Ashi Geberkidane, Colorado's top XC performer in 2012, is flanked by two Utah runners, Kramer Morton and Brayden McLelland, late in last fall's NXR-SW championship race. Photo by Alan Versaw.
It took a long time for the pack at the front of the boys championship race to break up. Photo by Alan Versaw.
Exactly who was the competitor wearing bib #500 for the Elko team at the NXR-SW girls championship race? Photo by Alan Versaw.
At two miles, Erin Hooker and Sarah Fakler threatened to break away from the pursuit. Photo by Alan Versaw.
Just before two miles, it was Preston Johnson and Bernie Montoya battling for the lead. Photo by Alan Versaw.
#500 from Elko doesn't show in the championship race entries, but she held a tenuous lead approaching the mile. Photo by Alan Versaw.
At just short of one mile, Bernie Montoya and Griffin Hay were setting the pace of the race. Photo by Alan Versaw.
At two miles into the race, Erin Hooker challenges Sarah Fakler for the lead. Photo by Alan Versaw.
Click on the “Nike Cross National Qualifiers, from Southwest Regional” title for details.
Luis Martinez, Erin Hooker, American Fork, Fort Collins win NXN SW; Daniel Vertiz, Madi McLellan, South Lake Carroll win NXN S. Much more inside!
Find the team rosters for the boys championship race here.
Find the team rosters for the girls championship race at NXN-SW here.
This year's boys championship race won't be starting at exactly the time you thought it was going to start. Photo by Jeff McCoy.
Louisville (Monarch) fell to Fort Collins by one point at last year's NXN-SW regional. Both teams return this year to battle again. Colorado Track XC file photo.
Three of the top four girls finishers from last year's NXN-SW championship race are back, and they're each bringing top-tier teams with them to back them up. Photo by Alan Versaw.
It's still early, very early, but it's time to start looking at which teams are positioning themselves for a bid to the championship races at NXN-SW.
Brayden Cromar is one of the reasons that Davis is aiming for a return trip to NXN this fall. Colorado Track XC file photo.