After several standout performances at Tiger Invitational in Grand Junction, May 8-9, several Mancos High School track athletes appear to be primed for big things at this weekend's state meet.
Among the top performers for the Mancos boys' team was standout junior Ro Paschal, who capped off his stellar regular season with a victory in the 800-meter run (1:59.81).
Paschal is currently ranked second in the state in the 1600-meter run and third in the state in the 800 and will compete in both events at state.
"Ro got boxed on the first lap in (Grand Junction), but took off on the second lap," said Mancos head coach Brady Archer. "I think he could do something pretty special (at state)."
Also qualifying for state in Grand Junction were Adrian Hernandez and Simon Kearns, who finished in seventh place (4:51.11) and eighth place (4:51.61) in the 1600-meter run.
Kearns is currently ranked 14th in the 3200-meter run and 17th in the 1600-meter run and will compete in both events at state. Hernandez will enter the state meet ranked 16th in the 1600-meter run.
Other top finishers for the Mancos boys' team included Nic Archuleta, who finished ninth in the 1600-meter run (4:52.23) and the 4x200-meter relay made up of Daniel Christensen, Andrew Christensen, Nigel Henry, and Jayden Peacock, which finished 11th (1:40.56).
"We had season bests from a number of our athletes, which is always a good way to end the season," said Archer. "They have put in so much hard work."
The Mancos girls team was led by Emma Most, who finished fourth in the 3200-meter run with a personal best time of 12:45.40. In doing so, Most qualified for state and will enter the state meet ranked tenth overall.
"Emma came very close to winning the race and ran her personal best by 35 seconds," said Archer. "She should be confident going in to the state meet that she can run with anyone."
Next up for Mancos' state qualifiers will be the Colorado State Track Championships, which will take place at JeffCo Stadium in Lakewood, May 14-16.
"Our goal is always to make the podium, but even if we don't make the podium, the state meet will be a great experience for some of our younger runners."