2017 Independent League XC Preview

Independent League (10/28)

1. GFS

2. Malvern Prep

1	Elias Lindgren	Sr	Episcopal
2	Jeffrey Love	Jr	George School
3	Peter Borger	Sr	Malvern Prep
4	Colin Riley	Sr	GFS
5	Zach Goldberg	Sr	GFS
6	Colin Hess	Fr	Malvern Prep
7	Will Merhige	Sr	The Haverford School
8	Ryan O'Donnell	Sr	Westtown
9	Tim Peterson	Sr	GFS
10	Tucker Dunn	Jr	The Hill School
11	Alexander Blaylock	Sr	GFS
12	Matt Sandifer	So	Germantown Academy
13	John Powers	Sr	Malvern Prep
14	Miles Gomez-Younkin	Jr	GFS
15	Zach Brill	8	Malvern Prep
16	Carson Fischer	Jr	Episcopal

In the most under covered state championship in the business, the boys from the Independent League will take to Belmont Plateau for a chance at a state gold. Individually, it’s expected to be a tight three way battle for the #1 spot. Elias Lindgren, Jeffrey Love and Peter Borger have been circling each other all season. Lindgren has looked the best so far, picking up a signature win at Briarwood on his state course. His only small hiccup was DELCOs, otherwise Lindgren has backed up his preseason expectations. However, Borger and Love have a better proven championship track record. Love is actually the top returner, having taken a strong silver behind Nick Dahl last year. I think any of the three could win, but ultimately I think Lindgren is the most talented and most ready to shine.

In the team battle, GFS is starting to peak at the right time. They produced an impressive pack running result at Paul Short and then rolled through the Friends League. Colin Riley is starting to find his form just as championship season gets underway. Zach Goldberg has the potential to run right with him (or in front of him) and Alexander Blaylock is emerging as a star. I think the defending champs keep their hold on the #1 spot.

Malvern Prep seems like their most likely challengers. Peter Borger gives them a front running presence and the super talented Colin Hess (just a freshman) is a wildcard who could break into the top 5. The question for them will be the depth. Can they match GFS’s pack and pull off the upset?