With the cross country season kicking off over the next two weeks, we're tackling ten burning questions heading into the 2012 campaign. These questions cover both the high school and college levels. Check back each day as we provide some answers to the questions.

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For the first time in many years, an American male may not challenge for a top five finish come the NCAA Championships in November.  After last year’s strong showing from Americans Chris Derrick, Luke Puskedra, Richard Medina, Colby Lowe, German Fernandez and Ryan Hill, all finishing in the top 12, this year it’ll be a challenge to not only have that many Americans challenging for a top 12 finish, but even more challenging for an American to place top five.

Returnees Lawi Lalang (Arizona), Mohammed Ahmed (Wisconsin), Henry Lelei (Texas A&M) and Paul Chelimo (UNC-Greensboro) are the four returning favorites, along with Lalang's teammate Stephen Sambu. After that the field opens up a bit, but with international runners like David Forrester (Florida State) and Callum Hawkins (Butler) challenging for top five, it remains tough for the Americans.

With all of that said, Andrew Colley (North Carolina State) is the top American returnee, coming off his 15^th place finish last year. If healthy, Colley should be right up there challenging for a top five finish, along with fellow Americans Trevor Dunbar (Oregon), Bill Kogel (Oklahoma), Reed Connor (Wisconsin) and Andrew Bayer (Indiana). The BYU duo of Jared Ward and Rex Shields should challenge, too.

It’s time for a new crop of American distance runners to climb the NCAA ranks and show they can challenge for NCAA titles. The Galen Rupp and Chris Derrick years are over. Who will rise to the challenge? Will any American be able to break into the top three at this year’s championship? It remains to be seen.

Who do you think will be the top American finisher?