By Rich Gonzalez
Editor, DyeStatCal/ESPNHS
          (ARCADIA, Calif.) -- Let the squabbling begin!
          Less than two weeks before the official start of the high school cross-country season in certain pockets of the nation, respected longtime running scribe Marc Bloom has released his widely read preseason rankings in The Harrier magazine.
          If you're one who puts high stock in national rankings, then Bloom's initial assessment of the cross-country season portends to be great news for California fans. The preseason Top 25 list contains a grand total of eight Golden State teams -- four from each gender. Seven Southern Section schools made the list as well as one from the San Diego Section.
          On the boys side, it's no surprise that Arcadia and Trabuco Hills are highly ranked, with the squads listed second and third, respectively, on the just-released list. On paper, both return the bulk from last year's squads and are pegged to have breakout years and could contend for the Nike Cross Nationals title in Portland come December. Columbus North of Indiana holds down the top spot.
          Loyola, a veteran crew which returns nearly everyone from a young 2009 crew that seemed to be a year away at the time, and defending Division I state champion Dana Hills also made the list; Loyola checks in at Number 14 while Dana Hills is 21st.
          On the girls side, national superpower Saugus, which is seeking its fifth consecutive California state title, is ranked third nationally behind New York-based distance juggernauts Fayetteville-Manlius and Saratoga Springs. Great Oak, which narrowly lost to Torrey Pines in a thrilling California Division I title affair last fair, is ranked 7th nationally while Torrey Pines is 12th. Mira Costa, which kept the pressure on Saugus in Division II postseason action last year, is ranked 16th.

Wish to subscribe to The Harrier? You can do so here!