This year's Elks Invitational will be a great show once again. Bismarck, ND looks like they won't be returning,
as they have the Roy Griak Invitational on their list of meets this season. However, Cheyenne Central and Campbell Co. of
Wyoming schedule this meet as well as the South Dakota Powerhouse, Rapid City Stevens along with scores of other top
notch teams and individuals. If the Sheridan girls attend the meet, additional competition will be waged in the girl's
team race.
This meet is always a good measuring stick as to the fitness of athletes heading into the final stages of training and
racing before the State Cross Country Championships, just weeks away.
On the individual scence, Dominick Robinson of Campbell Co. (Gillette) is the hands-down favorite in the boy's race.
Robinson dominated the Northern Hills Invitational earlier this season and is the #23 ranked cross country runner in the nation
according to Dyestat.com. Other contenders will be Riley Coates, the sophomore from RC Stevens, has been running
exceptionally well and posted a 16:02 on the State XC meet course in Huron to grab 3rd place at the Huron Invite on Saturday.
Andy Coy of Hill City was runner-up at the Augustana Meet of Champions two weeks ago and won the Custer Invitational
last week. Damien Schuster of Sturgis ran 16:19 in Huron on Saturday and was a top placer at this meet a year
ago and should be in or near the Top 10. RC Stevens has potential Top 10 finishers in Tomas Kjerengtroen and Nathan
Richardson. Casey Coates (Douglas) and Jared Hicks (Spearfish) ran sub 17 at the Huron Meet and could have another
great day in Rapid City.
On the girl's side, Madeline Takahashi of Sturgis looks to be among the favorites to win and teammate Tara Potts will
be in the top-10 mix. RC Stevens and Douglas have top runners in Annie Pfiefle and Sarah Coomes. Douglas boasts two
top-flight athletes in Bailey Eich and Makala Diggs. Custer's Karly Konkol could also crack the top 10. The Wyoming schools
will surely bring in a handful of top girls.
Of course, there will be suprise teams and individuals at the meet so be sure to attend the events, which begin at 3:00
p.m.
