The 5A Region 4 wrestling tournament, set to be held on Feb. 14-15, has been moved from Arvada West to Bear Creek.
With all but one of the Arvada West wrestling coaches remaining on restriction from coaching in the postseason, the board of directors felt it was appropriate to change the regional site.
Below is a statement from CHSAA relating to the situation regarding Mountain Vista student Bailey Roby:
Update, 5:05 p.m., Jan. 30:
Bailey Roby will be permitted to play in games, so long as there is an agreement in place between both schools involved to ensure the situation on the floor remains safe for all participants. CHSAA will consider approving this participation on a game-by-game basis.
Communication on the safety of the kids is of primary importance. A plan needs to be clearly communicated on when the participation will happen, how the players will remain safe, and ensure that interference and collisions are as remote a possibility as possible. Involved officials need to be notified ahead of time, as well.
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Original post:
According to the National Federation of State High School Association’s basketball playing rules, specifically 3-5-1, under which the CHSAA plays:
The referee shall not permit any team member to wear equipment or apparel which, in his/her judgment, is dangerous or confusing to other players or is not appropriate.
NOTE: Each state association may, in keeping with applicable laws, authorize exceptions to the NFHS playing rules to provide reasonable accommodations to individual participants with disabilities and/or special needs, as well as those individual with unique and extenuating circumstances. The accommodations should not fundamentally alter the sport, heighten risk to the athlete/others or place opponents at a disadvantage.
The Highlands Ranch Herald did not accurately depict the decision.
When permission was requested in early January 2014, the Association had to take in the intent of Rule 3-5-1.
Considering the competitive nature of basketball, it was deemed unsafe for him to be on the court — in the interest of his safety, as well as the safety of other players.
However, when Mountain Vista approached the Association about giving Roby an opportunity to play in a varsity contest (on Jan. 24 against Littleton) if the game situation warranted participation, CHSAA said that if both schools agreed, and they made accommodations for the safety all players involved, Roby could participate. The schools determined how they were going to maintain enough room for both the player and opponents to move safely, and they were required to notify the officials of all of those accommodations for this game.
CHSAA was told that the Littleton game might be the only opportunity that this athlete would have to participate under those restrictions, so we allowed it.
“We’ve been in communication with the parents on this. We talked, we had a meeting,” Mountain Vista athletic director Pat McCabe said. “We had a meeting with Bailey. He understood what the situation was. In the end, the safety of Bailey is the No. 1 concern. His safety can’t be a popularity issue.”
The Colorado High School Activities Association, in partnership with ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.com, will produce all-state teams for all sports, beginning with this past fall season.
Below is a memo which was sent out to all league presidents explaining the process:
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MEMORANDUM
January 28, 2014
TO: CHSAA League Presidents
FR: Ryan Casey, Director
CHSAA Web Services
RE: All-State Teams
Due to the overwhelming feedback from coaches and administrators around the state, we are partnering with ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.com in an attempt to fill the void that now exists when it comes to all-state teams. Our hope is that, though late, we can start this year’s all-state teams with this past fall season.
All-state teams for sports which finish their season at a classification-wide individual meet will have all-state teams selected based upon performance at those meets. Therefore, the information below pertains only to so-called team sports. In the fall, that is softball, boys soccer, football, volleyball and field hockey.
With the help of coaches and administrators across the state, we have determined criteria on which the selection of these teams will be based. This process starts with you, and your league members.
The all-state process will be as follows:
Again, league participation in this process is very important, so we appreciate your help. Without it, kids from your league will be unable to make the all-state teams. Only players nominated by leagues will be considered for the all-state teams. (Independents are the lone exception to this rule, and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.)
AURORA — The Colorado High School Activities Association today released a video from the Denver Nuggets as part of its “You Can Play, Colorado!” contest—a program focused on stopping bullying and delivering messages of inclusion and acceptance for all students participating in high school activities such as sports, speech, music and student leadership.
“You Can Play, Colorado!” is part of the “We Are CHSAA” positive leadership campaign, an educational experience—in partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance, You Can Play and the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado—dedicated to ensuring that all students are encouraged to participate and be accepted for what they bring to a team or activity, and not excluded for what some might see as differences.
