Bryan Hird

Alayna Szuch easily beat all females under age 25 at this morning's running of the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot in Denver. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.

For several of Colorado’s cross country programs, Saturday brings the moment of truth.

It came right down to the final meet, but Marcelo Laguera saved his statement for state. Photo by Jeff McCoy.

Do you like showdowns? They don't come prepackaged much better than this one. Photos by Ashley Green, Alan Versaw.

When it came down to the final battle for third in 5A Region 3, Karina Mann, Cami Kennedy, and Claudia Burgess were all still in it. Photo by Ashley Green.

If you see Broomfield packing up like this around mile one, that would be your cue to raise your level of concern. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Yet another week of favorite cross country photos.

Marcelo Laguera negotiates the hairpin coming back onto the grass at about 2.5 miles into the Clement Park course. Photo by Alan Versaw.

In Wednesday's Front Range League action, it was Bryan Hird and Satchel Caldwell early, then all Bryan Hird at the end. What will the stories be at other meets around the state this weekend? Photo by Ashley Green

Caleb Palmer is one of a large group sophomores who are making big things happen this fall on the Alamosa boys varsity. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.

Rocky Mountain High School, led by Bryan Hird, enjoyed an outstanding showing at the John Martin Invitational. Colorado Track XC file photo by Paul Jaeger.

I'm not sure which of the Rairdon sisters this is--I am unskilled at making those distinctions--but there is a message here for 2A girls cross country. Photo by Jeff McCoy.

It's difficult to keep track of all the guys on the Fort Collins roster who can hurt you, but Henry Briggs is one of that crew. Colorado Track XC file photo by Paul Jaeger.

Nate Fedel exploited the home course advantage with a nice finish at the Ourayce 10K. File photo by Paul Jaeger.

Isaac and Claire Green took turns setting 800 meter records at the Longmont Invitational on Saturday. Photos by Renee Haip/Ashley Green.

When you can't run fast enough to keep the hair out of your face, that tells you something about the conditions. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Zack Retzlaff led a very strong Pueblo West team at the Doherty Spartan Invitational. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Rocky Mountain will be counting on Kacey Doner for some big production this fall. Colorado Track XC file photo.