XC Weekend Recap: Niwot Dominance, West Coast Elite & More

The Granite Peaks League Championships showcased the dominance of Niwot High School, as Rocco Culpepper led a stunning performance, clinching the individual title with a remarkable time of 15:23.65. Culpepper's victory was part of a commanding display by his teammates, who delivered another dominant performance by finishing with a perfect score of 15. Niwot's team beat the runner-up by a staggering 95 points, reinforcing their status as the #3 ranked team in the COROS MileSplit50 Rankings. Undefeated this season, they have now won three meets with perfect scores, demonstrating their depth and cohesion throughout the roster.

Hunter Robbie followed closely behind Culpepper, finishing second at 15:26.45, while Ryder Keeton rounded out the top three at 15:28.93. The strength of Niwot's squad was evident as they claimed the first five spots, with Keegan Geldean finishing fourth in 15:32.09 and Cole Mazurana just behind in fifth at 15:34.38. Gabriel Marshall and Evan Kear also contributed to the team's success, finishing seventh and eighth, respectively, in 15:37.67 and 15:42.33. Quinn Sullivan crossed the line in ninth place with a time of 15:57.57. With all seven of their varsity runners placing within the top nine, Niwot's overall performance not only highlighted their talent but also set a high standard as they prepare for upcoming competitions, solidifying their reputation as a national powerhouse of a squad.

The Niwot High School girls' team also continued their impressive season at the Granite Peaks League Championships, with Anna Prok breaking through for her first win of the season, claiming the individual title with a time of 17:44.20. Prok's performance not only secured her victory but also demonstrated her leadership within a strong Niwot squad that showcased its depth throughout the race. Following closely behind was teammate Elise Hagen, who finished third in 18:07.46, further solidifying Niwot's dominance in the competition.

As a team, Niwot finished with a total of 46 points, outperforming their nearest rival, Fairview High School, by 18 points. The team's average time of 18:39 highlighted their strength and cohesion, with runners finishing consistently within the top ranks. Notably, Niwot achieved this victory without defending Nike Cross Nationals champion Addison Ritzenhein, underscoring the depth of their roster. With this win, Niwot remains undefeated this season and ranks as the #12 team in the COROS MileSplit50 girls' team rankings. Their strong performances continue to build momentum as they prepare for the postseason, establishing themselves as a formidable contender in Colorado cross country.