With Cori Small backed by four game-changing freshmen, Elizabeth has opened a whole new chapter in their cross country history book. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.
Featured Meets
Denver North Viking Invitational
Willis Case Golf Course Denver, CO
Sep 14, 2015
I don't know who Willis Case was (is?), but I hope he's pleased that a very fine cross country event traverses his namesake golf course. He should be.
Alec Hornecker continues his impressive season with a 16:25 winner. I'll try to point my camera his direction at Friday's Arvada West Invitational, assuming that he runs there. Hornecker and teammate TJ Chrysler spotted Golden an early lead in the team scoring, but the depth of Green Mountain was able to overcome it, sending the team title to checkerboard black and yellow. 2A powerhouse Heritage Christian Academy continues to work a plague on much larger schools, finishing fifth at this one (and the only small school to finish higher than 13th). A surprising number of athletes who ran on Friday or Saturday were back racing at this one.
One Friday/Saturday athlete who wasn't back at this one was Kayla Young. In Young's absence, Standley Lake's Emma Abernethy picked up her second meet title in five days. Once you get water to breach the dam...
As it turns out, Abernethy's teammates didn't just keep the lead handed them, they extended it as well. Evidently, Willis Case Golf Course is good Gator habitat. Indeed, this team seems to have a thing for golf courses.
599 Total Performances
Elite Performances
Boys (1)
- 5K Alec Hornecker Golden High School 16:25.00
Elizabeth Cross Country Invitational
Elizabeth High School Campus Elizabeth, CO
Sep 15, 2015
It wasn't that long ago that Elizabeth was regularly on the receiving of beatings in cross country. So much for history.
With a 3-5-6-7-8 led by senior Cori Small and finished off by freshmen Alaina Jones, Ashten Loeks, Brenna Jones, and Ella Benkendorf, the Cardinals continue to pile up evidence that a new era has begun in Elizabeth. Kent Denver's Sam Schaffer took the individual title, but Kent Denver could use the added scoring punch that is missing without Julia Jaschke.
The new era in Elizabeth cross county thing seems also to apply to the boys. Elizabeth came in second to only 5A Lakewood, led by a 3-4 from Zachary Richardson and David Fine. Kent Denver completed the sweep of the individual titles with James Giltner roaring to his second win in five days. Lakewood didn't start their scoring in Chase Dornbusch in five, but they got it done faster than anyone else.
397 Total Performances
Elite Performances
No elite performances.
Florence Husky Invitational
Pathfinder Park XC Course Florence, CO
Sep 15, 2015
It was undoubtedly hot in Florence at about 4 PM Tuesday afternoon. Hot and September go hand-in-hand around Florence. But, you don't know hot is until you run in a black Pueblo South singlet under the September Florence sun. Evidently, though, Pueblo South deals with heat better than most. With Lauren Kleven, Emily Lucero, and Kaylene Khosla going 2-3-5, there wasn't really anyone else in the hunt. James Irwin's Kiara Mattern picked up the meet title a full minute ahead of anyone else.
A still more convincing tale was told on the boys side, where Pueblo South's Ben Highfill, Scott Wright, Nate Garcia, and Enrique Ochoa nailed down the top four places. Clint Zundel must have been smiling.
50 Total Performances
Elite Performances
No elite performances.
Golddigger Dash
Clear Creek HS XC Course Evergreen, CO
Sep 15, 2015
Yes, the meet happened. No, I don't have results. Yes, I am hopeful, but nothing for now. Sorry.
Elite Performances
No elite performances.
Grand Junction JV
Canyon View Park Grand Junction, CO
Sep 15, 2015
No report of results yet, but I'll definitely publish if I get them.
Elite Performances
No elite performances.