Tag: Jeffco

No. 2 Pomona faces No. 3 Mullen in Zero Week football showdown

Junior Max Borghi and Pomona gets the football season off and running with a Zero Week showdown against Mullen. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

ARVADA — The Zero Week showdown between Class 5A football powerhouses Pomona and Mullen actually came out of necessity.

According to Pomona coach Jay Madden, the Panthers and Mustangs simply couldn’t find another program willing to face them in a non-league game. With Pomona tabbed to play Week 1 against Glynn Academy (Georgia) in Florida and Mullen also heading out of state Week 4, they agreed to a Zero Week game on the Mustangs’ campus at de La Salle Stadium.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26. The game will be broadcasted live on Altitude.

“We love to compete. Whatever game it is we want to play a good team. It makes you better,” Madden said of his Panthers, ranked No. 2 in the CHSAANow.com 5A preseason poll, facing No. 3 Mullen. “We don’t want to go out and look for a win. We want to go out and look for competition.”

There is a ton of history between the two programs. Most recently, Mullen took a 38-31 overtime victory last season against Pomona in a 5A Jeffco League opener. That loss is still in the back of the minds of the numerous returners the Panthers have back on both sides of the football.

“I’m really excited, especially after what happened last year,” Pomona senior linebacker Garrett Zanon said of the premier game to kickoff the prep football season. “We just didn’t play as well as we could have against them last year.”

Mullen coach Tom Thenell has several returning key players from his 2015 team that went 7-4 last season before suffering a second-round playoff loss to Cherry Creek. Pomona’s toughest task Friday night against Mullen will be to slow down senior running back Marcus McElroy, Jr. The 200-pound back rushed for nearly 1,500 yards last season, but was limited to just 26 yards on the ground against Pomona last year, but had five catches for 93 yards to hurt the Panthers.

Ryan Marquez returns as the starting quarterback for the Panthers. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

“If you make a mistake against a Thenell team they are going to make you pay,” Madden said. “(Thenell) has a lot of good athletes with three or four Division I guys over there. We are going to have our work cutout for us.”

The Panthers return a ton of starters on defense. Seniors Isiah Hirtler, Brandon Micale and Isaac Lopez will anchor the defensive line that Madden called his best group up front in his 14 years at the helm at Pomona.

Zanon is a strong middle linebacker and senior safeties Uriah Vigil and Miles Matulik are solid playmakers on defense. Senior Jeremy Gonzales will be counted on a being a shutdown cornerback for the Panthers.

“We know how important it is to take practice seriously to get ready for each game,” Zanon said about how the load of experience will benefit the Panthers.

Pomona offensive returns several key pieces as well. However, a huge void will be the absence of senior Jake Moretti. One of the top offensive linemen in the country — Moretti verbally committed to Ohio State University last year — will miss his senior season after a knee injury that resulted in surgery. Moretti suffered the knee injury at an Ohio State camp this summer.

“You don’t replace Jake. He is the best player I’ve ever coached,” Madden said of his 6-foot-5, 285-pound two-way lineman. “We can find other ways to win. There isn’t just one way to win.”

Madden admitted Pomona will have to be more “creative” offensively without Moretti on the field this year. The positive is the Panthers return starting junior quarterback Ryan Marquez who finished third in the state in the 5A 300-meter hurdles this spring. Back is also the running back tandem of senior Cameron Gonzales and junior Max Borghi that terrorized defenses last year.

Gonzales said the loss in the state championship game to Valor Christian is what motivates him going into his final season.

“We’ve got to prove ourselves this year,” Gonzales said. “You can’t let that effect us in a negative way this year. You have to use it as motivation.”

Pomona senior Cameron Gonzales had nearly 30 rushing touchdowns last season. (Dennis Pleuss/Athletics)

Gonzales and Borghi combine for more than 3,000 yards from scrimmage. Gonzales had nearly 1,500 yards rushing and 29 touchdowns. Borghi had nearly 1,000 yards rushing and more than 500 yards receiving.

“They (Gonzales and Borghi) are going to have to have even better years,” Madden said. “They are both great football players. They have completely different skill sets, which is great. Max is more of an outside quick guy. With Cameron you can have him run blindfolded and he’ll find his way to the end zone.”

The Panthers aren’t blind to the fact that they lost a fourth-quarter lead to Valor in the state championship game last season. Pomona advanced to the title game edging Jeffco League rival Columbine in the state semifinals when the Rebels missed an extra point that would have sent the game into overtime.

“We’ve played great games in state championships and not to win one of them has been tough, but it is part of life,” said Madden, who coached the Panthers to the 5A state runner-up in 2009. “I told our kids that Columbine was feeling the way we did the week before. That’s what sports is about and if you can’t deal with that you shouldn’t play.”

