NHS boys cross country takes gold at Nike Cross Nationals

The Niwot High School boys cross country team brought home gold at the Nike Cross Nationals, held at the Glendoveer Golf Course in Portland Dec. 7, solidifying Niwot's dominance on the national stage. The Nike Cross Nationals brought together the nation's best high school cross country runners for an unforgettable race.

Two weeks earlier the Niwot boys lost to Herriman (UT) at Southwest Regional, but at Nationals, the outcome was different. The Cougars ran as a pack, with a 31-second difference between the first and last Niwot runner, posting an average time of 16:04.

The top Niwot runners finished with point totals of 5, 9, 10, 11, 35, based on competitors who were part of a team score, for a total of 70 points. American Fork (UT) finished second with 96 points, while Herriman came in third with 106 points.

The Cougars were led by junior Hunter Robbie in 21st place overall with a time of 15:52.7. Senior Keegan Geldean was 27th at 15:57.8, sophomore Quinn Sullivan finished 30th at 16:00.9, junior Gabriel Marshall was 35th at 16:04.7, senior Gavin Engtrakul in 67th at 16:24.30 closed the top five runners.

Other Cougar boys runners included juniors Rocco Culpepper in 81st at 16:31.4, and Ryder Keeton in 101st at 16:39.90.

From the sound of the starting gun, the boys' team displayed incredible teamwork and tenacity, leading the pack in a field of elite runners in the rain. Their collective effort paid off, earning them the coveted gold medal and bringing pride to their school and community. This win not only marks a significant achievement for the boys, but also inspires younger athletes to aim high in their pursuits.

Niwot's success was the result of months of preparation. Both the boys and girls teams dedicated countless hours to rigorous training, early morning runs, and team-building activities. Their coaches, led by Kelly Christensen, played an integral role in creating a supportive and disciplined environment. This team spirit was evident throughout the season and culminated in their outstanding performance at Nationals.

On the girls' side, Niwot junior Addison Ritzenhein proved once again that she's a force to be reckoned with after posting an impressive fifth-place finish with a time of 17:15.3, less than two seconds behind the second-place runner. The girls race was won by senior Jane Hedengren with a time of 16:32.7. Ritzenhein's performance on the national stage is a reminder of the high level of talent that Niwot High School continues to foster and her ability to compete at the highest level. Ritzenhein was the only runner from Niwot High on the girls side.

Ritzenhein said she was "disappointed at first because I really wanted to podium at the race, but now I feel happy with my result and as long as I tried my hardest, I am going to be happy with it. Being out there without your team is something that can definitely impact you, but I mainly wanted to go out there and race for them."

Before the race started, Ritzenhein said she "went in with goals of simply having fun." She wanted to be confident as she knew there was going to be lots of competition.

The Nike Cross Nationals is widely regarded as the peak of high school cross country competitions, bringing together athletes from all over the country to test their grit on a challenging course.

For the Niwot boys, capturing the gold medal is a reflection of their relentless dedication and strategic approach to racing. It also highlights the strength of Colorado's cross country programs, which continue to produce top-tier athletes year after year.

As the season wraps up, the focus now shifts to the future. For the boys, the challenge lies in defending their title and maintaining their momentum. For Ritzenhein, the next steps might include setting her sights on a podium finish. Both teams have undoubtedly set the bar high and will continue to inspire athletes and their community with their achievement. The Nike Cross Nationals victory is more than just a win; it's a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and community support.