Division 2:
Reading Sweeps the Field, Centaurus Dominates
When the boys Division 2 field toed the starting line, it was clear street was warmed up enough for prime racing.
Despite Niwot not running with a fully-loaded gun, junior Ares Reading still impressed. The trio of Reading, Cooper Brown, and Drew Seidel were clear of the field late in the race, and spectators eagerly waited to see their first sub-16 of the day.
Reading proved he was in another class in the final mile, easing away from Brown and Seidel for a 15:49 victory. Reading powered across the finish line with a smile on his face, indicating he likely had more in the tank.
Behind him, Brown held Seidel off, as they both dipped under 16. Both recorded a time of 15:57 with Brown taking second.
Brown's finish was vital to Centaurus in the team race, as he was the first of four to finish in the top-10. John O'Malley, Alex Hooten, and Kyle Piper gave Centaurus an unrivaled 1-2-3-4 punch, finishing fourth, sixth, and ninth, in addition to Brown's runner-up.
Capping off their team score was Henry Bowman, who finished 22nd. Centaurus won the team title with 43 points, beating Heritage and Niwot, who battled to a close second and third-place finish. Heritage edged out Niwot by one point, finishing 72-73.
Marler Dips Under 18, Pine Creek Pack Prevails
Spectators would see their first sub-18 in the girls Division 2, as Cheyenne East junior Mackenzie Marler powered up the final straight to dip under 18-minutes by the slimmest of margins - 17:59.
Marler's hot pace nearly left her competitors without their legs, as the field staggered in behind her, defeated. First behind Marler was Thornton's Stephanie Carrasco, who finished in 18:10, while Thunderridge sophomore Shae Henley finished third in 18:17.
The team race proved to be just that - a race among the best team, rather than individuals, as the top three teams didn't have any individuals in the top-three.
Claiming the crown was Pine Creek, who tallied 97 points. Leading the squad was freshman Lucy Hart, who finished 12th. Behind her were Brooke Coleman, Klara Aspelin (the lone senior), Kathryn Hibbard, and Sydney Wasson, finishing 17th,19th , 25th, and 29th, respectively.
Valor Christian held off Centaurus to finish second with 116 points, to Centaurus's 118.