Pomona continues its strong non-league schedule against Fountain-Fort Carson and rival Ralston Valley before its state championship rematch against Valor scheduled for Sept. 23 in Highlands Ranch. The Panthers then have a bye week before jumping into their 5A Mt. Evans League schedule.

Despite having plenty of football ahead, Gonzales believes Friday’s opener against Mullen is important.

“Hopefully we will set a statement in that game for the rest of the year,” Gonzales said. “We can let the state know who we are and what we are about.”

Pomona coach Jay Madden leads his Panthers in road games against Mullen and Valor Christian during a tough non-league schedule. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

August 23, 2016
Green Mountain football senses return to winning ways

Green Mountain football coach Matt Pees wants to bring back the winning tradition to the Rams’ football program. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

LAKEWOOD — Green Mountain’s football program is looking to the past to hopefully capture some success in the present.

“It is something to strive for,” Green Mountain’s first-year head coach Matt Pees said of the program’s 1995 and 1999 Class 4A state championships that were won before some his current players were even born. “This community has done it before. Even those it’s been a long time since that kind of success — I think the last playoff win was 12 years ago. It is something we want to get back to. They have the privilege to be the first class to change the culture and get back to that tradition when Green Mountain was just dominating.”

There is a buzz around the program this season with Pees moving from offensive coordinator into the head coaching job. Then there is the moving from 4A to 3A in classification.

The Rams will play in the 3A West League for the next two-year cycle that includes plenty of Jeffco flavor. Alameda, Conifer, Evergreen, Lutheran, Skyview and Green Mountain make up the new conference.

“We haven’t treated it any differently, but you can definitely sense there is a different feel,” Green Mountain senior quarterback Dylan Jacob said during the first week of practice. “Everyone is so much more excited. For the last couple of weeks everyone has enjoyed showing up. It’s a completely different atmosphere.”

Dylan Jacob returns for his third season as the Rams’ starting quarterback. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

Green Mountain is fortunate to have a signal-caller with as much varsity experience as Jacob, who becomes a three-year starter behind center.

“He (Jacob) has grown a lot, not just physically, but mentally is a big part of it,” Pees said. “Being a quarterback is one of the toughest positions in sports and he does a great job at it. He is a four-sport athlete with a 4.2 GPA. He is an outstanding kid. He wants to win more than anyone else on this team.”

While Green Mountain had just a 1-9 record last season, the Rams returning several returning varsity players that have varsity experience under their belts. There were just a handful of seniors last season. Pees has plenty of seniors this year to lead the Rams into this new era of playing in 3A.

“We have 18 seniors and they are hungry,” Pees said. “They are working their tails off to have that success.”

Pees believes the opportunity of being in the conversation of a football program on the rise isn’t far away and the entire community can help the cause.

“The community is incredible here. Green Mountain is an outstanding community between parents, administration and facility. It’s a great place to be,” Pees said. “With the tradition that is involved that was a big plus as well. There is a core in place already to build something on.”

On the field; seniors Ben Schlieper, Preston Schattinger, Spencer Lagerberg, Mason Bell, Justin Booher, Kyle Clabaugh and Jacob begin the conversation with how Green Mountain can turn its program around.

Green Mountain hopes to have a size advantage on some of its 3A league opponents. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

“This year we have a lot of seniors that are returning. We have a lot of leaders and everyone is communicating,” Clabaugh said. “I think there is a little more pressure, but we all trust each other here. We are all teammates and I think we’ll do pretty well this season.”

Green Mountain begins the season on the road against Harrison in Colorado Springs on Sept. 2. Week 2 will be interesting with a showdown against D’Evelyn on Sept. 9 at Trailblazer Stadium in Lakewood. The Jaguars are also dropping down a classification from 3A to 2A, but has been a consistent playoff team for years.

“It every other sports it’s really be a tough rivalry,” Jacob said of D’Evelyn. “We have never played them in football, so we want to come out and show them what Green Mountain football is all about.”

The Rams face former league rivals Golden and Standley Lake in non-league games. Those Jeffco schools remained in 4A for the current two-year cycle.

“There is a ton of talent in the teams we are going to play,” Pees said of the Rams’ schedule. “We love our conference. We think it’s going to be a great experience for our guys. We get to play a lot of Jeffco schools.”

The Rams have in interesting Week 2 showdown against D’Evelyn on Sept. 9 at Trailblazer Stadium. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

August 22, 2016
Pomona out to defend its gymnastics title

Pomona gymnatics coach Tracey Boychuk will attempt to guide the Panthers to back-to-back 5A team titles. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

ARVADA — Pomona gymnastics has a chance to continue its run of record-breaking performances from last year.

The Panthers not only claimed the school’s first girls state team title in any sport last year winning the Class 5A state title, Pomona did it in record-setting fashion setting the all-classification record of 190.925 points in the team race.

