The featured athlete for this week is senior Joel Davis, from Lamar High School. The 3A standout is making his case for a run at the individual state tile this fall. He has come out of the gates strong this fall placing 1st, 1st and 4th in his first three races this season.
Experience:
Last fall, Joel made a significant leap in the 3A distance running scene. He landed on the
podium in six of his eight cross country races and never finished outside the top eight. At the 3A
State Cross Country Championship, Joel placed 5th with a time of 16:28.92, a strong performance on the
always challenging Norris Penrose course.
He carried that momentum into the spring 2025 track season, where he set a new personal best of 9:51.81 in the 3200m before qualifying for the 3A state finals in the event for the very first time, ultimately placing 8th. Joel's junior year was marked by growth, consistency, and a willingness to put himself in the mix against top competition. Embracing a fearless racing mentality, Joel summed it up best when he said, "I am not satisfied unless I win the state title." That kind of statement makes it clear just how much fire and determination he brings to the sport. (Pictured above: Davis placing 5th overall at the 2024 3A Cross Country State Championship, Photo Credit: Jen Jardeleza).
Fall 2025: Joel has picked up momentum right from the start of his senior campaign, showcasing both speed and consistency. He opened the season with a big win at the Cheyenne Mountain Stampede, running a course PR of 16:15.40. Since then, he has stepped up even further, breaking the 16 minute barrier in back to back races, first with a dominant 15:45.60 victory at the Rocky Ford Invite, followed by a strong 4th place finish at the Coronado Cougar Classic in another course PR of 15:46.50.
Joel thrives in these competitive settings and embraces every
chance to test himself against top tier talent. "It is always fun racing high-quality runners," he
says, reflecting his love for the challenge. (Pictured below: Davis finishing first in the small school division in the first meet of the 2025 season, Photo Credit: Reneka Watkins). 
Looking Ahead: Coming off such a hot start to his senior season, Joel Davis is making a strong case to establish himself as the top contender in 3A. With October just around the corner, the competition will only grow tougher as the state championship inches closer, setting the stage for some exciting showdowns. Among the deep talent pool of Colorado distance running, Joel Davis of Lamar High School stands out as one of the most exciting up and coming athletes to watch. Keep your eyes on him this fall, because if his early season form is any indication, the best is still to come.
