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

[divider]

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

LINCOLN, Neb. – This summer, two Colorado high school coaching legends will see their names etched in eternity.

Duane Lewis (Alamosa/Alameda) and John Hancock (Mullen) will be inducted into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA) Hall of Fame, July 28, in Lincoln, Neb.

“I never had a clue something like that would ever happen, so it’s pretty cool,” Lewis said. “It’s like a dream come true. I never really considered it and I’ve just been rolling right along. But it’s a real honor and a real great group to be a part of.”

“I’m very proud to be included,” Hancock stated. “It reflects not only on Mullen, but also the type of athletes and coaches I had the pleasure of working with. If I’m being honored, then they are being honored too.”

Lewis began his coaching career at Alamosa in 1967, and proceeded to coach there for nine seasons, racking up a career record of 121-63 competing at 3A (the highest classification at the time). Part of that run included four league titles, three state tournament appearances, as well as him being named the league coach of the year four times.

He then matriculated to Alameda from 1977-1991, where his teams went 207-114. He won three league championships and finished second four times in a 12-team league, the largest at the time in the state. Four times he was named coach of the year.

In all, he compiled a career record of 328-177 for a winning percentage of .650 in 24 seasons. He was an eight-time coach of the year, eight-time league champion, 11-time district finalist and qualified for 10 state tournaments.

In addition, he coached boys golf, winning two league championships and being named coach of the year in 1974 at Alamosa. At Alameda he coached boys and girls in golf, the boys for 18 years and the girls 10. His boys teams won two league championships.

Hancock was the head boys and girls track and field coach for 33 years at Mullen. He led the boys team to 11 state titles, and the women to one. He also helped the Mustangs to 20 regional championships and seven Centennial League conference titles.

This won’t be Hancock’s first national recognition, as he was named the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) track coach of the year in 2013. He was also one of the finalists for the NHSACA track coach of the year awards in 2002 and 2008.

In total, Hancock coached at the prep ranks for 38 years, which included 31 years as an assistant coach for football at Bear Creak, Arvada West, Lakewood, Evergreen, and Mullen. He helped Lakewood to a state runner-up finish in 1979, and Mullen to a state championship in 1998.

(David Harvey/ImageProPhotography.com)

COLORADO SPRINGS — On Tuesday, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) announced the 613-member Tokyo 2020 Olympic Team. Colorado is sending 34 athletes to the games as members of Team USA, which is the third largest state delegation behind California (126 athletes) and Florida (51 athletes). Competition is set to begin in Japan on Wednesday, July 21, with the Opening Ceremony scheduled for Friday, July 23.

Listed below are the 26 athletes on Team USA that attended Colorado high schools.

The Season D all-state girls lacrosse 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

(Lance Wendt/wendt5280.com)

Player of the year: Jessie Bakes, Colorado Academy

Coach of the year: Kelsey Sheridan, Fairview

Honorable mention:

• Hayden Appel, Chaparral, Sophomore
• Elise Bialecki, M, Mullen, Senior
• Marin Bomgaars, D/M, Colorado Academy, Senior
• Paris Corporon, Regis Jesuit, Junior
• Alex Cutone, M, Rock Canyon, Sophomore
• Anna Gawthrop, A, Cherry Creek, Sophomore
• Cami Johnson, A, Fairview, Sophomore
• Maya Kendall, M, Colorado Academy, Junior
• Rachel Kennedy, M, Arapahoe, Junior
• Julie Markovich, D, ThunderRidge, Senior
• Breonna Mason, G, Air Academy, Sophomore
• CJ Meehan, M/A/D, ThunderRidge, Sophomore
• Eliza Osburn, M, Valor Christian, Freshman
• Madison Riley, M, ThunderRidge, Senior
• Lilly Rowell, Chaparral, Junior
• Darby Sherrod, M/D, Arapahoe, Senior
• Courtney Smith, D, Dakota Ridge, Junior
• Danielle Srdoc, D, ThunderRidge, Senior
• Ava Welty, D, Fairview, Junior

[divider]

Class 4A

(Lance Wendt/wendt5280.com)

Player of the year: Margo Miller, Evergreen

Coach of the year: Rachel Sanford, Evergreen

Honorable mention:

