Arrowhead Golf Course in Littleton will host a golf tournament at the end of the month to cap the All-Schools Summit put on each year by CHSAA.

The July 29 fundraising event will use proceeds to benefit and enhance experiences for Colorado students through the Foundation for the Colorado High School Student Activities Association. Tee time is 2 p.m.

The foundation has supported initiatives like the AD Mentorship Program, the “You Look Good in Stripes” campaign that increased the number of high school officials across the state, sporting behavior initiatives, educational speakers and others.

Registration for those interested includes a round of golf, range balls, a box lunch, dinner and a swag bag.

Single golfers can register for $175. You can also sign up as a party of two or three, or a foursome can save $30 by registering for $670.

Donations are welcome for those who want to contribute without playing.

Other events happening during the All-Schools Summit on July 28 include a sports medicine symposium, a meeting for new athletic directors and an evening reception at Sporty Pickle in Englewood.

The full schedule can be found at this link.

Interested parties can register for the golf tournament at this form. For any questions or issues with registration, email foundation@chsaa.org.

The post Foundation Golf Tournament to benefit Colorado students appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

Future sports doctors, athletes and trainers should get some insights into their careers July 28 at the Colorado High School Activities Association’s symposium at the DCSD Legacy Campus in Parker.

It’s the fourth such event, and features 10 speakers from across the sports science spectrum, tackling issues like concussions, nutrition for young athletes, preventive strategies for overuse injuries, mental health, medical timeouts and more CHSAA updates.

“I’m always excited to get the opportunity to speak in front of the folks that are actually working with the youth athletes out in the community at these high schools and really hear from them because I think that’s the best way to learn,” said Eric Post, a certified athletic trainer and sports medicine researcher with the U.S. Olympic &
Paralympic Committee.

Like many who begin in the sports medicine field, Post worked as an athletic trainer, starting in minor league and collegiate baseball at Illinois State University.

While chasing his master’s degree, he was a graduate assistant for the team, which gave him time and flexibility to delve into more research-based work.

“I started noticing some of the players I was working with were coming into college with Tommy John surgery (to repair a torn or damaged ligament in the elbow), already having had it in high school as opposed to having had it at the end of their career in the major leagues,” Post said. “So, I started getting that as a kind of first research.”

This is Post’s first appearance at a CHSAA event, and he’s excited to pick the brains of his peers and members of the audience interested in learning more.

His session is titled “Youth sports then and now: Preventing overuse injuries in the age of early sport specialization”, and is set for 8:45 a.m. on July 28.

“Usually I learn from the folks that are actually on the ground working in the settings and hearing the things they’re seeing, which helps to generate more research questions and more opportunities to go out and try to solve some of these problems,” Post said. “So it’s always a mutually beneficial thing where hopefully I’m providing something that helps them do their job, but they are also providing me with a ton of information about what they’re actually seeing in the sports world out there.”

Infatuation with protein

Max Deutz is the director of sports nutrition education at Colorado State University. His talk at the symposium, scheduled for 10 a.m., will cover protein synthesis in athlete populations.

A general fascination with protein has blossomed in recent years with the general public, he said.

“A lot of these high school athletic trainers, for example, don’t have a dietitian on staff,” he said. “So they might get asked questions about specific things with nutrition. I figured, considering my expertise and the public infatuation with protein, giving some fundamentals and then also some new information about protein would hopefully be beneficial for these athletic trainers.”

Nutrition focus, especially in young athletes, is something that is evolving constantly, he explained. Deutz’s PhD work has largely focused on protein metabolism.

“It’s not as overlooked as it was 10 to 15 years ago,” he said. “I think people are becoming more informed, but there’s still a large gap between general knowledge and how important it can be for sports. That’s not necessarily to fault the athletes; they’re young and perhaps they didn’t grow up in a family that prioritizes nutrition or discusses just the importance that it can make. So it’s not necessarily on them, but they’re very impressionable, so it’s a period that is great to be able to help the professionals so that they can help the athletes.”

