Wow.... Wow.... Wow, the 2023 Trinity Valkyrie is set up to be the fastest race in the State of Kentucky this season. The one seed in the field is Luke Mussard from Dobyns Bennett High School in Tennessee. Mussard placed 6th at the Tennessee State Championship last season, however, he still comes into Trinity with the fastest PB at 14:54. Mussard will assuredly be in the lead group throughout most of the race.

The second fastest seed belongs to Brayden Marshall for Winfield. The West Virginia prospect is ranked on the Milesplit 50 for Cross Country and won the 2022 West Virginia State Championship last season in Cross Country and also won both the 1600m and 3200m State Championships during track season. Marshall currently owns the fastest Season's best in the field at 14:56. Marshall has broken the 15 minute barrier in both of his races this season. 

The third fastest seed time belongs to Luke Snyder of Rittman. The Ohio athlete placed 2nd at the Ohio State Championships last season. Only a Sophomore, Snyder is showcasing his ability to improve early as he has Pr'd in every race this season. His 15:02 is the second fastest season's best in the field and if his improvement continues, the 15 minute barrier will assuredly be broken. 

The fourth fastest seed time belongs to Kentucky's own Riku Sugie. Sugie, from Thomas Nelson, has dominated the Kentucky Cross Country scene since his teammate Lane Hoyes left for Appalachian State. Sugie is the defending State Champion in Cross Country and the 1600m and 3200m. His proficiency and dominance over the state has only continued as he is undefeated this cross country season including a personal best time of 15:04. Sugie has yet to face a significant challenge this season, so it's exciting to think about what he will do Saturday when he is put under pressure. 

Finally, our fifth fastest seed belongs to Floyd Central's Will Conway. Conway is the State of Indiana's pride and joy on the Cross Country where he is undefeated this season. Like Sugie, the Tennessee commit has yet to face real competition this season. Last year, Conway finished 3rd at the Trinity Valkyrie Invitational. As the number one returner, Conway should have a tactical advantage over most of the field which could lend to a victory Saturday. 

Other notable Kentucky athletes in the field include:

Tiger Bartlett, Senior, Ryle

Will Sheets, Junior, Covington Catholic

Adam Patel, Senior, North Oldham

Eli Oetken, Junior, Trinity (Louisville)

Who will win in this battle of titans and state supremacy? How many will go under 15:00? Find out the KY Milesplit teams predictions on the podcast Friday!!!