CHSAANow

Month: August 2014

  • Notebook: Hubbard starts new challenge with Lutheran football

    Lutheran Alameda football
    Lutheran football has a new coach in Blair Hubbard this season. (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

    Perhaps no football coaching change this offseason was as major as Blair Hubbard leaving Faith Christian for Lutheran.

    Hubbard won three state championships in 15 seasons as head coach at Faith Christian, a perennial power in the Class 2A ranks. His teams were 148-30, made the playoffs 14 times and won 10 league titles.

    But in the offseason Hubbard was looking to tackle something new. Lutheran — a 3A team since the school was formed by a merger of the old Denver Lutheran and Lutheran-Parker schools prior to the 2012 season — was a fit.

    Hubbard was hired on Feb. 20.

    “I was just kind of looking for a new challenge, so when the opportunity presented itself I took some time to think about it, talked it over with my wife and some other wise council and decided to go ahead,” Hubbard said. “This was a good opportunity to make the change. I’m excited about this season and just the future of Lutheran High School football in general.”

    Faith Christian moved quickly to hire Ralph Nance, Hubbard’s defensive coordinator, as his successor. It meant that Hubbard’s staff — which had been together for “over 10 years,” he said — was not going to stay intact.

    “I’ve hired a completely new staff,” Hubbard said. “That was a specific challenge. And it was a good process.”

    Hubbard’s new staff at Lutheran comprises 10 assistants — five of whom are in the building.

    “I feel very comfortable with the coaches that we have on staff,” Hubbard said. “We’ve just got a good cohesiveness together. Everybody’s on the same page and is there for the same reason. We’re there to help build young men into men, boys into men. We’re not there necessarily for the wins and the losses. If we do our jobs, those kinds of things will hopefully take care of themselves. Our purpose is to have an effect in young men’s lives.”

    Lutheran was 31-11 in former coach Daryl Moe’s four seasons, including three playoff appearances. So Hubbard is inheriting a great program.

    Lutheran Alameda football
    Lutheran quarterback James Willis. (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

    Included are quarterback James Willis and receiver Josh Clausen, both seniors and four-year varsity members, who combined for more than 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns through the air last season.

    Willis, entering his third year as the starter at quarterback, threw for 2,306 yards and 24 touchdowns last season.

    “He’s someone that’s just a humble leader, he’s a hard worker,” Hubbard said. “That’s the kind of athlete we’re looking to model our program after. Someone’s that just has that blue-collar work ethic and is humble and willing to help other kids out along the way.”

    Clausen already has 2,312 receiving yards in his three seasons, which is just outside the top-10 in the state’s career record book.

    “He’s (6-foot-4) and he’s got very good speed and great hands,” Hubbard said. “He’s getting some looks from some of the area Division I schools, so it’s exciting to work with him. He’s got that same kind of work ethic that we’re looking for, as well.”

    A group of linemen also return.

    “They have been very consistent in the weight room, and whenever you’ve got the kids up front that are dedicated to spending time in the weight room, you’re going to have a good opportunity to win some battles up front,” Hubbard said.

    Lutheran opens the season in Houston, playing at Lutheran South Academy — a Division II school in Texas which went 8-3 and made the playoffs last season. It’s an opportunity for everyone to get to know one another really well, really quick.

    “It will be a fun experience for the kids and for the coaches,” Hubbard said. “There’s a lot of logistics involved and we’ve gotten a lot of outstanding administrative support from the school.

    “They’re of the mindset that they’re there for the athletes and the athletic program and want to do as much as they can to help the young men and women out in the athletic programs to have a great experience in their time at Lutheran.”

