* Benjamin Anderson won the Boy's Sweepstakes race at the Liberty Bell Invitational over the weekend
Photo Credit: Jen Jardeleza/Colorado MileSplit
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Meet records, near-state records and all-around strong performances highlighted this last weekend of cross country, with a lot of national stars finding their form.
The National Performer of the Week poll will close at 12 p.m. CT on Friday, Sept. 20, and the winner will be announced shortly after.
Check out five of the best performances from this past weekend's slate of racing.
COROS MILESPLIT50:
This Week's Nominees:
Jaden Merrick, Cedar Falls (Iowa): As he stepped up to the line at the Marshalltown Bobcat Invitational, the Iowa junior hadn't broken 15:00. After an electrifying finish between Merrick and runner-up Ethan Zuber, Merrick became the second-fastest in state history in 14:40. Merrick came just a second shy of Dowling Catholic's (Iowa) Jackson Heidesch state record of 14:39. Merrick was already set to be a contender at NXR Heartland in November, but now he's one of the favorites.
Benjamin Anderson, Mountain Vista (Col.): Every year the Liberty Bell Invitational in Littleton, Colorado produces record-breaking performances, and the Notre Dame-bound senior followed the trend, running a big PB of 14:48.4 for the statement win. Anderson now sits No. 9 all-time in Colorado history and is one of just 11 high schoolers to ever break 14:50 in state history.
Luke Alverson, James Clemens (Ala.): Doing so in dominant fashion, Alverson was one of just two athletes to go sub-15:00 at the 2024 Southern Showcase at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Alabama. Alverson moved all the way up to No. 10 in meet history, winning in 14:49.25, the sixth-fastest in Alabama history.
Ben Crane, Winnetka (Ill.): Picking up his second win on the year, the top returner in Illinois' 3A class already looks to be in late-season form. Crane outlasted the loaded field at Detweiller Park, leading eight other boys under 15:00 for three miles, crossing in 14:26.6. Crane also helped his Trevian teammates to a fourth-place finish out of 28 squads.
Nate Lugo, Cornerstone Christian Academy (Texas): One of the many stars throughout 'The Lone Star State', Lugo introduced himself to the rest of the state after holding off Winona's (Texas) Miguel Cedillo 14:48-14:50. Lugo currently sits No. 4 in the state this season, and is only a sophomore.