The Season C field hockey state championship game on April 27 was a night to remember for Regis Jesuit. On rival Cherry Creek’s campus, the Raiders faithful packed the stands and rushed the field after Cate Lord tipped a shot off Ellie Johnson’s stick in double-overtime to give Regis their second ever field hockey state title.
“It definitely felt euphoric,” said senior Paris Corporon at Broncos High School Media Day on Monday. “That was the first event since COVID that we could have that many people.”
The stands were packed with red shirts on the visitor’s side of the Stutler Bowl back in May, and the passion of both student sections gained international attention on social media from field hockey outlets.
As the page turns to fall of 2021, field hockey teams across the state are coming off just a three-month offseason since last May, and athletes who participated in Season D sports had an even shorter amount of time off. Corporon and Johnson both played lacrosse three weeks into June before they were defeated by Valor Christian in the Class 5A semifinals.
“It wasn’t too different from normal years,” Johnson said. “Most years you go into summer tournaments in the different sports… but it was definitely a fast turnaround.” Corporon added that while the turnaround was physically and mentally tolling, it was, “Definitely worth it.”
Definitely worth it indeed, as Regis captured their second field hockey state championship in May, before making their second consecutive girls lacrosse semifinal in June.
As games around the state are just about ready to start, it’s worth noting that each of the last four field hockey state tournaments has featured a Regis Jesuit/Cherry Creek matchup in either the semifinal or championship game. When asked about the state championship rematch that will take place on October 12th once again at the Stutler Bowl, Johnson mentioned how exciting it is to always a face a rival.
“Creek is always a good match, and I can’t wait to play them this season,” she said.
Corporon and Johnson will begin their third athletic season since March coming up on Thursday, as CHSAANow.com preseason No. 1-ranked Regis Jesuit will open their season at home against Dakota Ridge.