WESTMINSTER — If Tyler Nelson ever wanted to know what success felt like, in particular when it came to distance running, all he had to do was look across the track at his female teammate, Eleanor Fulton of Highlands Ranch High School.
Now he can just look in the mirror.
Nelson is doing his part to give the Falcons a one-two punch in distance running after winning the boys 1,600 meters Wednesday at the Horizon Hawk Invitational.
Nelson blitzed the field at Five Star North Stadium, winning the race in 4 minutes, 39.32 seconds — more than four seconds ahead of Mountain Range’s Nate May, the runner-up.
Nelson’s victory helped Highlands Ranch win the boys team title with 91 1/2 points. Monarch finished second with 89 1/2 points, and Horizon was third with 88 1/2.
With the season approaching the finish line, Nelson’s victory did a lot for his confidence.
“I’m feeling fresh. Hopefully I can drop my times before state,” the junior said.
Nelson also was entered in the 3,200 meters but decided not to run that race.
Wednesday’s meet served as more of a glorified workout, with the Liberty Bell Invitational coming up Saturday.
“I went and ran the first half-mile in about 2:12 — 63 (seconds) on the first lap,” Nelson said. “The wind entering the curves gets you. That half-mile I wasn’t feeling fresh, so I coasted a little bit.”
Fulton knows the feeling. Also a junior, Fulton was scheduled to run the girls 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meters but decided to run only the 800. It wasn’t a perfect performance, but it will do. Her winning time of 2:13.32 was more than 11 seconds better than runner-up Janelle Martinez of Greeley Central.
“I was a little bit slow in my first block, but I’m happy with (the run),” Fulton said.
Highlands Ranch finished second among girls teams with 88 points. Greeley Central won easily with 154 1/2 points. East finished third with 85.
Fulton, a perennial favorite in Class 5A, is trying to improve down the stretch with the state championships only weeks away.
“Oh, gosh, I’m just trying to get (my times) all down. I want to PR in all of my events. I’ll just keep working away,” Fulton said.
Nelson is right there with her now.
