If there was a person whose face was synonymous with Colorado Sports, it was Irv Brown. Long before he was a well-known media personality, and long before he was a college and high school coach, Brown was a standout athlete for Denver’s North High School.

He went to play basketball and baseball at Colorado State Teachers College (now, University of Northern Colorado).

He started his teaching and coaching career at Arvada High School, while at the same time picking up a whistle and starting to officiate basketball. His 1964 AHS team won the 1964 title with a 5-3 win over Grand Junction.

He was one of the nation’s premier basketball officials, having worked six Final Fours. Just a few years back, he was recognized as one of the 20 most influential officials in the country.

Brown was also one of the pioneers in the country’s sports talk-show business and a new television network called ESPN. He did talk radio for 42 years, before leaving the airwaves in the last year after becoming ill.

Despite the demand for college and professional sports talk, Brown never forgot his roots in the high school game and was tireless promoter of high school athletics and the values they brought to young people. He worked with the CHSAA on occasion and was master of ceremonies for the CHSAA Hall of Fame on numerous occasions.

In 1995, he received the CHSAA Distinguished Service Award for promotion of high school sports. While coaching three sports at Arvada High School, Brown’s 1964 baseball team won the state title. His penchant for promoting high school sports and their values earned his spot in the hall of fame.

In 2003, Brown was inducted into the CHSAA Hall of Fame as a significant contributor.

Brown passed away February 3 at the age of 83.

(Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

30th Anniversary Class Features Patty Childress, Morton Dickson, Scott Elarton, Jack Klapper, Bart Stevens, Terri Ward and the 1999 Columbine High School Football Team

AURORA – The Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame has announced its 30th Anniversary Hall of Fame class, a six-member, one-team group that depicts the rich history of the Association, along with providing real-life examples of what participation, coaching, leading and advocating for students can do. Each of these people has established themselves as a role model for today’s young people seeking their way to adulthood.

The CHSAA Hall of Fame’s Class of 2018 includes three of the state’s top former athletes in Scott Elarton (Lamar), Jack Klapper (Denver East) and Bart Stevens (Flagler), along with volleyball coach Patty Childress, music teacher/judge Morton Dickson and one of the state’s top female sports ambassadors, Terri Ward (Niwot). The 1999 Columbine football team, which staged a remarkable season following the tragedy at the school that spring, will also be inducted.

“Each year, after every CHSAA Hall of Fame announcement, we wonder how the selection committee can come up with a class to rival the previous one. Then the Hall of Fame presents the new class, ones who have equally impacted Colorado high school activities,” CHSAA Commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green said in making the announcement. “We have an exemplary class. It is humbling in a year of remembrance so specific to our state that the CHSAA Hall of Fame will recognize student participants’ courage, resilience and team unity in the face of tragedy by honoring the 1999 Columbine championship football team. We will also induct a former Dave Sanders Award recipient during this event. I’m excited for the 2018 inductees, as well as for our new date and location in DTC.”

The CHSAA Hall of Fame selection committee is headed by Bob Marken (Buena Vista). Committee members include Kevin Boley (Legend), Glenda Bates (Prairie View), Larry Brunson (CHSAA Hall of Fame), Dick Katte (CHSAA/NFHS Hall of Fame), Ellie Kempfe (Prospect Ridge), Jeremy Kerns (Byers), Shelli Miles (Widefield), Dan Mohrmann (CHSAANow.com), David Robinson (Montezuma-Cortez) and Cherie Toussaint (Pueblo SD 70 Schools).

“Selecting a hall of fame class is a challenging endeavor. The committee was focused on exceptional achievement, impact on the state of Colorado, community focus and character. They debate and advocate knowing that there are so many deserving of this recognition. The 30^th class reflects the efforts, passion and love Colorado has for high school activities,” CHSAA Hall of Fame administrator Bert Borgmann said.

The Class of 2018 will be inducted during a ceremony on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at the Marriott Hotel-Denver Tech Center (I‑25 and Orchard). Individual tickets may be purchased for $60 each by contacting the CHSAA. The festivities get underway at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited.

The selection of the one student participant to the CHSAA Hall of Fame puts the total number of participants in the hall at 71. There are now 71 coaches/sponsors, 28 administrators, 17 officials and 12 significant service contributors enshrined in the CHSAA Hall of Fame that began in 1989. There are also five teams in the hall. The Hall of Fame now features 204 inductees.

Biographies of the newest additions to the hall include:

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PATTY CHILDRESS (Otis, Palisade, Grandview) – [Coach/Sponsor]

Longtime volleyball coach who posted a 493-170 career coaching record. Her teams won 5 state titles, finished second five times and had another two final 4 appearances.

She has earned numerous coaching honors from the Colorado High School Coaches Association and the Sportswomen of Colorado.

She was coach of the year 8 times and was the Dave Sanders Award recipient in 2013.

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MORTON DICKSON (Woodland Park) – [Coach/Sponsor]

Morton Dickson was a vocal music teacher for Woodland Park for 34 years, during which time his programs were one of the most active and successful ones in the CHSAA Music Festivals.

Rarely did his programs receive any rating lower than “Superior.” His students regularly earned top spots in the CMEA All-State Choir.

He continues to judge the CHSAA festivals.

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SCOTT ELARTON (Lamar) – [Student Participant]

One of the state’s most dominating prep athletes, Elarton’s baseball team won four consecutive state titles and were runners-up twice in basketball.

He was named Player of the Year six times, four in baseball and twice in basketball.

He earned Prep All-America honors in baseball.

He was a first round selection in the 1994 MLB amateur draft by the Houston Astros, and played professional baseball for 19 years, 10 of those in the major leagues.

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JACK KLAPPER (Denver East) – [Student Participant]

One of the state’s most dominating tennis players, Klapper won three No. 1 singles championship (only 3-year high schools back then) and was just the second player to ever do so.

The other one is in the CHSAA Hall of Fame. He led his team to three straight state team titles under CHSAA Hall of Fame member Bill Weimar.

