4A Boys by the Fours

Broomfield's Trent Ireland is a threat to win a state sprint title sometime. If not this year, then certainly next. Photo by BroomfieldFan.

Four Teams to Watch

Sierra

I was skeptical at the beginning of the year; I am no longer. Sure, there's Kelby Dias in almost any explosive event he cares to participate in, but there's also Chris Gaines in the 200, Xavier Newton in the high jump, Jamil Cooks (high jump/hurdles), and a couple of pretty solid relays.

Mullen

If you pay attention to high school track in Colorado, Mullen is always on your short list of teams to watch. Andrew Berberick will make lots of noise in events from 800 meters on up. Cyler Miles (is he really a freshman?) is looking fine in the 200. Elliot Beski holds clinics in the pole vault. John Greer is a solid sprinter.

Broomfield

Another balanced team. Trent Ireland in the sprints. Louis Fisher and Daniel Fischer (an interesting near convergence of last names) should keep things interesting in the jumps. Ian Donaldson at middle distance and Carson Wagner (pole vault) round out the major threats.

Falcon

When people think of Falcon, distance runners Wes Rickman and Kevin Johnson come to mind rather quickly. But it's not all about distance on the northeast outskirts of Colorado Springs. Sean Driscoll and Bryce Lane have been doing well in the hurdles, and Bryce Lane ranks high in the long jump as well.

Four Athletes to Watch (not already mentioned)

Derek McAllister

The Widefield sprinter continues in a long tradition of sprint talent for the Gladiators. Count him as the man to beat in the 100, 200, and 400.

Ken Harriman

Although the Pueblo South senior will have some company in the throwing events (most notably from league rival Alamosa), Harriman is the top threat to sweep the throwing events.

Henry Cowhick

The Wheat Ridge senior gives up little, if anything, to the other entries in the 800, 1600, and 3200.

Bryce Munoz

The Berthoud senior has been planting his landings way out in the pit all season long. If consistency is the name of the game, Munoz wins the game.

Aldric Brown

Brown has an unorthodox style and I have an unorthodox method of counting to four. Brown gets it over the bar nevertheless.

Four Events to Watch

Long Jump

Ali vs. Frazier, Andretti vs. Foyt, Chamberlain vs. Abdul-Jabbar, Bird vs. Magic, Nicklaus vs. Palmer, Munoz vs. Dias. Need I say more? Okay, maybe a little overstated, but not by much. Catch this one.

3200

It could get heated here, and we're probably not talking about the temperature. Cowhick, Rickman, Johnson, and Dart Schwaderer all have to feel like they have a chance to win this thing. For whatever wasn't settled in cross country, this settles it. Um, Andrew Berberick just called in wanting to crash the party. We shall see.

110 Hurdles

It probably won't be all that close, but you need to see Kelby Dias glide over the hurdles before he graduates from high school.

Discus

Harriman goes at it with Brian Ford of Alamosa and Jordan Davis of Greeley West. And they're all throwing things. Duck for cover.

Honorable Mention: Triple Jump

Andrew Schomburg of Lewis-Palmer holds top seed, but not with any measure of comfort. Brian Ivy of Moffat County is nipping at his heels, as are Anthony Turner of Harrison and Ben Niemann of Greeley West. The winner should be out over 45 feet.