Addy and Jude Ritzenhein help lead Niwot to 5A team titles at the Colorado state cross country meet

COLORADO SPRINGS — Sibling Rivalry and Support Shine at CHSAA State Cross Country Championships

Addy and Jude Ritzenhein are not only competitive in various activities, but they also share a strong bond of support when it comes to running. While they engage in games and challenges like swimming races and ‘Mario Kart’ battles, their running endeavors are marked by mutual encouragement and camaraderie.

At the recent CHSAA state cross country championships, Addy, a senior committed to Northern Arizona, secured her third consecutive individual victory in the 5A girls race. Meanwhile, Jude, a freshman making his debut, finished a commendable sixth, contributing to the Cougars’ triumph in both the girls’ and boys’ team categories.

Despite the chilly conditions at Norris Penrose Event Center, Addy’s winning time of 17:08.50 fell short of her course record set in 2024. However, her dominance was evident as she crossed the finish line over 30 seconds ahead of her closest competitor.

Expressing pride in her brother’s potential, Addy remarked, “Jude is so talented. I know he’s going to achieve great things in the coming years. I want him to shine without feeling pressured by expectations.”

The Cougars’ boys team showcased their prowess by securing a third consecutive title with a remarkable team score of 28 points, marking one of the most dominant performances in state meet history.

Jude reflected on his unexpected success, stating, “I never imagined being on varsity at the start of the season. To finish sixth as a freshman at state is incredibly cool.”

With Hunter Robbie leading the charge with a second-place finish, Niwot’s boys team saw all five scoring runners place in the top 10. Quinn Sullivan, Ryder Keeton, and Gabriel Marshall also contributed to the team’s resounding victory.

Less than 90 minutes later, Addy led the Cougars’ girls team to victory, securing their seventh title in eight seasons. The team’s consistent success underscores their dominance in the sport.

For the Ritzenheins, the championships held special significance as they celebrated each other’s achievements with unwavering support. Addy affirmed, “I will always be his No. 1 supporter, just as he is mine.”