Girls 3200m Regional Rankings 

Note: These rankings are based on how we believe the event will play out at the regional meet, not on current times alone. We’ve also ranked athletes in the event(s) we believe they will actually contest. Some athletes may double or triple, which could impact their freshness for certain races.

1. Brooke Chapman: Making her third appearance in our top five, Chapman finds herself atop the rankings for the first time. The standout junior has the résumé to be a top contender in whatever events she chooses to contest. While we expect her to double in the 1600m and 3200m, meaning she’ll come into this race fatigued, we don’t believe that will be enough to stop her from claiming the regional title. Her elite closing speed—on full display throughout her career—will be a major asset if the race turns tactical.

2. Natalie Fouts: A postseason veteran, Jerome junior Natalie Fouts will be gunning to take down Chapman for the regional crown. Based on last year’s postseason strategy, we anticipate she’ll double in the 1600m and 3200m at districts but drop the 1600m at regionals to stay fresh for the 3200m. With that advantage, and many of her top competitors doubling back from the 1600m, Fouts should be right in the thick of the title race.

3. Elena Aldrink: This one might stir some debate—but for now, we have the reigning 3200m state champion ranked third. We expect Aldrink to contest the 1600m earlier in the meet, which may leave her a bit taxed. With the regional field as deep as it’s ever been—and one of the best runners in the country in Brooke Chapman also on the line—Aldrink will face a stiff challenge in her title defense. That said, with her championship experience, don’t be surprised to see her back atop the podium.

4. Katy Zang: The top performer from the cross country season makes her second appearance in our rankings, landing at No. 4. We believe she’ll attempt the 1600m/3200m double, but it wouldn’t be shocking if she drops the 1600m to go all-in here. Fresh or not, Zang is one of the region’s most dangerous distance runners and a legitimate threat to win both regional and state titles. The top four in this event are all elite, making it incredibly difficult to predict the final order.

5. Erica Kaulen: No girls distance list feels complete without a Hilliard Davidson Wildcat—and junior Erica Kaulen more than earns her spot. She’s had an outstanding season, clocking PRs in all three distance events in just three meets: 10:47 for 3200m at Wayne, 4:57 for 1600m at Wayne, and 2:19 for 800m at Dublin. Not only is she running fast, but she’s doing so against high-level competition, which gives her valuable experience heading into the postseason. Kaulen should be right in the mix for a state qualifying spot.

6. Ruby Lewis: Arguably the breakout athlete of the year, Ruby Lewis has had a phenomenal season. She dipped under 11:30 for the first time during indoor, finishing 10th at the state meet. Her outdoor season has been nothing short of a progression masterclass: 12:08 on April 3rd, 11:04 on April 18th, and a blistering 10:42 on May 2nd. The Lions junior currently ranks 5th in the region and will aim to help her team in the 4x8 on day one before challenging this loaded 3200m field for an individual state berth on day two.

7. Maggie Foust: A familiar name from our cross country rankings, Foust returns to the spotlight in the 3200m. While she’s currently ranked just 11th in the region, she’s trending upward. We believe her strong postseason experience from cross country will translate well to the track. While a regional title may be out of reach, Foust is a serious candidate for one of the at-large state qualifying spots.

8. Bella Conforti: Rounding out our top eight is Orange sophomore Bella Conforti. She currently ranks 6th in the region with a speedy 10:43 but is likely to contest the 1600m earlier in the day, which could leave her a bit worn out. Even with the potential fatigue, we expect her to be competitive and firmly in contention for a podium finish.

Honorable Mentions:

Grace Heitkamp

Harper Allen

Notable Athletes Not Considered (Due to Expected Event Focus or Team Entry Limits):

Minori Hudson (1600m and 800m)

Lucy Rush (800m)

Celia Schulte (Expected in 1600m and 800m; Davidson likely entering Kaulen and Gagliano/Pusateri)