The second annual Colorado Middle School State Cross Country Championships are coming on October 20, and this is an event you don't want to miss.
Special to Colorado Track XC by Kyle Simcox
Middle school cross country has become one of the greatest things to enjoy in Colorado. The chance to see what’s on the horizon of the high school scene has begun to interest numerous people. What better way to see all that’s coming than a Middle School State Cross Country Championship?
The inaugural event was held last year at D’Evelyn High School and, in the eyes of most who attended, was a great success. Participating were about 400 runners among 21 teams, with several individuals scattered through the field. The meet ran smoothly, and it was decided…the meet would continue to be held.
Last year’s championships were definitely something to behold. The girls championship featured a stunning individual battle between Katie Rainsberger of Cheyenne Mountain and Lauren Gregory of Preston. The battle waged until about 2200 meters when, at the water jump, Rainsberger made a decisive move and pulled away from Gregory. Her victory helped pave the way for Cheyenne Mountain to take the team title over two very good teams from Salida and Summit Ridge.
In the boys race, the pace was controlled early by Isaiah DeLaCerda of Ortega. Only one thing could have stopped him from continuing pulling away… that one thing just happened to be closing on him very quickly. Taylor Stack of Salida closed down the gap to DeLaCerda quickly, moving by him at 2000 meters and never looking back nor giving DeLaCerda the chance to respond.
The team race became a close two-way battle between The Classical Academy and Walt Clark. In the end, though Walt Clark would build the lead after 2, the victory would end up going to The Classical Academy, 32-36, with Summit Ridge a little further back in third.
This year’s championships are already shaping up to be even better. On the individuals’ side, last year's second place finishers Gregory and DeLaCerda return, but they might have a battle on their hands. After the first couple of meets of the year, other contenders have emerged as well. The girls side sees the way led by the Mountain Ridge tandem of Julia Vitella and Allie Chipman, along with Jenna McCaffrey of Westview who dominated the St. Vrain Invitational.
Things were also shaken up at the Panther Invitational when Amanda Eggebrecht of Academy Charter School led teammate Brittany Fuller and Isabella Dorsett of St. Thomas Moore to top 3 finishes.
The team battle looks strong with Mountain Ridge, Bill Reed, and Windsor all having a close race at St. Vrain. After receiving results from the Panther Invitational, two other teams to be on the lookout for are Academy Charter School and Summit Ridge, as both seemed to distance themselves from the rest of the field in those meets.
The boys look strong as well, with Braden Mattson of Summit Ridge, Logan Simington of Walt Clark, and Josh Romine of Mountain Ridge all looking to contend with DeLaCerda for that individual title.
In the team race, look for a great battle to ensue between Mountain Ridge and Summit Ridge. At St. Vrain, Mountain Ridge got the win over the 2-mile course by putting five in the top 25, but things could be interesting as, at the Panther Invitational, Summit Ridge ran away with the meet putting five in the top 13. Possible wildcards would be The Classical Academy and Salida. Both teams placed very well last year and seem to have enough returners to make a run.
This year’s championship is already shaping up to be a great race. The one thing that could make it better is the involvement and support of any team or runner that can make it and throw their hat in the ring. The goal is to race against the best, and that’s what we want to see all the kids do. So, when October 20th rolls around, make plans now to know where you’re going to be. I’ll be at D’Evelyn High School watching one of the greatest youth sport spectacles in the state.
Downloadable entry forms (you must register your intention to compete in this meet with the sponsoring organization, Summit Ridge Cross Country) are linked below. In the meanwhile, if you are the coach of your middle school team and registered as an administrator for your team on this site, you may enter your athletes on the Colorado Middle School State Championship meet page. For teams, both steps must be completed. For individuals, you (the parent/guardian) only need to complete the Individual Entry Form below.