We're running into the heavies now...

And when I write "heavies," I'm not referring to how I felt Friday morning after devouring all that turkey and mashed potatoes and rolls, I'm referring to regional races with national-caliber competition...

The Eastbay Midwest Region Cross Country Championships (formally Footlocker Midwest) had the spotlight this past week - quite a few of Colorado's best headed east to Kenosha, WI., for a chance to book a ticket west to San Diego, Cali. for the Eastbay Championships (formally Footlocker Nationals.)

Highlighting for Colorado was Cherry Creek senior and three-time state cross country champ, Riley Stewart. She won the Eastbay Midwest Region Cross Country Championships with a stellar 16:54 clocking. Stewart was Colorado's lone nationals qualifier in the girl's race. 

4A state champ Eva Klingbeil was just outside the qualifying-10, finishing 13th in 17:42 - an agonizing three-seconds behind 10th.

Meanwhile Zane Bergen extended his season another two weeks. The Niwot senior and 4A state champ finished fourth in the boy's race, running 14:55. 

Eric Sankey was Colorado's next runner to cross the finish line, running 15:27 to finish 17th - only 17-seconds behind the 10th qualifier.