Following high school, Klapper played tennis and squash at MIT. He has been a neurologist in Denver for the past 50 years.

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BART STEVENS (Flagler) – [Student Participant]

One of the state’s top small school athletes, Stevens led Flagler High School to a 45-5 football record and was named the A8 Player of the Year twice.

He was a four-time all-state selection in football and ran for 1,956 yards, threw for 4,559 yards, scoring 25 times on the ground and had 67 TD passes. He played basketball for two years and medaled at the state tournament twice.

He played collegiately at CSU-Pueblo and then became a teacher, coach and administrator.

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TERRI WARD (CCGS/Niwot) – [Significant Contributor]

Dedicated to girls’ sports, Ward has been the constant driver and facilitator for the Colorado Coaches of Girls Sports.

Her tireless efforts on behalf of young female athletes is unsurpassed in Colorado.  A teacher and coach at Niwot, Ward has been at the center of many activities benefiting and enhancing opportunities for the girls’ athletes of state.

She has been a fixture for women’s leadership throughout her career with CCGS, Sportswomen of Colorado, Niwot High School and many volunteer activities at the state and national level.

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COLUMBINE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 1999 – [Team]

April 20, 2019 is the 20th Anniversary of the Columbine shootings. Its impact on the world, nation, state and community was immense and devastating.

People across the globe followed the Columbine football team, watching the healing process and resiliency of that school and, in particular, its football team. Media scrutiny was overwhelming and the pressure on the team incredible.

The team beat Cherry Creek 21-14, and head coach Andy Lowry was coach of the year and three players made the All-Colorado team that year, more than any other school.

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Additionally, the staff has selected the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, which exists to honor those individuals who merit recognition and distinction for their exploits, accomplishments, and leadership in sports and athletic endeavors in the state of Colorado with its Colorado Tradition Award. The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame has sponsored the Class 4A and 5A state football championships at Broncos Stadium at Mile High for the past 12 years, as well as providing funding to a number of youth programs across Colorado.

The CHSAA staff has also selected Cal Butcher (state volunteer for Spirit, Volleyball, Track & Field, Basketball) and Special Olympics Colorado Senior Vice President of Programs Chaka Sutton to receive the Distinguished Service Award this year.

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Tickets are $60 per seat or $600 per table of 10. Please contact Laikyn Cooper (lcooper@chsaa.org) for reservations. Contact the CHSAA office with questions.

Kent Waryan, Laura Probst, Chris Peterson, Liz Armbrustmacher and Kevin Williams (not pictured) were inducted into the Jeffco Athletic Hall of Fame on Thursday at the Arvada Center. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

ARVADA — Laura Probst never won a state championship.

The 2002 graduate of Arvada West High School finished runner-up 11 times in state cross country and track individual races. However, 16 years after leaving Jeffco and after a stellar soccer career at Texas A&M University, Probst was inducted into the Jeffco Athletic Hall of Fame on Thursday afternoon at the Arvada Center — along with Chris Peterson, Liz Armbrustmacher, Kevin Williams and Kent Waryan.

“It’s incredibly special. Part of the reason it was so unexpected,” said Probst, who is now a primary care doctor at a Veterans Hospital in Albuquerque, NM. “Being a student-athlete in Colorado and Jefferson County was such an important time in my life, but it seem so far in the past.”

Despite all the second-place finishes, Probst’s attitude was always positive.

“I think you have to remember why you are doing it and what it is all about,” said Probst, who won the coveted Freddie Joe Steinmark Award in 2002. “For me I was competing against myself. As long as I knew I gave my best and left it all out on the track I was satisfied.”

Chris Peterson

The Jefferson High School graduate might have been a little ahead of his time. The sharp-shooting basketball guard led the state in scoring his senior year in guiding the Saints to an appearance in the Final 4 of the state tournament.

Peterson’s youngest son —Lakewood High School graduate Kolton Peterson — broke the all-time Class 5A 3-point record just a few years ago. All the scoring Chris Peterson did in his time in the mid-1970s came without the 3-point line in existence.

“I thought it was going to be a roast at first,” Peterson said during his speech. “My boys were all sitting around last tonight and said I would probably be the first basketball player to go into the (Jeffco) Hall of Fame who never made a 3-point shot.”

Peterson went on to coach softball at Green Mountain, along with boys basketball at Arvada West.

Liz Armbrustmacher

This Evergreen High School graduate was apart of the volleyball juggernaut the Cougars build under coach Lo Hunter in the 1980s, which included a 182-match winning streak.

Armbrustmacher went on to play Indiana University before returning to Jeffco. She led Lakewood High School to a remarkable run starting in the late 1990s.

“All of us in this room understand the impact of sports and activities,” said Armbrustmacher, who is still a teacher at Lakewood. “The lessons learned and taught on the field, the court, the pitch, the diamond and the track that those lessons learned expand far more than the game.”

Kevin Williams

Williams was a seven-time state champion in cross country and track at D’Evelyn Junior/Senior High School. He still holds the Class 4A state record in the 3,200-meter run that he set his senior year in 2008 with a time of 9:06.27.

“Looking back at my athlete career a feel very lucky to have attended Jefferson County and D’Evelyn,” Williams wrote in a statement read by his high school track coach Micah Porter. “When I arrived at D’Evelyn in 7th-grade and I no idea I would become a distance runner and how big of a role that would play in my life.”

Williams went on to run at the University of Oklahoma from 2008-13 where he had three consecutive top-10 finishes at the NCAA Cross Country National Championships. He is currently the head cross country coach at North Texas University and assistant track coach for the Mean Green.

Kent Waryan

Waryan came to Jeffco in the mid-1970s. He was a teacher, coach and administrator at a number of schools before retiring a handful of years ago from the district. He spent his final years at Jeffco at the athletic director at Wheat Ridge and Lakewood before sharing duties with Kevin Land as the Executive Director of Athletics and Activities in Jeffco.

Jim Thyfault, current Executive Director of Athletics and Activities, said that Waryan served as a mentor to so many current athletic directors in Jeffco.