Nuggets forwards Quincy Miller and Kenneth Faried and guard Randy Foye are featured in the newest video, alongside student athletes from Denver’s East High School, talking about respecting the game and teammates.
“In order to respect the game,” says Miller in the video, “you have to respect your teammates—all of them.” Continued Faried, “No matter their race, religion or whether they are straight or gay—this is about helping your team win.”
The “You Can Play, Colorado!” contest is focused on student video contributions. The contest, which runs through February, challenges students, teams and groups to explain how and why they welcome everyone based on heart, talent and commitment without excluding students because of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other perceived differences.
The top “You Can Play, Colorado!” videos will win cash prizes for the students’ school. And the winning videos will be shown at the State Basketball Championships on March 15. Denver East High School has already posted a video that demonstrates the power these visual messages can provide for a school.
To learn more about the “You Can Play, Colorado!” contest and to view videos, including the recent Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche videos, please visit YouCanPlayColorado.com.
Stay tuned for an upcoming “You Can Play Colorado!” video from Mayor Hancock, a former officer in the CHSAA’s student leadership program. CHSAA will also share many of the videos submitted by students across Colorado.
AURORA — The first of two Colorado High Activities Association Legislative Council Meetings is slated for Thursday, January 30, at the Red Lion Inn in Aurora, located at I-225 and Parker Road. The Meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. and will be aired lived on CHSAA.tv as part of the NFHS Network.
The CHSAA Hall of Fame will induct its 25th class the night before at the same site, starting at 6:30 p.m. The CHSAA Silver Anniversary Hall of Fame Class includes student-participants Jerome Biffle (Denver East), Tonya Beaber (Deer Trail) and Mark Randall (Cherry Creek). They are joined by three coaches, including current Granada coach Manuel Gonzales, former Fairview coach Sam Pagano and former Cheyenne Mountain coach Mike Provenzano. Long-time Sterling-area administrator and official Bob Plank, Grand Junction schools music educator Gary Ambrosier, Canon City speech coach and student leadership advisor Pauline Carochi, and the 1979 Evergreen girls’ volleyball team round out the 10 inductees that make up the Class of 2013.
Prior to the CHSAA Hall of Fame dinner, the CHSAA Board of Directors will be meeting at the hotel, starting at 8:00 a.m.
The CHSAA Legislative Council is the body that determines the rules for the student participants in the state of Colorado and its 70 members represent all the individual athletic conferences, along with representatives from the Colorado Association of School Boards, Colorado Athletic Directors Association and Colorado Association of Secondary School Administrators. They will be voting on one constitutional proposal, five administrative proposals and four sports/activities proposals, along with three administrative committee reports, one activities committee report and 10 sport committee reports. In addition, the Legislative Council will hear nominations to replace members on the Board of Directors.
All Proposals and Committee reports that will be voted on can be found on the CHSAA website (www.CHSAANow.com) under School Info. The following are brief descriptions of the agenda items:
Constitutional Proposals (requires 2/3 majority vote to pass)
C-1 – Specialized Sports Training Schools – This proposal would not allow schools that offer any type of specialized sports training to be a member of the Association. A second rule change would prohibit any student participant at a school of this sort from participation at any CHSAA member school. (Submitted by the Board of Directors)
Administrative Proposals – (Requires majority vote to pass, unless otherwise noted)
ADM-1 – 2014-2016 Classification of Schools – This by-law proposal impacts four sections of the Classification and League Organization rules. Language added to by-law 1500.grants the Legislative Council the authority to increase the number of base classifications based on the growth of the CHSAA membership. The change to 1500.11 would allow for classification to be increased based upon the number of schools participating in a given sport. Proposed changes to 1500.21 would allow the CLOC to consider mitigating factors for placing schools in classification once the classification figures are determined. Called Equity Consideration Factors, these include socio-economic status of the school, school demographics, geography, a school’s participation rate, a school’s enrollment trend and competitive history, along with the entry or selection process for the school’s student body. The CLOC could recommend that a school in the lower 10% of a larger classification be placed in the next lower class based on these factors. (Submitted by the Board of Directors)
