* Leah Starkey is the third-fastest freshman in New Jersey history
Photo Credit: tspimages/MileSplit New Jersey
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As the stakes continue to get higher, these underclassmen continue to get faster. These four soon-to-be stars have already closed the gap on the experienced runners ahead of them, setting themselves up for a strong performance at their respective state championships.
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Whether they were punching their ticket to the state championships or defending their conference title, these four runners took care of business from coast to coast.
Check out these four talented runners who make up this season's seventh edition of Future Stars.
SOPHIA RODRIGUEZ
Mercer Island (Wash.)
Class of 2027
After cruising to a comfortable win at the King Conference Cross Country Championship Meet over the weekend, the 5000m U-14 World Record holder is in a great position to add another state title to her resume. At Lake Sammamish State Park, Rodriguez took home the individual title in 17:20.3, the fastest time she's ran this season. The sophomore beat everyone that wasn't related to her by nearly two minutes and finished 10 seconds ahead of her sister for a Mercer Island 1-2 finish. She also led the Islanders to a narrow team victory over Inglemoor Senior (Wash.).
EVAN DANN
Castle View (Colo.)
Class of 2028
No better time to win your first-ever high school race than the postseason! The Colorado freshman dipped below 16:00 for the fourth time this year, running a new PB of 15:36.13 at the Colorado 5A Region 5 meet. Dann held off a strong contingent of upperclassmen, taking down the best runners that 5A contenders Rock Canyon and Valor Christian had to offer. The freshman is heading into the state championships as the 14th fastest runner in 5A this season, and is in contention for his first state medal.
LEAH STARKEY
Ocean Township (N.J.)
Class of 2028
Through six races, the New Jersey freshman hasn't finished outside of the top three and has quickly established herself as one of the top runners in New Jersey and on the East Coast. Over the weekend, Starkey ran her way to a huge PB at the Shore Conference Championships, finishing runner-up in 17:35, a 35-second personal best. Starkey is the top freshman in New Jersey this fall, and the third-fastest in state history, and the fastest since 2018. Starkey also leads the way right now in New Jersey's Group 2.
KEEGAN DECKER
Liberty (Iowa)
Class of 2027
For the second straight year, Decker is heading back to the Iowa State Championships, and this time he's even more lethal. At his Iowa State Qualifier in Dubuque, Decker finished runner-up behind Jaden Merrick, the fastest boy in Iowa this season. Decker nearly went sub-15:00, but came up just short, crossing 15:01.21. Decker's last three races have all been faster than 15:10, as he continues to trend in the right direction ahead of the state championships.