NBA’s Chili Cook-off Benefits Local Organizations

By Shari Phiel
ShariP@lhvc.com

The first ever Niwot chili cook-off dinner, which will become an annual event, was a success by any standard. Held at the Left Hand Grange on Feb. 28, the dinner event raised enough money to benefit three local organizations. Checks for these funds were handed out at the Niwot Business Association meeting March 10.

Following opening remarks from NBA President Tony Santelli and approval of the minutes from last month’s meeting, event organizer Robin Abb presented three checks, each in the amount of $450, to the Niwot Elementary School PTAC, the Niwot High School Band and the Left Hand Grange.

Abb noted that although her initial goal was to at least cover the costs of the new event, the turnout and funds raised far exceeded her expectations. She also came away with new ideas for next year’s cook-off,

“The chili cook-off piece was enormously successful,” said Abb, adding that next year, “We’ll probably have different categories – professional versus non-professional.” Other ideas included a change in the order of the music and bands, and providing entertainment while the chili judges are sequestered.

In other news, Treasurer Karlynn Spreder noted a current balance in the amount of $14,451. Spreder also requested the proposed 2009 budget be approved, noting that changes will likely occur throughout the year.

The NBA now has 66 members, although that number may reach 75 within the next month. A printed directory of the 2009 members was distributed to members who attended the monthly meeting, and the remaining members will receive copies by mail.

Although the original goal of 100 members has not yet been reached, the membership drive was still a success with several new businesses joining, and some previous members including Howard Treppeda from Treppeda’s Italian Ristorante, Curves, and Jan Kahl from Niwot Jewelry, returning.

Bruce Warren, chairman of the Local Improvement District Advisory Committee provided updates from last month’s meeting. Looking at the 2009 budget, the district has approximately $12,000 remaining from 2008 that went unspent along with another $18,000 unbudgeted income from 2008.

The 2009 LID budget is $37,000. In looking at how to fund requests for 2009, Warren said, “When we put everything together, we cut back on some categories, and we were able to, I think, do a good job of allocating to all of the potential requests.” 

Although not every request will be able to receive funds, “If they are important enough, there may be other funding opportunities.”

Also of note was an update on the Left Hand Grange renovation project scheduled to begin on April 1. Although much of the work will not be visible once completed, the work will be substantial.

The foundation for the historic building will be repaired in 15-foot sections, the concrete porch will be replaced, and new steps and a new entrance door will also be installed. The entire project is expected to last four months with a completion date of Aug. 1.

Work on the Niwot branding project continues to move forward. Marketing consultant Gene Malowany presented several revised logo images based on input received from members at the last NBA meeting. New ideas included the use of late-19th century woodcuts and a feather to reflect Niwot’s Native American heritage.

The new ideas were well received, much more so than the previously presented ideas. Work on a new NBA website will begin as well.

The next NBA meeting will be held on April 14 at Sew Fresh Studios at 361 Second Avenue, Suite 104. For more information visit the NBA website, www.niwot.com.

 

Photo by Shari Phiel

From left, Carol Brigham and Loretta Sherman of the Niwot Elementary School PTAC, Rosemary Bruce and Dorinda Dembroski of the Left Hand Grange, Robin Abb of the Niwot Business Association and Heather Meier from the Niwot High School Band gathered at the Niwot Business Association meeting as funds raised at the “Take the Chill Out” chili cook-off were distributed to the three groups.

 

Niwot LID Sets Priorities And Starts Spending

By Noelle Abarelli
NoelleA@lhvc.com

The Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee kicked off its March 3 meeting with a discussion of 2009 priorities. After a spirited debate, the group tentatively allotted the projected 2009 budget into spending categories that supported the group’s agreed-upon priorities – including a revamped website for the town, additional advertising for the area, new signage, streetscape improvements and support for local events.

The overall funds for 2009 are projected to total $67,000. This amount includes projected sales tax revenues of $55,000 plus $12,000 in funds remaining from the 2008 budget. $6,000 of the projected budget has already been allocated to support drainage work and foundation repair at the Left Hand Grange building on Second Avenue in Niwot. 

The nine-member committee next approved three new funding requests. The first two requests were submitted by LID member and Niwot Business Association Promotions Committee Chair Robin Abb. These requests included costs to complete the NBA’s current Niwot branding initiative and rework the NBA website supporting the enhanced brand. The work is expected to be completed early this summer.

The third request was presented by LID member Euvaldo Valdez. Valdez’s $3,000 funding request included the costs required to repair the broken electrical line on Second Avenue leading to the eastern-most streetlight. 

Under old business, LID Treasurer Harris Faberman reported progress on a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the parking conditions in Old Town Niwot. This initiative is currently being spearheaded by Faberman’s firm, Freeman Myre, property managers for Cottonwood Square.

An initial survey completed by a Freeman Myre representative considered the number of properties in the area, size and type of each property, and parking spots required. The results determined that the Old Town Niwot business area needs 367 parking spots – about 200 less than the area currently has. On-street parking has not yet been evaluated.

The study will next analyze off-site availability and review/validate the assumptions used in the initial survey in order to finalize actual need versus availability. From there the LID plans to work closely with Boulder County’s Land Use and Transportation departments in developing an action plan for improving parking in the area.

Discussions concerning resources to support an economic development study for Niwot continued. Megan Davis, Policy Analyst for Boulder County, suggested the group consider a free Community Economic Development Assessment offered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development.

This assessment is a 48-hour process led by a team of industry professionals who meet with community leaders and hold a series of public forums to learn about the community and future development. The team will then provide the community a draft report of strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats (SWOT).

The report should serve to assist the community in planning the economic development future. LID Chair Bruce Warren agreed to begin work on the application required for consideration for the assessment.

The next LID Advisory Committee meeting is set for April 7 at 7 p.m. at the Eagle Place Community Center. Meetings are open to the public.

To request a form for funding requests, contact Megan Davis at: mdavis@boulder-county.org.
Completed proposals should be submitted to the chair of the NLID Advisory Committee, Bruce Warren at bwarren@niwotlaw.com or P.O. Box 610, Niwot, CO 80544.

 

Easter Egg Hunt Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Liz Emmett-Mattox
LizEM@lhvc.com

Just like Nostalgia Day and the Fourth of July Parade, the annual Easter Egg Hunt in Niwot is another example of the joys of small town life.

