Katelynne Hart dominated the IL cross country scene in her first year of competition. Can she do it on the track (Colin Boyle photo)
800 Meter Run
Jordan Grant (OH), Jenna Diers (IL), and Emma Kuntz (KY - duPont Manual), Stephanie Pierce (OH), and Megan Worrel (MI) all come in with times under 2:15. They will chase the field house record of 2:08.84 from 2011. If any of them can break 2:11.80 they will place themselves as the #2 US time this indoor season (only behind Sammy Watson's ridiculously fast 2:01.78). There are a handful of other Kentucky ladies in the middle of the group running that can set nice early season times with a good race.
One Mile Run
The girls distance races might be Kentucky's best chance to show out. In the one mile run, Ellie Brush (OH) comes in with the best seed time, but Alena Sapienza-Wright (KY - duPont Manual), Katelynne Hart (IL), and Maddie Walker (OH) are all within three second of Ellie. This race looks like it will come down to who has the best kick. With multiple state champs in the race, they know how to win and each will look to solidify their position.
Two Mile Run
The Kentucky distance queen will break out for the two mile run when Michaela Reinhart (KY - Lexington Catholic) takes on the field. The two time KY Gatorade Runner of the Year and Duke signee will take on Katelynne Hart (IL) and Sarah Michels (KY - Assumption). These three are 8 second clear of the field. This will pit the experience of the senior Reinhart against the youth of the freshman Hart. They will all look to set the field house record which was set in 2014 by Annie Heffernan at 10:46.32. If these ladies duke (see what I did there...) it out then the record will fall!