Boys Countdown to XC Day 20: Amador Valley

The 2018 season ended in the most frustrating way possible for Amador Valley's boys, as they missed out on a state meet spot by a mere 1 point under difficult conditions at an NCS finals that would be called off soon after their race due to smoke from the NorCal fires. The Dons also lost their #1 runner to graduation, but that was the only senior in their top 9 last year, which makes for a deep returning bunch. That won't be the case in 2019, though, as Amador Valley could have as many as 5 seniors on their varsity squad, which should add both leadership and a sense of urgency. Aidan McCarthy may be ready to step up as the new #1 runner (or at a minimum to share the role with Jack Gray) after clocking 4:21 on the track, leading two other Dons under 4:30 and a total of 5 at 4:37 or better. If this team can close its 6 & 7 up to the front 5, that state meet berth could be there, along with a potential top 10 finish in Clovis.