FORT COLLINS – The top football teams in the state from the 4A and 5A classes of football Colorado State University’s Canvas Stadium this Monday for the Colorado High School Activities Association’s championship press conferences.
The event featured an introduction from each of the four head coaches in attendance, followed by a Q&A session with the media, and individual one-on-one interviews with players from all four teams.
Here are some excerpts from each of the coaches opening statements, as well as the introductory statement from CHSAA Commissioner Mike Krueger:
Mike Krueger, CHSAA Commissioner:
“I really want to say congratulations to the teams and the coaches. It’s quite an accomplishment to be here. I always remember it was something special when you were practicing on Thanksgiving Day. That always meant everything was going well, things were looking up, and you had an opportunity to do something special. I hope that at some point over the next few days, and especially this weekend, you have a chance to take a breath and realize that this will be a lifelong memory for you. Obviously the whole season’s been good, but this game you’ll get to play in on Saturday is gonna be something special.”
Zach Carlton, Palmer Ridge Head Coach (4A finalist):
“I really want to give a shoutout to my coaching staff and my players that are here today, out of Monument. Thank you guys for your time and your efforts, and we’re really really excited to continue to work with this group this week. We started off the season with a really strong Montrose game and we were happy to get away with the win in that one. Our guys have shown a lot of resilience, not only in Week 1, but all the way through the season, facing different adversities and I’m really proud with where they are today.”
Jeff Geiger, Erie Head Coach (4A finalist):
“I want to thank our assistant coaches. You know, our staff is just unbelievable, and the young men that are here in Erie. It’s been a blast this year. It’s always fun when you get a chance to be at this point and you get to reminisce about all the things that happened that got you to here, but the year’s been a lot of fun. We started off our year in Florida and played a very talented Vanguard team, and I think being there for five days together and everything helped bring us closer and set us on the path to get here and play a very talented team.”
Dave Logan, Cherry Creek Head Coach (5A finalist):
“I want to thank the two or three members of our staff here and our captains that are here. Quick overview of the season: I’m really really proud of this group because they have been a group that has worked extremely hard and has not looked back really at anything that has happened in the past, but has looked forward to what could happen, culminating with Saturday.
“I would say this, from a coach’s standpoint, for all of the players, in particular. And it has been talked about up here before, but really soak in this weekend. It’s a special weekend. All these teams are trying to win, but the fact that you guys are here and can experience this as a former, long-time-ago, athlete, I never got to the state championship in football. So, it’s a cool opportunity and certainly a cool event. We know we’re playing a great team, in Columbine, and we’re looking forward to that challenge.”
Andy Lowry, Columbine Head Coach (5A finalist):
“Congratulations to all the teams, first of all. [Congratulations to] All the teams and all the coaches on a great season. Obviously, there’s four teams here today, and they’re gonna have a great time on Saturday. I’m proud of our guys. They’ve worked their rear ends off all year, and it started last January. So, all the hard work is paying off, and I just have to brag on our guys really quick. The culture and character that you guys have displayed, and the heart that you guys have played with, I’m just so proud of you guys. It started, like I said, in January, and encompassed all summer. I want to thank all my coaches that have had to put up with me for 30 years”