Devan Foster

Mountain Range's Autumn Gardner didn't get nearly the recognition she deserved last spring--for her high jumping or for her socks. Colorado Track XC file photo.

Rachael Chacko quietly kept getting better all through last school year. This fall, there's really not much chance at all that there will be anything quiet about her cross country season. Colorado Track XC file photo.

Devan Foster had enough left in the state 800 to overtake Kaela Edwards for the win. Will she be able to help push Arapahoe over the top to a team title next spring? Photo by Alan Versaw.

Up until about mid way through the state race, 2A girls cross country was all about Nederland and Telluride. It figures to be a good deal more inclusive this fall, and the Nederland dynasty will be in a fight for its very existence. Photo by Alan Versaw.

On the first lap of the 5A boys 800, Kirk Webb still had a lot of company. On lap two, it was a different story. Photo by Alan Versaw.

A number of peope underestimated Alleandra Watt heading into state. They aren't making that mistake any longer. Photo by Alan Versaw.  

In a race with big state team title implications, Loveland's Kaylee Packham edges ahead of Katie Weber and Haley Brogan. Photo by Alan Versaw.

In addition to having the best relays in the state, Loveland also boasts Kaylee Packham's talents in the 100 and 300 hurdles. Photo by Alan Versaw.

The league meets are now done. The big event is nearly upon us.

Emily Romo, Chyna Ries, and Alleandra Watt charge toward the finish line of the Liberty Bell 100 meters, but out in lane 6, Zainab Sanni took the win. Photo by Ashley Green.

For those who had forgotten what she can do in a pair of spikes, Kaela Edwards offered a refresher course this last weekend. Photo by Ashley Green.

Kelley Robinson and Elise Cranny enjoyed stellar performances at Saturday's Boulder County Championships meet in Broomfield. Photos by Ashley Green.

Though pictured here as a shot putter, Valarie Allman did her biggest damage in the discus this weekend, slinging the device over 157 feet. Photo by Paul Jaeger.

Between Gina Hauptman, Hannah Everson, and Heather Bates (plus a few more), the distance competition figures to be pretty brutal around Colorado Springs this spring. Colorado Track XC file photo.

Dylan Brant had his best shot put series of the season to finish second, while Collin Scheer was an unexpected titleist in the long jump at the Martin Luther King, Jr., Mile-High Classic. Photos by Alan Versaw.

Midway through the first lap of the 400, McKenzie Brogan challenges Kendall Horan for the lead. Though seeded in the second heat, Brogan went on to win Sunday's 400 in 59.31. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Dior Hall took out a meet record and took .12 second off her nation-leading 60 meter hurdle time at the Air Force Indoor HS Invitational. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Kiah Leonard, Mercy Bowen, Betzabeth Garcia, Victoria Milano, and Birdie Hutton stake out an early lead at the Wiggins Invitational. In the end, Hutton would lead them all. Photo by Mario Garcia.

Rachael Chacko's relaxed form has accompanied some very nice finishes this season. Photo by Alan Versaw.

The biggest invitational of the Colorado season is nearly upon us. In Colorado, and the entire Rocky Mountain region, the Liberty Bell Invitational needs no introduction. Some coaches love it, some coaches avoid it like the plague, but its presence carries a weight no other meet in the state can rival. As we do every year, we expect to see some big things tomorrow. And this year, the weather looks to be almost as ideal as last year was dreadful. There will be no 90-degree race time temperatures this year.

Rikki Gonzales has won a few races before, but probably none as big as the 5A title at the Lori Fitzgerald Invitational. Photo by Alan Versaw