AURORA — Mitch Weyman and Trevor Hunter each scored goals as No. 7 Grandview beat No. 23 Bear Creek to advance to the Class 5A boys soccer quarterfinals.
INDIANAPOLIS — A study conducted by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and funded by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Foundation revealed that high school athletes who specialize in a single sport sustain lower-extremity injuries at significantly higher rates than athletes who do not specialize in one sport.
The study was conducted throughout the 2015-16 school year at 29 high schools in Wisconsin involving more than 1,500 student-athletes equally divided between male and female participants. The schools involved in the study represented a mixture of rural (14), suburban (12) and urban (3) areas, and enrollments were equally diverse with 10 small schools (less than 500 students), 10 medium schools (501-1,000 students) and nine large schools (more than 1,000 students).
Athletes who specialized in one sport were twice as likely to report previously sustaining a lower-extremity injury while participating in sports (46%) than athletes who did not specialize (24%). In addition, specialized athletes sustained 60 percent more new lower-extremity injuries during the study than athletes who did not specialize. Lower-extremity injuries were defined as any acute, gradual, recurrent or repetitive-use injury to the lower musculoskeletal system.
“While we have long believed that sport specialization by high school athletes leads to an increased risk of overuse injury, this study confirms those beliefs about the potential risks of sport specialization,” said Bob Gardner, NFHS executive director. “Coaches, parents and student-athletes need to be aware of the injury risks involved with an overemphasis in a single sport.”
Among those who reported previously sustaining a lower-extremity injury, the areas of the body injured most often were the ankle (43%) and knee (23%). The most common type of previous injuries were ligament sprains (51%) and muscle/tendon strains (20%).
New injuries during the year-long study occurred most often to the ankle (34%), knee (25%) and upper leg (13%), with the most common injuries being ligament sprains (41%), muscle/tendon strains (25%) and tendonitis (20%).
In addition, specialized athletes were twice as likely to sustain a gradual onset/repetitive-use injury than athletes who did not specialize, and those who specialized were more likely to sustain an injury even when controlling for gender, grade, previous injury status and sport.
Thirty-four (34) percent of the student-athletes involved in the Wisconsin study specialized in one sport, with females (41%) more likely to specialize than males (28%). Soccer had the highest level of specialization for both males (45%) and females (49%). After soccer, the rate of specialization for females was highest for softball (45%), volleyball (43%) and basketball (37%). The top specialization sports for males after soccer were basketball (37%), tennis (33%) and wrestling (29%).
The study, which was directed by Timothy McGuine, Ph.D., ATC, of the University of Wisconsin, also documented the effects of concurrent sport participation (participating in an interscholastic sport while simultaneously participating in an out-of-school club sport), which indicated further risk of athletes sustaining lower-extremity injuries.
Almost 50 percent of the student-athletes involved in the survey indicated they participated on a club team outside the school setting, and 15 percent of those individuals did so while simultaneously competing in a different sport within the school. Seventeen (17) percent of the student-athletes indicated that they took part in 60 or more primary sport competitions (school and club) in a single year. Among those student-athletes in this group who sustained new lower-extremity injuries during the year, 27 percent were athletes who specialized in one sport.
The student-athletes involved in the study were deemed “specialized” if they answered “yes” to at least four of the following six questions: 1) Do you train more than 75 percent of the time in your primary sport?; 2) Do you train to improve skill and miss time with friends as a result?; 3) Have you quit another sport to focus on one sport?; 4) Do you consider your primary sport more important than your other sports?; 5) Do you regularly travel out of state for your primary sport?; 6) Do you train more than eight months a year in your primary sport?
Although some sports (field hockey, lacrosse) are not offered in Wisconsin and were not included in the study, the study concluded that since specialization increased the risk of lower-extremity injuries in sports involved in the survey it would also likely increase the risk of injuries in sports that were not a part of the study.
