The defending North Dakota State AA Champions, Yankton, lead the way in the pre-season state cross country rankings. Returning 5 of 7 look for Yankton to repeat as state champions and challenge for an NXN Heartland Region Championship.
Boys Pre-Season XC Rankings (8/17/2009)
1. Yankton
2. Sioux Falls Roosevelt
3. Sioux Falls Washington
4. Rapid City Stevens
5. Cheyenne-Eagle Butte
On the girls side, after finishing second last year to Sioux Falls Roosevelt the Aberdeen Central girls look to have the upperhand. Largely due to the return of the top six varsity scorers. Sioux Falls Roosevelt is always tough but the loss of senior Erin Hargens may too much to overcome if they wish to repeat as state champions.
Girls Pre-Season XC Rankings (8/17/2009)
1. Aberdeen Central
2. Sioux Falls Roosevelt
3. Yankton
4. Chamberlain
5. Kadoka