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Former Texas Longhorns infielder Skyler Messinger wanted to clarify something.
“When I say that ‘Tulo’ has a screw loose, I mean that as the highest possible compliment I could give him,” Messinger said.
Translation: Tulo, aka Troy Tulowitzki, the hitting and infield coach at Texas, still brings mind-boggling intensity and passion to the baseball diamond. Those traits made him one of the greatest players in Rockies history, enshrined him in the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame’s class of 2025 and landed him on the ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame for the first time.
Injuries cut down Tulowitzki in his prime. The shortstop exceeded 140 games in a season just three times, not once after 2011, his age-26 season. So Tulowitzki will never be enshrined in Cooperstown, and when the votes are announced Jan. 21, he might not receive the 5% of the vote required to remain on the ballot.
But Tulo, who turned 40 in October, says he doesn’t dwell on what might have been.
“No regrets at all,” he said during a phone interview from his home in Austin, Texas, where he’s coached since 2020. “Look, I never saw myself as the most talented guy on the field. If you look at my skill set, I was just average across the board. I wasn’t that super-gifted athlete who was the best player on the field.
“Maybe, with time, I became that — because of the work. I just got the most out of what I had. I did it with toughness and work ethic.
“So, yeah, that became a beatdown on my body. Still, I enjoyed the grind. I loved those batting cage sessions. Just swinging and swinging the swinging.”
Early in his career, when the “Tulo chant” reverberated throughout Coors Field, Tulowitzki looked to be Cooperstown-bound. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder once hit 14 home runs in a 16-game span. As runner-up as the 2007 National League rookie of the year, he helped the Rockies win 21 of 22 games and into their only World Series. After his contentious trade to Toronto in July 2015, he was part of the Blue Jays’ drive to the American League championship series in 2015 and ’16.
From 2009 to 2014, he slashed .309/.385/.553 with 143 homers and collected 50% more WAR than any other shortstop. He won two Gold Gloves (2010-11), and nobody could make an electrifying jump throw from the hole like Tulo.
“The most exciting player I ever saw growing up,” said Messinger, who graduated from Niwot High School.
Ryan Spilborghs supplies a more analytic observation to the discussion.
“When you look at Tulo’s peak WAR for a seven-year stint (40.2), his numbers are better than the average Hall of Fame shortstop,” said Spilborghs, a Rockies TV analyst who played alongside Tulowitzki from 2007 to ’11. “And he’s No. 2 in fielding percentage by a shortstop in the history of baseball behind only Omar Vizquel, by the slimmest of margins (.9847 to .9846).
“Tulo, being the type of power hitter he was, and with his size, in his prime, was just ridiculous.”
When Tulowitzki’s career ended after a five-game stint with the Yankees in 2019, his bottled-up passion and energy had to go somewhere. The five-time All-Star found his second calling as a coach.
“The first word that comes to my mind about Tulo is ‘intense,'” said Trey Faltine, drafted out of Texas by Cincinnati in the seventh round in 2022. “That guy loves baseball. He’s a baseball rat, and he’ll talk baseball until you don’t want to talk baseball anymore.
“And I think one of the reasons why we got along so great is that we both had that football player’s mentality on the baseball field. I grew up playing football, and I brought that to the baseball diamond. Tulo was the first coach I had who had that same kind of fiery attitude about baseball. You don’t see that too often.”
Tulowitzki — he insists that his players call him “Tulo,” not Coach Tulo or Coach Tulowitzki — is content in Austin, where he lives with his wife, Danyll, son Taz, who turns 11 in January, and Taylee, his 2-year-old daughter. Tulowitzki has declined job offers in the majors and turned down the head coaching job at Southern California two years ago, partly because he’s so involved in raising Taz.
When Taz was just a toddler, he could be found whistling line drives off a batting tee in the Rockies clubhouse. Tulo can envision his son, who, naturally, is a shortstop on an elite travel-ball team, playing in the majors someday.
“For sure, he can take it to the next level,” Tulowitzki said. “He’s athletic and he’s going to be a lot faster than me. He’s big, he likes it, and he works. He’s got all of the qualities, he’s just got to keep attacking it, day by day.”
When asked if Taz has a chance to be as good as the celebrated sons of former Rockies All-Star teammate Matt Holliday, Tulowitzki said, “Yep.”
Baltimore selected Jackson Holliday with the No. 1 overall pick in 2022, and Ethan is projected to be a top-five pick in the 2025 draft.
Chasing excellence has always been part of Tulo’s DNA. He demanded it of himself and his teammates. He could be harsh and edgy and rubbed some people the wrong way.
“Listen, my bottom line was winning,” he said. “We did that early in Colorado. I’m proud of that.”
Nolan Arenado, the 10-time Gold Glove third baseman with a solid chance to become a Hall of Famer, was initially taken aback by Tulowitzki’s criticism. Then, Arenado embraced it and credited Tulowitzki for helping steer his career in the right direction.
In December 2011, Tulo invited Arenado to Las Vegas to work out at “Camp Tulo,” a desert proving ground replete with weight training, cardio workouts, hours in the batting cage and bushels of groundballs. Arenado, a 20-year-old, slightly chunky Rockies prospect at the time, could barely keep up.
“Tulo has been absolutely huge for me,” Arenado said in 2014 when his All-Star career began taking off. “Knowing that I have somebody who cares for me and wants the best for me and my career, it’s been unbelievable.”
At Texas, Tulo, the tough-love teammate, morphed into a tough-love coach.
“Tulo would always be with us in the batting cage, late into the night, grinding away just like the players,” recalled Messinger.
“His work ethic and what he instills in his players is off the charts,” continued Messinger, who played for the Rockies’ High-A affiliate at Spokane this past season. “The dude is all in. He cared so much about our success. I mean, I had a rough start at Texas. I knew that Tulo was losing sleep over it, just like I was.”
As a redshirt senior at Texas in 2022, Messinger hit .364 with 11 home runs and 59 RBIs in 67 games and was drafted by the Rockies in the 19th round.
“I owe him so much,” he said.
Coach Tulo still loves the daily grind. He embraces the players who follow his lead.
“The batting cage is, basically, my office,” he said. “If we have a kid who wants to take it to the next level, we get close. I just try to teach them about work ethic — not only what it takes in college but what it’s going to take in pro ball.”
Tulowitzki has toyed with becoming a head coach, but that job is not in his wheelhouse, at least not right now.
“I’m not really after that,” he said. “I just want to be involved in the college game and baseball in general. That’s what drives me. I have to be competitive. Right now, I like what I’m doing. I want to win a national championship at Texas. That’s my main goal right now.”
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https://www.denverpost.com/2024/12/29/troy-tulowitzki-texas-colorado-rockies/
The 2024 All-Colorado football team, as selected by The Denver Post staff based on statistical analysis, relative value to team success, postseason production and the old-fashioned eye test.
