Colorado track and field season reaches final lap

As the Colorado track and field season enters the final leg, so to speak, it's worth a quick look at a record-setting regular season.

Already two All-Classification marks were established this season, meaning the upcoming three-day state event that begins Thursday at Jefferson County Stadium in Lakewood could prove equally meaningful.

Competition begins at 8:30 am Thursday and continues until the final race Saturday, which is scheduled for 5:05 pm. Yes, everything in track and field is precise.

MaxPreps Colorado state meet seedings (for each classification, event and gender)

Fort Collins speedster Raymond Bozmans figures to be the focal point on the Class 5A state meet, and for good reason. The senior, who will run at Texas Christian University, blazed to a new state record in the 100 meters on April 24. His time of 10.27 seconds bested the previous mark of 10.32 set in 2007 by Jeremy Rankin of Overland (Aurora).

Bozmans' record-setting effort at the Dakota Ridge Invitational came after he already had beaten a national field in the event at the prestigious Arcadia Invitational.

"It really did feel like one of my better runs," Bozmans told MaxPreps' Pat Rooney. "I didn't feel like it was as good as what I did at Arcadia, but it felt good. My coaches came down and said they had a 10-flat on the hand times. Once they figured out the time and everything I couldn't believe it. I just sat there in disbelief."

Bozmans finished third in the 100 last year and second in the 200, and he likely is to square off in those events again against defending champion Markesh Woodson of Fountain-Fort Carson (Fountain). Bozmans also has the top time in the state this season in the 400.

The head-to-head finals would take place at 10:30 am Saturday (100) and 1:40 pm later that day (200). Complete CHSAA state race schedule.

Also setting a record was the Rangeview (Aurora) 1,600 relay team, posting a new standard of 3 minutes, 14.73 seconds. The quartet of Jordan Medina, Tyler Bloyer, Khalil Sellers and Steffen Johnson took down the previous time of 3:15.34 seconds set by Montbello (Denver) at the state meet in 1997. All but Bloyer were part of the Raiders team that won the event at the 5A state meet last year.

Colorado is the first state in the country to use MaxPreps as its official leader boards, and a quick look at the season rankings indicates a couple of other boys state marks could be challenged.

Bozmans, with a time of 20.84, is just off the pace in the 200 (20.70), while the Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village) 3,200 relay team narrowly missed earlier this season. The Bruins' time of 7:45.41 on May 5 fell just short of the state record of 7:45.10 set in 2001.

On the girls side, three performers have posted regular-season times worth watching. Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch) sprinter MaryBeth Sant has a state-best time in the 100 at 11.65, tantalizingly close to the record of 11.31.

Also, Kaela Edwards of Littleton leads the 800 field and has a state record in her sights after running 2:07.61 in the event; the record is 2:07.53. In addition, George Washington (Denver) hurdler Dior Hall could get pushed by a strong field to achieve a new mark in the 100 hurdles. Her time of 13.53 seemingly puts her in reach of the 13.23 set in 1996.

In the team race, Fountain-Fort Carson (5A), Cheyenne Mountain (Colorado Springs) (4A), Rifle (3A), Lyons (2A) and Walsh (1A) are the defending boys champions, while Loveland (5A), Mullen (Denver) (4A), Berthoud (3A), Lyons (2A) and Merino (1A) are attempting to repeat in girls.

Of note, Fountain-Fort Carson and Loveland will be after their third consecutive team titles. State results will be posted after each day at MaxPreps.