“The scoreboard is not the most important thing and communication,” Waryan said of the two valuable things his wife has taught him over the years.

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Pomona graduate Ryan Marquez, middle, stands with family members after receiving the 5A Jeffco Male Athlete of the Year and Freddie Joe Steinmark Award at the 32nd Annual Jeffco Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet on Thursday. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

Jeffco Athletics 2017-18 Awards

Athletes of the Year
Jeffco 5A Male: Ryan Marquez, Pomona
Jeffco 5A Female: Camilla Emsbo, Lakewood
Jeffco 4A Male: Adam Thistlewood, Golden
Jeffco 4A Female: Kristina Schreiber, Evergreen

Coaches of the Year
Jeffco 5A Coach of Male Sports: Jay Madden, Pomona
Jeffco 5A Coach of Female Sports: Tracey Boychuk, Pomona
Jeffco 4A Coach of Male Sports: Brian Kula, Valor Christian
Jeffco 4A Coach of Female Sports: Amy Bahl, Evergreen

Assistant Coaches of the Year
Jeffco 5A Asst. of Male Sports: Shane Fugita, Dakota Ridge
Jeffco 5A Asst. of Female Sports: Steve Hadley, Lakewood
Jeffco 4A Asst. of Male Sports: Brian Zehnder, Standley Lake
Jeffco 4A Asst. of Female Sports: Ali Meyers, Evergreen

Fred Steinmark Team Award
Jeffco 5A: Ralston Valley
Jeffco 4A: D’Evelyn

Paul Davis Sportsmanship Award
Jeffco 5A: Bear Creek
Jeffco 4A: Golden

AURORA — Families, friends and colleagues gathered together on Wednesday to honor the inductees of the 2017 CHSAA hall of fame class.

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(Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

AURORA — The members of the 2017 CHSAA Hall of Fame were inducted during a ceremony on Wednesday night at the Radisson Hotel Denver Southeast.

Tricia Bader-Binford (Roaring Fork), Jenny Coalson (Ellicott) Joe Silva (Fruita Monument), Bobbi Brown-Vandenberg (Boulder), Don Kimble (Limon), Ken Shaw (Regis Jesuit), Kent Smith (Boulder/Highlands Ranch/Ponderosa), Brian Richmond (Fort Collins) and L. D. Elarton (Lamar) were all inducted on Wednesday.

The nine new members are the 29th in the history of the CHSAA Hall of Fame, which was started in 1989.

Bader-Binford spoke for the class at the conclusion of the ceremony, saying, “This is an honor that we share with our communities. It is clear that we achieved because people believed in us. People believed in us, they supported us, they provided us the chance to be great.”

“The opportunities CHSAA has provided has changed each of us for the better,” Bader-Binford added.

Biographies of each new member are below, via the press release announcing the new members last October. With their inclusion the CHSAA Hall of Fame now has 197 members.

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2017 CHSAA Hall of Fame class

Tricia Bader Binford (Roaring Fork HS): A three-sport athlete – basketball, volleyball and track – Bader was a five-time state track champion, three-time all-state basketball player and led the Rams to the 1989, 1990 and 1991 state basketball titles. She was a three-time all-state player and the player of the year as a senior.

She won the 1991 Rocky Mountain News’ Steinmark Award and RHS has named its “Three-Sport Athlete Award” after her.

A former WNBA and Australian professional player, Bader is the head coach at Montana State where she was the Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year in 2015-16.

As great as she was on the court, she was equally great off it, maintaining great character, and inspiring many young women in rural communities to become involved in sports.

A girls’ coach for 32 years in Colorado and Wisconsin, Brown was the architect of one of the strongest girls’ basketball programs in Colorado.

Her BHS teams were 182-28, winning the 1984, 1986, 1989 (undefeated), 1990 and 1991 state titles. Her 1985 and 1992 teams finished second. She also took a leave of absence in the middle of her Boulder tenure to finish her graduate studies.

A former CU basketball player, was also an assistant varsity football coach in 1990, coaching wide receivers and defensive backs. She coached at Fairview and Boulder from 1981 until 1992.

She was Coach of the Year by The Denver Post, Rocky Mountain News and Boulder Daily Camera five times.

She is currently the Viterbo University (La Crosse, WI) women’s basketball coach.

Jenny Coalson (Ellicott HS): Coalson was a three-sport athlete at Ellicott, leading her team to two state basketball championships and winning four state individual track titles, while placing 10 more times.

She won the triple jump as a freshman, the 200 meters and shot put as a junior, along with winning the long jump as a senior. The 2A Basketball Player of the Year twice in basketball, Coalson was all-state in basketball (twice) and volleyball (once).

She was selected to the CCGS and CHSCA All-State Teams in both sports as a senior. In addition, she is a Little Britches world champion rodeo performer.

She won the 1995 Rocky Mountain News’ Steinmark Award She went on to play and excel in basketball at Kansas State.

Eldon “L.D.” Elarton (Lamar Schools): One of the state’s most respected administrators, Elarton’s career as a student participant, teacher, coach and administrator was steeped in Lamar.

A native of the community, he played baseball, basketball and football, was student body president and an all-state participant for LHS. After college, he returned home to teach and coach, starting in 1968 and moved up the ranks, serving as teacher, assistant principal, principal, finance director and superintendent.

As a coach, Elarton earned Baseball Coach of the Year honors in the Will Rogers League at Widefield High School. Once returning to Lamar, he initiated the Academic Letter Award, host numerous CHSAA Music and Speech events, while the school’s baseball, wrestling and girls’ basketball teams won 10 state titles among them. He was active on the state and national scene through CASE and NASSP.

Don Kimble (Limon HS): A music teacher who established one of the finest music programs, the late Don Kimble taught music for the Badgers for 29 years after one year at Flagler.

His bands received 26 first division ratings in state large group festivals, both in performance and sight-reading. The marching band also won state recognition in 1977 for its field performances.

