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.

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.

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.

Three new rules will be in play when the 2025-2026 ice hockey season begins in Colorado.

The puck is unplayable if it comes to rest on top of the goal between the crossbar and the goal frame.

According to the National Federation of High Schools’ web page, the rule also clarifies the rules for pucks on the outside of the goal netting and below the crossbar. Play continues in this instance.

“The primary reason for stopping play when the puck is on top of the net is for the health and safety of players and the goalkeeper,” said Dan Schuster, NFHS director of educational services and editor of the NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Book, in the statement on the NFHS web page.

“The committee did not want to see sticks coming up high, trying to knock the puck off the shelf,” Schuster continued. “The proximity of the goalkeeper is always sensitive, so there could be sticks coming in high in the direction of the goalkeeper and the committee did not want that in high-school ice hockey.”  

Another rule will keep goalkeepers from wearing audio and video devices during games.

The last rule changes the word “linesman” to “linesperson.” The federation’s rule book replaced gender-specific language earlier.

According to the most recent NFHS athletic participation survey, more than 32,000 boys participate in ice hockey in 1,641 high schools across the country, and more than 9,600 girls participate in the sport in 785 schools.

Fifty schools field boys teams that compete in seven conferences in Colorado, according to MaxPreps. Seven schools field girls teams, according to MaxPreps. Those teams are in the southern end of the Denver metropolitan area, Castle Rock and one district team from Colorado Springs.

For more updates and rule changes, visit CHSAANow.com.

The post Ice hockey: New rule in place for pucks, crossbars and goal frames appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

Green Mountain High School’s Simon Lunsford has some extra hardware in his home, and this is perhaps the most prestigious award yet.

The Colorado High School Coaches Association named Lunsford as the recipient of this year’s Freddie Steinmark Award. A statement from CHSCA said the award is presented to those high school seniors who exemplify “excellence in athletics, academics and community service, an embodiment of the legacy left by Freddie Steinmark himself.”

Steinmark was a three-sport athlete at Wheat Ridge High School almost 60 years ago. He led the University of Texas to a national college football title in 1969 but died of cancer two years later.

According to CHSCA, Lunsford was a three-sport athlete who won nine varsity letters. He earned first-team, All-State honors in football, basketball and baseball. The Rams finished second in this year’s state basketball tournament.

Lunsford also pitched a no-hitter to lead Green Mountain into the state baseball playoffs. Lunsford is the Jefferson County 4A Athlete of the Year and a four-time recipient of the school’s 3-Sport Athlete Award.

His football season ended early because of an ankle injury. Lunsford returned to the basketball court a month early and scored 41 points against a top-10 opponent.

“Simon embodies the perseverance, courage, and humility that define Freddie Steinmark’s legacy,” said Mike Puccio, Green Mountain’s basketball coach. “The grueling work it took to come back from that injury, and then to perform at the highest level, speaks volumes. He leads with humility, competes with heart, and serves with purpose.”

Away from the playing field, Lunsford is a five-time recipient of Green Mountain’s Honor Roll Gold Distinguished student for maintaining a GPA above 4.0. He also made the school’s honor roll eight times, and he received the school’s citizenship award this spring.

Lunsford is also a volunteer at the Denver Rescue Mission and Christ on the Mountain Church. He’s been a youth camp counselor in both football and basketball. During the summers, Lunsford started his own lawnmower blade-sharpening business.

“Simon is a distinguished athlete, a mentor to young children, and a model of resilience and integrity,” said community member Cara Friedman in the statement. “He has shown my son that challenges can be overcome, and that kindness and humility are just as important as talent. His actions have left an indelible mark on our community.”

Lunsford called the award “deeply personal.”

“Competing against Wheat Ridge throughout my life, I had the chance to walk the halls of their school and see the Freddie Steinmark display firsthand,” Lunsford said. “It left a lasting impression on me, not just because of what it stood for, but because of the stories my grandfather shared with me. He attended Lakewood High School and had the honor of competing against the first-ever Steinmark Award winner, Dave Logan.”

Next year, Lunsford will attend Colorado Mesa University and will play baseball for the Mavericks.

The other finalists were Shane Curry, Thomas Jefferson High School; Anderson Filla, Akron High School; Samuel Meisner, Wray High School; Marcus Mozer, Fossil Ridge High School; Matthew Napiekowski, Holy Family High School; Joseph Probst, West Grand High School; and Benjamin Simon, Coal Ridge High School.

