Leap Of The Week: Cruz Culpepper

Niwot sophomore Cruz Culpepper dropped 11 seconds off his personal best in the mile, running 4:21 this past weekend. 

Distance aficionados are likely well aware of the name "Culpepper" -- given that Alan and Shayne Culpepper owned the American distance-running landscape in the late 90s and early 2000s. So, it's not a massive surprise when their son -- who bears a name destined to be used by eager journalists in headlines every time he gives them a reason to -- arrives on the scene with similar talents.

While nearly every Colorado distance aficionado has probably seen Cruz Culpepper coming, it appears he's finally cruised into the spotlight. 

Culpepper takes the claim as this week's Leap of the Week with his performance at the UW High School Invitational this past weekend.

Culpepper chopped 11 seconds off his personal best in the mileThe Niwot sophomore ran an eye-opening 4:21. While the meet was run at "sea-level," the time clearly thrusts Culpepper into the conversation of the state's best milers heading into the outdoor season.