Kimble directed four different bands at Limon, the fourth-grade band, fifth-grade beginning band, the Cadet Band (6, 7 & 8 graders) and the Senior High School Band. He taught Music Appreciation and took his pep bands to many out-of-town athletic contests. He was also assigned three choirs to conduct.

Kimble was a master at balancing the demands for his students between athletics and his music programs.

Brian Richmond (Fort Collins): One of the state’s top gymnastics coaches and judge, Richmond coached high school for 17 years, but has been a high school judge since 1971.

He coached gymnastics at four high schools – Jefferson, Poudre, Fort Collins and Thompson Valley – with the PHS team winning the 1984 title and runners up in 1985.

A former CSU gymnast and coach, Richmond became one of the top judges in the state, as well as one the national and international scene. He judged 20 CHSAA boys’ state meets and has been a mainstay with the girls’ state meet, having worked 35 of those. He has judged on the national and international stage.

He was inducted in the National Gymnastics Judges Association Hall of Fame in 2011.

Ken Shaw (Merino, Yuma, Sterling, Rocky Mountain, Smoky Hill, Regis Jesuit HS): One of the state’s legendary athletes who become one of Colorado’s top prep basketball coaches, Shaw guided his Merino team to a pair of state tiles, while going undefeated.

He was a prolific high school athlete at Merino, and held the career scoring record when his career was over. That mark has since been broken, but Shaw’s name still dots the basketball record book as a player. Additionally, Shaw was a standout football player, and has his name in that sport’s record book.

As a coach, his teams have won more than 710 games and he guided Regis to three straight 5A championships. His teams also won titles two other times, at Yuma and Sterling.

His teams have a record 29 the state tournament appearances.

Joe Silva (Fruita Monument HS): A Bronze Star Recipient in Vietnam, Silva was a three-time state wrestling champion for Fruita Monument and compiled a 58-0-2 mark in his career.

In 12 state matches, opponents scored just 6 points on him. He also participated in football and baseball.

He is a former District 51 Teacher of the Year and taught 29 years at Fruita Middle School. During that time, he, along with 2016 inductee Ray Coca and others broadcast the Western Slope State Championship matches on radio and television.

From 1963-65, Fruita enjoyed much success in wrestling, baseball and football. The constant on these teams was Silva. The school won two wrestling team titles and the football team was state runner up twice and baseball once over the period.

Kent Smith (Boulder, Ponderosa, Aurora Central, Highlands Ranch, La Veta, Alamosa): Having just retired after 53 years of coaching, Smith is one of the state’s top coaches, regardless of sport. And, he is noted for his integrity and ability to build better people through activities.

He has been the head boys’ basketball coach at Boulder and Ponderosa, the head cross country coach at Ponderosa and Highlands Ranch, as well as the head boys’ soccer coach at Aurora Central. Additionally, he served as head girls’ basketball coach at La Veta and Alamosa.

His teams have won state titles in basketball (twice at Boulder) and cross country (six times at Highlands Ranch). He runs a dog and horse rescue ranch near Walsenburg.

(Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

29th class features Tricia Bader-Binford, Bobbi Brown-Vandenberg, Jenny Coalson, L. D. Elarton, Don Kimble, Brian Richmond, Ken Shaw, Kent Smith, Joe Silva

AURORA – The Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame has announced its 29th Hall of Fame class, a nine-member group that depicts the rich history of the Association, along with providing real-life examples of what participation, coaching, leading and advocating for students can do. Each of these people has established themselves as a role model for today’s young people seeking their way to adulthood.

The CHSAA Hall of Fame’s Class of 2017 includes three of the state’s top former athletes in Tricia Bader-Binford (Roaring Fork), Jenny Coalson (Ellicott) and Joe Silva (Fruita Monument), along with four coaches in Bobbi Brown-Vandenberg (Boulder), Don Kimble (Limon), Ken Shaw (Regis Jesuit) and Kent Smith (Boulder/Highlands Ranch/Ponderosa). Official Brian Richmond (Fort Collins) and an administrator L. D. Elarton (Lamar) round out the Class of 2017.

Being selected for the CHSAA Hall of Fame speaks volumes about the impact the honorees have made to the high school landscape in Colorado. The CHSAA is humbled to be a part of the ceremonies that elevate and recognize these individuals and teams who excel amongst their peers.” CHSAA Commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green said in making the announcement.

“The selection committee struggles with the make-up of the class every year. They debate and advocate knowing that there are so many good people deserving of this recognition. The single most important item to the committee is the impact that each of these inductees, like those that came before them, have had in their respective areas of the state. The 29th class reflects the efforts, passion and love Colorado has for high school activities,” CHSAA Hall of Fame administrator Bert Borgmann said.

The committee, which is headed by Bob Marken (Buena Vista). Committee members aside from Marken include Kevin Boley (Legend), Larry Brunson (CHSAA Hall of Fame), Michele DeBerry (Boulder Valley Schools), Dick Katte (CHSAA/NFHS Hall of Fame), Jeremy Kerns (Byers), Shelli Miles (Widefield), Mike Miller (Cheyenne Wells), Dan Mohrmann (CHSAANow.com), Carol Sams (Grand Junction), Cherie Toussaint (Pueblo SD 70 Schools) and Kendall Wilson (Poudre).

The Class of 2017 will be inducted during a ceremony on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at the Radisson Hotel-Denver Southeast (I‑225 and Parker). Individual tickets may be purchased for $50 each by contacting the CHSAA. The festivities get underway at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited.

The selection of the one student participant to the CHSAA Hall of Fame puts the total number of participants in the hall at 68. There are now 69 coaches/sponsors, 28 administrators, 17 officials and 11 significant service contributors enshrined in the CHSAA Hall of Fame that began in 1989. There are also four teams in the hall. The Hall of Fame now features 197 inductees.

Biographies of the newest additions to the hall include:

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Tricia Bader Binford (Roaring Fork HS)

Tricia Bader Binford

A three-sport athlete – basketball, volleyball and track – Bader was a five-time state track champion, three-time all-state basketball player and led the Rams to the 1989, 1990 and 1991 state basketball titles. She was a three-time all-state player and the player of the year as a senior.

