As it turns out, the answer to the Day Six question has a lot to do with Birdie Hutton. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.
Day Seven Question:
Today's topic is measurements in track and field we rarely think about:
1. How wide is a lane on a standard outdoor track?
2. According to NFHS rules, what is the minimum depth of the high jump approach?
3. What is the minimum length of a high jump bar?
4. What is the minimum width between the pins that support the pole vault bar?
5. What is the maximum length of the pins that support the pole vault bar?
6. What is the diameter of the discus ring?
7. What is the diameter of the shot put ring?
8. What is the prescribed height of the toe board for the shot put?
9. What is the maximum length of a relay baton?
And, now, if you scroll down, you can see the answer to the Day Six question. But, so that nobody inadvertently sees the answer, you will have to scroll down a little:
It's a long answer that comes in parts. I identified all teams that have had at least 10 individuals of either gender place at state in distance events (800 - 3200 meters) from 2011-2015 and all teams that had at least 15 combined of both genders.
It turns out that Shining Mountain Waldorf is setting the standard with a whopping 33 different girls placers in distance events over the past five state meets. That is a phenomenon that began with the beginning of Birdie Hutton's high school career. How long it continues is anyone's guess, but they are definitely at the top of the pile for now.
Girls Leaders: Shining Mountain Waldorf - 33, Lyons - 26, The Classical Academy - 24, Estes Park - 23, Heritage Christian Academy - 22, Hotchkiss - 19, Cherry Creek - 16, Monarch - 15, Telluride - 13, Nederland - 12, Discovery Canyon - 11, Air Academy - 10, Mountain View - 10
Boys Leaders: The Classical Academy - 22, Lyons - 20, Telluride - 20, Cheyenne Mountain - 16, Broomfield - 14, Thompson Valley - 13, Faith Christian - 13, Cherry Creek - 12, Coronado - 12, Merino - 11, Monarch - 10, Vail Christian - 10, Holly - 10, Bethune - 10
Combined Leaders: Lyons - 46, The Classical Academy - 46, Shining Mountain Waldorf - 41, Telluride - 33, Heritage Christian Academy - 31, Cherry Creek - 28, Estes Park - 26, Monarch - 25, Hotchkiss - 24, Cheyenne Mountain - 24, Thompson Valley - 19, Fort Collins - 18, Merino - 17, Frontier Academy - 17, Praire - 16, Bethune - 16, Crested Butte - 16, Broomfield - 15, Paonia - 15, Palmer Ridge - 15
Evidently, it's easier to pile up these numbers in smaller classifications than in the larger.