The Season D all-state baseball 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 then a vote of head coaches.

Player and coach of the year was also selected by a vote of the coaches.

[divider]

Class 5A

(Paul Shepardson)

Player of the year: Radek Birkholz, Valor Christian

Coach of the year: Ron Quintana, Mountain Vista

Honorable mention:

• Tucker Buniger, UTIL, Fruita Monument, Senior
• Gerardo Caldera, C/P, Adams City, Senior
• Caleb Cancino, C, Castle View, Junior
• Benji Carrington, Rampart, Junior
• Reese Chapman, OF/RHP, Grandview, Junior
• Ty Chapman, SS, Grandview, Senior
• Cade Collins, 2B/SS, Dakota Ridge, Freshman
• Cory Cooper, Denver South, Sophomore
• Carter Dorighi, INF, Cherry Creek, Senior
• Braden Doumer, C/OF/1B, Legend, Junior
• Garrett Dykstra, LHP/1B, Arapahoe, Senior
• Jacob Frazzini, P/1B, Cherokee Trail, Senior
• Matt Glover, Denver South, Senior
• Nathan Gutierrez, LHP/OF, Douglas County, Senior
• Jacob Hill, P/2B, Ralston Valley, Senior
• Liam Hohenstein, OF/RHP, Rock Canyon, Junior
• Chase Jaworsky, SS/2B, Rock Canyon, Sophomore
• Brant Kragel, 1B/P, Valor Christian, Junior
• Cale Lansville, RHP/1B, ThunderRidge, Senior
• Dallas Macias, Regis Jesuit, Junior
• Cort McDaniel, C, Fruita Monument, Senior
• Miguel Medina, CF/P/SS, Hinkley, Senior
• Adam Moser, Fairview, Senior
• Matthew Oberlander, OF/P, Fort Collins, Senior
• Brooks Rodarte, Castle View, Sophomore
• Camden Ross, Broomfield, Junior
• Jeremiah Sanchez, OF/LHP, Pueblo West, Junior
• Jace Schlegel, LHP/1B/OF, Pueblo West, Senior
• Landen Sehr, Legacy, Junior
• Luke Silverman, Fairview, Senior
• Danny Spence, INF/RHP, Pueblo West, Junior
• Tyler Stonebraker, OF/UTIL, Douglas County, Junior
• Tommy Valdez, Broomfield, Senior
• Will Vasseur, INF/RHP, Rocky Mountain, Junior
• Isaac Wachsmann, Regis Jesuit, Junior
• Chris Wallace, Poudre, Senior
• Jacob Weaver, P/SS, Fruita Monument, Senior
• Kody Woods, P/C/3B, Palmer, Senior

[divider]

Class 4A

(Paul Shepardson)

Player of the year: Dom Lopez, Ponderosa

Coach of the year: Bob Maloney, Ponderosa

Honorable mention:

• Tony Benko, D’Evelyn, Junior
• Bradley Blakemore, CF/LF/RHP, D’Evelyn, Junior
• Nate Bollinger, 3B, Palisade, Senior
• Nolan Boone, INF/P, Montrose, Senior
• Sammy Cabral, Thornton, Senior
• Jimmy Chastain, 1B, Windsor, Senior
• Connor Cooney, CF, Holy Family, Senior
• Derrick Domenico, 3B/SS, Pueblo County, Junior
• Nick Espinola, INF/RHP/OF, Thomas Jefferson, Senior
• Sage Ferguson, P/INF, Elizabeth, Senior
• Connor Frickey, 1B/RHP, Cheyenne Mountain, Junior
• Logan Gross, P/3B/SS, Rifle, Freshman
• Mason Hamlin, 2B/SS, Falcon, Junior
• Nolan Hertzke, RHP/3B, Severance, Sophomore
• George Hogan, SS/P, Evergreen, Senior
• Nolan Hydock, 1B/RHP, Greeley West, Senior
• Carson King, INF/P, Evergreen, Junior
• Cael Langford, Fort Morgan, Senior
• Derek Lukes, C/P/1B, Ponderosa, Junior
• Gage Mestas, Durango, Senior
• Westin Miller, SS, Wheat Ridge, Senior
• Nate Moorehead, INF/P/OF, Falcon, Senior
• Elijah Morales, OF/IF/P, Battle Mountain, Junior
• Isaiah Padilla, INF/P, Denver North, Sophomore
• Anders Page-Roth, SS, Golden, Sophomore
• Holden Pantier, SS/3B, Erie, Sophomore
• Melesio Perez, INF, Palisade, Junior
• Chase Prestwich, Frederick, Senior
• Dakota Pruitt, SS/P, Riverdale Ridge, Senior
• Caleb Ralph, RHP/INF, Lewis-Palmer, Senior
• Coletin Renn, INF/P, Canon City, Junior
• Rocco Salvatore, 1B, Roosevelt, Senior
• Clayton Sanger, 1B/LHP, Falcon, Senior
• Brock Saya, SS/RHP, Roosevelt, Junior
• Dylan Sayler, LF/SS/CF, Mesa Ridge, Senior
• Gavin Shary, INF/OF, Denver North, Junior
• Cole Simms, C/P, Canon City, Senior
• Nick Spidel, P/OF, Elizabeth, Senior
• Andrew Syverson, C/2B, Holy Family, Junior
• Nick Vilims, P/OF, Evergreen, Senior
• Cal Walsh, Durango, Senior
• Nick Weiderholt, OF/1B/LHP, George Washington, Junior
• Briggs Wheatley, Fort Morgan, Junior
• Noah Wicks, C/RHP, Golden, Sophomore
• Cruz Zamudio, C, Frederick, Sophomore

