CHSAANow

Tag: Jefferson Academy

  • Notebook: Hubbard starts new challenge with Lutheran football

    Lutheran Alameda football
    Lutheran football has a new coach in Blair Hubbard this season. (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

    Perhaps no football coaching change this offseason was as major as Blair Hubbard leaving Faith Christian for Lutheran.

    Hubbard won three state championships in 15 seasons as head coach at Faith Christian, a perennial power in the Class 2A ranks. His teams were 148-30, made the playoffs 14 times and won 10 league titles.

    But in the offseason Hubbard was looking to tackle something new. Lutheran — a 3A team since the school was formed by a merger of the old Denver Lutheran and Lutheran-Parker schools prior to the 2012 season — was a fit.

    Hubbard was hired on Feb. 20.

    “I was just kind of looking for a new challenge, so when the opportunity presented itself I took some time to think about it, talked it over with my wife and some other wise council and decided to go ahead,” Hubbard said. “This was a good opportunity to make the change. I’m excited about this season and just the future of Lutheran High School football in general.”

    Faith Christian moved quickly to hire Ralph Nance, Hubbard’s defensive coordinator, as his successor. It meant that Hubbard’s staff — which had been together for “over 10 years,” he said — was not going to stay intact.

    “I’ve hired a completely new staff,” Hubbard said. “That was a specific challenge. And it was a good process.”

    Hubbard’s new staff at Lutheran comprises 10 assistants — five of whom are in the building.

    “I feel very comfortable with the coaches that we have on staff,” Hubbard said. “We’ve just got a good cohesiveness together. Everybody’s on the same page and is there for the same reason. We’re there to help build young men into men, boys into men. We’re not there necessarily for the wins and the losses. If we do our jobs, those kinds of things will hopefully take care of themselves. Our purpose is to have an effect in young men’s lives.”

    Lutheran was 31-11 in former coach Daryl Moe’s four seasons, including three playoff appearances. So Hubbard is inheriting a great program.

    Lutheran Alameda football
    Lutheran quarterback James Willis. (Kevin Keyser/KeyserImages.com)

    Included are quarterback James Willis and receiver Josh Clausen, both seniors and four-year varsity members, who combined for more than 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns through the air last season.

    Willis, entering his third year as the starter at quarterback, threw for 2,306 yards and 24 touchdowns last season.

    “He’s someone that’s just a humble leader, he’s a hard worker,” Hubbard said. “That’s the kind of athlete we’re looking to model our program after. Someone’s that just has that blue-collar work ethic and is humble and willing to help other kids out along the way.”

    Clausen already has 2,312 receiving yards in his three seasons, which is just outside the top-10 in the state’s career record book.

    “He’s (6-foot-4) and he’s got very good speed and great hands,” Hubbard said. “He’s getting some looks from some of the area Division I schools, so it’s exciting to work with him. He’s got that same kind of work ethic that we’re looking for, as well.”

    A group of linemen also return.

    “They have been very consistent in the weight room, and whenever you’ve got the kids up front that are dedicated to spending time in the weight room, you’re going to have a good opportunity to win some battles up front,” Hubbard said.

    Lutheran opens the season in Houston, playing at Lutheran South Academy — a Division II school in Texas which went 8-3 and made the playoffs last season. It’s an opportunity for everyone to get to know one another really well, really quick.

    “It will be a fun experience for the kids and for the coaches,” Hubbard said. “There’s a lot of logistics involved and we’ve gotten a lot of outstanding administrative support from the school.

    “They’re of the mindset that they’re there for the athletes and the athletic program and want to do as much as they can to help the young men and women out in the athletic programs to have a great experience in their time at Lutheran.”

    [divider]

    Short stuff

    • During its transition to a regional program, the former Montbello High School athletic department will be known as the Warriors (Montbello). Eventually, the plan is to simply call the teams the Warriors — without including the Montbello clarifier.
    • Last week at the All-School Summit, a new approach to the classification structure was discussed. Every impression I’ve gotten seems like this is where the state will head this fall — though there was some resistance voiced during the classification breakout session at the Summit. We’ll see if that initial uneasiness turns into action ahead of CLOC’s November meeting.
    • Valor Christian’s Eric Lee Jr. and Pine Creek’s Avery Anderson, both defensive backs, will enroll at Nebraska early, the school announced.
    • Regis Jesuit offensive linemen Tim Lynott’s father tweeted out his official offer letter from Colorado. Lynott is a CU commit, and was recently moved up to a 4-star recruit by Scout.com.
    • Here’s a neat picture of Windsor’s football team playing in a flooded field near its school during storms last week. (Coach Chris Jones was quick to urge safety to his players: “Be smart about the water in front of the school,” he tweeted.)
    • Brighton pitcher/shortstop Conner Reynolds committed to Northern Colorado for baseball last week.
    • Tony Ramunno had been the head football coach at Lewis-Palmer for 25 seasons, but he resigned late last month. “I really like Friday nights; it’s probably the best job a guy can have in the country,” he told the Colorado Springs Gazette. Former defensive coordinator Dustin Tupper will replace him.
    • Moffatt County hired longtime coach Keith Gille to head its football program, according to the Craig Daily Press.
    • Grandview hired Patrick Chapla as its boys lacrosse coach. He had been an assistant at Mountain Vista, and is also a club coach at 3d Lacrosse. “We are excited to add his passion, experience and love of the game to our program,” Grandview athletic director Jamee Ulitzky wrote in an email.
    • Smoky Hill hired Robert Kennedy as baseball coach, according to the Aurora Sentinel.
    • Eagle Ridge has a new girls basketball coach, according to the Brighton Blade: Vern Rathbun, who has been coaching for more than 30 years.
    • The numbers from the NFHS Network are in from the past school year, and the most popular events were as follows: Arapahoe-Fossil Ridge boys basketball in the 5A tournament; Overland-Denver East boys basketball in the 5A tournament; and the state track meet.
    • It seems like this is a weekly occurrence now, but here’s another reminder to kids that how you act on social media can have a very negative effect on your recruitment.
    • Englewood’s getting a new turf field.
    • Cherry Creek’s gym is “getting a major upgrade.”
    • Fruita Monument wrestler Jacob Seely earned All-American status with his seventh-place finish at a national tournament in Fargo, North Dakota last month.
    • Doherty is holding a golf tournament at Colorado Springs Country Club on Aug. 18, and is seeking teams to participate. That’s the same course where the Class 5A state meet will be held. Interested schools should contact Doherty AD Chris Noll: CHRISTOPHER.NOLL@d11.org.
    • Likewise, Jefferson Academy is seeking schools for its golf invitational on Sept. 2 at Omni Interlocken Golf Club Resort. Contact Jags’ AD Michael Wilson: mwilson@jajags.com.
    • Horizon is inviting schools to its annual Popsicle Run at the Adams County Fairgrounds on Sept. 5. It’s a 4k course, and offers popsicles at the end. Contact: Antonio.Ricciardi@adams12.org.
    • Kim and Branson will co-op in football (ineligible for the playoffs), boys golf, volleyball, boys and girls basketball, as well as track. They will be the Kim Mustangs in all sports but football, where they will compete as the Branson Bearcats.

