For many teams, finishing 3rd at the state meet would be a huge accomplishment. For others, it would be bittersweet - so close, and yet so far. For Granada, though, it was just a step to their ultimate goal, because the Matadors' 2017 squad was made up of 5 juniors, a sophomore, and a freshman. The experience they gained last fall, combined with the leadership and urgency of a big senior class this year, should provide all the motivation needed to contend for the Division 2 title. It helps that Granada had an outstanding track season, helping to develop their depth and tighten up their pack for the upcoming season. Kalea Bartolotto clocked 5:00 in the 1600 to lead 9 returning sub-5:30 milers, and Colleen McCandless set a new PR in the 3200 and finished 9th in the state meet. This team put 4 girls at 11:01 or faster, including eye-opening freshman Amaiaha McIntosh, who will almost certainly be an additional top 5-caliber runner this fall (she also posted a 5:05 1600). Most importantly, Granada had their entire returning top 7 training in the spring, and I believe that will pay off in making them close competitors for the defending D2 champs. Will it be enough to get by Claremont? That remains to be seen.
| RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18:06.00 | 2019 | ||
| 2 | 18:21.20 | 2019 | ||
| 3 | 18:32.50 | 2019 | ||
| 4 | 18:47.70 | 2019 | ||
| 5 | 19:20.50 | 2019 | ||
| 6 | 19:27.50 | 2021 | ||
| 7 | 19:47.30 | 2020 |
Team Statistics:
- 3 Mile Improvement Rating: 13th
- 5K Returning Rankings: 3rd
- 3 Mile Returning Rankings: 3rd
- 3200 Returning Rankings: 2nd
- 1600 Returning Rankings: 2nd