GXC RANKINGS: Carmel, Carroll, W. Laf., Westfield, CG top IR poll

The Indiana Runner has released its preseason Top 25 for the 2012 Indiana high school girls cross country campaign, and leading the way from the top is two-time defending state champion Carmel.

The Greyhounds, who own a state-record 13 crowns overall, pace a first five of Carroll (Fort Wayne), West Lafayette, Westfield, and Center Grove. Two-time defending runner-up Columbus North starts sixth, with the Top 10 filled out by Terre Haute North, Hamilton Southeastern, Northridge, and Avon.

The IR preseason Top 25:

1. Carmel
2. Carroll (Fort Wayne)
3. West Lafayette
4. Westfield
5. Center Grove
6. Columbus North
7. Terre Haute North
8. Hamilton Southeastern
9. Northridge
10. Avon
11. Valparaiso
12. Eastern (Greentown)
13. Penn
14. Noblesville
15. Bloomington South
16. Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran
17. Huntington North
18. Franklin Central
19. Crown Point
20. Chesterton
21. Terre Haute South
22. Fishers
23. Zionsville
24. Lake Central
25. New Prairie