“We didn’t really think about the scoring record. We as coaches knew of that possibility, but everything would have to go right. That was kind of frosting on the cake,” longtime Pomona gymnastics coach Tracey Boychuk said. “Bringing the first female state (team) title to Pomona was huge. This is a school full of tradition and full of pride, it always had been. We had so many (girls) teams come so close.”

Pomona’s gymnastics team set the table in what was an outstanding school year athletically. The Panthers’ wrestling and boys track joined the gymnastics team in winning 5A championships during the 2015-16 school year.

Not only does the Panthers have the opportunity to repeat as state champions this fall with the likes of junior Kelsey Boychuk and sophomore Brooke Weins — top two placers in the all-around — but Boychuk has a shot to win her third straight all-around title.

“I know it’s in the back of her mind,” Coach Boychuk said of Kelsey, her daughter, having the chance to become the first four-time all-around state champion in the state. “We don’t talk about it that much. I don’t want her to feel all that pressure. Would it be fantastic? Absolutely.”

While being halfway from making history is in Kelsey’s mind, she is still focused on the team and not her individual accomplishments.

“I focus more on having fun and do it for my team,” Kelsey said. “Gymnastics is one of those sports where you need to stick together as a team.”

Senior Kylie Stecklein confirmed that the best gymnast in 5A over the past two years is about team first.

Pomona tries to keep its grip on the state team and individual all-around titles this fall. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

“Kelsey is all for the team,” Stecklein said. “She is never worried about herself. She is always worried about someone else on the team.”

Senior Annabel Spence will be another key piece to Pomona’s puzzle this season. Spence placed in the top-10 in the all-around, bars, beam and vault at state last season.

“Last year we really never believed or imaged that could happen,” Spence said of winning the team title. “Now we know we are that good and it is possible.”

While there will be a target on the back of the Panthers this season as the defending state champs. However, Spence believes if Pomona stays close as a team a repeat is within reach.

“We’ve just got to think about having fun and staying positive,” Spence said. “If we have those thoughts and with the work we’ll put in it will come.”

Coach Boychuk admits that staying healthy is a huge factor in gymnastics during the season that will conclude with the 5A and 4A state meets Nov. 4 and 5 at Thornton High School.

“I know we are a strong team. The key in high school gymnastics is staying healthy and making it count when it’s supposed to,” Coach Boychuk said. “The year is always full of ups and downs. Of course we would love to repeat, but that doesn’t happen all the often. We’ll see.”

Pomona gymnastics team has around 24 members this season. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

August 19, 2016
D’Evelyn football brings big passing attack to Class 2A

DENVER — D’Evelyn football will provide Class 2A teams a taste of what a well-versed passing attack looks like this season.

The Jaguars move down from 3A to 2A this season with the enrollment numbers moving several teams around to balance out the classifications. D’Evelyn has been a perennial playoff team and league champion contender in 3A under coach Jeremy Bennett for more than a decade. However, the move down to 2A hasn’t changed Bennett’s or the Jaguars’ approach to the season.

“As a team we looked back on it. We decided it really isn’t a big change for us,” said Kehoe, who had 60 catches for 911 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. “We are still going to play like we play. We are going to see everyone as an opponent and play our own game.”

Kehoe returns as D’Evelyn’s top receiver from last year’s squad that put up more than 3,900 yards through the air during a 7-4 record in 2015. Gone are Charlie Davis (1,641 yards receiving) and quarterback Owen Burke (3,904 yards passing and 39 touchdowns).

By no means is the cupboard bare when it comes to the receiving core for the Jaguars. Kehoe, along with the likes of Josh Riggs, Cody Bell and Rome McIntrye gives D’Evelyn plenty of depth at the position.

“I don’t think a lot of 2A teams have seen what we do,” Bennett said of the Jaguars’ passing attack. “They haven’t seen the team speed with have with being seven or eight receivers deep that can all run.”

D’Evelyn’s Josh Brinkerhoff. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

The main question is who will be throwing the ball for D’Evelyn. In the mix for the starting quarterback job includes seniors Josh Brinkerhoff, Christian Cedillo and junior Chad Dines to take over for Burke, who is continuing his football career at one of the top Division II programs in the country in Winona State University in Minnesota.

Dines will have to sit the first four games after transferring for Valor Christian last season. The junior attends Colorado Academy, which doesn’t have a football program. Dines made the choice to play for the Jaguars this season.

“All the (quarterbacks) are doing great. The season is still pretty fresh,” Kehoe said. “We’ll see who will step up as a leader and show off their talent. It will all work out in the end.”

Bennett isn’t concerned either about the quarterback position.

“We’ll be OK. We’ll have a guy who will throw for over 2,000 yards,” Bennett said. “I think what you will see different is the running game. We want to be balanced this year.”

Look for senior Kyle Klataske to be one of the main ball carriers for the Jaguars. Klataske had nearly 500 yards rushing in a back-up role last season.