    [divider]

    Short stuff

    • During its transition to a regional program, the former Montbello High School athletic department will be known as the Warriors (Montbello). Eventually, the plan is to simply call the teams the Warriors — without including the Montbello clarifier.
    • Last week at the All-School Summit, a new approach to the classification structure was discussed. Every impression I’ve gotten seems like this is where the state will head this fall — though there was some resistance voiced during the classification breakout session at the Summit. We’ll see if that initial uneasiness turns into action ahead of CLOC’s November meeting.
    • Valor Christian’s Eric Lee Jr. and Pine Creek’s Avery Anderson, both defensive backs, will enroll at Nebraska early, the school announced.
    • Regis Jesuit offensive linemen Tim Lynott’s father tweeted out his official offer letter from Colorado. Lynott is a CU commit, and was recently moved up to a 4-star recruit by Scout.com.
    • Here’s a neat picture of Windsor’s football team playing in a flooded field near its school during storms last week. (Coach Chris Jones was quick to urge safety to his players: “Be smart about the water in front of the school,” he tweeted.)
    • Brighton pitcher/shortstop Conner Reynolds committed to Northern Colorado for baseball last week.
    • Tony Ramunno had been the head football coach at Lewis-Palmer for 25 seasons, but he resigned late last month. “I really like Friday nights; it’s probably the best job a guy can have in the country,” he told the Colorado Springs Gazette. Former defensive coordinator Dustin Tupper will replace him.
    • Moffatt County hired longtime coach Keith Gille to head its football program, according to the Craig Daily Press.
    • Grandview hired Patrick Chapla as its boys lacrosse coach. He had been an assistant at Mountain Vista, and is also a club coach at 3d Lacrosse. “We are excited to add his passion, experience and love of the game to our program,” Grandview athletic director Jamee Ulitzky wrote in an email.
    • Smoky Hill hired Robert Kennedy as baseball coach, according to the Aurora Sentinel.
    • Eagle Ridge has a new girls basketball coach, according to the Brighton Blade: Vern Rathbun, who has been coaching for more than 30 years.
    • The numbers from the NFHS Network are in from the past school year, and the most popular events were as follows: Arapahoe-Fossil Ridge boys basketball in the 5A tournament; Overland-Denver East boys basketball in the 5A tournament; and the state track meet.
    • It seems like this is a weekly occurrence now, but here’s another reminder to kids that how you act on social media can have a very negative effect on your recruitment.
    • Englewood’s getting a new turf field.
    • Cherry Creek’s gym is “getting a major upgrade.”
    • Fruita Monument wrestler Jacob Seely earned All-American status with his seventh-place finish at a national tournament in Fargo, North Dakota last month.
    • Doherty is holding a golf tournament at Colorado Springs Country Club on Aug. 18, and is seeking teams to participate. That’s the same course where the Class 5A state meet will be held. Interested schools should contact Doherty AD Chris Noll: CHRISTOPHER.NOLL@d11.org.
    • Likewise, Jefferson Academy is seeking schools for its golf invitational on Sept. 2 at Omni Interlocken Golf Club Resort. Contact Jags’ AD Michael Wilson: mwilson@jajags.com.
    • Horizon is inviting schools to its annual Popsicle Run at the Adams County Fairgrounds on Sept. 5. It’s a 4k course, and offers popsicles at the end. Contact: Antonio.Ricciardi@adams12.org.
    • Kim and Branson will co-op in football (ineligible for the playoffs), boys golf, volleyball, boys and girls basketball, as well as track. They will be the Kim Mustangs in all sports but football, where they will compete as the Branson Bearcats.

