Sophomore Eleanor Fulton just may have climbed to the top of the pile among a very solid group of female distance runners in Colorado. Photo by Rick Wilson.
Five Teams to Watch
Littleton
Littleton is nicely positioned for a sweep of the 5A titles this year (unless you believe in the Colorado Track XC jinx, a close cousin of the Sports Illustrated cover jinx). Like the boys, the strengths are spread across the board. Dana Gaetani, Aleah Meade, and Grace Brittan are a fearsome set of 4s and make their 4x400 something to be feared. Jenna Adams may be the best pole vaulter in the state this year. Brooke Jackson returns to defend her discus title for 08, Jo Quintana heaves the shot around with ease, Camille Logan is a solid contender in the distance events, and it goes on and on.
ThunderRidge
It's about relays here. The relays will also get some very nice support from sprinter Kelsey Williamson and distance runner Dominique Gerard.
Rampart
Sara Benson (sprints, hurdles) is in position to put a lot of points on the board, but she will need help for the Rams to make a title run. The most obvious help should come from discus thrower Angelina Crespo.
Cherry Creek
The Bruins are nicely balanced and with a big day could put a serious lot of points on the board. The biggest contributions should come from distance runner Clare Gallagher, jumper Julia Barker, and hurdler/middle distance runner Olivia Anderson.
Fort Collins
Historically, Fort Collins is a fairly balanced team but will have to lean heavily on Ashley Foster in the sprints and copious entries in the distance events. The Lambkins will score points but need a big set of three days from distance runners Miranda Benzel, Tati Ogan, Marci Witczak, and Kirsten Follett.
Five Athletes to Watch (not already mentioned)
LaTraia Scott
The Coronado senior appears to be closing out her track and field career with the state meet. Going out in a big way with 100 and 200 titles seems well within the realm of possibility.
Eleanor Fulton
The Highlands Ranch sophomore is a legitimate threat to win the 800, 1600, and 3200. All the more so in the absence of Allie McLaughlin.
Alexandria White
White could reach the land of the 40-foot triple jump with a big leap at state.
Emily Hunsucker
The Pomona thrower is a legitimate threat, perhaps even a favorite, to win both throwing events.
Natosha Rogers
The Dakota Ridge senior should give Fulton all she wants in the 3200. While Rogers should also score points in the 1600, the 3200 is her best event.
Five Events to Watch
300 Hurdles
Vanessa Samuel, Sara Benson, and Olivia Anderson each have the potential to break 44.0. This final could be a scorcher.
Pole Vault
Jenna Adams and Libby Westfall have been neck-and-neck all season long. One meet left to determine the champion.
Triple Jump
George Washington's Alexandria White looks like the favorite, but Doherty's Jordan Rand is jumping well enough to keep it interesting. Green seems to be the color to wear in this year's triple.
4 x 800
Get in early on Thursday and get seated. This one promises to be close. Whatever team from among Chaparral, Highlands Ranch, Rock Canyon, Fort Collins, and ThunderRidge has a breakout race should go home the winner. But for Fort Collins, this would look like the Douglas County championship here.
100 Hurdles
Experience (Sara Benson) versus youth (Kami Mendez). Who will come out the victor?
Sophomore Eleanor Fulton just may have climbed to the top of the pile among a very solid group of female distance runners in Colorado. Photo by Rick Wilson.