A Private Boys Team Preview

Seth Cruver from Landmark (photo by Daniel McCauley)

A Private Boys

1. Landmark Christian- The Eagles decimated the field in 2015 easily taking the A Private team title and unless someone really picks it up should be back on top. One thing that is confusing in the 'XC Team Scores' is they have MS end up in the HS rankings due to JV races. Returning to defend are Seth Cruver, Jack Drury, Micah Burdette, Colton Wooster and Mark Humphries. 

2. Holy Innocents- The Golden Bears will be in the hunt for a team title after a 5th place effort in AA last Fall. This is based on their top 7 slated to all be back. It doesn't hurt that Ben Davies was 2nd as an individual and 7 of the top 11 runners have graduated or may not competing this Fall. 

3. Hebron Christian- The Lions sqeaked out a runnerup team finish over Paideia on a 6th man tiebreaker last Fall. Mark 'Franken' Stein has departed, but 5 of their top 7 are back to make another dash at the Podium. Wesley Warbington and Michael Fabiano are the top returners from State.

4. Athens Academy- The 8-A Spartans come off a nice 4th place Podium finish in 2015. Athens Academy does have 5 returners from the top 7 giving them a nice shot at a Podium run. Top returners are Alex Branch, Ryan Iyer and Jay Bangle. 

5. Wesleyan- The Wolves have a strong program, but seemed to have a down season placing 3rd in AA last Fall behind Bleckley County and Pace (now AAA). They should be Podium contenders in A Private this Fall. Alot of JVs will need to step up as they only return one runner, All-Stater Bailey Renfroe.

6. Galloway- The Scots came up 14 points shy from grabbing a Podium position last Fall. Like Athens Academy, they return 5 of their top 7 including top runner Luke Murray meaning the Scots will have their eyes set on getting back on the Podium. 

7. Providence Christian- The Storm were a strong  6th last Fall and have the potential to equal or better that finish in 2016 as 6 of their top 7 could be back. They will need to run well at region in tough 8-A. Top returner is Andrew Duffie. 

8. Athens Christian- ACS will be swimming in new waters as Coach Cummings has left to lead the program at Riverside Military. After a 13th place finish in 2015, it could be challenging retain their 5 potential returners. Noah Irwin placed 13th as a frosh at State.  

9. Whitefield- Whitefield was a distant 7th last Fall, but return potentially 6 of their top 7 runners. Zachary Justice was their lead runner in 2015. 

10- Lakeview Academy- Its going to be rough in 8-A, but when you return your top 7 its a great place to start. These guys will need to bring it at region or will find themselves missing the dance again. Hayes Kennedy is the top returner from last season. 

Watch List: Walker, Darlington, George Walton, Paideia