CHSAA staff will continue the work from home schedule with limited/essential personnel in-office as needed until April 13.

All CHSAA administrators will be available by email during this time period.

Jeffco Preps With Pleuss is a monthly roundup of Jeffco prep highlights hosted by Dennis Pleuss, Jeffco Public Schools’ sports information director. This month’s edition features the conclusion of the winter sports season. Jefferson, Pomona and Columbine all brought home individual state titles from the state wrestling championships at Pepsi Center. The Panthers captured yet another Class 5A team title. Three Jeffco basketball team advanced down to the Denver Coliseum in the state basketball tournaments. Columbine boys and Ralston Valley girls both faced the defending state champions in their 5A state quarterfinal games. Green Mountain girls made it all the way to the Final 4 of the 4A state tournament. We also have some words about the delay of the spring sports season.

(Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

Throughout the state of Colorado there are countless high school sports venues, each of which provide a unique atmosphere.

It’s part of what makes the preps level something truly special in the scope of all sports. With athletics on all levels on a current hiatus, a fun thought entered my head. What’s everyone’s favorite spot to play, coach or cover?

The responses made for great interaction and representation from across the state.

[divider]

Kids, coaches, athletic directors. What’s your favorite #copreps venue to play in? Shoot me and answer and tell me why. Let’s get some fun Friday reading going. @CHSAA

— Daniel Mohrmann (@DanMohrmann) March 20, 2020

Pueblo’s Dutch Clark Stadium a popular choice

The home of the Bell and Canon games, Dutch Clark Stadium has a storied history when it comes to Colorado high school athletics. It was a popular choice for media and athletes alike.

Dutch Clark. Bell Game. End of discussion. https://t.co/mr0xZWPECT

— Joe E. Cervi (@JoeECervi) March 20, 2020

Although it was a tough place to win, Dutch Clark was a special place to play!

— Ty Murphy™ (@Ty_Murphy_5) March 20, 2020

Dutch Clark for the Bell Game is pretty incredible

— Nick Rothschild (@nick_rothschild) March 20, 2020

Other football venues:

Recht Field. Duh. #GoPanthers pic.twitter.com/4kYkL12U8A

— BHS Athletics (@PanthersBHS) March 20, 2020

Nothing like Guy R. Barickman Stadium for Friday night ! @DanMohrmann @Coach_JNovotny @ffcstrength @RobNamnoum @CHSAA @FfchsB @gazettepreps https://t.co/Ej75oPu5YM pic.twitter.com/xtqKIDzL0W

— Trojan Athletics ⚔️ (@FFCHSAthletics) March 20, 2020

Everly-Montgomery Field in Longmont. Seen some major events in a lot of different sports go down at that place. #copreps pic.twitter.com/e8u1reCTy2

— Brad Cochi (@BradCochi) March 20, 2020

TIGER Stadium in La Junta – The La Junta vs Bayfield playoff game was one for the ages. Good small town atmosphere. #LJTigerNation

— Maximo Vela (@LJMaximo) March 20, 2020

La Junta football stages epic comeback to beat Bayfield in 2A semis

Paonia, where the entire town shows up for games on Friday nights.

— Matt Meyer (@jmattmeyer) March 20, 2020

[divider]

The Pit in Yuma among basketball’s favorites

Perhaps one of the most underrated venues in the state resides in the eastern plains. So many schools provide so many enclosed gym atmospheres but a couple of quick answers might put Yuma’s put on our must-see venues for future games.

The Pit at Yuma for volleyball and basketball is surreal when they pack the place.

— Caleb Burggraaf (@CBurgg9) March 20, 2020

You can’t beat The Pit in Yuma.

— Ben Blecha (@BenMeandering) March 20, 2020

Other basketball venues:

Favorite venue is the Coliseum. So many of our big events are there, or have been there, and it has such a rich history.

