Athlete: Lauren Gregory
Year: 2017
School: Fort Collins, CO
Analysis: Lauren Gregory qualified for both national cross country events last year, thanks to a runner-up finish at NXN SW Regional and an eighth place run at Foot Locker Midwest, but did not appear in either Portland, Ore. or San Diego, Calif. due to a stress fracture in her foot. The injury took a toll on her track results, but she still must be considered amongst the nation's top returning cross country runners as she placed seventh at NXN as a freshman and 11th at Foot Locker Nationals as a sophomore.
Her all-time PBs of 2:11 for 800m, 4:41.11 for the full mile and 10:15.34 for 3200m (set when Gregory was a freshman!) rank her as a top recruit in the Class of 2017. If she is in form, Gregory can run with anyone in the nation.
She'll also look to win her fourth consecutive Colorado state cross country title this fall.