Matthew Cirbo is just one of a bevy of returning field event talent for the Longmont Trojans. Photo by Alan Versaw.
Some people are from Missouri. They don't want to be told; they want to be shown.
So, if you don't believe me when I tell you Longmont is a perpetual threat to win the 4A boys state title, check out the results from the last four years. In those four years, Longmont has finished third, first, fourth, and first. But for a couple of bad breaks with injuries, that little run may have even been more impressive.
They did lose a little something to graduation, but it's possible nobody is going to notice.
Last year, Longmont won the state title scoring points in only the 110 and 300 hurdles, 4x200, 4x400, pole vault, shot put, and discus. That's an unusual route to a state title, but it's not a crisis if the sprint talent is a little thinner in any given year. And, honestly, Longmont seems to be all about power and explosion. Longmont has had an especially strong distance representation in years.
The Trojans will start the season without ranked competitors in any of the straight up track events. If there aren't things to jump over, there may not be any athletes in Trojan blue at the state meet. But be careful about counting those chickens until they've had time to hatch.
But brace yourself for the onslaught on Trojans in other events. Hurdle specialist Aaron Praska graduated, but Josh Cogdill and Braden Hitchcock appear more than ready to pick up the slack. Both brought home state hurdle medals last spring. Barring injury, Longmont isn't giving up a thing in the hurdles this spring.
Next, take a circuit of the field events. Longmont just missed scoring in the triple jump last spring. Don't be on that happening again this spring. Braden Hitchcock ranks fourth among the classification's returning triple jumpers.
Hurdler Josh Cogdill should be among those clamoring for points in the high jump this spring.
Derek Wing just missed scoring in the pole vault last spring. Steven Wacker may also be ready to score in the pole vault this year.
But nowhere is Longmont stronger than in the throws. Ironically, this comes the year after graduating Scotland Coyle. Justin Hansen and Matthew Cirbo return to anchor the throws for Longmont. Lots of teams would love to have two guys with this kind of power. If you think you recognize the name of Justin Hansen but can't quite place the name, your answer lies in a quick scan of the blue-chip football signings out of Colorado this spring. You can probably guess his position. Justin Traxinger should be stepping up in the throwing events as well this spring.
So, the path to the 4A state title goes through Longmont. There will doubtless be other stops along that destination but word is out early that Longmont will have something to say about the outcome.
And, remember this, if technique is the long pole in the tent, Longmont figures to excel in that event. My hunch is that tells you something about the coaching at LHS.