Austyn Modrzewski
QB | Mountain Vista | Sr. | 6-foot-5 | 203 pounds
The CHSAA Class 5A player of the year rewrote the record book this fall, setting Colorado career marks for passing yards (11,911), passing touchdowns (147) and passing completions (814). The South Dakota commit led the state with 3,407 passing yards and 57 passing TDs while steering the Golden Eagles to another quarterfinal appearance following an undefeated regular season.
Gavin Ishmael
QB | Frederick | Sr. | 6-2 | 210
The Golden Eagles star was a dual threat, as he threw for 2,780 yards with 31 touchdowns to just four interceptions and ran for 697 yards with 12 touchdowns. He played through injuries, including a partial quad tear and a shoulder sprain, to lead Frederick to the playoffs. Ishmael is weighing RMAC offers from CSU Pueblo, Colorado Mesa, Mines, Chadron State and Black Hills State.
Zeke Andrews
QB | Ralston Valley | Jr. | 6-5 | 205
Andrews had big shoes to fill taking over for two-time All-Colorado QB Logan Madden, but he did it. The Mustangs star and Metro League Offensive MVP led his team to the Class 5A quarterfinals with 2,383 passing yards and a 70% completion rate that was second in the state behind Modrzewski. He also threw 19 TDs to three picks and rushed for 701 yards and eight touchdowns.
Gavin Lockett
QB | Pueblo West | Sr. | 6-0 | 185
The Northern Colorado pledge led the Cyclones to the Class 4A semifinals as a true dual-threat quarterback. Lockett passed for 1,274 yards and 14 touchdowns while also running for 1,369 yards and 22 touchdowns, for an average of 105.3 yards per game on the ground. The dynamic athlete who can fly with a 10.90-second time in the 100 meters was named the SoCo 1 League Offensive MVP.
Elijah Womack
RB | Montrose | Jr. | 6-0 | 190
Womack led the state with 2,285 rushing yards, averaging 163.2 yards per game and 7.01 yards per carry. He was the centerpiece of a Red Hawks team that was a Class 4A finalist. Womack ran for 30 touchdowns and had just one fumble on the season, and he ran for over 100 yards in each of Montrose’s 14 games, including cracking the 200-yard mark twice in four-touchdown performances.
James Basinger
RB | Columbine | Sr. | 5-11 | 192
The heart and soul of the Rebels’ ground-and-pound offense, Basinger ran for 1,743 yards with 25 touchdowns as part of Columbine’s two-headed monster alongside junior Mark Snyder. The South Dakota State commit was the Class 5A Metro League MVP while helping the Rebels to the quarterfinals and was also Columbine’s leading receiver, adding two TDs by air.
Jaden Lawrence
RB | Legend | Sr. | 5-11 | 185
The Wyoming commit was a central reason for Legend’s run to its first state title appearance. Lawrence showed off his track speed in the open field and could also bruise for yards between the tackles as a physical runner who was tough to bring down. Legend’s best-ever running back ran for 1,743 yards and 12 touchdowns, and his sure hands also added 24 catches for 276 yards and five TDs.
Jayden Fox
RB | Cherry Creek | Jr. | 5-11 | 185
Fox battled through an ankle injury in the latter stages of the playoffs but was still an impactful force in the run game en route to Cherry Creek winning the Class 5A crown again. Fox, a Bruins captain and the MVP on a team stacked with Division I players, has an offer from Charlotte. He ran for 1,815 yards and 10 touchdowns, breaking the 100-yard mark in 10 of the Bruins’ 14 games.
Zayne DeSouza
TE | Loveland | Sr. | 6-6 | 255
The CU pledge came into his own at tight end following a weight-loss journey that saw him shed roughly 75 pounds since the start of his sophomore year. DeSouza was a premier blocker at the position in Loveland’s run-heavy offense, and he was the Red Wolves’ leading receiver with 51 catches for 446 yards and six TDs. He also played impactful snaps at defensive end.
Camden Jensen
TE | Heritage | Jr. | 6-7 | 250
One of Colorado’s most highly recruited players passes the eye test, hence why he has more than 20 Division I offers, most of them Power 4. Jensen was a monster in the run game, with the ability to block at the line of scrimmage and pancake linebackers in the second level, too. He had 32 catches for 250 yards and four touchdowns, and Heritage also used his size and physicality on defense.
Tanner Terch
WR | Heritage | Sr. | 6-2 | 180
Heritage’s other star was the team’s Player of the Year after putting up dazzling numbers. The Nebraska commit had 58 catches for 1,312 yards and 16 touchdowns and averaged 100.9 yards receiving per game. Terch’s speed, route-running and ability to beat cornerbacks off the line of scrimmage stood out while catching passes from QB Jamison Seese. He also chipped in two rushing TDs.
Andrew Smart
WR | Arapahoe | Sr. | 6-3 | 185
The Warriors’ speedy wideout was tough to pin down with just one defensive back. Smart had 67 catches for 1,098 yards and 14 TDs. He was also Arapahoe’s punter and punt returner, bringing a wrinkle to special teams. He was capable of clutch catches, stretching the field and racking up yards after catch on short routes as well. He has an offer from Dartmouth, with potentially more coming.
Marcus Mozer
WR | Fossil Ridge | Sr. | 6-3 | 210
The 2024 Denver Post Gold Helmet award winner was a force for Fossil Ridge, despite facing double- and sometimes triple-coverage throughout the season. Mozer had 66 catches for 933 yards and 13 touchdowns as he used his track speed and size to dominate opposing defensive backs. The San Diego State commit also had five rushing TDs and saw time at free safety.
Sean Conway
WR | Mountain Vista | Sr. | 6-0 | 160
Modrzewski’s top target was always a threat to zoom past the defense and catch a go-route. His longest this fall was an 87-yard TD. He has RMAC offers from Western Colorado, Colorado School of Mines and CSU Pueblo. Conway had 38 catches for 771 yards and 14 touchdowns, with ultra-reliable hands and the ability to catch the ball in traffic while taking a hit to his relatively thin frame.
Jeremiah Hoffman
WR | Cherry Creek | Sr. | 6-1 | 175
The Bruins’ top wideout was committed to Charlotte but reopened his recruitment after a coaching change. Hoffman had 44 catches for 874 yards, good for 19.9 yards per catch, as well as seven touchdowns. He has bona fide track speed (10.8 seconds in the 100 meters), and the wideout nicknamed “Head Top” has an uncanny ability to win jump balls over cornerbacks short and tall.
Xay Neto
WR | Grandview | Sr. | 5-11 | 170
Neto’s production dipped slightly this season from his 1,000-yard campaign as an All-Colorado junior, but he remained one of the most explosive and dangerous players on the field regardless of who the Wolves were playing. Neto had 52 catches for 748 yards and 10 touchdowns. The speedster with sure hands is committed to Garden City and could be a star at the juco level.
Soren Shinofield
OL | Cherry Creek | Sr. | 6-6 | 285
After taking on a rotational role last season, Shinofield came into his own as a senior to help pave the way for Cherry Creek’s run game that averaged 226.6 yards per game. The Utah commit played left tackle and also helped protect quarterback Brady Vodicka’s blind side. When faced with the challenge of a stiff Legend defensive line in the title game, his play helped rally the Bruins in the second half.
