2. Tierney Wolfgram, Math & Science Academy (Minnesota)
Grade: Freshman
Breakdown: Wolfgram is the top returner from Griak in 2016 and, coincidentally, is another Minnesota freshman. She finished fourth in 19:17 on a wet and soggy course, which proved to be her breakout race on her way to winning three state championships last year, including her first cross country title in Class A.
In her first two races this fall, Wolfgram has started picking up a lot of momentum and attention, first as the runner-up to Ping at the St. Olaf Showcase in 18:04, then in handily defeating then-U.S. No. 16 Anna Fenske at the Faribault Invitational with a time of 17:58. Those two performances have earned her a spot on the most recent Flo50 rankings at No. 18.
With such a track record, it's hard to imagine that she entered the season viewed as only the third-best freshman in her own state, but that very well could change for the foreseeable future after Saturday.