    Alumni short stuff

    • Heritage alum Shane Opitz, now playing minor league baseball, was interviewed by the Dunedin Blue Jays’ radio network about a recent rehab of an injury, but also spoke about hailing from Colorado. “There’s a lot of talent coming out of Colorado, but people don’t necessarily recognize that because we don’t play year-round,” Opitz said. “There’s not a lot of good weather during the winter time, we’re under snow. But there’s a lot of talent.” A 2010 grad, he’s hitting .280 at Dunedin in 13 games so far this season.
    • Chaparral alum Shane Callahan has been cleared to play immediately for CU following his transfer from Auburn. Here he is in a video speaking with the media after practice. “I’m proud to wear Colorado on my jersey, this is my hometown,” he said. “Excited to have the chance to play for my home state this year!” he wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.
    • Kalen Ballage, a 2013 Falcon graduate, is “turning heads” as Arizona State opens football camp. Coach Todd Graham said he’s “the most impressive freshman running back we’ve ever had. Ever.”
    • Bobby Dalbec, who graduated from Legend in 2013, tore it up at the Cape Cod Baseball League this summer. He had five home runs and 18 RBIs in just 29 games, and hit .228. He also took part in the home run contest during All-Star festivities. Dalbec just completed his freshman season as the starting designated hitter/first baseman and reliever at Arizona. He hit .266 with two home runs and 30 RBIs for the Wildcats, and also had a team-best 2.13 ERA in 22 appearances. Dalbec did tell the Arizona Daily Star that his future is as a position player: “If we really need a guy to be a starter, I’d obviously do it. But I like my future after Arizona to be with the bat. I’m not real big on pitching. I do it and compete, but I prefer to be in the box.”
    • 2003 Golden graduate Mark Melancon, a three-sport star in high school, returned to Colorado as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates late last month, and picked up a save at Coors Field. It was the third save he’d gotten against the Rockies in nine days. “Always fun playing on the field I grew up dreaming of playing on as a Big Leaguer,” Melancon tweeted.
    • This was neat: Former Grandview boys basketball star Eric Garcia pointed out that he (now at Wofford), Denver East alum Dom Collier (CU) and former Regis Jesuit player Josh Perkins (Gonzaga) will all be on national television at the same time during the college basketball season.

  • Notebook: Skyview preparing for its first night football game

    (Pam Wagner)
    Skyview’s George DiTirro Stadium. (Pam Wagner)

    Skyview’s football team has never stepped onto its home field under the lights. This season, the 27th in school history, that changes.

    Due in large part of a grassroots community effort, as well as determination from its school board, Skyview has installed lights onto George DiTirro Stadium in Thornton. Those lights will turn on August 29, a Friday, when the Wolverines open the season against Summit.

    Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

    “Playing on Friday nights is going to be awesome,” Skyview coach Bill Nelson said on Thursday. “Everybody’s excited.”

    Skyview had been relegated to playing Saturday afternoons ever since the school was founded when the old Mapleton and Highland high schools combined in 1988. Mapleton had lights on its football field, but the new school moved to Highland’s campus. That stadium didn’t have lights.

    So Saturdays became the norm when playing at home for Skyview. Early in the season, that meant dealing with heat. It usually always meant playing in front of sparse crowds.

    “Saturday afternoons were wicked,” Nelson said. “I love coaching there, the people are good to me. But playing on Saturday afternoon just killed me.

    “We are hoping attendance is going to go up,” Nelson added. “Even sometimes (entire) visiting team’s (crowds) didn’t come. A lot of our people didn’t come.”

    (Pam Wagner)
    (Pam Wagner)

    The Wolverines have six home dates this season. All games are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Fridays.

    “It just puts a different tone on our program,” Nelson said. “It’s more of a typical high school setting. We’re going to try to do some new traditions. Either have a meal or have some kind of session that we didn’t normally do.”

    The school’s other teams that use the facility will also benefit from the lights. Notably, soccer games can start later. Those athletes had been leaving classes at 2 or 3 p.m. to prepare for a 4 p.m. start.

    “Getting out of school just to play a home soccer game?” Nelson said. “Now we’re not going to have to do that.”

    As part of the agreement to put lights up, the City of Thornton will also have access to the facility.

    But on a Friday night in late August, DiTirro stadium will belong to the Wolverines. There’s a public Facebook group inviting alumni to attend.

    Chris Kemm, Skyview’s girls basketball coach and a 1991 alum of the school, is a driving force behind the night.

    “The only time we ever pack the stadium is for graduation,” Kemm said.

    That may soon change. A full house is expected for the opener.

    [divider]

    MLB draft picks sign

    Ralston Valley senior pitcher Jordan Holloway fires a pitch during the early innings Thursday at Frank DeAngelis Field at Columbine High School. (Dennis Pleuss)
    Ralston Valley graduate Jordan Holloway. (Dennis Pleuss)

    The MLB’s deadline for 2014 draft picks to sign was July 18.

    Colorado had 23 products picked this year, including Kyle Freeland at No. 8 overall; 14 ended up signing.

