A first look at NXR-SW boys

Most (though not all) of the boys at the front of last year's pack have graduated, but the teams at the front of the pack will ring familiar. Colorado Track XC file photo by Alan Versaw.

As far as Nike Cross Regionals - Southwest goes, it's been all about Utah where the boys are concerned. Since 2007, when Albuquerque and Los Alamos grabbed the NXN qualifying spots, only Albuquerque Academy and Fort Collins have ever been able to shoulder their way in to the big dance as non-Utah schools.

And, the Utah schools look to have the upper hand again this year, but we'll take the full tour of the region to see what everyone has first. With each state, I'll bring up the top five teams by virtual meet of returning runners and discuss the possibilities. We'll start with Nevada and work our way counter-clockwise around the region:

Nevada