Apr 26, 2018

The final weekend of April is set to be packed with meets across the state, and we've got a load of coverage planned.

In Colorado Springs Alan Versaw will be on site for coverage of the Coronado Cougar Classic, where over 30 schools are set to compete. The meet is one of the largest in the state this weekend, so it's likely we'll see some fireworks, particularly in the sprints, where we could see an explosive matchup between Luc Andrada and Tyrese VanHorne. If these two get rolling, look for a shakeup in the latest state rankings. And keep an eye on the field events, where we could see Kain Medrano battle for a state-leading mark in the shot. On the girl's side of the competition we could have a competitive race in the 3,200, where Sub-11 runners Tatum Miller and Lina Corrales could toe the line together. Another area to keep an eye on is the high jump, where Katelyn McMoore has been making major gains in recent weeks.

In Denver Jeff Bliven will be on site for coverage of the Stutler Twilight Invitational, which is shaping up to be an insanely competitive meet. Some of the best in the state are likely to toe the line here...

Keep an eye on the boys sprints, were we could see Dimitri Stanley challenge for a new state-leading mark in the 100 or the 200. And then there's the distance events... There's Cruz Culpepper, Carter Dillon, and Michael Mooney. Who runs what is a question that'll remain for at least another day when the heat sheets come out, but it's likely we'll see at least one race where two of the names above clash. When will Max Manson break 17 feet in the pole vault? Could it happen this weekend? Keep an eye on the pole vault, because I bet Manson gives is a try. On the girl's side keep an eye on the sprints as well, as the Cherokee Trail duo of Sydnee Larkin and Taylor Watson are likely to shake up the latest state rankings. They'll see a welcome challenger in Mary Gillett, who could make this a great show from everything from the 100 up to the 400. In the distance events we've got another great matchup brewing. There's Madison Mooney, Jenna Fitzsimmons, Katelyn Mitchem, Isabella Prosceno. Who runs what is still a question, but with that many stars there is sure to be a few great races on tap in the distance events. In the hurdles look for Jaiden Paris to challenge that 14 second marker in the 100 hurdles. And then there's the throws. If you want to see the best thrower in the state, catch the discus and the shot, where Gabriella McDonald could increase her hold over the state in each event. Likewise, the jumps appear to be the Larkin show, while we'll see Mia Manson challenge the 13-foot barrier in the pole vault.

Out west we've got Michele Bisbee on site for the Montrose Invitational. Keep an eye on the fastest sprinter in 2A, Ty Grant, who'll battle to maintain his supremacy over the class. In the distance events it looks like a rematch from the Demon Invitational, were we've got Glenwood duo of Gavin Harden and Benny Smith battling Montrose's Evan Graff. And make sure to keep an eye on the hurdles - the current all-classification leader, Carl Heide should make for a great show. Likewise, Ryan Phelps is likely to make the throws a fun event to watch as well while Jasper Germain will give you a reason to watch the high jump. On the girl's side of the competitive Kaiya Firor will highlight in the sprints, and keep an eye on Soleil Gaylord, who'll give you a reason to watch whichever distance event she runs, if she's not at the Liberty Bell Invite...

Back on the Front Range, I'll be on site at the Liberty Bell Invitational, which is slated to be the largest meet in the state with over 40 schools. In the sprints keep an eye anyone with a Fountain-Ft. Carson uniform... We've got Deondre Ritter and Jalen Lyon on tap, and if there's anyone who can break the team-domination, it'll be Devin Cadena. In the distance events we could have a few great matchups between Easton Allred, Chris Theodore, Austin Vancil, Harrison Scudamore, and Mason Brown. In the hurdles, feast your eyes on two of the fastest hurdlers in the state: Joel Nyatusah and Jason Farrell. Likewise, we could see Rece Rowan battle for a new state-leading mark in the discus. And keep an eye on the triple jump, where one of the best in the country - Jequan Hogan - is likely to put on a show. And if you want a battle, turn your attention to the high jump, where the top-five sees are all over 6-5. And the girl's side of the competition looks just as insane. There's Arria Minor, Syanne Algee, Kyairra Reigh, and Maya Evans. Do you need any more reason to watch the sprints? Then in the distance we've got Lauren Neugeboren, Gaylord (if she runs here instead of Montrose), Grace Johnson, Lizzy Harding, Lina Corrales, Addi Iken. That 3,200 should be insane... And then there's the hurdles where all signs point to the Emily Sloan show. How fast will she run this week? Watch and find out. In the jumps we've got Evans again, will Lily Margolis on tap, along with Kiana Jackson. In the high jump there's Riley Masten, who'll battle for a new state leading mark.