Sarah DeLaCerda and Alamosa return a stellar squad this year.
Could we see a team other than The Classical Academy claim the 3A state crown this year?
On paper Alamosa looks like the team to beat.
They've got a 1-2 punch only rivaled by one other team, but what makes them the top team heading into the 2022 cross country season is their pack. Sarah DeLaCerda is their top returner with an 18:14 personal best, and she's joined by Madeline Castillo under 18:40. Alamosa returns five who've run 19:34 or faster - their 3-5 of Lia Castillo, Elizabeth McQuitty, and Autumn McQuitty are packed between 19:07 and 19:34.
They own a 18:58 1-5 average, and a 1-5 split of just 1:19.
Up front Basalt looks similar. Led by defending state champ Katelyn Maley, who dipped just under 17:30 last year. Ava Lane is a solid No. 2 with a 18:46 clocking. Basalt returns five who have run 21:03 or faster. They own a 1-5 average of 19:32, and a 1-5 split of 3:36.
Likewise, Liberty Common returns a great 1-2 punch.
Isabel...