ADM-2 – Classification of Schools – The proposal addresses by-law 1500.27 and adjusts the play down criteria needed to play in a classification smaller than what a school’s enrollment places them. The proposal eliminates one set of criteria and replaces that with a notation that says “the team playing down will not be eligible for post-season consideration in the classification in which they are playing down.” (Submitted by the Western Slope League)
ADM-3 – Hazing and Documentation – This proposal requires a signed documentation that a student and his/her parents affirm their responsibility in preventing and reporting hazing incidents. The signed documentation must on file with the school prior to the student’s participation. (Submitted by Board of Directors)
ADM-4 – Sunday Contact – An often-addressed by-law, this proposal would allow coaches to have contact with their players on Sunday outside the high school sports season for competition only (this would prohibit practice. (Submitted by the Frontier League)
ADM-5 – Scrimmages – This proposal would allow schools to schedule scrimmages after the fifth day of practice, but would maintain that football teams could not scrimmage until the 10th day after the start of practice. (Submitted by Jeffco, Southwestern, Centennial, East Metro)
Sports/Activities Proposals
S-1 – Basketball Maximum Number of Contests – This proposal would drop the number of regular season contests that 4A schools can play from 23 to 19. It would allow the 5A schools to maintain their regular season limit of 23. It maintains the wording of the by-law that limits Classes 1A, 2A and 3A to 19 games. (Submitted by the Northern League)
Editor’s Note: The results from a survey of all CHSAA basketball schools are posted at www.CHSAANow.com and address the question of game limits by classification.
S-2 – Fall Sports Seasons Starting Dates – This proposal recommends starting the fall competitive season six days earlier. For those familiar with Zero Week, this would open that week to competition for all sports without the need for permission. The proposal allows for increased flexibility in scheduling. It impacts cross country, football, field hockey, gymnastics, boys’ soccer, spirit and volleyball. (Submitted by Jeffco, Southwestern Centennial, East Metro)
S-3 – Spirit Season of Sport – This proposal would not allow CHSAA schools to host official spirit team try-outs until after Memorial Day. (Submitted by the Colorado Springs Metro)
S-4 – Volleyball Maximum Matches Team – This proposal is recommending cutting the number of volleyball matches from 23 to 19. (Submitted by the Northern League)
There are no Activities proposals.
Administrative Committees
Budget/Property Administration Committee (First reading) – The Budget committee is recommending a freeze on participation fees for the 2015-16 and reported that there would be no refund given to schools in May 2014 as a result of a Board of Directors decision. The CHSAA Board directed the $33,732 be used to assist the We Are CHSAA anti-hazing and inclusion program. The Committee reported that $34,510 was reimbursed to schools to cover 100% travel costs for those sports that could not be reimbursed and that there was a refund of $102,423 given in May 2013 as a result of the operating profit from 2011-12.
Classification and League Organization Committee – The committee made its recommendation for the classification numbers for the 2014-2016 competitive cycle. Recommendations were made for membership for Caprock Academy (Grand Junction), DSST-Green Valley Ranch (Denver) and Venture Preparatory School (Denver). The committee approved a number of play down requests and league changes, along with approving several programs for enrollment exemptions. The following schools were approved to play down in specific sports: Adams City (football), Alameda (football), Antonito (football), Aurora Central (football), Boulder (softball), Centaurus (volleyball), Central GJ (football), CIVA Charter (boys’ & girls’ basketball, volleyball), Denver North (football), Dolores Huerta (girls’ basketball), Greeley Central (softball), Greeley West )boys’ soccer), Miami Yoder (football), Mitchell (football), Montbello (girls’ soccer), Montezuma-Cortez (soccer, football), Nederland (football), Niwot (football), Rifle (boys’ & girls’ soccer), Roosevelt (boys’ soccer), Skyline (softball), South Park (football).
The request approved for schools moving leagues includes: Broomfield (Northern to Front Range), Conon City (South Central to Colorado Springs Metro), Classical Academy (Tri-Peaks to CSML), Ellicott (Tri-Peaks to Black Forest), Highland (Patriot to Mile High), Holy Family (Metro to Tri-Valley), Littleton (Continental to Jeffco), Lyons (Patriot to Mile High) Manzanola (Southeastern to High Plains), Northridge (Tri-Valley to Northern), Skyview Academy (Independent to Metro), South Baca (Southeastern to Arkansas Valley), Swallows Academy (Independent to Santa Fe), Twin Peaks Charter (Independent to Mile High), Valor Christian (Independent to 5A Jeffco), Vanguard (Black Forest to Tri-Peaks). Clear Creek (Frontier), Heritage Christian (Mile High), Longmont Christian (Mile High), Sierra Grande (Southern Peaks) all changed in classification but have remained in the same league.
