2017 FloXC CountdownSep 6, 2017 by Lincoln Shryack
2017 FloXC Countdown: #9 Lewis Men
2017 FloXC Countdown: #9 Lewis Men
2017 FloXC Countdown: #9 Lewis Men
Follow our 2017 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top ten cross country teams and individuals in the NCAA this season which will be LIVE on FloTrack. The No. 9 men's spot goes to Lewis, and here's why:
SR Michael Leet (8:54 3K SC; 33rd at '16 NCAA XC)
SR Sergio Miranda (1:49 800; 3:46 1500; 82nd at '16 NCAA XC)
SR James Frederickson (3:52 1500; 8:36 3K; 87th at '16 NCAA XC)
SR Xavier Reed (8:34 3K; 15:07 5K; 142nd at '16 NCAA XC)
SR Asher Scott (3:46 1500; 8:32 3K; 156th at '16 NCAA XC)
The Lewis Flyers return their entire top five and six of their top seven from a team that placed 17th at NCAAs last fall. That finish could just be a taste of what Lewis is capable of, however, as it seems the big plan was to go all-in for 2017. This year's projected top five is entirely redshirt seniors, and they'll look to use last season's championship experience -- their first time qualifying since 2001-- as a launching pad to bigger and better things in 2017.
All-American Michael Leet was the Flyers' No. 1 man at every meet last season and will fill that role once again. Leet ran big PRs nearly across the board on the track in 2017 and should see an improvement on his 33rd-place finish at nationals. Behind Leet, likely No. 2 man Sergio Miranda will also bring track momentum into the fall. Miranda has spectacular range -- his 1:49/3:46 speed is quite impressive next to his 82nd-place finish at NCAA XC. Like Leet, he too collected numerous PRs in 2017.
The three other seniors behind the top duo are solid. James Frederickson gives Lewis three returners that finished inside the top 100, while Xavier Reed has a better cross country resume than his 142nd-place finish would indicate. Lewis also has options if Reed or last season's fifth man, Asher Scott, falters, as Reed's brother Peyton ran 14:38 this spring and has a history of success on the XC course.
Overall, this team is deep, experienced, and equipped to capitalize on their long play to reach national prominence.
FULL MEN'S RANKINGS HERE
Probable Top Five:
SR Michael Leet (8:54 3K SC; 33rd at '16 NCAA XC)
SR Sergio Miranda (1:49 800; 3:46 1500; 82nd at '16 NCAA XC)
SR James Frederickson (3:52 1500; 8:36 3K; 87th at '16 NCAA XC)
SR Xavier Reed (8:34 3K; 15:07 5K; 142nd at '16 NCAA XC)
SR Asher Scott (3:46 1500; 8:32 3K; 156th at '16 NCAA XC)
Analysis:
The Lewis Flyers return their entire top five and six of their top seven from a team that placed 17th at NCAAs last fall. That finish could just be a taste of what Lewis is capable of, however, as it seems the big plan was to go all-in for 2017. This year's projected top five is entirely redshirt seniors, and they'll look to use last season's championship experience -- their first time qualifying since 2001-- as a launching pad to bigger and better things in 2017.
All-American Michael Leet was the Flyers' No. 1 man at every meet last season and will fill that role once again. Leet ran big PRs nearly across the board on the track in 2017 and should see an improvement on his 33rd-place finish at nationals. Behind Leet, likely No. 2 man Sergio Miranda will also bring track momentum into the fall. Miranda has spectacular range -- his 1:49/3:46 speed is quite impressive next to his 82nd-place finish at NCAA XC. Like Leet, he too collected numerous PRs in 2017.
The three other seniors behind the top duo are solid. James Frederickson gives Lewis three returners that finished inside the top 100, while Xavier Reed has a better cross country resume than his 142nd-place finish would indicate. Lewis also has options if Reed or last season's fifth man, Asher Scott, falters, as Reed's brother Peyton ran 14:38 this spring and has a history of success on the XC course.
Overall, this team is deep, experienced, and equipped to capitalize on their long play to reach national prominence.
FULL MEN'S RANKINGS HERE