Road To State: 1A Boys Preview

Brennan Green on his way to 9th at state in 2014.

Cumby Miller Grove are the defending state champions and they look to be positioned well to end up on top again in 2015. They posted an impressive 28 points to win Region, with all 5 scoring in the Top-10. Sophomore Albert Serrano barely broke into the Top-45 at state last year, but he now led the Miller Grove squad with a first place at Region. Along with Serrano, Miller Grove returns Brennan Green who was a Top-10 finisher at state in 2014. The Serrano/Green combo have a very legit chance to finish Top-5 this year at state. With that one-two punch both breaking 17:30 this season, they will be a very tough team to beat. They by far have the best 5k times from their Top-5, and are the heavy favorites to become back to back champions.

Matt Smith was the only sophomore to break the Top-15 at state last year.

Behind Miller Grove, it will be a tight battle for second. Saltillo will have their work cut out for them if they want to hang onto their 2nd place 2014 finish. They finished 3rd at Region to Priddy. The Priddy squad is led by Matt Smith. He was 8th at state last year, and while he hasn't shown huge improvements in 2015, should be in the mix for a top-3 finish.

Dustin Dominey after his Region winning race.

An athlete to keep an eye on is Spur super soph Dustin Dominey. As a freshman he came close to the top-50 at state, but he has been on fire this season. You know you're running well when your year to year course improvements can be measured in minutes instead of seconds. He was well ahead of the rest of the Region 1 field and the only athlete to break 17 minutes. Last year the Region 1 winner broke the Top-5 at state. Look for Dominey to make a massive jump from his 52nd 2014 finish.

Jesse Roberts fighting to the line in the 1A 1600m.

A major absence that affects the individual battle for a state title is Sanderson's Jesse Roberts. He had a big year last season and is the top returner from the 2014 state champs where he finished 5th in 17:34. Roberts is the reigning 1600m state champion and runner up in the 800m. Unfortunately, he has a torn labrum in his shoulder and a separated growth plate in his hip. He is out for the season, and will most likely miss out on basketball as well. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the track! He's proven he has some of the best 1A track speed in the state, and the xc success to be a contender, so his absence on the start line on Saturday opens the door for new names to come out on top.