On the girls’ side, Strasburg High School’s Peighton Marrero was this year’s Freddie Steinmark Award winner.

The post Green Mountain athlete named 2025 Freddie Steinmark Award winner appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

Colorado is home to some of the country’s best high school athletes. Players like Christian McCaffrey, Dalton Knecht, Mallory Swanson and more have ascended to the highest levels of accomplishment in their sports.

But before all that, they were All-State student athletes in the Centennial State.

Several from across the Colorado Trust for Local News coverage area — Fort Lupton, Northglenn, Thornton, Brighton, Westminster, Golden, Clear Creek, Evergreen and Conifer — are peppered across the All-State team selections in all classes.

Keep in mind: several previous publications in our coverage were required by Times Media Group (for this list, we are including Lakewood and Arvada). For those schools no longer in our jurisdiction, look for more at CHSAANow.com.

The Colorado High School Activities Association has announced its All-State Teams, presented by CHSAANow.com and MaxPreps. The full list is below for spring sports in 2025.

Girls soccer

5A

First Team

• Holly Engelking – Ralston Valley

Second Team

• Gigi Grieve – Arvada West

Honorable Mentions

• Dresdyn Aleman – Northglenn
• Isabella Martinez – Ralston Valley
• Abriana Ruiz – Denver North
• Brooklyn Velotta – Horizon
• Grace White – Lakewood

4A

Player of the Year: Gianna Weiner – Evergreen
Coach of the Year: Peter Jeans – Evergreen

First Team

• Piper Carlson – Green Mountain
• Taylin Gimbel – Evergreen
• Nadia Leunig – Evergreen
• Gianna Weiner – Evergreen

Second Team

• Alyssa Hamilton – Green Mountain
• Nuala Hart – Evergreen
• Lucia Spungin – Evergreen
• Reese Martinez – Golden
• Amairany Vidana – Adams City

Honorable Mentions

• Sasha Calanni – Green Mountain
• Abby Hawkins, Riverdale Ridge
• Kate Hertz – Golden
• Dayanis Holguin-Loya – Thornton
• Caitlin Mazurek – Riverdale Ridge
• Piper McSkimin – D’Evelyn

3A

Honorable Mentions

• Nora Rice – Arvada
• Danie Lewis – Stargate School
• Alysah Messenger – Stargate School
• Leah Messenger – Stargate School

Girls golf

5A

First Team

• Raleigh Puzio -Brighton
• Addison Hines – Ralston Valley

Second Team

• Hayden Hawley – Horizon

4A

Coach of the Year: Wade Balliet – Riverdale Ridge

First Team

• Brynn Balliet – Riverdale Ridge
• Leah Johnson – Riverdale Ridge
• Karina Panyavong – Riverdale Ridge

Second Team

• Olivia Dorland – Golden

3A

Coach of the Year: Heikke Nielsen – Holy Family

First Team

• Acadia Curtis – Holy Family
• Steffi Heitz – Holy Family
• Peyton Mraz – Holy Family
• Riley Kinsella – Pomona

Girls tennis

5A

Coach of the Year: Kim Greason – Ralston Valley

First Team

• Sophia Baig – Ralston Valley
• Emerson Bonner – Ralston Valley
• Julia Campbell – Ralston Valley
• Anna Curran – Ralston Valley
• Kate Decker – Ralston Valley
• Kylie Engelsman – Ralston Valley
• Mataya Farling – Ralston Valley
• Olivia Hendrickson – Ralston Valley
• Scarlett Lutz – Ralston Valley

Second Team

• Adia Farling – Ralston Valley
• Cassidy Gordon – Ralston Valley

3A

Second Team

• Emma Bosco – Evergreen

Girls track and field

5A

First Team

• Eliana Angelino – Lakewood
• Addison Bartlett – Riverdale Ridge
• Alora Tortorelli Cruz – Riverdale Ridge
• Emmaliegh Malcolm – Ralston Valley
• Evelyn McClellan – Horizon
• Abigail Trapp – Golden