Aidan Martin
OL | Northfield | Sr. | 6-6 | 265
The Nighthawks captain has length, size and an edge to his game that set him apart over the last few years and during the recruiting process. The right tackle was a big reason for Northfield’s first winning seasons over the past four years, and the Washington State commit led the Nighthawks to the Class 4A Denver Metro League championship while setting the tone in pass- and run-blocking.
Jack Heath
OL | Mountain Vista | Sr. | 6-6 | 300
While the Golden Eagles skill guys got plenty of recognition this season — three are on this team — Heath helped set the tone up front. His play at guard enabled Modrzewski to have plenty of time to drop back and pick defenses apart, while his dominance in the run game consistently opened up huge holes for Mountain Vista tailback Jack Blais. He also saw time on the defensive line.
Cole Powell
OL | Erie | Sr. | 6-7 | 265
The Eastern Michigan commit was a force at left tackle for the Tigers as they made the quarterfinals in their first season in Class 5A. Erie’s captain helped them to the Front Range South League championship, and he was a driving factor in the Tigers averaging 235.5 rushing yards per game. That included a 1,000-yard rusher in junior Braylon Toliver, plus three other guys over 350 yards.
Kannon Smith
OL | Valor Christian | Jr. | 6-5 | 280
As the Eagles made a push to the Class 5A semifinals before falling to champion Cherry Creek, Smith was a linchpin at left tackle. He has eight Division I offers, including Michigan, Miami, Ole Miss, Kansas State and Colorado State, as one of the most sought-after junior linemen in the state. He also played on the defensive line, where he had 32 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Jordan Rechel
ATH | Fairview | Sr. | 5-11 | 180
The Knights star keyed their run to the Class 5A semifinals. He was a game-breaker at wideout, running back and defensive back, was Fairview’s team MVP and also finished as the program’s all-time TDs leader. He had 891 yards and 19 TDs on the ground, 1,001 yards and eight TDs by air, and 78 tackles and three picks. He has offers from New Mexico, Northern Colorado and CSU Pueblo.
Cash Spence
ATH | Valor Christian | Jr. | 5-10 | 175
The Eagles’ do-everything athlete could, to quote “Friday Night Lights,” do everything up to and including painting your back porch. He played wideout, running back, safety and returner. Spence had 72 catches for 942 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 13.1 yards per catch. He had 15 rushing TDs and threw a TD, too. He was also a dynamic returner and had 52 tackles (5.5 for loss) on defense.
Max Mervin
ATH | Ponderosa | Sr. | 6-0 | 185
As Ponderosa’s star, “Swervin” Mervin was elusive in the open field with the ball in his hands. He had 50 catches for 642 yards and six touchdowns, and was also one of the top kick returners in the state, earning him the honor of South Metro League Specialist of the Year. The Colorado School of Mines commit also saw time in the secondary, where he had three interceptions, including a pick-six.
Levi Hermsen
ATH | Fort Collins | Sr. | 5-11 | 180
The Lambkin of the Year did a bit of everything for Fort Collins this season as they made the Class 5A playoffs. Hermsen was first in the state in receptions with 93, second in the state in receiving yards (1,311) and yards per game (119.2), and caught 12 touchdowns while averaging 14.1 yards per catch. He also racked up 1,007 yards in returns, with a 34.9-yard average on kickoffs and two TDs.
Jack Blais
ATH | Mountain Vista | Sr. | 5-7 | 160
Talk about tough to tackle. Once Blais got the ball in open space, his speed and shiftiness made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. With Modrzewski throwing him the ball, Blais had 32 catches for 631 yards and 12 touchdowns. And on the ground, he racked up 1,013 yards with an eye-popping 8.8 yards-per-carry average, including 14 touchdowns and five 100-yard games.
Keegan Perea
DL | Cherry Creek | Sr. | 6-3 | 250
The Nevada commit is a handful to block, and the opposition had a tough time doing so. Perea faced consistent double-teams all season, and his ability to stuff the run was a major reason for Cherry Creek’s comeback in the Class 5A title game. Perea finished with 78 tackles (five for loss) and four sacks. He was a game-changer on the edge with speed and strength to keep plays inside.
Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais
DL | Cherry Creek | Jr. | 6-3 | 285
Part of the Division I-laden Bruins defensive line along with Perea, Umu-Cais has more than 20 Division I offers, most of them Power 4. Being sick and out of practice all week leading up to the championship game didn’t stop him from being a force in the trenches. He had 75 tackles (eight for loss), with two sacks. He also bolstered Cherry Creek’s offensive line in his first full season at right guard.
John Niedringhaus
DL | Legend | Sr. | 6-3 | 220
Legend had several playmakers along its D-line, but Niedringhaus was the centerpiece. He led Legend with 120 tackles, including 20 for loss, as well as nine sacks and seven hurries. He was one reason the Titans shut out Cherry Creek in the first half of the Class 5A championship in a defensive slugfest that not many saw coming. Uncommitted, but has the talent to play at the next level.
DJ Crowe
DL | Denver East | Sr. | 6-4 | 220
The Angels’ star pass-rusher terrorized opposing quarterbacks for three seasons. Crowe ranked third in Class 5A with 11.5 sacks and also posted 27 hurries. With the word out on him after notching double-digit sack totals as a sophomore and junior, he routinely faced double- and triple-teams and opposing offenses consistently ran away from him. He holds offers from a handful of RMAC schools.
Jaxon Pyatt
LB | Arvada West | Jr. | 6-2 | 220
Amid the Wildcats’ resurgence as a program, Pyatt emerged as a star. Strong and fast, he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in the Class 5A Metro League. He has offers from Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Kansas State, Missouri and Wisconsin. He led the Wildcats with 140 tackles, including 18 for loss, four sacks and an interception as he was a serious mismatch for would-be blockers.
CJ James
LB | Thompson Valley | Sr. | 6-6 | 220
As the Eagles went 14-0 en route to the program’s first state title, James was a stalwart on both sides of the ball. In addition to 27 catches for 324 yards and four TDs as a wideout, the CSU Pueblo commit plugged up the second level on defense. James had 68 tackles, including 10.5 for loss and 6.5 sacks that helped the Eagles defense hold opponents to a paltry 6.36 points per game.
Carson Hageman
LB | Erie | Sr. | 6-0 | 205
The stout middle linebacker is committed to Air Force, and his physicality and skill were one big reason the Tigers were able to run with the big dogs in their first year in Class 5A. He paced Erie with 134 tackles, including 18 for loss. He also posted six sacks and nine hurries as a defensive star who was able to tackle in open space, stuff tailbacks at the line and get to the quarterback.
Landon Kalsbeck
LB | Dakota Ridge | Jr. | 6-2 | 210
Dakota Ridge’s two-way star propelled the Eagles to the Class 4A semifinals. Kalsbeck has an offer from Hawaii and was named the CHSAA Class 4A player of the year. He had 1,511 yards rushing and 22 touchdowns on offense, and was a menace on defense, too. Kalsbeck recorded 90 tackles, including 15.5 for loss, as well as a team-best 11 sacks, 20 hurries and three forced fumbles.