[divider]

Class 3A

(Nick Jurney)

Player of the year: Ryan Ure, Eaton

Coach of the year: Todd Hernandez, Eaton

Honorable mention:

• Daniel Alvarado, 1B/P, Strasburg, Senior
• Ty Blackmer, 2B/SS/RHP, Montezuma-Cortez, Senior
• Tyler Bowdridge, CF/RHP, Pagosa Springs, Senior
• Elliot Bowen, RHP/C/CF, DSST: Montview, Junior
• Blake Buxton, OF/DH, Lamar, Senior
• Cade Carlson, 2B/INF, Bayfield, Senior
• Dylan Diorio, Sterling, Junior
• Jonah Ellis, Salida, Senior
• Carter Evans, Resurrection Christian, Sophomore
• Davis Evans, C/SS/P, Kent Denver, Senior
• Garrett Everitt, 1B/RHP, Faith Christian, Senior
• Greg Garza, INF, University, Junior
• Ben Greenberg, Colorado Academy, Junior
• Josh Greiving, Lutheran, Senior
• Ty Griffith, Brush, Sophomore
• Isaiah Elliot, CF/INF/RHP, The Academy, Sophomore
• Braden Hallman, C/DH/3B, Montezuma-Cortez, Sophomore
• Bryson Knapp, Resurrection Christian, Senior
• Alex Martinez, C, University, Senior
• Gabi Marmolejo, OF/P, Gunnison, Senior
• Alex Martinez, C, University, Senior
• Andrew Meick, Sterling, Junior
• Jonathan Monroe, LHP/OF/1B, The Academy, Junior
• Wish Moore, Basalt, Junior
• Aaron Morgan, Lutheran, Senior
• Ty Myers, 1B/P, University, Senior
• Ernie Padilla, CF/RHP/UTIL, Montezuma-Cortez, Senior
• Zaymien Peteque, INF/P, La Junta, Senior
• Aaron Rice, Colorado Academy, Senior
• Luke Ruby, Junior, Resurrection Christian
• Cole Schumacher, Eaton, Senior
• Sam Sherry, Basalt, Junior
• Hunter Smilanich, Moffat County, Senior
• Evan Sowards, OF/P, Alamosa, Junior
• Coy Spitz, INF/P/C, Lamar, Junior
• Ryder True, Eaton, Sophomore
• Skylor Wild, Gunnison, Junior

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Class 2A

(Paul Shepardson)

Player of the year: Kory Tacha, Limon

Coach of the year: Rocky Rockwell, Limon

Honorable mention:

• Anthony Aldretti, P/OF/C, John Mall, Senior
• Brenton Battista, OF/P/INF, Peyton, Senior
• Haden Camp, INF/P, Buena Vista, Sophomore
• JP Clune, C/RHP, St. Mary’s, Junior
• David Clutter, C/OF, Monte Vista, Junior
• Ben Compton, 1B/3B/RHP, Rye, Senior
• Liam Deming, Meeker, Junior
• Braydon Garcia, Meeker, Senior
• Michael Garza, CF/P, Dolores Huerta Prep, Senior
• Logan Glaser, 2B/3B, Calhan, Senior
• Matthew Gutierrez, Burlington, Sophomore
• Tyler Higgins, Limon, Senior
• Sam Hnizdil, INF/P, Highland, Junior
• Trevin Holland, INF/P, Swink, Junior
• Evan Larrick, County Line [Wiley/McClave], Freshman
• Val Leone, INF/P, Fowler, Senior
• Junior Lopez, 2B/INF, Monte Vista, Senior
• Garrett Oloman, SS/P, Custer County, Sophomore
• TJ Ortiz, 3B/P, Las Animas, Freshman
• Matt Pachl, INF/P, North Fork, Junior
• Nathan Paolucci, INF/P, Swink, Senior
• Dimitri Prisbrey, OF/P, Olathe, Senior
• Cole Reavis, OF, Buena Vista, Junior
• Rafael Ruiz Jr., SS/RHP, Lyons, Senior
• Colby Rupp, 1B/OF, Cedaredge, Senior
• Seattle Schuessler, CF/SS/P, Clear Creek, Senior
• Byron Shawcroft, P/SS, Centauri, Junior
• Cameron Stringfellow, SS/P/OF, Dolores Huerta, Freshman
• Yahir Trejo, SS/2B, Yuma, Junior
• Sam Uyemura, SS/P, Wray, Senior
• Michael Valdez, LF/3B/RHP, Rye, Senior
• Henry VanDenBerg, 1B/P, Denver Christian, Senior
• Bobby Wallace, INF/P/C, South Park, Senior
• Michael Wishowski, P/OF/1B, South Park, Senior

