It's an almost entirely new course with a completely different start than last year. Photo by Alan Versaw.
Or, maybe the question should be, "What's not to like about the new state meet?"
Consider:
- We have a brand new course layout. The new layout doesn't commit the field to a mad dash to beat everyone else out of the creek crossing at 400 meters. The new layout still incorporates plenty of roll, but doesn't rely on a single, substantial hill to sort out the portion of the field that survived the first 400 meters with hopes intact. This will change the competitive dynamic of the state race in a huge way, and for the better for the overwhelming majority of competitors.
- You have all the intrigue you can possibly imagine in the 5A Girls, 4A Boys, 3A Girls, and 3A Boys team races. To have half your team battles this closely pitched going into the state meet is indeed a treat.
- Similarly, you have no clear and undisputed favorite in individual battles in 5A Boys, 5A Girls, 4A Boys, 3A Girls, and 2A Girls. Pay close attention to what happens here. Plenty of talent, just a shortage of settled favorites.
- And even where you do have prohibitive favorites, there is always that shot at a stunning turn of events emerging. Anyone here remember the Centaurus boys of 2011? Shame on you if you were there and have forgotten! Only slightly less stunning was the take-charge win orchestrated by the Broomfield boys in 2013.
- Remember last year's 77 degrees of Fahrenheit for the last couple races? No reprise of that in store for this year! For many of those who endured the witches' brew of conditions last year, this year represents a chance at redemption.
- Speaking of redemption, don't think for a moment that hasn't been on Salida's mind for the last 364 days. There is a huge story waiting to be played out here, though, as Salida finds themselves locked in perhaps the tightest of the tight team battles.
- Though I expect all the top teams to be fully committed first and foremost to a solid performance at state, there is much on the line for Nike Cross Regionals - Southwest at tomorrow's state meet as well.
- We have the potential of witnessing the first-ever four-time boys individual state champion in Paul Roberts. It would seem all he has to do is wake up healthy Saturday morning and keep his feet underneath him for 5000 meters, but it never feels that simple once the gun goes off.
