FloAwards Part 2, 10.23.08
FloAwards Part 2, 10.23.08
Well, it's about that time again. Here's (a belated) Part 2 to the 2008 FloAwards & Rankings list. For this go around we've added a new number to all those names. They refer to how many 1st place votes an individual or team received from our pundits.
There was quite a contrast to our first published preseason list and this second edition we're posting today. Despite many changes a few athletes have firmly planted their name (and picture) on top of the charts.
On the Men's Individual side, I'm sure everyone can now agree that Sam Chelanga is for real. This kid can run, and when we say run, we mean outkick and disappear from any field after a few turns. It's difficult to catch what you can't see and 267 Men's White Race runners found this out first hand in a matter of seconds. It's going to take a 'Superman-like' effort to take an individual title from his kick at next months XC National Championships. (It's a bird, it's a plane, no it's just Sam Chelanga) Chelenga's performance at Pre-Nats last weekend was something you had to see to believe. Speaking of which, that performance in all its glory and his post race interview are only two clicks away. Looking for something more impressive than Sam's 1st place finish? How about a 2k split of 5:29 and a 5k split of 14:12.
Just as impressive on the Women's side were the performances of Susan Kuijken and Brie Felnagle. Both cruised to victories in their respective White and Blue races, with Florida State's Kuijken setting a meet record of 19:48.2 and UNC's Brie Felnagle posting a solid 20:02.4. The real question is, do either of those times mean much when Sally Kipyego is in the equation? We'll find out ... but if history is any indication, another 17+ second victory (she ran 19:30.9 last year) might keep Sally's undefeated XC career intact.
On the team sides, Oregon's Men and Women's team dropped down to second via our pollsters. So why the drop? For one thing, since the Ducks took double-wins at the Bill Dellinger Invite earlier this month, both teams have essentially closed up shop to eyes around the country. One of the only teams not to attend Pre Nats, and instead stay close to home, the Ducks 'visibility' factor may have played a role in falling to #2.
The rumblings around the country the past few weeks have all been attached to the same two teams. Dave Smith's Oklahoma State men's team and the University of Washington's women's team. Symbollic of last years historic High School Senior class, both teams have received huge bursts of energy from true freshman. Without German Fernandez and Colby Lowe the Cowboys aren't sitting in great position for nationals and aren't atop our team rankings. Likewise, if the Lady Huskies didn't have their own freshman leading the charge, that 36 spot and combined overall top place team finish at Pre-Nats never happens. Canadian Kendra Schaaf and Southern California native Christine Babcock have helped propel Washington to a National ranking of #1. But where do we have them ranked?
The battle for Flotrack's Freshman of the Year Award marches on. The ladies top spot is up for grabs between those two teamates we just mentioned. Stanford's Laurynne Chetelat has a chance to surpass both in a showdown looming at Pac-10's on Halloween.
We really enjoyed all the feedback last time in our PreSeason poll. So once again, it's up to the viewer at home (or work) to chime in. Tell us why our pollsters were right on the money or dead wrong. Who knows, maybe a little outside influence on your part might lead to some changes in Part III.
So, without further adieu ... all the votes have been tallied and the results now sit below (and if you missed Part 1, you can rewind to it here).
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