Pat Murphy, the driving force behind the Easter Egg Hunt, grew up in a small town in Illinois and remembered having Easter egg hunts when she was growing up. When Murphy and her family moved to Niwot, Don Reeb was a neighbor and director of the Community School. They teamed up to put on the first Easter Egg Hunt in 1979.

For years, the Community School and the real estate office that would eventually become Niwot Realty cooperated on the event, until the real estate office took it over.

“It truly does take a village to do this,” said Murphy. She relies on an army of volunteers, who over the years have taken on certain traditional jobs.

“The 4-H club helps us color the eggs. The Optimists do the pancake breakfast. The Girl Scouts help us hide the eggs,” Murphy said, “Verna Newman has been taking tickets for about 25 years now.”

Murphy said they learned a few things doing this for 30 years. Like how to separate the age groups so that the little kids don’t get run over by the big kids. And where to hide the eggs for each group.

Most importantly, they’ve learned never to postpone the Egg Hunt. “We’ve had a few years when it snowed, and those turned out to be some of the most fun ones of all.”

Tara Murphy, Pat Murphy’s daughter, said she enjoys watching the different strategies the children have. “The little ones pick up one egg and bring it to their parents. Some of the kids just want the candy, and some are really looking for the golden egg.”

Tara remembers going with her mother to pick out the prizes for the golden egg, but she had no special advantage once the hunt was on. “All those years and I never ever got a golden egg.” These days, when she goes to the Easter Egg Hunt, Tara is likely to see friends she went to high school with bringing their children.

Mariah Hall Sbrocca has extended this tradition into the next generation. “My daughter, Octavia, will be three in May and I think this is the first year she’ll begin to enjoy and understand it. I have wonderful memories of searching for the golden egg under clumps of grass and in the baseball dugouts. I never did find it. I love that my daughter can participate in the same events that I did growing up. The ice cream social, the chili cook-off, Nostalgia Days... all those celebrations marked the passage of time and brought a great sense of community.”

Pat Murphy said, “I just love the children and I love doing this event. It’s our way of saying thank you to the community for supporting us. The community is what makes Niwot special.”

Photo courtesy of Pat Murphy

Volunteers at a recent Easter Egg Hunt enjoy breakfast.

 

Niwot In Film

By Bruce Warren
BruceW@lhvc.com

Local historian Anne Dyni’s book, “Niwot, Colo. - Echoes of a Railroad Town,” came to life in film at the annual meeting of the Niwot Historical Society on March 14.

Using her extensive knowledge of Niwot history, and relying primarily on the society’s collection of historical images, Dyni collaborated with Louisville resident Art Wainwright, a retired electronics engineer, to produce a 40-minute video, narrated by professional narrator Frank Eriksen of Gunbarrel.

The presentation attracted a crowd of over 40 at the Left Hand Grange building, which is featured prominently in the video, along with the railroad, the Evangelical United Brethren Church, and familiar buildings on Second Avenue.

“It took us a couple of years to do,” Dyni said. Both Dyni and Wainwright volunteer for the oral history project at the Carnegie Library in Boulder, where they developed the idea to make the book into a film. “This is by far our biggest undertaking in terms of the number of photos and interviews,” Dyni said.

Copies of the video are available from Dyni for $20 at adyni@earthlink.net or 303-665-6932,or at Niwot Market. Ten percent of the purchase price benefits the Niwot Historical Society.

Members of the Niwot Historical Society, which numbered 45 last year, re-elected Anne Dyni, Jim Martinsen and Mike Holubec as directors at the annual meeting, and also added Betty Singleton, Donna Sinor and Laura Skaggs as new directors.

Dyni was elected president, while Skaggs will serve as vice-president. Singleton will be the new secretary and Martinsen will continue to serve as treasurer.

Income for 2008 totaled $1,993.75 while expenses were $1,830 for the 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. The organization received an earmarked $1,000 contribution which was applied toward the purchase of the caboose in Whistle Stop Park by the Niwot Business Association.

The organization also received several artifact donations during the past year, including old issues of the Niwot Tribune newspaper, Arbuthnot family textiles, a Bolton family bee smoker and bank deposit box, Niwot grade school souvenir programs, old family photographs and photos of the 1994 street improvements in Niwot.

Officers also noted that 1250 copies of the Niwot Walking Tour brochure were reprinted with funds from the Niwot LID sales tax proceeds.

Sarah Wise, whose family homesteaded in the Canfield area, was recognized at the meeting, along with Alva Dodd, Jr. a third generation descendant of Alvah Dodd who homesteaded west of Niwot, and Donlyn Arbuthnot, whose family homesteaded near Haystack Mountain in 1864.

Arbuthnot reported, “My great grandparents, William Arbuthnot and Mary Elizabeth Bader, were married 140 years ago today in 1869.”

 

Sunset Team Joins National Asteroids Project

By Mandy Walker
MandyW@lhvc.com

The after-school Math, Engineering and Science Achievement Club at Sunset Middle School has been selected as one of three student teams to participate in a national project about asteroids sponsored by the Boulder-based Space Science Institute.

The student teams will help produce a set of exhibits that will travel the country. The exhibits include a 3,000 square foot centerpiece designed for museums like the Denver Nature and Science Museum, together with four smaller exhibits that will be traveling to libraries, visitor centers, and nature and science centers. With $3 million in funding from the National Science Foundation, the project is expected to take about two years to complete.

At a recent MESA club meeting the students were working on a crash test dummy exercise where they had to build a “vehicle” to protect an egg from breaking when smashed against a wood wall. Seventh graders Haley Berguson and Libby Summers built their car from wood and protected their egg with bubble-wrap but that didn’t prevent the egg from breaking.

“The egg was protected on the inside, but it was shooken around so much,” said Summers. “We were expecting it to go straight and hit the front but it actually turned to the side and it hit the side where the egg wasn’t much protected.”

Undeterred, Berguson and Summers were quickly discussing refinements, clearly enjoying the activity. It was just the sort of experience they wanted when they signed on for the project.

“I like science a lot,” said Berguson.

“I thought it sounded really fun because I really like the teacher, Mr. Davies,” said Summers.

Steve Davies is the applied technology teacher at Sunset and sponsors the MESA club. As a museum director in a previous life, Davies had worked on exhibits, so when Paul Dusenbery, executive director of SSI, approached him about the project, he knew it was an unusual opportunity for his students.