D’Evelyn senior Nolan Baldin will anchor an aggressive style of defense. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

Defensively, senior Nolan Balbin will spearhead an impressive linebacker core.

“I think we want to be really aggressive. We want to push people around and be fast to the ball,” Balbin said. “I think the defense will get a lot of attention this year. We have a lot of returning starters.”

D’Evelyn will play in the 2A Flatirons League that includes Arvada, Denver West, Faith Christian, Jefferson, Middle Park and the Jaguars. The non-league schedule for D’Evelyn is challenging with Sterling, Platte Valley and The Classical Academy all ranked in the top-10 in 2A of the CHSAANow.com preseason poll.

The Jaguars sit in the No. 6 spot in the preseason poll and received three first-place votes.

“By no means do we think dropping down we are just a shoo-in to win a state title,” Bennett said. “We are going to have to work our tails off, but these guys have bought in.”

D’Evelyn senior Justin Kehoe had 17 touchdown catches last year. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

August 18, 2016
Chatfield football has the horses heading into 4A

Chatfield senior Tylor Rowles brings plenty of speed to the field this season for the Chargers. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

LITTLETON — Chatfield senior Dalton Keene has already committed to play football at Virginia Tech a year from now, but that doesn’t mean he wants to rush through his final year of high school.

“I’m hoping it slows down a little bit this year,” said Keene, a running back and linebacker for the Chargers. “We are going to try to make this season last as long as it can. I think we are going to do great things.”

Keene rushed for more than 600 yards averaging nearly six yards per carry and was the Chargers’ leading tackler with 116. He verbally committed to Virginia Tech last winter.

Chatfield senior Dalton Keene, left, has committed to play for Virginia Tech. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

“I don’t have to try to impress anyone any more,” said Keene, who is also one of the top hurdlers in the state qualifying for the state track and field meet last May in both the 110- and 300-meter hurdles. “I’m just playing the game and I’ll play to the best of my ability. I’ve got nothing to worry about.”

A big change for Chatfield is moving down from Class 5A to 4A for the next two-year high school cycle with enrollment numbers being pushed down to place the Chargers in 4A. The Chargers will play in the 4A Plains League that also consists of Adams City, Dakota Ridge, Gateway, Golden and Heritage.

“I know there is a lot of excitement. We are a solid group with a lot of depth. I know our guys are excited about having a shot to play at the end,” Chatfield coach Bret McGatlin said. “It gives us a realistic chance. We were one of the smaller schools in 5A and now we are one of the bigger schools in 4A.”

The conference foes are a totally different look for the Chargers that had a 3-7 record last season. Chatfield does get tested mightily during its non-league schedule with Pine Creek, Wheat Ridge and Dakota Ridge — all three in the top-10 of the CHSAANow.com preseason 4A football rankings — and throw in rival Columbine, 5A state semifinal time last year.

Pine Creek won back-to-back 4A state titles in 2013 and 2014 before getting upset as the No. 1 seed in the 4A semifinals last year. Chatfield opens the season facing Pine Creek on the Eagles’ home field Sept. 2.

“We have been focusing on (Pine Creek) all year,” Keene said. “We know they are going to be a challenge, but we are ready for them.”

While Keene might be the headliner for the Chargers this season, McGatlin believes his supporting cast might be one of the deepest he has had since taking over the program just more than a decade ago.

Senior Tylor Rowles are one of more than a handful of returning skilled players for the Chargers on the offensive side of the ball. Rowles will more than likely play more wide receiver than running back.

“I am pretty excited,” Rowles said of moving from running back to wide receiver. “It was a little bit of a surprise because I haven’t played receiver since little league. All offseason playing at receiver I’ve really got the hang of it.”

Ben Frenette, Logan Dannenhauer and Brandon Andersen and Keland Rumsey should make an impact in Chatfield’s running game this season.

The quarterback position has come down to sophomore Zach Yanda and junior Colton Arne competing for starting job. They are vying to fill the shoes of graduate Isaac Schley who plays at Georgetown University in the Ivy League.

Chatfield junior Colton Arne is in the battle for the starting quarterback job. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

“They are both tremendous kids,” McGatlin said of Yanda and Arne. “We need a team player and a great leader. We need someone back there to keep the ball rolling and get the ball into our athletes’ hands.”

Defensively, McGatlin believes junior Chandler Callejo will emerge as is one of the top cornerbacks in the state. The Chargers have a lot of returning experience on the defensively line and linebacker core.

Chatfield will get some early TV time this year. Altitude is scheduled to broadcast the Chargers against Wheat Ridge on Sept. 15 at Jeffco Stadium. CET will air the rivalry showdown against Columbine on Sept. 22 at Jeffco Stadium.

August 17, 2016
Lakewood boys golf aiming for elusive state championship

It didn’t take long for Lakewood’s boys golf team to start focusing in on its 2016 campaign.

