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This past weekend saw the first real national-level competition, as Woodbridge saw ten teams from the MileSplit 50 go head-to-head. Not only did this give some clarity to the National Rankings, but it also demonstrated the talent of the California and Southwest Regions of NXN. Nearly 50% of the teams ranked fall within those two regions. However, it was a team from the South, Flower Mound, that stole the show, winning overall. The meet serves as a good baseline performance indicator for teams, as the course is as close to a track as you can find. Results may vary with the addition of hills and inclement weather to the equation. We could see these rankings shuffle.
Elsewhere, Colorado had plenty of action on the homefront. St. Vrain had four more nationally ranked teams competing, albeit not at full strength. The Southwest and California regions get a two-week headstart on the season, so teams are in different form than many on the Eastern side of the country. Illinois' famed Detweiller Park saw strong competition between three bubble teams, while Michigan continues to be one of the most underrated States in the Country for XC, due to many years of NXN unavailability. They now have two Nationally ranked teams, with more on the bubble.
On the East Coast, Union Catholic is quietly awaiting their return to national competition, while two bubble-ranked teams clash up north, Oyster River NH and Champlain Valley Union VT. Powerhouse New York has been dormant since pre-states but looks to be in a rebuilding year.