Many of those who will run in the 2A state cross country races this fall were not even born when Colorado last had four classifications of cross country. This fall, however, the 2A classification opens to those schools whose average enrollment over the last two October counts was 235 or less. No longer will schools like Ouray, Creede, and Merino be competing directly against schools up to 585 in enrollment.
A new classification means that schools that have struggled to compete against the larger schools could suddenly see themselves moving toward the top of the heap. A format that scores only three runners means even very small schools will have an opportunity to be competitive at the state level.
Here are some of the athletes and teams that appear to be favorites among the 2A girls:
Top returning athletes:
Tara Richardson, Wiggins – third returning 2A XC finisher from 2007, seventh in the 2A 1600, but second in the 2A 3200 at the state track meet
Jayleen Erker, Wiggins – third in each of the 800, 1600, and 3200 at the 2A state track meet, giving Wiggins a formidable 1-2 punch at the front
Kat Robinson,
Christina Lobato, Rocky Ford – top returning 2A XC finisher from 2007, but struggled some at state track last spring
Amy Polson, Lutheran-Parker – second returning 2A XC finisher from 2007, but, like Lobato, struggled at state track last spring
Erin Kelly, Crested Butte Community – After a solid freshman season, Kelly is the top returner for the perennially-strong Titans
Last year’s powerhouse teams:
Crested
In line to fill the void of power from last year:
Wiggins – Richardson and Erker make the Tigers an instant contender. With only three runners scoring, it’s not difficult to see that Wiggins could be a major player in the title race. Should there be any doubt, note that the Wiggins 4 X 800 team finished second only to
Lutheran-Parker – Perhaps the opportunity to compete against schools more their own size will provide the impetus they need to make the step up to the next level.
Mancos – was progressing nicely last year until a disappointing regional meet, will try to build on last year’s success
Limon – The Badgers have sent very competitive teams to the 3A state meet in some recent years. The cupboard is never bare in Limon, or so it seems, so keep an eye out for the girls in black
Rocky Ford – Lobato and Jessika Kienitz give the Meloneers reason to believe they can be among the contenders
What’s in store:
This will certainly be the smallest field of the eight races at the state meet. It’s possible that, between team and individual qualifiers, every runner from one or two regional meets could advance to the state meet, though that is obviously not the intended progression. As things stand now, one region is composed of six schools and another of seven. The top 40% of complete teams (minimum three finishers), plus the top 15 individuals advance to state. It will be good for all concerned if participation numbers in this classification move upward. Such is certainly part of the intent of opening the new classification.
Key questions to be answered:
How deep does the pool of talent go? Is it possible that, this year, three or four teams make up almost all of the top 10 at state?
Who will establish the first dynasty in the new 2A classification?
Will Crested Butte be able to latch onto their first state XC title after a series of years of appearing in the top five in the 3A race?