Ian Jackson was a likely candidate to win the 400, plus possibly a couple more events as well.
Last year, Lutheran ran away with it all. We don't know what would have happened this year, though Lutheran certainly figured to be part of the story. In this article, I'll take a look at the various 3A teams around the state who had a legitimate shot at coming home from the state meet with a trophy and the seniors who appeared most likely to leave their imprint on the trophy hunt.
Teams are treated below in alphabetical order. Nothing more is implied by the ordering listed below.
Alamosa - Alamosa has reaped the rewards of a competitive track and field program for years out of memory. This year, sprinter/hurdler Ian Jackson figured as the go-to guy for points at state for the Mean Moose. Jackson likely would have had to have made some decisions about which events to participate in at state, but not for lack of competitiveness across a broad spectrum. Middle distance type Cole Schweizer might also have come in line for points at state as well.
Jefferson Academy - In case you hadn't noticed, the Jaguars have been doing steadily better and better in track and field. This year, they figured to come into their own as a state trophy contender. Jumper Zace Buckhold figured to hold the key to pushing the Jags into a competitive position at state. Jumps have been a big part of the Jefferson Academy show and Buckhold was the senior to get it done there this year.
Lutheran - I probably don't have to remind you that Lutheran could get it done a lot of different ways. In terms of seniors this year, that included sprinters Max Rivkin, Mike Ciccio, Cole Caskey, and Hunter Leafgreen. It was, as it has been for a while, an embarrassment of riches in the sprint department. There were Fischer Argosino and Dane Horan in the hurdles. Argosino, Ciccio, and Teag Parker were each leading contenders in the jumps. Once these guys were done doing their thing, the Lions may not have needed anything else.
Platte Valley - The Broncos had an underclassman sprinter who figured to be creating all sorts of havoc this spring (and will undoubtedly in years to come), but this is about seniors. As far as seniors go, pole vaulter Josh Yancey was the top points hope for the Broncos.
Resurrection Christian - Like Platte Valley, a lot of the firepower for the Cougars resided in younger classes. But two senior who were very much part of the Cougars' plans would be discus thrower Elias Naranjo and high jumper Reade Lindgren. The high jump figured to be very competitive this spring and Lindgren would have been in a battle to score, but he was one who had to be considered.
The Classical Academy - Almost as long as TCA has been in 3A, the Titans have gone to state with visions of leaving with a trophy in mind. It didn't happen last spring, but that may have become a motivating factor for the Titans this spring. Distance runner Mason Norman was certainly one of those who would have contributed to the run. The other top figure in the hunt was hurdler Adam Ambuul.