Cross Country Runners Take 2nd at Colorado 5A Region 3 Championships
The Boulder High Panthers showcased resilience and depth at the Colorado 5A Region 3 Championships, securing 2nd place finishes in both boys' and girls' team races. Against fierce competition from Niwot, Boulder's teams performed exceptionally, with multiple top-20 finishes that promise a strong showing at the upcoming state championships.
Boys' 5000 Meter Run Finals:
The boys' team gave a commendable performance, finishing as regional runners-up with 56 points and an average time of 16:22. Boulder's depth was clear, as all five scoring runners placed within the top 20.
• Cooper Draves (11) led Boulder's boys, clocking in at 16:12.92 for a 9th place finish.
• Toby Wong (11) was close behind, finishing 10th with a time of 16:18.56.
• Lucas Wik (11) followed with a strong 11th-place finish in 16:18.65.
• Ulysses Paulsrud (11) took 13th with a time of 16:24.26, keeping the pace for Boulder.
• Jack Rhodes (10) rounded out the scoring in 20th place at 16:40.26.
• Faolan Dougherty (11) and Tyler Emdur (9) also put in solid performances, finishing 29th and 47th, respectively.
Girls' 5000 Meter Run Finals:
The Boulder girls' team mirrored the boys' success, also capturing 2nd place with a score of 50 points and an impressive team average of 19:14. Their top five runners finished with a tight 27-second spread, underscoring their collective strength.
• Calia Vaughn (9) led the way with a 6th-place finish in 19:00.50.
• Sophia Africa (10) followed closely in 7th with a time of 19:08.91.
• Rachel Tilton (11) added to Boulder's score with a 9th-place finish at 19:11.18.
• Anika Leovy (11) took 12th place, running a steady 19:22.03.
• Lucy Friend (9) secured Boulder's final scoring spot, finishing 16th in 19:28.46.
• Abby O'Leary (12) and Sadie Stokes (11) also placed well, coming in at 22nd and 23rd, respectively.
Team Results:
With Niwot taking first in both boys' and girls' races, Boulder's two 2nd-place finishes highlighted the depth and determination that have been hallmarks of their season. The boys' team displayed a close 27-second 1-5 split, while the girls matched that with their own 27-second spread among the top five, both teams showing consistency and strength in numbers.
As they look to the state championships, the Panthers are set to make a strong bid for top positions. With standouts like Draves, Wong, Wik, Vaughn, and Africa leading their squads, Boulder High is poised for success on the state stage.
Congratulations to the entire Boulder High Cross Country team on a fantastic regional showing, and best of luck at state!