[divider]

Class 1A

(Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

Player of the year: Jose Magallanes, Holly

Coach of the year: Dayne Eaton, Holly

Honorable mention:

• Pavel Bernlohr, Evangelical Christian, Senior
• Jaxon Borchardt, Rocky Mountain Lutheran, Senior
• Noah Coddington, Evangelical Christian, Junior
• Dominic Coleman, P/SS, Granada, Junior
• Micah Dannelly, UTIL/RHP, Flatirons Academy, Sophomore
• Brayden Glover, Simla, Sophomore
• Bobby Larsen, Rocky Mountain Lutheran, Senior
• Maguire Lind, Pikes Peak Christian, Junior
• Hatch Nelson, Eads, Senior
• Kevin Purkat, SS/RHP, Dove Creek, Senior
• Tyler Reynolds, P/SS, Otis, Senior
• Gavin Rose, C, Elbert, Junior
• Colton Rowan, INF/RHP, Flatirons Academy, Freshman
• Logan Weimer, Nucla, Senior

The Season D 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 then a vote of head coaches.

Player and coach of the year was also selected by a vote of the coaches.

[divider]

Class 5A

(David Johnson/davidjohnsonphotoprahpy.com)

Player of the year: Maddie Brady, Broomfield

Coach of the year: Jim Davidson, Broomfield

Honorable mention:

• Shayla Addington, D, Chaparral, Junior
• Madison Allshouse, D, Legacy, Junior
• Eve Bleam, MF, Boulder, Junior
• Reagan Bridges, D, Arapahoe, Senior
• Taylor Brook, Rocky Mountain, Senior
• Sydney Ciechanowicz, MF, Denver East, Senior
• Brae Cole, MF, Monarch, Senior
• Ashlyn Craig, D, Arvada West, Junior
• Sabrina DeHart, D/MF, Rampart, Freshman
• Cyanne Doyle, STRK, ThunderRidge, Senior
• Sarah Dunn, Rampart, Sophomore
• Kate Dunne, D, Regis Jesuit, Junior
• Kaelin Enga, MF, Liberty, Senior
• Taylor Evans, Mountain Vista, Junior
• Makenna Flinn, FORW, Fruita Monument, Senior
• Addie Follett, FORW, Cherry Creek, Senior
• Lucy Hart, D/FORW, Pine Creek, Senior
• Kylie Hoffman, MF, Legacy, Sophomore
• Jace Holmes, MF, ThunderRidge, Senior
• Emily Hoy, MF, Northglenn, Senior
• Annika Kassenbrock, STRK/D, Silver Creek, Senior
• Cadence Kline, D/MF, Columbine, Junior
• Lolo Lacy, GK, Pine Creek, Senior
• Karly Lambert, , Brighton, Sophomore
• Anna Lantz, FORW, Regis Jesuit, Junior
• Cecelia Marlowe, D, Castle View, Junior
• Jenna McCormick, MF, ThunderRidge, Senior
• Delaney McGowan, Cherokee Trail, Senior
• Brooklyn McKinney, FORW, Prairie View, Senior
• Hannah Murphy, MF, Lakewood, Sophomore
• Kara Nelson, GK, Silver Creek, Junior
• Jordan Nytes, GK, Grandview, Junior
• Jordan Okada, D, Fairview, Senior
• Avery Ott, MF, Arapahoe, Junior
• Kaitlyn Pagel, , Cherokee Trail, Senior
• Hannah Peterson, D, Chatfield, Senior
• Jo Sees, Valor Christian, Sophomore

[divider]

Class 4A

(Kevin Keyser/keyserimages.com)

Player of the year: Olivia Dietrich, Holy Family

Coach of the year: Michelle Griego, Holy Family

Honorable mention:

• Kylie Bach, Riverdale Ridge, Senior
• Avery Bergschneider, D/FB/MF, Littleton, Senior
• Morgan Berry, MF/FORW, Woodland Park, Junior
• Brooke Bonner, Green Mountain, Senior
• Callie Borg, MF, Battle Mountain, Senior
• Madeline Borncamp, Niwot, Senior
• Taylor Bottoms, Thompson Valley, Junior
• Abby Bush, MF, Windsor, Junior
• Katy Clapp, MF, Summit, Sophomore
• Tatum Coe, Eagle Valley, Junior
• Josie Coulter, Montrose, Junior
• Michayla Dirito-Goff, STRK/MF, Pueblo South, Senior
• Maya Elias, FORW/MF/D, Glenwood Springs, Senior
• Kiera Flannagan, Niwot, Senior
• Lanie Freeland, STRK/GK, Greeley Central, Senior
• Grace Gardner, MF, Golden, Senior
• Ally Henrikson, Pueblo County, Senior
• Paige Hill, D/MF, Northridge, Sophomore
• Sammi Holt, MF, Canon City, Senior
• Gwyneth Jamison, Steamboat Springs, Freshman
• Allie Jones, MF, Pueblo Centennial, Senior
• Riley Jones, Palmer Ridge, Senior
• Marit Klagge, Thompson Valley, Junior
• Sarah Langley, STRK/MF/D, Coronado, Freshman
• Sydney Lasater, MF, Sand Creek, Senior
• Shaela Leahy, The Classical Academy, Senior
• Darby Martinez, Steamboat Springs, Junior
• Justice McKee, Palisade, Senior
• Kennedy Montoya, Northfield, Junior
• Sophia Nickel, FORW, Golden, Freshman
• Peyton Oleson, MF, Mountain View, Senior
• Lauren Petersen, Bear Creek, Senior
• Breanne Raley, FORW, Cheyenne Mountain, Senior
• Kylea Roitsch, The Classical Academy, Senior
• Kyle Rowland, Durango, Senior
• Mary Sanchez, FORW/MF/GK, Pueblo Central, Senior