She won the 1991 Rocky Mountain News’ Steinmark Award and RHS has named its “Three-Sport Athlete Award” after her.

A former WNBA and Australian professional player, Bader is the head coach at Montana State where she was the Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year in 2015-16.

As great as she was on the court, she was equally great off it, maintaining great character, and inspiring many young women in rural communities to become involved in sports.

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Bobbi Brown-Vandenberg (Boulder HS)

Bobbi Brown Vandenberg

A girls’ coach for 32 years in Colorado and Wisconsin, Brown was the architect of one of the strongest girls’ basketball programs in Colorado.

Her BHS teams were 182-28, winning the 1984, 1986, 1989 (undefeated), 1990 and 1991 state titles. Her 1985 and 1992 teams finished second. She also took a leave of absence in the middle of her Boulder tenure to finish her graduate studies.

A former CU basketball player, was also an assistant varsity football coach in 1990, coaching wide receivers and defensive backs. She coached at Fairview and Boulder from 1981 until 1992.

She was Coach of the Year by The Denver Post, Rocky Mountain News and Boulder Daily Camera five times.

She is currently the Viterbo University (La Crosse, WI) women’s basketball coach.

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Jenny Coalson (Ellicott HS)

Jenny Coalson

Coalson was a three-sport athlete at Ellicott, leading her team to two state basketball championships and winning four state individual track titles, while placing 10 more times.

She won the triple jump as a freshman, the 200 meters and shot put as a junior, along with winning the long jump as a senior. The 2A Basketball Player of the Year twice in basketball, Coalson was all-state in basketball (twice) and volleyball (once).

She was selected to the CCGS and CHSCA All-State Teams in both sports as a senior. In addition, she is a Little Britches world champion rodeo performer.

She won the 1995 Rocky Mountain News’ Steinmark Award She went on to play and excel in basketball at Kansas State.

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Eldon “L.D.” Elarton (Lamar Schools)

LD Elarton

One of the state’s most respected administrators, Elarton’s career as a student participant, teacher, coach and administrator was steeped in Lamar.

A native of the community, he played baseball, basketball and football, was student body president and an all-state participant for LHS. After college, he returned home to teach and coach, starting in 1968 and moved up the ranks, serving as teacher, assistant principal, principal, finance director and superintendent.

As a coach, Elarton earned Baseball Coach of the Year honors in the Will Rogers League at Widefield High School. Once returning to Lamar, he initiated the Academic Letter Award, host numerous CHSAA Music and Speech events, while the school’s baseball, wrestling and girls’ basketball teams won 10 state titles among them. He was active on the state and national scene through CASE and NASSP.

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Don Kimble (Limon HS)

Donald Kimble

A music teacher who established one of the finest music programs, the late Don Kimble taught music for the Badgers for 29 years after one year at Flagler.

His bands received 26 first division ratings in state large group festivals, both in performance and sight-reading. The marching band also won state recognition in 1977 for its field performances.

Kimble directed four different bands at Limon, the fourth-grade band, fifth-grade beginning band, the Cadet Band (6, 7 & 8 graders) and the Senior High School Band. He taught Music Appreciation and took his pep bands to many out-of-town athletic contests. He was also assigned three choirs to conduct.

Kimble was a master at balancing the demands for his students between athletics and his music programs.

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Brian Richmond (Fort Collins)

Brian Richmond

One of the state’s top gymnastics coaches and judge, Richmond coached high school for 17 years, but has been a high school judge since 1971.

He coached gymnastics at four high schools – Jefferson, Poudre, Fort Collins and Thompson Valley – with the PHS team winning the 1984 title and runners up in 1985.

A former CSU gymnast and coach, Richmond became one of the top judges in the state, as well as one the national and international scene. He judged 20 CHSAA boys’ state meets and has been a mainstay with the girls’ state meet, having worked 35 of those. He has judged on the national and international stage.

He was inducted in the National Gymnastics Judges Association Hall of Fame in 2011.

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Ken Shaw (Merino, Yuma, Sterling, Rocky Mountain, Smoky Hill, Regis Jesuit HS)

Ken Shaw

One of the state’s legendary athletes who become one of Colorado’s top prep basketball coaches, Shaw guided his Merino team to a pair of state tiles, while going undefeated.

He was a prolific high school athlete at Merino, and held the career scoring record when his career was over. That mark has since been broken, but Shaw’s name still dots the basketball record book as a player. Additionally, Shaw was a standout football player, and has his name in that sport’s record book.

As a coach, his teams have won more than 710 games and he guided Regis to three straight 5A championships. His teams also won titles two other times, at Yuma and Sterling.

His teams have a record 29 the state tournament appearances.

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Joe Silva (Fruita Monument HS)

Joe Silva

A Bronze Star Recipient in Vietnam, Silva was a three-time state wrestling champion for Fruita Monument and compiled a 58-0-2 mark in his career.

In 12 state matches, opponents scored just 6 points on him. He also participated in football and baseball.

He is a former District 51 Teacher of the Year and taught 29 years at Fruita Middle School. During that time, he, along with 2016 inductee Ray Coca and others broadcast the Western Slope State Championship matches on radio and television.

From 1963-65, Fruita enjoyed much success in wrestling, baseball and football. The constant on these teams was Silva. The school won two wrestling team titles and the football team was state runner up twice and baseball once over the period.

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Kent Smith (Boulder, Ponderosa, Aurora Central, Highlands Ranch, La Veta, Alamosa)

Kent Smith

Having just retired after 53 years of coaching, Smith is one of the state’s top coaches, regardless of sport. And, he is noted for his integrity and ability to build better people through activities.

He has been the head boys’ basketball coach at Boulder and Ponderosa, the head cross country coach at Ponderosa and Highlands Ranch, as well as the head boys’ soccer coach at Aurora Central. Additionally, he served as head girls’ basketball coach at La Veta and Alamosa.

