Kelsey Lakowske topped Colorado's entries at Foot Locker Nationals with a 6th-place finish. Photo by Don Rich.
While the lead of the girls race was changing hands between Chelsea Ley, Megan Goethals, Chelsey Sveinsson, and then back to Megan Goethals, Kelsey Lakowske never seriously threatened for the lead. But she did run an exceptionally steady race and kept herself in position throughout for a high finish. With a surge late in the race, she was able to climb into sixth overall with a time of 17:32.
Kelsey Lakowske Post-Race Interview
In the boys' race, things did not go as well for the Colorado contingent. Although Walter Schafer maintained a presence with the lead group through much of the first two-thirds of the race, he was unable to hang onto that position and was ultimately passed by Scott Fauble for the top finishing position from Colorado. Colorado's finishers and times were: Scott Fauble, 17th, 15:43; Walter Schafer, 22nd, 15:45; Danny Nicolls, 26th, 15:48; Ryan Poland, 28th, 15:50.
Scott Fauble, Danny Nicolls, Walter Schafer Post-Race Interview
Ryan Poland Post-Race Interview
Lukas Verzbicas of Illinois ultimately ran away with the title in 15:07, nearly a full 15 seconds ahead of second place.