Picking the top cross-country teams in the state before the season begins is never easy. A lot can happen over the course of three months. Athletes can experience breakthrough seasons, newcomers can emerge as key contributors, and, of course, injuries to important runners can quickly change the outlook for a team.
But we’ll do our best to set the stage for what we expect will be another exciting season on the trails. For some of the state’s top teams, the outlook appears fairly straightforward if everything goes according to plan. For others, however, the picture is far less clear, and where they’ll ultimately finish by season’s end remains anyone’s guess.
Beginning with No. 10 and counting down to No. 1, here’s our preseason ranking of the top 10 girls’ teams in the state. As always, if we’ve given your team a little bulletin-board material based on our rankings, you’re welcome. It certainly won’t be the first time.
(Above photo by Sterling Vernon @rhodeandtrack)
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No. 8, Classical High
Last year’s results: Sixth (4-5), Suburban Division Championships: Sixth, Class A Championships; 15th, RIIL State Championships
Key returnees: Classical has most of its runners returning this fall, losing just one to graduation. With the final three spots in our Top 10 rankings wide open and several teams in the mix, we’re giving the Purple a big boost this year thanks to all those familiar faces back in the lineup.
The No. 1 harrier for Classical is the same one as the last two years, with Hughes returning for her junior campaign. She was 19th at last year’s Class A meet and 27th at the State Meet, where she ran a season-best 20:15.65. She ran a best of 19:51.57 at Ponaganset at the state meet her freshman year in 2024. Howlett is a solid No. 2, with a best of just over 21 minutes last year.
Fisler should make an impact. She didn’t compete at the State Meet, but finished the season with the team’s third-fastest 5K time of 22:13.0. Classical has a chance to have at least five or six runners under 23 minutes, which could go a long way at the State Meet.