His teams have won state titles in basketball (twice at Boulder) and cross country (six times at Highlands Ranch). He runs a dog and horse rescue ranch near Walsenburg.

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Additionally, the staff has selected Varsity, a company dedicated to the dynamic, athletic and high-profile sport of spirit to receive the Colorado Tradition Award. The staff has also selected Woodie Smith, a former coach and athletic director at Overland High School to receive the Distinguished Service Award this year.

Tickets are $50 per seat or $500 per table of 10. Please contact Whitney Webermeier (wwebermeier@chsaa.org) for reservations. Contact the CHSAA office with questions.

AURORA — The 2016 CHSAA Hall of Fame class was inducted in a ceremony on Wednesday night.

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More photos (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

AURORA — CHSAA’s Hall of Fame grew by eight members on Wednesday night with the induction of the Association’s 28th class.

Those inducted include athletes Jeff Campbell (Battle Mountain), Larry Farmer (Manual), and Mary Shea (Thornton); coaches Debbie Cook (Meeker), Donnie Day (Thomas Jefferson), and Ron Vlasin (Merino/Littleton Public Schools); athlete/official Ray Coca (Grand Junction); and significant contributor Judy Hildner (Pueblo).

The group was enshrined as the 2016 Hall of Fame class in a ceremony at the Radisson Hotel Denver Southeast.

The CHSAA Hall of Fame was started in 1989.

Biographies of each new member are below, via the press release announcing the new members last October. With their inclusion the CHSAA Hall of Fame now has 188 members.

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2016 CHSAA Hall of Fame Class

Jeff Campbell (Battle Mountain) – One of the state’s finest athletes, Jeff Campbell could electrify those in attendance with his football kick returns or his track sprints. He was a two-time state champion in 1985 and 1986 in the 100 and 200 meters, along with being the Class 2A Co-Player of the Year in football in 1985.

He went on to have a spectacular career at CU, then played in the NFL for nine years with the Lions and Broncos. He, too, was an amazing ice hockey player, being the last man cut from the 1986 US Team.

Those who know him said he had his choice of professional sports in hockey, skiing and football. He chose football.

The state’s 2A leading rusher in 1985, Campbell ran for 305 yards and scored five times against Meeker. He electrified the state when, as a CU Buff, struck for a 60-yard punt return against Nebraska, leading CU to its first win over the Cornhuskers in 26 years.

Ray Coca (Grand Junction) – A three-time state wrestling champion at Grand Junction High School, Coca posted a career 59-1-1 mark. Of his 12 state matches, he won seven by pin. His only loss came when he moved up in weight to take the place of an injured teammate.

He went on to Western State where he again starred on the wrestling mat, going undefeated as a freshman and earning all-American honors in 1964 when his team won the national title. He officiated 10 district and one state championship tournaments. He remains active in the community as noted in his awards from the city as a Hometown Hero on at least two occasions.

He was also the sports editor for the local newspaper for a number of years, promoting prep sports at a high level for the schools on the Western Slope.

Debbie Cook (Meeker) – Cook’s teams posted a 393-125 mark in volleyball during her 22 years at the helm, winning nine conference titles and going to the state tournament nine times.

Noted for her work in health and wellness for the northwestern Colorado community, she taught elementary school PE for 30 years and helped with many community outreach health and education programs throughout her career. Her work in the community has earned over $100,000 for the community.

She was named coach of the year three times from the Colorado Coaches of Girls’ Sports and the North West League Coach of the Year eight times. Cook also coached track for 16 years and girls’ basketball for two years. She continues to teach and volunteer in Glenwood Springs several days a week, but maintains her residence in Meeker.

Donnie Day (Thomas Jefferson) – One of the legendary coaches and administrators in Denver Public Schools, Donnie Day coached baseball, basketball and football at TJHS from 1960 until 1969, serving as head football coach from 1964-69. He was an administrator for TJHS from 1964-89 and in Douglas County Schools from 1990-2002.

He also spent 4 years as a high school football official before working in the Western Athletic Conference for 14 years. He also officiated high school basketball.

A graduate of Denver South, Day played football, basketball and baseball, earning all-state honors in football and baseball twice. His football teams posted a 56-5 mark, winning two city titles. He guided TJHS to its first ever city football championship and his teams never lost more than one game in a season.

As an athlete, Day was an all-state quarterback and baseball player at Denver South where he also played basketball.

Larry Farmer (Manual) – One of the state’s top basketball players from 1966-1969, Farmer helped the ‘Bolts to the state finals in 1969 where they lost to South in one of the state’s epic title games.

Farmer went on to play for the legendary John Wooden and Farmer’s teams lost just one game in three years, winning three national titles. Farmer wanted to be a high school teacher and coach, but fate intervened. After a short stint playing overseas, Farmer was tabbed to join Gene Bartow’s staff at UCLA. Bartow had taken over for Wooden. And, when Bartow left, the job became Farmer’s.

He has coached at the professional and collegiate levels ever since. He won 166 games as a head coach, serving at UCLA, Weber State and Loyola-Chicago. He has spent the last five years on the Western Michigan staff. Farmer, in spite of winning three national championships, almost quit basketball after his sophomore season at Manual. He persevered and the one game he remembers most of all the games he played (including collegiately) was the 1969 Manual-South state title game where his Thunderbolts lost.

It’s a game, he says, that has stayed with him forever.

Judy Hildner (Pueblo) – The reigning matriarch of Colorado media, Judy Hildner is held in the highest esteem throughout the state. A founding member of the CHSAA Hall of Fame committee, she is a member of the Greater Pueblo Sports Hall of Fame and has been honored many times for her work with high schools.

She remains one of the most knowledgeable media persons in the state and had oversight on one of the country’s finest newspapers with their coverage of southern and southeastern Colorado, along with the San Luis Valley. She is considered to be the state’s first-ever female sports editor, serving in that capacity from 1990-2012.

She is a member of, and has chaired the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee, is a two-time member of the CHSAA Hall of Fame selection committee and has served, on the Pueblo School #60 District Strategic Planning Committee and others.

