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BHS competing at cross country regionals Friday

The Bayfield cross country team headed north to Delta on Thursday, then competes at the 3A region 1 meet today at Confluence Park. The boys run at 1 p.m., the girls at 1:30.

After summer workouts and two months of competition, Coach Josh Walton is crossing his fingers that the boys' team might qualify for state. The top four teams move on to Colorado Springs on Oct. 29.

Bayfield has a shot for a state qualification because the team has three top finishers - senior Cody Speece, junior Sloan Mazur and freshman Elco Garcia, Jr. Most of the other top teams have two top finishers, Walton said. Based on current times, the team would be in contention for fifth or sixth place at regionals, and anything can happen at the final meet of the season, he added.

If seniors Gus Roberts and Bryan Gram turn in strong times, the whole team might qualify, he said. Both are well-rested after taking some time off to recover from injuries, so Walton hopes that works to the team's advantage. The good news on Wednesday was that all of the runners were healthy and almost completely recovered from this season's twisted ankles and other injuries. Individually, the top 15 runners in each class punch their tickets for Colorado Springs.

Last year, Bridget Goddard was the only runner to qualify individually, placing 92nd with a time of 23:03.6. Freshman Claire Huffnagel has run times this year that puts her close to the girls top-15 finishes, as well.

At a minimum, Walton is looking forward to having more than one runner compete at state this year.