[divider]

Class 3A

(Jack Carlough)

Player of the year: Izzy Newton, Kent Denver

Coach of the year: Lucas Richardson, Kent Denver

Honorable mention:

• Ava Candelaria, DSST: Byers, Senior
• Julia Creech, MF, St. Mary’s, Senior
• Mari Domingos, D, Colorado Springs Christian, Senior
• Arlette Duran, Atlas Preparatory School, Senior
• Jennifer Ellis, MF/FORW, Aspen, Junior
• Makena Feist, FORW/MF, Liberty Common, Sophomore
• Saige Ferguson, Salida, Senior
• Emily Gish, Vail Mountain, Junior
• Kassidy Grey, MF, Colorado Springs Christian, Sophomore
• Nina Haas, Salida, Freshman
• Samantha Johnston, Basalt, Senior
• Maggie Lappe, MF, St. Mary’s, Sophomore
• Toby Lawson, Salida, Junior
• Sarah Levy, STRK, Basalt, Sophomore
• Kipley Lewis, D, Liberty Common, Sophomore
• Katie MacKendrick, FORW, Middle Park, Senior
• Diana Maldonado, GK, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Junior
• Sophie McKeown, FORW/MF, Manitou Springs, Senior
• Abby Parker, D/MF, Manitou Springs, Junior
• Macey Peery, Roaring Fork, Junior
• Jessica Polkowske, MF, Alamosa, Senior
• Alexis Ramey, Frontier Academy, Senior
• Tania Razo, MF/FORW, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Junior
• Allie Schumacher, MF/FORW/D, Sterling, Senior
• Erica Sherwin, FORW, Manitou Springs, Sophomore
• Kimberly Sierra, GK, James Irwin, Sophomore
• Amber Smith, MF/D, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Sophomore
• Keiry Sosa, MF/D, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Senior
• Stella Stone, Vail Mountain, Sophomore
• McKenzie Stricker, D/FB, The Academy, Senior
• Libby Tharp, Coal Ridge, Senior
• Ashley Tyrell, D/MF, Liberty Common, Senior
• Avery Verheyen, D, Colorado Springs Christian, Freshman
• Ashley Wallau, D, St. Mary’s, Junior

[divider]

(Brent Murphy/BrentMurphyPhoto.com)

Class 2A

Player of the year: Degen Miller, Dawson School

Coach of the year: David Criswell, Dawson School

Honorable mention:

• Charlotte Apodaca, SWEP, Buena Vista, Sophomore
• Annie Brown, STRK, Thomas McLaren, Senior
• Hope Bruhn, Grand Valley, Senior
• Tabitha Call, Grand Valley, Senior
• Tylene Diehl, Grand Valley, Senior
• Kaisa Dohlvik, Colorado Springs School, Freshman
• Maizy Gordon, Ridgway, Sophomore
• Terra Hurt, D, Thomas MacLaren, Senior
• Shively Kierek, Colorado Springs School, Junior
• Mia Lybecker, Colorado Springs School, Freshman
• Ellie O’Neal, Crested Butte, Sophomore
• Robin Pavelich, D, Vail Christian, Junior
• Hope VonLintel, FORW, Twin Peaks Charter, Freshman
• Lindsey Whitton, FORW, Vail Christian, Freshman

The Season D all-state girls track and field teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

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

In order to be considered for athlete of the year, they must first have made the all-state team by winning an event.

Athletes of the year were selected based upon their performance at the state meet. Coaches of the year were selected based upon the team champions.

