Naomi Harding led Battle Mountain to the team title with her runner-up finish. File Photo.
Girls Race
Yet another freshman made a splash on Saturday, but this time it was in the girls race. Glenwood Springs' Ella Johnson took the early lead and threatened to run away and hide, her lead bulging to more than 10 seconds early in the race.
Battle Mountain, the pre-meet favorite, host, defending state champion, and reigning 3rd place NXN team made noise early and late with their five scorers staked out near the front from the gun. Steamboat Springs' Maggi Congdon was tucked in amongst the lead pack as well.
Eventually the chase pack ate into Johnson's lead so that she was at least within striking distance. Nevertheless, Johnson pushed over the hills and strode down the fairways, managing a 2 to 5 second gap until the final 600 to 800 meters. However, knowledgeable observers could almost sense that Congdon, with her state champion track speed, was merely waiting for the right moment to attack.
Finally, coming down the final hill heading into the finish, Johnson succumbed as Congdon unleashed her smooth sprint pulling Battle Mountain's Naomi Harding along with her. The Steamboat junior flew across the finish line in 20:42. Harding was next at 20:46 leading five Huskies into the top-10 for a dominant victory for the home squad. Johnson was strong in third in 20:55. Lizzy Harding closed well for fourth and Madeline Morland from Coronado took fifth.
As was expected, Battle Mountain cruised to the victory with only 32 points, further strengthening their hold on the No. 1 ranking in 4A. Also ranked in the top-5, Cheyenne Mountain was second with 94 points. Steamboat Springs, making the move back to 4A this year, was third with 148.