The elevation is around 6100' and the course is hilly and bumpy (not smooth footing). The course is challenging and slow.
If you look at last year's results Mountain Vista's 3-4-5 runners ran just under 12, so Niwot having a freshman in that range, bodes well for them. It looks like the held out all of their top upperclassmen, so it will be interesting to see how they do. They could be a contender for the title this year.
This year's Vista runner's aren't that far off of last year. Guiberson ran the course record. Knowing the program, the Vista girls have not even began to hit their best times. All the girls that returned in the top 7 improved from last year. Also See Vista's Sophomore Addison Baker Ran under 12- beat Niwot's Freshman. I think Vista might be the underdog in comparing to Niwot and Heritage, but Chap and Air Academy are not looking to be contenders.
I agree. I think there will be some very strong SW teams in contention again. It will be fun to watch them all match up with their full varsity teams later this season.
I don't understand how any of the national rankings people come up with their team lists. You can see that several of the programs were hit hard by graduation and also had less than stellar track seasons, yet they're consistently ranked top 10 nationally.
Every single preseason ranking list is waaaaaaaaaaay off just based on these early meets. And I mean not even close.
Seems the Parry girls may have just tempoed the race- Their coach is known for having kids do that when he was at Valor
Let’s hope so. This year might be Chaparral’s last chance at NXN
Rocky Mountain wins easily, but some concerns about their 4th and 5th. They are missing one key girl, but even with her factored in, a 2:03 gap from 1-5 is pretty big.
Lone Peak is obviously very good, but nothing from this meet suggests Lone Peak is a lock to win NXN, as some posters here have argued in this thread. For reference, LP's #5 scored 25 points at this meet. Last year, Mountain Vista's 5th scored 22 and NXR SW. Not in the same ballpark.
American Fork should be in the mix for a NXN spot, but I suspect it will be tight with them and Mountain Vista and probably Heritage. I've got Lone Peak and Niwot 1/2 in some order.
Lone Peak is obviously very good, but nothing from this meet suggests Lone Peak is a lock to win NXN, as some posters here have argued in this thread. For reference, LP's #5 scored 25 points at this meet. Last year, Mountain Vista's 5th scored 22 and NXR SW. Not in the same ballpark.
American Fork should be in the mix for a NXN spot, but I suspect it will be tight with them and Mountain Vista and probably Heritage. I've got Lone Peak and Niwot 1/2 in some order.
I think Colorado's number 1 runners from Niwot, Heritage and Vista are stronger than AF and Lone Peak. It will be a fun season to see the progression of the rest of their 2-5s. Niwot hasn't raced yet, Vista has done a VERY hard 2 mile, and Heritage raced at Cheyenne Mt Stampede (Colorado's State course) Which is grueling. I think the pack times are going to matter and so will their 6/7 runners as displacers.
I don’t want to hear anybody saying that any individual or team is a lock for qualifying for NXN let alone winning the meet. It’s August and crazy stuff happens. Lone Peak peaked PERFECTLY last year, won’t be surprised if they do it again.
