Emily Leidig

The showdowns between Lauren Offerman, Emily Leidig, and Christa Boettiger figure to endure through the fall season. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.

Kiah Leonard figures to be among those in contention for the regional crown, but can Berthoud eke out a state berth in this powerful region? Colorado Track XC file photo by Paul Jaeger.

Nate Fedel exploited the home course advantage with a nice finish at the Ourayce 10K. File photo by Paul Jaeger.

Andrew Walton takes a moment to revel in the thrill of winning the 1600. Photo by Ashley Green.

Give Niwot the nod of advantage for now, but this one could go down to the wire.

Bailey Hammer of Fruita Monument edges Moffat County's Ashlee Griffiths and Karmen Christopher to the finish line. Photo by David Pressgrove.

Okay, it was only a matter of time until we could resist talking about 4A girls no longer. This one could become a showdown of major proportions.

In a scene eerily reminiscent of recent years, Loveland's 4x100 dominates the field. Photo by Kim Salazar.

Megan Irvine is one of the more familiar names, but TV will be doing damage by some less familiar names this spring as well. Colorado Track XC file photo.

As Colorado's female sprint talent continues to develop, Alexei Cox is a name you have to think about. Colorado Track XC file photo.

Lauren Offerman helped bring Mountain View to prominence as a freshman. She may have bigger aims in sight as a sophomore. Photo by Paul Jaeger.

Elise Cranny works a very wide smile into her domination of the 4A girls race. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Get to know this face, because Jenna McCaffrey is the newest member of the Niwot shock-and-awe team. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Elise Cranny wins the Rocky Mountain Shootout on Saturday. Photo by Rick Wilson.

Mountain Vista graduated a lot of senior girls last spring, but Madison Easton and company are filling in very nicely. Colorado Track XC file photo.

In a freshman class spilling over with talent, Vista Ridge's Ashlyn Polk is one of the best. Photo by Jeff McCoy.

Although Liberty Bell has a regional and national reputation for speed, it isn't necessarily easy to get off the starting line cleanly. Photo by Jeff McCoy.

Pomona's Marcel Laguera set the tone for his season by dominating the 5A boys field. Photo by Alan Versaw.

Lauren Gregory may be the most recognizable name moving up to the high school ranks next fall, but there are many more highly-talented individuals coming up with her class. Photo by Karl Fortney.