Marcel Such

Evergreen's Jackson Sayler was very close at the finish of last year's 4A state 800. "Very close" has a way of eating at you clear through the winter. Photo by Jeff McCoy.

Last spring, Yuma's Michael Howell was chasing the leaders in the 2A 400. It might be a different story this spring. Photo by Paul Jaeger.

Midway through the girls championship race, Elise Cranny, Heather Bates, and Katie Rainsberger were firmly entrenched among the top four. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Marcel Such's third-place finish among returning runners was perhaps a bit overshadowed by the first-place finish of teammate Paul Roberts, but is was significant nevertheless. Photo by Paul Jaeger.

While Paul Roberts stole the spotlight, Wiliam Scoggins and Jake Erickson quietly enjoyed spectacular seasons in their own rights. Photos by Paul Jaeger.

All wrapped up in the finish banner, Paul Roberts claims what could be but the first in a long list of state titles. Photo by Karen McCoy.

Will 2012 be the year for Natalie Anderson and her Hotchkiss teammates? Colorado Track XC file photo.

Jake Erickson's quietly impressive season includes a win at the Doherty Spartan Invitational. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Several of the left. the race's top finishers can be identified at the front of the pack in this photo from the early stages of the Windjammer girls race, but eventual winner Erin Norton is biding her time on the left. Photo by Kelli Noto.

Joel Such may have to endure running in the shadow of Paul Roberts his entire high school career, but he definitely makes Lyons a better team. Photo by Alan Versaw.

As only a freshman last year, Jake Erickson finished eighth in the 2A state meet. Photo by Paul Jaeger.

Jake Boesch is likely the best 2A cross country runner you've never before heard of. Colorado Track XC file photo.

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.

Holyoke's Alex Quintana and Matt Radich of Lyons kept it close at the front of the 2A 110 hurdles final. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Justin Boldt's ride over the 300 hurdles was one of several Lyons qualifying marks for tomorrow's finals. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Lyons can lean equally hard on relays or individual events this spring. Here Ryan Boucher passes the baton to River Crane, Photo by Alan Versaw.

Marcel Such ran 17:30 to finish sixth at this year's state meet as a sophomore. And that helps give Lyons plenty of reason to be hopeful about the prospects for next fall. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Kelley Robinson completed a brilliant high school career that included scoring a grand total of five points in four state meets. Photo by Paul Jaeger.

Ty Williams and Ian Boucher were going at it hammer and tongs midway through the 2A boys race. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Kelley Robinson has been on a tear of late and hopes to keep the frenzy going this weekend at state. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Ty Williams and Telluride face a regional showdown with Crested Butte followed by, in all probability, a rematch at state. Photo by Alan Versaw.