Which schools have done the best job at progressing from year to year? We measured it, and the results are inside!
Countdown to XC Top 30 lists and links to all team profiles in the 64-article series.
The Wolfpack did lose three seniors off of their second-best squad in school history, but they return a deep pool of talent. Will it all come together again?
The Panthers were uncommonly young while winning the Division 2 title last year, and if they can shore up their depth they could be even better this fall.
Bad news for anyone hoping last year's close call at the state meet meant that the Wolfpack was vulnerable: this year's team is likely to be much better.
The Centurions are loaded with returning talent, and could be poised to make an epic two-year run.
The Wolfpack has an extremely deep and tightly-spaced pack with enough talent to keep them in contention in 2019.
The Bears could be even better in 2019 despite the loss of stellar graduate Meagen Lowe, and Corie Smith is a big part of the reason why.
The Gaels can reload as well as almost any program in California, as evidenced by deep, strong team track results.
The Troubadours' one flaw in returning XC rankings - a gap after their top 2 runners - is already well on the way to being fixed according to their spring results.
The Pumas have a deep and talented team returning, with a three-headed lead group that will be hard to beat.
The Comanches return three powerhouse front-runners and excellent depth, and they should contend in Division 2 this fall.
The Cubs graduated more talent than anyone else in California and they annual confound our statistical analysis - yet year after year, they are right back in the thick of things.
The Bulldogs are the defending Division 4 champs and should be heavy favorites to repeat.
The Bells have a core of four rising juniors that are ready to contend in 2019, and could be even better in 2020/
The Wolfpack has some holes to fill after graduating four of their top 7, but they also have a 3-year title streak and arguably the best year-round development of any team in the state.
The Dolphins always have talent in the pipeline, like developing star Carrick Denker. What's different about this team is the lack of seniors behind him.
The Chargers have a strong rising senior class, very good depth, and evidence of year-round progress - all the hallmarks of a contender.
With 6 of 7 returning for a veteran squad that improved significantly the last two years, this could be the season for the Titans to break through.
The Mustangs lost a lot to graduation, but they have a star in the making and a strong core of rising seniors to keep them from stepping back too much.
The Bulldogs had a frustrating end to their 2018 season, but they have 12 of their top 14 returning and showed excellent progress in the spring.
The Broncos lost a lot to graduation and consequently need to develop depth. They are still VERY strong up front, though, and could be in the top 5 in Division 1 again.
The Wolves are my sleeper candidate to make the state meet from the Southern Section Division 1 race, which by default makes them a top 10 team at the state meet.
The Mavericks have lost a ton of talent to graduation the last two years, and yet their history says they will be right back in the thick of things come November.
The Warriors graduated 5 of their 2018 top 7 and moved up from D3 to D2 - and they're still contenders. A timely transfer and strong year-round training are the key.
The Sea Kings have been in the top 4 of Division 3 for 5 straight years, but typically they take a small step back after being in the top 2. Maybe not this year...
The Lancers lost a LOT to graduation, but they have enough in the pipeline to be back in contention in the CCS. Can they stay in the top 5 at the state meet?
The Highlanders already had a solid returning team, and they showed clear progress during the spring.
The Broncos have nearly all the features of a top 5 team in Division 1, with one exception.
The Titans have a deep, solid top 7 that could threaten for a top 5 spot in Division 2 this year.