[divider]

Class 5A

(Tim Bourke/TimBourke.com)

Athlete of the year: Riley Stewart, Cherry Creek

Coach of the year: Brian Kula, Valor Christian

[divider]

Class 4A

(Kevin McNearny)

Athlete of the year: Lucca Fulkerson, Niwot

Coach of the year: Maurice Henriques, Niwot

[divider]

Class 3A

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Athlete of the year: Peyton Garrison, Coal Ridge

Coach of the year: Ben Kirk, Coal Ridge

[divider]

Class 2A

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Athlete of the year: Eboselulu Omofoma, Dayspring Christian

Coach of the year: Kirby Henderson, Cedaredge

[divider]

Class 1A

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Athlete of the year: Alivia Weathers, Lone Star

Coach of the year: Joe Packard, Heritage Christian

The Season D all-state boys swimming teams are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

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

[divider]

(Brent Murphy/BrentMurphyPhoto.com)

Class 5A

Swimmer of the year: Alex McMahon & Sebastian Wolff, Heritage

Diver of the year: Quinn Henninger, Regis Jesuit

Swim coach of the year: Chris Loftis, Cherry Creek

[divider]

(Brent Murphy/BrentMurphyPhoto.com)

Class 4A

Swimmer of the year: Xavier Hill, George Washington

Diver of the year: Jack Ryan, Denver North

Swim coach of the year: Debbie Stewart, Silver Creek

(Jack Carlough)

COLORADO SPRINGS – With both Broomfield and Rock Canyon coming off one-goal wins in the semifinals, another low-scoring contest was expected when the teams clashed in the Class 5A finals on Saturday at Weidner Field.

The biggest difference was the second-seeded Eagles had Bailee Giddings on their side. The sophomore was given the opportunity of her career and delivered on a penalty kick to break a tie late in the second half and help send the Eagles home with a 3-1 victory and the championship trophy.

“There (were) a lot of nerves going around with that and I was super nervous,” Giddings said. “But you practice those in practice over and over again, so I felt confident to take it.”

Giddings’ second goal of the day was plenty for Broomfield to secure its first state title since winning 4A in 2006. Sophomore Michaela McGowan added a valuable insurance goal with 7:45 left to give the Eagles their eventual two-score victory.

For a program that has finished runner-up in four of the last seven seasons, Broomfield coach Jim Davidson said it felt good for the team to finally take that next step.

“It’s nice to get the monkey off our back and get the breakthrough state championship,” Davidson said. “Really proud of the girls.”

Although she missed out on her freshman season due to the COVID-19 pandemic canceling the 2020 spring campaign, Giddings’ lack of experience didn’t matter much when it mattered most. Just minutes after scoring the opening goal of the game, her hamstring cramped around midfield. Davidson said the injury was concerning at the time but Giddings didn’t skip a beat.

“We were worried about what kind of minutes she’s going to be able to give us in the second half,” Davidson said. “To go literally the entirety of the second half and to put the game away for us speaks to her mentality and her courage.”

Rock Canyon, which came in as the No. 4-seed, scored its lone goal of the afternoon in the 43rd minute. Junior Cate Sheahan headed a corner kick to tie the game at one and, at least momentarily, spark life in the Jaguars. The goal was just Broomfield’s second allowed in its four playoff games.

Davidson said that Rock Canyon’s momentum-shifting goal had him a bit nervous on the sidelines. The Eagles, however, adjusted and worked to regain control of the midfield, which ultimately produced Giddings’ winning penalty kick.

Broomfield’s victory cemented a 13-0-1 season, while Rock Canyon lost for the first time since its opening game against Ponderosa on May 6.

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

LAKEWOOD – A steady rain forced Taylor James to rush in packing up her belongings on the infield at Jefferson County Stadium on Saturday afternoon, and it caused her to get soaked as she conducted post-race interviews.

The moisture did not, however, dampen her spirits as the Niwot senior closed one of the most remarkable track and field careers in Colorado history.

James won two more state titles on Saturday, leading Niwot to one of the most dominating team performances in state history.

“That hasn’t quite sunken in yet,” she said of knowing her high school career has come to a close. “Definitely I’m gonna miss the state meet, Jeffco Stadium, the crowd and what an amazing meet the organizers put on. It’s tough for sure, but I’ve still got things to look forward to.”

The Stanford-bound star has a bright future, but put together another memorable performance this weekend.

On Saturday, James won the 200-meter dash (24.61 seconds), the 400-meter dash (54.69) and anchored the Cougars to a win in the 400-meter relay (48.30). She helped them to a win and meet record in the 800-meter relay on Friday.

James closed her three-year career (she didn’t get a 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic) with 10 state titles in the 12 events she competed. She placed first in the last nine state events she ran, including going 4-for-4 in 2019 and this year.

James ranks not only among the greatest in Niwot history – along with Griffin Matthew, Elise Cranny and others – but in state history.

“Yeah, it’s definitely very exciting,” she said. “I do try to take time to reflect a little bit. Sometimes I can be a little hard on myself, so I try to think back to a lot of my best races and I love the feeling of coming across the line first for sure. I’m a very competitive person in nature. But my goal orientation is always about what my team wants me to do.”

With James leading the way, the Cougars scored a stunning 183 team points to beat second-place Mullen (48) by 135.

In addition to James on Saturday, the Cougars got an individual title from sophomore Kimora Northrup in the 300 hurdles (43.78 seconds) and two more championships in relays. Niwot won the 400 relay and 1,600 relay on Saturday, completing a sweep of the five girls relays.

Niwot won its second consecutive team title after finishing as runner-up in James’ freshman year, 2018.

