County Introduces Contractor Licensing

By Mandy Walker

MandyW@lhvc.com

At its Jan. 31 meeting, the Boulder County Commissioners approved a proposal to begin licensing contractors in Boulder County effective July 1.

The licensing requirements apply to general contractors being compensated for work for which a county building permit is required. Homeowners, subcontractors, electricians and plumbers are exempted. The licensing categories include commercial, residential, mechanical and roofing.

Randy Luallin of Louisville was the only person to comment at the public hearing and was opposed to the licensing requirement. “Unless there is strict enforcement, it basically will not stop the unlicensed contractors from still working,” he said. “They will still work under the table. They will still perform work for people who will pay them cash.”

Noting the lack of public input, Jeff Dwight of the county’s Land Use Department said, “We’ve made a sincere effort to notify the public of our intention to begin licensing contractors and surprisingly, we’ve had very little feedback.”

“It is not a bad thing for the county to have licensing,” said Amy Hawkins, co-owner of Boulder Roofing, in a later interview. “It levels the playing field to a certain degree. The people who are having work done will know certain minimum requirements have been met.”

Until spring last year, due to what Commissioner Will Toor called “an odd quirk of law,” counties were not authorized to establish contractor licensing programs. With the new legislation, Toor said, “It’s really incumbent on us to offer that type of assurance to residents that when they’re hiring a contractor, the contractor is likely to be someone who is capable of doing the job they are being hired for.”

To qualify for a license, contractors will have show proof of having passed the applicable International Code Council exam, lawful presence in the United States and workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. The fee will be $100 and the license will be valid for three years.

The county will also accept proof of licensing in another jurisdiction if that jurisdiction’s requirements are at least as stringent as the county’s. In presenting the program to the commissioners, Dwight said that many of the builders in the county were licensed in adjacent jurisdictions and this program would not be a big deal.

However, contractors who operate only in unincorporated Boulder County would have to pass the test. The City of Boulder uses the ICC exams and although Longmont has its own test, it will also accept the ICC exams.

Left Hand Laurel

Carole Anderson

By Jen Svendsen Delaney

JenSD@lhvc.com

Carole Anderson, CPA, this month’s Left Hand Laurel, would be perfectly happy to slip under the radar unnoticed. But, according to those interviewed, she deserves all the credit she can get.

Kellie Hudson, president of Niwot Softball, Inc (NSI) said that Anderson cared for and carried three nonprofit organizations in Niwot – most recently NSI.

Anderson joined NSI in the group’s infancy, when the founders were contemplating whether or not they could make it a reality. Anderson walked them through the application process with the IRS, making sure NSI met its requirements to achieve nonprofit status.

“I give her tons of credit for her stamina and commitment,” said Hudson. “Carole is so easy to work with. She is gracious, has a kind manner and a good heart.”

Daryl Mercer described Anderson as “quiet and unassuming – a real sweetheart.” Mercer met Anderson when she offered to do pro bono work for the Niwot High School Education Foundation.

“Carole donates her time and does a phenomenal job following through on details. She guided us down the right path when it came to any situation that had tax consequences,” Mercer said.

When Tracey Nichols took over as treasurer for Niwot Youth Sports, there was quite a bit of work to be done. She commended Anderson for stepping in and making the process effortless.

“She is so knowledgeable and patient with us lay people,” Nichols said. “She is generous with her time and even through some tough times of her own, she never passed the buck.”

Anderson grew up in Mountain View, Calif. Her father worked for NASA, and when the family accompanied him on business to Colorado, Anderson became enamored with the state’s beauty. She chose CU for college, where she earned her accounting degree and met her future husband, Bill.

The Andersons have three children. Daughter Kristin works for Crocs, son Dan works in finance for the Daily Camera, and their youngest, Torie, is working toward a graduate degree in epidemiology at the University of Michigan. The family lived in Gunbarrel for many years, and currently lives in Erie.

Anderson started her public accounting career in July 1973 and has had a private practice in Gunbarrel for 28 years. She said she likes being part of a tight community and giving back to that community, and she especially appreciates working with people who have gone out and staked a claim in life.

“I get to work with the best and brightest,” Anderson said. “It’s exciting and challenging to work with successful people.” She said that there is never a dull moment as she tries to keep up with changes in tax law.

Carol Heiden, executive director of the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC), said that Anderson served as treasurer for the organization, developed a capital campaign, launched an endowment and confronted challenges.

“Aside from being a joy to work with – so warm and welcoming – Carole has sound analytical thinking and phenomenal depth of knowledge,” Heiden said. “She communicates difficult fiscal topics to lay people in a clear and comprehensible way.”

Before her current commitment to CTRC, Anderson was on the board of Meals on Wheels.

In Niwot, you may run into Anderson at Curves, who refers to herself as a “devotee.” She also enjoys gardening with her husband, and planting flowers that are native to the Rocky Mountain region. In her free time, she like to read, and recommends her current favorite, “Eat Pray Love.” She said, “I like people stories.”

A year ago, Anderson took up quilting. She says it’s good therapy and she appreciates the circle of acquaintances and friends she found at Cottonwood Quilts.

While the accolades seem to embarrass Anderson, her supporters say that she is a model member of the community. As Heiden said, “We are blessed to have her here.”

