The Season D all-state boys volleyball team is presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

This team was created following a lengthy process which included nominations from leagues and then a vote of coaches.

[divider]

(Paul DiSalvo/PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

Player of the year: Jayden Pascua, Douglas County

Coach of the year: Jason Fitzgerald, Douglas County

Honorable mention:

• Elijah Armstrong, RS/S/MB, Mountain View, Junior
• Christian Banuelos, DSST: College View,
• Keenan Daly, OPP/OH, Coronado, Senior
• Kade Ericson, L, Rock Canyon, Sophomore
• Christopher Furst, Faith Christian, Junior
• Arneet Garcha, OH/L, Stargate School, Senior
• Edmund Gonzalez, DSST: College View
• Javier Gonzalez, OH/DS, Regis Groff, Senior
• Hector Guerrero, S/RS/OH, Westminster, Sophomore
• Aidan Hartman, MB/RS, Stargate School, Junior
• Gionny Her, OH, Westminster, Junior
• Jake Johnson, Fort Lupton, Senior
• Carson Kneisl, OH, Bear Creek, Sophomore
• Gunnar Kukkonen, MB/OH, Stargate School, Senior
• Caleb McIrvin, OH, Colorado Springs Christian, Senior
• Josh Miller, S, Bear Creek, Senior
• Jacob Mullane, L/DS, Bear Creek, Junior
• CJ Mullens, L, Douglas County, Junior
• Patrick Nettles, MH, Cheyenne Mountain, Junior
• Kalen Nilsen, S, Cheyenne Mountain, Sophomore
• Gabriel Ocasio, S, Stargate School, Junior
• Christopher Perez, OH/DS/S, Regis Groff, Senior
• Jayse Shaw, S/OH, Addenbrooke Classical Academy, Junior
• Tucker Shearn, Valor Christian, Sophomore
• Cade Shivley, DSST: Byers, Sophomore
• Jayden Stack, Fort Lupton, Senior
• Ben Steiner, MB, Colorado Springs Christian, Senior
• Ryan Taylor, L/OH/OPP, Grandview, Senior
• Paxton Wright, OH, Legend, Freshman

The Season D all-state baseball teams honor the best players in the sport as judged by the leagues and coaches. They are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

These teams were created following a lengthy process which included nominations from leagues, and then a vote of head coaches.

Player and coach of the year was also selected by a vote of the coaches.

[divider]

Class 5A

(Paul Shepardson)

Player of the year: Radek Birkholz, Valor Christian

Coach of the year: Ron Quintana, Mountain Vista

Honorable mention:

• Tucker Buniger, UTIL, Fruita Monument, Senior
• Gerardo Caldera, C/P, Adams City, Senior
• Caleb Cancino, C, Castle View, Junior
• Benji Carrington, Rampart, Junior
• Reese Chapman, OF/RHP, Grandview, Junior
• Ty Chapman, SS, Grandview, Senior
• Cade Collins, 2B/SS, Dakota Ridge, Freshman
• Cory Cooper, Denver South, Sophomore
• Carter Dorighi, INF, Cherry Creek, Senior
• Braden Doumer, C/OF/1B, Legend, Junior
• Garrett Dykstra, LHP/1B, Arapahoe, Senior
• Jacob Frazzini, P/1B, Cherokee Trail, Senior
• Matt Glover, Denver South, Senior
• Nathan Gutierrez, LHP/OF, Douglas County, Senior
• Jacob Hill, P/2B, Ralston Valley, Senior
• Liam Hohenstein, OF/RHP, Rock Canyon, Junior
• Chase Jaworsky, SS/2B, Rock Canyon, Sophomore
• Brant Kragel, 1B/P, Valor Christian, Junior
• Cale Lansville, RHP/1B, ThunderRidge, Senior
• Dallas Macias, Regis Jesuit, Junior
• Cort McDaniel, C, Fruita Monument, Senior
• Miguel Medina, CF/P/SS, Hinkley, Senior
• Adam Moser, Fairview, Senior
• Matthew Oberlander, OF/P, Fort Collins, Senior
• Brooks Rodarte, Castle View, Sophomore
• Camden Ross, Broomfield, Junior
• Jeremiah Sanchez, OF/LHP, Pueblo West, Junior
• Jace Schlegel, LHP/1B/OF, Pueblo West, Senior
• Landen Sehr, Legacy, Junior
• Luke Silverman, Fairview, Senior
• Danny Spence, INF/RHP, Pueblo West, Junior
• Tyler Stonebraker, OF/UTIL, Douglas County, Junior
• Tommy Valdez, Broomfield, Senior
• Will Vasseur, INF/RHP, Rocky Mountain, Junior
• Isaac Wachsmann, Regis Jesuit, Junior
• Chris Wallace, Poudre, Senior
• Jacob Weaver, P/SS, Fruita Monument, Senior
• Kody Woods, P/C/3B, Palmer, Senior