Jace Filleman
LB | Regis Jesuit | Sr. | 6-3 | 225
The Colorado School of Mines commit, who also stars in baseball for the Raiders, highlighted for Regis at edge/outside linebacker. He had 70 tackles, including 12 for loss, as well as a team-best 6.5 sacks and 12 hurries. He brought a seasoned, physical presence to a young team. He also made an impact on offense with nine catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns at tight end.
Mikhail Benner
DB | Broomfield | Sr. | 6-0 | 185
Benner played big in the final games of the tournament, as his flashy play helped the Eagles cruise by Dakota Ridge in the semifinals and then rally to beat Montrose for the Class 4A title. He had 46 tackles on the season, with three interceptions, three forced fumbles and five pass-break ups. The Air Force pledge was also Broomfield’s leading wideout with 31 catches for 710 yards and 10 TDs.
Elvin Ampofo
DB | Eaglecrest | Sr. | 6-1 | 170
A central force in the Eaglecrest defense, Ampofo consistently stuck his nose into plays as a physical defensive back who tallied 90 tackles. He had four interceptions, nine pass deflections and three forced fumbles. Opposing offenses often threw away from the Wyoming commit’s side of the field due to his athleticism, ability to cover on deep routes and his playmaking on jump balls.
Bennett Wilkes
DB | Wheat Ridge | Sr. | 6-1 | 200
The Farmers’ two-way star tied for third in the state with seven picks, and he also had 48 tackles and a forced fumble. The Northern Colorado commit was Wheat Ridge’s best wideout, too, with 77 catches for 1,201 yards and 14 touchdowns. His track speed (10.9 seconds in the 100 meters) showed on both sides of the ball, and he was able to consistently lock down the other team’s top wideout.
Aiden Knapke
DB | Cherry Creek | Sr. | 6-0 | 190
The Washington State commit has been a staple in the Cherry Creek secondary since he was a freshman and capped off his high school career with another strong season. Knapke led the Bruins defense with 128 tackles, including five for loss, and had two interceptions and 16 passes defensed. He had several clutch break-ups in the second half of the Class 5A title game to lead the Bruins.
Rhett Armstrong
K/P | Palmer Ridge | Sr. | 6-6 | 200
Palmer Ridge’s star kicker — who stepped in at quarterback in the Class 4A quarterfinals and threw for 208 yards — went 57 of 57 on PATs this year. The Baylor commit was also 5 of 6 on field goal attempts, including a classification-record 62-yarder on Sept. 13 that’s tied for the third-longest field goal in CHSAA history. Armstrong had 69 touchbacks on 77 kickoffs and a 43-yard punt average.
Jamie Steele
Coach of the Year, Thompson Valley
The Eagles’ boss led Thompson Valley to the first state title in program history with a 16-14 victory over Mead in the Class 3A championship. Steele’s personable approach led him to develop a rapport with his players after taking over as interim head coach in 2023. Thompson Valley is Steele’s first head coaching gig in 28 years coaching high school football, and he’s making the most of it.
Honorable Mention
Quarterback
Jamison Seese, Jr., Heritage; Brady Vodicka, Jr., Cherry Creek; Bryce Riehl, Sr., Mesa Ridge; Nick Kubat, Sr., Fossil Ridge; Andrew Brown, Sr., The Classical Academy; Ki Ellison, So., Fairview; Dawson Olk, Jr., Valor Christian; Kellen Behrendsen, Jr., Dakota Ridge
Running Back
Amari Brown, Sr., Pueblo Central; Tay Wheat, Sr., Montezuma-Cortez; Mark Snyder, Jr., Columbine; Braylon Toliver, Jr., Erie; Adrian Symalla, Jr., Arvada West; Colton Lucero, Jr., Pagosa Springs; Tyler Meyer, Sr. Rock Canyon; Colin Torres, Sr., Broomfield
Tight End
Jackson Blanchard, Sr., Castle View; Henry Hurd, Sr., Aspen; Caleb Kasayka, Sr., Air Academy
Wide Receiver
Nico Benallo, Jr., Ralston Valley; Ben Herbek, Sr., Valor Christian; Luke Strickland, Sr., Fairview; Cael Buxton, Sr., Lamar; Kobe Dooley, Jr., Mesa Ridge; Alijah Landrum-Hamilton, So., Cherry Creek; Maxwell Lovett, Jr., Cherry Creek
Offensive Line
Ned Zilinskas, Sr., Cherry Creek; Mason Bandhauer, Jr., Fort Collins; Isaac Schmitz, Sr., Legend; Ben Brown, Sr., Arapahoe; Peyton Burcar, Sr., Columbine; Gage Turnbull, Jr., Legend; Jesse Wolf, Sr., Chatfield; Kaden Clough, Sr., Pueblo West; Isaiah Garcia Perez, Jr., Broomfield; Court Towns, Sr., Palmer Ridge; Deacon Schmitt, Jr., Windsor; Oliver Miller, Jr., Cherry Creek
Athletes
Toray Davis, Jr., Fairview; Samuel Meisner, Sr., Wray; Elijah Roy, Sr., Pine Creek; Jakhai Mack, Sr., Mountain Vista; Mason Bonner, Jr., Mullen; De’Alcapon Veazy, Sr., Ponderosa; Emmitt Munson, Jr., Pomona; Casey Midcap, Sr., Wray; Tanner Gray, Jr., Wellington; Sawyer Wald, Sr., Lutheran; Mason Markovich, Sr., Glenwood Springs; Brock Kolstad, Sr., Fairview
Defensive Line
Adrian Lee, Jr., Chaparral; Will Monroe, Jr., Columbine; Tatum O’Donnell, Sr., Legend; Andreas Distel, Sr., Montrose; Ty Lacrue, Sr., Broomfield; Justus Derickson, Sr., Rampart; Matthew Zeck, Jr., Pueblo West; Izaya Hawkins, Sr., Pomona; Cade Brooke, Sr., Cherokee Trail; Brody Sieck, Jr., Arapahoe; Enzo Hernandez, Jr., Jefferson; Tristan Montanez, Sr., Roosevelt; Elliot Smyth, Sr., Valor Christian
Linebacker
Ashton Shepardson, Sr., Cherry Creek; Brody Flores, Jr., Grandview; Carter Daniels, Sr., Mountain Vista; Grayson Isenhart, Sr., Coal Ridge; Logan Kundred, Sr., Chatfield; Matt Gates, Sr., Ralston Valley; Wyatt Bartel, Sr., Durango; Josh Gonsalves, Jr., Mead; Will Daniel, Sr., Basalt; Maverick Powers, Sr., Montrose; Caden Absher, Sr., Douglas County; Moises Freeman, Sr., Valor Christian
Defensive Back
Brody Shuss, Sr., Legend; Payton Aukland, Sr., Legend; Jack Offerdahl, Jr., Dakota Ridge; Devin Szabelski, Sr., Westminster; Robert Wittke, Jr., Denver West; Elijah Brotherns, Sr., Sand Creek; Atticus Tillman, Jr., Arvada West; Trevon Polk, Sr., Cherry Creek
Kicker/Punter
Mason Walters, Sr. Valor Christian; Andrew Astone, Sr., Chatfield; Jack Manthey, Jr., Regis Jesuit; Alekzander Britt, Sr., Mountain Range; Mason Crosby, Sr., Chaparral
https://www.denverpost.com/2024/12/21/all-colorado-football-team-2024/
The Chicago Cubs are welcoming Sammy Sosa back to the organization following the slugger’s public apology for past “mistakes.”