“Hopefully they’ll get bragging rights,” Davies said. “They’ll be able to say, ‘I designed that’ or ‘I did that’ or ‘the part on the website that ask this questions or has this interaction, I worked on that with a couple of kids.’”

Lisa Curtis, exhibits manager with SSI, will be working directly with the student teams and believes they will add another dimension to the development process.

“This project is really exciting,” Curtis said. “By including middle school advisors as part of the project team, not only will they help us generate ideas, things that interest them, they serve as a voice for the people who will be the target audience.”

She is charged with getting the teams the resources they need. That means putting them in touch with scientists from around the globe and arranging field trips. The Sunset team, for example, will get to visit the site of an asteroid hit that happened 65 million years ago.

“There is an area in Colorado where this KT Boundary is easily visible,” Curtis said. “A geologist is going to take these kids out to see that area.”

Few people would disagree that a field trip like this is infinitely more interesting than learning about space objects from a textbook. And helping to design a display about asteroids is a unique way to apply what you’ve learned. However, this development is also risky.

“It has the potential to be really great,” Davies said. “It also has the potential for us to make some flat-out bad mistakes because this has never been tried before. It has never been tried where the kids actually have this authentic an experience where from the beginning they are told they are part of the developers of the exhibit.”

Davies hopes the involvement of middle-school children in the project will translate into an exhibit that captivates their peers.

“People in the museum world will tell you that especially if the target audience is younger kids, they always fail to hit the mark exactly,” he said. “Often times it will speak above a middle school level or it will not reach them in a way that really communicates or impacts them.”

The potential for a significantly better exhibit is a gamble Dusenbery is willing to take. And since this is a new approach, researchers will also be monitoring the teams and evaluating how much the students learn during the life of the project. They are particularly interested in how these teams bond and collaborate.

“Science and engineering these days is very much cooperative,” Dusenbery said. “It’s not the lone white-coated, white male person in a laboratory somewhere over beakers and you have all these vapors wafting up and all that. That’s a misconception. Right now, it’s a lot of collaboration internationally, in fact.”

The other student teams are based at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History in Albuquerque and the Catawba Science Center in Hickory, North Carolina. Their geographical distance means the teams likely won’t be meeting in-person and instead will rely on all the latest technology to work together.

“We’re going to do a couple of teleconferences where they’ll get on the phone,” Davies said. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to do some live feeds, some video feed so the kids will be able to see one another and we’re also going to set up a blog for them so the kids will blog together about what they’re working on, what works, what doesn’t work.”

The research aspect of how these teams work together means the students have been asked to make an 18-month commitment to the project – that will take them through to the end of their eighth grade in summer 2010. By then, these students will have been exposed to a development process that many students don’t see until they’re in college.

Photo by Mandy Walker

In this exercise, a “computer,” Steve Davis, tests the instructions written by MESA Club students for how to make a peanut butter and jelly cracker sandwich.

 

The Wedding Dress, Remade

By Donna Currie
DonnaC@lhvc.com

A completely unscientific poll of married females yielded some interesting results when I asked, “Where is your wedding dress?” Most said that the dress was hanging in a closet, but not everyone was sure just which closet it was in…or was it in a box?

When I followed up by asking what they planned on doing with the dress, several said that they would offer it to their daughters, but otherwise the dresses were destined for eternal life in back of some closet.

Considering the great care that goes into choosing a wedding dress, not to mention the expense and the emotions tied to that garment, it’s understandable that women are reluctant to part with their wedding dresses.

But obviously, you can’t wear your wedding dress again. Or can you?

When I first met local seamstress Nora McCray at her Sew Fresh Studio in Niwot, I decided that I wanted to do something unique with my wedding dress, and that McCray was the person to do it.

McCray had made wedding dresses and altered others, but this was the first “unmaking” of a wedding dress she had participated in.

During several planning sessions, we discarded the idea of making an evening gown or fancy dress, since my lifestyle lends itself to wearing jeans and sneakers.



Then the work began:

Courtesy of Donna Currie

I tried on my wedding dress one last time. Fashions have changed since then.

Courtesy of Donna Currie

The first step was a template made of muslin which was used for the first fitting. Then the cutting began on the deconstructed dress with the muslin used as the pattern.

Courtesy of Donna Currie

McCray said that she liked to work on the project in the evenings, when she could work undisturbed.

Courtesy of Donna Currie

In the end, two blouses were created. The first used material from the skirt of the dress. The small flower at the waist was taken from the flowers originally on the sleeves of the wedding dress.

Courtesy of Donna Currie

The second blouse was created from the top of the dress, sans sleeves, with some modifications. There is a zipper at the back. The small buttons were sewn on to simulate the look of the original gown. So you see, you can wear your wedding dress in public again. Even with jeans.

 

Out In Leftfield

By Bruce Warren

If you have news of local athletes, please contact sports@lhvc.com or call 303-652-2433.

TENNIS

Allie Hefter(Niwot) played No. 3 doubles for Penn State on March 19 with partner Kristen Roth.  The duo came out on top by a score of 8-6 over Lehigh University. 

Claire Runge (Niwot) has moved up to No. 1 doubles for the University of Tampa. Runge also plays singles for Tampa in various positions. She won her No. 5 singles match 6-2, 6-1, over St. Olaf College, then followed with an 8-6 win in doubles with partner Kourtney Stark.  Runge moved up to No. 2 singles against Albany State, winning 6-2, 6-0, and followed with an 8-1 win at No. 1 doubles. Earlier Runge helped Tampa record its first-ever victory over a Division I opponent with a win over the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay.  Runge battled to a 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 win at No. 4 singles, then came back to win a 9-8 (7-4) victory at No. 1 singles.

The Niwot girls tennis team is off to a strong start.  The Cougars beat Skyline easily in straight sets, 7-0. Amanda Lee, Molly Joyce and Caroline Runge at No. 1, 2, and 3 singles, respectively, did not lose a game.  Whitney Vaswig and Morgan Mullshine won at No. 1 doubles, 6-2, 6-2, while Caitlin Spielman and Dina Kim posted a shutout at No. 2 doubles, 6-0, 6-0.  At No. 3 doubles, Rachel Wagner and Alli Brooks won the most difficult match of the day, 6-4, 6-3.  Hyun-Ah Moon and Taylor Vick won at No. 4 doubles, 6-0, 6-3. 

