Region's best meet at Eagle Island for cross country regionals

The top high school cross country teams from seven states will compete for a trip to nationals at Saturday's Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) Northwest Regional at Eagle Island State Park.

Competition in lower divisions begins at 10 a.m. and the high school championship races are scheduled to get under way at 2:05 p.m.

Idaho has yet to produce a top-two team finish at regionals - the standard to automatically advance to nationals - but three local runners qualified as individuals a year ago.

Based on national and regional rankings, it appears local teams will again have a tough time advancing. However, a handful of local individuals should be in the running for a ticket to nationals Dec. 5 in Portland.

"You never know what's going to happen," Boise High coach Dave Mills said. "On the girls side, it would not be out of the realm of possibilities if we send a team to nationals."

Three Treasure Valley teams have high hopes entering the girls race - 5A state champion Boise, 4A state champion Bishop Kelly and 5A runner-up Mountain View. Running on their home course shouldn't hurt.

Third- and fourth-place teams will be considered for at-large berths after results from all nine regional meets are reported.

"I think BK stands the best chance," Mills said. "At the same time, in a 23-team meet, Mountain View has the girls up front and we could sneak in there for a spot, too. We're a long shot, but there's a chance."

Portland's Jesuit High is the favorite on the girls side, arriving in the Treasure Valley as the defending champion and ranked sixth nationally. The Crusaders won Oregon's 6A state championship last week by 55 points. Mills said Washington's Glacier Peak and Shadle Park also field strong teams.

The top five individuals not on a qualifying team also earn an invitation to nationals.

Local girls to watch are Eagle senior Liz Brandon (qualified in 2008 in eighth place), Boise junior Kate Jamboretz, Boise senior Michelle Hickerson and Bishop Kelly sophomore Emily Nist (ninth place in 2008).

On the boys side, the team race will likely come down to Ferris (Spokane), reigning national champion North Central (Spokane) and Jackson (Mill Creek, Wash.). Idaho's top teams don't appear to have the firepower to upset the three Washington teams ranked in the top 10 nationally.

Individually, expect to see Eric Fitzpatrick (11th place in 2008) and Lake City's Cody Helbling (fifth place in 2008) in the lead pack. Fitzpatrick edged Helbling for the 5A state title two weeks ago.