“It means everything,” James said of the team crown. “All these girls have been working so hard, battling their own battles, but yet coming to practice every single day for their teammates. I’m so excited to stand on the podium with all of them because I’m so proud of them. I know the coaches are proud of them. As a team leader, appointed team captain, it means a lot to see them all kind of grow and mature and everybody running so well.”

[divider]

Class 5A

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

When this season began, Valor Christian senior Camille Peisner wasn’t sure she’d make it to the state meet. On Saturday, she was a three-time champion.

Peisner won the 100 meters with a time of 11.88 seconds and then narrowly won the 200 meters in 23.92 seconds. Denver East’s Kyairra Reigh was just .01 of a second behind Peisner.

“It’s so exciting,” said Peisner, who added a second-place finish in the 400 meters and helped the Eagles to a victory in the 1,600-meter relay (3:52.92 seconds). “This was a comeback season for me. I started in the hospital, so I was just surprised to get the (100 and 200) and I can’t complain about the 400.”

Peisner got appendicitis this spring and then had some complications that kept her in the hospital for about five days.

“At that point I was like, ‘Hopefully I can even make it to the state track meet,’” she said. “I’m just thankful to be here let alone get the win.”

Peisner, who won three relay titles with the Eagles earlier in her career, was runner-up in the 400 in 2019 and third in the 200. Her performance this weekend, however, helped Valor Christian to the team title, with 130.50 points (Grandview was second, with 83.5).

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

“I don’t know about other teams, but last year with the COVID season, we were still working out on our own every day, whether if it was in our garage or driveways or something like that,” she said. “Coming back and seeing all that work come to fruition is really rewarding.”

Cherry Creek junior Riley Stewart capped a remarkable weekend with a victory in the 1,600 meters. Stewart, who set the Colorado prep record with a time of 4:44.13 earlier this year, came up just short of that mark, but did establish a new 5A state meet record, crossing the line in 4:45.96.

Stewart swept her three individual races this weekend, also taking titles in the 800 meters and 3,200 meters. In addition, she helped the Bruins to a win in the 3,200-meter relay.

“It’s amazing,” Stewart said. “The whole weekend has been so fun and to finish it on this high note, I’m so excited.

While Reigh lost the 200 meter final to Peisner, the Denver East star did win the 400 meters, in a time of 53.27 seconds. She also helped the Angels win the 400-meter relay, in 47.72 seconds.

In other events Saturday, Overland senior Zeaniah Wedgeworth won the 100-meter hurdles (14.36); Valor Christian junior Kylie Bahr won the 300 hurdles (42.93); Loveland junior Kajsa Borrman won the discus (145-10); and freshman Lilly Nichols of Broomfield won the pole vault (12-0).

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

[divider]

Class 4A

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

While James and Niwot dominated the team race, Mullen had a great meet, as well. The Mustangs finished second in the team race, led by junior Agur Dwol and senior Kaleah Ruff.

Dwol, who won the long jump on Thursday, easily won the triple jump on Saturday with a leap of 40 feet, 9 inches. Ruff was beaten out by James in the 200, but won the 100 meters, in 12.03 seconds. She lost the 100 meters by .03 of a second in 2019.

“It was well deserved,” Ruff said of the first state title of her career. “I’ve been working for two years to run a good time and to win state, so it felt really nice.”

Ruff said the strong team showing meant a lot because the Mustangs didn’t bring a large contingent to Jeffco Stadium.

“It’s been really amazing because we only have seven girls right now at state compared to most schools,” she said. “I love all my girls and we’re doing the very best we can, putting 100 percent into our races and we’re seeing good results from it.”

Also on Saturday, Bethany Michalak of Air Academy won the 1,600 (4:55.01) by just .07 of a second over Niwot’s Lucca Fulkerson; and Sand Creek senior Jahzara Davis won the 100 hurdles (14.62).

[divider]

Class 3A

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Coal Ridge won the first team title in its history, outlasting Liberty Common, 111-80. And, it was junior Peyton Garrison who was the star for the Titans.

Garrison swept the sprints, winning in the 100 meters (12.38 seconds), 200 (25.02) and 400 (56.23). She also capped her day by helping the Titans win the 1,600-meter relay in 4:01.78.

“It’s exciting. It really is,” she said after winning her three sprints. “My freshman year I didn’t win and I thought I was going to, but I came in this year a little more confident. I’m proud of where I came.”

In 2019, Garrison was third in the 200 and fourth in the 100.

“My times have been increasing ever since freshman year and I’ve been working really hard to get where I am,” she said.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Logan Haugestuen of Liberty Common won the 100 hurdles in 15.9 seconds and helped her team win the 400-meter relay (48.98); Alexandria Tice of Lamar won the discus (125-0); Basalt’s Katelyn Maley won the 1,600 meters (5:01.10); Holy Family’s Skylar Hawk won the 300 hurdles (46.05); and Sterling’s Valarie Allen won the triple jump (36-6).

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

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Class 2A

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Despite some sore legs on Friday, South Park senior Jordan Burnett made sure the final meet of her prep career was a memorable one.

