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TCA’s Hanenburg easily wins 3,200
Kaitlin Hanenburg wasn't frustrated, but she was tired of finishing second at the Class 3A state track meet at Dutch Clark Stadium.
So Hanenburg left no doubt about the outcome of her best race, the 3,200 meters, while cruising to an easy victory Friday in 11 minutes, 19 seconds.
It was 18 seconds shy of her personal best, but Hanenburg, a sophomore at The Classical Academy, was satisfied.
"It's always exciting to win a state championship," said Hanenburg, the reigning cross country champ. "But I know I have more to do, so I can't get too comfortable."
Hanenburg runs the 1,600 today. As a freshman, she was second at the state meet in three races - the 800, the 1,600 and 3,200 - to Kristen Glenn, who now runs for Baylor.
"Kaitlin's absolutely amazing," said Roosevelt sophomore Brooke Wells, who was sixth in 11:52. "Last year she was shadowing the Platte Canyon girl.
"Now she's getting her glory years."
Forty minutes before lapping part of the field in the 3,200, Hanenburg finished second (2:15.23) to Middle Park freshman Sam Berggren in the 800. The 5-foot-11 Berggren, who was runnerup to Hanenburg in the cross country meet, set 3A meet records in the 800 (2:12.7) and 400 heat (55.94).
St. Mary's sophomore Kara Slavoski was a close third in the 800 with a personal best of 2:15.4 and scratched from the 3,200. Slavoski beat Hanenburg in the 800 at regionals and will square off with her again in the 1,600.
"Kaitlin's a great competitor and we kind of push each other," Slavoski said. "It depends on the day who wins."
TCA girls hope to win their third straight team title.
"Classical Academy is tough to beat," Roosevelt coach Ken Howell said. "They've got a couple in every race. They're like Noah's Ark. They've got two of each kind."
TCA sophomore Kevin Schwindt was third in the pole vault while clearing the same height as the winner (12 foot, 6 inches).
Manitou Springs junior Dan Gieck was the fastest qualifier in the 110 hurdles (14.72) while St. Mary's senior Ryan Cantu was third (15.32).
CSCS senior Steph Kenney had the second-fastest time in the 100 heats (12.76).
