By: Garrett Zatlin
The Mountain West conference hasn't typically been all that competitive during XC. However, the emergence Colorado State, the youthful potential of Boise State, the stand-out individuals from Air-Force, and the depth of New Mexico have made the MW conference a league that needs to be recognized.
The boys from CSU headline this meet. Jefferson and Mock have finished next to each other the entire season and have been on the more consistent side of things. With so many seniors gone and graduating, the door opens up for these guys to go after the individual title. However, Patrick Corona has looked very good this season. He had a strong 5th place at Washington and an even more impressive 12th place at Pre-Nats. This guy is ready to roll and I have undervalued him so much. I'm going to give him the win over the duo from CSU. Michael Vennard has also been playing a big role for a Boise State squad that lost their projected lead-man (Rafla) to a season ending injury. He will mix it up along with Eller (who is my sleeper for this race). It's tough to say where Amos Bowen will finish. Like Dooney, he is someone who struggles during the regular season but peaks comes the post-season. I'm really not sure where to place him (or if I should place him at all) but the 8th spot seems fair.
As for the teams I think CSU will run away with this. Jefferson and Mock are great low-sticks up front, while guys like Hartman and Fischer have experience on in the postseason. Throw in a couple of growing freshmen, and I think CSU comfortably gets the title. The second spot is a little trickier. Both Boise State and Air Force have a great 1-2 while the rest of their scorers are a little iffy. Boise State simply has gone to the bigger meets and prevailed through more this season so I give them the second spot over Air Force by only a couple points. After those three there is a big drop with New Mexico almost the guaranteed 4th place team.
Individuals
1. Patrick Corona, Senior, Air Force
2. Abbey Jefferson, Junior, Colorado State
3. Jerrell Mock, Sophomore, Colorado State
4. Michael Vennard, Sophomore, Boise State
5. Kyle Eller, Sophomore, Air Force
6. Elmar Engholm, Senior, New Mexico
7. Colby Wilson, Junior, Utah State
8. Amos Bowen, Senior, Wyoming
9. Louis McAfee, Sophomore, Boise State
10. Matthew Bergin, Senior, New Mexico
Teams
1. Colorado State
2. Boise State
3. Air Force
4. New Mexico
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