DENVER — No. 30 Fossil Ridge has become the story of the Class 5A boys soccer tournament, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over No. 14 Lincoln.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Opinions in this Mailbag do not reflect an official viewpoint of CHSAA.
In this installment of the CHSAANow.com Mailbag, we tackle the questions about the classification system, moving softball to the spring, recruiting officials, and (of course) RPI.
The CLOC committee is involved in creating the classification system. (Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)
I am interested in understanding how the classification process works. It does not seem to me to be strictly an enrollment issue. How can a school participate in one class for one sport and another class for a different sport?
— Tom
The classification system, to me, is one of the biggest issues CHSAA is facing right now.
First, here’s a direct answer to your question: Right now, the classes are set by-and-large by enrollment, with a very small amount of teams playing up (by choice) or down (due to lack of success) a class.
Schools can have different teams in different classes because of that reason, but also because sports have a differing number of classes. For example, football has seven classes, but boys soccer has three. The enrollment cutoffs are different for those sports. (Note that this isn’t always true, as basketball, which has five classes, has the same cutoffs as soccer.)
I hold a firm belief that enrollment alone does not give enough of a picture to determine classes. I think there should be some weight given to success, or lack thereof, which would probably do a better job at placing programs in a classification.
For example, a program that has won six-straight tennis championships in 4A probably ought to move up to 5A. A football team that has gone 0-10 for three straight years in 3A is probably better suited playing 2A.
Those are, obviously, extreme examples. I think this type of success-based addition to the classification system should be more nuanced, taking into account things like regular season wins, playoff appearances, and the levels of postseason reached.
Of course, this may have the side effect of placing more programs of the same school into different classifications. However, I really think that’s OK.
Recently, a small step was taken in this direction: The CHSAA staff visited with members of the California Interscholastic Federation, and received a briefing on their classification system. That system does take success (or lack of it) into account, tackling competitive equity.
Any discussion of moving softball to spring season like many other states and college? Does CHSAA realize the number of female athletes that compete in both softball and volleyball and are forced to choose one sport in high school?
Volleyball is clearly a fall sport and softball is clearly a spring sport in college which makes since for alignment.
— Dustin, Aurora
Yes, actually. I was surprised to learn this.
A survey was created about this topic by Kit Carson School District superintendent Robert Framel, and it went out to all schools. His survey indicated the following:
Most of the 5A, 4A and 3A schools were not in favor of a move to the spring. In 5A and 4A, just 15 percent of schools were in favor of the move, while 39.4 percent of 3A schools were in favor of a move.
Results were slightly more mixed from 1A and 2A (though there is no softball at that level; any schools parcipating here play 3A). In 2A, nine of the 23 surveyed responded that they did want a move, while nine of the 17 surveyed in 1A indicated the same.
Because of these survey results, it is my understanding that the softball committee will hear a proposal to create a 2A softball season in the spring when that committee meets on Nov. 17. That would leave 5A, 4A and 3A playing in the fall.
This is just my opinion, but I believe that would be a bad move. We should not be splitting the same sport into different seasons.
Additionally, a move to a spring season would create other concerns, such as a lack of umpires, the pool of which crosses over from both high school baseball and from college softball (both played in the spring). Also, indications are that it would be very difficult to secure Aurora Sports Park in the spring. So the state tournaments would have to find a similar facility elsewhere.
As far as athletes having to choose one sport over another, that would happen even in the spring with girls sports like track, lacrosse, and soccer.
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(Michael Hankins/TGWstudios.com)
With Paul Angelico and Tom Robinson retiring at the end of the school year, will there be an emphasis on the new regime to recruit newer and better officials for all sports?
Specifically, at the football level, there is a major shortage of officials and a big reason for that is Colorado ranks third-to-last in the country in terms of what officials are paid — and it’s likely like that across all sports.
Isn’t it time for CHSAA — and its member schools and districts — to get serious about getting better officials, and that would require a financial commitment that has been lagging for decades?
