News Release: September 28, 2005
The Franklin County Invitational will feature a tri-state championship with #1 Cincinnati Lasalle (Ohio) (#4 in the country), #1 Cabell-Midland (W.Va.) and #1 St. Xavier (Ky) going head to head. Lasalle finished 4th at the Great American XC Classic in North Carolina. Over 1500 athletes from 75 schools will compete Saturday. Ron Duncan(#1 AA) of Fleming County and Nathan Liversedge(#2 AA) will try to stir up the mix with the big boys. Ten of the top twelve in AAA will go head to head. South Oldham's Daniel Murner won the state AA meet last year and now may be a factor in AAA coming off an impressive win on his home course last week. West Virginia #3 Cabell-Midland along with Seton (Ohio), Louisville Eastern, Warren East, Rockcastle County and defending A state champs St. Henry should contend for the girls' team title. Kristen Miller of South Oldham comes off a convincing with at the Dragon Invitational while John Hardin's Maggie Mattingly(Greater Louisville Classic champion), Ballard's Helen Hagg, and Woodford's Kim Grieshaber should contend, and Danville's Kaetlin Snapp(#2 A), Green County's Raegan Deaton(#3 A ) and defending A champ Jenna Siemer (#1 A) of St. Henry should wage a preview of the state meet in the midst of the AA & AAA runners. Varsity races start at 11:30.
Over 800 athletes from 32 schools will compete at Big Bone Lick State Park in the Walton-Verona Invitational. Conner boys coming off a big win at the Greater Louisville XC Classic will expect a battle with Highlands boys (#2 AA). Highlands and Lloyd girls, #1 & 2 in AA, highlight the girls division. Sondra Nieporte of Lloyd is the favorite while Griffin Austin and Brian Mirrielees of Highlands should rule the boys.
Boyle County boys & girls are favored in the 20 team Nelson County Hillbilly Run at Hillbilly Heaven in Bardstown. Boyle's girls come off a Central Kentucky Conference win at Masterson Station Park Tuesday.
Paducah Tilghman hosts the best of the far west in the Tilghman Invitational while the Apollo Invitational features the best of the Owensboro area including Owensboro Catholic #1 AA boys and rapidly improving Daviess County. Taylor Crawford of Owensboro is the favorite in the girls race. Atherton hosts the Rebel Invitational in Louisville.