Another Nauman-Merrick duel awaits at the MVC Super meet

CEDAR RAPIDS — They have run three highly competitive races this fall. Both have broken the 15-minute barrier.

What will Quentin Nauman and Jaden Merrick do next?

The two highly talented juniors — Nauman, from Western Dubuque; Merrick, from Cedar Falls — meet again Thursday at the Mississippi Valley Conference cross country championships at Seminole Valley Park.

Competition begins at 3:45 p.m., with the varsity races at 4:50 (girls) and 5:20 (boys).

Thursday’s forecast is for 81 degrees, sunny with light winds.

In their first three encounters, Nauman won two in an average time of 15:13. Merrick averaged 15:16 in those three races, winning the most recent duel at Dubuque in 14:45.

This race could be of the sub-15 varsity, as well. Seminole is a straight, flat, fast course.

Nauman is ranked No. 1 in Class 3A; Merrick is No. 2 in 4A.

Keegan Decker of Iowa City Liberty, Moustafa Tiea of Iowa City West and Slader Buckheister of Cedar Rapids Kennedy should lead the chase group.

Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids Prairie and Iowa City High are expected to battle for the boys’ team title; Cedar Falls and City High are the top girls’ contenders.

Charlee Gall, a freshman from Cedar Falls, is the top-ranked 4A girl while Waterloo West junior Nakia Olivierre — last year’s MVC runner-up — is No. 2.

Other top girls include Emma Chesterman of Dubuque Senior, Abigail Burns of City High and Evie Henneberry of Dubuque Hempstead.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com