Tarah Vijayasarathy went from relative unknown to a state title contender in the triple jump this spring. What will next year hold? One good indicator will come in this weekend's USATF JO meet in Aurora. Colorado Track XC file photo.
If you're a multi-event athlete, this event is already underway. If you're a hammer thrower, your event is already done, but for most athletes the big show of the Colorado State Outdoor Junior Olympic Championship comes Saturday and Sunday at Legacy Stadium in Aurora. That would be way out on the far eastern reaches of Aurora, on the Kansas side of E-470, at Cherokee Trail High School.
And, if you missed any of several of Colorado's top athletes at the state meet five weeks ago, many are back in action this weekend for a shot at a little more track and field glory.
Among the entries, you'll recognize names like Audra Koopman, Chyna Ries, Brad Mattison, Carly Lester, Brock Miller, Kossi Tchenawou, Damajahnee Birch, and many more.
You will also catch a glimpse, if you know where to look, at some of Colorado's top upcoming high school talent--names like Brooke Calvo, Madison Mooney, Dawnielle Lewis, and William Dixon may catch your eye. Be among the first to know exactly how ready for the prime time they are.
It's difficult to forecast which events will be the best, but several events have the look of being very competitive--provided the athletes in question are still on the sharper side of the competition edge.
A few boys events you might want to be sure to check out include the 17-18 boys 800, featuring Daniel Book, Robert Delfeld, and Daniel Marsh. Chris Youngs and Kent Harris of Lutheran came back for some more 100, 200, and 400 action Kossi Tchenawou takes on Javan Lanier and Ayo Sanusi in the 100. Dueth Vassell, Zane Vanderberg, and Aaron Ragin make for a compelling 400. I confess to more than a passing interest in Dominic Compoz and Charles Lucero in the 2000 steeple. Pierceson Brown, who missed the CHSAA season, takes on Jordan Hatfield, Andrew Barlow, and Brad Mattison in what should be a very interesting pole vault.
Highlighted girls events would include a 100 with Chyna Ries, Shayna Yon, and Alexis Groce. A 200 with Chyna Ries, Tashay Brown, and Carly Lester. There would be showdown in the 400 hurdles between Carly Lester and Mackenzie Howie. Chyna Ries takes another whack at 21 feet in the long jump. Stephanie Bess and Tarah Vijayasarathy promise to be exciting in the triple jump. And a discus event that matches Josie Natrasevschi and Keely Parish could get interesting in a hurry.
And part of the fun is figuring out who they all are without the benefit of school uniforms, though a big part of the expected crowd already has a lot of that nailed.
It should be a good day to bake in the sun (or stay out of the sun, if you're a competitor) and take in a whole bunch of track and field action. This and the Region X meet at the Air Force Academy two weeks later are the only two remaining large track and field events in the state left for 2014.
Complete list of events and times