The runs Thursday through Saturday at Jeffco Stadium. Here are 10 storylines to watch in Lakewood.
Legend’s last call
Niwot senior Addison Ritzenhein will run her final high school races this weekend. Ritzenhein, the Northern Arizona-bound distance superstar with a plethora of cross-country and track titles already to her name, runs in her marquee races on Friday at 8:20 a.m. (3,200 meters) and Saturday at 11:10 a.m. (1,600 meters). She’ll also run the 800 meters and the 4×800-meter relay.
Relay speedsters
Whoever wins the Class 5A boys 4×100-meter relay on Saturday at 3:40 p.m. might have to break the state record to get the gold. Cherry Creek (state-best 40.92 seconds coming into the meet) and Fort Collins (40.97) are both blazing. The record is 40.59, set by Grandview in 2022. The Bruins are headlined by sophomore Brandon Veasley Jr., while the Lambkins feature senior DJ Ruff.
Fort Collins’ hopes
Speaking of the Lambkins, they are the clear favorite to win the Class 5A boys title, with the potential to tally points across a wide array of events. In addition to DJ Ruff, Fort Collins also features his brother, sophomore Jackson Ruff. The Lambkins also have the state’s top 4×400-meter time. Fort Collins, a dynasty in the 1920s and ’30s, is but first since 2012.
5A girls race
In the girls Class 5A race, defending champion Fossil Ridge is one of the co-favorites heading into Thursday, along with Eaglecrest, which finished third last year. Cherry Creek (runner-up last year) could also challenge. The Sabercats are headlined by senior sprinter Addyson Smith, who has the state’s top time in the 100 meters (11.63 seconds) and also boasts 5A’s best time in the 200 (23.82).
Eaglecrest’s jumping duo
is seeking her third straight Class 5A long jump title in a season where the junior was limited by hip injury. Witt has the top mark in the state at 19 feet, 11.5 inches. Meanwhile, Raptors senior Cameron Bell holds the state’s top boys mark at 24 feet, 8.25 inches. A championship double-dip in the event is within reach. Bell competes Thursday at 8:30 a.m., followed by Witt at 11:30 a.m.
Peyton’s motivation
The Panthers boys left Jeffco Stadium last May in heartbreak, losing the Class 2A title to Sedgwick County, 57.5 to 57. Peyton hasn’t forgotten about the half-point that denied them a championship three-peat, and has worn shirts all season with a reminder on them. In 2A, also keep an eye on Heritage Christian Academy hurdler Alec Lundy, Swink jumper Javin Summers and Sedgwick County thrower Josh Palic.
The Ben Adams Show
Adams, Mountain Vista’s star junior, won the 3,200-meter crown last year by beating his teammate, senior Benjamin Anderson. Adams has taken his domination to another level this year, with the state’s best times in the 1,600 (4:08.42) and 3,200 (8:57.68). He’s a good bet to win both events. The Class 5A boys 3,200 is Thursday at 8:35 a.m., and the 1,600 is Saturday at 2:55 p.m.
Denver East’s new boss
After leading Hinkley, Rangeview and Eaglecrest to individual and team success at the state meet, coach Chris Carhart The Angels are capable of making significant noise this weekend: Keep an eye on the girls’ 4×800-meter relay (state-best 9:17.03 mark) that runs Saturday at 10 a.m., and junior Jaceson Alexander in the high jump (Friday 10:30 a.m.).
Small-school field power
On the girls side, the state leaders in triple jump, discus and shot put all hail from smaller schools. In Class 3A, University junior Ruby Naber is No. 1 in triple jump (40 feet, 11 inches) while Manitou Springs senior Mackinzy Wall is tops in the discus (144 feet, 3 inches). And in Class 2A, Wiggins senior Brooke Schmidt leads Colorado in shot put with a throw of 43 feet, 3 inches; she’s also ranked fourth in discus.
Unruh’s challenger
In Class 1A, Cheyenne Wells senior Roxy Unruh . The Mines commit is an eight-time individual sprinting champion. She won the 100-meter and 200 as a freshman at Prairie, then swept the 100, 200 and 400 the last two seasons for Cheyenne Wells. She has the top 1A time in the 100 this season (12.28), but is ranked second in the 200 and 400 to Cotopaxi senior Hayden Eggleston.
