Doug Conley Invitational 2008

TEMPE, AZ - The prestigious Doug Conley Invitational is viewed by many to be the best competition in the state.  Unlike the State Meet, which has one winner per class, the Conley Invite has only one Individual male and female champion.  Named after Douglas Lee Conley, a well known coach at Tempe High School who coached several men's teams to US rankings including the 1973 boys US#2 team, the meet concentrates on the varsity team philosopy with the top 20 teams in the state, regardless of class, competing for the team title.    Jessica Tonn crossing the finish line at the Doug Conley Invitational at Kiwanis Park    

1A - 2A   Junior Ronald Laban from Hopi is the clear favorite for the 1A - 2A State Meet.  Some of his season highlights include a 1st place finish at Ojo Rojo, a 4th place at Jack Boehle and a 4th place in the Division 5 Boys Sweepstakes Race at the Mt. Sac Invitational in California.  Laban may have competition from his own teammates, Kevin Tsinniginnie (Jr) and Brennon Sidney (Jr) and from Cody Rosengarten (Jr, Tombstone)  and Sean Newport (Sr, Valley Christian).    Sidney and Tsinniginnie placed 9th and 11th at Mt. Sac helping the Hopi team to a 2nd place finish; Newport won the 1A-2A Metro West Regional Meet and Rosengarten won the Benson Invitational and placed 3rd in both the Los Mesquites Invite and the Ojo Rojo Invitational.