Gone are Roman Holmes, Caston Mabin, Dey Tuach, and Dominick Roberts. While those who competed against these individuals will not soon forget the experience, there is still a pile of talent returning, including Fairview's Alex Weinheimer, above (photo by Alan Versaw).
As it was last year, it appears difficult to pick a clear favorite to walk away from Jeffco Stadium on May 16 with a gold trophy in hand. Arapahoe staged a minor surprise in winning last year's state title, and remains a quality program, but losses to graduation leave them at least temporarily out of the circle of favorites to win this year's title.
As early favorites go, however, nearby Littleton High School just might have the upper hand. The way that Kyle Macintosh has been tearing up the indoor circuit suggests that, with a little help from Kumar Pinkney and some traditionally solid relays, Littleton may be the team to beat.
Individual talent abounds in the 5A classification. Aurora schools Smoky Hill and Regis Jesuit each have a sizeable collection of the talent and could make runs at the state title. Smoky Hill is led by US #2 indoor pole vaulter Chase Cooper, thrower Mark Sparks, and distance ace Matt Caldwell. Regis looks for big points from the brother tandem of Bobby and Danny Nicolls in the distance events and Jordan Aguilar-Wynn in the hurdles. And, you never leave George Washington out of consideration when discussing the 5A title race. Matt Bell is the most recognizeable name in the Patriots' lineup, but GW has a way of bringing sprint, jump, and relay talent out of the woodwork every single year.
Evan Appel of Dakota Ridge returns to defend his titles in the 1600 and 3200. Joseph Manilafasha of Denver North was unbeatable in cross country season, however, and figures to have something to say about the distance titles this year.
Cory Engel of Northglenn returns to defend his title in the 110 hurdles, but he will feel the heat all season long from Tashaun and Tarique Hill of Eaglecrest. Be sure to catch the hurdle events at invitationals around the state this spring. Colorado is top-heavy in hurdlers this year.
Heritage's Jordan Edwards returns to defend his title in the 100 meters. Kenneth Chambers (Doherty) and Devin Mohn (Rampart) ensure that Colorado Springs will be well-represented in the sprint events. The 100 and 200 fields appear, however, to be lined up to follow the lead of Overland's Jeremy Rankin. Provided Rankin is healthy this spring--and indoor performances indicate that he is--he enters the season as the prohibitive favorite to win the short sprint titles. There's likely a relay or two in Rankin's near future, as well.
Pomona is typically strong in field events and this year appears to be no exception with Ryan Duman and John Gamble returning to throw and jump for the Panthers.
Ponderosa's Terry Alletto returns to defend his title in the shot put. Alletto's primary competition is likely to come from Smoky Hill's Mark Sparks.
Perhaps the most intriguing story in 5A this spring concerns the bid of Alex Weinheimer of Fairview HS to overtake the standing all-classification record in the 800 meters. The bid is made more interesting by the fact that a former Fairview Knight, James Hatch, currently holds the record. And that fact is made still more intriguing by the fact that Hatch will be coaching Weinheimer this spring. Few people ever have the opportunity to coach the person who just might break their own record, but Hatch gets that opportunity this spring. Weinheimer has already flirted with 1:53-flat in indoor competition.
Last year's state meet results
Gone are Roman Holmes, Caston Mabin, Dey Tuach, and Dominick Roberts. While those who competed against these individuals will not soon forget the experience, there is still a pile of talent returning, including Fairview's Alex Weinheimer, above (photo by Alan Versaw).
As it was last year, it appears difficult to pick a clear favorite to walk away from Jeffco Stadium on May 16 with a gold trophy in hand. Arapahoe staged a minor surprise in winning last year's state title, and remains a quality program, but losses to graduation leave them at least temporarily out of the circle of favorites to win this year's title.