No. 11: University (WV)
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Analysis: The strong in West Virginia only get stronger. That's the case with University, which returns six runners from last year's team that won the state Class AAA title with 39 points and a 16:11 average.
Drew Zundell, the team's No. 1 who finished third at state, returns for his final year and will lead a group that is poised to run through West Virginia, and maybe even the Southeast region come national season. West Virginia squads have been gearing up in recent seasons. This program from Morgantown might be the best we've seen in over five years.
Biggest Question: Can they produce on the regional and national level?
We think this team has legs beyond the state season. With six returners back -- only the team's No. 2 graduated -- there's legitimate evidence for that. But at the higher levels, and at regionals specifically, the averages have to be faster and the performances have to be more locked in.
Can University tap into that potential come November? We'll see.
MileSplit50 Boys Team National Rankings Countdown
RANK | DATE-TEAM |
|---|---|
| 25 | Aug. 21 -- Ridgefield (CT) |
| 24 | Aug. 21 -- Bentonville (AR) |
| 23 | Aug. 21 -- Ventura (CA) |
| 22 | Aug. 21 -- McCallie School (TN) |
| 21 | Aug. 21 -- Rocky Mountain (ID) |
| 20 | Aug. 22 -- Portland Jesuit (OR) |
| 19 | Aug. 23 -- Downers Grove North (IL) |
| 18 | Aug. 24 -- Riverton (UT) |
| 17 | Aug. 25 -- Great Oak (CA) |
| 16 | Aug. 26 -- Valor Christian (CO) |
| 15 | Aug. 27 -- Carmel (IN) |
| 14 | Aug. 28 -- Wichita Trinity Academy (KS) |
| 13 | Aug. 29 -- Union Catholic (NJ) |
| 12 | Aug. 30 -- Farragut (TN) |
| 11 | Aug. 31 -- University (WV) |
| 10 | Sept. 1 -- CBA (NJ) |
| 9 | Sept. 2 -- Stevens Point (WI) |
| 8 | Sept. 3 -- Herriman (UT) |
| 7 | Sept. 4 -- Wayzata (MN) |
| 6 | Sept. 5 |
| 5 | Sept. 6 |
| 4 | Sept. 6 |
| 3 | Sept. 6 |
| 2 | Sept. 6 |
| 1 | Sept. 6 |