The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Erin Kelly wins, girls team takes second
Cross-country teams were met with nearly two inches of snow on the course as they lined up for the regional race in Aspen on Saturday morning, October 24. The Titans seized on the questionable conditions though, as the girls’ team took second place to qualify for the state meet, and senior captain Nicholas Harper-Johnson and junior Jeffery Hargrove each punched a ticket to the big show as individuals.
Coach Connie Hayden admitted prior to the race she didn’t know what to expect from her boys’ team. They had not run as a unit all season long and Harper-Johnson was still battling back from the flu.
In the end Hayden was handed a pleasant surprise as the team took fourth place overall with Harper-Johnson leading the charge. Harper-Johnson tromped through the snow to a third-place finish to earn a spot at the state meet October 31.
“He ran very strong considering his physical condition,” says Hayden. “He’ll be tip-top for this weekend.”
Junior Jeffrey Hargrove punched a ticket to the state meet as well for the first time in his career. Hargrove took 16th place last year missing the big show by one spot, but rallied this year through illness and fatigue to take 15th place and join Harper-Johnson at the state race.
“He just gave it his all and it definitely paid off,” says Hayden.
Sophomore David Bright was suffering from the same illness as Hargrove but left everything out on the course in his battle for 16th place, missing state by one spot. Junior Barron Farnell ran his first five-kilometer race ever, posting a time of 29 minutes.
By the time the girls lined up, most of the snow had melted off. While that may appear as a good thing, it presented a problem for junior Erin Kelly. With no footprints to follow and the course pacer on a bike pulling too far ahead, Kelly missed a turn just prior to the one-mile mark.
“She was just completely in her race zone,” says Hayden.
Members of the Ouray boys’ team chased her down to turn her around and for the first time all season Kelly was not in the lead.
Nevertheless, Kelly recovered and by the time she caught back up with the field she was in fourth place. She then proceeded to reel the leaders in and pass them for her sixth win in a row.
“She still won by a minute—it was amazing,” says Hayden.
Freshman Amber Scott continued her assault with a fourth-place finish at regionals. Despite the slick conditions, Scott posted a time of 22:55.60, eight seconds off her personal record.
“She had an amazing race,” says Hayden. “She’s definitely peaking.”
Junior Hannah Smith tweaked her calf in the first 300 yards of the race but was determined to qualify for the state race. Smith carried a strong enough pace to finish in 10th and post key points for the team and should be back on track for the state race.
“She’s ready to peak this Saturday,” says Hayden. “She’s very determined— she really wants to do well.”
Junior Jenna D’Aquila and sophomore Shelby Knopf finished 16th and 17th respectively with side cramps plaguing them from start to finish.
“They definitely persevered and had great races,” says Hayden.
Hayden and the team now look ahead to the state race in Ft. Collins and a course that should suit the Titan runners.
“They’re in for a treat,” says Hayden. “The course is fast and flat and it’s going to be fun to watch them fly. All the training and all the miles are ready to be put into place. They’re ready for it.”
