Last year's field of racers was a bit thin. Don't let it happen again this year. Colorado Track XC file photo.
It is on. The fourth annual Fastest Coach in the State race is all set for 10am December 13th at Lyons High School.
Thus far, Palmer Ridge coach Kelly Christiansen has dominated the men’s race. To date no coach within the great wide rectangle of Colorado has been able to compete with the former Western State standout. The last person to give Christensen a run for his money was none other than Josh Glaab from Fairview (2011) who was nipped at the line in the first race. The women’s division has celebrated three different champions, the last two of whom hail from The Classical Academy. Will the Titans go for the hat trick or is there a lady coach out there who wants it just a little bit more?
This season things will spiced up just slightly by the addition of a team competition. To settle the debate of which classification has the fastest coaches, the race will be scored in a team format set by CHSAA classifications. The early edge in the team race goes to the classification that can shore up the most depth via participation. A running update of who is coming will be posted to Colorado Track XC to fill up teams
For the second year there will also be an alumni division. Any graduate of any program who wants to take another 5000 meter tour of Lyons is more than welcome to come out and run. Parents and current cross country athletes are also welcome to come out and push their coaches to run faster.
It is very important that coaches attend this meet. All athletes are expected to notify their coaching staffs immediately of your expectation of them to race. When athletes go to talk to their coaches about running in this race, it is important that they address the following key points:
- The race is about a month away, thus giving any “out of shape” coach plenty of time to get in shape for the race.
- The race is cleverly scheduled in between Thanksgiving and Christmas, giving coaches plenty of time to digest various holiday meats and rid their household of any pesky relatives.
- You are thinking about joining the water polo team unless a caring adult can demonstrate for you how to properly race on the best course in Colorado.
- You have run literally thousands of miles for them; can’t they run just three miles for you?
If you plan to come:
First, email Ben Hershelman at bhershel@jeffcoschools.us to rsvp for the race
Dig out an old JV jersey from your school to race in (bonus for spandex).
Bring $5 to kick in to the prize pool
Gun goes off 10 AM, Lyons High School