• Maryn Brown, M, Fruita Monument, Junior
• Libby Claassen, M/A/DM, Roaring Fork, Senior
• Allie Elliott, M/D/A, Durango, Senior
• Ava Ganter, M/A, Golden, Junior
• Sophie Gebhardt, Dawson School, Junior
• Julia Harty, Battle Mountain, Senior
• Sophie Hodgson, M/A, Roaring Fork, Sophomore
• Charlotte Katz, Telluride, Junior
• Necia Knoedler, A, Liberty, Junior
• Melena Krownapple, Telluride, Senior
• Phoebe Ramirez, A, Cherokee Trail, Senior
• Talei Ricketson, A/M, Smoky Hill, Sophomore
• Sophia Rinn, M/A/D, Eagle Valley, Senior
• Reese Ripley, M, Denver North, Freshman
• Araceli Sanchez, Heritage, Junior
• Mia Seltzer, Aspen, Junior
• Sage Sorrells, A, Cherokee Trail, Sophomore
• Maleah Sosa, M/A, Horizon, Junior
• Devin Thomas, D, Aspen, Junior
• Alex Young, Denver South, Sophomore

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 lacrosse teams honor the best players in the sport as judged by the leagues and coaches.

They are created by the Colorado High School Boys Lacrosse Coaches Association.

[divider]

Class 5A

Player of the year: Trey Digby, Valor Christian; Dillon Pless, Mountain Vista

Coach of the year: Matt Kelley, Fairview

Honorable mention:

• Jack Colwell, Junior, Mountain Range, Attack
• Brandon Hane, Senior, Mullen, Attack
• Gunnar Fellows, Junior, Valor Christian, Attack
• Andrew Merrell, Senior, Lewis-Palmer, Midfield
• Duke Benson, Junior, Kent Denver, Midfield
• Evan Gibbs, Junior, Cherokee Trail, Midfield
• Fletcher Sullivan, Junior, Regis Jesuit, Midfield
• Jackson Cutter, Junior, ThunderRidge, Midfield
• Kevin Pickford, Junior, Denver East, Midfield
• Tyler Olson, Sophomore, Mountain Vista, Midfield
• Eliot Rutherford, Sophomore, Colorado Academy, Defense
• Logan Murray, Senior, Lewis-Palmer, Defense
• Reed Roughton, Junior, ThunderRidge, Defense
• Ty Scheckenbach, Sophomore, Arapahoe, Defense
• Dax Smestad, Senior, Smoky Hill, Goalie
• Ian Thompson, Sophomore, Arapahoe, Goalie
• Jackson Marshall, Senior, Mountain Vista, F/O Midfield
• Nate Morris, Senior, ThunderRidge, LSM
• Connor Wiederrich, Sophomore, Mountain Range, Def. Midfield

[divider]

Class 4A

(Lance Wendt/wendt5280.com)

Player of the year: Griffin Meyer, Cheyenne Mountain

Coach of the year: Andrew Trietley, Ponderosa

Honorable mention:

• Colby Erdossy, Senior, Cheyenne Mountain, Attack
• Grayden Easton, Senior, Evergreen, Attack
• Nolan Williamson, Senior, Windsor, Attack
• Grant Webster, Senior, Littleton, Attack
• Joe Yoder, Junior, Northfield, Attack
• Mackay Pattison, Senior, Vail Mountain, Attack
• Nick Schreiber, Senior, Littleton, Attack
• Rhasan Brown, Junior, Northfield, Midfield
• Connor Dries, Senior, Evergreen, Midfield
• Danny Joy, Junior, Bear Creek, Midfield
• Carter Cassin, Senior, Evergreen, Midfield
• Kellen Adams, Junior, Steamboat Springs, Midfield
• Jeff Lowe, Senior, Glenwood Springs, Defense
• Joe Elliott, Junior, Ponderosa, Defense
• Ben Gladstone, Freshman, Northfield, Defense
• Blake Skramstad, Senior, Lutheran, Defense
• Trenton Koser, Senior, Thomas Jefferson, Defense
• Tyler Morrison, Senior, Eagle Valley, Defense
• Sam Gottesfeld, Junior, Northfield, Goalie
• Peter Zimmer, Senior, Glenwood Springs, Goalie
• Evan Shanks, Junior Jefferson Academy, F/O Midfield
• Zachary Zabel, Sophomore, Thomas Jefferson, F/O Midfield
• Nicholas Kazenske, Senior, Denver North, Def. Midfield

(Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

ORLANDO – Dave Logan’s father coached him in both little league football and basketball, and that relationship ended up being the primary reason Logan grew up to become a coach himself.