Other speakers include:

• Kylie Clark PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS (physical therapist)
• Jeffrey Ebel, DO (Orthopedic & Spine Center of the Rockies)
• Matthew P.M. Kitashima (Meiso Consulting)
• Robert Lopez-Babin (Children’s Hospital Colorado Sports Medicine Center)
• Jason McWilliams, MS, ATC (UC Health Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Clinic)
• Justin Newman, M.D. (orthopedic surgeon)
• Kevin Roberts, MEd. LAT, ATC (Academy SD 20)
• Chad Smidt, ATC (Orthopedic & Spine Center of the Rockies)

Athletic trainers are encouraged to register at this link for the event.

“A huge benefit of getting out there and going to these things is seeing what the cutting-edge research is and finding some new techniques or some new data you can take back to improve your patient care and set yourself apart as an early professional or as a student,” Post said. “I think it’s such a great opportunity to try to actually get to meet and interact with folks that are interested in the same things you’re interested in. So, I think it’s a huge opportunity if you know, young professionals are willing to put themselves out there. You can get a lot out of it.”

For more information on the event, including the agenda, schedule and more, visit CHSAA’s website at this link.

The post Sports medicine symposium welcomes aspiring athletic trainers appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

When playing sports outdoors, there can be some interference from the elements — the wind, rain or snow. But it is unusual to navigate the ball around a minefield of tubers, swimmers and other kayakers.

Still, six teams of kayakers managed it July 10, as the Colorado Whitewater Association hosted its annual downriver race – but with a new format.

Rather than a strict individual sprint down the creek, as in previous years, this year’s was a ball race.

The kayakers grouped into teams of two or three, and together, navigated a yoga ball about 200-300 yards down the creek and across the finish line. They were allowed to hit their own ball with their paddles or hands, but couldn’t interfere with the other teams’.

Between heats, the kayakers were strategizing ways to improve but ultimately said they were having a lot of fun.

“The competition seems fierce,” Boulder’s Jake Davidson said before the race started. “I expect it will be a battle of wills.”

The teams competed in a tournament, with two teams going head-to-head for most heats. The exception was the so-called “monster loser’s bracket,” where the three teams that lost in the first round competed simultaneously. The winning team would reintegrate into the main bracket.

Team H2O not only survived the three-way elimination round but ultimately came back to win the entire tournament. Winners received gift cards to local businesses for their efforts.

CWA board member Nik White, who helped organize the downriver race, described how the CWA has been hosting events like this and the Golden-based kayak rodeo for 25 years. With more than 700 members across the state, he said it’s a great way to bring kayakers together in Golden during summer.

‘A battle of wills’

Downriver race participants weren’t required to be CWA members to participate, but registration was free for members.

As such, Lakewood’s Andrew Daw signed up for a membership just before the race. Golden’s Courtney Kloor, his teammate, convinced Daw to join her and another teammate for the race, with the three of them competing under the name Whitewater Wackos.

Kloor said, in general, there are several types of kayaks, each with their own pros and cons. The playboats are smaller but maneuver better, while the half-slices are longer but go faster. The team had a mix of playboats and half-slices.

Some types of kayaks wouldn’t be practical for this type of event, she said, because it would likely involve hitting rocks and other boats. So, plastic kayaks were better, since they can take the hits better.

Kloor said she’s done a few minor races before, but had never done a team event. Daw, meanwhile, said he’d never competed in any kayaking event before, but was eager to try.

Davidson and his fellow Boulderite Jonathan Russell, who competed as Team Tech Ballers, said they’d competed in other CWA events in Golden before but had never done a ball race.

The two said they go kayaking together regularly, with Davidson believing that their synergy would help them in the competition.

‘A great way to spend the summer’

Overall, Davidson and Russell said Golden’s Clear Creek Whitewater Park is one of their favorite kayaking spots. Davidson estimated that they visit it every other week in the summer.