Niwot had a tougher time with Broomfield, winning 6-1 with the only loss coming at No. 3 doubles.  Lee won a hard-fought battle at No. 1 singles, winning 3-6, 6-1, 7-5.  The Cougars managed a 4-3 win over Pueblo West, with Lucy Self filling in for Amanda Lee at No. 1 singles. Although Self didn’t win, Niwot did pick up victories at No. 2 and 3 singles, and No. 1 and 2 doubles for the win.

Silver Creek posted a 7-0 win over Fort Morgan, with Amanda Wilson, Mackenzie White and Kelsey King winning in straight sets at No. 1, 2 and 3 singles, respectively.  In doubles, Cat Higley and Natalia Millspaugh won at No. 1 doubles, Lindsey McGrath and Kristin Simboski won at No. 2 doubles, Annica Ratzlaff and Amanda Higley won at No. 3 doubles, and Kim Langona and Audrey Braun won at No. 4 doubles.

Lauren Nygren of Niwot helped Alexander Dawson in a narrow 4-3 loss to Boulder.  Nygren, playing at No. 3 singles, won 6-1, 6-1.  She has also played No. 2 singles for the Mustangs.

RUGBY

Lauren Daly (Niwot) is a senior on the University of Colorado’s Women’s Rugby team, which is a club sport at CU.  Daly, a senior, is one of the reasons CU is off to a 4-1 start.  She plays the prop and lock positions among the forwards.

Greg McCudden (Niwot) and Dave Daly (Niwot) are junior locks for the CU Men’s Rugby team, which is also a club sport.  Freshman Luke Lahman (Niwot) plays wing for CU. Lahman had two tries for scores in a 29-26 win over the University of Northern Colorado. 

 

 

 

 

 

BASEBALL

Mike Olsen (Niwot) just completed a season in the Arizona Winter League, a developmental league based in Yuma.  Olsen tied for second in the league in home runs (3) and was second in slugging percentage (.643).  His .357 batting average was second on his team, the Blythe Heat, and he led the team in RBIs with 12. Scouts liked what they saw at the plate and in the field.  Olsen, who was an outfielder in college, has been converted to a first baseman.  He spent last season with the Texarkana Gunslingers of the Continental Baseball League, but was used sparingly. As a result of his play in the Arizona Winter League, Olsen was signed by the Alexandria Aces of the CBL, and will report to Louisiana at the end of April.

Christopher Harris (Holy Family) of Niwot picked up the last four outs on the mound for Briar Cliff University in a 12-8 win over Morningside.  Harris entered the game in the eighth inning with two outs and runners on second and third. After a run scored on a passed ball, Harris struck out the next batter and retired the side in order in the ninth to preserve the win.  Harris has an ERA of 1.74 in 10.1 innings this spring. 

Mike Perry (Niwot) and Harris were on opposite sides of the field as Briar Cliff prevailed over Friends University 7-5 on March 1. Perry, a catcher, had two hits and two runs scored for Friends, but never faced Harris in the batter’s box. Perry singled to lead off the sixth inning, advanced to second on a wild pitch and advanced to third on a passed ball before Harris entered the game to pitch for Briar Cliff.  Harris gave up a sacrifice fly, scoring Perry, and after allowing a home run, retired the last two batters to preserve the lead. 

Elliot Haas (Niwot) has a 6.97 ERA for Hastings College after eight appearances on the mound.  Haas has 12 strikeouts in 10.1 innings and leads the team in appearances, all in relief. 

Jamie Hollowell (Niwot) hit his first homerun of the season for Haverford College in a 9-5 win over Washington College. Hollowell, a senior third baseman, scored twice and had an RBI on the day.  He batted leadoff and scored a run in a 5-2 win over Eastern University, reaching base on a hit and a walk in two official at-bats.

Nick Saraceni (Niwot) is a two-sport athlete at Occidental College in California.  Saraceni, who plays football in the fall as a defensive back, is playing baseball this spring.  Saraceni has a .237 batting average, and is third on the team in runs scored with 16. He also has 12 RBI’s and is 9-9 in the stolen base department. When he’s not playing the outfield, Saraceni has pitched in relief, allowing six runs in seven innings of work, with eight strikeouts. He had a big day in a 15-0 win over Principia University, scoring twice and driving in two runs with a triple, then finishing the game on the mound with a scoreless inning of work in relief.

Kyle Spencer (Niwot) picked up a save for Regis University in an 8-7 win over the University of Nebraska at Kearney.  Spencer allowed one run on a lead-off double, with the runner advancing to third on a ground out and scoring on a sacrifice fly.  Spencer ended the game with a strikeout for the save. He picked up his first save of the season with two shutout innings in a 4-1 win over Colorado School of Mines. Two days later Spencer picked up a save in a 12-11 come-from-behind win over Colorado School of Mines with one shutout inning of relief.

Spencer has excelled in the classroom as well as on the diamond.  In March, Spencer was selected as the 2009 Male Academic Athlete of the Year by the Regis University Crest Club.  In making the announcement, Associate Director of Alumni and Parent Programs Ruth Jerman Jones said, “Although the individuals selected for the Crest Club Academic Athlete of the Year Award must demonstrate a high level of athletic excellence, it is not the only quality considered.  The honorees must excel in academics, leadership, and citizenship activities as well.”  Recipients are chosen by a committee consisting of Regis athletic department members. Spencer’s father, Bob Spencer, a longtime supporter of youth athletic programs in Niwot, said, “This makes a father happy!” 

Andrew Ryan (Silver Creek) was the starting pitcher for Colorado School of Mines in the 12-11 loss to Regis, but left with a 9-8 lead in the sixth inning. Ryan picked up his second win of the season with a complete-game 5-1 win over Metro State. He allowed one unearned run on five hits, with five strikeouts and one walk. Ryan also pitched one perfect inning in relief in a 10-5 loss to Concordia University.

Ben Packard (Niwot) is recovering from Tommy John surgery at the University of Northern Colorado, where he has been forced to miss his freshman season.  Packard’s Niwot High teammate Forrest Carpenter has seen limited action on the mound for UNC, getting into two games in a relief role.

Niwot High’s first home game drew several alums, including Alex Hart, Ben Packard, Jose Soto and Forrest Carpenter.  Hart is offering hitting instruction this spring after spending last year on the Otterbein College baseball team.  Soto is playing shortstop and pitching for Otero Junior College, while Packard and Carpenter are on the UNC squad.  Also in attendance was Joel Lahman, a standout infielder for the Cougars, back to see his younger brother Cody Lahman play.

