Expect a Wide Open Year in the Northern Section

Like the boys, the top female athletes in the section in 2018 were all seniors, which is somewhat unusual. The top 5 girls graduated, which leaves three returners who ran almost identical times at last year's section final. Grace Dudley (Foothill Palo Cedro) held the narrow advantage in that race and also led the section in the 1600 during the spring season, but she will have her hands full with a deep field of contenders for the 2019 crown. Sophie Sims leads a strong contingent of rising sophomores for Chico, while Grace Gaddy (University Prep) was the best runner from the section at the state meet. Watch for a breakout from her teammate, Serena Tate - she clocked 11:55 in the 3200 on the track to lead all Northern Section athletes.

By both 3 Mile and 5K team rankings, Chico is the favorite for the team title - but Foothill Palo Cedro definitely lurks within striking range. Chico will still be very young - Sims will be joined by three more fellow Class of 2022 runners in Chico's top 7 this fall, although there should also be a few seniors. Foothill has three seniors in Dudley, Rize Oliveira, and Emma Flynn that could propel the Cougars to the win. If Tate and Becca Gaido have improved as much as their 3200 times indicate, it's also possible that Division 4 University Prep could join the battle for the overall section title (and the Panthers could crack the top 10 at the state meet, as well).

Returning Northern Section Girls from the CIF State Meet