[divider]

Class 4A

(Paul Shepardson)

Player of the year: Dom Lopez, Ponderosa

Coach of the year: Bob Maloney, Ponderosa

Honorable mention:

• Tony Benko, D’Evelyn, Junior
• Bradley Blakemore, CF/LF/RHP, D’Evelyn, Junior
• Nate Bollinger, 3B, Palisade, Senior
• Nolan Boone, INF/P, Montrose, Senior
• Sammy Cabral, Thornton, Senior
• Jimmy Chastain, 1B, Windsor, Senior
• Connor Cooney, CF, Holy Family, Senior
• Derrick Domenico, 3B/SS, Pueblo County, Junior
• Nick Espinola, INF/RHP/OF, Thomas Jefferson, Senior
• Sage Ferguson, P/INF, Elizabeth, Senior
• Connor Frickey, 1B/RHP, Cheyenne Mountain, Junior
• Logan Gross, P/3B/SS, Rifle, Freshman
• Mason Hamlin, 2B/SS, Falcon, Junior
• Nolan Hertzke, RHP/3B, Severance, Sophomore
• George Hogan, SS/P, Evergreen, Senior
• Nolan Hydock, 1B/RHP, Greeley West, Senior
• Carson King, INF/P, Evergreen, Junior
• Cael Langford, Fort Morgan, Senior
• Derek Lukes, C/P/1B, Ponderosa, Junior
• Gage Mestas, Durango, Senior
• Westin Miller, SS, Wheat Ridge, Senior
• Nate Moorehead, INF/P/OF, Falcon, Senior
• Elijah Morales, OF/IF/P, Battle Mountain, Junior
• Isaiah Padilla, INF/P, Denver North, Sophomore
• Anders Page-Roth, SS, Golden, Sophomore
• Holden Pantier, SS/3B, Erie, Sophomore
• Melesio Perez, INF, Palisade, Junior
• Chase Prestwich, Frederick, Senior
• Dakota Pruitt, SS/P, Riverdale Ridge, Senior
• Caleb Ralph, RHP/INF, Lewis-Palmer, Senior
• Coletin Renn, INF/P, Canon City, Junior
• Rocco Salvatore, 1B, Roosevelt, Senior
• Clayton Sanger, 1B/LHP, Falcon, Senior
• Brock Saya, SS/RHP, Roosevelt, Junior
• Dylan Sayler, LF/SS/CF, Mesa Ridge, Senior
• Gavin Shary, INF/OF, Denver North, Junior
• Cole Simms, C/P, Canon City, Senior
• Nick Spidel, P/OF, Elizabeth, Senior
• Andrew Syverson, C/2B, Holy Family, Junior
• Nick Vilims, P/OF, Evergreen, Senior
• Cal Walsh, Durango, Senior
• Nick Weiderholt, OF/1B/LHP, George Washington, Junior
• Briggs Wheatley, Fort Morgan, Junior
• Noah Wicks, C/RHP, Golden, Sophomore
• Cruz Zamudio, C, Frederick, Sophomore

[divider]

Class 3A

(Nick Jurney)

Player of the year: Ryan Ure, Eaton

Coach of the year: Todd Hernandez, Eaton

Honorable mention:

• Daniel Alvarado, 1B/P, Strasburg, Senior
• Ty Blackmer, 2B/SS/RHP, Montezuma-Cortez, Senior
• Tyler Bowdridge, CF/RHP, Pagosa Springs, Senior
• Elliot Bowen, RHP/C/CF, DSST: Montview, Junior
• Blake Buxton, OF/DH, Lamar, Senior
• Cade Carlson, 2B/INF, Bayfield, Senior
• Dylan Diorio, Sterling, Junior
• Jonah Ellis, Salida, Senior
• Carter Evans, Resurrection Christian, Sophomore
• Davis Evans, C/SS/P, Kent Denver, Senior
• Garrett Everitt, 1B/RHP, Faith Christian, Senior
• Greg Garza, INF, University, Junior
• Ben Greenberg, Colorado Academy, Junior
• Josh Greiving, Lutheran, Senior
• Ty Griffith, Brush, Sophomore
• Isaiah Elliot, CF/INF/RHP, The Academy, Sophomore
• Braden Hallman, C/DH/3B, Montezuma-Cortez, Sophomore
• Bryson Knapp, Resurrection Christian, Senior
• Alex Martinez, C, University, Senior
• Gabi Marmolejo, OF/P, Gunnison, Senior
• Alex Martinez, C, University, Senior
• Andrew Meick, Sterling, Junior
• Jonathan Monroe, LHP/OF/1B, The Academy, Junior
• Wish Moore, Basalt, Junior
• Aaron Morgan, Lutheran, Senior
• Ty Myers, 1B/P, University, Senior
• Ernie Padilla, CF/RHP/UTIL, Montezuma-Cortez, Senior
• Zaymien Peteque, INF/P, La Junta, Senior
• Aaron Rice, Colorado Academy, Senior
• Luke Ruby, Junior, Resurrection Christian
• Cole Schumacher, Eaton, Senior
• Sam Sherry, Basalt, Junior
• Hunter Smilanich, Moffat County, Senior
• Evan Sowards, OF/P, Alamosa, Junior
• Coy Spitz, INF/P/C, Lamar, Junior
• Ryder True, Eaton, Sophomore
• Skylor Wild, Gunnison, Junior

