Gregory to Be Colorado's Sole Representative at FLN

 

Lauren Gregory revives Colorado's tradition of representation at Foot Locker Nationals with a second-place finish at today's Midwest regional. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.

You couldn't miss it. When Lauren Gregory left the awards podium at Nike Cross Regionals - Southwest, her gaze was set on Foot Locker Nationals. Gregory burned the bridge to NXN almost as soon as she crossed the finish line in second. And that meant all her hope lay in the direction of Foot Locker.

Today, she brought those hopes to fruition, grabbing another second at Foot Locker Midwest. Though a full 30 seconds behind FLMW winner Anna Rohrer at 17:27, Gregory finished solidly in second, thus qualifying for Foot Locker Nationals on December 13. In so doing, Gregory will be Colorado's last cross country runner standing in 2014.

Barely missing a trip to San Diego of her own was Denver North sophomore Kayla Young, who finished 12th in 17:59. A little further back still was Tabor Scholl in 21st at 18:19.

For the boys, it really wasn't even close. After a scintillating series of runs at Liberty Bell, Rim Rock, and regionals, Alhamra's hot rod began running on fumes. The fumes got him to 20th place at 15:47 today, a full 29 seconds behind what it would have taken to advance to San Diego in two weeks. 

Joseph Krafsur was Colorado's next male finisher at 54th in 16:13.

Meet Results, Photos, and Video