Shane Mathis won't have any hills the size of Little Willis to conquer on Friday, but he will have competition breathing down his back. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.
Denver's Bear Valley Park isn't exactly centrally located to the region, but that's where the state qualifying for this region will be settled. And, truthfully, it's not a huge trip for any of the region's teams.
As we scan down the list of teams, Niwot bubbles to the surface as the obvious favorite, but maybe not as obvious as you might think. In terms of fast meets that could produce scorching times for PRs, Niwot has Liberty Bell and Andy Myers. Erie responds with nothing faster than Pat Amato. Thus, Niwot's schedule probably gives them the appearance of a bigger advantage than they actually have.
In any case, Niwot is a very good team--a team good enough to get a first-place vote or two in the 4A rankings this season. Jacob Fisk and Elliot Minor have been the fastest of the fast for ...