Last fall, Regis won the 5A title by a substantial margin. Although Walter Schafer won the individual title, his Cherry Creek team fell victim to some untimely injuries and was no longer a strong contender for the team title by the time the big race came around.

Both Regis and last year's runner-up Cherokee Trail lost the franchises to graduation. In their place, a number of programs appear poised to fill the apparent vacancy in the position of supremacy. A lot remains to be settled on the course, but a few glimpses at who seem to be holding strong hands follow:

Dakota Ridge is no stranger to the upper echelons of 5A boys cross country. In 2006, Dakota Ridge came home with the gold trophy and has been within shouting distance of the top on and off since that time. This year, the time may be ripe for Mike Callor's crew to climb to the top again. Austin Appel and Danny Carney, last year's top two runners, are back. Only one of last year's top five was a senior. That and rumors about a transfer and an incoming freshman with a very recognizable name have been driving up the price of Dakota Ridge stock all summer long.

Fort Collins seemed to be out of gas at last year's state meet, but the Lambkins were young and were surging late in the season. Like Dakota Ridge, only one of the top five graduated. Don't be misled by last year's 13th-place finish. David Garcia and Griffin Hay should be leading the team into title contention this fall.