The Cougars were ranked second in the state in early season polls.  The Cougars picked up an 18-1 win over Thompson Valley.  Zach LaBorde pitched the first three innings for the win and Parker Jones finished up the five-inning affair, allowing one run in two innings.  Jones had a triple and scored three runs from the leadoff spot while LaBorde scored twice and drove in two runs on two hits, including a triple. Cody Lahman had two doubles among his three hits, scoring twice and driving in three runs. Veric Nichols also had two hits, including a double, scoring once and driving in three runs.

Ryan Strufing struck out 11 batters in a row for Niwot in an 8-2 win over Fort Morgan.  Strufing allowed two singles to start the game before the strikeouts began.  Connor Messinger pitched two innings in relief, allowing two runs, and Matt Perry closed the game with a scoreless seventh inning.  Kelton Manzanares led the offense with three hits, including two doubles and a triple, with three runs scored and three RBI’s.  Lahman had a 4-4 day at the plate, driving in two runs, while Perry had two hits and a run scored.

Earlier the Cougars beat Sterling, 8-0, on a combined shutout by Lahman, LaBorde and Brady Oleszczuk.  Jones and Perry led the offense with two hits and two RBI’s each.  Niwot opened the season with an 11-0 win over Berthoud, on a one-hitter by Strufing and Perry.  LaBorde had three hits, including a triple and a homerun, while Perry and Oleszczuk added two hits each. Perry had one double and Oleszczuk had two doubles.  Extra-base hits were also clubbed by Strufing, Lahman and Jimmy Reed.

Niwot Assistant Coach George Sypher arranged for the donation of an American Flag to be flown at the NHS Athletic Field Complex near the concession stand. And it’s not just any American Flag.  The flag was donated in memory of John J. “Jack” Neville, Jr., a twenty-year veteran of the United States Air Force. Neville was a jet engine technician and spent two years in Washington, D.C., where he worked on Air Force One. The flag was presented to his family by the USAF and the Department of Defense at his funeral in appreciation of his military service. Neville earned many medals in his years of service, including the Viet Nam Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award, and the Air Force Good Conduct Award. Neville’s family said, in a statement, “He was a good husband and father, and most of all, a patriot of our Untied States of America.  We, his family, know he will be so proud that ‘his’ flag will be flying over your school.”  Sypher is also a 20-year veteran of military service and arranged the donation through Neville’s wife Janice Neville, who lives in New Hampshire.

Scott Hoyt of Silver Creek pitched a complete game 4-1 win over cross-town rival Skyline. Hoyt allowed only three hits on the mound and helped his cause with a hit, a run scored and an RBI. Eric VanDyke had three hits, three runs and two RBI’s in a 12-0 win over Windsor, behind the pitching of Tyler Gibbons, who struck out seven in the six–hit shutout.

Tucker Tharp of Gunbarrel helped Fairview to a 4-1 record during an Arizona trip.  Tharp led off and had two hits, including a double, in an 8-5 win over Sheldon (Ore.) and added another hit in a 5-1 win over Jesuit (Ore.).

BASKETBALL

The Niwot boys drew a first-round bye in the state playoffs with a fourth seed, but the layoff didn’t help as the Cougars lost to Cheyenne Mountain in the second round, 71-66. Niwot was down only one point at the half but a scoring drought in the third quarter left the Cougars down 12 entering the fourth quarter.  Niwot made only one free throw, but went to the line only three times, compared to sixteen free throws for Cheyenne Mountain. Senior Andrew Guido led the scoring with 19 points, while juniors Veric Nichols and Ryan Strufing added 14 each. Connor Kloepfer had 13 points, Howie Rubsam added four, and Jeff Roueche had two points to round out the scoring. 

The Cougar girls lost in the first round of the playoffs to Lewis-Palmer in a hard fought game, 57-55. Niwot was missing Amanda Lee due to an ankle injury, and the Cougars fell behind15-6 in the first quarter.  The Cougars closed the gap to seven at the half, but were still down by double digits in the fourth quarter before a furious rally fell just short.  Rachel Haisfield had 16 points on the night, including two three-pointers at the end.  Isabelle Mastronardi added 11 points, including a trey in the last two minutes. Caroline Runge added six points, Marissa Gradoz and Danielle Newman each had five points, Maddie Bright and Calle Hammers had four each, and Amy Keschl added two to round out the scoring.

Alexander Dawson’s girls lost to Lutheran Parker, 40-28 to end their season. Meghan Hudson and Alyssa Beck of Niwot each had nine points to lead the Dawson scoring.

Alexander Dawson’s boys’ season ended with an overtime loss in the fifth-place game of the Class 2A districts, 60-53 to Front Range Christian.  Matt Hart of Niwot led the scoring for Dawson with 16 points. James Blue of Niwot added 13 points, and Trevor Horwith of Niwot added eight points on 8-8 free throw shooting. Niwot’s Preston Warren had two points for the Mustangs, who finished the season 12-9.

Fairview’s boys rolled into the state tournament undefeated and managed to stay that way until a 2-point loss in overtime to George Washington ended their season. Down five points with under 10 seconds to go, Fairview hit a running 3-pointer to close the gap to two points with 1.8 seconds on the clock, then caused GW to lose the ball on the inbounds pass with 1 second left.  A desperation shot from 3-point range missed the mark and the season ended.  Coach Frank Lee had 10 seniors on the squad, all of whom contributed. Gunbarrel’s Michael Melillo played but did not score in the final game. He did, however, spark a brief Fairview run in regulation when he stole the ball immediately after entering the game, which led to an easy basket. Fairview’s squad exemplified team play as coach Frank Lee used 10 to12 players in a hustling defense that rattled opponents.  The Knights’ offense was a balanced attack, with no real superstars. Melillo came off the bench to score 10 points for the Knights in a 100-74 win over Grandview in the second round of the playoffs.

SOCCER

Niwot had an easy time with Northridge, winning 9-2 behind four goals by Lauren Shaner.  Others scoring included Gwen Rudy (2), Jelli Schira, Kelly Piletic and Kelsey Thompson.  Assists were posted by Thompson (2), Schira, Piletic, Shaner, Brittany Davidson and Sara Monacelli.  A game against 5A Boulder is the only blemish on the Cougar’s season record as the teams battled to a scoreless tie.  Alexis Zumwalt had three saves in goal for Niwot.