Finishing tied in the Class 5A runner-up position for the second straight year was tough to swallow for the Tigers. What was even more difficult, Regis Jesuit edged Lakewood and Coronado by a single stroke to win the team title last year in Fort Collins.

“It’s been positive, but last year was kind of frustrating because we came so close,” Lakewood senior Griffin Barela said during practice Aug. 12 at Fox Hollow Golf Course in Lakewood. “We also gained some valuable experience. If we are in the same position this year we’ll know how to close.”

Barela, who has verbally committed to play golf at the University of Wisconsin after he graduates, finished in a four-way tie for fifth at the state tournament last October. The senior has an impressive summer taking medalist honors at the National Junior Amateur Qualifying tournament in June, advancing him to the National Junior Amateur in late-July in Tennessee.

The Tigers’ team captain then captured the Colorado Junior Match Play title in early August defeating Valor Christian graduate David Leede 1-up in the championship match. Barela edged Lakewood teammate Jack Castiglia in 19 holes in the semifinals.

“It was really fun to get the victory there, especially playing Jack there in the semifinals,” Barela said of his match play victory. “It was a lot of fun to play against a really good friend.”

Lakewood junior Jack Castiglia, right, placed tied for 28th at state last year. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

The stellar summer has Barela riding a wave of confidence as the Tigers begin their journey to claim their third straight 5A Jeffco League team title and get back in contention to claim that elusive state title. Lakewood opens its conference title defense in the first Jeffco League tournament of the season Monday, Aug. 15, at Deer Creek Golf Course in Littleton.

“I feel like I was able to play really consistently this summer,” Barela said. “I put myself in the position where I feel like I can win any tournament I’m in. That’s a good place to be.”

Castiglia spent most of his summer on the golf course as well getting ready for the short boys golf season that is scheduled to conclude with the two-day state tournament Sept. 26-27 at Bookcliff Country Club in Grand Junction.

“I wanted to get into the mindset of playing tournament golf and getting ready to play with the team and trying to win state,” Castiglia said. “There is going to be a little bit of pressure, but nothing we can’t handle. We can definitely win it this year.”

Lakewood will have plenty of senior experience returning that includes senior Grayden Wolfe who will be counted on to provide some depth for the Tigers.

“We have set the bar really high for ourselves,” Wolfe said. “We want to reach our full potential.”

Columbine senior Marcus Tait, 16th at state last year, will be one of the top returning Jeffco players. If Lakewood is able to win its third straight conference title it will play in the 5A regional and state qualifying tournament Sept. 15 at The Broadlands Golf Course in Broomfield.

“The ultimate goal is a state title,” Lakewood coach Alan Gonzales said. “We know we have the talent to do it. Now we just have to outwork everybody to make sure we do it.”

Gonzales admitted getting so close to winning a state title the previous two seasons motivates his team. He also said that winning isn’t everything and the key is to stay positive this no matter what happens from tee to green.

“Honestly, we are looking at the bigger picture,” Gonzales said. “What kind of program are we building? What kind of young adults are we? If success on the golf course follows we are going to take that as well.”

Lakewood senior Griffin Barela won the Colorado Junior Match Play title this summer. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

August 15, 2016
Former Wheat Ridge stars return to provide advice on leadership

Wheat Ridge High School graduates Nick Ossello and Annie Kunz returned to their alma mater Thursday for all current Farmer student-athletes. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

WHEAT RIDGE — Annie Kunz and Nick Ossello haven’t walked the halls at Wheat Ridge High School since graduating in 2011.

Two of the most talented multi-sport student-athletes ever to come out of Jeffco made a return appearance to their alma mater Thursday, Aug. 11. Kunz and Ossello were on a panel of six WRHS graduates to speak during the two-hour leadership symposium that was mandatory for all Farmer student-athletes.

“I really think it’s a special place that can really set you up for some future success,” said Ossello, who played football and lacrosse for the Famers before moving on to University of Notre Dame where he played lacrosse for four years and stayed for a fifth year to play football for the Irish. “I want to pass the torch along and let them know Wheat Ridge is a great place.”

Ossello admits it wasn’t always easy at Wheat Ridge. The current midfielder for the Denver Outlaws in the professional Major League Lacrosse was the quarterback for the Farmers’ freshman football team that went 2-7.

“It was a long road and there were definitely a lot of hiccups,” said Ossello, who helped Wheat Ridge to a football state title in 2008 and was the starting quarterback for the Farmers in their state runner-up season of 2010. “I had coaches and teachers here that really made me believe in myself.”

A main point Ossello wanted to get across to the packed auditorium full of current student-athletes was simple.

“I think it’s really important to enjoy high school sports,” said Ossello, who will play in the MLL playoff semifinals Saturday, Aug. 13, in Connecticut. “Once you get to the college and pro level it’s a job. It’s important to be a part of your community.”