Second Team

• Payton Meineke – Riverdale Ridge
• Layla Petz – Arvada West

Honorable Mentions

• Elsa Vessely – Golden

4A

First Team

• Ailish Ocasek – Evergreen
• Claire Tannehill – Holy Family

Second Team

• Abigail Chavez – Pomona
• Anastasia Kullman – Standley Lake

Honorable Mentions

• Gianna Cicora – Conifer

2A

First Team

• Mehlea Ritschard – Golden View Classical Academy

Girls lacrosse

4A

Player of the Year: Ryn Gardner – Evergreen

First Team

• Emma Crosbie – Evergeen
• Ryn Gardner – Evergreen
• Addison McEvers – Evergreen
• Ashley Cortez – Evergreen
• Alivia Hunsche – Evergreen
• Addison White – Evergreen
• Marissa Simpson – Golden
• Ruby Lucken – Golden
• Avery Freedman – Green Mountain
• Kara Harris – Green Mountain
• Rome Villani – Green Mountain

Second Team

• Kya Cooper – Green Mountain
• Annabel Clayden – Golden

Honorable Mentions

• Kiya LeBlanc – Horizon
• Reilly Sears – Horizon
• Kuepper Trinkel – Horizon
• Mila Busken – Denver North

Boys lacrosse

5A

First Team

• Collin McLaughlin – Ralston Valley

Second Team

• Cooper Van Dyke – Ralston Valley

Honorable Mentions

• Colby Kurtz – Ralston Valley

4A

First Team

• Will Wales – Evergreen
• Eli Park – Evergreen
• Brody Reece – Evergreen
• Caleb Lessing – Evergreen
• Ayden Lawson – Evergreen
• Wyatt Holtmann – Golden

Second Team

• Brakken McDougal – Golden
• Griffin Gorsuch – Golden
• Riley Kopser – Golden
• Cameron Willians – Evergreen
• Isaac Webre – Evergreen
• Charlie Russell – Evergreen
• Caden Willoughby – Prairie View

Honorable Mentions

• Cody Cain – Evergreen
• Nolan Darlington – Denver North

Boys track and field

5A

First Team

• Ryan Elsen – Brighton
• Tanner Kaufman – Frederick
• Mason Lusche – Arvada West
• Dutch Neuweiler – Ralston Valley
• Francis Ojowa – Prairie View

Second Team

• Austin Blattner – Ralston Valley
• Phoenix Tomsick – Ralston Valley
• Grayson Mommens – Riverdale Ridge
• Gage Pieper – Golden
• Cameron Shull – Golden

Honorable Mentions

• Logan Nuce – Riverdale Ridge

4A

First Team

• Monte Samaras – Holy Family
• Colby Stroup – Pomona
• Jake Swanson – Green Mountain

Second Team

• Finnegan Beck – Standley Lake
• Liam Graham – Stabdley Lake
• Ryan Lusk – Standley Lake
• Micah Martinez – Standley Lake
• Brady Lindoerfer – Holy Family
• Anthony Quasney – Evergreen

Honorable Mentions

• Loghan Cain – Pomona
• Ben Swanson – Green Mountain
• Bryce Weeks – Green Mountain
• Benson White – Conifer

2A

Athlete of the Year: Bobby Kiesewetter – Golden View Classical Academy

First Team

• Bobby Kiesewetter – Golden View Classical Academy

Boys volleyball

5A

Honorable Mentions

• Brock Hoffman – Riverdale Ridge
• Kei Martin – Arvada West
  

4A

Second Team

• Tarin Cavanaugh – D’Evelyn
• Callum Taylor – Stargate School

Honorable Mentions

• Aavas Jha – Stargate School
• Elijah Osborne – D’Evelyn

Boys swimming and diving

4A

Diver of the Year: Carson Harrington – Evergreen

First Team

• Whitley Beamon – Golden
• Evan Curran – Golden
• Carson Harrington – Evergreen
• Henry Palmquist – Evergreen
• Duncan Salmen – Evergreen

Second Team

• Logan Rains – Evergreen

Honorable Mentions

• Jack Beckman – D’Evelyn
• Zander De Jager – Evergreen
• Ethan McLuskey – Evergreen

Baseball

5A

First Team

• Favi Gaeta – Prairie View
• Cooper Vais – Arvada West

Second Team

• Tate Deal – Arvada West

Honorable Mentions

• Parker Aaron, Horizon, C, Sr.
• Grant Belcher, Ralston Valley, P/OF, Sr.
• Beau Friesen, Arvada West, Jr.
• Angel Gallegos, Denver North, INF/P, Sr.
• Winston Patterson, Ralston Valley, P/OF, So.
• Romani Perez, Prairie View, INF/RHP, Sr.
• Brayden Reiner, Arvada West, Jr.
• Jerry Stone, Prairie View, 1B/RHP, Sr.
• Tyler Swan, Riverdale Ridge, INF/P/OF, Sr.
• Giovanni Tarin, Prairie View, OF/RHP, Sr.
• Austin Waltemath, Brighton, Sr.