Officials Fees Committee – There are no major changes proposed.
Student Leadership – No major changes proposed.
Sports Committees
Baseball – The Baseball Committee is recommending a change in the Wild Card Points accrued by out-of-state schools, along with a reduction in the loss points for the Wild Card Points table. The committee is requesting that these changes be made effective immediately to help the 2014 season. The committee adjusted the playoff formats in all classes and established playoff qualification procedures for Liberty Common (3A), SkyView Academy (3A), Ponderosa (4A) and Valor Christian (4A).
Cross Country – The committee is recommending changing the 3A scoring to Run 7, Score 5, and in 2A to Run 6, Score 3.
Field Hockey – Recommendations from the committee include moving the finals date to the Saturday of the 9th week of play, rather than the Monday of the 10th week.
Football – The committee made recommendations for the football conferences and then made changes in playoff formats that include: A6 – Week 9 Crossover teams will be ranked 1-16 by Wild Card Points; A8 – Teams will play a 9-week schedule and begin playoffs on Week 10; 1A – The higher seed team will host the playoff game if both teams have an equal number of previous home games; 3A – A 3A team that plays a 5A school it will now receive 4A Wild Card Points, in addition to the state championship game being played at the highest seed; 5A – The top 32 qualifiers will be selected and seeded by a committee of administrators, one from each conference. In 5A, the higher seed will also host if both schools have already hosted a playoff game in a previous round.
Golf – The committee modified its coaching rule to have the coach 10 yards from the greens surface once a player reaches the green to putt. The spectator policy was amended to keep a minimum 10-yard distance from the players on the fairway. 5A league schools will secure regional sites and determine the host school 30 days prior to the regional tournament. Finally, only coaches with a handicap document/sticker or doctor’s note may have a cart during the state tournament.
Gymnastics – Class 4A will qualify the top all-around performer, not on a qualifying team, from each region and then the next nine regardless of region, according to recommendations from the committee. The regional meets will all be held on Saturday, October 24, and 7th and 8th place ribbons will be awarded at state.
Soccer – The committee established the format needed in Girls 2A which starts in 2015, and changed the 3A bracket from a 32-team to a 24-team event. The committee adjusted its seeding criteria to include League Finish, MaxPreps rankings, League Poll which will look at head-to-head competition and common opponents. The regular season finishes will be honored and geography will be considered when placing teams seeded 24-32.
Softball – The committee is recommending reducing 3A qualifiers from 24 to 18 and changes to all classes seeding. Class 3A seeding will guarantee that the 6 regional champions are seeded 1-6, while in 4A and 5A, the committee refined the seeding criteria.
Tennis – Hosts for 5A Boys’ and Girls’ will be determined by league finish and each league much secure two regional sites, according to recommendations from the committee. The committee also adjusted regional assignments and noted that only teams that qualify four or more players to state are eligible for the state team championship competition.
Volleyball – The major changes that came from the committee include altering the order of matches at the state tournament and changes in the seeding for 1A and 2A.
The Legislative Council will start at 8:30 a.m. with its traditional Speak Out session where members of the public may ask to speak to the Legislative Council on pertinent issues. Speakers are limited to five minutes and may gain access to the podium by contacting CHSAA’s Bethany Brookens (303) 344-5050 by Friday, January 17 at 4:00 p.m.
Aurora, CO – The Colorado High School Activities Association is joining with a host of luminaries—including the Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock—to fight bullying and deliver messages of inclusion and acceptance for all students participating in high school activities such as sports, speech, music and student leadership.
It’s part of the “We Are CHSAA” positive leadership campaign, an educational experience—in partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance, You Can Play and the Gill Foundation’s Gay and Lesbian Fund—dedicated to ensuring that all students are encouraged to participate and be accepted for what they bring to a team or activity, and not excluded for what some might see as differences.