Even at an early age, both of Logan’s parents ingrained in him that should he one day have an opportunity to work with kids that he must take advantage of the chance to guide younger generations and help them grow through sport. Logan took those words to heart and has spent decades doing exactly that.

On Thursday night at the 102^nd annual National Federation of State High School Associations Summer Meeting, Logan was inducted into the NFHS Hall of Fame for the wide-ranging impact he has made over his wide-ranging career in the world of sports.

“The idea of working with kids was ingrained in me when I was very young,” Logan said. “Even when my dad was coaching me, he talked about how, ‘You’re going to grow up and eventually, if you get the opportunity, you give back.’”

Logan was a three-sport standout – football, basketball and baseball – throughout his high school years at Wheat Ridge from 1969-72, and insists he never had a favorite despite his future professional career in football. His favorite sport, Logan says, was whatever he was playing a given time.

One of only three multi-sport players to be drafted by all three major sports organizations, Logan went on to be a two-sport star at the University of Colorado and then played nine years as a wide receiver in the NFL. He played eight of those years with the Cleveland Browns before playing his final season with the Denver Broncos, where he would eventually become the organization’s on-air radio voice on KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM.

Logan has been “the voice of the Broncos” for three decades and in 2019 signed an agreement to continue for another 10 years.

Since he returned to the high school coaching rankings, Logan has won nine state titles and 290 games over 28 years split between four schools, including Arvada West, Chatfield, Mullen and Cherry Creek. Most recently, he guided the Cherry Creek Bruins to an undefeated season and a second straight Class 5A state championship in the fall.

(Theodore Stark/tstark.com)

During his NFHS Hall of Fame acceptance speech, Logan reminisced on the many lessons he learned from his own high school coaches and teachers. Now going into his 29^th year coaching high school football, he remarked that he remains focused on imparting those same lessons and principles to the young student-athletes he now coaches.

“I think the life lessons you can learn as an athlete and a high school kid, many of those you carry with you and they shape in a lot of ways who you are and who you became,” Logan said. “They shape how you conduct yourself and what’s important to you, and what’s not important. I loved every single sport. I couldn’t wait when the season ended, the next day I was at whatever the next season was. I was able to carry what I learned from my high school experience into playing both basketball and football in college.

“But I think what we need to be able to recognize, and too often we don’t do this, is the importance and the impact that high school coaches, teachers and administrators – those who deal with our youth – have on young people. And even though it might not seem like it every single day, and I know I leave practice some days thinking, ‘I’m not sure they hear a word I said today,’ they do.

“They do.”

Logan entered the NFHS Hall of Fame 2021 class with a pair of other renowned Colorado athletes in former Colorado Rockies player Matt Holliday and former Denver Nuggets player Alex English.

(Theodore Stark/tstark.com)

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

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

The athletes who won championships at their classification were named players of the year. Coaches of the year were awarded to the coaches of championship teams.

[divider]

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow.com)

Class 5A

Player of the year: Lily Chitamber, Boulder

Coach of the year: Chris Jacob, Cherry Creek

[divider]

(Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com)

Class 4A

Player of the year: Lauren Manwiller, Mullen

Coach of the year: Jera Sturgell, Mullen

[divider]

(Luke Zahlmann/Pueblo Chieftain)

Class 3A

Player of the year: Anna Jordaan, Colorado Academy

Coach of the year: Woody Oliver, D’Evelyn

[divider]

(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)

[divider]

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).

[divider]

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)

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

LAKEWOOD – Perfect weather led to a record-breaking day for the top pole vaulters in Class 4A on Thursday at the state meet at Jefferson County Stadium.

Thompson Valley’s Becker Ell and Silver Creek’s Megan Kelleghan both broke Class 4A state meet records en route to winning their first state titles.

Ell cleared 16 feet to cruise to the title and top the previous mark of 15-8.5, set by Sam Pierson of Pueblo South in 2006.