On Saturday, she won the 200 meters (25.29 seconds) and the 400 meters (56.91) for the first state titles of her career. She also finished second in the 100 meters, behind Mikayla Hutchison of Banning Lewis. Hutchison had a time of 12.53, while Burnett was 0.09 behind.

“It was so much fun,” Burnett said. “It was great. I didn’t know what to expect. My legs were a little sore yesterday even, so today I was just like it’s for fun; we’re just going to go out and give it everything we’ve got and it was so much fun.”

Cedaredge won the team title, 87-53 over second-place Banning Lewis Academy.

The Bruins dominated all weekend in relays and won two more on Saturday, taking the 400 relay (52.17) and the 1,600 relay (4:13.43). Megan Jenkins also won a title in the 300 hurdles (46.20)

Dayspring Christian freshman Eboselulu Omofoma was a two-time champion. After winning the high jump on Thursday, she came and won the 100 hurdles on Saturday (15.41 seconds).

In other Saturday finals, Peyton’s Eowyn Dalbec won the 1,600 meters (5:24.65); Holyoke’s Correy Koellner won the shot put (38-8.25); and Hannah Turpin of St. Mary’s won the long jump (16-11.75).

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Class 1A

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Heritage Christian cruised to the team title – the third in program history and first since 2016 – and freshman Ainsley Stanton played a starring role.

On Saturday, Stanton easily won the 1,600 meters, her time of 5:4377 beating the field by nearly six seconds. It was the third title in three events this weekend for the freshman, who also won the 3,200 meters and helped the Eagles win the 3200 relay.

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

“I’m really excited,” Stanton said. “I wasn’t really expecting it. The mile was the one I was most nervous for. I’m pumped.”

Adding a team title made the weekend even sweeter.

“It’s amazing,” Stanton said. “My team is great and I think we’ve worked really hard for it.”

Individually, nobody had a better meet in Class 1A than Alivia Weathers of Lone Star. The junior went 4-for-4 on the weekend, including a pair of titles on Saturday in the 100 hurdles (16.5 seconds) and the 300 hurdles (48.15). She also won the pole vault and triple jump.

Sangre de Cristo senior Avery Palmgren had a big day, winning three individual state titles. She started her day with a leap of 17 feet, 1.75 inches to win the long jump. Then, she cruised to the win in the 100 meters (13.14 seconds) and added a title in the 200 meters (27.24)

Other champions on Saturday included Eads senior Colby Stoker in the shot put (38 feet, 2 inches); Merino junior Taysa Conger in the 400 meters (1:01.91); Haxtun won the 400-meter relay (54.04); and Merino won the 1,600 relay (4:23.96).

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Karen Abt

Karen Abt has ascended a great deal since she last officiated a high school soccer game in 2009, as she has spent the past seven years as a professional official on the FIFA panel, the world’s highest level of officiating.

A Colorado native, Abt will soon return high school action when she takes the field to referee the Class 5A girls soccer state championship game between Rock Canyon and Broomfield on Saturday at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs.

(Karen Abt)

“I’m really excited to referee one of the Colorado high school state championships because it allows me an opportunity to give back to soccer,” Abt said. “The game and the people I have met over the years have afforded me so many opportunities to travel the world, experience things I had never imagined and make life-long friends. So, it is important to me to give back to the game so that others can enjoy as well, and aspire to achieve what I have.

“I want to encourage and inspire our younger referees, and for them to know that the opportunities are limitless if they put the time and effort into officiating.  And just maybe, even get some of the players to consider officiating at some point. There is also a purity about high school soccer. They are playing for the love of the game. I’m looking forward to that.”

Abt grew up in Fort Collins and went to Rocky Mountain High School. She has been on the FIFA panel since 2016. She works at the Colorado School of Mines in the Advanced Steel Processing and Products Research Center and in her minimal free time, trains and referees.

On Saturday, Abt said she is looking forward to an opportunity to help serve the Colorado high school soccer community that helped her get to where she is today.

“I am most looking forward to working at home with my Colorado referee family,” Abt said. “I travel so often that having a weekend at home is a gift. I’m excited to work with those who have encouraged, supported, and helped me along the way. There’s a comfort in coming home to the mountains and my soccer family.”

In 2019, 17-year-old Patricia McCracken officiated the 5A boys state championship game.

(Ben Parris)

At four different sites, Colorado’s top high school girls soccer teams spent Wednesday afternoon and evening battling it out in order to decide which of them would square off for their respective classification championships on Saturday at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs. The championship matchups are now set in all four classes.

Class 2A – No. 2 Dawson vs. No. 1 Telluride – 9 a.m.

Class 4A – No. 12 Holy Family vs No. 2 Evergreen – Noon

Class 5A – No. 2 Broomfield vs. No. 4 Rock Canyon – 3 p.m.

Class 3A – No. 1 Kent Denver vs. No. 10 Colorado Academy – 6 p.m.

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Class 5A

(4) Rock Canyon 1, (1) Valor Christian 0

The Rock Canyon girls soccer team has never won a state championship but the Jaguars have will have a chance to change that now that they have pushed their way into the state Season D state title game.

