Allie Parks finishes off a second consecutive state cross country title in October. Photo by Jeff McCoy.
It would seem that Colorado's loss is Montana's gain. The latest in a long, long line of outstanding female cross country runners out of Greeley is leapfrogging the entire state of Wyoming to run collegiately at the University of Montana. Apparently, she's cool with short daylight hours during winter.
Going to Montana means parting with the company of classmates with whom she has bonded for four years--young women like Janelle Martinez, Darion Roque, and Mercedes Davila. It won't be a complete separation, however, as "I'm lucky enough to see two of my fellow seniors [Davila and Roque] next year, because they'll be in the Big Sky Conference [at the University of Northern Colorado] as well."
As for reuniting with Janelle Martinez, the formula is, "We're already planning on meeting at nationals or other big meets." Doubtless it was that very order of expectations that helped to make Parks and Martinez one of the most dangerous 1-2 combinations in Colorado high school cross country these last few years.
And as far away from home as the University of Montana is, it was largely because it felt so much like home that Parks made the decision to go there.
"All the schools I visited did a good job trying to make me feel welcome as a recruit, but at Montana, I felt like I instantly connected with the coach and team in a way that made me think I could definitely be part of that team. And the area is so beautiful. In a lot of ways it reminds me of Colorado, which is comforting. Missoula is such a pretty, welcoming town."
Apparently the namesake Grizzlies of the University of Montana were not part of the welcoming committee.
Parks will leave Greeley Central High School with a lot of memories, but none fonder than her first state cross country title in 2009, "My first cross country state title stands out as the highlight of my high school career because I had no idea if I was capable of attaining that. I learned a lot about myself as a competitor and as a person with that first championship." A few of the rest of us learned something about Allie Parks that day as well.
But, before she leaves, there's still some business to take care of. The probable slate of events for Parks this spring includes the 4x800, 1600, and 3200. School and personal records are on the line. And, of course, there are more memories to be built. Somehow, it seems that Greeley Central's 4x800 team this spring just might be heavy in senior representation. Give them a shout out sometime if you're fortunate enough to see them in a meet!