    Among those starting professional careers were Freeland and 2014 graduates Brock Burke (Evergreen), Max George (Regis Jesuit) and Jordan Holloway (Ralston Valley).

    Freeland has made three starts for the Rockies’ Rookie-A affiliate in Grand Junction, but has thrown just nine innings. He has a 1.00 ERA, seven strikeouts and hasn’t allowed a walk.

    Burke has thrown three innings for Tampa Bay’s Rookie-A affiliate, and hasn’t allowed a run.

    George is with Freeland at Grand Junction and is hitting .303 with three home runs and 13 RBIs in 21 games. He hit for the cycle on July 13.

    Holloway has yet to play a game.

    [divider]

    Short stuff

    • MaxPreps recently ranked the 20 “most dominant” football programs in Colorado since 2004. The top three are not exactly a surprise: Mullen, Valor Christian and Columbine. Those three schools have won all but two Class 5A titles since 2004.
    • Earlier this month, we wrote about the Nate Ekhoff Kicking Camp. Campers got an awesome surprise when Broncos kicker Matt Prater showed up as a counselor. “Matt worked with the kickers for over four hours and never left the turf,” Marshall Ekhoff wrote in an email.
    • Jefferson Academy’s Jennifer Kupcho, the reigning Class 4A girls golf champion, lost during the match play portion of the U.S. Girls Junior Golf Championship in Flagstaff, Ariz. this week. Kupcho did finish in a tie for eighth at 1-under during the two-day stroke play portion, and was the highest Colorado finisher. Dakota Ridge’s Gillian Vance (+12), Regis Jesuit’s Jaclyn Murray (+21), Dakota Ridge’s Sydney Merchant (+22) and Skyline’s Erin Sargent (+27) also took part in the stroke play event, but missed the cut for match play.
    • Eaglecrest’s Jordyn Poulter and Lewis-Palmer’s Alexa Smith both won a gold medal while competing for the United States at the Under-20 NORCEA Continental Championship, an international volleyball tournament.
    • The inter-Colorado Springs coaching swaps continued when boys basketball coach Jarris Krapcha moved from Mitchell to Doherty last week.
    • Erie was hit hard by flooding last season. The school’s football field recently underwent a turf replacement to repair damage from the water.
    • Check out the new center-court logo for Liberty’s basketball teams.
    • New Denver Bronco DeMarcus Ware helped Doherty’s football team during its fundraiser.
    • Former Columbine athletic director Ed Woytek will remain in his advisory role with Valor Christian this season.
    • Front Range Christian and Jim Elliot will co-op in football for the 2014-15 school year.
    • Coveted 2016 big man De’Ron Davis of Overland added an offer from Oregon, according to his club team. Among his offers: Arizona, Indiana, UCLA and Wake Forest.
    • Valor Christian graduate Alex Kozan was a Freshman All-SEC pick as a redshirt freshman at Auburn last season. A guard, he’s now landed on the Outland Trophy watch list, given annually to college football’s top interior lineman.
    • Arapahoe graduate Hannah Wood, runner up in the 5A girls golf tournament last spring, won the CWGA’s stroke play championship on Wednesday. She then got a shout-out from Oklahoma’s golf team, which she’ll join this fall.
    • Regis University is hosting a development baseball league on Saturdays and Sundays this fall. Here’s more info.

  • Notebook: Camp honoring former Ponderosa kicker is Saturday

    (Courtesy of the Ekhoff family)
    Last year’s event featured 13 volunteer coaches who had either college or NFL experience. (Courtesy of the Ekhoff family)

    It’s an event to honor his memory, but the Nate Ekhoff Kicking Camp also aims to help local kickers, punters and long snappers.

    The camp honors former Ponderosa kicker Nate Ekhoff, who was diagnosed with leukemia just after his senior season in 2011. He died from complications of the disease less than a year after that.

    Last summer, Nate’s family started the Nate Ekhoff Kicking Camp. It featured 13 current and former college/NFL kickers, punters and long snappers as volunteer coaches. Thirty Colorado high school players took part. Ultimately, the camp provided $4,000 in college scholarships to four Colorado athletes who went on to play at the Division II level.

    (Courtesy of the Ekhoff family)
    (Courtesy of the Ekhoff family)

    “Our family is very excited to help them out a little,” Marshall Ekhoff, Nate’s dad, wrote in an email.

    This year’s event is Saturday at Sports Authority Stadium in Parker from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration is $125 and includes lunch and a t-shirt.

    Coaches include former Northglenn and Colorado State punter/kicker Jimmie Kaylor; former Mullen and CSU long-snapper John Treacy; former Arvada West and CSU punter/kicker (and current A-West baseball coach) Matt McDougal; former Oregon State and NFL punter/kicker Sam Paulescu; former Arapahoe and CSU kicker Jason Smith; and former Nebraska punter/kicker Dan Wingard.

    To register, or for more information, email nateekhoffkickingcamp@gmail.com or marshall.ekhoff@countryfinancial.com. Walk up registrations will also be accepted on Saturday.

    The camp is organized by National Camp Series.

    In addition, there will be a concurrent tailgate party from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the parking lot at Sports Authority Stadium. Admission is free. The tailgate will feature games, music, grilled food and there will also be a silent auction and drawings.

    Donations will be accepted, as well, on behalf of the Nate Ekhoff Kicking Scholarship Fund.

