2019 FloXC Show

2019 DII FloXC Countdown: #7 Queens (N.C.) Men

2019 DII FloXC Countdown: #7 Queens (N.C.) Men

The No. 7 spot in men's DII goes to Queens (N.C.)

Aug 22, 2019 by Lincoln Shryack
2019 DII FloXC Countdown: #7 Queens (N.C.) Men

Follow our 2019 FloXC Countdown, where FloTrack ranks the top 10 cross country teams in NCAA DII/DIII this season. The 2019 NCAA Cross Country Championships will be LIVE on FloTrack for all three divisions. And be sure to watch our LIVE FloXC Podium Reveal Show Monday, Aug. 26, at 10 AM CT. The No. 7 DII men’s spot goes to Queens (N.C.), and here's why:

Projected Top Six:

SR Anthony Raftis (14:25 5K; 29:52 10K; 20th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

JR Felix Wammetsberger (‘19 indoor NCAA Mile Champ; 14:19 5K; 44th at ‘17 NCAA XC)

SR Nick Kipkemei (14:38 5K; 56th at ‘18 NCAA XC)

SR Yannik Duppich (8:18 3K; 14:23 5K)

SO Seb Anthony (1:49 800; 3:51 1500)

SO Erick Sanchez (14:47 5K)

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Adam Wright via Great Britain (1:50 800; 3:49 1500)

Analysis: 

The Queens (N.C.) men return a highly accomplished top three as they look to eclipse last year’s ninth-place NCAA finish in 2019. Senior Anthony Raftis improved more than any other DII athlete in 2018, as he went from 160th at nationals in 2017 to 20th last fall. He proved it was no fluke by breaking 30 minutes in the 10K this past spring. 

Felix Wammetsberger and Nick Kipkemei have the potential to be two of the best 2-3 runners in the country. Wammetsberger is a track stud who won the indoor mile in March and placed third in the outdoor 1500m. Kipkemei has finished 62nd and 56th the last two years at NCAAs, respectively, but his ability is much greater than that — he was second at regionals in 2017.

The Royals have nice depth behind their top trio, including plenty of men with excellent track pedigree. Whether mid-distance guys like Seb Anthony (1:49 800; 3:51 1500) and Adam Wright (1:50 800; 3:49 1500) can stretch their skills over 10K is unclear, but their speed is nonetheless compelling.

FULL RANKINGS HERE