“It feels kind of surreal, especially because I’ve been trying at it for the last two or three meets and just getting closer and closer,” said Ell, a senior. “It just feels unreal, to be honest. I’m so stoked.”

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Ell had been the heavy favorite, coming in with a previous best of 15-7, nearly two feet ahead of anyone else. Still, he had to perform on the biggest stage.

“Nerves at the state meet your last year, it’s always kind of iffy and nerve-wracking, but I just went out there and wanted to have some fun and try to do as best as I could,” he said.

Kelleghan, just a sophomore, was also a heavy favorite and delivered with a vault of 13-4.5, a half inch above the previous mark of 13-4 by Andrea Willis of The Classical Academy in 2016.

“That was great,” she said. “It was very exciting because I’ve been so close. … Today it just pieced together. I was scared at first because there was supposed to be rain and wind. It ended up being perfect weather, so I’m very relieved with it and happy I was able to clear that.”

Kelleghan had a previous best of 13 feet, with nobody else better than 10-9 coming in. If there was pressure, however, she didn’t feel it.

“More pressure on myself, personally,” she said. “Even when I’m with people who vault close to me I try to stay in  my own little bubble around myself. You can’t compete against people in this because it’s all about the bar, it’s all about your form. It’s you and your own self. That’s what I try to think about.”

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

[divider]

Class 5A

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Poudre’s Rhys Travis was the star on what is typically a light day for the state’s largest classification.

Only four state titles were awarded in 5A boys on Thursday, but Travis took two of them.

A junior, Travis won the boys high jump and triple jump. He was favored coming into state. In the high jump, Travis had a season-best leap of 6 feet, 7 inches, topping his previous best by two inches. In the triple jump, he was under his season best, but still had a leap of 46 feet, 3 inches to win the title.

Travis wasn’t the only athlete from Fort Collins to win a state title on Thursday.

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Brooke Naughton of Fort Collins won the high jump with a leap of 5 feet, 7 inches. The junior was the favorite coming in.

In the boys shot put, Braiden Dishman of Fossil Ridge was projected to win and he came through. The senior had a throw of 52 feet, 3.25 inches to claim his title.

Also in field event, Lakewood senior Amanda Opp had a season-best throw of 40 feet, 9.5 inches to win the girls shot put, while Grandview senior Melody Nwagwu had a leap of 39 feet, 9 inches to win the girls triple jump.

On the track, just one event – the 3,200-meter relay – had a final in Class 5A. Cherry Creek cruised to the title on the girls side, with a time of 9 minutes, 5.73 seconds, while Mountain Vista won the boys title, in 7:57.13.

[divider]

Class 4A

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

At the most recent state track and field meet, in 2019, Niwot swept the boys and girls team titles. The Cougars are aiming for a repeat performance this year and got off to a great start Thursday.

Senior Lucca Fulkerson won the girls 3,200 meters, with teammate Mia Prok finishing second. That duo then led the Cougars to a win in the 3,200 relay.

“Everybody has trained so hard, so it’s definitely within grasp,” Fulkerson said of a team championship. “Every day everybody is out there running as hard as they can, especially in the heat right now.

“I’m so proud of our whole team. Everybody deserves it and they work so hard. I’m so glad that they’re my teammates and I get to race with them.”

Fulkerson, who had three top-seven medals as a sophomore in 2019, won her first individual title in the 3,200.

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

“It was definitely amazing,” she said. “I didn’t really think about anything until the last 20 meters, because I didn’t want to think with the last lap to go. It was really amazing and I was so excited.”

Niwot had four top-eight finishers in the girls 3,200 and scored 35 points on the day.

The boys, meanwhile, were led by junior Zane Bergen, who won the 3,200 meters and anchored the Cougars’ victory in the 3,200 relay.

In the 3,200, Niwot’s Simon Saia was second, with Grayden Rauba fourth. The Cougars closed the day with 34 team points.

“Kind of the plan going in was try to set up the race so that we could score as many team points as possible,” Bergen said. “We’re going for the team championship and we needed to score a decent amount of points in the two-mile to make that happen.

“It’s really, really cool (to win an individual title), but, like I said, I just came here to score the most points for the team as possible. I’m happy that we did that today in both events.”