    [divider]

    Local short stuff

    • John Hickey will be the new football coach at Flager. He has more than 25 years of coaching experience, most of it in DPS. He was Denver South’s interim coach in 2006, and has also headed Stratton. His stops as an assistant include Denver North, Denver East, Denver South and Alameda. His son, Johnny Hickey — who played at Broomfield — will serve as defensive coordinator.
    • North Park hired Chad Carlstrom as its football coach.
    • Cherry Creek hockey announced it has hired Brent Tollar as an assistant coach. Tollar was Steamboat Springs’ head coach last season as the Sailors went 10-7-1.
    • Denver East graduate Chyna Ries will head to the University of Texas instead of USC. “Initially I verbally committed to USC but was unable to get in,” Ries told co.milesplit.com. “Texas was one of my favorites as well but I had some additional work I needed to do to get in there. This was a long process and I want to reinforce to others to take your academics serious day one.” Ries won the long jump, was second in the 200 meters and third in the 100 at the Class 5A state track and field meet this past spring.
    • Fossil Ridge boys lacrosse’s Jake Frane committed to Notre Dame. He will be a sophomore this coming season.
    • Fairview girls basketball’s Annika Lai committed to Montana State. She’ll be a senior.
    • Big news in the administrative realm: Russ McKinstry, the very successful boys basketball coach, has taken over as the athletic director at Monarch. Said McKinstry, to BoCoPreps.com: “There are high standards and expectations, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
    • The Colorado Athletic Directors Association has a new twitter account: @CoAD_Assn.
    • Doherty boys basketball coach James Lane resigned in late June. He was there for three seasons, and went 16-8 last spring as the Spartans made 5A’s second round.
    • Former Air Academy baseball coach Bernie Moncallo is moving to Vista Ridge.
    • Silver Creek alum Valarie Allman was named the Pac-12’s track and field freshman of the year after her initial year at Stanford.
    • Dakota Ridge teammates Gillian Vance and Sydney Merchant, Regis Jesuit’s Jaclyn Murray, Jefferson Academy’s Jennifer Kupcho and Silver Creek’s Erin Sargent (who plays for Skyline) all qualified for the U.S. Girls Junior Golf Championship, set to be held July 21-26 in Flagstaff, Arizona. Denver East’s Sarah Hunt is an alternate.
    • Kyle Freeland, the Thomas Jefferson product who went No. 8 overall to the Rockies in this summer’s MLB Draft, made his pro debut on Wednesday night. He pitched just two innings, but didn’t allow a run and struck out two against three hits. He also topped out at 96 mph. “When I got done with that second (inning), I just felt like I was getting in my groove,” Freeland told the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, “but they said, ‘We’re done after two. You threw 17 pitches, your two innings are up, we’ll just prepare for the next start.’”
    • In mid-June, Mead’s baseball and softball fields were vandalized by “unidentified youths” who sliced up the Mavs’ windscreen with a knife. The damage was estimated to be roughly $5,000.
    • Genoa-Hugo and Karval will co-op once again in 2014-15 in volleyball, football, boys and girls basketball, as well as baseball.
    • The Broadmoor hotel is buying the Norris-Penrose Event Center, which is home to the state cross country meet for the next two years.

    [divider]

    National short stuff

    • One school district in South Carolina has voted to prohibit parents from coaching their own kids at the varsity and junior varsity levels. According to The Post and Courier, a newspaper which covers the district, that extends to volunteer coaches, as well. There is a waiver, however, which would allow a parent to coach their kid if they are “determined to be vital to the existence of the program.”
    • Ohio is revamping its classification system. Some are hailing the change as a solution to competitive balance, though it only affects football, volleyball, soccer, basketball, baseball and softball. Essentially, enrollment numbers are being adjusted based upon if a student’s parents reside in the attendance zone or not, and if the student has been in the same district since seventh grade. Here are more details from theSuburbanite.com.
    • There’s an interesting transfer case brewing in Pennsylvania. It revolves around a Philadelphia-area football player.

  • All-state girls soccer teams for 2014 season

    The 2014 all-state girls soccer teams honor the best players in the sport as judged by the leagues and coaches. They are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

    These teams were created following a lengthy process which included nominations from leagues and coaches, and then a vote of coaches.

    Players of the year were also selected by a vote of the coaches.

    Go to: 5A | 4A | 3A

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Columbine sophomore Tatum Barton (6) goes stride-for-stride with Dakota Ridge junior Gabi Gines (14) during the first half Friday night at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada. Barton scored the game-winning goal in the second overtime period in the second round of the Class 5A state tournament. (Dennis Pleuss)
    Columbine sophomore Tatum Barton, left, is the 5A girls soccer player of the year. (Dennis Pleuss)

    Player of the year: Tatum Barton, Columbine

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Tatum Barton Columbine F Sophomore
    Kelcey Cavarra Columbine MF Sophomore
    Lauren Conley Arapahoe MF/F Senior
    Grace Cutler Fossil Ridge F Senior
    Jill Finnerty Rock Canyon MF Senior
    Alyssa Kaiser Ralston Valley MF Sophomore
    Kelsey Killean Legacy F Senior
    Sarah Luebking Columbine GK Junior
    Megan Massey Mountain Vista F Junior
    Emma Musson Ralston Valley F Sophomore
    Mallory Pugh Mountain Vista MF/F Sophomore
    Kaycie Young Rock Canyon MF Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Cassi Fischer Douglas County MF Senior
    Kayla Hill ThunderRidge MF Junior
    Paige Husa Arapahoe D Senior
    Julie Mackin Castle View F Sophomore
    Ashley Mages Dakota Ridge F Senior
    Morgan McDougal Mountain Vista MF Junior
    Lauren McGovern George Washington GK Senior
    Amanda Porter Columbine MF Freshman
    Renee Roemer Ralston Valley GK Junior
    Reci Smith Fairview F/MF Junior
    Ally Watt Pine Creek F Junior


    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Cheyenne Mountain Broomfield girls soccer
    Broomfield senior Brittney Stark, right, is the 4A girls soccer player of the year. (Pam Wagner)

    Player of the year: Brittney Stark, Broomfield

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Bri Alger Lewis-Palmer F Freshman
    Nicole Belisairo Lewis-Palmer D Senior
    Brooke Braden Air Academy F Senior
    Amanda Burke Cheyenne Mountain D Senior
    Emily Cope Battle Mountain MF Sophomore
    Maria Fayeulle Niwot F Senior
    Carlee Flanagan Wheat Ridge MF Junior
    Hannah Gerdin Cheyenne Mountain F Junior
    Lindsey Hendon Green Mountain GK Senior
    Brittney Stark Broomfield F Senior
    Christina Tafoya Sand Creek MF Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Danelle Dondelinger Centaurus MF/F Senior
    Katie Forsee Broomfield MF Senior
    Mariel Gutierrez Eagle Valley F/MF Junior
    Grace Halbach Montrose MF Senior
    Sarah Lyons Lewis-Palmer MF Sophomore
    Ashley Martin Silver Creek MF Junior
    Ali Meyer Palmer Ridge D Senior
    Logan Nash Battle Mountain F/MF Junior
    Hunter Peifer Cheyenne Mountain GK Junior
    Haley Peterman Air Academy MF Junior
    Lauren Vyvlecka Sand Creek F Senior
    Brier YoungFleish Palisade MF Sophomore


