The inaugural Region Championship system implemented by the NTN Committee in 2007 forever changed the face of the sport of high school cross country. In 2007, the Davis UT girls were the first Utah team to qualify using the region championship format. Placing 2nd at the 2007 NXN Southwest Championships Davis earned an automatic berth to Nike Team Nationals in Portland, OR. On that day, Davis XC seized their moment, finishing 9th in the Nation. 2008 looks even brighter for Utah girls cross country teams.
Led by standout individual 4A State Champion Jonathan Nelson, Timpview seniors lead the way to the NXN Southwest Region Championships, seeking to finish off a tremendous 3-year in-state run with a NXN National Championship berth.
The 2008 Alta boys cross country team travels to Tempe, AZ to compete at the NXN Southwest Region XC Championships. Establishing themselves as one of the dominant teams in recent Utah State history, Alta looks to capitalize on their superb season with a National Championship berth.
The American Fork cross country team stormed through the 2008 season as one of the top programs in Utah State. At the State Championships, American Fork posted one of the fastest team times in state history. The Cavemens 81:22 team time ranks them between Mountain Views 04' and 05 squads. Both Mountain View teams competed at the NTN finals each finishing those seasons ranked #5 Nationally. With such a great season showing the Cavemen set their site on NXN Southwest.
Indoor track has become a right of passage in Utah with more athletes competing each year. This year features one of the most exciting crop of sprinting and distance runners over the past several years. In the sprints we have Grangers own Maria Halton and the Stewart sisters who should electrify the state with national performances. The distance races will be led by Davis Senior Jared Ward and Candace Eddy. This year features (4) four indoor meets, on jan 13th we have the Utah State Meet, 19-20 Weber State Meet, Jan 26-27 BYU Meet, and the season will culminate with the UHSTCA Championship Meet on Feb 2-3. Stay tuned for results and interviews.
Spencer Gardiner a junior from Springville, UT is coming off a stellar cross country season where he placed 2nd in the 4A State Championships, Look for Gardiner to compete for the 4A State 3200m crown and possibly dip under 9:30 during the season. (left: Spencer Gardiner) (Photo: Hal Hadley e-photos)
December athlete of the month, Rocky Mountain Region standout Katie Vanatta has stamped herself a national threat in outdoor track and cross country. Will she likewise establish herself through indoor track? Is her 4:56.08 established at last years Colorado State Championships, as a freshman, good enough for an invitation?
Utah\'s phenom jr. Luke Puskedra and Colorado\'s Adam Lenz could be top of their class. Take a Look at the Pre-Season Distance Honor-Roll.
Utah\'s phenom jr. Luke Puskedra and Colorado\'s Adam Lenz could be top of their class. Take a Look at the Pre-Season Distance Honor-Roll.
Utah\'s phenom jr. Luke Puskedra and Colorado\'s Adam Lenz could be top of their class
Wheat Ridge\'s XC Supercult returns top five from 3rd place showing at Rocky Mountain Region Championship team for 2007 season (photo: Scott Chamberlain)
SHADLE PARK, GLACIER PEAK, HENRY JACKSON, FERRIS, NORTH CENTRAL, KAMIAKIN ALL MAKE THE LIST!!!