Continuing with our series of standout performers at the Colorado High School State Championship meet, our state has been known for many years as a mecca for distance running, and it seems like the pace of records falling the past few years has accelerated. In fact, despite our elevation, some of the fastest times in the country this year have been run right here at mile-high.  One of those is the Colorado all-time girls’ 1600-meter record that was reset by Emma Stutzman from Pomona High School in Arvada, who ran 4:39.94 to become the first girl in state history to break the 4:40 mark in a breathtaking romp to the state Class 5A crown. The Northern Arizona University commit also won the 3200-meter title in 10:12.68, and on the heels of that max effort placed second in the 800 meters in 2:11.32, which was still a two-second personal record.  Her 3200 time was an 18-second PR at elevation after she ran 9:56.34 at the Arcadia Invitational in Calif. in April.

I got to enjoy, as a track coach and meet official, watching Emma dominate numerous meets the past few years and what has always stood out is her persistent smile, joy, and sportsmanship. After every win, Emma could be seen waiting for every other finisher, no matter how far back, to congratulate them on their efforts. I could always tell that Emma was having a blast at track meets, sometimes gleefully running the maximum four events in league meets. I got a kick seeing in some of her online race photos that she was wearing one of the Be Positive bracelets that I frequently give at meets to kids and others who have a great attitude, like Emma does – or maybe experienced disappointment and could use a pick-me-up. In this episode, we chat about what has driven her rise from a youth runner to a fourth-place finisher at last year’s state meet, to a record-setting champion. She is a terrific role model for high school cross country and track athletes, and someone I look forward to following in her college career.

Please consider supporting Warriors' Ascent for which 27 men and women ran the Leadville Heavy Half and Marathon on June 17.  Warriors' Ascent provides a holistic program to help veterans and first responders who are enduring PTS, post-traumatic stress.  We have all heard the staggering number of veterans we tragically lose every single day to suicide.  Warriors' Ascent is saving lives!  Through the deadline on June 23, all donations will be matched by an anonymous donor up to $2000.  Donate at (tax-deductible):
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Thank you!

Emma Stutzman
Instagram @emmamarie051 and @bigcatdistance
Twitter @EmmaStutzman7

Bill Stahl
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Facebook Bill Stahl
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