Laramie Heads to State Cross Country With One Goal [VIDEOS]

The ‘drive for five’ resumes Saturday for the Laramie Plainsmen at the Wyoming State Cross Country Championships in Sheridan.

After winning the last four class 4A boys team titles, the Plainsmen look to keep their streak alive with Kelly Walsh in hot pursuit.

Laramie head coach Greg Schabron said it will be challenging.

“It’s going to be a dogfight. This will be one of the closest years on the guy’s side.”

Schabron also says it comes down to runners four, five, six and seven.

“We’ve got to split the second half of the group from Kelly Walsh… that plus some. Throw some Evanston guys, some Rock Springs (in-between) and hopefully open up those points a little bit.”

Both the Plainsmen and Trojans won conference titles last Friday.

Junior Albert Steiner led a 1-2-3 sweep for Laramie at conference and is hoping to keep their streak alive and vie for an individual crown, as well.

Laramie has won the last three 4A boys’ individual titles.

The Lady Plainsmen will be seeking their first state title since 2011 on Saturday.

Coming off a second consecutive conference title last Friday, Laramie is trying to chase down the Jackson Lady Broncs.

Schabron knows what the Lady Plainsmen are up against.

“Any other year, they would be the team to beat for the state title. I mean, with the kids we’re bringing to state, they’ve got a phenomenal squad. Right now, they’re underdogs. Jackson’s got this unheard of team that comes around once in a blue moon, and they’ve been doing a great job.”

It’s a similar strategy says Schabron, as our top five have to finish in front of their four and five. Especially with Jackson’s strong one, two and three runners.

Laramie came in third a year ago. This year’s team is led by three freshman and a pair of seniors. One of those senior’s is Maria Smith-Lopez, who came in 11th place last year and just missed All-State honors. She says they’ve got confidence going in and will be looking to attack the course.

This year’s championships are being held on the Sheridan V.A. Hospital Grounds for a fourth straight year.

Schabron says they’ll preview the course one time Friday to plan their strategy.

“They’ve got to be calm, and they’ve got to be confident.”

The 4A girls’ race is the first one of the day at 10:30 a.m. The 4A boys’ race is set for 12:15 p.m.