Want to know how to win NTN? Ask those who’ve done it.

by Dave Devine, DyeStat Assistant Editor
with Sean McNamara, Amanda Griggs and Kyle Dawson

For most of the teams descending on Portland, Oregon, this week for the 4th annual Nike Team Nationals, the event will be unlike any cross country meet they’ve ever attended. Not only is the race course a European-style looped layout created in the center of a horse track, with obstacles like hay bales and camelback hills that most teams have never encountered, the weekend itself is packed with a head-spinning blend of activities, opportunities and social events that can be either delightful or distracting, depending on your perspective. While some squads might find themselves derailed by expectations, and others might maneuver through the commotion to claim a podium finish, no team makes the journey without harboring at least a measure of hope that they can win it all.

In an effort to figure out what that takes, we contacted a trio of high school graduates who’ve been there before. Three talented harriers—all now competing in college—who helped elevate their clubs to the apex of high school team running.

Want to know how to win NTN?