Sosa released a statement Thursday, paving the way for the former National League MVP, who has been estranged from the organization since he left the Cubs after the 2004 season. Sosa had been linked to performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) but long denied his involvement.
“I understand why some players in my era don’t always get the recognition that our stats deserve,” Sosa, 56, said in the statement. “There were times I did whatever I could to recover from injuries in an effort to keep my strength up to perform over 162 games. I never broke any laws, but in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize.
“We can’t change the past, but the future is bright. In my heart, I have always been a Cub and I can’t wait to see Cubs fans again.”
Following the apology, Chairman Tom Ricketts announced the team had invited Sosa to next month’s Cubs Convention.
“We appreciate Sammy releasing his statement and for reaching out,” Ricketts said in a statement. “No one played harder or wanted to win more. Nobody’s perfect but we never doubted his passion for the game and the Cubs.
“It is an understatement to say that Sammy is a fan favorite. … We are all ready to move forward together.”
Sosa captured national attention in the summer of 1998 as he and the St. Louis Cardinals’ Mark McGwire chased Roger Maris’ single-season home run record. The feat memorably was broken when McGwire hit No. 62 against the Cubs in St. Louis en route to setting the new mark (70). Sosa went on to slug 66 home runs and earned NL MVP honors, the 10th Cub to win the award at the time.
But for as much as Sosa is remembered for his prodigious power in a Cubs uniform and being part of the memorable 1998 and 2003 teams, his career wasn’t without controversy.
In June 2003, Sosa was caught using a corked bat when it cracked during an at-bat. Although he claimed it was a batting-practice bat he accidentally grabbed, he was suspended for seven games. He ended his Cubs career by leaving Wrigley Field during the game on the final day of the 2004 season. His boom box was left behind at his locker and subsequently smashed by a teammate.
Sosa was among the major-league players and executives who testified during a hearing in front of the House Committee on Government Reform in 2005 as Congress attempted to pressure MLB to toughen its steroid and PED policy. During the testimony, Sosa denied ever taking illegal PEDs.
After Thursday’s statements, all that now remains in the past for the two sides.
“Cubs fans are the best in the world,” Sosa said in Thursday’s statement, “and I hope that fans, the Cubs and I can all come together again and move forward.”
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https://www.denverpost.com/2024/12/19/chicago-cubs-sammy-sosa-apology-tom-ricketts/
Kris Bryant’s sanctuary is the batting cage attached to his parents’ home in Las Vegas.
The cage, 65 feet long and 18 feet wide, is the centerpiece of a 1,600-square-foot workout facility. Bryant built it in 2014 as a present to his father, Mike, who first taught him how to hit and made a career out of teaching kids how to hit a baseball.
Bryant used his $6.7 million signing bonus to give his father a piece of baseball heaven, including a $3,300 pitching machine. Mike named the place “The Bryant Man Cage.”
Bryant says he’s thriving in his sanctuary this offseason, hitting off the tee and swinging at pitches his dad throws during batting practice. He feels good and pain-free for the first time in a long time, and hitting a baseball is fun again.
“I don’t have any … what’s the right word? ” he ponders.
Trepidation?
“That’s a great word, a great way to put it,” Bryan said. “It feels so good to call up my dad and say, ‘Hey, can I come over and hit at 11 o’clock today?’ and not have to worry and ask myself, ‘Oh, can I? Is this going to hurt today?’ ”
Bryant, who turns 33 on Jan. 4, has experienced plenty of hurt since signing a seven-year, $182 million contract with the Rockies before the 2022 season.
Back issues (chronic disc problems and arthritis) and plantar fasciitis have kept Bryant off the field and in the training room. He played just 37 games in 2024 and only 33% of Colorado’s games since he signed the biggest free-agent deal in franchise history. He’s swatted only 17 home runs in Rockies purple. In stark contrast, he hit 39 homers in 2016 when he was named the National League MVP and helped lead the Cubs to a World Series title. He hit 26 in 2015 when he was named NL Rookie of the Year.
The Rockies, coming off back-to-back 100-loss seasons and handicapped by a feeble offense, desperately need much more from him.
“We need Kris Bryant to be Kris Bryant,” manager Bud Black said last week at the Winter Meetings in Dallas. “He still is, in our opinion, very capable of that, and he’ll be the first guy to tell you he is very capable.
“Now, the proof will be in the pudding once we get going, but he’s having a great winter so far. He’s very adamant about this offseason conditioning program. He’s staying on top of that. He’s in a good spot.”
Bryant began his get-well project 10 days after the Rockies concluded their season. For three hours a day, he stretches, lifts weights and works to build a stronger core to alleviate the pain in his lower back. He works with a personal trainer in Las Vegas and incorporates a physical therapy program designed for him by the Steadman-Hawkins Clinic in Denver.
“It’s nice to have a good, long runway to gear up for the good and bad of a long baseball season,” Bryant said. “We’ll see what happens, but this offseason, so far, I’ve had a really good runway and no hiccups.”
Bryant acknowledged that his back issues will be with him for the rest of his life. Still, he’s encouraged by his current state of health.
“Right now, I definitely have (the pain) under control,” he said. “The big test, of course, will be when I go out there and actually play a baseball game. But I’m super confident in the program that I have been on.”
Black and general manager Bill Schmidt say they plan for Bryant to be Colorado’s primary designed hitter in 2025, with some starts in right field and occasional games at first base behind Michael Toglia.
“I talked to Buddy a couple of weeks ago and he explained the plan to me,” Bryant said. “I’m good with that. I just want to stay healthy and play and compete with the guys. And Toglia has done a fantastic job at first.
“I would love to play all over the field, but there comes a point when you have to figure out what’s best for the team. That’s probably not going to be me because of the young outfielders we have — guys like (Brenton) Doyle and (Jordan) Beck and (Nolan) Jones. Those younger guys. I realize I have to earn that DH spot, but I feel like I can contribute to this team.”
Last season, Bryant’s average exit velocity at the plate was 87.5 mph, below the league average of 88.5. He struck out in 31% of his plate appearances. Schmidt and Black don’t expect Bryant to be the slugger he was during his glory days with the Cubs, but they believe he can deliver the quality at-bats the Rockies have lacked.