— C.J. T., Denver
There have been strides made in this area, as recently as this season, and it is now being looked at every two-year cycle. I believe many schools are starting to take action on this.
I asked Tom Robinson, our officials liaison, about this:
“We might be third in pay, but I’m certain we’re also near the bottom in terms of educational funds, as well,” he said. “So there’s a correlation.”
Still, Robinson acknowledged that this was an issue, and that he was working on it.
“I think that’s a problem,” he said, “but I also think there are other factors. Things like fan abuse and career changes are equally in the mix.
“There’s been a change in the paradigm recently, where we’re no longer strictly getting our officials from the educational world,” Robinson continued. “We’re now getting people from all walks of life.”
As you mention, he is retiring, and we are going to miss him in that office. But I think he wants to have a structure in place to recruit officials before he leaves.
For example, he mentioned an “Each One, Teach One” program where every current official becomes a mentor and helps recruit another official.
Here’s another idea: We’ve got thousands of great “refs” in the stands at games. Why not recruit them?
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I enjoyed reading your proposed changes to the RPI article. I myself have struggled with your own winning percentage holding as much weight as your OOWP and both far behind OWP.
Will basketball consider switching the formula in time for this season?
— Zach, Swink
Thank you, I appreciate that, and thank you for reading.
I honestly do not know if basketball can switch before the winter season, but I will say this: it’s probably best to not get your hopes up.
But also remember that basketball has 19-23 games, so that will help. Again, the problem in football is by-and-large being caused by the relatively small amount of games.
The spring season may be more realistic.
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(Morgan Dzak/CHSAANow.com)
When Silver Creek and Longmont played last week in football, Silver Creek won and stayed fourth in RPI yet Longmont lost and moved up to fifth in RPI.
How is this possible, and why does it seem that RPI rewards teams for losing to great teams? Doesn’t that seem a bit counter-intuitive?
— Jamal, Longmont
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about RPI: It is not a game-to-game rating system, like a coaches poll. It rates teams based on their entire season.
So what likely happened in this instance is that Silver Creek already had a solid strength-of-schedule rating, and it was relatively unchanged by the fact that the Raptors played Longmont. In Longmont’s case, it appears to have helped the Trojans’ SOS, and they moved up as a result.
Now to your second point, we’ve gotten some feedback from our schools (and I agree) that the OWP column is weighted too much, especially for a sport like football, with only 10 games. I believe that will be addressed prior to next season.
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(Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)
Will the RPI be used in women’s hoops and will it be used to seed the teams for the state playoffs? If not, is only being used to select the overall field of playoff teams?
— Kevin, Greenwood Village
Hot off the digital press! It’s our basketball bulletin. See pages 24-30 for qualifying formats.
This answer applies to both girls and boys basketball: Each class has a slightly different way of approaching this, but the RPI will be the primary factor in seeding in all classes, adjusting to accommodate geography and avoid first-round matchups where possible.
There are exceptions, like 3A, where seeds 1-7 will be district champions.
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(Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)
Is there a reason why CHSAA does not announce where the girls golf regional and state tournaments will be played at the beginning of the school year?
— Hank P., Golden
They typically are announced at that time, but not always.
I think, more than any other sport, golf’s state tournament sites are unique because it is so difficult to find a host course, as well as a school willing to serve as a host.
There are other factors to consider, like how the sites rotate on a geographic basis most of the time, so that can make it even more difficult to secure a course.
As a result, the announcement of sites can at times take longer than other sports.
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So rugby is getting bigger and better in Colorado, has there been any mention to add boys and girls rugby league and rugby union to high school programs?
The game is becoming much popular and athletes from other sports are participating making the game much more competitive.
MONUMENT — Traveling to Don Breese Stadium and upsetting Lewis-Palmer is nothing new for Valor Christian. Advancing to the Class 4A boys soccer quarterfinals, however, is a very new feeling.
Like, iPhone 7-level new.
