Wearing their uniforms from NXN 2008, the Fort Collins girls take a run-out prior to the 2009 NXN-SW girls championship race. Photo by Alan Versaw.
Mike Callor and his Dakota Ridge team had to wonder what hit them in 2007. I've wondered much the same thing in 2008 and 2009.
In 2007, Dakota Ridge dominated the 5A Colorado state meet. With an unheard-of team score of 28 points, Dakota Ridge beat Fort Collins by 59 points and the rest of the field by a whole bunch more than that.
The Eages went down to Tempe for NTN-SW as prohibitive favorites. Although an injury to Kaitie Vanatta played a role in what happened that day, Fort Collins stormed onto the course and laid waste to any and all bitter memories stemming from their defeat at the state meet, readily winning the NTN-SW regional championship. Davis, Utah, was 25 points back in second, but it really wasn't that close.
Fort Collins did much the samething in 2008. Although The Classical Academy had posted the best set of times on the day at the 2008 Colorado state meet and entered the NXN-SW meet as favorites, it was Fort Collins who turned up in Tempe with the critical performances and brought home the regional championship.
And, in 2009? Can you say, "Same song, third verse?" As a two-time victim in this scenario, I have to admit I'm a little frustrated at being outcoached--again. But, rather than dwelling on those feelings, I am going to choose to salute the guy who seems to have all the right answers for the big tests. Nice job, Chris Suppes.
And, let's not forget the girls who actually did the running. Nice job:
2007 - Lisa Reyna, Miranda Benzel, Rachel Viger, Kirsten Follett, Tati Ogan, Kelsey Follett, Denise Chilson
2008 - Miranda Benzel, Rachel Viger, Tati Ogan, Kirsten Follett, Marci Witczak, Denise Chilson, Abby Miller
2009 - Rachel Viger, Erin Hooker, Kirsten Follett, Marci Witczak, Denise Chilson, Maddie Staab, Taleah McClintock
A worthy opponent is half the fun of racing!