    [divider]

    Class 3A

    The Classical Academy Colorado Academy girls soccer
    Colorado Academy junior Marin McCoy is the 3A girls soccer player of the year. (Ray Chen/ArrayPhoto.com)

    Player of the year: Marin McCoy, Colorado Academy

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Kenya Alvarez Jefferson MF Sophomore
    Anya Bourlakov Denver Science & Tech GK Junior
    Hannah Braun Frontier Academy F Senior
    Makala House The Academy D/F Senior
    Aleonya Hunter Denver Science & Tech F/D Senior
    Alexis Loera The Academy MF Freshman
    Emily Loof St. Mary’s F Senior
    Marin McCoy Colorado Academy MF Junior
    Aleesa Muir The Classical Academy D Sophomore
    Petal Niles Colorado Academy D Senior
    Ally Thimsen Jefferson Academy MF Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Lydia Anderson Middle Park MF Junior
    Michelle Batalla The Pinnacle D Senior
    Bonnie Buzzetta The Classical Academy MF Senior
    Kylie Cleary St. Mary’s F Junior
    Allie Falagrady The Academy F Junior
    Jade Gallegos The Pinnacle F Sophomore
    Caroline Jenkins Faith Christian MF/F Senior
    McKenna Monk Fountain Valley MF Freshman
    Paige Ryan Coal Ridge MF Senior
    Shelby Schumacher Kent Denver MF Freshman
    Alycia Wright Jefferson Academy F/MF Junior

  • All-state girls golf teams for 2014 season

    5A girls golf state tournament Raccoon Creek
    Rock Canyon’s Michelle Romano is the Class 5A girls golfer of the year. (Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    The 2014 all-state girls golf teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

    These teams were created based upon results at the state meet.

    Scroll down to see the teams, or use the menu below to navigate to the class of your choosing.

    Go to: 5A | 4A


    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Golfer of the year: Michelle Romano, Rock Canyon

    First Team
    Name Year School
    Samantha Barker Senior Highlands Ranch
    Sydney Gillespie Junior Regis Jesuit
    Sarah Hunt Junior Denver East
    Anna Kennedy Junior Legend
    Ashlyn Kirschner Junior Ralston Valley
    Sydney Merchant Sophomore Dakota Ridge
    Calli Ringsby Senior Cherry Creek
    Michelle Romano Senior Rock Canyon
    Morgan Sahm Sophomore Grandview
    Erin Sargent Sophomore Skyline
    Jaylee Tait Senior Columbine
    Mary Weinstein Sophomore Regis Jesuit
    Hannah Wood Senior Arapahoe


    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Golfer of the year: Jennifer Kupcho, Jefferson Academy

    First Team
    Name Year School
    Andrea Ballou Senior Valor Christian
    Jordan Cherry Senior Montrose
    Leah Donnelly Sophomore Wheat Ridge
    Mariah Ehrman Junior Jefferson Academy
    Courtney Ewing Junior Pueblo West
    Tori Goodman Junior Falcon
    Jennifer Kupcho Junior Jefferson Academy
    Kiselya Plewe Sophomore Dolores
    Emilee Strausburg Junior D’Evelyn
    Kylee Sullivan Junior Cheyenne Mountain
    Alex Trask Senior Bishop Machebeuf
    Megan Vernon Junior Golden

  • Cheyenne Mountain wins 4A girls golf’s team title

    (Bethany Brookens/CHSAANow.com)
    (Bethany Brookens/CHSAANow.com)

    COLORADO SPRINGS — After a shaky first round, the Cheyenne Mountain girls golf team delivered a state championship performance Tuesday at the Country Club of Colorado.

    The Indians, who were in third following the first day, fired a second round 250 to beat Montrose by 15 strokes to capture their second consecutive Class 4A state title at their home course.

    “We just focused and played like we were capable of (Tuesday),” said veteran Cheyenne coach Bill Paulson, whose team trailed Montrose by three strokes after the first round. “(Monday) we shot way above what we normally shoot and I think (Monday) was all about nerves and feeling the pressure of being on our own golf course.”

    Cheyenne Mountain finished with a 520 total on the challenging par-72 course. The Indians were powered by Kylee Sullivan (168), Kelly Kruse (173), Samantha Weber (179) and Rachel Knobbs (208).

    “It’s crazy, I can’t believe it happened again,” said Kruse, the team’s lone senior. “I’m just so thankful. It’s awesome that it happened on our home course.”

    (Bethany Brookens/CHSAANow.com)
    (Bethany Brookens/CHSAANow.com)

    Sullivan admitted her team changed its mindset on Tuesday.

    “We tried to forget (Monday) and we knew we had to fight back and win,” said Sullivan, who shot a team-best 81 Tuesday. “There was a lot of pressure on us. A lot of people think it should be easier to win on your home course, but this course wasn’t easy for anyone. It was a tough, tough course and it was a great state course. So to win her is just awesome.”

    Montrose finished the tourney with rounds of 267 and 268.

    Individually, Jennifer Kupcho coasted to her first state crown. The Jefferson Academy junior fired a 2-over-par 146. Valor Christian’s Andrea Ballou was second with a 160 total.

    This state title was three years in the making for Kupcho, who had rounds of 72 and 74 at the Country Club of Colorado. She finished third at state as a freshman and was second a year ago.

    “I had a good round Monday and I just came out and played consistent (Tuesday),” said the 5-foot-4 Kupcho, who has already verbally committed to play at Wake Forest University. “I’m really excited to be a state champion. I’m really happy.”

