Top Underclassmen From NXN
Addison Ritzenhein
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Niwot (CO)
Class of 2026
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It was an incredible end of the season for the Niwot sophomore.
After dipping under 17 minutes for the first time earlier in the season at Desert Twilight, Addison Ritzenhein stepped up her game over the fall, earning seven wins with a near perfect cross country campaign.
The sophomore went on to collect her first Colorado state title in October, was third at NXR Southwest in November and then earned her first national title at NXN on Saturday, just like her father, Dathan, did back in 1999 and 2000.
Although Ritzenhein did not lead the majority of the race, when she passed the 4k mark she made her move on Elizabeth Leachman and Rachel Forsyth.
The sophomore held on until the finish, breaking the tape at 17:10.40. Her performance was the 15th-fastest time in meet history. She led six seconds in front of senior runner up, Bethany Michalak.
Ritzenhein ushered the Niwot team to a second-place win.
Gianna Rahmer
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Eldorado High School (NM)
Class of 2028
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Coming out of left field late in the season, this New Mexico-based eighth-grader showcased her elite ability in early November when she set a new state record at the NMAA State XC meet with her first sub-17 5k.
Rahmer proved her talents once more as she nabbed the NXR Southwest title a week later -- just shy of her previous best.
In Portland, the young runner held on to the front pack and by the 4k mark was in 10th-place. Rahmer held on until the end, ultimately finishing sixth in 17:38.90.
The Eldorado star's performance is currently the second-fastest time ever run by an eighth-grader at Nike Cross Nationals. She finished her season going six-for-seven.
Caden Leonard
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Southlake Carroll (TX)
Class of 2026
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This Texas sophomore has been on the radar since his individual and team win at the Texas UIL Championships in early November.
After five wins this season, Leonard hit a new personal best at NXR South, breaking 15-minutes for the first time. His performance scored him a third-place finish and a ticket to the Glendoveer course.
Last year as a freshman, the Carroll standout placed 135th. This year, Leonard finished 21st overall and was the highest-placing underclassmen at 15:36.70; he was also the only sophomore among the top 35 finishers.
His performance shaved off nearly a minute from last December, leading the Carroll boys team to a third-place win.
Marcelo Mantecon
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Belen Jesuit (FL)
Class of 2027
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As one of the most impressive freshman this year, it is no surprise that Belen Jesuit's Mantecon was the second-highest placing underclassmen at Nike Cross Nationals this weekend.
Running a handful of races this season and dipping under 15-minutes for the first time -- and also securing the fastest freshman time Florida XC state history -- Mantecon displayed his talents for the nation to see.
In mid-November, Mantecon challenged the reigning champ Patrick Koon at the Florida State Championships, ultimately finishing as its runner-up; but his consolation was just fine, as he led the Belen Jesuit boys to a state title.
Not even 48 hours later, the freshman and his team headed to NXR Southeast, where he finished 48th and the Wolverines booked a ticket to NXN. In Portland this weekend, Mantecon was the second-fastest underclassmen and the fastest freshman overall, running 15:37.10. His bid is the fastest freshman time in NXN history.