Russell summarized the experience as: “We come for Clear Creek and stay for the Mexican food.”

The creek’s also a convenient location for Golden-area kayakers like Kloor and Daw.

Daw said he started learning kayaking about a year-and-a-half ago, and while he said it’s harder than it looks, he also didn’t want people to be intimidated by it the way he’d been.

The kayaking community is super-welcoming, he said. He can post on social media that he wants to go boating and ask if anyone would want to go with him for safety and fun, and people will go with him.

“It’s not as scary as it seems,” he said.

Kloor, who’s been kayaking for three years and is a CWA member, said the sport is “a great way to spend the summer,” as it offers the same thrill as downhill skiing. She also encouraged others to try it.

White said the CWA is hosting other events in Idaho Springs and the Bailey area later this month.

Overall, the CWA hosts events across the state and throughout the year, to give kayakers a chance to meet even during the off-season. It also partners with Golden and other cities on their whitewater features, he said, and has been promoting whitewater access and conservation for 70-plus years.

For more information, visit coloradowhitewater.org.

Click through additional photos from the July 10 competition:

The post Having a Ball: Kayakers enjoy CWA’s newly-formatted downriver race appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

The national title-winning Colorado School of Mines men’s cross-country runners aren’t just at the top of the podium.

They’re at the top of the classroom, too.

The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference recently announced the 2024-25 Brechler Award winners, recognizing the top-performing academic teams across the conference’s 22 sponsored sports.

The Mines men’s cross country and men’s indoor track & field teams were among the winners.

Regis and Colorado Mesa led the member universities, with four recipient teams each. Chadron State followed with three, and Mines tied Black Hills State and Westminster with two each.

The Mines men’s cross country team’s win is the program’s first since the award was established in 2012-13, the Orediggers confirmed in a recent press release.

The two Mines teams and the other the Brechler Award-winning teams were scheduled to be recognized at the July 10 RMAC awards banquet in Colorado Springs.

This year’s Brechler Awards, named after former RMAC Commissioner Paul W. Brechler, was based on the highest team GPA from the 2024-25 academic year, the RMAC described in its press release.

The team GPA includes all student-athletes who were on the institution’s NCAA eligibility list, and is calculated by dividing the total quality points for each semester by the total number of credits.

The Mines men’s cross country team produced a 3.595 GPA, Mines Athletics confirmed, while the men’s indoor track & field team had a 3.563 GPA — winning its second-straight Brechler Award and fifth overall.

Several Orediggers compete on both teams, as well as on the outdoor track & field team.

In fall 2024, the Mines men’s cross country team went undefeated on the race course. The Orediggers swept the RMAC and NCAA Regional titles and eventually won their fourth NCAA Division II championship in 10 years.

Then, for the indoor track & field season, the Orediggers had their best-ever finish at the NCAA Division II championships with six individual podium finishes and a third-place team trophy.

Right now, the Mines runners are on summer break, but official practices resume next month. Then, both the men’s and women’s cross country teams kick off their 2025 competition schedule Sept. 20 at Denver’s Washington Park.

For more information, including Colorado School of Mines’ 2025-26 athletic calendar, visit MinesAthletics.com.

The post Two Mines teams win RMAC awards for academic excellence appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

To cap an extravagant Fourth of July weekend on the diamond, the Colorado Rockies went all out to celebrate local veterans and military members with a parade on July 6.

It was the finale of a packed weekend of promotions, including back-to-back fireworks shows following the first two games against the Chicago White Sox on July 4 and 5.

Despite losing the first two series games by a combined score of 13-5, the Rockies rallied on Sunday to win 6-4 in front of the home crowd. In the face of a brutal season, Colorado fans arrived in droves to root on their local team and enjoy some holiday festivities.

Plus, the weather cooperated to make for a beautiful long weekend.

The Military Appreciation game on Sunday was opened by a parade around the outfield honoring past and present military members. Players shook hands with veterans in gratitude and reverence as everyone took a momentary step back from sports.

