Colorado girls cross country runners making waves nationally

Some coaches, including Pomona’s Jack Swartz, say Colorado has a heavy presence on the list because the event took place on a day that had perfect conditions. Others, like Summit’s Mike Hagan, say competition among the field had something to do with it.

But together, there’s a clear consensus that Colorado has high-quality cross country runners.

“Colorado is a really strong state when it comes to cross country,” said Hagan, who added Ella was determined during her near nation-best 5K performance. “I think it’s largely competition within schools and everybody raising their performance level.”

Colorado cross country runners typically train year round, at least in Summit where Mike, as a middle school coach before accepting the Summit High School head cross country coaching position, tailored an offseason program that was designed to elevate the success of runners.

The program offered training during the summer and winters for free. Coaches volunteered their time and the training wasn’t arduous, but it was consistent and runners like Ella — and several others — were dedicated. They were encouraged to try other sports, which helped keep them active and in shape.

Some runners who participated in the program are now running for Summit, wielding additional experience and strength. They are also helped by competing during a time in which, on a whim, they can check how they stack up against their peers. All they have to do is grab their phone and tap a few buttons to see the latest rankings.

“There’s awareness of what the standard is out there,” Mike said. “Kids are striving to meet it.”

Stutzman is no exception. She knew the field was going to be competitive in Littleton, where Liberty Bell was held. She was eager to execute a flawless race, and you can argue she did as she finished with a personal-best time.

Others before her helped pave that competitive fire, Swartz said. He singled out the influence of University of Colorado-Boulder’s Mark Wetmore and how his cross country and track and field program is a perennial NCAA contender.

He also mentioned Riley Stewart, who is a freshman cross country runner for Stanford University and, during her high school career, arguably the face of girls cross country in Colorado. She was a four-time Gatorade Colorado Girls’ Player of the Year, winning three times for cross country, and won three cross country state titles.

Swartz also mentioned Valor’s Wilson, Arapahoe’s Emily Lamontagne and Ella as cross country standouts who are raising the bar for this year’s class of runners and others that follow.

“Not only are they talented athletes and talented distance runners, but they have chosen to live a lifestyle that puts them in positions to be winners and post fast times,” Swartz said.

There are separate programs across Colorado that operate similarly to Summit, Mike said, helping elevate runners at other schools. And you can’t discount the benefits the state offers itself, Swartz said, with athletes able to run and train at elevation.

“Our state is pretty fit,” Swartz said. “People get out and get active and I think that really contributes to a high number of really good runners and athletes.”

Summit and Pomona are expecting to encounter top and motivated talent at end-of-season meets as both programs look to qualify runners from both the girls and boys sides for state. Stutzman is hoping to cement Pomona at the top of the Jeffco League pecking order. Mike wants several of his runners to head to state so the team can arrive with some depth.

With so many teams vying for spots at state, you can be sure the last few weeks will be competitive.

“Colorado is a great state to be in if you’re (coaching cross country),” Mike said. “It’s nice to be competing at this level and having great competition.”