This week, we will take a look at Division 4A, which returns a healthy group of runners that will all be chasing their first state championship.
Averie Dunn
Not many high school distance runners in Arkansas have accumulated as much competitive racing experience in the past year as Averie Dunn.
Since finishing 5th at last fall's cross country state meet, Dunn has competed at a variety of high-profile meets including the Garmin RunningLane Cross Country Championships, Texas Distance Festival 5K, 4A State Championship, and various indoor meets.
This experience could be the key to Dunn taking the next step in her high school running career.
Dunn showed tremendous consistency in her sophomore season last year, keeping her time between 20:00 and 21:00 in ten of her thirteen races. The Huntsville star has since improved on her 5K time, running a 19:59.63 this spring in Southlake, Texas at the prestigious Texas Distance Festival.
Coming off two top 8 finishes at the state track meet this spring, Dunn has positioned herself for a big season on the grass this fall and could be the next big thing in 4A.
James Orndorff
As a runner, all you can hope for is steady progression, year-over-year. James Orndorff has accomplished just that.
After kicking off his season with an 18:44.24 at the Shiloh Saints Invitational and a 19:09.40 at the Seneca Cross Country Invitational, Orndorff found his groove, finishing the season with five performances under the 18-minute mark.
Orndorff continued his consistent ways this spring, running three new personal bests on the track in all three distance events, which should again translate to his performance during cross country season given he will have an additional summer of training under his belt.
With a lot of turnover in the 4A boys division, the rising senior from Gravette has an opportunity to cap off his high school career, competing against the best and perhaps for a state title.
Wade Harris
Speaking of consistency, Wade Harris from Heber Springs has been one of the most consistent runners across 4A over the past few years.
Since the start of the 2022 academic year, Harris has run a personal best in every event he has run in, including cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track.
Harris qualified for the 4A State Championship this spring in all three distance events and finished as high as 7th in the 1,600m.
There is no doubt now that the rising junior has gotten a taste of the highest level of competition in 4A, Harris is ready to break out in a big way and compete with a crowded 4A boys division.