There was also a pregame salute from multiple military branches, a national anthem performance by a veteran in uniform and an on-field presentation of an enormous American flag.

Master Sergeant Christopher Nemeir was honored as the Hero of the Game.

In a back-and-forth game full of explosive innings, home runs from Michael Toglia and Mickey Moniak helped push Colorado over the edge to end the homestand with a win. Moniak also had a triple and an RBI double in the game, carrying the Rockies to a victory.

Catcher Hunter Goodman was also announced as a 2025 MLB All-Star, as fans celebrated the news on the jumbotron during the game.

Though the Rockies are a lowly 21-70 (as of July 8), Colorado fans knew there was no place they’d rather be on the Fourth of July than Coors Field.

The post Fourth of July reminds Rockies fans baseball is more than winning appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

In the world of former Frederick High School football player Travis Letkomiller, it’s been a natural progression for his football journey.

It started with the game itself.

“I have always had a true love for football, and I wanted to coach with my brother, Nick,” Letkomiller said. “We started with a group of first-graders from Brighton and stayed with the same kids through eighth grade. Through that time, I developed a true passion for teaching kids the game I love and trying to be a light or positive figure in a kid’s life.”

Fast forward a few years, and Letkomiller found himself on the Weld Central High School football staff.

He earned the head coaching slot this spring.

“Weld Central came about because one of my players’ families was from there. I randomly decided to reach out,” he said. “Small-town football is a dying breed, and I knew that’s where I wanted to be. I couldn’t be more pumped to be here at Weld.”

Letkomiller draws on personal experience from coaches who worked with him.

“Larry Frank (former Frederick basketball coach) inspired me into what a coach should be. I watched him pour his heart into every kid that ever came through that program in the early 2010s,” Letkomiller said. “I still think about the lessons he gave us and just how much passion he brought every single day. The guy was a winner in every sense of the word.”

Frank wasn’t the only one to have an impact. Different sports brought him different perspectives.

“Joe Lamb was my old position coach, and he has always been a mentor to me with coaching,” Letkomiller said. “He brought a love to the game that couldn’t be matched. I still talk to him pretty often on the phone. I take a great amount from those men into my coaching today.”

There are plenty of plus points in the world of coaching, Letkomiller noted.

It’s more than developing the game on the field; it’s about the lasting relationships with his players

“The most rewarding part about coaching is the relationships built and watching the development, not only as football players but the person they grow into,” he said. “Getting invited to non-football things because they want me there to support is special, and I get FaceTimes from former players who want to know how I’m doing. I think that’s a special part. I love seeing the look in the eyes of a player or team that just did something awesome. That will never get old.

“I think the past three years on staff and the last eight coaching my youth team have helped me a ton,” he added. “I’ve learned a lot, and some of the experienced coaches who were on staff have acted as mentors to me from football all the way to being a husband/father. I  have created memories and built relationships with a lot of these players, which has helped for a smoother transition.”

According to MaxPreps, Letkomiller played one year of varsity basketball (2010-2011) season for the then-Warriors. He averaged 2.5 points per game in 21 games.

In 11 varsity football games over two seasons, he compiled 16 tackles, split evenly between assists and solo efforts. He also picked up 23 yards in pass receptions.

He thinks the nerves will come when the Rebels begin their season Aug. 29 at home against Bennett.

But, he said, he lives for those moments.

“Our team is a gritty ballclub that is going to have a blast out on that field,” he said. “This community raises hard-working kids who are going to play each play for the guy next to them. Our defense is returning most of the starters and is led by a group of seniors that play with tenacity and are hungry to take that next step. 

“Our strength has to be playing together and playing fast,” he added. “We have a ton of depth at the running back spot as well, so I’m looking forward to seeing that play out. Our coaching staff is a tight-knit group and passionate about this community and group of athletes. I’m very excited and blessed for the opportunity to lead this group.”