Current Denver Outlaw lacrosse player Nick Ossello. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

Kunz gave the Wheat Ridge community plenty of be proud of during her four-year prep run. She is one of the most decorated female athletes from Wheat Ridge winning six state championships and four runner-up individual titles in track and field.

Soccer was actually her main focus in high school. Kunz powered the Farmers to state titles in 2009 and 2010 before heading to Texas A&M University to play soccer and compete in track and field for the Aggies.

“I couldn’t have scripted it to go any better than it did. To have the opportunity to do both (soccer and track) for four years and then do a fifth year of just track was incredible,” said Kunz, who broke the A&M school record in the women’s heptathlon with 6,038 points at the U.S. Olympic Trails in Eugene, Ore. last month. “It was a storybook ending for me.”

The story isn’t over for Kunz, who placed eighth in the heptathlon at the trials to qualify for Rio. She will be in Colorado for about a month before deciding to go to either the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA or back to the College Station and Texas A&M to begin training for the 2020 Olympics to be held in Tokyo.

Kunz added she wouldn’t have changed anything when it comes to her athletic career. While specializing in the heptathlon could have been an option in college, she feels privileged to have been apart of Texas A&M women’s soccer program that went to the Division I national championship semifinals for the first time in 2014.

“I got such a rare experience that was so special,” Kunz said. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

The message Kunz wanted to get across to the current Farmers was to take soak in every moment of their high school career.

“You don’t realize how quick it goes by,” Kunz said. “I would do anything to go back and put that Wheat Ridge uniform back on. I wanted to emphasize every moment they get to do that, don’t take it for granted.”

Wheat Ridge athletic director Nick DeSimone organized the symposium for the last handful of years to kick off the school year for the student-athletes.

“I’m trying to get (students) to understand the depth that this high school has and how far it reaches,” DeSimone said. “In turn, they understand the responsibility of maintaining that.”

Wheat Ridge student-athletes listen to athletic director Nick DeSimone during a leadership symposium. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

August 12, 2016
Evergreen boys golf focused on staying in the moment

Evergreen senior Lenny Urbas eyes his drive during practice.(Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

EVERGREEN — It’s an exciting time for Evergreen’s boys golf team.

The Cougars have never won a state team championship in boys golf. However, with three returning players — seniors Lenny Urbas, Blake Kuzava and junior Bridger Tenney — all having finished in the top 30 last year at the Class 4A state tournament, Evergreen is lining up a shot to hoist a state trophy Sept. 27 at River Valley Ranch Golf Club in Carbondale.

“That culture of winning and doing it the right way is here now. I’m probably more excited about this group from top to bottom then any team we’ve ever had,” Evergreen coach Michael Kuzava said during practice Thursday, Aug. 11, at Hiwan Golf Club in Evergreen. “Each day we have to get better. Our theme last year and carrying over to this year is: ‘We are going to win by not thinking about winning.’ It’s that important. The more they can stay in the moment the better they are going to do.”

Evergreen was on the tail of now three-time defending 4A team champion and 4A Jeffco League rival Valor Christian all last season. The Eagles were able to win their fifth team state title since 2009 distancing themselves from third-place Evergreen by 31 strokes.

Kuzava does believe the door is ajar when it comes to knocking off Valor, which graduated all of its state competitors last year. Kuzava, who is in his 16th season coaching the Cougars, has also changed his mindset about facing the private school from Highlands Ranch during all league tournaments along with state.

Evergreen senior Blake Kuzava. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

“Valor is the measuring stick for us,” Kuzava said. “A few years ago I really disliked having Valor play with us for various reasons, but then a couple of years ago I thought to be the best you have to beat the best. To play well you have to play against good competition. The more we play with Valor the better.”

Urban might prove to be one of the favorites to contend for an individual title at state. The Cougars’ top golf broke the school record last season firing a round of 66 at Fox Hollow Golf Course and placed seventh at the state tournament.

“It definitely helps to go out and shoot a round of 66,” said Urbas, who shot a round of 65 at Fox Hollow during tryouts Aug. 8. “It’s nice to know you have that in our forte to be able to go out and shoot that low of a round to help the team.”

While there is pressure with the opportunity ahead for Evergreen, the fact remains that golf is a sport where experience of being in tense situations is something the Cougars have with their three returning state qualifiers.

“There is pressure, but I don’t think I feel it that much anymore because it’s my senior season,” Urbas said. “We’ve all been here before.”

Tenney finished his sophomore campaign strong with a solid performance at regionals and going on to tied for 20th at state. The key contributor on Evergreen’s boys basketball team last season believes the Cougars have the tools to make it a historic season, but he doesn’t what to get too far ahead of himself.

“We know what we are capable of as a team, but at the same time you can’t be thinking about that mid-round,” Tenney said. “You have to focus on every shot.”

Blake Kuzava, the coach’s son, believes the team chemistry is strong to push the Cougars over the top this season.

