Men’s Race
Beta Theta Pi looks to regain the crown after last year’s victory in the Little 5 criterium event. However, many houses are looking to dethrone the king. Delta Upsilon has its eyes locked on the top prize as they have been in contention year in and year out. The dark horse in fact may be Phi Kappa Psi as Jack Gruber, Freddie Sprunger and Joe Zanca look to be the Cinderella story circling the campus this weekend. It is the first time in nearly a decade Phi Psi has contestants competing in Little 5.
As for the individual winner, my eyes are locked on first-year phenom Joe Zanca. Zanca has the capability to make a large impact in this year's race. It will be interesting to see if he can translate his hard work preparing for this event into a first place finish. All eyes will be focused on the youngster as he looks to find his name at the top of the leaderboard.
Men’s Team: Phi Kappa Psi
Men’s Individual: Joe Zanca, Phi Kappa Psi
Women’s Race
The women’s field is going to be competitive to the very finish, with multiple houses having the capability of taking home the top prize. Alpha Phi and Alpha Chi Omega have the necessary depth to earn the title “champion.” Look out for Pi Beta Phi as they very well could make a splash in this year’s competition.
As for the individual winner, I am going with the veteran in the field. Look for Kappa Alpha Theta’s Annaliese Walkes to etch her name into the history books. The combination of experience and skill will be a tough matchup for opposing riders.
Women’s Team: Alpha Phi
Women’s Individual: Annaliese Walkes, Kappa Alpha Theta