Eric Hamer

Timpview's Aidan Troutner (UT) ran the 20th all-time fastest boys 5K at the NXN National Championships en route to victory in 2017.

Broomfield's Ethan Gonzales is the No. 4 combined 1,600-3,200 runner of the past decade.

Eric Hamer's 8:58.97 from Arcadia is No. 4 on this list.

When it comes to a four-year career posted over the last 10 years, nobody matches the standard set by Paul Roberts.

Battle Mountain's girls pulled off a stunner in Casa Grande. Can they revive the magic in Portland this weekend?

Brie Oakley dominated the field in 2016, running to the largest-ever margin of victory at NXN.

Paul Roberts holds Colorado's best-ever mark on the course with a 14:52. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Sam Hitchens left with top honors among Colorado high school runners at Monday's Loveland Liberty 5K. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.

Dart Schwaderer was the first Colorado boy to qualify to NXN as an individual. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.

Joseph Manilafasha, a two-time state champion and one of the best the state has ever seen. Colorado Track XC file photo.

Adam Maal, a face likely to soon be a bit more familiar on Colorado cross country circuits, took third at Saturday's Liberty Point 5K in Pueblo. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.

Not having Zachary Alhamra and Eric Hamer at the front of the pack won't be the only difference you notice about this year's Arapahoe Warrior Invitational. Photo by Ashley Green.

Austin Brant closed out an exceptional high school throwing career with a state title in the discus. Photo by Jeff McCoy.

Caleb Ojennes won the 200 and 400, and helped Palmer Ridge to a 4x400 title at the end of the meet as well. Photo by Alan Versaw.

The present and future of Niwot girls hurdles. Photo by Alan Versaw.

When the rain was at its worst, Lily Tomasula-Martin was running her best 1600 of the season. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Paxton Smith and Forrest Barton went at it hammer and tongs for eight laps in the wind and rain. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Solana Quistorff pulls away in the rain on the final lap of the Twilight Girls Elite 3200. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Eric Hamer's senior season off cross country raised a few eyebrows--evidently including some at CSU. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Just as he's ahead of the field in this race, so also is Duane McClurkin well out in front of his senior class in the 400. Photo by Alan Versaw.