The Avs and captain Gabriel Landeskog are putting “You Can Play, Colorado!” at center ice with an exciting video featuring student athletes from Regis Jesuit and Mountain Vista. The video can be viewed here:
Attention will now focus on the “You Can Play, Colorado!” student videos. The contest, which runs through February, challenges students, teams and groups to explain how and why they welcome everyone based on heart, talent and commitment without excluding students because of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other perceived differences.
The top “You Can Play, Colorado!” videos will win cash prizes for the students’ school. And the winning videos will be shown at the State Basketball Championships on March 15. Denver East High School has already posted a video that demonstrates the power these visual messages can provide for a school.
To learn more about the “You Can Play, Colorado!” contest and to view student videos, please visit CHSAANow.com/leadership/youcanplay.
Stay tuned for upcoming “You Can Play Colorado!” videos from the Nuggets and Mayor Hancock, a former officer in the CHSAA’s student leadership program. CHSAA will also share many of the videos submitted by students across Colorado.
As you are aware, the Colorado High School Activities Association has launched a commercial website called CHSAANow.com. As the Association and CHSAANow.com have progressed since the launch, there have been a number of media questions arising about what material is non-proprietary and needs to be attributed and that of a general information site.
CHSAANow.com is a media outlet similar to how NFL.com operates. The CHSAA is now an organization that covers itself. At times, this means the site will break news. On the occasion that happens, media outlets may use that information as long as it is attributed to CHSAANow.com, and not simply as the CHSAA. Information attributable to CHSAA should only be that information provided through press releases.
CHSAA Director of Web Services Ryan Casey is the content manager and editor of CHSAANow.com. His responsibilities include populating all content on CHSAANow.com and he is the primary writer for the site. He is also the manager of the Association’s work in social media. He supervises any stringers and photographers that contribute to CHSAANow.com.
Assistant Commissioner Bert Borgmann is the CHSAA media relations director and, along with Commissioner Paul Angelico, the Association’s general primary spokesperson. Assistant Commissioners Tom Robinson, Bethany Brookens, Harry Waterman, Bud Ozzello and Jenn Roberts-Uhlig remain the primary spokespersons for the sports and activities they administrate. All media inquiries may be initiated through Borgmann or the assistant commissioner.
Press releases issued by CHSAA will be released to all media outlets at the same time and will be available for immediate publication or airing. These releases are also published on CHSAANow.com and are located on the left side of the CHSAANow.com site below the “fold.” Use of any other material from CHSAANow.com must be appropriately attributed to CHSAANow.com.
Please note that photography on the CHSAANow.com site is proprietary and permission for its use must be granted by CHSAANow.com.
Media Outlets wishing to publish or use CHSAANow.com polls on air, in print or on-line should contact Ryan Casey (rcasey@chsaa.org) for usage guidelines if they have not already done so.
Note: CHSAA Twitter: @CHSAA – use #copreps for Colorado high school results and news. CHSAA Facebook – Facebook.com/CHSAA
AURORA — The 93rd year of Colorado High School Activities Association practice for winter sports begins just as most of the fall sports are just winding down. Official practice starts Wednesday, November 13 for basketball, wrestling, ice hockey and girls’ swimming. Please note the first day of practice and other information for Skiing on CHSAANow.com.
Teams may begin interscholastic scrimmages on November 19 in these sports, while the first contests may begin on Monday, December 2.
In May, 1921, a group of superintendents and principals met in Boulder and organized the Colorado High School Athletic Conference. The purpose of this organization was to better regulate and develop the interscholastic school athletic program.
There were nine leagues by the time the first constitution was published, including the Northern, North Central, Western Slope, Suburban, Southeastern, Arkansas Valley, South Central and San Juan Basin leagues.
The first champions crowned that school year were Colorado Springs in football, Greeley in basketball, and Fort Collins in track and field.
In 1924, the Colorado High School Athletic Conference joined the National Federation of State High School Associations and has remained an active member of that organization ever since.
