As the 2023 Arkansas High School cross country season creeps closer, the team at MileSplit Arkansas is preparing for the fall by providing preseason coverage across the state's six divisions.
To kick things off, Division 1A takes the spotlight. There is not much turnover at the top as several of the top boys and girls athletes from last year return in 2023.
BOYS
Isaac Pohlmeier enters the fall looking to defend his state championship from last season. Pohlmeier is the fastest returner in Division 1A, owning a personal best of 17:00, which he set at the Lions Thrive Invitational.
The junior is a five-time state champion across cross country and outdoor track and appears to be a clear favorite to add to that total over the next academic year.
Grant Hanberg finished second behind Pohlmeier in the 1,600m and 3,200m races at this spring's Arkansas 1A State Track & Field State Championship meet, but with another year of experience under his belt, this season could be his breakout campaign.
The junior owns a personal best of 18:38, which he set at last season's state meet, finishing fifth, which proves he can mix it up with the best in Division 1A.
Peyton Jones finished second at the state meet last fall and is another candidate to knock Pohlmeier off the peak of the division.
With a personal best of 17:57 at the state meet his freshman year to go along with his impressive runner-up finish in the 800m, the junior from Scranton is sure to be in the mix come November.
GIRLS
When hasn't Peyton Macejewski been the star of Division 1A?
The senior from Mount Ida enters her final season, looking to add to her incredible 12 state titles, which includes four from this spring's state track meet.
Macejewski set a personal best of 21:17.32 at last year's state meet and has improved upon her speed since, winning a state title in the 400m, making her a threat during all 3.1 miles of a race.
While Macejewski appears to be the favorite in Division 1A, Clare Pohlmeier looks to be closing in on one the state's most decorated athletes.
The sister of Isaac Pohlmeier quickly made a name for herself last season, racing to three runner-up finishes last academic season in the 1,600m, 3,200m, and cross country.
The sophomore enters this season with a personal best of 21:37.42 and lots of room to grow. Although Macejewski holds a 3-0 head to head record against Pohlmeier, with another spring and summer under her belt, the rising star from Ozark Catholic is a legitimate threat to Macejewski's reign atop of the division in 2023.