— Ryan Casey (@jryancasey) March 20, 2020

– Mtn Vista Wish Week home game & TRidge-Vista (whoever is home; studes amazing). Honorable mention DPS Thunderdome or Centennial League big game. Playoffs: Denver Auditorium Arena & Coliseum (HISTORY & lots of it).

— Mike May (@Strattonite_86) March 20, 2020

The Thunderdome East vs GW and you better show up early!

— Gary Isaac (@cgrdpa) March 20, 2020

As someone who grew up in Denver, getting to coach in the Thunderdome at Manual has to be my favorite place. Especially, during the Metro League district tournament when it is filled with fans. #copreps

— Richard Judd (@RichieJ1974) March 20, 2020

I know this is bias but the @RMHSLOBOS gym especially during city games/matches pic.twitter.com/3zgkLBMZYn

— RMHS GBBall (@30coachv) March 20, 2020

Palmer HS has an old school field house feel with windows on each side and state title banners from the turn of the century. Plus my @DHSAthletics teams went undefeated there https://t.co/wwQqNfegkW pic.twitter.com/ViWLeokHeI

— Jarris Krapcha (@Coach_K_EHS) March 20, 2020

I haven’t been to many, but the Florence Gym… pic.twitter.com/jI2JSuce8y

— Rocky Shackleton (@RockyShackleto1) March 20, 2020

[divider]

Like teams of all levels, everyone is fond of their own baseball fields. While there are several throughout the state, many of which offer outstanding views, those that are close to home tend to be classified as favorites. And they’re all worth highlighting.

Runyon field. Every SCL game is a playoff game. Always a Great atmosphere and even better under the lights on Hobbs https://t.co/hlNt9xvokh pic.twitter.com/aytwgQ2LDD

— Centennial Baseball (@PCBBaseball) March 20, 2020

I’m obviously biased, but the view from Roosevelt’s baseball field is tough to beat! pic.twitter.com/Q5mZFXElHr

— Jerod Cronquist (@jcron24) March 20, 2020

Baseball:
Local – @CMTNAthletics
State – Evergreen (had a blast at a regional there a few years back)#copreps

— Daniel Mohrmann (@DanMohrmann) March 20, 2020

Other contributions

Everyone has their thoughts and there are always going to be venues that stick out in everyone’s mind.

Hockey: Sertich and USAFA
Football: Buena Vista and Jeffco
Basketball: Calhan and CU
Golf: CCC and RVR Fall and CCC Spring
Baseball: Spurgeon and Skysox

— jcarricato (@john_carricato) March 20, 2020

Golf, we have the privilege to play at many different places. But one my all time favorite places is Estes Park Golf Course. The views are great and breathtaking as you look at the par 3 by the clubhouse and see the shots if they make it to the green

— FrederickGirlsGolf (@FredGirlsGolf) March 20, 2020

For golf, my favorite tournament once or even sometimes twice a year has to be Saddle Rock Golf Course. To cover, it would have to be the Coliseum. As empty as it was Thursday was just as special as when it’s packed

— Benjamin Parris (@BenParris04) March 20, 2020

The Melon Dome was a pretty fun atmosphere down in Rocky Ford. Playing on All Star Field was a lot of fun too. And if I can be a homer for a second, the gym at Wheat Ridge is just awesome

— Austin J. White (@ajw_sports) March 20, 2020

Any time Lamar and LaJunta play in any sport.

— Body Strong Mind Strong (@body_mindstrong) March 20, 2020

Coal Ridge for basketball and Rifle for football. Unreal support.

— Josh Carney (@ByJoshCarney) March 20, 2020

(Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

The following message was sent to all CHSAA schools on Thursday morning.

All,

There are so many inspiring words and letters out there to tell us to hang in there, we are together, this will pass. Although I read them and believe, there is still this vague and hollow place that says, “What’s next?”

Many decisions to make and once made, I return to that place: “What’s next?”