The girls also set a 4A state meet record in the 800-meter relay prelims, posting a time of 1:39.72.

In the boys discus, Avery Shunneson of Thomas Jefferson won the title and set a new 4A state meet record. The Princeton-bound  Shunneson had a throw of 192 feet, 6 inches to shatter the record of 188-6 previously set by Pueblo East’s Kain Medrano in 2019.

In other events, Mitchell’s Daryon Wilson won the boys long jump with a leap of 23-5.25; Mullen’s Agur Dwol won the girls long jump with a leap of 18-11.25; and Northfield’s Giovanna Meeks won the girls discus with a throw of 141-2.

[divider]

Class 3A

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Jefferson Academy’s Crisly Kelly-Cannon’s freshman track and field season was supposed to be in 2020, but the pandemic prevented that from happening. Based on what the sophomore has done so far in is state meet debut, it would have been fun to see what he could have done as a ninth-grader.

On Thursday, Kelly-Cannon won the first finals event he has competed in as a high schooler and qualified for several others throughout the meet. His mark of 23 feet, 1.5 inches in the long jump was also a Class 3A state meet record.

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

“My freshman year was cancelled so I haven’t been to a state meet before,” Kelly-Cannon said. “It was weird because I went into my freshman year all hyped up and everything. I was ready to get started and then I had to take a year off. That threw us all off but I just hit the gym and started getting better and better.

“I’m feeling really good. I started off with the 100 today and PR’d in that. So that set me up for the long jump and energized me. In the 200, we ran into some headwind so that’s alright. It was a pretty good first day.”

Kelly-Cannon’s teammate Sierra Haberman won the 3A girls high jump, clearing 5-4.

In one of the most exciting races of the season, the Liberty Common 3,200-meter relay team edged The Classical Academy (8:15.11) in a photo finish to claim the title with a time of 8:15.08.

Holy Family’s Brody Welch won the 3A boys shot put with a mark of 50-4.5.

“They were getting close and I knew they could pop one as far as I did,” said Welch, who finished ninth as a freshman in discus and will try and improve on that tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. “Once I saw the last guys throw, I knew I had it.”

The Berthoud girls won the 3,200-meter relay with a time of 9:26.23.

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

[divider]

Class 2A

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Dayspring Christian’s Eboselulu Omofoma didn’t waste any time in winning her first state title.

Still just a freshman, Omofoma cleared a personal best 5-3.5 in the Class 2A high jump to win the state championship. It was an exciting opening day to her first state meet, but Omofoma also hopes her early-career victory is a sign of things to come.

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

“I totally thought these other girls would come in and take first, second, third place,” Omofoma said. “But I PR’d by half an inch, so that’s great. God gave me the strength to do it. That’s it. I hope I can do better in the next years.”

Over on the track, Thursday was a good day for Buena Vista. Demons girls picked up a win in the 3,200 courtesy of Zaila Smith, who finished first with a time of 12:00.18.

The Wray girls won the 3,200-meter relay title with a time of 10:30.38.

Hayden’s Alison Rajzer won the girls triple jump, clearing 35-7.

On the boys side, Peyton won the 3,200-meter relay with a time of 8:29.76. Custer County’s Micah Zeller won the 3,200 with a time of 9:47.00.

Yuma’s Braden Smith cleared 13-01 to claim the pole vault gold.

True to his name, Limon’s Jeremiah Leeper won the triple jump with a mark of 42-6.75.

Wray’s Bryant Schoenthal won the 2A boys discus with a mark of 173-8.

[divider]

Class 1A

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

There were no preliminary races in Class 1A on Thursday, but several state titles were claimed in the classification.

In the 800 medley relay, Springfield won the gold with a time of 1:57.77.

(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow)

Heritage Christian’s Ainsley Stanton won the girls 3,200 in 12:44.87.

Lone Star’s Alivia Weathers won the 1A girls pole vault, clearing 10 feet.

Elbert’s Olivia Lay wont the discus with a mark of 127-5.

On the boys side, Heritage Christian runner Jack Nauman’s 10:27.15 was plenty fast enough to win the 3,200.

DeBeque’s Jaden Jordan won the long jump with a mark of 21-6.50.

Granada’s John Hainer threw 45-0.25 to win the discus.