Hildner graduated from Pueblo Catholic High School, earning Outstanding Senior honors, and then went on to CSU-Pueblo (then SCSC) where she worked at the Chieftain while completing her degree.

Mary Shea (Thornton) – A three-sport athlete at Thornton High School, Mary Shea played volleyball, basketball and tennis for the Trojans. Shea was such a gifted athlete that she started in all three sports and earned all-conference honors from the beginning.

As a sophomore in tennis, she made the No. 2 singles position despite having never played competitive tennis before high school and made the state tournament. She was the No. 1 player the next two years but bowed out in regionals each time.

In volleyball, she led her team to the final 8 in state as a junior and the final 4 as a senior. She was all-state as a senior.

In basketball, she was all conference and all-state, leading Thornton to a final 4 appearance as junior and to the 1980 state title as a senior. She also coached the Thornton volleyball team in 1996 and 1997.

After high school, Shea was one of the top volleyball players in the High Country Athletic Conference/Western Athletic Conference for the University of Wyoming. She was the first female elected to the Wyoming Hall of Fame.

Ron Vlasin (Merino/Littleton/Arapahoe) – One of the state’s top basketball coaches, Ron Vlasin built some of Colorado’s top hoops programs for 30 years, including 5 teams that went unbeaten. He also coached football for two years (Merino) and baseball for six years (Arapahoe).

His basketball teams were 546-165 over 30 years, while his AHS baseball program went 96-23 in his six seasons. His teams won nine state basketball titles, including five straight at Merino, and finished second four times. His MHS football team had two runners-up finishes.

Vlasin’s teams held several lengthy winning streaks over the years, including streaks of 57, 46 and 40 at Merino. He was a nine-time Colorado Coach of the Year, including six times at Merino and twice at the AAAA level.

He is a member of CHSCA Hall of Fame (2010) and the National High School Coaches Hall of Fame (2014). He held several offices in the CHSCA during his career.

Many of his players went on to play in college, including Ken Shaw, who set numerous Colorado prep scoring marks and now coaches at Regis Jesuit.

(Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

28th Class Features Jeff Campbell, Ray Coca, Debbie Cook, Donnie Day, Larry Farmer, Judy Hildner, Mary Shea and Ron Vlasin

The Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame has announced its 28th Hall of Fame class, an eight-member group that depicts the rich history of the Association, along with providing real-life examples of what participation, coaching and advocating for students can do. Each of these people has established themselves as a role model for today’s young people seeking their way to adulthood.

The CHSAA Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016 includes three of the state’s top former athletes in Jeff Campbell (Battle Mountain), Larry Farmer (Manual) and Mary Shea (Thornton), along with legendary coaches Debbie Cook (Meeker), Donnie Day (Thomas Jefferson) and Ron Vlasin (Merino/Littleton Public Schools). Rounding out the class are former Grand Junction wrestler, coach and advocate Ray Coca and former Pueblo Chieftain sports editor Judy Hildner.

“To have the opportunity to honor eight people the caliber of the Class of 2016 is exciting. We have the opportunity to demonstrate the end results of the many people who represent the values of educational athletics. This class, like those before it, shows the character, integrity and class that comes from participation in something bigger than one’s self. From three absolutely educationally-focused coaches, to a coach and advocate of wrestling in a career that spanned many decades, to three highly successful athletes and adults, to a media person who spent 30 years recognizing student participants from all sizes of schools throughout our state. This class reflects all that is right about high school sports and activities,” CHSAA Commissioner Paul Angelico said in making the announcement.

“The selection committee struggled and debated over the selections, knowing that there are so many good people deserving of this recognition. The one item of most importance to the committee is the impact that each of these inductees, like those that came before them, had in their respective areas of the state. The 28th class reflects the efforts, passion and love Colorado has for high school activities,” CHSAA Hall of Fame administrator Bert Borgmann said.

The committee, which is headed by CHSAA Hall of Famer Dick Katte, added two student representatives this year from the CHSAA Student Leadership team for the first time. Committee members aside from Katte include John Andrew (Denver Public Schools), Michele DeBerry (Boulder Valley Schools), Stacy Hall (Montezuma-Cortez), Eddie Hartnett (Boulder), Bob Marken (CHSCA), Shelli Miles (Widefield), Mike Miller (Cheyenne Wells), Dan Mohrmann (CHSAANow.com), Leslie Moore (CHSAA Hall of Fame) and Carol Sams (Grand Junction). The student members were Brianna Johnson (Rampart) and Evan Mahon (Visa Ridge).

The Class of 2016 will be inducted during a ceremony on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at the Radisson Hotel-Denver Southeast (I 225 and Parker). Individual tickets may be purchased for $50 each by contacting the CHSAA. The festivities get underway at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited.

The selection of the one student participant to the CHSAA Hall of Fame puts the total number of participants in the hall at 63. There are now 66 coaches/sponsors, 28 administrators, 16 officials and 11 significant service contributors enshrined in the CHSAA Hall of Fame that began in 1989. There are also four teams in the hall. The Hall of Fame now features 188 inductees.

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Biographies

Jeff Campbell (Battle Mountain) – One of the state’s finest athletes, Jeff Campbell could electrify those in attendance with his football kick returns or his track sprints. He was a two-time state champion in 1985 and 1986 in the 100 and 200 meters, along with being the Class 2A Co-Player of the Year in football in 1985.

He went on to have a spectacular career at CU, then played in the NFL for nine years with the Lions and Broncos. He, too, was an amazing ice hockey player, being the last man cut from the 1986 US Team.

Those who know him said he had his choice of professional sports in hockey, skiing and football. He chose football.

The state’s 2A leading rusher in 1985, Campbell ran for 305 yards and scored five times against Meeker. He electrified the state when, as a CU Buff, struck for a 60-yard punt return against Nebraska, leading CU to its first win over the Cornhuskers in 26 years.

Ray Coca (Grand Junction) – A three-time state wrestling champion at Grand Junction High School, Coca posted a career 59-1-1 mark. Of his 12 state matches, he won seven by pin. His only loss came when he moved up in weight to take the place of an injured teammate.

