DENVER – The second of two CHSAA Legislative Council meetings in 2023 was conducted on Tuesday, April 18, at the DCSD Legacy Campus.
The meeting opened with an update from Board of Directors President Luke DeWolfe, CHSAA Commissioner Mike Krueger and a Legal Update. The 2023-24 budget was then passed after CHSAA Director of Finance Sarah Vernon-Brunner shared that next year’s budget will be consistent with this year.
“After a couple of tough years during the pandemic, we’re fortunate to share that at this point in time, CHSAA is in good financial health,” Vernon-Brunner stated. “Because of where we sit, we’re excited to be able to freeze membership fees for next year, give individual schools some relief due to the officials’ fees increasing, and focus on the future.”
Following some action items, the Inaugural Scheels All-Star Award winners were named, the Colorado Children’s Hospital Outstanding Sports Medicine Student was named, and retiring administrators were recognized.
The meeting closed with outgoing Board of Directors President Luke DeWolfe passing the gavel to new board president Ryan West.
Below is a breakdown of the approved changes and individuals recognized.
ADM 1 – General Eligibility Requirements
All regain dates for winter sports have been moved to Week 20, with all spring sports regain dates being moved to Week 36.
ATH 1 – Basketball Maximum Quarters
Every student, regardless of classification, can now play up to 5 quarters in one night.
ATH 2 – Softball Roster Limits
The roster limits for softball have been increased to 23 players on qualifying state tournament teams.
CR13 – Baseball
2A is moving to the same format as 3A-5A with a double-elimination state tournament.
CR14a– Basketball
3A will not re-seed the Great 8. The bracket will continue to play out from the 32-team bracket released for regionals.
CR14b – Basketball
The proposal to move 6A Great 8 basketball games to home sites failed. They will remain at the Denver Coliseum.
CR23 – Skiing
There are now two disciplines, alpine and Nordic. This will allow students to participate at a different school if their team doesn’t offer the specific discipline.
CR26 – Spirit
2A and 3A Pom will combine to form one division at the state championship. Game Day dance will also be added in 2024.
CR32 – Wrestling
New seeding criteria and adjusted regional placing points were put in place.
Award Winners
Inaugural Scheels All-Star Award
Awarded to a senior attending a CHSAA member school. The student must exhibit excellence as an all-star in all areas of life, at and away from school, by demonstrating the following attributes: problem solving, team player, positive attitude, honesty and integrity, community service, humility, striving for excellence and working above and beyond to get the job done.
Anika Brolsma – Resurrection Christian
Aaron Aucoin – Pagosa Springs
Inaugural Children’s Hospital Colorado Outstanding Sports Medicine Student
Awarded to a sports medicine student volunteer who maintains a 3.0 GPA or higher, is reliable, involved in other activities in school or community, has a trustworthy, reliable and ethical character and has beginning knowledge of general athletic trainer practices and care and prevention of athletic injuries.
Jessica McVaugh – Durango High School
Retiring Administrators
Bernie Pearce – Ouray (44 years of service)
Bob Billings – Greeley-Evans School District 6 (31 years of service)
Dan Nuschy – La Junta (27 years of service)
Kerry Sayles – Hi-Plains (22 years of service)
Michael DeWall – Berthoud (32 years of service)
Mike Santarelli – Pomona (35 years of service)
Mike Sibley – Liberty (31 years of service)
Steve Longwell – Eaton (30 years of service)