Runners focus on Las Vegas Invitational title
Southern Nevada cross country runners had a bye this week, making Saturday’s Las Vegas Invitational a clear focus.
“This is the 40th year for the Larry Burgess-Las Vegas Cross Country Invitational,” race director John Dixon said. “Each year it gets bigger and better. We have close to 1,100 athletes competing this year and with the weather looking good for Saturday, it promises to be a great event.”
The event begins Saturday at 8 a.m. at Boulder City’s Veterans Memorial Park. The varsity races are scheduled to start at 9:30 and 10 a.m.
Rancho Buena Vista (Calif.) dominated the event last year, winning both the boys and girls varsity races. And the powerhouse program from San Diego will be bringing back both individual winners from a year ago: seniors Chris Brewer and Shanna St. Laurent.
The runners most likely to challenge Brewer in the boys race will be Centennial’s Nick Hartle, who was the runner-up last year and the top finisher at last week’s Palo Verde Labor Day Classic. Other runners to watch are Arbor View’s Greg Marschik, who was fifth at the Las Vegas Invitational in 2009; Del Sol’s Colin Smith (13th last year); and Foothill’s Carl Greene (23rd last year).
Among the top girls entries are St. Laurent and teammates Harper Cooksley and Harper Cleeves, who finished second and fourth in 2009.
The most likely local challenger will be Palo Verde freshman Katie Gorczyca, who is undefeated in her two races this fall with a dominating performance at the Labor Day Classic.
The most likely local challenger will be Palo Verde freshman Katie Gorczyca, who is undefeated in her two races this fall with a dominating performance at the Labor Day Classic.
Other runners that started strong this season, and could improve on top 15 finishes at last year’s Las Vegas Invitational include Palo Verde’s Kelsi Koch, who placed 7th last year, Shadow Ridge’s Mallory Reese (9th last year) and Coronado’s Erin Smith (15th last year).