Loveland’s R.W. Truscott was the Association’s first president and Eaton’s J.C. Casey its first secretary (commissioner). Truscott replaced Casey as secretary in December, 1926 and held that post until July, 1948 when Glenn T. Wilson became commissioner. Ray C. Ball took over the commissioner’s post in 1966 and remained in the office until August, 1986 when Ray Plutko assumed the duties. Bob Ottewill became the Association’s sixth commissioner in July, 1990, followed by Bill Reader who served as Commissioner from 2002 until 2010. Angelico assumed the reins on July 1, 2010
The CHSAA has had 58 presidents dating back to 1921. Its current president, Centauri High School Principal Curt Wilson, is in the first year of a two-year term as president.
| Defending Winter State Champions | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | 1A | 2A | 3A | 4A | 5A | First Champ* |
| B. Basketball | McClave | Denver Christian | Pagosa Springs | Lewis-Palmer | Eaglecrest | Greeley (’21) |
| G. Basketball | Wiley | Akron | Holy Family | Pueblo South | Regis Jesuit | Golden (’76) |
| G. Swimming | – | – | – | Thompson Vly. | Regis Jesuit | Cherry Crk (’74) |
| B. Skiing | – | – | – | – | Summit | Middle Prk (’65) |
| G. Skiing | – | – | – | – | Summit | Middle Prk (’75) |
| Ice Hockey | – | – | – | – | Ralston Vly | Littleton (’76) |
| Wrestling | – | Paonia | Alamosa | Broomfield | Pomona | Greeley (’36) |
* – Large school champion listed.
The 25th Class Features Gary Ambrosier, Jerome Biffle, Tonya Beaber Hanks, Pauline Carochi, Manuel Gonzales, Robert Plank, Mark Randall, Sam Pagano, Mike Provenzano and the 1979 Evergreen Girls’ Volleyball Team
AURORA — The latest class of the Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame, the 25th in the history of the organization, features a broad range of inductees including three former student participants, a long-time official, a trio of highly successful coaches, a longtime music educator, a veteran speech and student leadership advisor and a star-studded girls’ volleyball team from 1979.
The CHSAA Silver Anniversary Hall of Fame Class includes student-participants Jerome Biffle (Denver East), Tonya Beaber (Deer Trail) and Mark Randall (Cherry Creek). They are joined by three coaches, including current Granada coach Manuel Gonzales, former Fairview coach Sam Pagano and former Cheyenne Mountain coach Mike Provenzano. Long-time Sterling-area administrator and official Bob Plank, Grand Junction music educator Gary Ambrosier, along with Canon City speech coach and student leadership advisor Pauline Carochi, and the 1979 Evergreen girls’ volleyball team round out the 10 inductees that make of the Class of 2013.
“The 25th anniversary class of any hall of fame has to be special. I think that this Silver Anniversary group meets any standard of ‘special.’ Earning a place in the CHSAA Hall of Fame is an honor so few receive. Yet each class represents the thousands upon thousands of participants, coaches, administrators, officials and significant contributors that give so much to the state’s high school athletics and activities. The Class of 2013 reveals the breadth and depth that Colorado high school athletics and activities represent in our member schools,” CHSAA Commissioner Paul Angelico said in making the announcement.
“As we look to our second quarter century of honoring those people who have make up high school athletics and activities, it is important to note the impact that each of these inductees, like those that came before them, had had in their respective areas of the state. The 25th class of the CHSAA Hall of Fame is representative of everyone that has participated, coached, promoted, administered or promoted high school sports in our state. This class is high school athletics and activities,” CHSAA Hall of Fame administrator Bert Borgmann said.
The Class of 2013 will be inducted during a ceremony on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, at the Red Lion Hotel Denver Southeast (I‑225 and Parker). Individual tickets may be purchased for $45 each by contacting the CHSAA. The festivities get underway at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited.
The selection of the three student participants to the CHSAA Hall of Fame puts the total number of participants in the hall at 56. There are now 59 coaches, 27 administrators, 15 officials and six significant service contributors enshrined in the CHSAA Hall of Fame that began in 1989. There are also three teams in the hall. The Hall of Fame now features 166 inductees.
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Biographies of the newest additions to the hall:
Gary Ambrosier (Mesa County Schools) – One of the state’s top music educators, Gary Ambrosier has served as a teacher, music supervisor, judge, judge trainer and event site host for more than 40 years. His list of awards and responsibilities with the Colorado Music Educators Association and Colorado Bandmasters Association is vast. Ambrosier was the president of both organizations and implemented innovative programs during his tenures. He is highly sought after as a clinician in-state and across the Rocky Mountain West. He was the 2009 recipient of the CHSAA’s Distinguished Service Award. He worked as a music teacher in Bayfield, Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction, in addition to Rudyard, MI. Ambrosier has earned numerous awards for his music education work, as well his volunteerism in community projects. He is receiving the NFHS Outstanding Educator Award for Colorado this year.