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Class 2A

(Paul Shepardson)

Player of the year: Kory Tacha, Limon

Coach of the year: Rocky Rockwell, Limon

Honorable mention:

• Anthony Aldretti, P/OF/C, John Mall, Senior
• Brenton Battista, OF/P/INF, Peyton, Senior
• Haden Camp, INF/P, Buena Vista, Sophomore
• JP Clune, C/RHP, St. Mary’s, Junior
• David Clutter, C/OF, Monte Vista, Junior
• Ben Compton, 1B/3B/RHP, Rye, Senior
• Liam Deming, Meeker, Junior
• Braydon Garcia, Meeker, Senior
• Michael Garza, CF/P, Dolores Huerta Prep, Senior
• Logan Glaser, 2B/3B, Calhan, Senior
• Matthew Gutierrez, Burlington, Sophomore
• Tyler Higgins, Limon, Senior
• Sam Hnizdil, INF/P, Highland, Junior
• Trevin Holland, INF/P, Swink, Junior
• Evan Larrick, County Line [Wiley/McClave], Freshman
• Val Leone, INF/P, Fowler, Senior
• Junior Lopez, 2B/INF, Monte Vista, Senior
• Garrett Oloman, SS/P, Custer County, Sophomore
• TJ Ortiz, 3B/P, Las Animas, Freshman
• Matt Pachl, INF/P, North Fork, Junior
• Nathan Paolucci, INF/P, Swink, Senior
• Dimitri Prisbrey, OF/P, Olathe, Senior
• Cole Reavis, OF, Buena Vista, Junior
• Rafael Ruiz Jr., SS/RHP, Lyons, Senior
• Colby Rupp, 1B/OF, Cedaredge, Senior
• Seattle Schuessler, CF/SS/P, Clear Creek, Senior
• Byron Shawcroft, P/SS, Centauri, Junior
• Cameron Stringfellow, SS/P/OF, Dolores Huerta, Freshman
• Yahir Trejo, SS/2B, Yuma, Junior
• Sam Uyemura, SS/P, Wray, Senior
• Michael Valdez, LF/3B/RHP, Rye, Senior
• Henry VanDenBerg, 1B/P, Denver Christian, Senior
• Bobby Wallace, INF/P/C, South Park, Senior
• Michael Wishowski, P/OF/1B, South Park, Senior

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Class 1A

(Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

Player of the year: Jose Magallanes, Holly

Coach of the year: Dayne Eaton, Holly

Honorable mention:

• Pavel Bernlohr, Evangelical Christian, Senior
• Jaxon Borchardt, Rocky Mountain Lutheran, Senior
• Noah Coddington, Evangelical Christian, Junior
• Dominic Coleman, P/SS, Granada, Junior
• Micah Dannelly, UTIL/RHP, Flatirons Academy, Sophomore
• Brayden Glover, Simla, Sophomore
• Bobby Larsen, Rocky Mountain Lutheran, Senior
• Maguire Lind, Pikes Peak Christian, Junior
• Hatch Nelson, Eads, Senior
• Kevin Purkat, SS/RHP, Dove Creek, Senior
• Tyler Reynolds, P/SS, Otis, Senior
• Gavin Rose, C, Elbert, Junior
• Colton Rowan, INF/RHP, Flatirons Academy, Freshman
• Logan Weimer, Nucla, Senior

LINCOLN, Neb. – This summer, two Colorado high school coaching legends will see their names etched in eternity.

Duane Lewis (Alamosa/Alameda) and John Hancock (Mullen) will be inducted into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA) Hall of Fame, July 28, in Lincoln, Neb.

“I never had a clue something like that would ever happen, so it’s pretty cool,” Lewis said. “It’s like a dream come true. I never really considered it and I’ve just been rolling right along. But it’s a real honor and a real great group to be a part of.”

“I’m very proud to be included,” Hancock stated. “It reflects not only on Mullen, but also the type of athletes and coaches I had the pleasure of working with. If I’m being honored, then they are being honored too.”

Lewis began his coaching career at Alamosa in 1967, and proceeded to coach there for nine seasons, racking up a career record of 121-63 competing at 3A (the highest classification at the time). Part of that run included four league titles, three state tournament appearances, as well as him being named the league coach of the year four times.