Bryant, encouraged by BP sessions with his dad, says he can still deliver some home runs. He’s monitoring his exit velocity and launch angle and likes what he sees.
“I still feel like I have a lot of thump in my bat and a lot to offer on the offensive side,” he said.
Late in September, as another lost season for the Rockies neared its end, Bryant was candid about his physical and emotional state.
“I’m not going to sugarcoat it. It’s been terrible,” he said at the time. “It’s been terrible on me, physically and emotionally. I feel like I’ve let a ton of people down.
“There is nobody who feels worse about this than me. There are a lot of nights when I’m upset, I’m depressed. I want to be out there with the guys. It sucks. I want to be on road trips, I want to play.”
Bryant’s outlook has done a 180-degree turn since then.
“I’ve been pretty happy with all of it,” he said. “I feel like players are going to tell the press every offseason, ‘This is the best shape I’ve ever been in.’ I’m not going to give you any of that.
“I’m always super hard on myself, but this offseason, I’m at peace with what I’m seeing, and I’m super-encouraged. It’s put me in a good headspace.”
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https://www.denverpost.com/2024/12/15/kris-bryant-rockies-health/
BEAVER CREEK, Colo. — Lindsey Vonn will return to World Cup ski racing next weekend for a pair of super-G events in St. Moritz, Switzerland, as she continues her comeback at 40 years old.
Vonn teased her return in an Instagram post through her sponsor, Red Bull, on Friday morning. She said, “My body is finally put back together. I hear St. Moritz is pretty nice this time of year.” The U.S. Ski Team then confirmed she will race in St. Moritz.
She’s won five of her 82 World Cup races on the course at St. Moritz. There will be super-G competitions next Saturday and Sunday.
“It’s the coolest thing ever,” said Picabo Street, a two-time Olympic medalist and Vonn’s former teammate. “I’m not surprised at all. I’ve seen her intermittently and she’s stayed in great shape. She is the hardest working person I’ve met in my life — period.”
It will be Vonn’s first major race since February 2019, when she took third in the downhill during the world championships in Sweden. An assortment of injuries, including to her knee, sent her into retirement. But a partial knee replacement last April has her feeling good enough again to give racing another chance.
Vonn earned enough points to be eligible to compete on the World Cup circuit through a series of lower-level competitions last weekend in Copper Mountain, Colorado. She’s been testing out the Birds of Prey course at Beaver Creek as a forerunner in training runs this week. She’s didn’t take the hill Friday, but will again in a forerunning capacity ahead of the downhill on Saturday and the super-G on Sunday.
“She’s living her best life,” said Street, who’s doing commentary work at the Birds of Prey races this weekend for NBC. “She’s earned every second of it.”
When Vonn left the tour, she had 82 World Cup wins — the record for a woman at the time and within reach of the all-time Alpine mark of 86 held by Swedish standout Ingemar Stenmark. The women’s record held by Vonn was eclipsed in January 2023 by Mikaela Shiffrin, whose 99 wins are more than any Alpine ski racer in the history of the sport.
“It’s awesome” to have Vonn back, said Czech Republic ski racer/snowboarder Ester Ledecka, who won the 2018 Olympic super-G in South Korea as Vonn finished tied for sixth. “It was for me a little bit sad to see her finishing her career. I thought, ‘Hey, you should finish it when you want to, not because your body is not capable to let you do your runs.’ I’m very happy that she’s back and she’s feeling good and she’s happy.
“I think she’ll be also very fast. So, I’m very happy to have her around.”
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https://www.denverpost.com/2024/12/13/lindsey-vonn-to-enter-world-cup-ski-races-next-weekend-in-switzerland-in-her-comeback-at-age-40-2/
DALLAS — The Ping-Pong balls didn’t bounce the Rockies’ way on Tuesday.
Although the Rockies and the Miami Marlins had the best chance of winning Major League Baseball’s Draft Lottery, the baseball gods smiled on neither team. Colorado finished fourth in the lottery, and the Marlins fell to seventh.
The Rockies, who lost 101 games this past season, and the Marlins (100 losses), entered the lottery with the best chance of winning the top pick, with odds of 22.5%.
But the Washington Nationals (91 losses), who had the fourth-best chance (10.20%), won the lottery and landed the first overall pick in the 2025 draft.
“There’s going to be a good player there (at No. 4),” said Marc Gustafson, Colorado’s senior director of scouting operations. “We’ve done a lot of work, not only over the last few days. Our scouts and our (research and development) guys have done the work, and we’ve identified some good (players) up top. Now it’s time to sort it all out.
“This is a fun time for us. It’s not like we’re heartbroken. We’re excited to get after it.”
Clint Hurdle, the former Rockies manager who is now a special assistant to general manager Bill Schmidt, was the Rockies’ honorary representative during the MLB Network broadcast. He’ll surely face plenty of ribbing for Colorado’s fourth-place finish.
“I got nothing to say, boys,” Hurdle said with a laugh as he departed the giant ballroom at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.
Gustafson said the 2025 draft is loaded with talent, particularly college players.
“There is a lot of pitching depth in this draft,” he added.
Gustafson believes the lone high school player in the draft’s top five will be shortstop/third baseman Ethan Holliday, who attends Stillwater High School in Oklahoma. Holliday is the son of former Rockies All-Star outfielder Matt Holliday and the younger brother of Jackson, who was drafted first overall by Baltimore in 2022 and made his MLB debut in 2024.
The Rockies have never picked first in the draft. They had the second overall pick in 2006 and selected Stanford right-hander Greg Reynolds, who never became a successful big-league pitcher.
MLB and the MLB Players Association agreed to the lottery as part of the current collective bargaining agreement in an effort to curb tanking. The lottery awards the top six picks. The 2025 draft is scheduled for July 13-15 in Atlanta during the All-Star break.
This past season, the White Sox lost a modern-record 121 games but were ineligible to receive the No. 1 selection through the lottery. That’s because they had the No. 5 pick in the 2024 draft, and teams that pay into revenue sharing cannot pick in the lottery in back-to-back years. Because the White Sox were ineligible, the Rockies and Marlins improved their chances to snare the No. 1 pick. They had the second- and third-worst records in baseball.
The Guardians won the lottery last offseason despite finishing with the league’s ninth-worst record. Cleveland took Oregon State infielder Travis Bazzana with the No. 1 selection. The Reds also won big when they moved up from No. 13 to No. 2 and picked Wake Forest right-hander Chase Burns.
Coming off a 103-loss season in 2023, the Rockies picked third in the 2024 draft, selecting Georgia outfielder/corner infielder Charlie Condon.
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https://www.denverpost.com/2024/12/10/rockies-mlb-draft-lottery-2025/
DALLAS — The Rockies have found their second baseman — for 2025, at least.
Colorado agreed to a one-year, big-league contract with veteran Thairo Estrada on Tuesday, a major league source confirmed. The contract is for $3.25 million with a mutual option and a $750,000 buyout.
The deal is pending Estrada passing a physical, and the Rockies have not announced a signing.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com first reported the deal.