Keep up with Weld Central football at MaxPreps.com.

The post Former Frederick football player named Weld Central football coach appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

The annual Slacker four-mile and half-marathon from Loveland Ski Area to downtown Georgetown brought at least 2,200 runners, walkers and enthusiasts to the mountain town from Colorado and across the country.

This year’s event posed several challenges for a group of five organizers who, at the last minute, had to step up to make it happen. Jenn Jordan-Truesdale, the original person responsible for putting together the race, was “let go” by CCMRD  just four weeks before the runners were at the starting line, according to General Manager Cameron Marlin. 

“We all came together because the race organizer was let go, we had to do it for the 2,000 people who signed up six months in advance,” Organizer Evan Bullock said.

Advertising for the Slacker started months before the event, promising participants could “Seize the chance to earn your bragging rights as a true Slacker! Embark on this exhilarating journey starting at the base of Loveland Ski Area, perched at an impressive elevation of 10,880 ft. Brace yourself for an unforgettable descent to 8,400ft,” the ads on Facebook promised.

Another perk to the race was promoted as post-race entertainment and a community gathering.

 “Post-race festivities in charming historic Georgetown,” the advertisement read. ”Picture an abundance of freebies, locally crafted beer, post-race pampering, and entertainment to celebrate your achievement.”

Overcoming some setbacks

Race day on June 28, competitors, spectators, family and friends of runners didn’t seem to notice the last-minute preparations. Medals for finishers needed to be put in place, tee-shirts for volunteers needed to be prepared and lots of vendors needed to be guided into place. Despite a few setbacks, it seemed like a seamless event for all in attendance.

Trevor Walters from Grand Junction had plenty of support when he crossed the finish line, where his wife, Johanna and 20-month-old son Tatum were waiting with hugs.

Walters said, despite running at least 30 miles a week for recreation, this is the first race he’s signed up for and completed. The experience was worth it, he said.

“People are all up and down the road cheering you on, no matter who you are, so it’s really friendly,” Walters said.

Lisa Atencio from Arvada also ran the race, but said she was glad she and her friend picked the shorter course this year.

“It was nice, a little warm, so I’m glad I only did the four-mile,”  Antencio said. “It’s great business in Georgetown and the community members seem to love it because they come out and support it.”

Several of the racers had arrived near Georgetown days before the Slacker from out-of-state in preparation to participate in this one-of-a-kind race down the mountain.

Andy Smith from Dallas flew in the Thursday before with 15 friends and family. They do it every year, he said.

This year’s run was especially challenging for Smith, who was five weeks out from knee surgery. That certainly wasn’t going to stop him, he said.

“I’ve done the race several years and I knew I couldn’t do the (half-marathon) so my goal was to walk four miles and I made it, barely,” Smith said, smiling. He relied on his medical walker to navigate the crowd following his finish.

Elsewhere in the crowd, a large group of young runners celebrated their teammates’ apparent first-place victory in the Women’s four-mile category.

High school Senior Charlotte Hardy took the title with the support of nearly a dozen of longtime teammates from the Shawnee Mission East Varsity Cross Country Team from Overland Park, Kan.

“The altitude is hard to run in, but when we come out here, we stop feeling the effects pretty quickly, so we can still get a good race out of it,” SME runner Chloe Swan said.

Altitude aside, there is one thing all of the varsity squad agreed on instantly as an advantage to running in the mountains.

When the Courant asked about the difference in humidity, they all answered simultaneously: “There’s none of it,” “It’s fantastic,” “Yeah, I think it’s 100% right now back home,” the team laughed.

The community event relies on dozens of volunteers who give their time and energy to make the intricate festival come together.

Otto and his son Eric Vangeet from York Gulch in Idaho Springs were two of those volunteers giving up their Saturday for the community and friends. It was the father/son’s first year volunteering but, as a friend of one of the organizers, they willingly gave their time handing out finisher medals.

