WATCH 2019 FHSAA 2A STATE MEET REPLAY
The lack of a full 2020 outdoor track and field season will add to the suspense for this upcoming cross country season. While drastic leaps in performances cannot be accurately predicted, we took a look at who could likely make elite moves on the cross country course this fall.
Disclaimer: Individual classes [1A, 2A, 3A, 4A] could and will likely look very different this season with the opt in option given by the FHSAA. This scouting report is based off all the current 1A member schools and individuals.
Here is the scouting report for FHSAA 2A boys.
2019 FHSAA 2A Cross Country Final Results
Key Returners
Key Teams
Potential Break-out Performers
- James Simkins
- Michael Teal
- Ethan Lipham
- Joe Wester (Transfer to Satellite)
- Dillon Helzerman (Transfer to Satellite)
- Ian Noble
- Colin Duhnoski
Satellite will bring the show to class 2A this cross country season.
After winning the 2019 state meet with 30 points, the Scorpions add two new, and very strong, transfers to their squad. The addition to half-miler Joe Wester and endurance talent Dillon Helzerman is extremely impactful for the Satellite boys as Gabe Montague, Justin Wilson, and Josh Stern look to lead their team to a record breaking season.
Despite missing out on team nationals last season, the Scorpions are ranked as the MileSplit No. 18 and Tully Runners' No. 10 team in the nation, leading to the belief that there is no doubt the entire Satellite team could rewrite history books this season, individually and collectively.
Not to be forgotten, Bolles' Will Brady and Cole Rutkowski will put up a very strong fight against Satellite this year. Brady and Rutkowski are no strangers to the team podium, as they played significant roles in Bolles' 21-point state title run back in 2018. The Bolles duo cruises into this season with 15:43 and 16:01 Apalachee Regional Park course PR's and will be strong contenders for a top five finish.
Expect to see Brayden Cheek amongst the top ten list this season. Finishing seventh overall as a junior at the state meet last season was indicative of his talent, but the 9:37 3200m PR in March sealed the deal for Cheek as one of the top returners in class 2A.
Beyond Cheek, there are so many athletes to keep your eyes out for in the rankings this season. Based off last year's state meet and the short outdoor season, there are numerous returners in the low 16:20s and under range entering the 2020 season. James Simkins, Michael Teal, Ethan Lipham, Ian Noble, and Colin Duhnoski are just a few of these top names to watch for this cross country campaign.