Budding record-setters, and some with records already in tow, highlight list.
With enough of a sample size now available this spring, the upper-echelon athletes on the girls track and field circuit are beginning to distinguish themselves.
Here's a subjective look at Colorado's top 10 athletes in the sport, representing each classification at least once. Barring injury, it's a near guarantee these athletes will be making some noise at Jefferson Country Stadium in May.
To be clear, the athletes are listed alphabetically and not ranked within the Top 10.
Taylor Alexander, Vail Christian (Edwards)The junior is something of an unknown because she toils on the Class 1A circuit, but it'd be difficult to top her state meet last season. She shattered the 1A pole vault record by clearing 11 feet, 8 inches (her own 10-4 as a freshman had been the record). But Alexander also won the 200-meter dash and finished third in the 100, alternating places with Kayla Zink of Caliche (Iliff).
Jordyn Colter, Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village)The Cal Berkeley-bound senior has long been considered one of the state's finest middle distance runners. She won the 800 and 1,600 at the 5A state meet last season and already has blazed the trail this season. She has three reported first-place finishes (one in the 400, two in the 800) and has helped the Bruins win two relays as well.
Lauren Gregory, Fort CollinsLast season as a freshman, Gregory won the 5A 3,200 by more than 7 seconds, finished .09 away from Colter in the 1,600 and fourth in the 800. The two-time cross country champ already has put together three first-place performances this season (one in each event) and has helped the Lambkins to a relay win in the 1,600.
Ginger Hutton, Shining Mountain (Boulder)The senior helped the Lions to the 1A team title last spring by winning the 800, finishing second in the 3,200 and third in the 400. She is the 1A state record holder in the 400 after running it in 59.09 in 2013. Of course, she is learning from the best. State legend Melody Fairchild is her coach. Hutton will receive challenge from
Heritage Christian (Fort Collins) juniors
Rebekah Rairdon and
Rachel Rairdon.
Michaela Onyenwere, Grandview (Aurora)The sophomore basketball standout, the 2015 Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year who is already attracting major Division I interest, is morphing into one of the state's finest all-around athletes. She finished sixth in 5A in each the 100- and 200-meter dash as a freshman. So far this spring, she has already won the 100 and 200 at each the Aurora City Championships and SaberCat Invite.
Nicole Montgomery, Lewis-Palmer (Monument)She turned in a beastly performance at last year's 4A state meet, most notable a record 53.44 in the 400. It broke her own mark of 54.23 a year earlier. The future Kansas Jayhawk also won the 200 by a fairly comfortable margin with a time of 24.02. She kept things going at the Harrison Panther Invitational on March 14 by winning the 100, 200 and 400.
Kayla Pinnt, Moffat County (Craig)She rocketed to first-place wins in the 100 and 200 at the 3A state meet last year as a sophomore and remains the sprinter to beat in the classification. She won the 100 at the Mickey Dunn Invitational last week and helped the Bulldogs to a victory in the 800 relay. She is 3A's top underclassmen to watch along with
Faith Christian (Arvada) standout
Sarah Yocum, who won both hurdle events last season as a freshman.
Katie Rainsberger, Air Academy (US Air Force Academy)With record-setting Elise Cranny of Niwot now graduated, it could be Rainsberger's time in 4A. Cranny re-upped her Colorado prep record in the 1,600 last season with a 4:47.54, but only narrowly held off then-sophomore Rainsberger (4:48.84). Rainsberger also was less than one second behind Cranny in the 400, finishing third. She was named Gatorade Colorado Cross Country Runner of the Year after winning 4A in the fall.
Tabor Scholl, West Grand (Kremmling)She finished second in each the 800 and 1,600 last season in 2A, losing each to since-graduated Jennifer Celis of Hotchkiss. Celis needed to set a meet record in the 800 to hold off Scholl. Scholl will be a favorite at this season's state meet and edged
Highland (Ault) hurdle aficionado
Miranda Mathiason for 2A's top returning athlete. Scholl won the Colorado 1,600 at the Simplot Games in Feb. with the fourth fastest time in the nation (4:56.32).
Alleandra Watt, Pine Creek (Colorado Springs)The senior is perhaps more renown for her exploits in soccer, having signed to play at Texas A & M. She'll skip her senior season, however, and concentrate solely on track in her final semester with the Eagles. She is the reigning 100- and 200-meter dash champion in 5A and also anchored Pine Creek's wins in the 400 and 800 relays.
