Less-than-Grand Conditions for Grandview Invitational

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On a day where many top athletes were dealing with subdued performances, Carly Lester seemed very much on top of her race. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.

A preemptive decision on Friday by Meet Director John Reyes to delay the start of the Grandview Invitational turned out to be sensible given the cool, damp, and blustery conditions that welcomed seventeen teams to Legacy Stadium on Saturday. A venue known for mixed and unsettled weather, due to its proximity to Aurora Reservoir (Lake Effect?), today would not be the exception to the rule. Nevertheless, the chilled and wind battered athletes managed several performances of note in this well-run and well-managed meet.

In unordinary--yet not unheard of--fashion, this meet featured the 3200 meter run as the first event. Pomona notched double winners in Cami Kennedy for the girls and cross-country champion Marcelo Laguera for the boys. Both won handily. Laguera's victory set the tone for the Panthers who eventually eked out...