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Middle Park’s Berggren finishes high school career in big way at state track

Craig Harper
Special to The Denver Post

Read more: Middle Park's Berggren bows out in big way at 3A track - The Denver Post http://www.denverpo
Middle Park's Samantha Berggren poses prior to a recent track workout. Byron Hetzler/Sky-Hi News
Sky-Hi News |

LAKEWOOD – Samantha Berggren, one of the state’s most decorated high school athletes, saved the most satisfying performance of her prep career for last.

Earlier on the final day of the Class 3A state track and field championships Saturday at Jeffco Stadium, the Middle Park senior accomplished the expected by winning an unbeatable fourth consecutive title in the 400 meters.

“I love the 4; it’s really special to me,” Berggren said after the race.



Later in the day, Berggren was ecstatic.

She roared from behind to win the 1,600 meters for the first time in four tries. That gave her nine state track titles and a dozen state championships overall in three sports. She had two in nordic skiing this past season



Preps and one in cross country.

“I’ve been wanting to win (the 1,600) for four years now,” said Berggren, who placed second as a freshman and sophomore and fifth last year. “It’s very satisfying because I know it’s not my best event. It’s definitely a good finish to my high school career.”

Berggren stood fourth heading into the final lap of the 1,600. But she turned on the burners and won by almost two seconds, finishing in 5:08.70. Runner-up Natalie Anderson of Hotchkiss was clocked in 5:10.63.

In the 400, Berggren’s winning time of 56.60 was well off her 2008 state record of 55.94. But it was well ahead of Hotchkiss’ Jennifer Celis, who placed second in 59.16.

Berggren finished the state meet with three titles (she won the 800 meters Friday) and placed fourth in the 200.

Read more: Middle Park’s Berggren bows out in big way at 3A track – The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_18114183#ixzz1NBzyaFN4


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