Girls (Top 4 Advance to state)
1) College Prep-Defending champions return everybody.
2) Marin Academy-Finished here last year.
3) University-Don't count them out.
4) Lick Wilmerding-Top 4 runners are back.
5) Head Royce-Team to watch with good young talent.
On the bubble: Santa Rosa Christian, Chinese Christian

Top 5 returning individuals, (place) & 2007 NCS meet time:
Lucy McCullough (1) Marin Academy 18:37
Adrienne Strait (5) College Prep 19:14
Eliza Weiss (6) Marin Academy 19:18
Barbara Barnes (7) College Prep 19:21
Emily Erickson (9) College Prep 20:11

CCS Division V rankings will be up next followed by the first installment of Northern California rankings.

Feel free to comment on the above rankings or any of the previous rankings. We'll get our first taste of competition this coming weekend as several teams will make their debut.