Arvada’s Steven Weeks does not rest on his laurels, let alone rest.
The two-time defending Class 5A cross country champion keeps cranking up his training regimen and looking over his shoulder.
“I definitely have my eye on Richard Medina (of Grand Junction). I look forward to running against him,” said Weeks of his best competition last season.
The boys cross country season begins today for all three classifications. The state meet will be held Oct. 28, and Weeks is ready.
When Weeks took off at the sound of the starting gun of the state meet during his sophomore season, he was loose and quietly confident. With a large group of talented senior and junior runners grabbing most of the pre-race attention, Weeks ran without pressure and was able to weave his way to the front of the pack.
His victory wasn’t shocking, but it was surprising.
And Weeks’ response was to celebrate briefly and immediately start training harder.
“After winning the first one, I got really nervous,” Weeks said. “I was a lot more nervous for the second one, and there was a lot more pressure mentally. It made me think that I had to train even harder because people expected me to win another one.”
One year after claiming his first state championship, Weeks shrugged off the expectations and cruised to a second title, more than 15 seconds ahead of Medina on the 5-kilometer course.
And when that race was over, Weeks held true to form and upped his training schedule once again. His goals this season are to break the 15-minute mark and to win a third consecutive title, a rare feat that was last pulled off by John McGuire of D’Evelyn (2002-04).
McGuire, however, won his first two titles at the 3A level and his third at 4A. The last runner to win three straight in the top classification was Doherty’s Adam Goucher (1991-93), a legendary University of Colorado runner.
Whether or not Weeks wins his third title – he is favored- he and handful of state champion wrestlers the past few years have pumped much-needed life into a school that last won a team state championship in 1981 (girls basketball).
“Steven grew up in the area, and he’s been a big boost to the school and a big boost for the team,” Arvada coach Rick Durant said. “He gets everyone excited, and he’s brought along some of the other runners. He’s an ordinary person who does extraordinary training.”
Weeks, the first cross country champion in Arvada’s history and a standout distance runner in track, is looking at about five universities where he can continue his career. He squeezes in visits when he has the time, but for now Weeks is focused on the 5k courses waiting for him.
In 5A, Cherry Creek is a loaded team, and individuals such as Medina, Anguel Tolev of Thornton and Cameron Clayton of Monarch will challenge Weeks.
Junior Kevin Williams of D’Evelyn is the early, heavy favorite to claim the 4A title after finishing second last season. In 3A, The Classical Academy’s Trevor Waliszewski, Rocky Ford sophomore Victor Montoya and Colorado Springs Christian junior Brandon Reed head the class.
Boys cross country
Class 5A
1. Cherry Creek; 2. Dakota Ridge; 3. Grand Junction; 4. Rocky Mountain; 5. Fort Collins
Class 4A
1. Liberty; 2. South; 3. D’Evelyn; 4. Mountain View; 5. Montrose
Class 3A
1. Bayfield; 2. Colorado Springs Christian; 3. The Classical Academy; 4. Rocky Ford; 5. Basalt
Runners to watch
Evan Appel, Dakota Ridge, So.; Dean Black, Palmer, Sr.; Steven Busch, Chaparral, Sr.; Cameron Clayton, Monarch, Sr.; Jesse Fassler, Centaurus, Sr. Noah Hoffman, Aspen, Sr.; Joseph Manilafasha, North, So.; Saul Martinez, Center, Sr.; Richard Medina, Grand Junction, Sr.; Abuid Mojica, South, Sr. Victor Montoya, Rocky Ford, So.; Eric Ndikumana, North, Jr.; Brandon Reed, CSCS, Jr.; Andrew Roberts, Lyons, So.; Jonny Stevens, Battle Mountain, Jr. Anguel Tolev, Thornton, Sr.; Kurt Vanatta, Ralston Valley, Sr.; Casey Vockrodt, Smoky Hill, Jr.; Trevor Waliszewski, The Classical Academy, Jr.; Steven Weeks, Arvada, Sr.; Kevin Williams, D’Evelyn, Jr.
