4A Returners: Who Will Fight for the Title?

Individual Championship Race - Boys
Patrick Bose of Johnston High School took the individual win at last year's State meet by pulling away hard in the final mile; however, this fall he won't be returning to defend his title, as he will be competing at the Division I level for Iowa State University. The highest placer from last year's State Meet to return is Matthew Carmody of Dowling Catholic High School, who placed 3^rd individually. Matthew looks to continue the recent tradition of strong Dowling distance runners and has his eyes set on that individual title, and will look to help lead Dowling to a team title for his senior season. Fellow incoming seniors Camden Cox of Ankeny Centennial High School and Habibu Moise of Valley High School both ran sub-16 minutes at Fort Dodge last year and will be on the hunt for the individual title in 2017.

Team Champs - Boys
In 2016, Dowling Catholic High School took the team title with a score of 100 points. They edged out Pleasant Valley High School by just 2 points. To defend their title, the Maroons will have to replace 3 of their top 7 runners from last year's race. With Nicholas Yanek moving to Alabama, Pleasant Valley High School is also going to have to replace three members from their 2016 team. Prairie High School, Dubuque Hempstead High School, and Johnston High School are other teams that could compete for the wide-open team title this year with lots of strong returners and depth to build on.