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

The 4th Annual Rose City Championships showcased a competitive field, with standout performances from both individual athletes and teams. Leading the way was Summit's Hayden Boaz, who claimed the individual title with a time of 14:31.10. Boaz's victory came a year after finishing third overall, and he returned as the top returner for this year's race, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion amidst fierce competition. Following closely behind, Central's Ty Cirino finished in second place with a time of 14:35.40, while Jack Sheesley of Boise Senior High School rounded out the top three with a strong showing at 14:36.80.

In the team competition, Boise Senior High School emerged victorious with a total of 112 points, leveraging a solid performance from their scorers to secure the win. The team's average time of 15:20 showcased their depth, with their second runner finishing eighth overall. Ida B. Wells-Barnett High School followed in second place with 139 points, highlighting their strong 1-5 split of just 27 seconds. Summit, despite Boaz's individual victory, finished in third place with 146 points, demonstrating the competitive nature of the event as multiple teams vied for the podium. Central Catholic and Lincoln High School rounded out the top five, reinforcing the event's reputation as a gathering of some of the best cross country talent in the region. As the season progresses, the performances at the Rose City Championships will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the narrative of the upcoming competitions.

The tables turned this year in the girls race, with Chloe Huyler of Lakeridge claiming victory over Emily Wisniewski of Crescent Valley, reversing last year's outcome where Wisniewski bested Huyler. Huyler crossed the finish line in an impressive 16:32.08, showcasing her dominance and denying Wisniewski her third consecutive title at the meet. Wisniewski followed closely, finishing in second place with a time of 16:35.90, demonstrating her competitiveness throughout the race. North Salem's Nelida Dalgas rounded out the top three with a spectacular time of 16:46.27, further emphasizing the high level of competition at this premier meet. 

In the team standings, newcomer Boise Senior High School took home the championship, denying Lincoln their second straight title. Boise finished with a total of 125 points, with junior Audrey Orme pacing them with a spectacular finish of 7th overall with her time of 17:22.41, leading them to an average time of 18:05. Lincoln High School finished in second place with 140 points, showcasing their strong performances as well. Crescent Valley secured third place with 160 points, buoyed by Wisniewski's strong finish. Despite Huyler's individual victory, Lakeridge finished fourth with 171 points, indicating the tightly contested nature of the meet. Summit rounded out the top five with 177 points, underscoring the depth of talent present at the championships.