    Alumni short stuff

    • Heritage alum Shane Opitz, now playing minor league baseball, was interviewed by the Dunedin Blue Jays’ radio network about a recent rehab of an injury, but also spoke about hailing from Colorado. “There’s a lot of talent coming out of Colorado, but people don’t necessarily recognize that because we don’t play year-round,” Opitz said. “There’s not a lot of good weather during the winter time, we’re under snow. But there’s a lot of talent.” A 2010 grad, he’s hitting .280 at Dunedin in 13 games so far this season.
    • Chaparral alum Shane Callahan has been cleared to play immediately for CU following his transfer from Auburn. Here he is in a video speaking with the media after practice. “I’m proud to wear Colorado on my jersey, this is my hometown,” he said. “Excited to have the chance to play for my home state this year!” he wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.
    • Kalen Ballage, a 2013 Falcon graduate, is “turning heads” as Arizona State opens football camp. Coach Todd Graham said he’s “the most impressive freshman running back we’ve ever had. Ever.”
    • Bobby Dalbec, who graduated from Legend in 2013, tore it up at the Cape Cod Baseball League this summer. He had five home runs and 18 RBIs in just 29 games, and hit .228. He also took part in the home run contest during All-Star festivities. Dalbec just completed his freshman season as the starting designated hitter/first baseman and reliever at Arizona. He hit .266 with two home runs and 30 RBIs for the Wildcats, and also had a team-best 2.13 ERA in 22 appearances. Dalbec did tell the Arizona Daily Star that his future is as a position player: “If we really need a guy to be a starter, I’d obviously do it. But I like my future after Arizona to be with the bat. I’m not real big on pitching. I do it and compete, but I prefer to be in the box.”
    • 2003 Golden graduate Mark Melancon, a three-sport star in high school, returned to Colorado as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates late last month, and picked up a save at Coors Field. It was the third save he’d gotten against the Rockies in nine days. “Always fun playing on the field I grew up dreaming of playing on as a Big Leaguer,” Melancon tweeted.
    • This was neat: Former Grandview boys basketball star Eric Garcia pointed out that he (now at Wofford), Denver East alum Dom Collier (CU) and former Regis Jesuit player Josh Perkins (Gonzaga) will all be on national television at the same time during the college basketball season.

  • Coronado’s Isaac Petersilie “taking out the guesswork” to his golf game

    (Jenn Roberts-Uhlig/CHSAANow.com)
    The medalists from the 2013 4A boys golf tournament. (Jenn Roberts-Uhlig/CHSAANow.com)

    Coronado junior Isaac Petersilie has started to hear from colleges. It started with Colorado colleges and he’s got feelers out to some out-of-state ones as well.

    But don’t get ahead of the present, Petersilie insists.

    It’s not how the reigning Class 4A boys golf champion got here. It’s what he’s focused his game on since he won the state tournament at Hiwan Golf Club with a 4-over, two-day total of 144.

    “Last year I was trying to play best I could,” Petersilie said. “This year, mainly I’ve been focusing on each shot at a time.”

    That’s included revamping his pre-shot routine and a renewed focus on his wedge play.

    As he’s started to fill into his body, Petersilie has seen his approach shots become shorter.

    The emphasis on the short game has made him better, but he again points to the mental aspect as his strongest part.

    (Jenn Roberts-Uhlig/CHSAANow.com)
    Coronado’s Isaac Petersilie. (Jenn Roberts-Uhlig/CHSAANow.com)

    “I’m trying to take all the variables taken out of it. Then just hit the shot,” he said. “I’m taking out the guesswork — the distance, the slope,  what I want to do with the shot, how it will come out of a lie. Everything that can change the shot.”

    Last year Petersilie showed that mental game.

    Petersilie said he thought around even par would win the thing. Where others in contention blew up, Petersilie never had worse than a bogey in the 36-hole championship.

    He finished one shot ahead of Cheyenne Mountain’s Wilson Belk. The two each went into No. 18 tied. Petersilie admits he thought he had to make a par to send it to a playoff. He didn’t realize Belk’s bogey on 18 had given him the win.

    Thinking he needed a par to send it to a playoffs helped “focusing a little bit and helped me not get ahead of myself,” Petersilie said.

    The junior, however, will have a loaded 4A field to compete with.

    Belk returns as do Valor Christian all-staters Jake Staiano  and Valor Christian’s Ross Macdonald; Montezuma-Cortez’s Jakob Rudosky; and Silver Creek’s Jackson Solem.

    “There are a lot of great kids returning,” Petersilie said. “That’s definitely a good thing.”

    Although Petersilie wants to be in the now, and said he’s focusing on consistently doing well each tournament, he does think about that state championship in September.

    “I mean, I would say (winning state) would be one of my goals,” he said.

    [divider]

    Class 4A boys golf

    Defending individual champion: Isaac Petersilie, Coronado

    Defending team champion: Valor Christian

    Returning all-state athletes: Petersilie (junior), Cheyenne Mountain’s Wilson Belk (senior), Valor Christian’s Jake Staiano (senior), Valor Christian’s Ross Macdonald (senior), Montezuma-Cortez’s Jakob Rudosky  (senior), Silver Creek’s Jackson Solem (sophomore).

