For years out of memory, the Simplot Games was the destination of choice for Colorado's indoor track contingent. But now there's a new kid on the block.
In fact, the start lists for the inaugural Great Southwest Indoor Classic probably have more Colorado entries than New Mexico entries. Chalk that one up to an NMAA ruling that the Great Southwest Indoor Classic counts against the allowable meet limit for New Mexico track and field athletes. Consequently, the meet has lost some of the competitive luster it could otherwise have had.
Still, trading off the wooden surface and complicated travel demands of competing in Pocatello for the Mondo surface and relative convenience of getting to Albuquerque seems like an attractive prospect for many Colorado athletes. This some venue will host the NCAA DII national indoor championships in another month. Should this year's experience go well, expect an even larger contingent of Colorado's indoor community to be traveling south next year.
A quick scan of the entries shows a wealth of high-end Colorado talent ready to compete in tomorrow's meet.
The Silver Creek trio (running under the colors of Colorado Journey Track Club) of Scott Hardy, Kenny Warner, and Brett Wright is entered in the sprint events.
Alamosa (running under the colors of the Alamosa Penguins Track Club), represented by familiar names such as Aimee, Nikki, and Jenny DeSouchet, Lauren Martin, Heather Sowards, and Chad Palmer, will be taking the track.
Columbine athletes, including Demetrius McDondle, Will Kincaid, and Caitlyn Reichlin, are competing under the colors of the Rebel Track Club.
"Team Fartlek" is, apparently, Gabe Toepel and Drew Ryther. They've joined forces before. Bayfield's Derek Laue also appears among the entries for the 3200 and 1600. Heather Bates and Hannah Krumreich will be representing Colorado's girls in distance events.
Kobi Rex and Stephon Roddy should give the Colorado contingent a solid representation in the field events.
Results will be posted here tomorrow as they become available.