I understand and want to provide you with definitive answers but many next steps are out of our control. Our state and health officials have been thoughtful at keeping us in the loop on decisions that are forthcoming which alter decisions we are making at the Association level daily — sometimes hourly.

Our goal is to keep you informed without inundating you with each new announcement. I have had more Zooms, Go-To Meetings and conference calls in the last week than I have had in the last ten years. I am grateful that others outside the athletic world understand the importance and impact of our programs to the educational decisions that are being made, and have included us in their discussions.

We will get through this because of all the attributes we espouse as education-based leaders: Teamwork, perseverance, integrity, strong character, and, above all, understanding that we must lead and make decisions for something bigger than ourselves.

We won’t have all the answers but the ones we give will be led by what we believe is best for the safety and well-being of those we are responsible to protect.

These decisions have been extremely difficult because unlike the decisions made on the professional and national level, our students and school communities aren’t faceless ticket buyers. We are connected. We have been CHSAA participants, the seniors chasing gold, coaches with a dream, the parent wanting this experience for our kids.

These are unprecedented times that require us to embrace the emotions but make the best decisions while facing the unknowns.

As dedicated and servant leaders, I know you are reaching out to take care of your staffs and students, their lives have and are being disrupted. They need to know that you are there for them. We need to be intentional on checking on them and each other.

In the times of pondering What’s next?, here’s a gentle reminder as you adjust to your new normal: Please don’t forget to take care of YOU!

(PaulDiSalvoPhotography.com)

The 2019-20 all-state and all-conference hockey teams are a joint project between the Colorado High School Ice Hockey Coaches Association and CHSAANow.com.

These teams were created following a meeting of coaches.

[divider]

All-State

Player of the Year: Sam Simon, Fort Collins

Coach of the Year: Dylan Strom, Fort Collins

Honorable mention:

• Nolan Williamson, Fort Collins
• Wyatt Cirbo, Denver East
• Austin Sawyer, Pine Creek
• Hunter Fieweger, Cherry Creek
• Leighton Walsh, Regis Jesuit
• Zach Anderson, Mountain Vista
• Jackson Mundell, Chaparral
• Ethan Dupree, Mountain Vista
• Jake Mccall, Valor Christian
• Luke Flay, Cherry Creek
• Fuller Loose, Monarch
• Marek Thompson, Fort Collins
• Trey Hirschfield, Valor Christian
• Lucas Banks, Cherry Creek

[divider]

All-Conference

Summit

Honorable mention:

• Andrew Santos, Pine Creek
• KC Brooks, Pine Creek
• Ryan Nicoll, Pueblo County
• Mitchell Lewis, Cheyenne Mountain
• Philip Bramble, Cheyenne Mountain
• Sawyer Haas, Cheyenne Mountain

[divider]

Peak

Honorable mention:

• Dylan Webster, Glenwood Springs
• Cole Houston, Glenwood Springs
• Sean Mooney, Glenwood Springs
• Jacob Fowler, Glenwood Springs
• Carson Dietz, Battle Mountain
• Luke Grimaldi, Battle Mountain
• Logan Gremmer, Battle Mountain
• Logan Soderberg, Aspen
• David Thiel, Steamboat Springs
• Griffin Maltby, Steamboat Springs
• Tanner Ripley, Steamboat Springs

[divider]

Pinnacle

Honorable mention:

• Trevor Wahl, Standley Lake
• Denny White, Fort Collins
• Vlad Suhlodolov, Standley Lake
• Imaad Siddique, Standley Lake
• Sam Clark, Ralston Valley
• Anthony Colagrosso, Ralston Valley
• Cam Pietrasiewicz, Ralston Valley
• Jason Campos, Fort Collins
• Tristan Olick, Fort Collins
• Cristian Girardi, Resurrection Christian
• Jake Little, Resurrection Christian
• Eric Tyrrell, Resurrection Christian
• Zach Clark, Resurrection Christian
• Toby Gleason, Ralston Valley

[divider]

