* Elise Hagen is one of the top underclassmen competing at the RunningLane Championships this weekend
Photo Credit: Tim McDonald/MileSplit Colorado
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Over the last few years, the crew team the RunningLane Cross Country Championships have established the championship meet as one of the top postseason meets of the year.
In its fifth year, thousands of athletes will once again flock to Huntsville, Alabama for a shot at one last PB before the season comes to a close.
This weekend, a quartet of future state champions and legends are testing their luck against the nation's best at the fastest course in the country, Huntsville, Alabama's John Hunt Park.
Take a look at these four talented youngsters who are testing their luck this Saturday at the RunningLane Cross Country Championships in Huntsville, Alabama.
MAYSEN FLETCHER
Herbert Hoover (W.V.)
Class of 2028
Following a successful middle school career, Fletcher's first season at the high school ranks has been nothing short of incredible, as the West Virginian has tallied eight wins in 11 tries, notching a 5k PB of 17:22.85 as well. Fletcher won her last four races of the season, claiming her first conference, country, region and state titles as a Husky. As the ninth-fastest girl in the stacked field, Fletcher has a very good shot at a top-five finish, especially after finishing 33rd a year ago. The fastest freshman in West Virginia history will have a chance to add to her gap at John Hunt Park.
RUEL NEWBERRY
Denton-Guyer (Texas)
Class of 2028
After ending his eighth grade campaign with a few records on the track, Newberry adjusted quite nicely to the high school circuit, winning five of his first six races. Newberry also broke 15:00 on four different occasions, with his fastest performance coming at the Southlake XC Invite where he finished runner-up in 14:44.60. The freshman sensation went on to finish 5th at the UIL 6A State Championships and is looking to lower his PB down in PR'Ville. Despite being just a freshman, Newberry's chances are as good as they get.
ELISE HAGEN
Niwot (Colo.)
Class of 2027
It was pretty clear that Hagen put in the necessary work to make a jump in fitness this fall, most recently highlighted by her 17:57.87 performance she threw down less than two weeks ago in Arizona. The sophomore broke 18:30 four times this season, and never ran slower than 19:19. For now, Hagen is the fourth-fastest sophomore in Colorado this season, and could close the gap with a big performance on Saturday. With clear skies and a dry course on deck, look for Hagen to be dictating the pace up front.
In the midst of a breakthrough sophomore season, Romero notched his second-straight top-three finish at the NMAA 4A State Cross Country Championships, finishing third in 15:44.8. In total, Romero broke 16:00 three different times this fall, with his fastest performance coming at NXR Southwest where he was third in Boys Small School division. Romero is the second-fastest throughout the state in the sophomore. class, and he can move up the record books even more if he clocks 15:40 or faster.