    Regular season begins: Aug. 7

    Regionals: Date: Sept. 16 and 18.

    State meet: Sept. 29-30, Walking Stick Golf Course in Pueblo.

  • Vote: Have your say in CHSAA’s new championship trophies

    We are getting new championship trophies beginning this fall. However, the design is not yet finalized — and we need your input.

    Should the mountains on the mounted black plate be gold or blue?

    Gold Blue
    CHSAA championship trophy gold CHSAA championship trophy blue

    Vote

    Which color should the mountains on the trophy be?
    [caspio]http://b6.caspio.com/dp.asp?AppKey=d2f2300007f99406149340fa82b3[/caspio]

  • The whey to a higher protein diet

    Ever wonder if “Little Miss Muffet, who sat on a tuffet” (best known for her role in the famous childhood nursery rhyme) had any idea exactly how popular eating “curds and whey” would become?

    Whey protein has become very popular among athletes who are looking to enhance their athletic performance. But what is whey and what is its role in athletic performance?

    Whey is one of the two fundamental proteins found in cow’s milk. Whey protein is produced as a result of the cheese-making process – milk is separated using an enzyme, leaving curds (used to make cheese) and whey (a liquid protein). The liquid whey is then pasteurized and dried into a powder for various uses.

    Regardless of what sport you play, protein is an essential nutrient your body needs daily. Beyond protein’s well-known role in building and repairing lean muscle, protein controls many metabolic processes in the body, aids in the repair of body cells and assists with building and maintaining healthy bones. However, protein needs vary based on your activity level, type of activity and overall caloric needs. Click here for more on protein, including specific protein recommendations.

    Many foods contain protein, but the amount and quality of protein varies in each food. High-quality protein sources include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt and whey protein. These foods are referred to as “complete” proteins because they supply the essential amino acids the body needs to build and maintain muscle and to function properly.

    Some plant proteins (soy, quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat) contain all of the essential amino acids, but most plant proteins are lacking one or more. This doesn’t mean that plant proteins aren’t beneficial. All foods have a place in a well-balanced diet. It simply means that a variety of proteins should be enjoyed daily to get all of the necessary building blocks for muscle growth and repair.

    Whey protein is a high-quality protein and is one of the best sources of the amino acid, leucine. Leucine is a special type of amino acid (branched chain amino acid) which is metabolized directly by the muscle tissue (as opposed to being metabolized by the liver) – assisting in the promotion of muscle growth.

    Where can you find whey protein?

    Whey protein is naturally found in cow’s milk, cheese and yogurt. Additionally, whey protein can be found as powders, or as an ingredient in energy bars and other foods. Look for “whey protein isolate,” “whey protein concentrate,” or “hydrolyzed whey protein” in a food product’s ingredient list.

    While whey protein powders and foods made with whey can have a place in a balanced diet, keep in mind that naturally nutrient-rich foods (i.e. milk, cheese and yogurt) and the whey protein found therein, likely provide adequate amounts of the key nutrients your body needs to compete at peak athletic potential. The key is to focus on eating a balanced diet that models the MyPlate recommendations.

    For additional information on dairy and whey protein, including tips and recipes, visit wheyprotein.nationaldairycouncil.org.

    Athletes can train harder and perform better with proper nutrition. Visit WesternDairyAssociation.org to read more about milk as an exercise recovery beverage and learn how to eat for peak athletic performance.  

  • Low numbers force Denver Christian to suspend football program this year

    Denver Christian will suspend its football program this season as a result of a number of factors which have led to low numbers.

    Among those factors was a move to a new campus in Lakewood which puts the high school together with Denver Christian’s middle and elementary schools.

    The Crusaders, who won the Class 2A title in 2003, went 1-7 last season.

    The program’s hiatus means a number of schools are now looking for an opponent to replace the dropped game.

    Among Denver Christian’s scheduled games were non-league opponents Highland (set for an Aug. 30 date) and Byers (Sept. 6). The entire 1A Metro League is also affected.

