D3 Previews

Ma.Milesplit.com does a tremendous job of reporting Cross Country and Track and Field in the State and is a valuable tool for coaches as well as a good read.  But previews and predictions are subjective at best.  So after reading yesterday's Boys preview, which had Hingham High as a front-runner for the D3 Crown along with Concord-Carlisle, and today's Girls preview which indicates Plymouth North just might be ready to knock off Bishop Feehan in D3, I'll add my own subjectivity. 

Ma. Milesplit can't always be correct.  But the following excerpt from today's preview is a clear indication it can't always be wrong . . .

DIVISION 3

TOP COMPETITORS:

Samantha Coletti

Senior / Whitman Hanson Regional High School

If Samantha Coletti, a senior at Whitman Hanson, has a senior year of running anything like her junior year, she will have left a lasting mark on the Eastern Mass. D3 cross country books. Coming into the 2015 season as the heavy favorite for an individual title, Coletti should be disappointed with anything but the win. In 2014, Coletti won States pretty handily in 18:18, 10 seconds ahead of the 2nd-place finisher, Costantino of Notre Dame. At All-States, where many D3 qualifiers find themselves overwhelmed by the D1 and D2 competition, Coletti held it together and finished 16th.

What sets Coletti apart from her peers is her excellent track speed--the kind of speed that undoubtedly gives her an edge on fast courses like the one at Wrentham. She has notably focused more on the mid-distance/distance end of events, running the 1000, 800 or mile at most meets. In the 800, Coletti clocked 2:15 as a PB and 2:16 as a 2015 outdoor season's best. She also has strong performances under her belt in the 1000 and mile, running 2:54 and 5:02, respectively, as a junior. All in all, Coletti should repeat as the state champ and should be eyeing a top 15 finish when All-States rolls around.