Kiara Mattern may be the best cross country runner in James Irwin history, and next fall's team could easily be the top team in school history as well. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.
There are some tradition-rich programs in the Tri-Peaks League, but tradition alone won't keep pace with Salida's Spartans.
Double down on that observation with another: Salida might be spending most of next fall with redemption on their mind.
So, anyone aiming to keep pace with Salida next fall might be well advised to have their hair tied down in speed braids and their summer filled with a log of personal time with the trail.
A few Tri-Peaks teams--like Buena Vista, Florence, and La Junta--will be struggling to field complete teams. And some other traditionally strong teams--like St. Mary's, CSCS, and Vanguard appear to be not quite as deep as in some recent year.
That doesn't leave a lot of teams to arm-wrestle with Salida, but your best bets are a rising Manitou team, a consistent Lamar squad,...