Dowling Boys Ranked Nationally
In MILESPLIT.COM’s rankings of the top 25 U.S. high school cross country teams, the Dowling Catholic (West Des Moines) boys’ squad goes into the 2012 season ranked 16th nationally. Dowling lost individual state champion Cole Decker to graduation, but return 5 of the top 6 runners from their 2011 4A State Championship team. The Maroon Crew will be led by seniors Jason Thomas, Jeff DeRocher, Brian Wahlig, & Lukas Steffensmeier, and junior Spencer Clark.
MileSplit has also release preseason top 25 national rankings for boys’ individuals, girls’ teams, and girls’ individuals.
While no Iowa girls’ team broke into the top 25, we have it from a reliable source (!) that at least Pleasant Valley (Bettendorf) and Dowling Catholic were on the bubble in the selection for that coveted elite 25; and should break in with solid performances during the season. That’s also true for selected, yet unnamed, individuals as well.
For complete MileSplit.com preseason national rankings, visit:
Boys teams - https://usa.milesplit.com/articles/91086-preseason-boys-teams
Girls teams - https://usa.milesplit.com/articles/90988-preseason-girls-teams
Boys individuals - https://usa.milesplit.com/articles/91047-preseason-boys-individuals
Girls individuals - https://usa.milesplit.com/articles/90950-preseason-girls-individuals
MileSplit’s subsequent national individual and team rankings will be published weekly beginning September 10, and also linked to IOWATFXC.COM.