Alex Jordan offers Arapahoe solid potential for points in both hurdles events. Photo by Alan Versaw.
As recently as 2008, Arapahoe pulled out all of the stops and stunned more than a few folks by winning the 5A state championship. The Warriors did it by spreading their 53 points over nine events, with heavy emphasis in field events.
If Arapahoe brings home another state championship this spring, early indications suggest they won't be following the pattern of 2008 to do it. For one thing, they won't surprise nearly as many people. For another, it looks as if the Warriors' strengths will be more focused on the track events this time around.
The biggest question for Arapahoe to answer is how strong Connor Winter will be able to come back after missing most of the cross country season with an injury. If Winter is able to revisit the form that won him three state championships last spring, the state title hopes for Arapahoe take a serious spike. If not, well, things could be a little more difficult. Either way, there should be ample opportunity to use Winter's talents in up to four events this spring. Cross country left pretty strong indications that Arapahoe should be able to field a very competitive 4x800 team. Additionally, some of that talent could spill over into additional points in indvidual distance events.
Next up on Arapahoe's long list of prospects with potential to score points at state is hurdler Alex Jordan. Among returners from last year's state meet, Jordan finished behind only Casey Young of Regis Jesuit. Jordan also finished seventh in the 110 hurdles at state last spring, fourth the returners. It seems reasonable to think that Jordan is likely to show up on a relay or two for Arapahoe this spring as well.
And Arapahoe has the legs to qualify a few relays for the state meet. Sprinters Lance Loken (primarily 400), Nile Carrethers (primarily 100), and Nowlan Savage (primarily 200) are all back. Loken, only a sophomore last year, figures to be in line to make the biggest leap forward in performance. All three have the potential to fill critical roles for their team this spring.
In last year's state meet, where Arapahoe finished fourth with 57 points, the Warriors picked up only seven points from relays, five of those from the 4x800. The 4x200 and 4x400 teams missed making finals by a combined three places. To make a serious bid at winning the thing this year, Arapahoe must do better than that in the relays.
Any support the Warriors could get from the field events, where Arapahoe qualified exactly one person (a senior) for the state meet last spring, would be a huge bonus as well.