Anthony Willert and his Erie teammates will try to get out of Broomfield with the Tri-Valley League title. Photo by Alan Versaw.
Since league meets tend to be a little smaller than invitationals, expect a longer-than-usual list of heat sheets this week...
The DPS programs gather for local honors at Harvard Gulch Golf Course. Cross country is on the rise in the DPS system, and this is the signature meet.
These tend to be the smaller 4A schools along the northern Front Range. This league will likely be disbanded next year as at least Holy Family and Berthoud look like probable moves to 3A under the new classification breakpoints. So, this could be your last shot at seeing these teams together on the same course.
It won't be in a pouring rain, and it won't be at Sedalia this year, but it still should be good. In terms of participation, this is now probably the second largest league meet in the state.
The Centennial League is always a good show, but it's been a long time since it's been this good by statewide standards. High-level teams from Arapahoe, Cherry Creek, Grandview, and Cherokee Trail will be toeing the line. And, if any falter in the slightest, there's a pack close behind ready to overtake them.
Last year, Fort Morgan owned this league. Things have changed this year with the emergence of Elizabeth. And, Elizabeth gets to run in front of the home crowd. Pay close attention to how this one works out, it could be a very tight battle for the top in both races.
Brighton has enjoyed a strong season to date and looks like the favorite here, but it's always fun to find out who has other ideas up their sleeve when it comes to a league meet.
Right here, you have your 2A power conference. Lyons and Heritage Christian Academy are the acknowledged heavy hitters here, but there are several more solid 2A programs taking the course here as well. One of those is Resurrection Christian, and the Cougars may have the possibility of an upset within them.
Alamosa and Gunnison appear to be bringing loaded rosters. If both schools bring those teams to the start line, we could get our first good look at the Alamosa boys versus the Gunnison boys this season. And that would be a nice little 3A preview. Pagosa Springs and Alamosa have seen each other before this season, but that might be worth seeing again, especially on the girls side. Rocky Ford gets to try its hand at holding its own against some one-classification-up schools.
Although the meet is run in two divisions, this is probably the largest league meet in the state--and the teams come almost entirely from a single school district (which is the largest in the state). Arvada West (boys) and Wheat Ridge (girls) are both teams riding the crest of outstanding seasons. Several other individuals will be showing up with eyes on advancing already stellar seasons as well.