Silver Creek dominated Greeley Central, 7-0, with goals by CC Rinehart (3), Jacy Drobney (2), Lauren Wolfinger and Morgan Laustrup, and assists by Rinehart, Drobney, Jessica Wilson, Marion Steinbach, Madison Boettcher and Sawrah Wilcox.  Wolfinger played the first 60 minutes in goal before Tracie Metzner took over to complete the shutout.

Niwot and Silver Creek met for the first time since the 4A state championship game last spring, and this time the Cougars prevailed over the defending state champions, 2-0. Niwot is ranked No. 1 in Class 4A in early season polls, while the Raptors are ranked fourth.

Kaitlin Buck scored the first goal for Niwot off a corner kick by Schira with 28 minutes left in the first half.  The Cougars had worked on corner kicks after missing nine against Greeley West.  Schira scored the second goal with just under nine minutes left in the first half.  Zumwalt had eight saves in goal.  The Raptors’ best scoring chance came with 25 minutes left in the game when Boettcher hit the crossbar.  Silver Creek was missing head coach Merv Johnson for the game, so assistant coach Alex Post filled in.  Johnson was reportedly excused for the game after an incident with a school security officer.  Athletic Director Phil Borchelt, when asked, characterized it as a vacation day for Johnson.

The Raptors lost four players to graduation who played Division I soccer last fall.  Erin Gunther, a defender at Creighton University, was named to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman Team.  Gunther was one of only two freshmen to play in all 19 games for the Bluejays.  Playing mostly in the back on defense, she was still able to contribute to the offense, tying for fourth on the team in assists with three. Gunther helped the team post more shutouts (7) than it had since 2005.   Gunther was joined on the MVC All-Freshman Team by high school teammate Danielle Figliola of Drake. Figliola, a forward, played in all 19 games last fall for Drake, scoring 10 points on three goals and four assists.  Janelle Kramer, a defender for the University of Northern Colorado, played in all 20 games for the Bears and started six, posting one assist on the season. Kate Russell was the fifth leading scorer for the University of Colorado as a freshman, posting two goals and seven assists.  Russell, a midfielder, played all 22 games for the Buffs.

Katie Dulin of Niwot had two goals as Alexander Dawson defeated Kent Denver, 7-0.  Molly Dulin of Niwot had the only two assists for Dawson in the game. Dawson won a close battle with Peak to Peak, 1-0, on a goal by Olivia Wagner on an assist by Alyssa Beck of Niwot. 

CROSS COUNTRY

The University of Portland Men’s Cross Country program is featured in the March issue of “Running Times” magazine, including Colin Harris of Niwot. Harris, a red-shirt freshman, is one of the young runners who hope to maintain Portland’s streak of 30 consecutive West Coast Conference Championships, second longest in the national record-books.  The article focuses on Portland’s training regimen, and how it has evolved over the years.  Last year, the Pilots finished seventh at the NCAA Division I Championships, ahead of much larger schools such as Colorado, Oklahoma State, Georgetown, Alabama, Arkansas, and Brigham Young.  The article, by Chris Lear, says, “Harris, a sophomore from Colorado, finished his 2008 freshman track campaign with modest 16:02 5K credentials.  He returned this fall having completed a summer of monstrous 130-mile weeks, promptly ran 24:51 for 8K at the Willamette Invitational under muddy conditions and placed eighth in the West Coast Conference meet before finishing the fall campaign as the alternate on the NCAA squad.”  Harris finished eighth in the West Coast Conference Championships last fall in San Francisco to earn a chance to travel to the NCAA Championships.

HOCKEY

Michael Sdaoof Niwot has three goals and seven assists on the season for the Lincoln Stars of the USHL.  Sdao scored the first goal for the Stars in a 5-1 win over Fargo.  He also picked up the last goal on an emptynet shot in a 5-3 win over Omaha. The defenseman leads the team in penalty minutes.  Lincoln has clinched its division with a 36-16-6 record.

SOFTBALL

Catcher Ashley Primm (Niwot) has nine RBI’s this spring for Colby Community College in Kansas.  Primm’s total accounts for more than 25% of the entire team’s RBI’s.  She is tied for second on the team with two doubles, and has a .250 On Base Percentage for Colby.  Primm scored two runs and drove in two more with a single and a walk in an 11-1 win over Southeast Community College.

Kendra Stone (Niwot) is playing third base for the CU Women’s Club Softball team. Shannon Whitmore of Silver Creek is also on the squad.  Whitmore plays first base and third base. The team is coached by Bobby Matthews, who also serves as an assistant baseball coach at Niwot High and head softball coach at Longmont High. 

Carly Potock(Alexander Dawson) of Niwot is hitting .284 on the season for Lehigh University.  Potock, a leftfielder, had two hits, including a double, and scored the only run for Lehigh in a 2-1 loss to Villanova. She also had two hits and drove in a run in a 3-2 win over Niagara. Potock has scored eight runs and has seven RBI’s on the season.

Jennessa Tesone (Niwot) had two hits and an RBI for Metro State in a 10-0 win over Regis University. The sophomore outfielder had two hits, including a double, in a 9-5 win over Fort Lewis. Earlier Tesone had two hits, including her seventh homerun, a run scored and three RBI’s in an 8-2 win over Fort Lewis.  She had a homer, two runs scored and three RBI’s in a 14-1 win over Western New Mexico. Tesone, who bats cleanup, had a monster day at the plate in a 13-0 win against New Mexico Highlands, going 3-3 with a double, a run scored, and four RBI’s.

Shannon DePuy (Niwot) had a hit and a run scored for Midland Lutheran College in a 7-5 win over Mayville State University.  DePuy, a sophomore outfielder, had two triples, a run scored and three RBI’s in a 8-0 win over Franciscan University. 

Niwot pitcher/first baseman/outfielder Katie Hildreth has signed a letter of intent to play at North Platte (Neb.) Community College next year. “I noticed Katie during summer competitive ball last summer,” said Lady Knights Coach Jack Daniels, according to the school’s press release. “She’s got big-time speed, is a great contact hitter, and is super competitive.” 

FOOTBALL

Thomas Bauer (Niwot) is a senior linebacker in the midst of spring practice for the University of Montana.  Bauer lettered last season as a junior.

