Blair Ptacek (SM-East, 6A) is the best example of how KS regional doesn't work. Comes from a stacked distance squad. Looking at the SM-North regional performance, he took 5th in both the 3200 (9.33.43) and 1600 (4.22.42) as was left home for state. His times would have easily put him in the upper half of the field for both events at the state meet. Would he have won the state championship? Likely no, but it left a senior, a top KS runner, and a DI athlete out of state 6A competition. Seems like some improvement could be made.
Blair Ptacek (SM-East, 6A) is the best example of how KS regional doesn't work. Comes from a stacked distance squad. Looking at the SM-North regional performance, he took 5th in both the 3200 (9.33.43) and 1600 (4.22.42) as was left home for state. His times would have easily put him in the upper half of the field for both events at the state meet. Would he have won the state championship? Likely no, but it left a senior, a top KS runner, and a DI athlete out of state 6A competition. Seems like some improvement could be made.