Getting past the No. 1 overall seed, No. 4 Rock Canyon (12-1) won 1-0 over top-seeded Valor Christian (11-1-1) in the Class 5A state semifinals on Wednesday. The Jaguars are on a 12-game win streak and will be looking to take home a trophy with lucky win No. 13 at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs on Saturday.

(2) Broomfield 1, (3) Cherry Creek 0

Sophomore Raegan Kotschau’s goal just before halftime turned out to be a big one, as it ended up being the lone score in a defensive battle against Cherry Creek that sent Broomfield into the Class 5A state championship game.

With both teams entering the semifinals without a loss, the Eagles (12-0-1) and Bruins (11-1) had allowed a combined 15 goals in 24 games before meeting up at Englewood High School on Wednesday. For the most part the constest played out as expected, with both defenses and goalkeepers stifling their opponents’ offenses until one team or the other finally put a ball in the back of the net.

That team, Broomfield, will now have the opportunity to play for its first state title since 2006.

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Class 4A

(12) Holy Family 1, (1) Northridge 0

The lowest seed remaining in the Colorado high school girls soccer postseason made a big move on Wednesday night.

Twelfth-seeded Holy Family (10-2) knocked off No. 1 Northridge (12-1), 1-0, in the Class 4A state semifinals and will play for a state championship at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs on Saturday. Jaelen Giron put the stamp on the biggest upset of the Colorado semifinals with a goal in the 62nd minute to give the Tigers an opportunity to play for a state title in Season D.

On Saturday, the Holy Family girls soccer team will play for the program’s first state title.

(2) Evergreen 1, (3) The Classical Academy 0

Wednesday evening certainly wasn’t a bad one for Evergreen athletics.

While the Cougars’ girls lacrosse team was in Aurora stamping the school’s name on the first ever Class 4A girls lacrosse trophy, the Evergreen girls soccer team was at Frederick High School crafting a 1-0 semifinal victory over No. 3 The Classical Academy (12-1-2). The second-seeded Cougars (13-0) remain unbeaten in Season D and will play for the 4A title on Saturday.

Through 13 games, the Cougars have allowed just four goals this season. Wednesday’s defensive shutout dealt The Classical Academy its first loss of the campaign.

Evergreen girls soccer has won two state championships, but has not taken home a first-place trophy since 1997.

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Class 3A

(1) Kent Denver 2, (4) Jefferson Academy 1

Kent Denver remains unbeaten in Season D. More importantly, that undefeated record has now earned the team an opportunity to play for a the Class 3A state championships.

In Wednesday’s semifinal round, the top-seeded Sun Devils (11-0-2) won 2-1 over No. 4 Jefferson Academy (10-2-1) and will head down to Colorado Springs for one more game on Saturday. After getting past a similarly defensively-talented Jaguars team on Wednesday, the Sun Devils will arrive at Weidner Field having outscored their Season D opponents 68-5.

(10) Colorado Academy 4, (3) Vail Mountain 0

With a pair of first-half goals and two more in the second half, No. 10 Colorado Academy (10-2-1) flew past No. 3 Vail Mountain (12-1) in the Class 3A state semifinals on Wednesday night at Stutler Bowl in Aurora.

The victory continued an impressive postseason run for the Mustangs, who have now outscored their three playoff opponents 11-1 and have not allowed a goal since the opening round. Colorado Academy girls soccer won its fifth state title in 2019 and will be looking to add a sixth when the Mustangs take the field in Colorado Springs on Saturday.

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Class 2A

(1) Telluride 4, (2) Crested Butte 1

Ayla Kanow wasn’t ready to officially start her summer break just yet, so she made sure the Telluride girls soccer team stuck around for the Class 2A championship game.

The junior scored three goals in a 4-1 victory over No. 4 Crested Butte (9-3) in the state semifinals on Wednesday afternoon to help the top-seeded Miners (12-0) punch their ticket to the final match of Season D. Wednesday’s game was tied 1-1 at halftime before Telluride exploded for three goals in the second half.

In Saturday’s state championship game, the unbeaten Miners will be playing for their program’s first state title.

(2) Dawson 9, (3) Denver Christian 3

Dawson has played in every single Class 2A girls soccer championship game since the classification was introduced in 2015. That’s five in a row and the Mustangs will make it six when they take the field at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs on Saturday.

In the semifinals on Wednesday evening, No. 2 Dawson (10-1) won 9-3 over No. 3 Denver Christian (10-1), the same program they have face in each of the past three state title tilts. While that championship rivalry won’t continue in Season D, the Mustangs will have a chance to keep their own streak of championship appearances alive when they face Telluride for the trophy.

The Mustangs led 4-2 at halftime and continued to pour it on in the second half to pull away to a safe distance. The Mustangs’ only loss of the season to date came on June 10 against Northridge, the top overall seed in the 4A state tournament.

Dawson senior Degen Miller leads all of Class 2A in goals scored.

Broomfield’s goal in the first half was the difference as the Eagles beat Cherry Creek 1-0 in the Class 5A girls soccer semifinals.