“I think everyone in tournament golf feels pressure,” Blake Kuzava said. “I do think we are such a tight knit-team that we can rely on one another to distribute the pressure. It’s all about how you deal with it.”

One setback for Evergreen heading into the season was senior Liam Short deciding not to play his senior season. Short placed tied for 22nd at state. Senior Tyler Simon and sophomore Nolan Miller help with fill the void.

The 4A Jeffco League tournament schedule begins 8 a.m. Monday, Aug. 15, at Deer Creek Golf Course in Littleton.

Evergreen junior Bridger Tenney. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)

August 12, 2016
Columbine wins 5A girls soccer title rematch versus Ralston Valley

Columbine junior Tatum Barton (10) fires a shot on goal as Ralston Valley seniors Leesa Rockhold (15) and Kasee Horton (16) chase after the Rebels’ leading scorer in the second half Tuesday at Lakewood Memorial Field. Barton scored the eventual game-winning goal in the 75th minute to give the Rebels a 2-1 victory. (Dennis Pleuss)

LAKEWOOD — While a Class 5A girls soccer state title wasn’t on the line Tuesday at Lakewood Memorial Field, a conference driver’s seat was at stake.

In a rematch of last year’s 5A championship game, 5A Jeffco foes Columbine and Ralston Valley clashed for the first time since the Rebels took a 3-1 victory over the Mustangs at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park nearly a year ago. The end result was nearly identical to last year’s title game.

Columbine overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit with goals by juniors Chloe Chapman (62nd minute) and Tatum Barton (75th minute) to capture a 2-1 victory.

Ralston Valley sophomore Jenna Giambrocco, right, and Columbine senior Kelsey Clark, left, go after a bouncing ball Tuesday at Lakewood Memorial Field. (Dennis Pleuss)

“We knew today would be a tight game and could go either way. Both teams are super-talented. Neither of us is in a lull or rebuilding,” Columbine coach Brian Todd said. “We thought this match could go a long way in deciding the 5A Jeffco title.”

The Rebels (7-2, 3-0 in league) took over sole possession of the conference lead with the victory over the Mustangs (6-2-1, 2-1).

“This was the game to win,” Barton said. “This was probably for league if everything goes as expected.”

As anticipated, last year’s 5A player of the year had a key role. Barton admitted she was frustrated in the first half with Ralston Valley controlling possession, limiting Barton’s touches up top for the Rebels.

Ralston Valley grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute with a shot just outside the 18-yard box by junior Alyssa Kaiser that sailed over Columbine goalie Sarah Luebking and into the back of the net.

However, just like their last meeting, Columbine made the halftime adjustments needed to erase the deficit. Chapman got the game-tying goal on a long shot that was just out of reach of Ralston Valley goalie Renee Roemer midway through the second half.

“We are dead in the water until we equalized the game. I knew if could do that the game would drastically change,” Todd said. “The goal really sparked everything and got us going for sure.”

Barton scored the eventual game-winning goal off one of her signature turn and fires with her left foot from about 20 yards out. The junior scored her 10th goal of the season on a laser shot into the top left-hand corner of the net.

“I was going to hit it as hard as I could and see what happens,” Barton said.

Columbine senior Kelsey Clark (5) and Ralston Valley junior Alaina Snedden (7) colide during the first half Tuesday at Lakewood Memorial Field. The Rebels won a rematch of last year’s Class 5A girls soccer state championship game with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory. (Dennis Pleuss)

The goal with five minutes to go in regulation time held up to run the Rebels’ winning streak to four games.

“What a world class finish. She (Barton) can hit the ball like that with both feet,” Todd said. “Anyone who can have a finisher up top who can score the way she does it makes you pretty fortunate as a team. We are lucky to have her.”

The loss ended a three-game winning streak for Ralston Valley.

“It’s a turning point for us,” Ralston Valley coach Kamee Morwood said. “Do you let this ruin the rest of your season because you really wanted to beat the team that knocked you out last year or do you come back and pick your heads up? It definitely hurts, but it’s not the end.”

The Rebels and Mustangs just sit outside this week’s CHSAANow.com 5A girls soccer poll’s top-10. Rankings and seeding didn’t matter much last year as both Columbine and Ralston Valley advanced to the championship game as a No. 8 and No. 10 seed, respectively.

“We had our chances,” Morwood said. “I feel like we need to put together a full 80 minutes to beat these top teams. We didn’t do it tonight.”

Ralston Valley returns to the pitch 5 p.m. Thursday against rival Pomona at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada. Columbine faces chief rival Chatfield at 7 p.m. Thursday back at Lakewood Memorial Field.

