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Niwot opened the season in Coors Field with a convincing 7-1 win over Skyline High School behind a strong pitching effort from senior Connor Messinger.  Messinger, who has started for four years at Niwot, went five shutout innings before turning it over to seniors Zennon Gill and Dylan Kaczeus, who each pitched an inning to close out the game.

The Cougars earned the right to play in Coors Field by selling 1200 tickets to Rockies games this summer, and earning over $8,000 from the fundraiser.  Coach Craig McBride was proud of his young squad, which featured four freshman starters.  “I was really encouraged by the performance at Coors,” McBride said.  “It’s a big setting.”   

“Messinger threw really well,” he continued.  Gill and Kaczeus were not as sharp with their control, but held the Falcons to only one run.   “Kaczeus was fantastic last summer,” McBride said, noting that he had injured his arm while working out in the offseason.  “He has to get his confidence back.”

Niwot's Connor Messinger delivers a pitch at Coors Field while shortstop Aldair Cintora looks on

The starting lineup had freshman Tanner Kirkpatrick behind the plate, freshman Alex Kinnison at first base, freshman Aldair Cintora at shortstop while Messinger pitched, and freshman Cameron Koplinger at DH. “This will be a building and a learning year,” McBride said.  “But three of the four freshmen got hits in the game.” 

The rest of the lineup is young as well.  Sophomore Tanner Morris started at second base, while junior Ryan Sypher played third.  The outfield included sophomore Jake Sarosi, Kaczeus and senior Ben Rodriguez.  Messinger played shortstop when not on the mound. Sarosi and Morris are expected to see mound duty during the season.

Several other Cougars got a taste of playing where the Rockies play. Juniors Jake Hangge (second base), Dylan Klomhaus (outfield) and Ryan Tibbitts (courtesy runner) saw action, as did senior Alvaro Cintora (outfield). 

Senior outfielder Jason Schira, who is out for baseball for the first time, is expected to see playing time as the season progresses.  Sophomore Jesus Ramirez is limited in the field as he recovers from an arm injury, but has served as an early-season DH.  Another freshman, Bryan Meek, has played shortstop with the varsity when Messenger pitches.  Other players expected to contribute at the varsity level include junior Nate Edwards (outfield), sophomores Bryan Hawthorne (infield and outfield) and Kevin Howe (pitcher), and freshman Pate Katechis (third base).  

“We’ll have a lot of ups and downs during the year,” McBride said. The Cougars headed to Arizona for four games over spring break.  An early March fundraising dinner and silent auction helped fund the trip, raising approximately $8,500.

Mike Moat, who pitched Niwot to three state championships in 1998, 1999 and 2000, returns as pitching coach, while George Sypher will again handle the first base coaching duties for the varsity.  Mike Olsen, who just completed a season of winter semi-pro baseball in California, will work with the hitters.  Former Longmont High softball head coach Bobby Matthews will coach the JV squad with Josh Mercier returning to assist.  Clark Burton, who took over as head coach of the Niwot girls basketball team last season, will coach the C team, with Biff Warren assisting.  Gregg Hangge and a crew of parent volunteers have assisted with field improvement.