Golden cross country teams sweep at 5A Jeffco League Championships

ARVADA — Golden sophomore Jackson Ferguson kicked off the Jeffco League Cross Country Championships in impressive fashion Wednesday morning at the North Area Athletic Complex.

In the first race of the day, Ferguson dominated the Class 5A Jeffco boys race with an impressive time of 15:33.96. The sophomore finished more than 30 seconds ahead of second place, Valor Christian sophomore Lucas Santos.

“I’m very happy. It was a PR. I haven’t PR’d in a long time,” Ferguson said right after the race. “I’m super happy with how I raced. Executed the plan perfectly. It was a perfect race for me.”

The weather was exceptional for running, and maybe a little fishing for the Golden sophomore.

“The weather was perfect,” Ferguson said. “I’ve got to go fishing or something after this.”

Golden cruised to the 5A Jeffco League team title with a score of 38. Columbine finished second with 86 and Arvada West third at 93.

“That was super important,” Ferguson said about winning the 5A Jeffco boys team title. “We are a team focused team. My boys ran super well today. I’m super proud of them.”

It was the Demons’ first boys cross country league title since 2018. Next up for Golden is regionals next week.

“Running a smart race at regionals,” Ferguson said of his plan as the Demons head to the Class 5A Region 2 meet Thursday, October. 23, at DeKoevend Park in Centennial. “I don’t need to PR or go for a big win. Just getting the team to state and then going all out at state.”

Ferguson said his goal at state is to break Golden’s school record which is 15:32. 

On the 5A girls side, Golden repeated as 5A Jeffco League team champs. The Demons are a perfect 2-for-2 after moving up from 4A. Freshman Dylan Shaklee (3rd), sophomore Teagan Peters (5th), along with seniors Elsa Vessely (9th) and Sophia Halverson (10th) paced Golden with all finishing in the top-10.

Lakewood junior Allisson Christensen claimed the 5A Jeffco girls individual title with a time of 18:50.2. She finished a few seconds ahead of junior teammate Iris Barnett. 

On the 4A girls side, the Conifer won their third straight 4A Jeffco League team title. The Lobos’ score of 41 points was well ahead of second place Green Mountain’s 74 points. Wheat Ridge sophomore Nytia Adams won the 4A Jeffco girls individual title with a time of 19:37.14.

In the 4A boys race, Littleton reclaimed the league title. The Lions had four runners finish right in a row from 3rd-place to 6th-place. Seniors Axel Fontaine, Henrick Chojnacki, along with juniors Tyler West and Jonas Fontaine allowed Littleton to get the league title back after Conifer won in 2024. 

Conifer senior Kyler Boymel was able to repeat as the individual 4A Jeffco champion with a time of 16:45.78