Highlands

Honorable mention:

• Aidan Cashman, Mullen
• Robby Witwer, Mullen
• Nick Gilbert, Mullen
• Ian Riordan, Denver East
• Anthony Capra, Denver East
• Connor Hasse, Denver East
• Calvin Polon, Denver East
• Spencer Thomas, Kent Denver
• Thomas Corbett, Kent Denver
• Patrick Burke, Heritage
• Mitchell Myles, Heritage
• Holden Beckett, Chatfield
• Matt Maag, Chatfield

[divider]

Apex

Honorable mention:

• Jonathan Musser, Rampart
• Jordan Jeffords, Rampart
• Jaysen Komrofske, Rampart
• Micheal Barber, Rampart
• Dean Seifert, Rampart
• Parker Taranto, Woodland Park
• Jack Cintron, Coronado
• Aaron Leaf, Coronado
• Adam Gryboski, Coronado
• Shaun Valdez, Palmer
• Alex Wells, Palmer
• Joe Vandyk, Palmer
• John Petrone, Palmer
• Dane Smith, Palmer
• Greg Schendzielos, Liberty
• Brock Chellgren, Liberty
• Ian Ward, Liberty
• Seth Dimarino, Liberty
• Nik Reddeclifd, Liberty
• Syd Dahl, Rampart
• Owen Gaul, Woodland Park

[divider]

Foothills

Honorable mention:

• Serge Padilla, Regis Jesuit
• Jesse Kittay, Mountain Vista
• Lathan Olsen, Castle View
• Jackson Szmul, Castle View
• Parker Fromin, Castle View
• Joseph Holguin, Chaparral
• Riley Hunt-Bahn, Cherry Creek
• Gage Bussey, Regis Jesuit
• Gavin Berkey, Cherry Creek
• Colton Carlson, Valor Christian
• Blake Rollison, Valor Christian
• Eugene Riewe, Cherry Creek
• Robbie Dembeck, Regis Jesuit
• Andrew O’Connor, Chaparral
• Blake Johnson, Chaparral
• Calvin Root, Mountain Vista
• John Connolly, Chaparral

(Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

UPDATE: Spring sports are now suspended until April 30

The Colorado High School Activities Association, following the most recent recommendation of state and federal health officials, has announced changes in the spring sports and activities schedules.

On Monday, Gov. Jared Polis announced new restrictions on public gatherings to help slow the advance of the COVID-19 pandemic. Polis ordered the closure of large gathering places across Colorado for 30 days, effective at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

“In light of Governor Jared Polis’ announcement Monday afternoon, we are announcing that the Association will follow the guidelines that went into effect at 8 a.m. Tuesday and will remain in effect for 30 days,” CHSAA Commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green said. “This media and school advisory is to keep the membership apprised of the latest decisions from the CHSAA office.”

These updates include:

• The suspension of spring sports and activities is extended through April 18. CHSAA encourages schools to set stricter standards on student gatherings outside of the high school. This suspension means no practices or competition.
• All CHSAA music events have been cancelled for 2020.
• The CHSAA Hall of Fame, scheduled for April 14, has been cancelled.
• The CHSAA Legislative Council meeting, scheduled for April 15, has been postponed pending changes in the public gathering restrictions.
• The State Speech Tournament and Student Leadership’s Advisor U have been postponed until later in the spring pending changes in the public gathering restrictions.
• The CHSAA office will remain closed until March 30, with staff working remotely from home.

The CHSAA will recognize individual participants from the CHSAA state basketball championships with a memento in the coming weeks to recognize their leadership and resolve during that week.

National and state decisions related to the COVID-19 virus are changing daily, even hourly, so new updates will be posted on CHSAANow.com and communicated via email to schools and media.

(Lisa Hayes/StillOfTheMomentPhotography.com)

The process for the all-state basketball teams is underway, and the first step has us gathering every all-league team from around the state.