So when Buddy Nelson buried a shot in the 98th minute to give the Eagles a 1-0 win over the Rangers on Tuesday, his teammates began to celebrate like they had just opened that very expensive present on Christmas morning.
“This is the first time our team has made it (to the quarterfinals),” Nelson said. “So our program is really pumped that we were able to get there.”
But by no means was it easy.
The Rangers (13-4 overall) came into the tournament as the No. 2 overall seed and were looking to make a run at their first boys soccer state championship since 2003. They were also looking to avenge last year’s 3-1 home loss to Valor in the first round.
And with the strong goaltending of Hayden MacPherson and the offensive instincts of Jackson Neal, it looked like they were going to get their chance at it.
MacPherson stood tall in the net and through both halves made enough diving saves to earn gasps from fans of both teams. In the first half, Neal worked his way around three Eagles (9-7-1) players before ripping a shot that needed its own spectacular save from Valor keeper Ryan Pierce.
“It was a well-fought game through the end,” Pierce said. “They had so many chances and I thought they were going to score.”
But like MacPherson, he just kept swatting the ball away.
(Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)
After regulation ended with neither team finding the back of the net, the Eagles chatted on the sideline about what it will take to advance to Saturday’s quarterfinals. There was no definitive answer on what would get them the win.
But they knew that there was one thing that would net them a loss: fear.
“We just talked to them about if they play not to lose they’ll probably come up short,” Valor coach Brian Shultz said. “You have to go for the win. That’s why we kept being aggressive.”
And it paid off.
Two and a half minutes into the second overtime, the Rangers tried to clear the ball and it was Nelson who found the ball sitting at his feet.
He ripped a shot from the right side and as hard as MacPherson tried to make one more impressive save, the ball got just past his fingertips and found the goal.
“We create a lot of chances every game and normally only one or two go in,” Nelson said. “It’s pretty normal for us and I think all our chances just built our momentum up to get that last one in.”
And with that, the Eagles will fly at least one more time.
Valor is set to travel to Durango, who came away with a 2-1 win over Skyview. The winner of that game will advance to the 4A semifinals on Nov. 9.
Even if 2016 marks the first-ever quarterfinals appearance for the Eagles, they have no intention of settling for just that.
“Our momentum is just going to carry us through,” Nelson said. “I think we’re going to go far this year.”
D’Evelyn senior Nico Denton, left, had a goal and assist as the Jaguars upset No. 1 Cheyenne Mountain 3-2 in the 4A state tournament Tuesday. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)
COLORADO SPRINGS — D’Evelyn senior Trey Martinez pick a heck of a time to pick up his second goal of the season.
Martinez, who hadn’t found the back of the net since the Jaguars’ season opener, volleyed in a centering pass from fellow senior Nico Denton in the 78th minute Tuesday night in the second round of the Class 4A boys soccer state tournament.
“We still have a bunch of work to do, but it just shows the talent that we have on this team,” Martinez said. “The ability we have when we work together to knock off the No. 1 team in the state.”
The No. 17 seed D’Evelyn upset top-seeded Cheyenne Mountain 3-2 on the Indians’ home field.
“I just saw the opportunity going up the field,” Martinez said on the eventual game-winning goal. “I know Nico has the skill and pace to get off a pass. I knew I had to get in the box to even have a chance to make something happen.”
While the goal was the highlight for D’Evelyn (12-4-1) moving into the 4A state quarterfinals, the final 15 minutes were wild. Three goals — along with Cheyenne Mountain receiving three red cards — in the final 15 minutes in what D’Evelyn coach Paul Moline said was one of the crazies playoff games he has been apart of.
“Cheyenne Mountain is a very physical team and you have to match that,” said Moline, who will take his team on the road again to face No. 9 Battle Mountain in the state quarterfinals Saturday. “You’ve got to keep your heads in the game. I think we were able do that and that was the difference.”