    Assistant commissioner Harry Waterman, who oversees football, offered the following options to Metro League athletic directors in an email Tuesday afternoon:

    1. Play one less game. Playoff points will be averaged by one less contest. Prior to the start of the season, all contests that are dropped go down as a no contest, not a forfeit. Notify MaxPreps with schedule changes ASAP, even if you cannot find another opponent so they can remove D.C. from your schedule.
    2. If you are able to find a team to play between now and Zero Week, you may play them during Zero Week (August 21-23).
    3. You may play a home/away with another conference opponent. You will need to designate which game is for league standing.
    4. D.C. may have scheduled up to two non-league opponents. They may also be looking for another contest. Zero Week is an option.
    5. You may post your opening on our games wanted webpage. Contact Sharon in our office 303-344-5050.

  • Boys golf kicks off fall practice, begins 2014-15 season

    (Jordan Morey)
    (CHSAA file photo)

    The 2014-15 season is here.

    Boys golf opened fall practice on Monday, giving an official start to the school year. It is the only sport allowed to practice this early — each of the 10 other fall sports will begin their practice next Monday.

    “It’s always a fun time of year,” CHSAA commissioner Paul Angelico said. “We’re looking forward to what this season will bring.”

    Boys golf can begin scrimmages and meets on Thursday. Regionals will be completed by Sept. 19, and the state meets are Sept. 29-30.

    Official dates for all sports are available in the 2014-15 sports calendar.

    Regis Jesuit is the defending Class 5A champion, while Valor Christian won 4A last year, and Dawson School won 3A.

    This year’s state tournament sites are set. 5A will be at Colorado Springs Country Club, 4A is set for Walking Stick Golf Course in Pueblo, while 3A will be held at Northeastern 18 Golf Course in Sterling.

  • CHSAA begins 94th year of sports as official practice starts in golf

    AURORA — The Colorado High School Activities Association and its 346 member schools open the 94th school year with Boys’ Golf official practice on August 4.

    All other sports start officially on August 11. Student athletes in Cross Country, Field Hockey, Boys’ Golf, Football, Girls’ Gymnastics, Boys’ Soccer, Softball, Boys’ Tennis, Volleyball and Spirit anxiously await that starting date.

    “The start of the new school year, which includes the beginning of the fall sports season, is one of the most exciting times in a student’s life. Certainly the start of fall practice is a bit more special because it starts the entire school year. The community-based feeling that high school sports bring to high schools remind each of us of our own roots. Schools have always been the hub of activities for neighborhoods and communities and that status remains unchallenged year in and year out,” CHSAA Commissioner Paul Angelico said.

    Teams may start scrimmages on August 7 for Boys’ Golf, August 11 for Softball and August 16 for all other sports, except football which starts scrimmage August 21. August 21 also marks the first day of competition for all fall sports except Boys’ Golf (August 7), Boys’ Tennis (August 14) and Girls’ Softball (August 15).

    A major change in CHSAA bylaws allows for football (and all sports) to utilize what has commonly been known as “Zero Week” as a regular competition week. This allows for more flexibility in scheduling, especially in football.

    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 position on July 1, 2010

    The CHSAA has had 58 presidents dating back to 1921. Its current president, Centauri Schools Superintendent Curt Wilson, is in the first year of a two-year term as president.

    The Association enters the year with few changes on staff. Paul Angelico, in his 25th year at CHSAA, is Commissioner. Assistant Commissioners Bert Borgmann and Tom Robinson are in their 27th and 14th years on the staff, respectively. Meanwhile, Bethany Brookens and Harry Waterman are in their seventh years with the Association. Bud Ozzello enters is in his fifth year on the staff, while Jenn Roberts-Uhlig is in her third year, and Ryan Casey is in his second year with CHSAA as Director of Digital Media.

    Donna Coonts serves as administrative assistant to Commissioner Angelico, while Whitney Webermeier (Borgmann), Rocky Railey (Brookens), Theresa Muniz (Waterman), Audra Cathy (Ozzello), Jane Boudreau (Roberts-Uhlig) and Monica Tillman (Robinson) assist the other administrators. Bookkeeper Kenzie Hewson and mail room coordinator Sharon Garcia round out the Association staff.

