FORT COLLINS — Nederland’s Kelley Robinson admitted she was scared when she went to the starting line in Saturday’s inaugural Class 2A state cross country meet.

But Robinson, a freshman, showed little fear over the 5-kilometer course at Fossil Ridge High School winning the championship with a time of 18:47.8. In the process, she zipped by Crested Butte sophomore, Erin Kelly (19:16.0) and her sister, Kat Robinson (19:32).

The Robinson sisters also helped deliver the first 2A team title to Nederland. The new class only scores the first three runners and when freshman Rebecca Hermann finished fifth, the title was in hand with 9 points.

Crested Butte, led by Kelly, finished second with 23 points, while Rocky Ford was third (51). Joining Kelly was Madison Garcia (seventh, 19:52) and Monica Kinsella (14th, 20:32.9).

Kelly jumped out in front within the first 800-meters and held the lead until she and Robinson reached the 2-mile marker on the course. That’s where Robinson put on a burst to gain some breathing room.

“I was scared,” Robinson said. “I just wanted to go out and do my best and I'm proud of my accomplishment. This course, compared to Nederland where we train, is just a ski bump. The course here is really great.

“We have a great team this year with everyone competing with themselves to get better. I'm so proud of everyone. I'm really excited about the possibility of coming back next year. I just wanted to keep up with Kat when the season started, but I love to compete with my sister.”

Kat Robinson had a good feeling that her sister was going to go out quickly.

“And I had no doubt in my mind that Kelley would stay with (Erin),” Robinson said. “She is the type of runner who can push herself so far, she can stay with anyone. I was watching from third and seeing what was going on. I knew in the back of my mind she was going to eventually pass and win. It was just ‘Go Kelley.”

What makes it all the more sweet for the Robinson’s is that their mother, Sabrina, is Nederland’s head coach.

“We act as teammates, but when we get home, mom and dad are parents, not coaches,” Kelley Robinson said. “It’s pretty exciting.”

Kelly had hoped she would have the right strategy with a quick start against Robinson.

“I had to keep the same pace as Kelley or go quicker as I know she is such a good runner,” Kelly said. “I don't think getting way out at first backfired on me, really. I would have liked a little more of a lead, but she is such a good runner. I knew she was going to be coming on.”

The first 2A meet proved to be a winner in all respects. And, it’s going to be interesting next season as only one of the top-15 finishers was a senior. That was Crested Butte’s Garcia.