ARVADA — Niwot’s girls cross country team ran as a pack and finished head of the pack Thursday afternoon at the North Area Athletic Complex.
The Cougars cruised to the Class 4A Region 3 girls team title with Niwot runners filling the top eight places. Addison Ritzenhein led the way for the Cougars by winning the individual title over teammate Olivia Alessandrini.
George Washington received the regional runner-up plaque with Elizabeth Jenulis as the top Patriot runner. Northfield and Golden finished third and fourth in the team standing to grab the automatic bids for the state meet that will the held Saturday, Oct. 29, at Norris Penrose in Colorado Springs.
The Niwot boys were just as impressive capturing the 4A Region 3 team title. Rocco Culpepper led the way for the Cougars winning the individual title ahead of runner-up George Washington’s Peter Neid and Golden’s Henry Stubenrauch who finished third.
The Cougars had five runners finish in the top-9. Northfield was the team runner-up. George Washington and Golden snagged the other two automatic team berths to the state meet.