COLORADO SPRINGS — Heritage Christian’s title defense campaign began one day after the 2023 2A girls’ state cross country championship, and the Eagles’ dedication paid off on Saturday.

The Eagles took the team crown for the second year in a row with 23 team points. Heritage Christian’s win was a commanding one, finishing well ahead of second-place Lake County (66 points) and third-place Ridgway (96).

“It feels like it was meant to be,” junior Faith Lee said. “There were so many past teams that helped us get here. It just feels really amazing, defending our title.” Junior Mikaela Kendall was Heritage Christian’s fastest runner on Saturday, finishing in 19:52.1 to place third. The Eagles’ other scorers were Lilly Lukens (fourth), Emma Lukens (10th) and Kate Lukens (14th).

Lee and Maebelle Cheney also competed for Heritage Christian, finishing 26th and 69th, respectively.

Heritage Christian’s runners said the team’s offseason preparation — which began immediately after the 2023 championship — paved the way for the Eagles’ repeat.

“For me, it’s been something that’s really cool, seeing our team throughout the year really work hard together,” Kate Lukens said. “I definitely think that we want to be setting an example for athletes in the training we do.”

In addition to becoming faster runners, the Eagles have learned to be better teammates. That, along with their offseason training, allowed them to win the team title comfortably on Saturday.

“It’s just the connection we have,” Cheney said. “If someone is down in the dumps, we all go to that person and help that person. It’s just amazing to see.”

Taya Wren of Rangely won the individual crown, finishing in 19:02.5. Behind Wren, Saskia Marlin of North Fork earned silver with a time of 19:36.8.

A sophomore, Wren competed at state as a freshman, placing 12th. That was a strong opening meet, but after her first time participating, she made it a goal to reach the podium.

She achieved more than that on Saturday.

“I didn't have a ton of expectations coming in,” Wren said. “I was just hoping to get top five, and it ended up being a good day. It’s so cool.”

Wren didn’t take the lead until late in the race.

She sat in third place at the one-mile mark before taking a slight — 0.2-second — lead at the two-mile mark. Wren finally pulled away in the final stretch of the race, eventually winning by more than 30 seconds.

Wren described her offseason training program as “rigorous.” Before her sophomore season, Wren ran six days a week — and that allowed her to persevere late in the 2A race.

“I was hoping to have a better season than before,” Wren said. “Those summer miles were definitely huge.”

With two more years remaining in high school, Wren hopes Saturday’s winning feeling is one that she can replicate.

“I’m so excited for the years to come,” Wren said.