    [divider]

    CHSAA Administrative Staff and Major Assignments

    Paul Angelico, Commissioner (Classification and League Organization Committee, Board of Directors, Legislative Council, Budget, Hardship Waivers, Handbook, Personnel)

    Bert Borgmann, Assistant Commissioner (Baseball, Basketball, Gymnastics, Hall of Fame, Media Relations, Cooperative Programs, Legislative Relations, Programs, State Records/Championship Results, Trophies & Awards, Foreign Waivers)

    Tom Robinson, Assistant Commissioner (Golf, Officials, Officials’ Fees Committee, Sportsmanship, Sportsmanship Seminars, Officials’ Organizations)

    Bethany Brookens, Assistant Commissioner (Field Hockey, Tennis, Music, Skiing, Swimming, Volleyball, Title IX, Equity, New Schools, Participation Survey)

    Harry Waterman, Assistant Commissioner (Football, Wrestling, Lacrosse, Student Council, NFHS Section 6, Coaching Registration, Playoff Sites, Tournament Playoff & Finance, CADA Liaison)

    Bud Ozzello, Assistant Commissioner (Softball, Soccer, Speech, Ice Hockey, Sanctioned Events, Office Manager)

    Jenn Roberts-Uhlig, Assistant Commissioner (Cross Country, Spirit, Track & Field, Corporate Relations, Recognition Programs, Academic Team/All-State, Sports Medicine, Junior High/Middle Schools, New Athletic Directors Meeting, T-Shirts/Merchandise)

    Ryan Casey, Director of Digital Media (CHSAANow.com; Technology Advancement, CHSAA.org)

    [divider]

    CHSAA Board of Directors (Leagues Represented) [term expires]:

    CHSAA President (Serving second of two-year term): Curt Wilson, Superintendent (Centauri Schools( [2015]

    District 1 (San Juan Basin, Western Slope, Southwestern): Paul Cain, District Athletic Director (Grand Junction Schools) [2018]

    District 2 (Centennial, Northern, Frontier, Tri-Valley): Mike Schmidt, Principal (Platte Canyon School District) [2016]

    District 3 (High Plains, Lower Platte, Mile High, North Central, Patriot, Union Pacific, YWKC): Kathleen Leiding, Athletic Director (Lyons High School) [2015]

    District 4 (Jefferson County, East Metro, Colorado 7): Jim Thyfault, District Athletic Director (Jefferson County Schools) [2017]

    District 5 (Denver, Metropolitan, Confluence): Loren Larrabee, Athletic Director (Lutheran High School) [2018]

    District 6 (Continental, Front Range, 5280): Ed Hartnett, Director of District Activities/Athletics (Adams Five Star School District) [2016]

    District 7 (CS Metro 4A, CS Metro 5A, Pikes Peak, Tri-Peaks, West Central): Sandi Weece, Athletic Director (South Park High School) [2015]

    District 8 (Black Forest, Fisher’s Peak, Intermountain, Southern Peaks): Joe Garcia, Athletic Director (Antonito High School) [2018]

    District 9 (Arkansas Valley, Santa Fe, South Central, Southeastern): Richard Macias, District Athletic Director (Pueblo City Schools 60) [2017]

    Colorado Association of School Boards: Jim Engelker (Platte Valley Re-3) [2016]

    Colorado Association of School Executives: Jim Lucas, Assistant Principal (Pine Creek High School) [2015]

    Colorado Association of School Executives: Rick Mondt, Superintendent (Briggsdale Schools) [2017]

    Colorado Department of Education: Wendy Dunaway, Colorado Department of Education [2015]

    Colorado State Assembly: Jim Wilson, Salida (State Representative, Salida) [2017]

  • For Regis Jesuit boys golf, character builds champions

    (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)
    Regis Jesuit’s entire team celebrates winning the 2013 5A boys golf championship, the Raiders’ fourth in a row. (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Regis Jesuit’s boys golf team comes into the 2014 season in a familiar and comfortable position — as defending state champions, a title they’ve captured for four consecutive seasons.

    That type of consistency is considered rare in high school sports, where student-athletes come and go so quickly.