Estrada is versatile enough to play around the diamond, but the Rockies plan to use him primarily as a second baseman. He’ll replace Brendan Rodgers, who Colorado non-tendered last month before Rodgers entered his final season of arbitration.
Estrada, who turns 29 in February, began his career with the Yankees but made his mark with the Giants in 2021 after being traded. He had an injury-plagued 2024 season but was a productive player in San Francisco for three previous seasons. In 2023, he slashed .271/.315/.416 with 14 homers, 26 doubles and 23 stolen bases. He has a reputation as a solid fielder.
Over 312 games from 2021-23, he slashed .266/.320/.416 with 45 stolen bases, but in 2024, Estrada had wrist and thumb injuries and hit just .217 with a .247 on-base percentage in 96 games before the Giants outrighted him in late August.
Although Colorado signed veteran Kyle Farmer to a one-year and $3.25 million deal last month and has rookie Aaron Schunk on the roster, the Rockies plan to use both as utility infielders rather than everyday second basemen.
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https://www.denverpost.com/2024/12/10/thairo-estrada-rockies-agree-contract/
Saturday in rainy Portland, Oregon, Niwot became the first boys team from Colorado to win Nike Cross Nationals.
Junior Hunter Robbie (15 minutes and 52.70 seconds) and senior Keegan Geldean (15:57.80) went sub-16 minutes and the Cougars placed four runners inside the top 35 to claim arguably the sport’s most prestigious high school national title.
Robbie finished 21st in the field, Geldean 27th, and they were followed in by teammates Quinn Sullivan (16:00.90), Gabriel Marshall (16:04.70), Gavin Engtrakul (16:24.30), Rocco Culpepper (16:31.40) and Ryder Keaton (16:39.90).
Their historic win came in the 21st year of NXN, which started in 2004. The Cougars’ total score of 70 was 26 points better than second-place American Fork (Utah) and 36 fewer than third-place Herriman (UT).
Herriman was the reigning champ and had beaten Niwot at the Nike Southwest Regional on Nov. 23.
Niwot Boys Cross Country Team is the National Champions! @lefthandvc @BoCoPreps @NiwotHS @goSVVSD @NiwotBoosters #StVrainStorm pic.twitter.com/fWhVPrAmF1
— Niwot Athletics (@niwotathletics) December 7, 2024
“After finishing fifth (at nationals) last year, the boys’ goal was to come back and podium, and maybe win if we had a good day,” Niwot coach Kelly Christensen said. “At the Southwest Regional in Arizona, we were very close to Herriman and Herriman won nationals last year. And I think it was at that point the boys realized we can run better, and we won’t have to run a ton better to beat them.”
Niwot’s place atop the podium came a little more than a month since it won the Class 5A boys’ cross country title in Colorado Springs.
In both championships, it was the Cougars’ depth that carried them through. In each of their last three meets, in fact — the state meet, regionals and NXN — a different runner led the way for them.
“It makes the group special knowing that on any day any one of them could be our No. 1,” Christensen said.
On the girls’ side, Niwot’s Addy Ritzenhein finished fifth after she won NXN as a sophomore.
The junior’s time of 17:15.30 was less than two seconds off second place. Everyone, however, was well behind Timpview’s Jane Hedengren, the Utah runner who won in 16:32.70.
In regards to Ritzenhein’s performance, Christensen said she wanted to do better. He even put the blame on himself for not making sure she was warm enough at the start of the race. The weather in Portland that day was cold and wet.
But Ritzenhein shook it off quick, her coach added.
“She’s such an incredible human,” Christensen said. “She carries herself like a professional athlete. She’s kind and humble and just wants to be a kid and teammate.”
View a list of Prep sports and high school teams we cover.
https://www.denverpost.com/2024/12/10/cross-country-niwot-wins-national-championship-at-nike-cross-in-oregon/
State football champions will be crowned in Class 5A, 4A and 3A on Saturday in Fort Collins. Here’s a scouting report of the teams competing for titles:
Class 5A
No. 6 Legend (12-1) vs. No. 1 Cherry Creek (12-1)
When/where: 6 p.m. Saturday at Canvas Stadium, NFHS Network
Legend players to watch: Jaden Lawrence, sr., RB (Wyoming commit, 991 rushing yards, 18 TDs); Ryken Banks, jr., RB (824 rushing yards, 11 TDs); Nick Farley, sr., QB (1,155 yards, 11 TDs passing); Kellen Marchand, so., WR (17 catches, 339 yards, 4 TDs); John Niedringhaus, sr., DE (106 tackles, 19 TFLs); Aaron Olson, sr., LB (103 tackles); Tatum O’Donnell, sr., DE (98 tackles, 20 TFLs, 10.5 sacks); Payton Aukland, sr., S (3 INTs, 70 tackles).
Cherry Creek players to watch: Brady Vodicka, jr., QB (2,653 yards, 24 TDs passing); Jayden Fox, jr., RB (1,725 yards, 19 TDs rushing); Jeremiah Hoffman, sr., WR (Charlotte commit, 831 yards, 7 TDs receiving); Maxwell Lovett, jr., WR (601 yards, 7 TDs receiving); Aiden Knapke, sr., S (Washington State commit, 118 tackles, 2 INTs); Ashton Shepardson, sr., LB (66 tackles, 9 TFLs, 6 sacks, 3 INTs); Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais, jr., DL/OG (68 tackles, 8 TFLs); Soren Shinofield, sr., OT (Utah commit); Keegan Perea, sr., EDGE (Nevada commit, 69 tackles, 4 sacks); Ned Zilinskas, sr., C (Princeton commit).
The Titans are making their first title game appearance after knocking on the door of the big game the past few years. Legend features a run-heavy offense behind Lawrence, and as Bruins head coach Dave Logan noted, the Titans possess the size to stack up with Cherry Creek in the trenches. Legend’s playoff run nearly came to an end in the second round, when Arapahoe was up late and was poised to pull off an upset. But Farley and Lawrence led Legend on a game-winning drive, and the Titans haven’t looked back while putting up 35 points in both the quarterfinals (Ralston Valley) and semifinals (Fairview). Legend’s key to the upset is leaning on its stout defense to limit Cherry Creek’s time of possession. That, and a monster game from Lawrence.
Cherry Creek remains 5A’s juggernaut. The Bruins won four titles in a row before Columbine finally snapped their streak last year. Cherry Creek’s making its seventh straight title game trip and seeks its 14th title. The Bruins are deep and talented at every position, as evidenced by their 42-17 demolition of Valor Christian team in the semifinals. Three out-of-state games molded Cherry Creek for another title run; the only in-state team to play the Bruins close was Pine Creek in a 21-14 game on Sept. 27. There was no celebration after the Bruins beat Valor Christian last week. They very much remember last year’s loss to Columbine, so expect a focused and physical performance.