He then matriculated to Alameda from 1977-1991, where his teams went 207-114. He won three league championships and finished second four times in a 12-team league, the largest at the time in the state. Four times he was named coach of the year.

In all, he compiled a career record of 328-177 for a winning percentage of .650 in 24 seasons. He was an eight-time coach of the year, eight-time league champion, 11-time district finalist and qualified for 10 state tournaments.

In addition, he coached boys golf, winning two league championships and being named coach of the year in 1974 at Alamosa. At Alameda he coached boys and girls in golf, the boys for 18 years and the girls 10. His boys teams won two league championships.

Hancock was the head boys and girls track and field coach for 33 years at Mullen. He led the boys team to 11 state titles, and the women to one. He also helped the Mustangs to 20 regional championships and seven Centennial League conference titles.

This won’t be Hancock’s first national recognition, as he was named the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) track coach of the year in 2013. He was also one of the finalists for the NHSACA track coach of the year awards in 2002 and 2008.

In total, Hancock coached at the prep ranks for 38 years, which included 31 years as an assistant coach for football at Bear Creak, Arvada West, Lakewood, Evergreen, and Mullen. He helped Lakewood to a state runner-up finish in 1979, and Mullen to a state championship in 1998.

The Season D all-state girls soccer teams honor the best players in the sport as judged by the leagues and coaches. They are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

These teams were created following a lengthy process which included nominations from leagues, and then a vote of head coaches.

Player and coach of the year was also selected by a vote of the coaches.

[divider]

Class 5A

(David Johnson/davidjohnsonphotoprahpy.com)

Player of the year: Maddie Brady, Broomfield

Coach of the year: Jim Davidson, Broomfield

Honorable mention:

• Shayla Addington, D, Chaparral, Junior
• Madison Allshouse, D, Legacy, Junior
• Eve Bleam, MF, Boulder, Junior
• Reagan Bridges, D, Arapahoe, Senior
• Taylor Brook, Rocky Mountain, Senior
• Sydney Ciechanowicz, MF, Denver East, Senior
• Brae Cole, MF, Monarch, Senior
• Ashlyn Craig, D, Arvada West, Junior
• Sabrina DeHart, D/MF, Rampart, Freshman
• Cyanne Doyle, STRK, ThunderRidge, Senior
• Sarah Dunn, Rampart, Sophomore
• Kate Dunne, D, Regis Jesuit, Junior
• Kaelin Enga, MF, Liberty, Senior
• Taylor Evans, Mountain Vista, Junior
• Makenna Flinn, FORW, Fruita Monument, Senior
• Addie Follett, FORW, Cherry Creek, Senior
• Lucy Hart, D/FORW, Pine Creek, Senior
• Kylie Hoffman, MF, Legacy, Sophomore
• Jace Holmes, MF, ThunderRidge, Senior
• Emily Hoy, MF, Northglenn, Senior
• Annika Kassenbrock, STRK/D, Silver Creek, Senior
• Cadence Kline, D/MF, Columbine, Junior
• Lolo Lacy, GK, Pine Creek, Senior
• Karly Lambert, , Brighton, Sophomore
• Anna Lantz, FORW, Regis Jesuit, Junior
• Cecelia Marlowe, D, Castle View, Junior
• Jenna McCormick, MF, ThunderRidge, Senior
• Delaney McGowan, Cherokee Trail, Senior
• Brooklyn McKinney, FORW, Prairie View, Senior
• Hannah Murphy, MF, Lakewood, Sophomore
• Kara Nelson, GK, Silver Creek, Junior
• Jordan Nytes, GK, Grandview, Junior
• Jordan Okada, D, Fairview, Senior
• Avery Ott, MF, Arapahoe, Junior
• Kaitlyn Pagel, , Cherokee Trail, Senior
• Hannah Peterson, D, Chatfield, Senior
• Jo Sees, Valor Christian, Sophomore

[divider]

Class 4A

(Kevin Keyser/keyserimages.com)

Player of the year: Olivia Dietrich, Holy Family

Coach of the year: Michelle Griego, Holy Family

Honorable mention:

