Red Lining At The Dakota Ridge Invite

What's better than finishing third to two of the best 3,200 runners in Colorado history in an 11-second personal best of 9:30?

Answer: Rallying a few hours later to beat the best 3,200 runner in Colorado history, and run a state-leading 1:53.39, which is also a three-second PR.

So basically, two PRs in one day.

That's how David Cardenas spent his Saturday at the Dakota Ridge Invitational. The Central (Grand Junction) senior opened his morning with a 9:30 3,200 in Cole Sprout's historic Sub-9, then doubled back to win an thrilling 800 over Sprout and Connor Ohlson, which ended up being the only race to perhaps rival Sprout's earlier historic feat. 

Cardenas, Ohlson, and Sprout all dipped under 1:54, for the top three times in the state this season. Cardenas nabbed a big, big win, over Colorado's best to run 1:53.49. Ohlson took the runner-up spot in 1:53.84, and Sprout tallied an incredible double of his own, despite finishing third, running 1:53.87.

A year ago Cardenas finished fifth at the 5A state championships, now he's got the fastest time in all-classifications - and it came following a 9:31 3,200 in the morning...

Put the state on alert!

It was that kind of day at JeffCo Stadium. Maybe it was the ideal weather, or maybe we're inching towards that part of the season where everyone is finding their stride... There were big performances left and right, here are a few of the highlights... 

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