    Last year, Kupcho was runner-up to Montrose’s Kala Keltz by two strokes.

  • Jefferson Academy’s Kupcho fires 72 to claim big lead at 4A girls golf

    (Tom Robinson/CHSAANow.com)
    (Tom Robinson/CHSAANow.com)

    COLORADO SPRINGS — Near state championship misses are something Jennifer Kupcho knows well.

    The Jefferson Academy junior finished third at state as a freshman and was second a year ago.

    On Monday, the junior made a statement in the first round of the Class 4A state tournament to try and eliminate any heartbreaking drama this year.

    Kupcho fired an even-par 72 at the Country Club of Colorado course to take a commanding nine-stroke lead over her teammate Mariah Ehrman and Valor Christian’s Andrea Ballou.

    “I had a good round,” said Kupcho, who had only two bogeys. “I struggled with my putting at the beginning, but I was hitting the ball very well. The greens were kind of slow and bumpy, but the rest of the course was really nice.”

    The final round concludes Tuesday at the challenging Country Club of Colorado course.

    Jefferson Academy's Jennifer Kupcho. (Tracy Renck)
    Jefferson Academy’s Jennifer Kupcho. (Tracy Renck)

    A year ago, Kupcho was runner-up to Montrose’s Kala Keltz by two strokes. Her freshman season she was one stroke back of Pueblo South’s Bryce Schroeder and Kathleen Kershisnik of Regis. Schroeder won state in a playoff.

    “I’ve been really close to winning before and (Monday) I just went out there and played like I know how to play and I didn’t worry about anything else,” said the 5-foot-4 Kupcho, who has a career-best round of 67. “That worked out pretty well and I want to do the same thing (Tuesday).”

    In team race, Montrose leads with a 267, followed by Cheyenne Mountain (270), Valor Christian (271) and Estes Park (272). Cheyenne Mountain is the defending state champion.

    Although only a junior, Kupcho has already relieved herself of the stress of deciding on where to continue playing golf in college.

    “I have verbally committed to Wake Forest,” said Kupcho, who is likely going to major in business. “The weather is really nice there (in Winston-Salem N.C.) and I really liked the coaches. They have a really good golf program.”

  • 4A, 5A girls golf state tournament pairings

    The 2014 girls golf state meets are May 19-20.

    The 5A tournament will be held at Racoon Creek Golf Course in Littleton, while 4A is at Country Club of Colorado in Colorado Springs.

    Find first-round pairings below.

    Go to: 5A | 4A


    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Raccoon Creek Golf Course
    Time Tee Player School
    8:30 AM 1 Miranda Schiffbauer Arvada West
    8:30 AM 1 Corinne Wilson Columbine
    8:30 AM 1 Gillian Vance Dakota Ridge
    8:30 AM 10 Delaney Ellicott Monarch
    8:30 AM 10 Ashlyn Kirschner Ralston Valley
    8:30 AM 10 Morgan Sahm Grandview
    8:39 AM 1 Ali Pepper Arvada West
    8:39 AM 1 Jaylee Tait Columbine
    8:39 AM 1 Sydney Merchant Dakota Ridge
    8:39 AM 10 Carly Gallant Monarch
    8:39 AM 10 Sydney Prey Ralston Valley
    8:39 AM 10 Emily Jung Grandview
    8:48 AM 1 Sirena Maynes Prairie View
    8:48 AM 1 Elena Barboza Denver East
    8:48 AM 1 Cammie Fowler Fossil Ridge
    8:48 AM 10 Remy Mullen Monarch
    8:48 AM 10 Jordan Remley Ralston Valley
    8:48 AM 10 Caroline O’Donnell Grandview
    8:57 AM 1 Claire McPeak Skyline
    8:57 AM 1 Julia Baroth Denver East
    8:57 AM 1 Kenzi Hueter Fossil Ridge
    8:57 AM 10 Duval Sutherland Legend
    8:57 AM 10 Alex Jaros Boulder
    8:57 AM 10 Joanna Kempton Heritage
    9:06 AM 1 Erin Sargent Skyline
    9:06 AM 1 Sarah Hunt Denver East
    9:06 AM 1 Katie Larson Fossil Ridge
    9:06 AM 10 Anna Kennedy Legend
    9:06 AM 10 Aly Beeman Boulder
    9:06 AM 10 Delaney Benson Heritage
    9:15 AM 1 Adara Pauluhn Skyline
    9:15 AM 1 Claire Stirdivant Denver East
    9:15 AM 1 Mary Luckasen Fossil Ridge
    9:15 AM 10 McKenna Reppe Legend
    9:15 AM 10 Danielle Picard Boulder
    9:15 AM 10 Erika Truong Heritage
    9:24 AM 1 Delaney Knoebel Highlands Ranch
    9:24 AM 1 Hannah Eddy Arapahoe
    9:24 AM 1 Stephanie Bang Cherry Creek
    9:24 AM 10 Andrea Reppe Legend
    9:24 AM 10 Leah Perletz Boulder
    9:24 AM 10 Kendra George Heritage
    9:33 AM 1 Mikayla Knoebel Highlands Ranch
    9:33 AM 1 Nikki Backman Arapahoe
    9:33 AM 1 Jackie Biggs Cherry Creek
    9:33 AM 10 Mary Kate Nelson Pine Creek
    9:33 AM 10 Reagan Ritchey Brighton
    9:33 AM 10 Taylor Sunset Fairview
    9:42 AM 1 Jenni Chun Highlands Ranch
    9:42 AM 1 Holly Schaefer Arapahoe
    9:42 AM 1 Molly Lucas Cherry Creek
    9:42 AM 10 Victoria Thompson Pine Creek
    9:42 AM 10 Zarena Brown Pomona
    9:42 AM 10 Madison McCambridge Fairview
    9:51 AM 1 Samantha Barker Highlands Ranch
    9:51 AM 1 Hannah Wood Arapahoe
    9:51 AM 1 Calli Ringsby Cherry Creek
    9:51 AM 10 Julia Kim Rangeview
    9:51 AM 10 Heather Kroll Horizon
    9:51 AM 10 Tara Srinivas Fairview
    10:00 AM 1 Faith Hope Cherokee Trail
    10:00 AM 1 Erika Sailer Regis Jesuit
    10:00 AM 1 Alexis Chan Rock Canyon
    10:00 AM 10 Emma Hesse Lakewood
    10:00 AM 10 Lauren Pearson Chatfield
    10:00 AM 10 Katie Engel Mountain Range
    10:09 AM 1 Andrea Hoos Legacy
    10:09 AM 1 Jaclyn Murray Regis Jesuit
    10:09 AM 1 Haylee Hornick Rock Canyon
    10:09 AM 10 Haley Doty Lakewood
    10:09 AM 10 Katie Rice Fruita-Monument
    10:09 AM 10 Bailey Summers Grand Junction
    10:18 AM 1 Sarah Hankins Legacy
    10:18 AM 1 Mary Weinstein Regis Jesuit
    10:18 AM 1 Ameilia Lee Rock Canyon
    10:18 AM 10 Sammie Medina Central GJ
    10:18 AM 10 Megan Volkmann Fruita-Monument
    10:18 AM 10 Aili Bundy Loveland
    10:27 AM 1 Jennifer Hankins Legacy
    10:27 AM 1 Sydney Gillespie Regis Jesuit
    10:27 AM 1 Michelle Romano Rock Canyon
    10:27 AM 10 Lexi Valenzuela Bear Creek
    10:27 AM 10 Leia Vadeen Northglenn
    10:27 AM 10 Taylor Head Central GJ


