Colt Sessions seeking one more giant leap at Colorado state track

If Colt Sessions has proven anything during the past few years, it's that great expectations can lead to great things.

The Cheyenne Mountain (Colorado Springs) senior has accomplished more than enough during his prep career to make the casual bystander take notice – jumping over a height equivalent to that of San Antonio Spurs All-Star Tim Duncan is just one of many. It was a little more than a month ago that the two-time defending Class 4A state champion in the high jump cleared the 7-foot mark at the Mullen Invitational.

But Sessions has other talents in his repertoire. Two years ago he was part of the boys tennis team that captured the 4A state championship, and Sessions was one-half of the title-winning No. 3 doubles team.

Also gifted in the classroom, Sessions is headed to Duke University in the fall. Yet, through all of these accomplishments, he remains grounded and grateful for life's many blessings.

"He's just one of those kids who knows how to balance life. He's a big person of faith, a really balanced young man. I think that helps him gain perspective," Indians boys track coach Stan Lambros said. "He's really driven and he has big goals … I think he takes a lot in stride. He's hyper-competitive but he's not all bent out of shape because of jumping because he has other interests."

Track and field remains his passion, though, and Sessions is ready to make the most of his final 4A state appearance this weekend at Jeffco Stadium in Lakewood. The three-day event kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, and Sessions will be busy between the three jumping events and the 4x400 relay, should that work into his schedule.

"Whatever it takes for the team," Sessions said, "I'm willing to do."

The senior is far from new to the state experience, having placed fourth as a freshman in the high jump before taking it all in 2012 with a winning jump of 6-6. He repeated the feat last spring with a 4A state meet record of 6-11.

That doesn't mean he's always calm and collected. The butterflies will be there all three days, but Sessions has learned to embrace the nerves. Having already joined the exclusive 7-foot club, he is targeting a new personal best of 7-2 – something he just missed clearing at the Mullen Invitational back on April 12. That is also the best current national mark this season, owned by Randall Cunningham, Jr., of Nevada.

"If someone goes 7-3 or 7-4 and I go 7-2, I'd still be thrilled," Sessions said. "Based on whether or not other kids clear their height will not sway what I do. I'd love to win state, but I'd like to have a great day."

The overall state record is 7-4, set in 1991 by Buena Vista's Matt Hemingway. Sessions had the chance to meet Hemingway over the winter at a jumping clinic, and the encounter helped change the approach on his jumps.

It's that thirst for knowledge and driven approach that helped lead him to Duke. Sessions said the passion of track and field coach Norm Ogilvie was something that caught his eye, and the Blue Devils have three jumpers who have each cleared 7 feet. Getting to practice with that level of talent every day is simply an added bonus.

After all, Sessions wouldn't be where he is today without the desire to keep getting better.

"He's pretty resilient. I think like most great athletes, I think he's a kid that doesn't beat himself up when things don't go well," Lambros said. "He takes everything in stride and comes back and says it'll be better next time."

Sessions said with this being his final prep meet, state will be less about his individual performance and more about closing out by spending time with teammates, coaches and all those he's competed against over the years.

Cheyenne Mountain finished fourth a year ago behind champion Vista Ridge (Colorado Springs), Valor Christian and Coronado. Indians junior William Mayhew is currently ranked second in the state in 4A in the 800 meters and fourth in the 1,600, and senior Grayson Webber is fifth in the discus. Lambros added that a couple of the team's relays are also solid.

Lambros said that Palmer Ridge (Monument) is as balanced a team as he's seen in quite a while and he also expects big showings from Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch) and Broomfield.

In other events to watch, Erie senior Kevin McClanahan owns the fastest time in the 200 and 400 headed into state and is .01 seconds behind Andrew Bradberry of Thompson Valley (Loveland) in the 100. Discovery Canyon (Colorado Springs) senior Jackson Spalding will look to defend his 2013 titles in the discus and shot put, as will Coronado (Colorado Springs) senior Bailey Roth in the 1,600 and 3,200.

Class 5A

Defending state champion Cherokee Trail (Aurora) could be headed for another title. Two of the team's relays (4x200, 4x400) own the top time headed into state, and a third relay (4x100) has the second-fastest time.

Cougars senior Brandon Singleton is among the favorites in the 100, 200 and 400, with the fastest time in the latter. Grandview (Aurora) junior Kossi Tchenawou is the top seed in the 100 and 200 entering state.

Denver East senior Cerake Geberkidane is the top seed in the 1,600 and 3,200 and the No. 2 seed in the 800.

Class 3A

The Classical Academy (Colorado Springs) ran away with the 3A title last spring and figures to be among the favorites again. Junior Nick Deray is the defending champion in the 400 and owns the top time once again. Senior Conner Wilburn has the top time in the 1,600 and 3,200, and senior Jonathan Roy has the top time in the 300 hurdles.

In the relays, TCA, Coal Ridge (New Castle) and Manitou Springs have proven to be powerhouses.

Miguel Molas of James Irwin (Colorado Springs), who captured the 100 a year ago and took second in the 200, owns the top time in both events this spring. Holy Family (Broomfield)'s Ryan Younggreen is the defending state champion in the 110 hurdles.

Class 2A

Lyons captured nine individual state titles a year ago on its way to a state championship, and returns individual champions Paul Roberts in the 1,600 and Marcel Such in the 3,200.

Cole Watson of Resurrection Christian (Loveland) has the top time in the 110 and 300 hurdles after placing fourth and fifth in those events in 2013. Peyton's Chris Epps is back to defend his high jump title and has the top mark; the same goes for Akron's Jared Clarkson in the pole vault.

Class 1A

Gabe Longworth of McClave pulled off the trifecta as a sophomore, winning the 100, 200 and 400 – he returns to try and defend all three titles.

Stratton's Kyle English (triple jump) and Michael Kaiser of Prairie (New Raymer) are the only other returning champions.
Heritage Christian (Fort Collins) is the defending 1A team champion.