Indiana Runner

Participating schools: Brebeuf, #1 Carmel, Center Grove, #20 Fishers, #7 Franklin Central, Hamilton Southeastern, #21 Indianapolis Chatard, Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, #23 North Central, Perry Meridian, Pike, Southport, #22 Warren Central, Zionsville 
 
Last year’s team results 
1. Carmel   21 
2. North Central   113 
3. Indianapolis Chatard  115 
4. Indianapolis Cathedral  130 
5. Hamilton Southeastern 143 
 
Top returning individuals 
2. Renee Wellman (10) Carmel, 18:41 
3. Alex Chitwood (11) Carmel, 18:51 
7. Sarah Bennett (10) Carmel, 19:30 
9. Makayla Schultheis (10) Fishers, 19:47 
10. Brook Morgan (10) Hamilton Southeastern, 19:57 
 
The early-season Brebeuf Invitational features six teams occupying spots in the first batch of Indiana Runner rankings. Of the 15 schools set to compete, 11 were in the preseason top 50. Defending champion Carmel, whose runners finished 2-3-4-5-7 last season, figures to be among the favorites with the top three returners. Seven preseason All-Staters are also set to compete, and 12 of the top 20 runners in the Franklin Central Semistate rankings should help make a very hot individual battle. Many of the teams and individuals will be fighting for their lives on this very course eight weeks later at the regional. 
 
TEAMS TO WATCH 
 
#1 Carmel 
This is our first look at the Greyhounds’ depth, which is the only issue unsolved heading into the season for the champs. An individual battle between sophomore Renee Wellman and junior Alex Chitwood could be very telling in regards to the ‘Hounds potential. 
 
#7 Franklin Central 
The early season meet should give us a good glimpse at potential frontrunners Dani Sullivan, who wasn’t a star in cross last season but finished fourth in the state track finals over 3200 meters, and Jasmine Al-Anzi, who was an All-State runner in cross country but average in the spring. 
 
#20 Fishers 
The Tigers are one of the more intriguing teams in Indiana and this meet could answer some questions as to what they may be capable of this season. With the help of frontrunning Makayla Schultheis, Fishers may be able to make a run at the state finals. 
 
#21 Indianapolis Chatard 
The Trojans were just short of second place last year, but number two runner Mary Davis actually ran in the JV race. Chatard is another team capable of a trip to the state finals that needs to fill its depth. 
 
#22 Warren Central 
The Warriors are a team that usually start off a bit slower in the early parts of the regular season so don’t be surprised if Warren is a little further behind other potential state finalist teams like Fishers, Chatard and Pike. 
 
#23 North Central 
This meet was our first look at an improved and hungry Panther team last year when NC finished second, outrunning many ranked teams. That was a senior-laden squad, however, and this team will have a different look. 
 
INDIVIDUALS TO WATCH 
 
Renee Wellman, Carmel 
The number two returner from state meet results was second here in 2008 in her first high school cross country race. She should see plenty of competition this year. 
 
Alex Chitwood, Carmel 
The closer Chitwood can stay to Wellman, the better the ‘Hounds will be this season. She was ten seconds behind last year at Brebeuf. 
 
Jasmine Al-Anzi, Franklin Central 
Last year’s second-best freshman at the state meet was not in attendance at Brebeuf. The Carmel duo and Franklin Central 1-2 punch should make for an interesting individual battle. 
 
Dani Sullivan, Franklin Central 
Questions of Sullivan’s ability on grass after a fabulous fourth-place finish in the 3200 track finals should be answered early against some of the best runners in Indiana. 
 
Makayla Schultheis, Fishers 
The Tiger sophomore was one of two surprise freshman in the top ten last season. A returning All-Stater, Schultheis could challenge the Carmel runners up front. 
 
Brooke Morgan, Hamilton Southeastern 
Morgan broke 20 minutes in her first high school race last year at Brebeuf, finishing ten seconds behind cross-town rival Schultheis and ahead of some All-Staters. 
 
Molly Winters, Brebeuf 
This All-State senior will have a home course advantage and should improve on last year’s 13th place finish. 
 
Mary Davis, Indianapolis Chatard 
Davis could repeat as Brebeuf champion, though her victory last year came in the junior varsity race.