• Kylie Bach, Riverdale Ridge, Senior
• Avery Bergschneider, D/FB/MF, Littleton, Senior
• Morgan Berry, MF/FORW, Woodland Park, Junior
• Brooke Bonner, Green Mountain, Senior
• Callie Borg, MF, Battle Mountain, Senior
• Madeline Borncamp, Niwot, Senior
• Taylor Bottoms, Thompson Valley, Junior
• Abby Bush, MF, Windsor, Junior
• Katy Clapp, MF, Summit, Sophomore
• Tatum Coe, Eagle Valley, Junior
• Josie Coulter, Montrose, Junior
• Michayla Dirito-Goff, STRK/MF, Pueblo South, Senior
• Maya Elias, FORW/MF/D, Glenwood Springs, Senior
• Kiera Flannagan, Niwot, Senior
• Lanie Freeland, STRK/GK, Greeley Central, Senior
• Grace Gardner, MF, Golden, Senior
• Ally Henrikson, Pueblo County, Senior
• Paige Hill, D/MF, Northridge, Sophomore
• Sammi Holt, MF, Canon City, Senior
• Gwyneth Jamison, Steamboat Springs, Freshman
• Allie Jones, MF, Pueblo Centennial, Senior
• Riley Jones, Palmer Ridge, Senior
• Marit Klagge, Thompson Valley, Junior
• Sarah Langley, STRK/MF/D, Coronado, Freshman
• Sydney Lasater, MF, Sand Creek, Senior
• Shaela Leahy, The Classical Academy, Senior
• Darby Martinez, Steamboat Springs, Junior
• Justice McKee, Palisade, Senior
• Kennedy Montoya, Northfield, Junior
• Sophia Nickel, FORW, Golden, Freshman
• Peyton Oleson, MF, Mountain View, Senior
• Lauren Petersen, Bear Creek, Senior
• Breanne Raley, FORW, Cheyenne Mountain, Senior
• Kylea Roitsch, The Classical Academy, Senior
• Kyle Rowland, Durango, Senior
• Mary Sanchez, FORW/MF/GK, Pueblo Central, Senior

[divider]

Class 3A

(Jack Carlough)

Player of the year: Izzy Newton, Kent Denver

Coach of the year: Lucas Richardson, Kent Denver

Honorable mention:

• Ava Candelaria, DSST: Byers, Senior
• Julia Creech, MF, St. Mary’s, Senior
• Mari Domingos, D, Colorado Springs Christian, Senior
• Arlette Duran, Atlas Preparatory School, Senior
• Jennifer Ellis, MF/FORW, Aspen, Junior
• Makena Feist, FORW/MF, Liberty Common, Sophomore
• Saige Ferguson, Salida, Senior
• Emily Gish, Vail Mountain, Junior
• Kassidy Grey, MF, Colorado Springs Christian, Sophomore
• Nina Haas, Salida, Freshman
• Samantha Johnston, Basalt, Senior
• Maggie Lappe, MF, St. Mary’s, Sophomore
• Toby Lawson, Salida, Junior
• Sarah Levy, STRK, Basalt, Sophomore
• Kipley Lewis, D, Liberty Common, Sophomore
• Katie MacKendrick, FORW, Middle Park, Senior
• Diana Maldonado, GK, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Junior
• Sophie McKeown, FORW/MF, Manitou Springs, Senior
• Abby Parker, D/MF, Manitou Springs, Junior
• Macey Peery, Roaring Fork, Junior
• Jessica Polkowske, MF, Alamosa, Senior
• Alexis Ramey, Frontier Academy, Senior
• Tania Razo, MF/FORW, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Junior
• Allie Schumacher, MF/FORW/D, Sterling, Senior
• Erica Sherwin, FORW, Manitou Springs, Sophomore
• Kimberly Sierra, GK, James Irwin, Sophomore
• Amber Smith, MF/D, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Sophomore
• Keiry Sosa, MF/D, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Senior
• Stella Stone, Vail Mountain, Sophomore
• McKenzie Stricker, D/FB, The Academy, Senior
• Libby Tharp, Coal Ridge, Senior
• Ashley Tyrell, D/MF, Liberty Common, Senior
• Avery Verheyen, D, Colorado Springs Christian, Freshman
• Ashley Wallau, D, St. Mary’s, Junior

[divider]

(Brent Murphy/BrentMurphyPhoto.com)

Class 2A

Player of the year: Degen Miller, Dawson School

Coach of the year: David Criswell, Dawson School

Honorable mention:

• Charlotte Apodaca, SWEP, Buena Vista, Sophomore
• Annie Brown, STRK, Thomas McLaren, Senior
• Hope Bruhn, Grand Valley, Senior
• Tabitha Call, Grand Valley, Senior
• Tylene Diehl, Grand Valley, Senior
• Kaisa Dohlvik, Colorado Springs School, Freshman
• Maizy Gordon, Ridgway, Sophomore
• Terra Hurt, D, Thomas MacLaren, Senior
• Shively Kierek, Colorado Springs School, Junior
• Mia Lybecker, Colorado Springs School, Freshman
• Ellie O’Neal, Crested Butte, Sophomore
• Robin Pavelich, D, Vail Christian, Junior
• Hope VonLintel, FORW, Twin Peaks Charter, Freshman
• Lindsey Whitton, FORW, Vail Christian, Freshman

The Season D all-state girls lacrosse teams honor the best players in the sport as judged by the leagues and coaches. They are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

These teams were created following a lengthy process which included nominations from leagues, and then a vote of head coaches.

Player and coach of the year was also selected by a vote of the coaches.