Charles Sander (Alexander Dawson/Niwot) and Nick Saraceni (Niwot) were named to the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Academic Football Team.  To qualify, athletes must post at least a 3.2 GPA and must start at least one game.  Sander, who plays linebacker for Pomona-Pitzer, and Saraceni, who plays defensive back and kick returner for Occidental, were high school teammates at Niwot. 

Aundrea Liddell (Boulder) of Gunbarrel and La’Mar West (Niwot) are gearing up for the 2009 Indoor Football season with the Denver Titans.  Liddell is an offensive lineman, listed at 6’3” and 320 pounds, while West is listed at 6’1” and 280 pounds on the defensive line. The season starts April 25 and runs through August 1st.

SWIMMING

Christine Jennings (Niwot) finished 23rd for Minnesota in the 500Y Freestyle prelims at the NCAA Championships, just missing the finals.  Jennings’ time of 4:41.98 was less than one second off qualifying for the “B” finals. She was 40th overall in the 1650Y Freestyle, with a time of 16:38.06, well off her seeding time of 16:16.69.  Minnesota finished in 11th place.

Kristen Lahey (Niwot/Fairview) finished 10th in the 100Y Backstroke for the University of Southern California at the NCAA Championships.  Lahey had the 10th best time in the prelims, and swam a 52.28 in the finals.  She also took 18th in the 50Y Freestyle making her an alternate for the “B” finals.  Her time of 22.27 missed the “B” finals by two one-hundredths of a second. She also finished 30th in the 200Y Backstroke. In the relay events, Lahey led off the 400Y Medley Relay for USC, which finished third overall in the finals.  She also led off the 200Y Medley Relay, which finished 13th overall, and led off the 400Y Freestyle Relay, which finished 19th overall. Southern Cal took ninth place in the Championships as a team. 

Annamarie Novinger (Niwot) helped Denison University to a third place finish in the NCAA Division III championships in Minneapolis. Novinger, a senior, was making her fourth and final trip to the national championships with 11 All-American citations in hand.  She capped her career by swimming the second leg of the 400Y Freestyle Relay, which set a new national record with a first-place finish in 3:21.97, beating the old record by more than 1.5 seconds.  Novinger also swam a leg of the 200Y Freestyle Relay, which took second place with a time of 1:32.14 behind Emory University, which set a new NCAA record in 1:32.08. Novinger had the second-fastest split on her relay.  She also led off for the 800Y Freestyle Relay, which finished fourth in 7:26.38. In individual events, Novinger finished seventh overall in the 200Y Freestyle with at time of 1:51.69. She just missed the consolation finals in the 100Y Freestyle, finishing as an alternate in 18th place.

James Rigg (Fairview) of Niwot took sixth place in the 200M Individual Medley for the University of Wyoming at the Mountain West Championships with a time of 1:50.02.  Coming into the event, Rigg’s seed time was 1:57.24, which put him at the bottom of the competitors. But his 1:50.16 time in the prelims was fifth best overall.  Rigg also swam the first leg of the 200M Freestyle Relay with the Cowboys finishing fifth overall in the event.

The Silver Creek/Niwot combined boys swim team lost 21 seniors off of its state championship team from last year, but the Raptors still managed a third place among Class 4A teams at the Coaches Invite in Loveland, one of the biggest meets of the season.  Matt Bisping led the individual scoring with a sixth place finish in the 100Y Breaststroke, and a ninth place finish in the 50Y Freestyle.  Eric Fisher won both of the consolation finals in his events, taking ninth in both the 200Y Freestyle and the 500Y Freestyle.  Alex Bisping took 11th overall in the 100Y Breaststroke. 

TRACK

Colin Harris (Niwot) posted the fourth fastest time for the University of Portland in the 1500M at the Willamette Opener with a time of 4:03.33. Harris’ performance also turned out to be the fourth fastest time for his team as the top three finishers were all teammates of Harris. Harris is a redshirt-freshman. 

Griffin Matthew (Niwot) qualified for the finals for Stanford in the 100M at the Stanford Invite, with the third fastest time, then finished second overall in the finals with a time of 11.72, which broke the meet record. Matthew earned a regional qualifier for her efforts.

Todd Griffith (Niwot) finished 19th for Utah State in the 1500M at the Willie Williams Classic at the University of Arizona, with a time of 4:07.30.  The meet was the first outdoor event of the season. 

Niwot’s Sydney Coffey has the top high jump mark among Longmont area girls at 5’1”, with teammate Lissa Hameistertied for second at 4’10”.  Miranda Lahman has the top mark in the 100 Hurdles at 16.71 with Kate Judge next at 17.42. Lahman also has the second fastest time in the 300 Hurdles at 49.85. Megan Lang and Sarah Echsner have the top two times in the 3200 at 12:34.03 and 12:55.69, respectively. Silver Creek’s Kelly King has the best 800 mark at 2:22.53, followed by teammate Anais Prasad at 2:26.05. King also has the top 1600 time at 5:23.81.

On the boys’ side, Matthew Ham of Niwot has the top Pole Vault mark at 12’6”.   Silver Creek’s Kenny Warner has the top time in the 300 Hurdles at 39.89, while Niwot’s Peter Neis has the top time in the 110 Hurdles at 15.13. Warner is also second best in the 100 at 11.29.  Niwot’s David Perry has the best time in the 3200 at 10:07.33, with Silver Creek’s Nick Kadlec second at 10:20.37.  Niwot’s Alex Paul ahs the second best time in the 1600 at 4:29.7 behind Andrew Roberts of Lyons at 4:23.17.  Paul and Roberts switch places in the 800 with Paul posting a 2:00.00 time and Roberts at 2:02.61. Silver Creek’s Scott Hardy has the best time in both the 200 and 400 at 22.76 and 50.94, respectively.  Silver Creek’s Brett Wright has the second best 200 time at 22.81.