Columbine junior Tatum Barton (10) tries to settle a ball down to her feet as Ralston Valley senior Leese Rockhold (15) defends. Barton scored her 10th goal of the season in the Rebels’ 2-1 win. (Dennis Pleuss)

Columbine freshman Nikoletta Apergis, left, and Ralston Valley sophomore Sarah Bevington, right, both go up for a header on a corner kick during the second half Tuesday at Lakewood Memorial Field. (Dennis Pleuss)

April 15, 2015
Three-run homer powers Dakota Ridge past Pomona in baseball

Dakota Ridge junior Bailey Collins (24) is greeted at home plate by some excited teammates after Collins belted a three-run home run in the top of the sixth inning Saturday to give the Eagles a 8-7 lead. Dakota Ridge went on to win 12-7 against Pomona at Bart Mapps Field. (Dennis Pleuss)

ARVADA — The lone hit Saturday afternoon for Dakota Ridge junior Bailey Collins was the most important one in the Class 5A Jeffco League opener.

Collins belted a three-run home run in the top of the sixth inning off Pomona junior John Suyak to give the Eagles an 8-7 lead at Pomona High School’s Bart Mapps Field. Dakota Ridge (6-4, 1-0 in league) went on to a 12-7 victory.

“I had a couple of iffy at-bats. My swing has been off a little bit,” Collins admitted. “I was looking for something I could do my job and hit the ball somewhere. He (Suyak) happened to throw it a little in where I like it. The rest is history.”

The lefty hammered the inside-pitch over the wall in right field to regain the lead for the Eagles. Dakota Ridge took an early 5-0 lead through three innings, but Pomona pushed across seven straight runs to snag a 7-5 lead heading to the sixth inning.

Pomona shortstop Zach Langerak (26) leaps to grab the ball as teammate Carl Martillaro (35) backs up on the play. Dakota Ridge junior Bailey Collins slides into second base on the successful steal in the third inning. (Dennis Pleuss)

The Panthers (1-8-1, 0-1) batted around in their five-run fifth inning to tie the game at 5-5. Suyak had a big two-run double and junior Luke Parsons and sophomore Garret Zanon each knocked in a run for Pomona.

A sacrifice bunt by senior Darrick Watts in the bottom of the fifth inning with the bases loaded resulted in Pomona plating a pair of the runs to give Pomona its first lead.

“The rally is nice, but it’s the other two-thirds of the game where we’ve got to get better,” Pomona coach E.J. Mapps said. “Full credit to Dakota Ridge, the kid (Collins) with the three-run homer is a pretty tough dagger to come back from.”

Dakota Ridge senior Doug Case followed up the blast by Collins with a two-run double later in the top of the sixth inning to push the Eagles’ lead to 10-7. The Eagles scored twice in the top of the seventh inning on RBIs by junior Tyler Carrasco and senior Ryan Morris for a 12-7 lead.

Dakota Ridge junior Thomas Nagel picked up the win in relief for the Eagles.

“That’s a (5A) Jeffco game. Welcome to Jeffco League. That’s how they all are,” Dakota Ridge coach Jeff Legault said of the conference game that featured 23 hits and eight errors. “You have to fight to the last out.”

Dakota Ridge joined Columbine, Lakewood and Chatfield as 5A Jeffco teams who got out to a 1-0 conference start Saturday.

“It’s a whole new season for everybody,” Legault said with the start of league play. “I think we are all equal in our league. There is no standout in our league. All of us are going to have to scratch to get into the playoffs.”

Morris was a key for Dakota Ridge offensively against Pomona. The Eagles’ leadoff batter went 3-for-5 with three runs scored.

“He (Morris) is big when he gets on because of his speed and is dangerous on the bases,” Legault said. “We’ve got to get him more consistent. He is either on and gets us three runs or he is going 0-for-4.”

Dakota Ridge returns to its home field were it faces Ralston Valley on Tuesday and Lakewood on Thursday. Both are scheduled for 4 p.m. first pitch.

“It’s huge for us,” Collins said of Dakota Ridge battling back after falling behind against Pomona. “At the beginning of the season we had trouble dealing with adversity. Today was just a great team win.”

Pomona hits the road next week as it continues its stretch of facing south Jeffco squads. The Panthers travel to Columbine on Tuesday and Chatfield on Thursday. Both games are scheduled for 4 p.m. starts.

“We are giving too much away. That is our theme,” Mapps said. “We’ve shown some flashes, but just giving too much away. That’s got to be corrected.”

Dakota Ridge second baseman Ty Lightley waits for a throw as Pomona sophomore Garret Zanon (31) slides in safely during the Panthers’ five-run fourth inning Saturday. Pomona took a 7-5 lead, but Dakota Ridge rallied for a 12-7 victory. (Dennis Pleuss)

Dakota Ridge senior Ryan Morris rips a single into left field for the Eagles on Saturday against Pomona. Morris was 3-for-5 from the plate with three runs scored in Dakota Ridge’s 12-7 victory. (Dennis Pleuss)

April 11, 2015