Cheyenne Mountain (14-2-1) had plenty of reason not to overlook the Jaguars. The Indians suffered their lone loss of the regular season against D’Evelyn on Sept. 13 at Lakewood Memorial Field. Senior Wesley Tedstrom had a career game against Cheyenne Mountain in D’Evelyn’s 4-1 victory. Tedstrom had three goals and an assist.
Since the loss, Cheyenne Mountain has a 9-0-1 record heading into Tuesday’s playoff game.
Clearly the Indians wanted to shutdown the Jaguars’ leading scorer, but D’Evelyn senior Denizhan Yigitbas was able to step up late in the first half to even the game at 1-1 going into halftime. With two players and the goalie coming out on Tedstrom during a run, Yigitbas was able to get open and have an empty net to shoot at when the ball came to him.
“We kind of knew they would have a lot of attention on Wesley,” Moline said. “We talked about him drawing that attention and our players had to play off of him.”
D’Evelyn took its first lead in the 65th minute when Denton streaked down center of the field after a 50-50 ball and put a shot into the back of the net for a 2-1 lead.
“Josh (Schlicht) did a great job drawing two defenders,” Denton said of his goal. “It just popped out to me and I had the one-on-one.”
Cheyenne Mountain was able to tie the game up at 2-2 despite being down a man. A long ball toward D’Evelyn goal was headed in by Sam Alvares in the 75th minute. Senior and leading scorer Luke White was issued his second yellow card to receive a red card in the 73rd minute.
“We thought had it won after the first red card,” Denton said. “We always gather round adversity. We knew we were going to win.”
Denton’s laser pass to Martinez for the game-winning goal prevented overtime and gave the second straight playoff victory on the road for the 4A Jeffco League champions. The Jaguars shut out No. 16 Denver North 3-0 in the opening round last week to earn a date again the top-seeded Indians.
“We figured we would get a better seed winning our league, but (Moline) has told us from Day 1 he would take us on any field again any team,” Denton said. “We believe that.”
It was a successful night in Colorado Springs for three of the four Jeffco League teams that traveled south for second round games. No. 15 Valor Christian upset No. 2 Lewis-Palmer 1-0 in double overtime and No. 20 and defending 4A state champion Evergreen upended No. 4 Air Academy 3-1.
Standley Lake was the only Jeffco team to have its bid for the quarterfinals come up short. The No. 14 Gators lost to No. 3 The Classical Academy 3-2.
“I don’t know what it is this year. It’s kind of a magical team this year,” said Moline, who took the Jaguars to the 4A state semifinals in 2014. “We’ll see what happens.”
D’Evelyn senior Wesley Tedstrom (3) beats Cheyenne Mountain senior Sam Alvares (3) to the ball Tuesday night. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)
DENVER — Michael Peters and Dylan Stanley each scored twice as No. 12 Pueblo West upsets No. 5 Mullen to advance to the Class 4A boys soccer quarterfinals.
The following information shows the designated home team for potential playoff football matchups to be completed by Saturday, Nov. 12. The formula for determining the home team is shown on page 50 of the football bulletin.
Sites are determined each week at the CHSAA office, one-and-a-half weeks prior to the next round. When possible, this will be live-streamed.
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Explanation
How the home sites are determined.
For 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A: The team with the fewest playoff home games will host. If equal, the higher seed will host.
For 2A: The team with the fewest playoff home games will host. If equal, the higher seed will host. Exception: If playoff home games are equal, and the opponents are from the same conference, the school with the higher conference standing in the regular season shall be the host.
For 8-man and 6-man: The team with the fewest playoff home games will host. If equal, a coin flip determines the home team.
In 3A, the higher seed will host the championship game regardless of the number of home games.
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Future home sites
Key: Home games – Fewest home playoff games; Higher seed – The highest seeded team; Mileage – One-way mileage.
DENVER — Denver West jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first half and added two more goals in the second half to beat Ponderosa 5-0 in the Class 4A boys soccer tournament.
