Recent history points to 3A Region 6 as a powerhouse among the 3A regions. Two-time defending state boys champion Faith Christian, last year's girls third-place team Peak to Peak, and perennial powers Holy Family and Platte Canyon all reside within this region.
Strengths of the region appear to rest, on the boys' side, in the sprints and sprint relays of Holy Family and Platte Canyon, an impressive collection of jumpers, and a handful of the top 400 runners in the 3A classification. A. J. Melillo and Thomas Hoffman of Platte Canyon, Hayden Loudenslager of Faith Christian, and Gabe Meidl of Bishop Machebeuf each rank high among the contenders for 3A state championships in another week. As good as Loudenslager is, however, he should see stiff competition, both at regional and at state, from Blaise Lake (Lutheran), Ryan Wasilawski (Clear Creek), and Taylor Hindman (Holy Family).
Although Chad Colby of Denver Christian does not seem a threat to keep Mason Finley from defending his discus title, Colby should be among the contenders for second place. Ben Fonte, a hurdler from Faith Christian, is another who seems to be headed toward a high place at state based on season performances to date.
Faith Christian's 4 X 400 relay seems to be one of the few teams that has a solid chance at catching Erie at state, but they do not appear at this time to be facing intense competition within their region.
No clearly dominant team emerges from the boys teams participating in the region, but Faith Christian likely gets the advance nod as the pre-meet favorite.
The girls' side, however, has more of a clear-cut favorite. Peak to Peak finished tied for third at state last year, ending with a championship in the 4 X 400, and has things rolling toward another big finish this year. The hopes of the Pumas sit largely on the sturdy shoulders of hurdler and relay anchor Margaret Weingart. Weingart is currently well ahead in the 3A rankings among 100 and 300 hurdlers. She is also prequalified at 200 meters and anchored the Pumas' prequalifying 4 X 400 team. Whatever events she competes in, her presence will be felt. Jhenya Nahreini is the region's top 3200 specialist, and Kate Hopkins appears to be steadily returning to last year's form in the 800 and 1600 meter events.
Platte Canyon, a bit of a dark horse in the team race, needs solid performances from jumper/hurdler Katelyn Houghton and pole vaulter Sydney Seifert to make a run at the regional title. The Huskies should also collect a few points at 800 through 3200 meters, but may not be as deep across the board as in some recent years.
Holy Family stands to benefit a great deal if Jessica Giltner fully regains her edge at 800 and 1600 meters. Giltner's times have been steadily creeping downward again as the season progresses, and nobody has written her off just yet. Whatever Giltner's personal fortunes might be, the Tigers' 4 X 800 relay team looks to dominate the region. Last year's defending state champions are back and are running with the best 3A teams in the state.
Regional competition will take place on May 7, 8, and 9. All events except the pole vault will be contested at Holy Family High School. This will be the only 3A region with its events completed prior to Saturday.
Recent history points to 3A Region 6 as a powerhouse among the 3A regions. Two-time defending state boys champion Faith Christian, last year's girls third-place team Peak to Peak, and perennial powers Holy Family and Platte Canyon all reside within this region.
Strengths of the region appear to rest, on the boys' side, in the sprints and sprint relays of Holy Family and Platte Canyon, an impressive collection of jumpers, and a handful of the top 400 runners in the 3A classification. A. J. Melillo and Thomas Hoffman of Platte Canyon, Hayden Loudenslager of Faith Christian, and Gabe Meidl of Bishop Machebeuf each rank high among the contenders for 3A state championships in another week. As good as Loudenslager is, however, he should see stiff competition, both at regional and at state, from Blaise Lake (Lutheran), Ryan Wasilawski (Clear Creek), and Taylor Hindman (Holy Family).
Although Chad Colby of Denver Christian does not seem a threat to keep Mason Finley from defending his discus title, Colby should be among the contenders for second place. Ben Fonte, a hurdler from Faith Christian, is another who seems to be headed toward a high place at state based on season performances to date.