4A

Player of the Year: Sawyer Brinkman – Golden
Coach of the Year: Jackie McBroom – Golden

First Team

• Sawyer Brinkman – Golden
• Luca Casali – Golden

Second Team

• Simon Lunsford – Green Mountain
• Jaydon Stroup – Golden

Honorable Mentions

• Mauro Acosta – Adams City
• Luke Adams – Conifer
• Dustin Bennett – Holy Family
• Chris Blanco – Standley Lake
• James Mauro – Evergreen
• Brody McBroom – Golden
• Dylan Paulson – Golden
• Christian Ramirez – Adams City
• Brandon Roe – Conifer

3A

Honorable Mentions

• Jesse Ceretto – Fort Lupton
• Cameron Henderson – Arvada

Don’t see your school? View the full All-State selections at CHSAANow.com.

The post Area athletes decorate spring sports All-State teams in Colorado appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

We’re still a year away from Colorado adopting a shot clock for high school basketball. The rule kicks in for the 2026-27 season, with a 35-second timer for all classifications. However, some changes are coming ahead of the 2025-26 season also.

The National Federation of High Schools adopted new rules and procedures for the coming basketball season.

Goaltending/basket interference

A main focus is on dealing with goaltending and basket interference. The goaltending rule says a ball is on its downward arc toward the basket once the shot hits the backboard. If a defender touches the ball after it hits the backboard, it’s two/three points for the shooter’s team.

Before this rule change, it was up to officials to determine whether the ball was still climbing toward the goal before any potential goaltending call.

“By establishing that a ball is considered to be on its downward flight upon contacting the backboard, this rule change introduces a clear and objective standard,” said Monica Maxwell, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Basketball Rules Committee, in a statement posted to CHSAANow.com. “It significantly reduces the need for officials to make subjective judgments regarding the trajectory of a shot, thereby enhancing consistency and accuracy in goaltending calls.”

The rule regarding basket interference has also changed.

Now, only a defensive player can commit goaltending. The NFHS statement said the rule change disposes of the need to determine whether the ball in flight is a field-goal attempt or a pass.

“Any alliteration of a shot attempt with contact to the basket or backboard by an offensive player would be considered basket interference,” the statement said.

Also, intentionally slapping or striking the backboard during a field-goal try becomes basket interference and not a technical foul.

Also, incidents in which players who intentionally delay returning to the court after being out of bounds and then become the first to touch the ball will result in an infraction and not a technical foul.

Bench rules

The NFHS also changed a rule related to time-outs.

Players on the floor when officials call for a timeout are now “bench personnel.” The NFHS statement said the switch “ensures consistent enforcement of penalties for unsporting conduct by allowing officials to issue technical fouls to bench personnel during time-outs.”

Before the change, game officials had to determine whether a player who warranted a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct was actually on the floor or the bench at the time.

“One of the points of emphasis this year will be bench decorum,” said Billy Strickland, executive director of the Alaska School Activities Association and chair of the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee, in the NFHS statement. “How can we help coaches and officials know that communication is a two-way street? It just needs to be done in a proper manner.”

Keep up with all rule changes and sports at CHSAANow.com.

The post High school basketball: New rules in play for 2025-26 season appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

The 39th Jefferson County Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony featured a star-studded roster for the Class of 2025.

It’s a rich end-of-school-year tradition each summer as past and present Jeffco athletes are honored for their impact on and off the field.

Six athletes representing five schools were honored. Read about this year’s class below.

Jenn Bradley – Arvada West

Bradley was a multi-sport athlete for Arcada West, earning 13 varsity letters in basketball (four), softball (three), soccer (three) and golf (three).

Her dominant sport was basketball, where she averaged 17.2 points and 3.8 assists per game during her senior season. Bradley was a four-year All-Jefferson County league selection and made All-State as a junior and senior.

Heather Martin – Standley Lake

Martin enjoyed a decorated spring in 2025. She was named the Class 4A Assistant Coach of the Year just days before learning she was inducted into the Jeffco Athletic Hall of Fame.

Martin is currently an assistant track coach in the high jump category at Standley Lake.

Tommy Dowd – Wheat Ridge

A legendary figure in Jeffco, Dowd spent nearly three decades coaching at Wheat Ridge. He split his time coaching four sports. Dowd was an assistant coach for the Farmers’ football team when they won the Class 4A state championship in 2006 and 2008, according to ColoradoPreps.com.

