Birdie Hutton and Rachel Hampton went out with Kelley Robinson in the early going, but even then it was apparent Robinson's pace was going to break things open. Photo by Jeff McCoy.
In four years of high school cross country, Kelley Robinson finished as the 2A state champion three times and as the runner-up once. All four years she led her Nederland Panther teammates to the state title. As high school resumes go, they rarely come less flawed than that.
The final team championship, however, came with a bit more drama than the three previous ones.
Early in the race, it was clear that Telluride had toppling the Nederland dynasty on their minds. The front of the pack was liberally sprinkled with Miner maroon as Telluride sought to make a little magic of their own. Rachel Hampton joined Birdie Hutton in close pursuit of Kelley Robinson as the rest of Hampton's teammates wagered the outcome of the race on a strong start.
Little over a mile into the race, however...