    The turnover presents a unique challenge this year for head coach Craig Rogers, who had an excellent returning squad in 2013 to lean on. Now, four golfers from last year’s state championship squad are playing golf at Division I colleges, which means the Raiders will be forced to reload if they want to repeat.

    “It’ll be fun, because it’s very wide open. Going into last year, we really had three guys who were exceptional golfers. There wasn’t a lot of mystery who our best players would be,” Rogers said.  “This year there’s a lot of good young players who have the opportunity to step up.”

    If past accomplishments are any indication, the Raiders possess the perfect road map for remaining on top. According to Rogers, the key to sustaining success is developing his players as young men first, and as golfers second.

    “The mission of our team is the same as in school — to become better people and develop character. I’ve already been in conversation with (our captains) about how they really want to focus on making sure we have a bond as a team,” Rogers said. “The older guys look after the younger guys and they take care of each other and develop as gentlemen.”

    Despite graduating a number of excellent players, including last year’s individual champion Spencer Painton, Regis Jesuit will hardly be devoid of experience going into the season.

    Senior Jack Lazzeri, one of the team’s three captains, returns after placing in a tie for 26th in last fall’s state meet. And Rogers, who has a long history of defending championships to point to as proof, knows where character and consistency comes from — it’s passed down from one class to the next.

    “What we’ve done really, really, well is just get kids who are enthusiastic, good character kids, who kind of fall in love with the game,” Rogers said. “They see the older kids that are having a lot of success, how they carry themselves, and how they work at it. And they kind of see themselves being that guy someday.

    “If we do a really good job with character first, golf will follow.”

    [divider]

    Class 5A bolf golf

    Defending individual champion: Spencer Painton, Regis Jesuit (graduated)

    Defending team champion: Regis Jesuit

    Regular season begins: August 7

    Regional meets: September 15-19

    State meets: September 29-30 at Colorado Springs Country Club

  • Centaurus’ Mike DeVries commits to play football at Air Force

    Colorado’s in-state football programs are off to a good start with the 2015 class.

    Air Force added its first local recruit from the class when defensive lineman Mike DeVries of Centaurus committed to the Falcons this weekend, according to Paul Willis of BoCoPreps.com. It means all three Division I (FBS) football schools in Colorado already have local commits this cycle.

    The 6-foot-2, 250-pound DeVries had 23 tackles, including seven for a loss, one sack and 12 hurries last season. He also had an interception, caused a fumble and recovered another for Centaurus, which went 2-7 in Class 3A last year.

    DeVries, who also played on the offensive line for the Warriors last season, runs a 4.84 40-yard dash according to his Hudl profile.

    He was also a forward for the Warriors’ basketball team, and averaged 7.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game last season.

    The in-state colleges are picking up where they left off last cycle. Colorado State had six local recruits in the 2014 class, while Air Force and Colorado both had five.

    Colorado has three known local pledges thus far in 2015, while Colorado State has two. Find a complete list of 2015 football recruits in our database.

    Including DeVries, nine senior football players have already made their college choices.

  • Fairview’s Cameron Frazier headed to Oklahoma for baseball

    Fairview Arvada West baseball
    Fairview shortstop Cameron Frazier (3) is headed to Oklahoma to play baseball. (Dennis Pleuss)

    Fairview athlete Cameron Frazier has committed to Oklahoma to play baseball, he announced on Twitter on Saturday.

    A first-team all-state selection in both football and baseball, Frazier was among 2014’s top athletes.

    Frazier, who graduated in May, played shortstop, outfield and pitched for the Knights. He had planned on heading to San Jacinto Community College in Texas, but will instead play for the Sooners.

    Oklahoma had been scouting Frazier at Fairview’s summer baseball games in recent days.

    In pledging to the Sooners, Frazier becomes the 47th member of the Class of 2014 to commit to play Division I baseball. That is believed to be the most in state history from one class.

    Frazier hit .500 with four home runs and 25 RBI during his senior season this spring. He also stole 12 bases. This summer, during club and Legion baseball, he became one of Fairview’s go-to arms on the mound.

    Frazier was a key member of the Knights’ football team which reached the Class 5A championship game last fall. A wide receiver, defensive back and returner, he had 20 total touchdowns.