[divider]

Class 5A

(Lance Wendt/wendt5280.com)

Player of the year: Jessie Bakes, Colorado Academy

Coach of the year: Kelsey Sheridan, Fairview

Honorable mention:

• Hayden Appel, Chaparral, Sophomore
• Elise Bialecki, M, Mullen, Senior
• Marin Bomgaars, D/M, Colorado Academy, Senior
• Paris Corporon, Regis Jesuit, Junior
• Alex Cutone, M, Rock Canyon, Sophomore
• Anna Gawthrop, A, Cherry Creek, Sophomore
• Cami Johnson, A, Fairview, Sophomore
• Maya Kendall, M, Colorado Academy, Junior
• Rachel Kennedy, M, Arapahoe, Junior
• Julie Markovich, D, ThunderRidge, Senior
• Breonna Mason, G, Air Academy, Sophomore
• CJ Meehan, M/A/D, ThunderRidge, Sophomore
• Eliza Osburn, M, Valor Christian, Freshman
• Madison Riley, M, ThunderRidge, Senior
• Lilly Rowell, Chaparral, Junior
• Darby Sherrod, M/D, Arapahoe, Senior
• Courtney Smith, D, Dakota Ridge, Junior
• Danielle Srdoc, D, ThunderRidge, Senior
• Ava Welty, D, Fairview, Junior

[divider]

Class 4A

(Lance Wendt/wendt5280.com)

Player of the year: Margo Miller, Evergreen

Coach of the year: Rachel Sanford, Evergreen

Honorable mention:

• Maryn Brown, M, Fruita Monument, Junior
• Libby Claassen, M/A/DM, Roaring Fork, Senior
• Allie Elliott, M/D/A, Durango, Senior
• Ava Ganter, M/A, Golden, Junior
• Sophie Gebhardt, Dawson School, Junior
• Julia Harty, Battle Mountain, Senior
• Sophie Hodgson, M/A, Roaring Fork, Sophomore
• Charlotte Katz, Telluride, Junior
• Necia Knoedler, A, Liberty, Junior
• Melena Krownapple, Telluride, Senior
• Phoebe Ramirez, A, Cherokee Trail, Senior
• Talei Ricketson, A/M, Smoky Hill, Sophomore
• Sophia Rinn, M/A/D, Eagle Valley, Senior
• Reese Ripley, M, Denver North, Freshman
• Araceli Sanchez, Heritage, Junior
• Mia Seltzer, Aspen, Junior
• Sage Sorrells, A, Cherokee Trail, Sophomore
• Maleah Sosa, M/A, Horizon, Junior
• Devin Thomas, D, Aspen, Junior
• Alex Young, Denver South, Sophomore

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Avery Shunneson’s senior year at Thomas Jefferson High School went from the slow pace of having the fall football season postponed to warp speed of having three sports crammed into his final semester of school. Avery and his teammates at TJ participated in the state basketball tournament in early March, started football practice the next week, hoisted the 4A Football Season C Championship trophy in May, and then Avery won two state track and field championships the last weekend of June.  Not a bad way to wind up your senior year – oh, and add being named 4A football Player of the Year and committing to attend Princeton University to this list as well.

Avery Shunneson is the 52nd winner of the Steinmark Award since it was established in 1972 (there were two winners in 1976 and 1979) and he continues the proud tradition of Steinmark Award winners. Avery learned a lot of the history surrounding Freddie Steinmark and the award from his football coach, Mike Griebel, who passed on stories about the accomplishments of Freddie Steinmark from his glory days in the mid-1960’s at Wheat Ridge High School and the hard work it took for Freddie to get a scholarship to play for the Longhorns. They talked about Freddie playing in the 1969 ‘Game of the Century’ against the Arkansas Razorbacks and then a week later being diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left leg and the immediate amputation of the leg.

Most importantly, Avery recognized the hard work and dedication it took in the classroom and his community to really stand out as a Freddie Steinmark Award winner. Avery wrote, “I recalled the many times I would see Freddie Steinmark’s name as I explored the halls of Wheat Ridge High School in between my club basketball games at tournaments held at Wheat Ridge. I was only in middle school at the time, but I can still recall the pride the school had for such an amazing man who was not only a great athlete but also a good citizen and a dynamic leader.”

Avery was a natural leader in the hallways at TJ and the local community. Woody Bonner, assistant track coach at TJ, commented that “as a freshmen, Avery went out to the throw rings the first practice and was instantly the leader of that group of young men and women.” Having the respect of the other athletes and knowledge of the throwing events truly benefitted Avery this year as he stepped up to be the team’s throws coach when Coach Bonner was not able to be at practices during the season due to medical reasons. Coach Bonner also shared that he would “hear from Avery by text or call to check up on me and to fill me in on how the last game [or meet] went. This is something that was not required or asked for. This is something he does because of who he is and the outstanding character he possesses.”

