Division 1 is tough, and getting out of the Southern Section in that division is even more so. A team needs more than one strength to accomplish that goal, and that's why I think El Toro is shaping up for a repeat state meet appearance. Last year's Chargers finished 10th in Division 1 behind star front-runner Hannah Tobin, but they also had youth (2 sophomores and 2 freshmen that competed at the state meet). That kind of high-level experience and leadership can set the tone for a program for years to come! As far as this countdown goes, this squad has one more advantage: solid team track times that seem to indicate improved depth going into the summer. One other piece of information I gleaned from the spring season - Ashley Messineo is on her way to stepping into Tobin's shoes after clocking 4:56 and 10:59, right on par with her graduated teammate's junior marks. I'm not sure that the 2017 El Toro squad will be better than the 2016 Chargers were, but it's possible, and I don't think they'll take a step back at all.
2017 Returning Stats:
- 5K Ranking: 41st
- 3 Mile Ranking: 20th
- 3-Year 3 Mile Improvement Rating: 17th
- 5-Year 3 Mile Improvement Rating: 23rd
- Team 1600 Ranking: 19th
- Team 3200 Ranking: 25th