Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

Last fall marked a strong season for area cross country programs.

With traditional powers like West High, City High, Regina and Solon in the area that success comes as no surprise.

West High added to its individual title count as Bailey Nock became the school’s sixth individual champion.

City High returned to the podium with a top-three finish, it’s 15th in the past 20 seasons while Solon returned to the state meet for the first time since 2012.

The 2017 season is shaping up to be just as impressive.

Here are six area cross country athletes to watch over the next two months as teams and individuals chase spots at the state meet in Fort Dodge on Oct. 28. 

Bailey Nock

Senior, West High

Already one of the top distance runners in West High history Nock will look to put the finishing touches on a brilliant cross country career with a fourth state medal.

Nock became the sixth state cross country champion in West High history last fall winning the Class 4A title in 18:06.9, more than 3 seconds in front of Johnston’s Jessica McKee.

One of the best distance runners in the state, Nock will attempt to become the first two-time champ at West High since Sarah Wickman won titles in 2004 and 2005.

Bridget Brown

Senior, City High

Among the most improved varsity runners in the state last season Brown cut her personal best time by nearly a minute during a breakthrough junior season that ended with a 37th place finish at the 4A state meet.

Brown showed her improvement at state, taking nearly 30 seconds off the time she posted as a sophomore in a 72nd finish.

Kennedy Scott

Sophomore, Regina

An impressive debut season for Scott ended with a 37th place finish at the state meet in a time of 20:40.2.

Scott will be looking for even more as a sophomore as Regina attempts to return to the state meet as a team for the first time since 2015.

Kaylie Barker

Junior, Clear Creek Amana

Already a two-time state qualifier Barker is after a breakthrough junior season after finishing 58th and 60th at state the past two seasons.

Barker placed 60th in 20:38.5 at the Class 3A state meet last season as an individual qualifier.

Sophie Nicol

Senior, Solon

The senior leader on a young and talented Solon squad coming off its first team appearance at the state meet since 2012.

Nicol placed 13th at the district meet and 98th in her state meet debut last season and should be in for a big jump this season as the Spartans aim to improve their 15th place team finish at the 3A state meet.

Anna Lindower

Junior, City High

A state qualifier in each of her first two varsity seasons Lindower is a leader on a City High team seeking a 30th consecutive trip to the state meet.

Lindower placed 30th at state as a freshman and is looking for a bounce back performance in Fort Dodge after finishing outside the top 100 last fall.