He went on to Western State where he again starred on the wrestling mat, going undefeated as a freshman and earning all-American honors in 1964 when his team won the national title. He officiated 10 district and one state championship tournaments. He remains active in the community as noted in his awards from the city as a Hometown Hero on at least two occasions.

He was also the sports editor for the local newspaper for a number of years, promoting prep sports at a high level for the schools on the Western Slope.

Debbie Cook (Meeker) – Cook’s teams posted a 393-125 mark in volleyball during her 22 years at the helm, winning nine conference titles and going to the state tournament nine times.

Noted for her work in health and wellness for the northwestern Colorado community, she taught elementary school PE for 30 years and helped with many community outreach health and education programs throughout her career. Her work in the community has earned over $100,000 for the community.

She was named coach of the year three times from the Colorado Coaches of Girls’ Sports and the North West League Coach of the Year eight times. Cook also coached track for 16 years and girls’ basketball for two years. She continues to teach and volunteer in Glenwood Springs several days a week, but maintains her residence in Meeker.

Donnie Day (Thomas Jefferson) – One of the legendary coaches and administrators in Denver Public Schools, Donnie Day coached baseball, basketball and football at TJHS from 1960 until 1969, serving as head football coach from 1964-69. He was an administrator for TJHS from 1964-89 and in Douglas County Schools from 1990-2002.

He also spent 4 years as a high school football official before working in the Western Athletic Conference for 14 years. He also officiated high school basketball.

A graduate of Denver South, Day played football, basketball and baseball, earning all-state honors in football and baseball twice. His football teams posted a 56-5 mark, winning two city titles. He guided TJHS to its first ever city football championship and his teams never lost more than one game in a season.

As an athlete, Day was an all-state quarterback and baseball player at Denver South where he also played basketball.

Larry Farmer (Manual) – One of the state’s top basketball players from 1966-1969, Farmer helped the ‘Bolts to the state finals in 1969 where they lost to South in one of the state’s epic title games.

Farmer went on to play for the legendary John Wooden and Farmer’s teams lost just one game in three years, winning three national titles. Farmer wanted to be a high school teacher and coach, but fate intervened. After a short stint playing overseas, Farmer was tabbed to join Gene Bartow’s staff at UCLA. Bartow had taken over for Wooden. And, when Bartow left, the job became Farmer’s.

He has coached at the professional and collegiate levels ever since. He won 166 games as a head coach, serving at UCLA, Weber State and Loyola-Chicago. He has spent the last five years on the Western Michigan staff. Farmer, in spite of winning three national championships, almost quit basketball after his sophomore season at Manual. He persevered and the one game he remembers most of all the games he played (including collegiately) was the 1969 Manual-South state title game where his Thunderbolts lost.

It’s a game, he says, that has stayed with him forever.

Judy Hildner (Pueblo) – The reigning matriarch of Colorado media, Judy Hildner is held in the highest esteem throughout the state. A founding member of the CHSAA Hall of Fame committee, she is a member of the Greater Pueblo Sports Hall of Fame and has been honored many times for her work with high schools.

She remains one of the most knowledgeable media persons in the state and had oversight on one of the country’s finest newspapers with their coverage of southern and southeastern Colorado, along with the San Luis Valley. She is considered to be the state’s first-ever female sports editor, serving in that capacity from 1990-2012.

She is a member of, and has chaired the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee, is a two-time member of the CHSAA Hall of Fame selection committee and has served, on the Pueblo School #60 District Strategic Planning Committee and others.

Hildner graduated from Pueblo Catholic High School, earning Outstanding Senior honors, and then went on to CSU-Pueblo (then SCSC) where she worked at the Chieftain while completing her degree.

Mary Shea (Thornton) – A three-sport athlete at Thornton High School, Mary Shea played volleyball, basketball and tennis for the Trojans. Shea was such a gifted athlete that she started in all three sports and earned all-conference honors from the beginning.

As a sophomore in tennis, she made the No. 2 singles position despite having never played competitive tennis before high school and made the state tournament. She was the No. 1 player the next two years but bowed out in regionals each time.

In volleyball, she led her team to the final 8 in state as a junior and the final 4 as a senior. She was all-state as a senior.

In basketball, she was all conference and all-state, leading Thornton to a final 4 appearance as junior and to the 1980 state title as a senior. She also coached the Thornton volleyball team in 1996 and 1997.

After high school, Shea was one of the top volleyball players in the High Country Athletic Conference/Western Athletic Conference for the University of Wyoming. She was the first female elected to the Wyoming Hall of Fame.

Ron Vlasin (Merino/Littleton/Arapahoe) – One of the state’s top basketball coaches, Ron Vlasin built some of Colorado’s top hoops programs for 30 years, including 5 teams that went unbeaten. He also coached football for two years (Merino) and baseball for six years (Arapahoe).

His basketball teams were 546-165 over 30 years, while his AHS baseball program went 96-23 in his six seasons. His teams won nine state basketball titles, including five straight at Merino, and finished second four times. His MHS football team had two runners-up finishes.

Vlasin’s teams held several lengthy winning streaks over the years, including streaks of 57, 46 and 40 at Merino. He was a nine-time Colorado Coach of the Year, including six times at Merino and twice at the AAAA level.

He is a member of CHSCA Hall of Fame (2010) and the National High School Coaches Hall of Fame (2014). He held several offices in the CHSCA during his career.

Many of his players went on to play in college, including Ken Shaw, who set numerous Colorado prep scoring marks and now coaches at Regis Jesuit.

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Additionally, the staff has selected the IBM Corporation to receive the Colorado Tradition Award. The staff has also selected Monica Abelein (Lakewood) and Greg Pierson (Greeley) to receive the Distinguished Service Award this year.

Tickets are $50 per seat or $500 per table of 10. Please contact Whitney Webermeier (wwebermeier@chsaa.org) for reservations. Contact the CHSAA office with questions.