On Tap for the Day (A closer look at NCS)

5 NCS Runners Worth Watching Closely This Fall

BOYS
1. Clark Gregory 12 Campolindo Division III
2. Djali De Chalus 12 St. Mary's College Division IV
3. Caden Ehrhorn 11 Campolindo Division III
4. Ethan Kraska 12 University Division V
5. Rohan Kotamraju 11 Monte Vista Division II
Also mentioned: Ben Friedland 12 University, Alex van Veen 11 Granada.

GIRLS
1. Farah Allen 12 Branson Division V
2. Nadya Makarova 11 Monte Vista II
3. Sade Bumpus 12 Granada Division II
4. Josie Hill 12 Sonoma Academy Division V
5. Kaylie O'Connell 11 Monte Vista Division II

Now it's your turn. Feel free to answer the following questions in the comment section below. I will start adding individuals and teams as comments are posted.

The 2026 NCS Cross Country Season: 10 Questions We Need Answered

1. Who will emerge as the top boys' individual? Girls' individual?
2. Can last year's strongest teams repeat?
3. Which girls' team has improved the most?
4. Which sophomore will break through?
5. Which freshman could make an immediate impact?
6. Who will be the biggest riser from 2025?
7. Which team has the best 1–5 depth?
8. Who will surprise at Crystal Springs?
9. Who will contend for a state-meet spot?
10. What will be the biggest storyline of the season?

Who are the Runners you didn't know about last year who could be big in 2026?

Early NCS Team Rankings — But With a Twist.
Best front runner (boys and girls)?
Best 1–5 (boys and girls)?
Most improved (boys and girls)?
Best young team (boys and girls)?
Biggest sleeper (boys and girls)?
Teams I'm most curious to see race?

Ask Cross Country Express: What Do You Want Me to Cover This Season?
Teams to watch?
Historical questions?
Training questions?
Course questions?
CCS records you're curious about?
Interviews you'd like to see?