Chloe Weber

Heritage Christian Academy took contributions from a number of sources, but sprinter Esther Malers made one of the largest contributions to the team total. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Rachel and Rebekah Rairdon are still the face of Heritage Christian Academy track and field, but there's a lot more to the program than there used to be. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.

Tea Speek adds sprint and jump punch to a distance-strong Shining Mountain roster. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.

If you are looking for unsung heroes in Shining Mountain's state championship story, look no further than Paisley Sheehan. Photo by Alan Versaw.

This installment completes our first round of Colorado Track XC top 5 articles. Another round will follow, but not two more rounds. At the rate these are rolling out, I should be able to finish the second set during league meet week. Which, of course, would take us right up to state. And, after state, there's nothing more to discuss or speculate over.

Shining Mountain's Ginger Hutton passes Dove Creek's Kristin Knuckles en route to winning the 1A 3200. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Taylor Alexander goes to 10-4 to win the 1A girls pole vault. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Taylor Alexander is one of the reasons Vail Christian is among the team favorites heading into the 1A state meet. Photo by David Pressgrove.

Mackenzie Howie and Margaret Hurst attack the last hurdle at the Banana Belt Classic. Photo by Alan Versaw. Doherty is one of the teams this year already exceeding expectations. Read on to find what other teams have made the list.