Jake Murphy

Blayden Fletcher is one of a small handful of returning state champions in the 1A ranks.

Adrian Behena checks in as the Southern Peaks' top returning sprinter.

Of course, Jacklynn Snyder will be aiming to help Rocky Ford qualify for state, but the Meloneers might have more in mind for their regional. Photo by Alan Versaw.

On a per capita basis, probably no school in the state gets as much cross country production out of its student body as Lake City Community School, here exemplified by Jake Murphy. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Not only did Paul Roberts win 2A this year, but he ran (easily) the fastest time in all classifications. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Joel Such ran mostly injury-free this year to his third state medal in four years, helping to lead Lyons to a fourth-consecutive team title. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Once Kayla Carter took over the lead at Thursday's 2A Region 3 event, there was no bringing her back. Photo by Tim Hilt.

Logan Sessums spearheads what figures to be a sharply-improved Sargent attack this fall. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Jake Murphy parlayed his cross country success into a 10:54.49 3200 to easily top all 1A runners in that event last weekend. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.

Lake City's Jake Murphy picked up where he left off in XC, posting the top 1A 3200 time of the week at 10:54.49. Colorado Track XC file photo by Paul Jaeger.

Every meet begins a tradition somewhere. This is where the Lake City Cross Country Invitational began its tradition. All photos by Paul Jaeger.