For the individual rankings for Class 5A, Addison Ritzenhein of Niwot High School holds a healthy lead on Emily Cohen of Cherry Creek High School. Both girls won the 1600m and the 3200m at the state track and field meet in their respective classes, so they are riding a lot of momentum going into their final cross country high school seasons.
Ritzenhein's strength comes on the cross country course and in the longer races, however. She set the state meet course record, running 16:54 for the state title last year. She will be a tough one to beat, eschpeially with her long list of accolades.
However, Cohen did improve quite well throughout the fall season and during the spring season. Though she may have a hard time beating Ritzenhein, she has a good shot at finishing 2nd overall. She won both of her individual titles on the track by less than a second, so she knows how to compete well under pressure and on the biggest stage.
Some other potential names that could do well going in...