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Girls cross country top teams, runners

Published August 27, 2008 at 7 p.m.

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CLASS 5A TOP 5

1 Dakota Ridge: If Kaitie Vanatta stays healthy, the Eagles have a shot at their second straight title.

2 Fort Collins: The Lambkins always have a load of talented harriers, and Lisa Reyna has a shot at an individual title.

3 Palmer: The top four runners all are returning and could finish in the top three again this year.

4 Chaparral: After an impressive season, the Wolverines lost only one runner and could surprise.

5 Highlands Ranch: With sophomore phenom Eleanor Fulton, the Falcons are young but talented.

TOP RUNNERS

Runner, School, Year, 2007 finish

Kaitie Vanatta, Dakota Ridge, Sr., Second; Lisa Reyna, Fort Collins, Jr., Third; Natosha Rogers, Dakota Ridge, Sr., Fourth; Jen Bremser, Sand Creek, Sr., Fifth; Camille Logan, Littleton, Sr., Sixth; Miranda Benzel, Fort Collins, Sr., Seventh; Allie McLaughlin, Air Academy, Sr., Eighth; Lynnea Sjoerdsma, Doherty, Sr., Ninth; Vicky VanAlstine-Tauer, Dakota Ridge, Jr., 10th; Eleanor Fulton, Highlands Ranch, So., 11th

CLASS 4A TOP 5

1 Thompson Valley: Last year's runners-up have everyone back and will be tough to beat.

2 Mullen: The Mustangs, a traditionally strong squad, have four of the top five back and some promising freshmen.

3 Greeley West: The defending champs return the top two individuals in Erica Hinchcliffe and Ashlee Smalley.

4 Alamosa: The Mean Moose return the entire team, including top senior Lindsey Sowards.

5 Roosevelt: Making the move up from Class 3A, the Roughriders should be competitive with senior Heidi Lee.

TOP RUNNERS

Runner, School, Year, 2007 finish

Erica Hinchcliffe, Greeley West, Jr., First; Ashlee Smalley, Greeley West, Sr., Second; Becky Schmitt, Thompson Valley, Jr., Third; Alicia Nelson, Moffat County, Sr., Fourth; Samantha Thompson, Sierra, Sr., Fifth; Janelle Martinez, Greeley Central, So., Sixth; Allie Parks, Greeley Central, So., Seventh; Kellyn Craig, Denver South, So., Eighth; Heidi Lee, Roosevelt, Sr., Eighth(3A); Laura Tremblay, Thompson Valley, Sr., Ninth CLASS 3A TOP 5

1 The Classical Academy: With everyone returning, including the defending individual champion, the Titans should dominate.

2 Pagosa Springs: Senior Jacie Arms could be a top contender in leading her team to a high finish.

3 Middle Park: After Sam Berggren's impressive freshman season, the Panthers can expect her to lead the pack.

4 St. Mary's: Underclassmen carried the team far last year and are expected to do so again.

5 Basalt: Annette Stenstadvold and Chiara Del Piccolo were top finishers, and can go far if the Longhorns keep a full squad.

TOP RUNNERS

Runner, School, Year, 2007 finish

Kaitlin Hanenburg, The Classical Academy, Jr., First; Sam Berggren, Middle Park, So., Second; Emily Husted, The Classical Academy, So., Third; Annette Stenstadvold, Basalt, So., Fifth; Chiara Del Piccolo, Basalt, Jr., Sixth; Kassie Mazzocco, The Classical Academy, Sr., Seventh; Jacie Harms, Pagosa Springs, Sr., Ninth; Melissa Roberts, Lyons, So., 10th; Jhenya Nahreini, Peak to Peak, Sr., 11th; Hilary Haase, Platte Canyon, Jr., 12th

CLASS 2A TOP 5

1 Crested Butte: Emma Vosburg leads a talented pack of sophomores who finished fifth in Class 3A last year.

2 Lutheran-Parker: The entire team is returning behind senior leader Amy Polson.

3 Ouray: The Trojans likely will make it to state as a team for the first time in school history.

4 Nederland: The Panthers' up-and-coming program will make a better showing in this division.

5 Wiggins: Senior Tara Richardson might hold a top place individually while leading the way.

TOP RUNNERS

Runner, School, Year, 2007 finish

Christina Lobato, Rocky Ford, Sr., 20th (3A); Amy Polson, Lutheran-Parker, Sr., 22nd (3A); Tara Richardson, Wiggins, Sr. 25th (3A); Kelly Lamb, Creede, Jr., 30th (3A); Michal Fagrelius, Ouray, Sr., 31st (3A)

* Click here for a complete list of top runners.

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