Runners take their marks

For the first time in a number of years, there are no clear-cut favorites to capture the state high school cross country championships.

Runners will take the course at Sugarhouse Park on Wednesday, finishing on the track at neighboring Highland High School starting with the 1A girls at 11:30 a.m., and continuing every 30 minutes through the 5A boys race, which will start at 4 p.m.

With graduation and injuries taking their tolls on several schools, competition is expected to be close in many of the division races. Here's a look at each:

5A BOYS: Davis has won the past two 5A boys titles and could repeat. The Darts have improved steadily this season, thanks to standouts Aaron Nye, Josh Adams and Thomas Lingard. Davis has gotten stronger each week, but its most likely challengers are Bingham and Fremont.

The Miners were second last year and return with senior Kevin Merriman, sophomore Devan Antczak and junior Austin Brewer. Fremont was fourth a year ago but could be stronger this year with juniors Jon Heslop and Justin Dickamore leading the way. This could be a three-way battle until the final yards of the Highland track.

Top 5A runners who will also be competing for medals include Viewmont's Brian McKenna, Jordan's Miles Batty and Jared Bienlien, Brighton's Jorgen Jacobsen, Brett Kotter of Alta and Josh Baker of Copper Hills.

5A GIRLS: Defending champ Fremont and last year's runner-up Davis are considered favorites. Fremont is led by Lexie Meyer and Cassie Ricks, along with Lindsey Slater. The Darts are paced by Shaylee Marler, Lynette Purdy and Wendy Wilson, and Davis probably has a bit more depth behind them.

Coaches also like Skyline, Bingham and Jordan as top contenders. The first-place medal could go to a number of runners, the favorites being Stacie Lifferth of Northridge and Kit Zeigle of Bingham. Other top entries include Jordan's Erin Fuller, Skyline's Chaly Clapier and Ali Taylor, Carlie Martin of West Jordan, and Lauren Endersen of Copper Hills.

4A BOYS: Mountain View is favored to win its third straight 4A boys title. The Bruins bring Steve Strickland — probably the state's finest runner — along with JB Martineau, Jared Keller and Justin Leavitt. Provo and Orem are probably the strongest teams behind Mountain View.

The Bulldogs boast talented Jared Rohatinsky and Reagan Frey, while Orem will turn to Timmy Wright, Race Ostler and Eric Sabin. Other top 4A entries include Timpview's Robert Finicum, Lone Peak's Casey Cosper, Lance Smith of Timpanogos, Bountiful's Tom Nielsen, Taylor Hansen of Woods Cross, Dale Golding of American Fork, and Taylor Gardner of Springville.