Lairden Rogge is already responsible for perhaps the most thrilling moment for any Manitou Springs team this year.
The Mustangs were tied with Middle Park in the first round of the Class 3A boys basketball state tournament and a play was drawn up that would give one of two shooters a chance to win the game rather than risk it going to overtime.
The ball made its way into Rogge’s hands and he buried the 3-pointer to give No. 22 Manitou a 54-51 win.
Now he’s doing what he can to bring a state championship to his school. Rogge runs fast and has emerged as one of the fastest 400-meter runners in the entire state. He’s allowed his mind to wonder if hitting a game-winning 3-pointer in the playoffs or crossing the finish line first at state could be a better feeling.
“I would say crossing the finish line first at state,” Rogge said. “But we’ll see.”
And he may get the chance to figure that out.
Last season, Rogge didn’t qualify for the 3A finals of the 200 or the 400 at the state track meet. This year, he’s routinely near the top of the field in the 200 and often wins the 400. His 50.03 seconds at the TCA track meet last week would’ve been good for third place.
But he feels like he hasn’t reached his peak yet and still has visions of dipping below the 50 second mark. It’s a major indication of just how far he has come in his time as a sprinter for the Mustangs.
“The (difference) is the level of training and just how more serious I’ve taken it this year compared to last year,” Rogge said. “We also have an extended period of time to train this year compared to the shortened season last year because of COVID.”
His mindset is also in the right spot to allow himself to get better. Rather than getting intrenched into a specific role on the team, Rogge has put himself in uncomfortable situations that have benefitted his performances in his marquee events.
“He’s grown up a little bit and is willing to do more than he thought he would be doing like (the 4x800 relay),” coach Anna Mack said. “He has kind of stretch himself a bit and I think he has seen how that pays off in the shorter distances.”
Rogge has a legitimate chance to win a state title. He has the third-fastest time in 3A, right behind Liberty Common’s Brandon Bate and TCA’s AJ Braeger.
If he can claim the state title for the Mustangs, it will go a long way for the boys track team to get its best finish since 2014 when it took fourth. They also have standout distance runners in Henry Ilyasova and Cody Kelley, a pair of capable throwers in Anthony Snow and Parker Salladay and standout jumper in John Maynard.
Rogge wants to do his part, contribute in the relay races and hope that he can do something special for the Mustangs for the second time this season.
“I’ve put some thought into it,” he said. “I think it’s a possibility this year and I’m excited to give it everything I’ve got.”
