I first began writing for Milesplit in November of 2020 for Milesplit Ohio. It was then that the crew up North began their annual state meet predictions, picking a winner for each individual and team race.
Ever since, I knew if I could, I would do the same.
Our crew at Milesplit Arkansas is just starting to grow, but this year, our crew is excited to share our picks with you!
Joining me on our predictions panel is Jonathan Heath, a photographer for Milesplit Arkansas, and Ky Bickford, a 5x Arkansas State Champion who currently runs for the University of Central Arkansas!
Before you explore our predictions, here are a few disclaimers:
*While we referenced state individual and team rankings, none of that seems to matter on race day - especially at the state meet.
*This exercise is meant purely for fun. We are just three individuals who have followed the Arkansas HS season closely and enjoy creating exciting dialogue for the state of Arkansas.
*We do not anticipate running the table and going 24-24 nor are we rooting for any specific individuals or teams to win on Thursday and Friday.
As teams begin their trip to Hot Springs over the next three days, everybody at Milesplit Arkansas wishes all runners, coaches, parents, and fans safe travels and we hope every individual performing performs to the best of their abilities and we will be eagerly awaiting to see how it unfolds.
With all that out of the way, we unveil to you our selections for the 2023 Arkansas Cross Country State Championships.
...
Individual Champions - Thursday
| Milesplit AR - Panel Predictions | 6A Girls | 6A Boys | 5A Girls | 5A Boys | 4A Girls | 4A Boys |
| Gavin Frick - Milesplt AR Contributor | Haley Loewe | Matthew Shelly | Brooklyn Nicholson | Joseph Bariola | Maddie Cabana | Tian Grant |
| Jonathan Heath - Milesplit AR Photographer | Haley Loewe | Eli Seavey | Audrey Herrell | Joseph Bariola | Julia Whorton | Tian Grant |
| Ky Bickford - Guest Picker | Haley Loewe | Matthew Shelly | Aubrey Minton | Joseph Bariola | Rylee Raines | Tian Grant |
Team Champions - Thursday
| Milesplit AR - Panel Predictions | 6A Girls | 6A Boys | 5A Girls | 5A Boys | 4A Girls | 4A Boys |
| Gavin Frick - Milesplt AR Contributor | Rogers | Bentonville | Russellville | Mountain Home | Gravette | Pottsville |
| Jonathan Heath - Milesplit AR Photographer | Bentonville | Bentonville | Lake Hamilton | Mountain Home | Gravette | Pea Ridge |
| Ky Bickford - Guest Picker | Bentonville | Bentonville | Russellville | Mountain Home | Gravette | Pea Ridge |
Individual Champions - Friday
| Milesplit AR - Panel Predictions | 3A Girls | 3A Boys | 2A Girls | 2A Boys | 1A Girls | 1A Boys |
| Gavin Frick - Milesplt AR Contributor | Zoe Williamson | Owen Shafer | Elizabeth Merritt | Jacen Heiner | Clare Pohlmeier | Isaac Pohlmeier |
| Jonathan Heath - Milesplit AR Photographer | Zoe Williamson | G'mar Britton | Bella Tedder | Ryan Barber | Clare Pohlmeier | Isaac Pohlmeier |
| Ky Bickford - Guest Picker | Zoe Williamson | Rocky Stone | Elizabeth Merritt | Ryan Barber | Clare Pohlmeier | Isaac Pohlmeier |
Team Champions - Friday
| Milesplit AR - Panel Predictions | 3A Girls | 3A Boys | 2A Girls | 2A Boys | 1A Girls | 1A Boys |
| Gavin Frick - Milesplt AR Contributor | Harding Academy | Green Forest | Quitman | Haas Hall Bentonville | Ozark Catholic | Ozark Catholic |
| Jonathan Heath - Milesplit AR Photographer | Episcopal Collegiate School | Green Forest | Quitman | Haas Hall Bentonville | Kingston | Ozark Catholic |
| Ky Bickford - Guest Picker | Harding Academy | Dover | Quitman | Haas Hall Bentonville | Ozark Catholic | Ozark Catholic |
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