CLASS 5A TOP 5

1 Regis Jesuit: The Nicolls brothers will be two of the state's top runners and could take the Raiders far.

2 Arapahoe: With one of the largest teams in the state, the traditionally strong Warriors have a load of talent.

3 Cherry Creek: The Bruins have Walter Schafer and always plenty of depth to contend.

4 Loveland: With Mason Mitchell in his final year, his leadership can lead the Indians to much success.

5 Fairview: The Knights lost their top runner, but they have plenty returning for a strong unit.

TOP RUNNERS

Runner, School, Year, 2007 finish

Evan Appel, Dakota Ridge, Sr., First; Bobby Nicolls, Regis Jesuit, Sr., Fourth; Clif Campbell, Fort Collins, Sr., Seventh; Walter Schafer, Cherry Creek, Jr., Eighth; Alex Balsinger, Chaparral, Sr., 11th; Kyle Lyons, Arapahoe, Sr., 12th; Collin Munoz, Poudre, Sr., 13th; Mason Mitchell, Loveland, Sr., 14th; Garrett Wilson, Highlands Ranch, Sr., 15th; Danny Nicolls, Regis Jesuit, Jr., 17th

CLASS 4A TOP 5

1 Wheat Ridge: The Farmers won 5A last season and return their top three runners.

2 Niwot: With four of the top five runners back, the Cougars can better their third-place finish from last year.

3 Alamosa: After finishing eighth last year with four freshmen, the entire squad returns.

4 Rock Canyon: Senior Joe Kappes will try to lead his team to another top-five finish this year.

5 Denver North: With Joseph Manilafasha heading into his final season, he will have a bit of talent behind him.

TOP RUNNERS

Runner, School, Year, 2007 finish

Wes Rickman, Falcon, Sr., Second; Joseph Manilafasha, Denver North, Sr., Third; Andrew Berberick, Mullen, Sr., Fifth; Dart Schwaderer, Wheat Ridge, Sr., Fifth (5A); Scott Fauble, Wheat Ridge, Jr., Sixth (5A); Tom Owens, Alamosa, Sr., 10th; Kevin Johnson, Falcon, Sr., 11th; Aaron Alarcon, Roosevelt, Sr., 11th (3A); Joe Kappes, Rock Canyon, Sr., 13th; Shawn Dubbs, Woodland Park, Jr., 14th

CLASS 3A TOP 5

1 Lyons: With defending champion Andrew Roberts leading the way, the Lions will be in contention.

2 The Classical Academy: After losing its top performer, the Titans still have enough talent to be in the mix.

3 Erie: With four of the top five runners back, the Tigers can be in the hunt to finish high.

4 Pagosa Springs: The entire team is returning and should fight for a strong finish.

5 La Junta: This team has matured into an experienced squad with talent.

TOP RUNNERS

Runner, School, Year, 2007 finish

Andrew Roberts, Lyons, Sr., First; Sam Feldetto, The Classical Academy, Sr., Fifth; Joseph DeMoor, Buena Vista, Sr., Sixth; Jackson Walsh, Pagosa Springs, Sr., Seventh; Tanner Phelps, Bayfield, Sr., 19th; Marshall Cornelius, Erie, Sr., 21st ; Dylan Donohoe, Lyons, Jr., 22nd; Scott Lacy, Aspen, Sr., 26th; Jon Burrows, La Junta, Sr., 27th; Jacob Mueller, The Classical Acadedmy, Jr., 30th

CLASS 2A TOP 5

1 Rocky Ford: The champs from Class 3A should be a top contender in this division, too.

2 Alexander Dawson: A load of juniors return to help the Mustangs to a top finish.

3 Fountain Valley: Senior Steven Stoot will take his team far as one of the top individuals in the division.

4 Ouray: After finishing in the middle of the pack in the 3A division, dropping to 2A will only help.

5 Nederland: With all scoring runners returning this year, the Panthers could be impressive.

TOP RUNNERS

Runner, School, Year, 2007 finish

Victor Montoya, Rocky Ford, Sr., Second(3A); Steven Stoot, Fountain Valley, Sr., 17th (3A); Santino Apodaca, Rocky Ford, Sr., 23rd (3A); Gilbert Tucker, Wiggins, Sr., 32nd (3A); Jeremiah Evangelista, Vanguard, Jr., 61st (3A)

* Click here for a complete list of top runners.