Avery is also deeply involved in the Spanish-speaking community in Denver and helps as an interpreter and technology support for seniors in the community and clients of a local fishing outfitter. Avery learned to appreciate the importance of language and education at a very early age thanks to his parents, Alison and Arnold Shunneson, placing him in a fully Spanish-speaking 1st grade class. A review of Avery’s transcript shows no less than six Spanish Honors or Advanced Placement classes during his career at TJ. A weighted GPA of 4.78 ranked Avery in the top 10 of his class and a composite score of 30 on the ACT made Avery a top recruit of Ivy League colleges and almost every other top school across the country.

Avery is proud to be a product of TJ and the Denver Public Schools system and will carry that banner proudly with him to Princeton this year. Avery is also very proud to be the first Steinmark Award winner at TJ and the fourth recipient from Denver Public School – Mike Edwards, Kennedy (1976); Fred Harris, Montbello (1988); and Greg Jones, Kennedy (1992). Avery knows the challenges faced by urban schools and the students face many challenges every day. “The Steinmark Award means that one faces those challenges with faith and courage….and that you never give up. Horrible things happen in our lives, like Freddie Steinmark’s illness, but we have to dig deep and show courage so that we can inspire others to do the same. I would be honored to be the first to win the award on behalf of my school….and to represent the city of Denver.”

All of Avery’s academic and community service accomplishments may have moved his athletic feats to page 2, but they are no less impressive. During the 2021 Season D track and field season Avery threw the discus 196’ 8” to find a spot as the 6th best discus thrower ever in the state of Colorado. His throw of 192’ 6” set a 4A State Meet Record in the discus and put him on top of the podium, a spot he duplicated two days later by winning the 4A shot put with a throw of 54’ 2”. Avery’s progression in the discus is notable in that he was on the podium in both his 9th grade (a 6th place finish) and 10th grade (a 3rd place finish).

The spring football Season C found the undefeated TJ Spartans in the state championship game and trailing the Gateway Olympians at half time. The Spartans remained focused on their season-long goal of a team championship and came out victorious after a late-game touchdown and two-point conversion. Avery was one of the team captains and was proud of the Spartans’ determination throughout the entire season. The team focused on Coach Mike Griebel’s commitment to player safety and made sure that they did not have any COVID-related issues throughout the season. Avery was the team leader in rushing yards and tackles during the season and was recognized as the 4A Player of the Year by CHSAA. And what did Avery do to celebrate the team’s victory? He woke up Saturday morning and competed in the first track meet of Season D! Avery admitted that he was pretty sore, but he didn’t want to miss an opportunity to compete in a track and field meet. That is a true commitment to excellence!

The Steinmark Award was established in 1972 and honors Freddie Steinmark, who excelled in football, basketball, and baseball while attending Wheat Ridge High School in the 1960s. He was also an outstanding student and active in several school and community-oriented endeavors before attending the University of Texas, where he helped the Longhorns to the national football title in 1969. Freddie died from cancer in 1971 at the age of 22. Student athletes nominated for the award must be seniors who have maintained a GPA of at least 3.0 and participated in at least two varsity sports, having earned at least All-Conference in one sport and All-State in another.

Dave Logan of Wheat Ridge High School, and now the extremely well-known sports announcer for the Denver Broncos and other sports endeavors, was the first winner of the award in 1972.

In 2020, Caleb Rillos from Ralston Valley received the boys’ Steinmark and Emily Cavey of Berthoud was the recipient for the girls. The Colorado High School Coaches Association is proud to be the sponsor of the Freddie Steinmark Award and congratulates the athletes, and their coaches, who were nominated for this award.

Finalists for the 2021 Steinmark Award: Jake Boley, Cheyenne Mountain; Tyler Collins, Wray; Jack Pospisil, Pomona; and Zane Rankin, Lamar.

(Steve Abeyta)

The 2021 MLB Draft was held July 11-13 at Denver’s Bellco Theatre. Below is a profile of the six Colorado products selected.

Last season, two players who played high school baseball in Colorado were taken.

For a list of all previous Colorado players drafted, browse our historical MLB Draft database

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Regis Jesuit graduate and right-handed pitcher Alec Willis became the first Colorado product selected in the 2021 MLB draft, as he was picked in the seventh round, 211th overall, by the St. Louis Cardinals.

The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Willis was MLB.com’s 130th-ranked prospect after a senior season in which he finished 3-1 with a 0.72 ERA and 54 strikeouts (against eight walks) in 29 innings pitched.

Willis has signed his letter of intent to attend the University of Minnesota. With Willis’ selection, a Regis Jesuit grad has been chosen in an MLB Draft 29 times.

Three 2017 Colorado high school graduates were selected next, led by 2017 Heritage grad Casey Opitz, who attends college baseball powerhouse Arkansas. Opitz was selected in the eighth round, 244th overall, by the Chicago Cubs.

