Titans girls cross-country crush regional competition in Cortez

Seven Titans headed to state
championships

The Crested Butte Titans cross-country team returned to Montezuma-Cortez last weekend to take on their regional foes, and when the dust settled—or the mud caked off—the girls team took the 2010 regional title and freshmen boys Ian Boucher and Forrest Smith placed top 10. Their results qualified seven Titans for the state championship race on Saturday, October 30 in Aurora, Colo.
The title was in the cards for the swift-footed Titan girls’ team as they headed into the regional race the favorite. But with rain turning the course from red dust to soupy clay, all bets were off and it was time for the girls to get down and dirty.
Fortunately, having run a race on the same course two weeks ago, the team was well prepared. Furthermore, the week of tapering prior to regionals had the Titans well rested for the race.
“Everyone had to be careful and pick their way through the treacherous sections,” says coach Connie Hayden. “Knowing the course, everyone knew where to rock it and when to roll.”
As a result of the course conditions, Scott had her team focused more on place rather than time.
“For the most part we were all focused on places,” says Hayden. “I didn’t even look at my watch.”
Senior Erin Kelly continued her assault on Colorado, posting another win for her third regional title in a row. Kelly was unfettered by the Montezuma mud, shuffling her way to the front from the start line and never looking back.
Sophomore Amber Scott had her hands full with her pre-race strategy at regionals.
“She had an assignment to stay as close as she could to the third-place girl,” says Hayden. “You have to maintain contact with these kids.”
Unfortunately, the third-place girl has a notoriously quick start; she rocketed off the line, leaving Scott behind.
The field spread out thin mid-race and Scott was left to fend for herself, coming across the finish in fourth place.
“She still had a respectable race,” says Hayden.
The week of tapering had sophomore Abby Whiting in top form at regionals as she cruised to a sixth-place finish. In addition, Hayden learned something new about Abby.
“She had an amazing race and she responds to going out really fast, which is good to know coming into state,” says Hayden.
Freshman Mina Moscatelli stepped up to the challenge, coming from sea level into the regional challenge with a ninth-place finish. But the biggest challenge was handed to sophomore Taylor O’Neal.
Senior Hannah Smith fell victim to a nagging calf injury last week so two days before the race, Hayden called on sophomore Taylor O’Neal to step in. O’Neal battled some pre-race jitters but found her pace when the race was on and finished 14th to join her teammates at the state meet.
“She rose to the occasion for sure,” says Hayden. “That was our goal, to have all five girls qualify as individuals.”
The boys were in an entirely different scenario in Montezuma-Cortez.
While a team finish of top two was well within their reach heading in, some late arrivals by one team threw the mix into complete disarray.
“Mancos had a couple ringers show up at the regional meet,” says Hayden. “They didn’t show up on the radar at all.”
Nevertheless, the team had standout performances from freshmen Ian Boucher and Forrest Smith. Boucher and Smith finished in fourth and ninth place, respectively, earning bids to the championship race.
“They both responded to the week of tapering and were buzzing, ready for action,” says Hayden.
Senior captain Jeffery Hargrove missed out on his shot at a return to the state race. He qualified last year, edging his way into the top 15 but fell one place shy this time around, coming in 16th. Freshman Kyle Boyle was right behind Hargrove in 17th place.
Seven Titans now have their sights set on the state race this Saturday, with Hayden putting the finishing touches on her athletes despite the weather.
“Everyone knows that weather is not a factor with me, unless there’s lightning,” says Hayden. “We’ll just continue the fine tuning on the quality training and find some melted out dirt roads to do some speed work.”
Rumor has it that the course slated for the upcoming championships should favor the Titan runners and has Hayden setting a goal of top five for her girls’ team.
“The course is hilly and totally plays to our strengths,” says Hayden. “Everyone is ready. Hopefully we’ll get top five.”