    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Country Club of Colorado
    Time Tee Player School
    8:30 AM 1 Leah Donnelly Wheat Ridge
    8:30 AM 1 Cora Gottbehuet Falcon
    8:30 AM 1 Sarah Hwang St. Mary’s
    8:30 AM 10 Raynie Makloski Pueblo South
    8:30 AM 10 Lauren Cruz Northridge
    8:30 AM 10 Mattie Schwall Manitou Springs
    8:39 AM 1 Hannah More Mullen
    8:39 AM 1 Tori Goodman Falcon
    8:39 AM 1 Natalie Holley Evergreen
    8:39 AM 10 Sophia Montoya Pueblo South
    8:39 AM 10 Sammy Geisck Northridge
    8:39 AM 10 Brooke Lucero Rye
    8:48 AM 1 Alex Trask Bishop Machebeuf
    8:48 AM 1 Kelsey McKenna Air Academy
    8:48 AM 1 Madison Tenney Evergreen
    8:48 AM 10 Courtney Ewing Pueblo West
    8:48 AM 10 Lorenza Rios Pueblo Central
    8:48 AM 10 Eryn Salinas Rye
    8:57 AM 1 Mariah Ehrman Jefferson Academy
    8:57 AM 1 Reiley Waldo Durango
    8:57 AM 1 Haley Patterson Yuma
    8:57 AM 10 Sam DeNardo Pueblo West
    8:57 AM 10 Gianna DeGarbo Pueblo Central
    8:57 AM 10 Nicole Rooney Green Mountain
    9:06 AM 1 Jennifer Kupcho Jefferson Academy
    9:06 AM 1 Brooke Kniffen Durango
    9:06 AM 1 Kendra Bellmann Estes Park
    9:06 AM 10 Kaitlyn Mobley Fort Morgan
    9:06 AM 10 Alyx Carter Rifle
    9:06 AM 10 Kylee Tokoi Mountain View
    9:15 AM 1 Kiselya Plewe Dolores
    9:15 AM 1 Natalie Lyon Durango
    9:15 AM 1 Colleen Casey Estes Park
    9:15 AM 10 Shelby Bledsoe Fort Morgan
    9:15 AM 10 Emilee Strausburg D’Evelyn
    9:15 AM 10 Melissa Steinbach Coal Ridge
    9:24 AM 1 Alli Smith Estes Park
    9:24 AM 1 Hope Kim Broomfield
    9:24 AM 1 Ashley Roo Valor Christian
    9:24 AM 10 Megan Vernon Golden
    9:24 AM 10 Ashley Brown Conifer
    9:24 AM 10 Taylor Sandoval Eagle Valley
    9:33 AM 1 Savannah Bernal Pueblo East
    9:33 AM 1 Skylar George Broomfield
    9:33 AM 1 Isabella Morfe Valor Christian
    9:33 AM 10 Katarina Krupinska Golden
    9:33 AM 10 Leah Huizenga Gunnison
    9:33 AM 10 Dolores Sharaf Aspen
    9:42 AM 1 Kat Jarman Pueblo East
    9:42 AM 1 Maddie Kern Broomfield
    9:42 AM 1 Makayla Dahl Valor Christian
    9:42 AM 10 Aryn McLaughlin Thompson Valley
    9:42 AM 10 Kellsey Sample Palmer Ridge
    9:42 AM 10 Aly Shuman Palisade
    9:51 AM 1 Gia Zupancic Pueblo East
    9:51 AM 1 Carson Platnick Broomfield
    9:51 AM 1 Andrea Ballou Valor Christian
    9:51 AM 10 Megan McCutcheon Lewis-Palmer
    9:51 AM 10 Teagan Sullivan Palmer Ridge
    9:51 AM 10 Taylor Hackett Alamosa
    10:00 AM 1 Rachel Knobbs Cheyenne Mountain
    10:00 AM 1 Mikayla McKie Montrose
    10:00 AM 1 Trinity Goderstad Colorado Academy
    10:00 AM 10 Jessie Patch Florence
    10:00 AM 10 Katelyn Peroulis Moffat County
    10:00 AM 10 Brooke Trujillo Alamosa
    10:09 AM 1 Kelly Kruse Cheyenne Mountain
    10:09 AM 1 Brooke Brennecke Montrose
    10:09 AM 1 Cassie Kneen Colorado Academy
    10:09 AM 10 Meaghan Ireland Florence
    10:09 AM 10 Jorie Anaya Pueblo Centennial
    10:09 AM 10 Breanne Buchner Fowler
    10:18 AM 1 Samantha Weber Cheyenne Mountain
    10:18 AM 1 Chelsea Peterson Montrose
    10:18 AM 1 Kacey Godwin Colorado Academy
    10:18 AM 10 Shelby Hindes Monte Vista
    10:18 AM 10 Rachel Weber Classical Academy
    10:18 AM 10 Bailey Reed Wray
    10:27 AM 1 Kylee Sullivan Cheyenne Mountain
    10:27 AM 1 Jordan Cherry Montrose
    10:27 AM 1 Emma Johnson Colorado Academy
    10:27 AM 10 Faith Watson Sand Creek
    10:27 AM 10 Allie Garcia Coronado
    10:27 AM 10 Emily McChesney Elizabeth

