Cross Country Hosts Inaugural Mustang Invitational on Campus

Colorado Academy’s Cross Country program hosted the first interscholastic meet on CA’s campus in at least a decade, the inaugural Mustang Invitational, on September 19, the Friday before Homecoming Weekend. The Mustangs welcomed runners from Addenbrooke Classical Academy, DSST Montview, Denver Christian High School, Denver Jewish Day School, Jefferson High School, Manual High School, and Parker Core Knowledge Charter School for boys and girls competitions on a 5,000-meter course wrapping twice around CA’s 94-acre campus.

Finishing in first place on their home course, the CA Boys Cross Country Team claimed three of the top five places, with Sophomore Dean Day-Richter turning in another field-leading performance to claim the individual win. The Girls Team, meanwhile, secured second place overall, with Senior Layne Ballenger leading the way in fourth place individually among CA’s three top-10 finishers. Denver Christian High School earned the Girls team title, with four runners placing in the top five.

The Mustang Invitational showcased nearly every corner of the CA campus, with competitors racing past Woody’s Pond and along the Dos Chappell Nature Trail, as families, parent volunteers, visiting spectators, and the Ultimate Frisbee team and other CA athletes cheered them on. Wright Field was the setting for start and finish lines as well as team tents and race officiating and timing. 

Head of School Dr. Mike Davis rode the lead bike for the Boys competition, racing to stay ahead of the fast pace set by Day-Richter.

Said Cross Country Head Coach Dr. Michael Huntington, “With the help of our many parent volunteers and the support of our fans, the first Mustang Invitational was a success for our runners and CA.”

More Photos from the Race