Miranda Lahman, Emily Boldt, Megan Lang and Sydney Coffey led the Niwot girls to a first place finish in the RE-1J championships, easily outdistancing second-place Lyons, 207to133.5. Lahman took first in the 100 Hurdles, second in the 300 Hurdles, and sixth in the High Jump.  Boldt won the 100, took second in the 400, and third in the 200. Lang took first in the 3200 and second in the 1600. Coffey took top honors in the High Jump, finished second in the 100, third in the Long Jump, and fourth in the 200.   Other top finishers for the Cougar girls included Kate Judge, who was second in the 100 Hurdles, fourth in the Long Jump and fifth in the 300 Hurdles; Allison Horsch, who was fourth in the 100 and sixth in the 200; Sara Malang, who finished second in the 800; Sarah Echsner, who took second in the 3200; Lauren Degroot, who was third in the 1600; Catherine Jones, who was sixth in the 100; Kelsey Harrison, who finished seventh in the 400; Annie Horsch, who took sixth in the 800; Haley Dennerline, who was fifth in the 1600; Amy Scannes-Wolfe, who took seventh in the 3200; Lissa Hameister, who took fourth in the High Jump; Sara Bishop, who tied for seventh in the High Jump and finished seventh in the Triple Jump; and Danielle Metzner, who finished second in the Pole Vault.

The Niwot boys took third in the RE-1J with 133.75 points, behind Longmont at 165.75 and Silver Creek at 137.25.  The Cougars were led by Dan Foye, who won the 800 and tied for fourth in the Pole Vault, Peter Neis, who won the 110 Hurdles and took fourth in the 300 Hurdles, and David Perry, who won the 3200 and finished third in the 1600.  Others scoring for Niwot included Dan Summers, eighth in the 100; Lukas Diesing, fifth in the 200, third in the 400, and third in the High Jump; Chris Hickey, fifth in the 400; Luke Schuler, fourth in the 800; Kevin Bueno, eighth in the 800; Alex Paul, second in the 1600; Zach Britt, third in the 3200; Zach Visger, tied for fourth in the Long Jump and fourth in the Triple Jump; Ryan Schuler, tied for fourth in the Long Jump; Matthew Nam, eighth in the High Jump and second in the Pole Vault; and Mitch Eustler, seventh in the Triple Jump.

GOLF

The Skyline girls, made up of golfers from throughout the district, finished fourth at the Skyline Invitational with a team score of 256, just behind second place Overland (254) and third place Fort Collins (255). Amy Hodgkinsonfinished fourth overall with an 80 at the Fox Hill Country Club. Kayleigh Greer and Niwot High’s Gina Larson posted 88’s to finish the team scoring, while Silver Creek’s Mikayla Tatman posted a 90. 

Coach Susan Jennings has a deep squad this spring, so deep that when she sent her 5, 6, 7, and 10 players to the Broomfield Invite, they returned with a fifth place team finish among the 18 teams competing.  Kayleigh Greer shot an 87 to tie for fifth place overall, and eventually moved up to the top varsity squad. Meghan Mertz shot a 99 (T-19th), Danielle Mercure carded a 103 (T-34th), and Anna Vallad shot a 115 (T-53rd).

Jennings sent four golfers to the Grandview Invitational, which was a bestball two-some as well as individual scores. Skyline’s individual scores were Mertz 97, Tara Sugahdan of Niwot High 99, Vallad 101 and Mercure 106. Mertz and Sugahdan shot a 90 bestball (T-9th) while Mercure and Vallad shot a 95 bestball (13th).

Skyline’s JV squad won a 5-team meet at Twin Peaks with a score of 217.  Niwot High’s Kellie Butler was the top Skyline individual with a 52, good for a second place tie. She was followed by Brittney Pfeifer with a 53 (T-4th), Niwot’s Hannah Maurer with a 54 (T-7th), Shelby Johns with a 58 (T-12th), Silver Creek’s Lexie Lopez  with a 59 (15th), and Haiden DeJane with a 61 (T-16th).

Former Niwot High assistant football coach Ron Stedman is organizing the second annual golf tournament in memory of Lance Melting to benefit the Melting-Lathrop Children Scholarship Fund.  Melting died in a tragic auto accident on I-70 in March 2008.  The tournament will be held July 18 at Twin Peaks Golf Course in Longmont, with tee-off at 8:00 a.m. Cost is $100 per person or $370 per foursome for registrations before June 1. To register, contact Stedman at stedman2@netzero.net.

VOLLEYBALL

The Niwot High School Boys Volleyball team is into its season, under coach John Baumgartner.  The sport remains a club sport at the high school level in Colorado in spite of efforts to have it sanctioned by CHSAA.  The Niwot team has won two state titles and has made it to the state semi-finals each of the last three years. 

DODGEBALL

Chris Johnson organized a dodgeball tournament among high school students at Niwot and Silver Creek in late January. A team of Silver Creek sophomores and juniors, including Perry Freidlander, took first place honors, while Niwot teams took second and third place.

LACROSSE

Niwot High’s Zack Meske returns as a key member of Alexander Dawson’s lacrosse team this spring. Since Niwot does not field a team, Meske is allowed to play for nearby Dawson. Meske had four goals and an assist to lead Dawson to a 10-6 win over Highlands Ranch.

 

Boulder DNHL Hockey Teams Finish Strong

By Tracey Reichart

In a collaborative effort, Boulder Valley Hockey and the Boulder Valley YMCA teamed up to sponsor their first competitive hockey teams to participate in the DNHL (Denver North Hockey League).  The league is comprised of three age levels: Squirt, Pee Wee, and Bantam, with teams along the front range from Ft. Collins, Greeley, Boulder, Arvada, Hyland Hills, and Summit County. 

In this first year of competition, the Boulder Squirts (9 & 10 year olds), coached by Gunbarrel’s Ron Reichart and Andy Finney, finished the regular season undefeated at 16-0, with an impressive 18-1 season record overall. 

“This was a great year for these young players,” Reichart said. “They worked hard and showed a tremendous love for the game in this first year in the DNHL.”  The team had four players from the Gunbarrel area, including Will Reichart (center), Andrew Voydat (forward), Max Finney (defenseman), and William Stuart (goalie).  

Reichart led the charge for Boulder by capturing the DNHL title for “Highest Overall Points” in the league with a total of 68, consisting of an astounding 53 goals and 15 assists.  Voydat came in fourth in the league with a total of 40 points on 24 goals and 16 assists.  Stuart led the league with 18 straight goalie wins and Finney was a key player on defense. 

The DNHL Boulder Pee Wee team (11 & 12 year olds) finished the year with an impressive 21-0-2 season and won its final Championship game, 3-2, against Hyland Hills at the Westminster Promenade.  Locally, Carter Williams (forward) and Patrick Derr (defenseman) contributed significantly to the successful season.  The Boulder Bantams (13 & 14 year olds) completed their first season with a 10-11 overall record.  The season ran from September, 2008 thru March, 2009.