Cross-country team rises to big race challenge in Boulder event

“This is where all the pieces fell into place”

The Titans cross-country team members got their first taste of the big time last weekend, traveling to Boulder to compete in the Pat Patten Invitational on Friday, October 1.
Not only does the event attract some of the big 3A to 5A programs from the Front Range; it also brought in the top two ranked 2A schools in the state, Lyons and Nederland.
“It was overwhelming to say the least, but in a good way,” says coach Connie Hayden.
Furthermore, the course was rife with obstacles and a variety of surfaces as it turned from grass onto gravel to sand, over roots and the occasional construction cone.
“It had everything,” says Hayden. “It was a very difficult course.”
Prior to the race, Hayden explained to her athletes that it was time to push their personal limits. During the season the Titans runners often pace themselves based in part upon the same opponents they see every week. The Boulder race had an entirely unfamiliar field of runners, leaving the Titans to figure out their own pace.
“I told them all to tune into themselves and go out faster than they usually do, run by how they feel, and they did,” explains Hayden. “They all did really well in terms of listening to their bodies and going for it.”
Senior Erin Kelly’s winning streak came to an end in Boulder. After winning every race she entered starting last season, Kelly found herself in the mix with the top runners in the state from larger schools.
Kelly stayed the course and ran to an 11th-place finish out of 155 runners, first among 2A and 3A schools, with a time of 19 minutes, 32 seconds.
Sophomore Amber Scott had the race of her career in Boulder setting a new personal record time of 21 minutes, 26 seconds despite the challenging conditions.
The three other scoring runners for the team included freshman Mina Moscatelli, sophomore Abby Whiting and the triumphant return off senior Hannah Smith.
Their efforts helped push the Titans girls’ team to a 12th-place finish out of 21 teams and first place among similar size 2A teams.
Junior Natalie Barefield and freshman Jessie Dean had stellar efforts in the JV race, posting personal record times as well.
The boys team all lined up for the JV race, with freshman Forrest Smith posting the top Crested Butte result and freshman Kyle Boyle setting another new personal record time.
“They all realized they can set a faster pace and sustain it,” says Hayden. “This is where all the pieces fell into place.”
The team heads to the southwest part of the state to compete in the Ancient Trails Invitational on Saturday, October 9.
Hayden picked the event for two reasons. First, the Titans will face two regional opponents, and second, it’s the same course for the regional race.
“We’re really excited to go up against Telluride and Mancos,” says Hayden. “It will be a regional preview.”