World Cross Country Team:

Now that the USA Cross Country Championships are over, it will be interesting to see what the U.S. team will look like for the World Cross Country Championships. According to the selection procedures, the team is decided based on the order of finish at the USA Championships. Six athletes will be selected for the Junior Women's, Junior Men's and Open Women's teams. Nine athletes will make up the Open Men's team.

Based solely on the results, it looks like Elliot Heath, with his win in the Junior Men's race, and Jason Lehmkuhle, ninth in Open Men's race, will be the only Minnesotans on the team. However, word around the campfire is that many athletes in the open divisions are giving up their spots on the World team. This could open the door for Team USA Minnesota runners Katie McGregor (7th), Andrew Carlson (11th) and Matt Gabrielson (12th).

Athletes must state their intent to participate no later than February 15th. We will post an update as soon as more information becomes available.

Related: great video from the USA Championships.

Photos courtesy of Colleen Keller.