We finish out our features on standout programs across Colorado by showcasing the Salida High School boys team - the reigning 3A State Champions.
History: The Salida boys have been a consistent powerhouse in the 3A ranks for more than five years,
steadily building a tradition of excellence and resilience. Their rise to the top at last year's state
championships was the culmination of countless miles, shared belief, and several seasons
spent knocking on the door of a title.
Over the past six seasons, the Salida boys have finished 4th, 8th, 2nd, 7th, 4th, and finally, 1st, a hard-earned state championship that represented years of hard work, perseverance, and near-misses finally paying off. Their commitment to growth, team culture, and consistent execution has defined their program. Over the last decade, Salida has never finished outside the top ten in 3A competition, with two runner-up finishes and one state title. A testament to their depth, discipline, and unwavering ability to rise to the occasion and compete year after year with the very best teams in Colorado. (Pictured above: Jackson Shomion finishing 1st at the Arapahoe Warrior Invitational in the freshman/sophomore division. He led his team to a victory in the underclassmen division primarily against 4A and 5A schools, making them a strong team for many seasons to come, Photo Credit: MaryBeth Vellequette).
This Season: This fall, the Salida boys have put together another strong and consistent season. They have been in the mix at nearly every meet, often finishing just a few points shy of the top spot. Most recently, they placed third at their regional meet, narrowly missing second place by only six points. In a larger and deeper field, those margins could easily shift, meaning their shot at defending the state title remains very much alive this fall.
Some of their other standout performances this season include a 22nd-place finish in the championship race at Nike Portland
XC, a fourth-place finish at the Joe Vigil Open, and a strong 3rd place result at their league
meet, just 15 points off the lead and without two of their top five runners.The Spartans are once again proving that they belong among
the best in Colorado 3A.
Looking Ahead: The Colorado state meet is only days away, and the competition is shaping up to be as fierce as ever. The 3A boys' title race promises an exciting showdown between Salida, TCA, Manitou Springs, and Alamosa High School. The state meet always brings out the best in every team, athletes pushing to the line with everything they have for their teammates and school. It's bound to be a race to remember. The defending 3A champions, Salida, believe in themselves and their ability to rise to the moment when it matters most. (Pictured above: Joaquin Wilcox finishing 2nd at Arapahoe Warrior Invitational in the freshman/sophomore division, Photo Credit: MaryBeth Vellequette).