“It’s a cool event, everybody’s having fun, it’s beautiful weather and there’s a whole bunch of happy people that feel accomplished for finishing whatever race they did, so a lot of smiles,” Vangeet said.

Organizers said, hopefully with a little more prep time, the iconic Slacker race will be back, even better, next year.

The post Slacker Race draws thousands from across the country to Georgetown appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

Coming off a semifinal appearance in the 4A state tournament this spring, Evergreen’s boys lacrosse team is cutting summer vacation short to get back on the field to host a youth camp in July.

The Cougars — who finished 15-3 overall and 4-1 in the 4A Foothills League this spring — announced a lacrosse camp for boys ages kindergarten through eighth grade on July 30, 31 and Aug. 1 at the high school fields. Sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon each camp day. All skill levels are welcome.

According to a release, players will get “hands-on instruction through engaging drills, scrimmages and character challenges” led by team players and coaches.

“We’re proud to bring together young athletes from across the community to celebrate the fastest game on two feet,” said Head Coach Mark Stapor. “It’s about building skills, confidence and friendships — and of course, having a ton of fun.”

The camp registry costs $150 per player. Each camper will receive a certificate to redeem for a custom T-shirt or water bottle from the event.

All proceeds from the camp go directly back into the lacrosse program, helping with organizational costs like game transportation and equipment.

Evergreen lost to eventual three-time champion Dakota Ridge in the semifinal round, snapping an eight-game winning streak for the Cougars. The program has enjoyed three consecutive double-digit winning seasons.

Space is limited, so families are encouraged to register early to reserve a spot by registering online at www.cougsmlax.com.

The post Evergreen boys lacrosse hosts youth summer camp this month appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

For the first time, an All-Star showdown is set between the Western Ultimate League and the Premier Ultimate League during the 2025 United Frisbee Association Championship weekend.

Three Colorado Alpenglow players are making the trip to Madison, Wisconsin, on Aug. 23 to represent the WUL.

The Alpenglow is an ultimate frisbee team of women and nonbinary players that plays at the Pinnacle Athletic Complex in Thornton. Founded in 2022, the Alpenglow has seen quick success, and the team is the reigning 2024 WUL Champions.

Colorado’s Allysha Dixon, Jade McLaughlin and Abby Thorpe are joining 17 other WUL All-Stars from the seven teams in the league and will take on 20 players representing the PUL. Surprisingly, WUL Offensive Player of the Year Ari Nelson, also on the Alpenglow, didn’t make the All-Star team.

The rosters were determined by fan voting and team nominations.

According to the WUL’s website, “these players represent the best of what both leagues have to offer — elite skills, unmatched athleticism and leadership on and off the field. More than just a showcase of talent, this event is a celebration of the community, the progress, and the players pushing professional women’s and nonbinary ultimate forward.”

The Alpenglow finished 6-0 in the 2025 season before falling short in the playoffs. Coaches Thomas Echols, Lena Goren and Madison Oleson won Coaching Staff of the Year.

The WUL versus PUL All-Star Game begins at 3:00 p.m. M.T. on Aug. 23. Tickets are available at watchufa.com/league/champweekend, and the event will be live and free on YouTube.

For more, visit coloradoalpenglow.com.

The post Colorado Alpenglow players named inaugural WUL All-Stars appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

Summertime means baseball. Youth leagues bring families to ballparks nationwide in the warm months to bond over America’s Pastime with cheers between hot dog bites.

In Clear Creek, the Metropolitan Recreation District pits co-ed teams against other counties for electric showdowns between mountain communities. On June 28, Clear Creek’s team, the Unicorns, fell 9-4 to Gilpin County in Idaho Springs.

The Courant’s Chris Koeberl captured the showcase in the photos below.

To keep up with youth baseball in Clear Creek, learn more at clearcreekrecreation.com.

The post Clear Creek Metro Recreation District youth baseball in full swing  appeared first on Colorado Community Media.