Niwot Cross Country Club of Colorado placed second with 109 points in the girl’s championship race at Nike Cross Nationals. The race was held at the Glendoveer Golf Course in Oregon. Freshman Addison Ritzenhein earned All-America honors, covering the 5-kilometer course in 17:38.4 to place 18th overall. Sophomore Bella Nelson finished 48th in 18:06.8, juniors Mia Prok (18:12.4) and Olivia Alessandrini (18:13.5) taking 55th and 56th, senior Madison Shults achieving 72nd in 18:28.0, senior Lex Bullen grabbing 92nd in 18:43.8 and freshman Anna Prok securing 94th in 18:44.5. Niwot produced its best finish in program history.
Brooke Wilson, a senior for Valor Christian High School, earned second place overall in 16:54.6. Wilson was this year’s Colorado state champion.
The Nike Cross Nationals is comprised of 8 Regional Qualifying meets and the National Finals in Portland. Fields of 22 7-person clubs and an additional 45 individuals (male and female) lay it all on the line in the quest for the sport’s biggest prize, the coveted Winged Goddess of Victory statue.