The boys from Boulder High School finished 3rd overall in the Sweepstakes Division of the incredibly competitive Woodbridge Cross Country Classic in California.
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We continue our features on standout programs across Colorado, and second on the list is one
of the state's most consistent programs, the Boulder High School Boys team.
The Culture:
The Boulder High School boys team is on an absolute tear this season, winning several major
meets and showcasing both their strength and depth. We caught up with Boulder High's head
coach, Geo Tam, to gain some insight into what makes this program so strong.
Coach Tam
highlights that the running culture in Boulder runs deep. "There are some fantastic youth
programs in Boulder County that do a spectacular job of teaching kids to love running in a
healthy way," says Coach Tam. Many of the athletes who join the program come in with an
existing passion for the sport and a hunger to push themselves to new levels. (Pictured to the left: Cooper Draves and Toby Wong finishing next to each other at the Cheyenne Mountain Stampede, where the team finished 1st overall, Photo Credit: Reneka Watkins).
Coach Tam's goal
is to continue nurturing that love for running while helping the team flourish, especially as his
current group of seniors heads into their final season. He credits those seniors for playing a
major role in shaping the team's identity, noting that they "do such a great job of welcoming in
the new crew and passing on the Boulder standards and traditions." Perhaps the single biggest
key to Boulder High's success is the exceptional team culture they've built. Each year, new
freshmen are brought into the fold by the upperclassmen, learning the expectations and values
that define Boulder running. Over time, that culture has compounded, creating not just
outstanding team camaraderie, but consistently impressive results on the course.
Insights:
A typical week for the Boulder boys is not all that different from other top programs, but what
sets them apart is how they approach the work. Boulder offers a plethora of incredible trails and
routes, and the team takes full advantage of the differing terrain the area provides. On non-race
weekends, they often head up to the mountains for long runs, building both strength at higher
altitudes. (Pictured to the right: The team winning first at the Pat Patten Invitational, Photo Credit: MaryBeth Vellequette).
The training is dialed in for the Boulder boys, but more importantly, it is their belief in
the team, the coaches, and the process, that has fueled their rise to the top. Coach Geo Tam's
message centers on developing lifelong runners who truly love the sport and creating an
environment where each athlete can, as he puts it, "find their tribe." He believes that the lessons
running teaches are the same ones that shape how we show up in life. Striving to be your best,
pushing your limits, and continuing forward even when you cannot see the finish line. These
lessons serve as powerful parallels to navigating life's ups and downs.
For the Boulder boys, the
goal is simple yet profound, to be the best they can be, to let their collective strength lift them
higher, and to lead by example both on and off the course.
Looking Ahead: The Boulder boys are proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the 5A state ranks. They are
strong, hungry, and determined to keep pushing their limits. Led by senior Lucas Wik, who ran
an impressive 15:00.20 earlier this season at the Liberty Bell Invitational, the Boulder squad is
focused on improving upon their third place finish at last year's 5A XC State Championship with their sights
now set firmly on the top of the podium in 2025. (Pictured above: Lukas Wik finishing 3rd at the Pat Patten Invitational, Photo Credit: MaryBeth Vellequette).
Coach Geo Tam believes deeply in his team
and the powerful bonds they have built over the years. "Many of them have been running
together since middle school, and the camaraderie runs deep," says Tam. "They've shown up
for their teammates both inside and outside of running, and it's those moments that reaffirm just
how special this group is." When you run for something bigger than yourself, something truly special tends to happen and that is exactly what this Boulder boys team embodies. As the State
Championship draws near, keep your eyes on this group, they are not just chasing times - they
are chasing legacy.