Opitz was one of the top backstops in college baseball, being named to the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Watch List in 2019, while also earning Preseason All-American honors. In 2021, he was a team captain for an Arkansas team that entered the NCAA Baseball Tournament as the number one overall seed.

At Heritage, he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 27th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. His senior season, he was ranked the No. 3 player in the state of Colorado and the top catcher overall.

He is the third Opitz brother to be taken in an MLB Draft, following Shane (2010) and Jake (2008).

Opitz also played basketball and football for the Eagles at times during his high school career.

2017 Lewis-Palmer grad Billy Cook, a 2021 Pepperdine graduate, went next to the Baltimore Orioles in the 10th round, 287th overall.

Cook was a four-year starter at Pepperdine, appearing in 122 games with 109 starts. He finished tied for ninth in all-time home runs in Pepperdine history. In 2021, he was selected first team all-West Coast Conference.

At Lewis-Palmer, Cook was a three-time 4A all-state honoree, while helping the Rangers to a pair of conference championships.

He is the fourth Lewis-Palmer grad to be drafted all-time, and the first since 2008.

Jack Winkler, a 2017 Chatfield grad, was next to go later in the 10th round, 308th overall to the Oakland Athletics.

Winkler was a four year starter for the University of San Francisco, his last three seasons as the primary shortstop. He had a tremendous campaign in 2021, taking home first team all-West Coast Conference accolades. In four seasons at USF, he played in 184 games, making 180 starts. A career .276 hitter, he totaled 186 hits, 43 doubles, 14 home runs, and 104 RBI.

At Chatfield, he was a three-time all-conference honoree, while helping the Chargers to a 5A title in 2015.

Going back to the recent Colorado high school grads, another Chatfield Charger in Quinton Low went in the 13th round, 387th overall, to the Milwaukee Brewers. With him and Winkler selected, they became the 10th and 11th Chatfield alums drafted all-time.

Low was a two-way star for Chatfield, batting .492 with 30 hits and nine home runs in 2021, while making seven pitching appearances with a 3.00 ERA and 56 strikeouts over 35 innings. He helped Chatfield to the 5A quarterfinals in 2021.

He has signed his letter of intent to attend Santa Clara University.

The final Colorado product selected was Ryan Ure of Eaton, taken in the 16th round, 464th overall, by the Texas Rangers.

Ure was Eaton’s ace this past season, pitching to a 2.07 ERA over 44 innings, while compiling a 7-0 record with 83 strikeouts. He helped lead the Fightin’ Reds to the 3A baseball title.

Ure is signed to play in college with Oklahoma State. He continues Eaton’s rich MLB Draft tradition, as he is the ninth Eaton grad selected all-time, and the first since 2012.

Local selections in the 2021 MLB Draft

The Season D all-state boys track and field teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

These teams were created based upon results at the state meet.

In order to be considered for athlete of the year, they must first have made the all-state team by winning an event.

Athletes of the year were selected based upon their performance at the state meet. Coaches of the year were selected based upon the team champions.

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(Claire Semerod/Cherry Creek High School)

Class 5A

Athlete of the year: Ky Oday, Cherry Creek

Coach of the year: John Reyes, Grandview

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(Brent Murphy/brentmurphyphoto.com)

Class 4A

Athlete of the year: Zane Bergen, Niwot

Coach of the year: Maurice Henriques, Niwot

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(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Class 3A

Athlete of the year: Joshua Medina, Alamosa

Coach of the year: Mark Roggy & Eileen Phillips, Resurrection Christian

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Class 2A

Athlete of the year: Anthony Martinez, Lake County

Coach of the year: Lucas Lubbers, Yuma

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Class 1A

Athlete of the year: Jacob Jefferson, Arickaree/Woodlin

Coach of the year: Joe Packard, Heritage Christian

The Season D all-state girls track and field teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

These teams were created based upon results at the state meet.

In order to be considered for athlete of the year, they must first have made the all-state team by winning an event.

Athletes of the year were selected based upon their performance at the state meet. Coaches of the year were selected based upon the team champions.

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Class 5A

(Tim Bourke/TimBourke.com)

Athlete of the year: Riley Stewart, Cherry Creek

Coach of the year: Brian Kula, Valor Christian

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Class 4A

(Kevin McNearny)

Athlete of the year: Lucca Fulkerson, Niwot

Coach of the year: Maurice Henriques, Niwot

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Class 3A

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Athlete of the year: Peyton Garrison, Coal Ridge

Coach of the year: Ben Kirk, Coal Ridge

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Class 2A

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Athlete of the year: Eboselulu Omofoma, Dayspring Christian

Coach of the year: Kirby Henderson, Cedaredge

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Class 1A

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Athlete of the year: Alivia Weathers, Lone Star

Coach of the year: Joe Packard, Heritage Christian