MEEKER | Meeker sophomore Bradley Conrado wrapped up a standout cross country season Saturday at the Colorado 2A State Championships in Colorado Springs, placing 89th overall with a time of 19 minutes, 12 seconds.
Head coach Marty Casey said she was proud of Conrado’s effort against the state’s top competition and the way he handled the challenging course.
“Bradley ran very well,” Casey said. “It’s a more challenging course than most we see during the season, but he pushed hard up the hills and finished strong.”
For Conrado, the race marked his first experience competing on the state stage, something Casey said will serve him well in the years to come.
“The state meet can be a lot to take in, but it just means that he’ll be prepared for next year,” she said. “Part of the fun at state is competing against runners and teams we’ve never seen before. Brad went out and ran his own race, and put up a solid time.”
Casey noted that Conrado’s development throughout the season has been one of the team’s highlights, especially his growing confidence and race awareness.
“I think his biggest improvements have been in his race strategy and confidence, which feed each other,” Casey said. “He’ll only get better moving forward, and the trip to state now should keep him hungry for more.”
Even though Conrado was Meeker’s lone state qualifier, Casey said the rest of the Cowboys team and coaching staff rallied around him to help prepare for the big race.
“He had a rotation of teammates training with him last week, keeping him fit and motivated,” she said. “The performances this season, coupled with Bradley’s trip to Colorado Springs, should help push the team to work harder, race smarter, and achieve greater successes next year.”
With the 2025 season now complete, the Cowboys look ahead with optimism, fueled by a young, determined group and the experience gained from a season of growth — capped by a state appearance that sets the tone for the future.
Meeker sophomore Bradley Conrado stands in front of the finish line, poised and ready, before the start of the Colorado 2A State Cross Country Championships in Colorado Springs this past weekend.