Tonya Beaber Hanks (Deer Trail HS) – One of Colorado’s top small school athletes, Tonya Beaber’s prep career included participation in volleyball, basketball, track, spirit and student council. She was her class valedictorian, was a member of the National Honor Society and won numerous academic awards during high school. Tonya guided her volleyball and basketball teams to state titles in 1986, the first ever at Deer Trail High School. During her four year career, though, Deer Trail was a regular visitor to the state playoffs. A four-year letter winner in all three sports, Beaber was the 1988 Steinmark Award Runner-up, made the all-state team three times in volleyball and basketball and was a place winner in track in long jump, triple, jump, shot and discus. The Colorado native went on to play at Western Nebraska. The Colorado State Board of Education recognized her in 1988 for her perfect attendance through 13 years of schooling. She is currently an assistant basketball coach at Strasburg and has coached at Elbert.
Jerome Biffle (Denver East HS) – Jerome Biffle was one of the nation’s top student-athletes, playing football and running track for Denver East High School. A three-time all-state track star, Biffle went on to win a Gold Medal at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. He participated in football and track for Angels. As a halfback in the vaunted “single wing” offense under the guidance of legendary coach Adolph “Pat” Panek CHSAA HOF 1991/NFHS HOF 1996), he helped East to an undefeated 1945 season in city play. He was the first black athlete at the University of Denver, enrolling after a four-year stint in the US Army. Biffle went on to become a golf coach at East was a school counselor there from 1962-1992. He also was an assistant track coach at EHS. He, along with Jesse Owens, was inducted into the Drake Relays Hall of Fame in 1959. Biffle passed away in 2008.
Pauline Carochi (Canon City HS) – Pauline Carochi has been at Canon City High School for 37 years. During that time, she was the school’s speech coach (37 yrs.), Student Council Sponsor (22) and Newspaper sponsor (30). She was nominated by the Colorado Speech “Community,” not just the CHSAA Speech Committee. Thirteen of her students have won state championships, including two that won national championships, and hundreds more have qualified to the state meet. She was a member of the CHSAA Speech Committee for more than 12 years and chaired the state speech tournament five times. She has been recognized many times in speech for her work, including being inducted into the National Forensics League Hall of Fame (2010) and receiving the Sharon Wilch Lifetime Achievement Award.
Evergreen Volleyball 1979 – The third team to be recognized by the CHSAA Hall of Fame, the 1979 Evergreen High School team is recognized as THE team in the string of 8 state titles out of 10 from 1976 to 1986 by athletes who were members of those teams. Coached by CHSAA Hall of Famer Lo Hunter (1996) and featuring another Hall of Famer in Tanya Haave (1993), this team was part of a string of 182 consecutive wins from 1978-1986.
Manuel Gonzales (Granada HS) – Manuel Gonzales has coached three sports – football, basketball and baseball – for 40 years and he is still on the sidelines today. His teams have won three football titles (1979, 1988, 2006), two basketball titles (1989, 1991) and three baseball crowns (1991, 1995, 2009). He has been named Coach of the Year numerous times in each sport and has had his teams finish as runners up in the state championships several times. Gonzales was inducted in to the Colorado High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2002) and the National High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2006). He was recognized by the Colorado Dugout Club in 2009 for his contributions to high school baseball.
Sam Pagano (Fairview) – Sam Pagano was football coach at Fairview for 25 years, from 1969-1984. His teams went 164-58-4 and won state titles in 1978, 1979, 1987. He was Colorado’s Coach of the Year in 1978 and 1979. In 1978, Pagano won the Colorado High School Coaches Association’s Ed Lesar Award as the Outstanding Teacher/Coach in the state. He headed the Colorado High School Coaches Association from 1974-75 and served as the head coach of the Colorado All-State Game. He inducted into the Pueblo Sports Hall of Fame in 1978. Pagano ran the Mile High Football Clinic, a camp he started in 1975 until 2012. During his career, he has also coached professional football in Europe. His son, Chuck, is head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, while another son, John, is the San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator.
