Ryan Outler dominated the Widefield Invite.
While some of the state's best sat out this past weekend, presumably to save their legs for Liberty Bell, we still had quite a few revealing performances. There were many highlights, but a few really stood out...
Now that runners have a few weeks of the season in their legs, we're starting to see who is the real deal.
Cue: Ryan Outler.
The Widefield senior finished ninth if a stout field at the Cheyenne Mountain Stampede, but it was his dominating 16:02 win at the Widefield Invite that sings along with 311s, "I'll be here a while."
The time ranks him No. 8 in all classifications, and No. 5 in 4A.
To understand his improvement, keep in mind that he holds a 10:19 3,200 PR, or about 5:09+ pace. His 16:02 is just a shade under 5:10 pace - for 3.1 miles.
And then there's Erik Le Roux, who is quickly proving that age is just a number. The Cheyenne Mountain freshman dismantled the competition to nab the first win of his high school career at the Battle Mountain Husky Invitational. A week earlier he ran 16:16 a the Cheyenne Mountain Stampede, which was the second fastest time of the day. What can he run on a faster course, with more competition? I'm sure we'll find out this season.
Speaking of freshmen...
Cherry Creek's Riley Stewart now has two sub 19s to her name. So far she's the only girl to break the 19 minute barrier twice this season. Additionally, her 18:51 from the Arapahoe Warrior Invitational is No. 3 in 5A, and No. 4 in the all classifications.
Among the freshmen lighting the courses so far this season, Cherokee Trail may have an additional weapon in Cameron McConnell. She's run three 5ks in three weeks, and PRd each time. Her progression is quite simply frightening.
20:18 - 19:20 - 19:00.
How much faster can she go? Well, with freshmen, the sky is the limit.
With Liberty Bell days away, along with St. Vrain, and Joe Vigil, there will be plenty more reveals this time next week.