If coaches or ADs have a copy of a missing league, please email it to Ryan Casey (rcasey@chsaa.org) immediately.

This is the first step in our all-state process for basketball. Once every all-league team has been gathered, the players who were named first-team in their league will be placed on the ballot, and that ballot will be sent out to all head coach for a vote.

The results of that vote will be compiled and the all-state teams will be created.

Below is a list of all-league teams that we have, and what we are still missing:

Girls basketball:

Boys basketball:

(Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

The 2019-20 all-state skiing teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

These teams were created by the Colorado High School Ski League.

Skimeister is a season-long event conducted by the Ski League which honors the top skier in both disciplines.

[divider]

Boys

Skimeister: Matthew Cairns, Lake County

[divider]

Girls

Skimeister: Kiana Brausch, Battle Mountain

(Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

In line with our member schools, the National Federation and several state Associations, the CHSAA staff will be working remotely from home until March 30. Administrators will available via email beginning March 16. We will return to the office on March 30.

The CHSAA staff will communicate the date changes for the Hall of Fame and the Legislative Council this week to the membership.

Updates regarding spring sports and transitioning on April 6 will be communicated immediately, if there are any changes. Otherwise, an update will be given on or before April 3.

(David Johnson/davidjohnsonphotography.org)

On Friday afternoon, about 14 hours or so after the news that the remainder of the state basketball tournaments had been canceled, Springfield science teacher Van Walker published a letter to all Baca County basketball athletes to express admiration for their leadership.

It’s a letter which helps put the COVID-19 pandemic into perspective.

Walker wrote: “You may not be able to talk about that championship game in 2020, but you will be able to tell your children and grandchildren that you were an integral part of a far greater team that played a critical role in slowing the 2020 pandemic in Colorado, the United States, and perhaps the world.”

Baca County — located in the Southeast corner of the state, along the border with Kansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico — had three teams still alive in the Final 4 round: Springfield and South Baca in the Class 1A girls tournament, and Walsh in 1A boys. Springfield’s girls hadn’t made the tournament in 38 years.

The letter is addressed to Baca County’s basketball athletes, but we are sharing it here as the sentiment expressed within applies to all of our athletes across the state.

Walker’s full letter, published on Springfield’s website, is below:

To all Baca County state basketball tournament athletes, coaches and their families:

Congratulations on your accomplishments and the numerous hours each of you has sacrificed to reach the pinnacle of your season, and perhaps, your high school athletic endeavors. Understandably, each of you is disappointed that your seasons were not able, due to circumstances far beyond any one person’s or one organization’s control, to culminate those efforts in the traditional format. No amount of words can describe what you are feeling and experiencing nor can they soothe that pain.

However, please look at yourselves as the leaders that you are. Your leadership, as part of a team, has enabled you to accomplish your basketball goals, and today you distinguish yourselves as leaders of a much larger team; the leaders of the worldwide health crisis team. Today, your selflessness, your optimism, and your strength of character demonstrate powerfully, to everyone in our state and beyond, that you, as leaders, will always choose the correct course of action, rather than despair, that you will always elect to maintain a professional, winning disposition over the louder negativity of the masses and you will persevere through this crisis and others that may assail you or any teams with which you affiliate, through your indomitable spirit. The world needs leaders like you especially today and in the midst of uncertainty; your actions are the compass that guides, reassures, and inspires others to unify, to cooperate, and to overcome.

So while you are unable to grasp the very prize that you desired and in the manner in which you had envisioned, now you have stepped into history on a much larger scale. You may not be able to talk about that championship game in 2020, but you will be able to tell your children and grandchildren that you were an integral part of a far greater team that played a critical role in slowing the 2020 pandemic in Colorado, the United States, and perhaps the world.

Your selfless actions are commendable and reflect great credit upon each of you. We look upon each of you with tremendous approbation, we extend our admiration to each of you, and we are grateful to have you as leaders in Baca County.

With Admiration and Respect,

Springfield High School