  • Playoff brackets released for 5A, 4A and 3A girls soccer

    Fossil Ridge Legacy girls soccer
    Fossil Ridge is the No. 1 seed in the 5A girls soccer playoffs. (Pam Wagner)

    Fossil Ridge, Cheyenne Mountain and Jefferson Academy are the top seeds for girls soccer playoffs.

    The sport’s state playoff brackets were released on Sunday, with a committee completing the 32-team fields for classes 5A, 4A and 3A.

    Fossil Ridge, the lone unbeaten team in 5A, earned the classification’s No. 1 seed. The SaberCats are 13-0-2 this season, and are riding an eight-game winning streak.

    Rock Canyon is No. 2, Pine Creek is No. 3, defending champion Mountain Vista is No. 4 and Fairview is 5A’s fifth seed.

    See the full 5A bracket here.

    Cheyenne Mountain is also 13-0-2, and heads the 4A field. The Indians won last year’s crown, 2-0 over Broomfield.

    Broomfield is the second seed this season, Sand Creek is third, Battle Mountain is fourth and Niwot is fifth.

    See the full 4A bracket here.

    In 3A, Jefferson Academy is No. 1 at 13-2-0. The Jaguars are riding a nine-game winning streak.

    There will be a new champion in the classification as Peak to Peak did not make the field.

    Colorado Academy is the second seed in 3A, St. Mary’s is No. 3, The Academy is No. 4 and Holy Family is No. 5.

    See the full 3A bracket here.

  • Little movement in final girls soccer rankings of the season

    Jefferson Academy Kent Denver girls soccer
    Jefferson Academy had one of the bigger jumps of the week, moving up to No. 3 in Class 3A. (Pam Wagner)

    With the playoffs just around the corner, girls soccer seems to have a pretty clear picture. For now, anyway.

    Not only did none of the No. 1 teams change this week, none of the three classes added a new team in this week’s CHSAANow.com rankings.

    There were jumps here and there — Jefferson Academy went from No. 6 to No. 3 in 3A; Palmer Ridge from No. 10 to No. 8 in 4A — but most of the movement amounted to tinkering.

    The No. 1 teams this week are Pine Creek (5A), Cheyenne Mountain (4A) and Colorado Academy (3A).

    With the regular season ending on Friday, these will serve as the final rankings.

    Complete polls for all classes are below.

    [divider]

    CHSAANow.com Girls Soccer Polls

    Voted upon by coaches and media members around the state. These rankings have no bearing on postseason seeding.

    Coaches and media members looking to vote should email rcasey@chsaa.org.

    Go to: 5A | 4A | 3A

    Class 5A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Pine Creek (8) 11-1-1 114 1 1-0-1
    2 Mountain Vista (2) 11-1-2 108 2 1-0-1
    3 Rock Canyon (3) 11-1-0 96 3 2-0-0
    4 Fossil Ridge 10-0-2 95 5 3-0-0
    5 Fairview 11-2-0 68 4 2-1-0
    6 Smoky Hill 11-1-1 67 6 3-0-1
    7 Legacy 11-2-0 42 7 2-0-0
    8 Arapahoe 10-3-1 34 9 3-0-0
    9 Cherry Creek 10-4-0 32 8 2-0-0
    10 Ralston Valley 11-2-0 26 10 2-0-0
    Others receiving votes:
    Liberty 13, Columbine 12, Monarch 3, Arvada West 2, Regis Jesuit 2, Boulder 1, Rangeview 1.
    Dropped out
    None.

    Class 4A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Cheyenne Mountain (10) 11-0-2 108 1 3-0-0
    2 Broomfield (1) 11-1-1 97 2 3-0-0
    3 Sand Creek 11-2-1 62 4 2-0-0
    4 Battle Mountain 12-1-0 61 6 2-0-0
    5 Lewis-Palmer 9-2-3 60 3 2-0-0
    6 Niwot 11-2-0 40 8 1-1-0
    7 Valor Christian 9-5-0 31 5 1-2-0
    8 Palmer Ridge 7-4-1 28 10 1-0-1
    9 Wheat Ridge 11-3-0 21 7 2-1-0
    10 Englewood 11-0-1 16 9 2-0-1
    Others receiving votes:
    Pueblo Centennial 13, Green Mountain 12, Ponderosa 10, Air Academy 9, Skyview 8, Windsor 8, Silver Creek 7, Weld Central 6, Evergreen 4, Mead 2, Montrose 1, Skyline 1.
    Dropped out
    None.

    Class 3A
    RK TEAM W-L PTS PVS LW
    1 Colorado Academy (10) 10-3-0 118 1 3-0-0
    2 St. Mary’s (1) 11-1-0 100 3 3-0-0
    3 Jefferson Academy 11-2-0 80 6 3-0-0
    4 Holy Family (1) 8-3-1 72 5 2-1-0
    5 Kent Denver 8-4-1 71 2 1-1-0
    6 Coal Ridge 13-1-0 64 4 1-1-0
    7 Frontier Academy 8-2-2 39 7 2-1-0
    8 The Academy 11-1-0 37 8 2-0-0
    9 Faith Christian 9-4-0 18 9 2-1-0
    10 St. Mary’s Academy 7-6-0 15 10 2-1-0
    Others receiving votes:
    The Classical Academy 12, Fountain Valley 7, Manitou Springs 7, Sterling 7, Roaring Fork 6, Alamosa 2, Basalt 2, SkyView Academy 2, Grand Valley 1, Liberty Common 1.
    Dropped out
    None.