Wheat Ridge named its basketball court ‘Tommy Dowd Court’ last year, a few seasons after his son, Vince Dowd, took over the head coaching duties.

Catherine West – Columbine

West spent years serving Jeffco student athletes as a dedicated athletic trainer.

Brooke Sauer Durham – Golden

Sauer, now Durham, made history in wrestling in 2006 when she was the first female wrestler to qualify for the boys state tournament.

Girls wrestling has now exploded largely due to her influence on the mat.

Mark Melancon – Golden

A legend for Golden baseball, Melancon led Golden High School to its first baseball state championship in 2003.

He went on to enjoy a 14-season career in Major League Baseball and was a four-time All-Star. Fittingly, Golden baseball won its second state championship this season.

The post Jefferson County Athletic Hall of Fame honors Class of 2025 appeared first on Colorado Community Media.

High school athletes, two coaches and an athletic director were honored for being the “most positive” in Colorado at the Douglas County School District Legacy Campus in Lone Tree June 2.

Pro Football Hall of Famer and Broncos legend Champ Bailey is the Positive Athlete organization’s lead athlete. Bailey helped to recognize the top seven male and female athletes in high school sports who displayed the highest character and generated overall positivity on and off the field.

The full list of recipients includes students from schools across Colorado, from Colorado Spring to Fort Collins and Breckenridge to La Junta.

• Alex Beasley – Lewis-Palmer (Monument)
• Avery Leman – Poudre (Fort Collins)
• Jaden Francis – Elizabeth (Elizabeth)
• Jay Peltier (coach) – Summit (Breckenridge)
• Katherine Lorck – Cheyenne Mountain (Colorado Springs)
• Kevin Prosser III – Rangeview (Aurora)
• Kinsley Mayo – La Junta Jr/Sr (La Junta)
• Liam Graham – Standley Lake (Westminster)
• Megan Waters – Lakewood (Lakewood)
• Peighton Marrero – Strasburg (Strasburg)
• Ray Lopez (coach) – Abraham Lincoln (Denver)
• Rhett McDonald – Wiley (Wiley)
• Roxann Serna (athletic director) – Centennial (San Luis)
• Ryan Cornell – Longmont (Longmont)
• Sage Adkins – Rock Canyon (Highlands Ranch)
• Simon Lunsford – Green Mountain (Lakewood)
• Staia Yohe-Savage – George Washington (Denver)

“I’d seen their Positive Athlete nominations and bios, but meeting and celebrating the winners in person exceeded all expectations,” Bailey said. “It’s easy to see why they are the future leaders in their communities and the workforce. I’m excited to follow them as they lean in to take advantage of the ever-growing resources offered by Positive Athlete—not just to winners but to all nominees.”

More than 440 nominations from coaches, principals, athletic directors, teachers and parents were submitted for the Positive Athlete program state-wide, representing 197 different public and private high schools (equivalent to 53% of all Colorado high schools with formalized athletics programs).

Nominations covered all 27 state-sanctioned sports as well as e-sports, archery, equestrian, martial arts, motocross, ultimate, Unified Sports and more.

Considerations for awards included if students displayed how positive athletes “O.P.E.R.A.T.E.” (Optimistic, Put team first, Encouraging, Respectful, Admits imperfections, True heart for others and Embraces service).

Five scholarships were awarded, totaling $8,000. 

Standley Lake High School’s Graham won the male O.P.E.R.A.T.E. Award, while Leman from Poudre won the female O.P.E.R.A.T.E. Award. Each received $2,500 toward their chosen academic institution or trade school. Additionally, Mayo, McDonald and Yohe-Savage received Positivity Champ Awards, including a $1,000 scholarship.

“I think that being recognized as a Positive Athlete really gave me more confidence not only in my athletics but also in my everyday life, like I was being seen for the work I was putting into my everyday life and my positivity through times of difficulty and struggle,” said Waters from Lakewood. “I loved being able to meet the other kids and parents being awarded, because you can really tell that it’s a good group of kids and they were all raised by incredible people. They are all so kind.”

Nominations will reopen in the Fall for the next school year. However, Positive Athlete is currently taking pre-nominations at www.PositiveAthlete.org, which will trigger an automatic reminder when nominations reopen.

The post NFL legend Champ Bailey honors ‘most positive’ Colorado student athletes appeared first on Colorado Community Media.