By Doug Strauss

There are very few states in America with skiing, let alone world-class skiing, so it makes sense that Colorado has been home to 44 of the 71 NCAA skiing National Championships over the years.  However, cross-country exists in every state, yet still the Centennial State reigns supreme when it comes to NCAA titles.

In Division II, three Colorado schools have combined to claim 25 of the 51 men’s National Championships awarded.  Adams State, with 13, leads the way, while Western Colorado’s eight is the second most of any school in the country, and tied for third is Colorado School of Mines with four.  The Orediggers are the defending National Champion and have won three of the five titles.

In the RMAC men’s preseason cross country poll, Mines was picked to finish first while placing four different Orediggers on the preseason All-RMAC list.  Headlining that list was senior Ethan Grolnic, who is originally from Arvada and who placed ninth in last year’s Cross Country Championships.  Grolnic has already graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.

In Division I, the state of Colorado does not hold the same dominance as in Division II, but the University of Colorado has won five times since 2001 (2001, 2004, 2006, 2013, and 2014).  The Buffs have qualified for the NCAA Championships in 32 consecutive years.

The Division II women’s trophy has essentially taken up residence in Alamosa, as Adams State has won 21 of the 43 National Championships awarded.  Western Colorado has claimed three titles.  The Grizzlies were chosen to finish first in the RMAC women’s preseason cross country poll, and Tristian Spence returns after placing 11th in last season’s NCAA Championships.

Similar to the men, the only Centennial State school to win a Division I Cross Country title is Colorado, which has won in 2000, 2004, and 2018.  The Buffs’ Natalie Cook was the 2021 Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Player of the Year.