Class 4A
No. 5 Broomfield (12-1) vs. No. 2 Montrose (13-0)
When/where: 2 p.m. Saturday at Canvas Stadium, NFHS Network
Broomfield players to watch: Darien Jackson, sr., QB (1,648 passing yards, 20 TDs); Colin Torres, sr., RB/LB (1,123 rush yards, 16 TDs); Mikhail Benner, sr., WR/DB (Air Force commit, 551 receiving yards, 9 TDs, 2 INTs); Ty LaCrue, sr., DL (five sacks); Grisham Lemley, sr., WR (374 receiving yards, 2 TDs); Brendan Fritch sr., LB (6.4 tackles per game); Mason Smiley, sr., DB (2 INTs).
Montrose players to watch: Cade Saunders, so., QB (filling in for injured senior Chris Mock); Elijah Womack, jr., RB (4 rushing TDs in quarterfinal vs. Mesa Ridge); Aidan Gonzalez, jr. RB (Red Hawks’ speedster).
The Red Hawks play bruising, control-the-clock football. Will that be enough to slow down a Broomfield team that played flawlessly in its 45-7 demolition of top-seeded Dakota Ridge last week? Montrose has won 10 of its 13 games by 21 points or more, but the Red Hawks are banged up as they enter the championship game. The Red Hawks are 76-18 (.808) since coach Brett Mertens took over in 2017, but it’s been 13 years since they made it to the title bout (49-14 loss to Pine Creek). Montrose’s only state championship came in a 20-7 win over Lakewood in 1950.
Broomfield won the 4A state title in 2022, but most of those players graduated. The Eagles are a run-first team, but they have thrown the ball with more effectiveness during the playoffs behind strong-armed senior quarterback Darien Jackson. Air Force-bound senior defensive back Mikhail Benner (who’s also emerged as a receiving threat) has 16 career interceptions, including a pick-six in the semifinals. Senior running back Colin Torres is a grinder and it will be up to the Montrose defense to limit his yards per carry. The Eagles’ defense enters Saturday’s game with 29.5 combined sacks and 17 interceptions.
Class 3A
No. 1 Thompson Valley (13-0) vs. No. 2 Mead (11-1)
When/where: 10 a.m. Saturday at Canvas Stadium, NFHS Network
Thompson Valley players to watch: Finley Lucas, fr., QB (971 total yards, 10 total TDs); Joseph Urrutia, sr., RB/CB (1,215 all-purpose yards, 6 TDs, 3 INTs); Garet Hendrickson, sr., RB/DB (983 total yards, 8 TDs, 47 tackles); Wes Bebo, sr., RB (444 yards, 7 TDs); Colton James, sr., TE/OLB (27 catches, 324 yards, 65 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 4 forced fumbles); Landry Suarez, jr., ILB (84 tackles); Seth Kastl, sr., OL/DL (12.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks).
Mead players to watch: Christian Hiner, sr., QB (1,035 yards, 15 TDs passing); Ethan Elmore so., RB (876 total yards, 7 TDs); Noah Chapala, so., RB (666 yards, 9 TDs rushing); Ryan St. Aubin, jr., RB (632 total yards, 8 TDs); Noah Vroman, sr., WR (401 yards, 4 TDs receiving); Josh Gonsalves, jr., MLB (94 tackles, 4 sacks, INT); Carter Woods, jr., MLB (92 tackles, 4.5 sacks); Dresden Spendlove, sr., G/DE (64 tackles, 9 TFLs); Austin Ott, sr., CB (4 INTs, 33 tackles).
No matter who walks away with the trophy on Saturday, history will be made. For Mead, it would be the program’s first state football title since the high school reopened in 2009. The old Mead High School won the 6-man crown back in 1949. For Thompson Valley, it would be the Eagles’ first state football title in the 48-year history of the school.
The two programs got to Canvas Stadium in very similar ways, riding stifling defenses and rugged run-based offenses to double-digit-win seasons. Thompson Valley, which is in the title round for the first time in 35 years, has allowed just 75 total points over 13 games, including dominant wins over Discovery Canyon (30-7) and Green Mountain (31-3) in the last two rounds of the playoffs. Meanwhile, Mead has allowed just 10.3 points per game, but did have to survive a last-ditch rally from Pomona in last week’s semifinals to emerge with a 21-19 victory and second trip to the 3A championship in four years. Bottom line: Get ready for a slugfest.
* All stats taken from Maxpreps.com.
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https://www.denverpost.com/2024/12/06/chsaa-state-football-championship-games-scouting-report-2024/
Lindsey Vonn returns to professional skiing this weekend at Copper Mountain, poised to join athletes
Lindsey Vonn will make her return to professional skiing at age 40 this weekend in the FIS Fall Festival at Copper Mountain, Colorado. She’ll compete in Downhills and Super-G on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, according to U.S. Ski Team head coach Paul Kristofic.
Vonn’s last race was in 2019 — when she claimed bronze at the World Championships in Sweden — but her goal seems to be to return to the sport’s top level: the World Cup. Her entry in the lower-level races in Colorado appears to be with designs on getting back to the top.
Vonn was once one of the top female skiers in the world. She earned three Olympic medals — two bronze and one gold. Until 2023, she held the women’s record for the most first-place World Cup finishes before being surpassed by fellow American Mikaela Shiffrin.
Vonn isn’t the only top athlete who toiled well beyond when most call it quits in sports.
Tom Brady, NFL
Brady holds numerous NFL records after spending 20 years with the New England Patriots and then three with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He led New England to nine Super Bowls, winning six, and guided the Bucs to a Super Bowl victory in 2021 at age 43, the oldest to do so.
Serena Williams, tennis
One of the greatest tennis players of all time, she won 23 Grand Slam championships and reached the semifinals of the Australian Open in 2021 at age 39. Her 23 Grand Slam women’s singles titles are the most in the open era, and she reached four finals after giving birth to her first child. She and sister Venus were 14-0 in Grand Slam doubles finals.
LeBron James, NBA
With his 40th birthday fast approaching on Dec. 30, James is the NBA’s career scoring leader and still going strong. He’s won four NBA championships and was named the finals MVP all four times, and has done it with three franchises — Miami, Cleveland and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Phil Mickelson, golf
Best known for his deft touch around the green and mastery of difficult shots, Mickelson has won 45 PGA Tour events and six major championships. His victory at the 2021 PGA Championship made him the oldest major winner in tour history at nearly 51 years old.
Randy Johnson, MLB
The 6-foot-10 left-handed pitcher was feared early in his career for his high velocity and lack of control. Johnson refined his skills over a 22-year career and pitched the 17th perfect game in major league history in 2004 at age 40, making him the oldest to do it. He won 303 games, won five Cy Young Awards, pitched no-hitters in both leagues and was co-MVP of the 2001 World Series.
Jaromir Jagr, NHL
Since joining the Pittsburgh Penguins at age 18, Jagr has been one of the greatest hockey players of all-time. He ranks second to Wayne Gretzky in career NHL points, earned while playing for nine franchises, and still plays at age 52 for his hometown Kladno Knights in the Czech league, a team he also owns. He’s played 37 seasons of professional hockey.
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https://www.denverpost.com/2024/12/06/lindsey-vonn-return-copper-mountain-age-40/