Bob Plank (Sterling) – One of the top officials in the state of Colorado, Bob Plank officiated 32 years in football and basketball. He earned numerous awards in basketball, including the inaugural Al Schalge Award for professionalism and service to the sport of basketball. Plus, he called a number of championship games. In football, he was a noted on field official who called many playoff and state championship games. He spent 33 years as a teacher, coach and administrator for Sterling and Fleming. His avocation was officiating and he regularly wrote articles on rules, rule changes and sportsmanship and took those topics on local radio. He was an instructor of officiating and rules for Northeastern Junior College, Western State and Adams State colleges. He is a member of the IAABO Board #4 Honorary for Officials and a member of the Colorado High School Football Officials Association Hall of Fame.
Mike Provenzano (Cheyenne Mountain HS) – Mike Provenzano’s teams won three state championships at Palmer High (1992, 1993, 1998) and another at Cheyenne Mountain High in 2004. Provenzano spent 30 years as the Palmer coach (1968-1999) and nine at Cheyenne Mountain. His Palmer teams made 18 consecutive state ice hockey Final Four appearances and were second three times. At CMHS, his teams played in the state tourney nine times. Provenzano’s teams compiled a 267-159-9 mark at Palmer and 127-41-6 at Cheyenne Mountain for an overall prep coaching record of 394-200-15.Twenty of the last 21 years as coach, Provenzano’s teams were in the CHSAA Frozen Four. Provenzano was named the Colorado Coach of the Year six times, including 1984, 1987, 1992, 1998, 2004 and 2009. Provenzano was the first president of the Colorado Ice Hockey Association.
Mark Randall (Cherry Creek HS) – Mark Randall is no stranger to followers of Colorado basketball. He was a McDonald’s and Parade All-American (1986) and went on to star at the University of Kansas where his team won a NCAA title (1990). A first round pick of the Chicago Bulls, he played for the Pistons, Timberwolves and Nuggets, as well. He is currently the Nuggets Community Ambassador and is active among Colorado’s youth basketball community. Randall led his 1986 Cherry Creek team to the state championship game before losing to George Washington. He played on the US National Team (1990) that won the FIBA Championships that year. In his role as Nuggets Community Ambassador, Randall speaks to over 30,000 students a year about the importance of education, making good choices, and respecting peers, teachers and parents.
In addition to the induction of the Hall of Fame class, the Association will honor one person with its Distinguished Service Award and a Colorado organization or corporation with its Colorado Tradition Award. The Colorado Tradition Award is special recognition that goes to an organization that has distinguished itself through its support and loyalty to CHSAA, its mission and students. The CHSAA Distinguished Service Award is presented to persons whose efforts are in support of, rather than the focus of, an activity.
The seven new members join our past inductees. Find a complete database here.
Members of the CHSAA Hall of Fame Selection Committee include: Dick Katte (chair, Denver Christian); Larry Bull (CCSD); Dina Fuqua (Vanguard); Judy Hildner (Pueblo Chieftain, Retired); Virginia Lorbeer (CHSAA HOF); Bob Marken (CHSCA), Mary Kay Mauro (CHSAA.tv/CET Productions), Dale Oliver (Hi-Plains), Jodi Reinhard (Standley Lake); Denny Squibb (Fruita Monument); CHSAA staff liaison is Assistant Commissioner Bert Borgmann.
After weeks of waiting, Lakewood High School students found out today that they are the winners of a private Katy Perry concert which will be held Oct. 25 at the school. Students gathered at 5:30 a.m. to participate in a live, interactive interview with Katy Perry herself.
Sponsored by Good Morning America, Perry encouraged schools from across the country to make their own videos to her new hit song, “Roar.” Lakewood students created a one-shot, one-take video featuring all 2000 students in a lipdub which highlighted pure, genuine, positive energy and spirit showing that they are truly one united family.
Lakewood students are challenging all high schools in America, 39,000 of them, to each raise $1000 to send to charities of their choice, adding up to a potential $39 million. Their message is that this generation has a lot to give and roar about.
To view the full announcement, see the following video link.