Eagle Classic Preview
By: Stephen Bain
Boys Coordinator
September 10, 2009
This week will not be as big of a week throughout the state as the last, but Brown County’s Eagle Classic stands out for a couple of reasons. First of all, we have the design of the #1 vs #2 vs #3 teams in the state. Of course, we will not be so lucky to see this show down as #3 North Central (Indianapolis) will not be at full strength here due to spiritual obligations by some team members (which deserves respect). The state gets spoiled, nonetheless, with another 1 versus 2 match up for the second week in a row though as the Columbus North Bulldogs will look to hold on to their claim as the team to beat in the state against the very hungry Terre Haute North Patriots.
Beyond the top end teams showing down, many teams will be looking to support their rankings, and work their way farther up the ladder, as always. Last week taught us to expect the unexpected. Let’s keep expecting.
Teams Attending: Batesville, Bloomington North, #12 Bloomington South, Brown County, Clarksville, #1 Columbus North, East Central, Eastern Greene, Eastern Pekin, Edgewood, Forest Park, Franklin Community, Floyd Central, Greensburg, Home School Union, Horizon Christian, Indian Creek, Jeffersonville, #17 Lawrence Central, Madison, Martinsville, Mt. Vernon, #23 New Albany, North Central (Farmersburg), #3 North Central (Indianapolis) (short-handed), #9 North Harrison, Northview, Perry Central, Seymour, Silver Creek, Tell City, Terre Haute South, #2 Terre Haute North, Trinity Lutheran, Union County, #16 Westfield, West Vigo
Questions to Answer:
1) Who is #1? Both Columbus North and Terre Haute North had big wins last week, and both could have easily received the top spot this past week. At least we get a confirmation one week later.
2) Who is #2 in the south? Bloomington South and North Harrison have been on fire lately, and will be contending for that spot. New Albany may be a bit off these teams but also has a very tough running pack.
3) How do the small schools race with the big schools? I love that this race runs the big and small schools together, but then separates them in the results. That may be the best of both worlds.
A look at the Team Race:
#1 Columbus North – 5 guys at 16:00 or under last week, fast course or not, is impressive. We probably will not see that again, but this will give us a better idea of how good the Bull Dogs are, and how fast Martinsville’s course is.
#2 Terre Haute North – Mascari should be able to do some damage up front, but it will be up to the rest of the team to hold off the charging pack running team of Columbus North. It is a mystery if #4 John Davis will also be in the line up. He will no doubt help their case.
#3 North Central (Indianapolis) – No Futsum nor Filimon but the Panthers are still going to put on a good show. Connor Geshay will still help lead them up front, but their depth will need to come through to help hold off some other teams.
#9 North Harrison – Everybody knows about Tyler Byrne, and perhaps the freshman sensation of Reynolds. But the rest of this team has also stepped up to put them in these high ranks. They need to run well against these other teams to prove their place, and maybe make a statement that they are even better than ninth in the state!
#12 Bloomington South – After a second place finish at the Harrison Invitational, they will likely be contending with the second tier of teams at this Invitational. Their goal may be to put a gap on the rest of the teams to solidify their run at the state meet.
#16 Westfield – The Shamrocks did not get to show their full strength at the State Preview, but hopefully their front runners are healthy this week. Expect the front running to do some damage.
#17 Lawrence Central – This team has been quiet since the Brebeuf Invitational and needs to make another statement this week to continue to be compared to the best in the state.
#24 New Albany – This team fell down the ranks this past week, but they do have a dangerous pack of runners. If this pack can move together well through the race, they may be able to jump a couple of the teams listed above them.
Other teams recently ranked looking to get back in: Martinsville, Perry Central
Individual Race:
Tyler Byrne (12) – North Harrison [BC #1]
John Mascari (11) – Terre Haute North [BC #2]
Connor Martin (11) – Westfield [C #4]
Colby Shiver (12) – Westfield
Evan Scruton (12) – Columbus North [C #12]
Gabe Ocasio (12) – Columbus North [C #13]
Justin Chen (12) – Bloomington South [BC #7]
Taylor Head (11) – Terre Haute South [BC #12]
John Davis (12) – Terre Haute North [BC #13]
Jordan Gornall (11) – Bloomington South [BC #14]
Ryan Foster (10) – North Harrison [BC #16]
John Reynolds (09) – North Harrison [BC #17]
Michael Staton (10) – Bloomington South [BC #18]
Brian Depasse (11) – Terre Haute North [BC #20]
Taylor Lowery (11) – Martinsville [BC #11]
Jace Lowry (11) – Martinsville [BC #3]
Nolan Fife (12) – Seymour [BC #4]
Connor Geshay (12) – North Central Indianapolis [C #6]
This race may be a preview of what is to come at the Brown County Semi State (as it usually is) in the individual race with the top 4 individuals. It will be interesting to see how they match up with some of the Carmel Semi State’s top talent as well. However, Connor Martin and Tyler Byrne should be expected to be battling up front.