Girls #CountdownToXC Day 19: Moorpark



Today the spotlight falls on one of my highest-rated "sleeper" teams for the upcoming fall. In the first season after superstar Michelle Magnani graduated, Moorpark still managed to make it to the state meet and finish 9th in Division 3 - the same as the year before. They did so with one senior and one junior in their top 7, which means the Musketeers might not peak until 2018 (they will still have at least 5 top runners back from this year's squad.) In my experience, though, a team like this often hits its stride the year after getting state meet experience. With a two-girl front-running pair in Nevaeh Walla and Valerie Tobias backed by a front 5 separated by just over a minute, the potential is there for a very strong top 5. Depth is the main question that needs to be addressed over the summer, and could be the only thing that holds back the Musketeers this fall. If Moorpark stays healthy, watch for at least a top 5 finish in D3.


2017 Returning Stats:


  • 5K Ranking: 26th
  • 3 Mile Ranking: 24th