Photo by Jen Svendsen Delaney

Carole Anderson, Gunbarrel CPA and Left Hand Laurel

Roger K. Harbert Celebrates 30 Years Helping Pets, Their Owners

By Mary Wolbach Lopert

MaryL@lhvc.com

To say that Gunbarrel veterinarian Roger K. Harbert was overwhelmed by the turnout for a surprise 30th anniversary party in honor of his practice, Mountain View Animal Hospital, would be an understatement.

The party on Feb. 8, held at the Boulder Country Club, “ended six months of duplicity, dishonesty and trying to hide a secret at the office,” said Harbert’s wife of 38 years, Joanne.

Dianna Johnston, Harbert’s receptionist, was one of the driving forces behind the celebration. Johnston, who has been working for Harbert for 18 years, said that she originally expected about 75 people, but instead received 209 RSVPs.

Clients were asked to write about a favorite memory they had of their pet and Harbert. The memory cards and pictures the clients returned filled four scrapbooks, compiled by Harbert’s three daughters, Tara, Tammy and Tanya, along with Robin Schielke of Creative Memories.

Originally from Adelaide, Australia, Harbert worked his way over to the States on a tramp steamer. He graduated from Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1969. After working with other vets in the area, he and his wife, Joanne. decided to start a practice.

Harbert said that he couldn’t have done it without Joanne’s help. “Boulder County required me to buy 35 acres to start a veterinary practice,” he said. After purchasing the land, they had used all their savings and no one would give them a loan. “We decided to build the buildings by ourselves. They were 18-hour days.” The practice opened on Jan. 2, 1978.

As for the party, “I can’t believe this. I’m absolutely overwhelmed and totally surprised,” Harbert said. “Over 30 years, I’ve been about as lucky as any professional can be. The clientele is fantastic. … How could I be this lucky to be in this area?”

Photo by Mary Wolbach Lopert

Dr. Roger K. Harbert, DVM, celebrated his 30th year in practice with family, friends and many very grateful clients. Dr. Harbert is pictured with his three daughters Tammy, Tanya and Tara, along with his wife, Joanne.

No Conclusion On Building Size

By Mandy Walker

MandyW@lhvc.com

On Feb. 6, residents from Allenspark once again dominated the public hearing before the planning commission regarding the expanded Transfer Development Rights program, which would limit building size in unincorporated Boulder County.

Many of the Allenspark residents opposed the program, voicing concerns about designating the area a Special Character Area, the different treatment of mountain properties and plains properties and the proposed revisions to the site plan review process.

Under the program, seven communities would be identified as SCAs: Eldora, Eldora Springs, Gold Hill, Greater Allenspark, Hygiene, Raymond and Riverside.

In a later interview, Michelle Krezek with the Land Use Department said the intent behind the SCAs is to enable the communities to decide how their SCA would run, what issues should be addressed and ultimately, how specific issues are resolved.

While there would have to be some rationale or consistency with county regulations, each SCA would be able to adopt its own solutions to its issues.

Without the SCA designation, those areas would essentially be subject to the same regulations as the rest of the county, some of which may not make sense for those communities, such as standard setback requirements for rural zoning in areas where the average lot size is smaller than the one-acre minimum lot size now in effect.

Many critics from Allenspark said they were opposed to being designated a SCA and urged the county to put the issue to a vote of residents in the area. One speaker said residents were investigating litigation and secession in the event that Boulder County persisted with the program.

A number of Allenspark residents objected to earlier provisions that had been removed from the proposal in early January. Glen Patterson of Allenspark spoke in support of the program and noted that a website for Allenspark residents with details of the program was out of date and had been since Dec. 19.

As with most public debates, there was speculation as to whether the vocal critics truly represented the majority of Allenspark’s residents. Nelson Smith of Allenspark supported the program and described himself as “a talking member of the silent majority.”

Krezek said later she thought there was common ground and that the program could be structured to work. She acknowledged that the current level of disagreement was such that she felt a break was needed before further discussions would be productive.

Krezak was also concerned that the vehemence of some critics was intimidating residents who would otherwise have input on the issue.

The planning commission meets again on Feb. 20 when Krezek anticipates it will make a recommendation to the county commissioners, although she is unsure the commissioners will come to a consensus on threshold building sizes.

The Boulder County Commissioners are scheduled to meet for a study session on March 4 and will take public testimony on March 6.

Editor’s Note: On Feb 20, the planning commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Boulder County Commissioners not approve the current proposal to limit building size.

Heatherwood Elementary

By Tina Eden

TinaE@lhvc.com

Science Fair

Seventy students in kindergarten through fifth grade presented their hypotheses and conclusions to parents, teachers, fellow students and judges at the annual Heatherwood science fair.

Experiments included a lemon-powered clock, an analysis on cleaning a penny with taco sauce and an experiment on viscosity. Each student received a certificate of participation.

The judges, mostly Heatherwood parents, came from a wide range of science backgrounds. Jennifer Eakins was especially qualified to be a judge – she is a former Heatherwood student and now works as a seismic data manager. She was impressed by the wide variety of projects.

“The students seemed to put a lot of work into their projects and have a good grasp of the scientific method,” Eakins said.

The fair was preceded by a spaghetti dinner with food donated by Pasta Bozza. The meal was a zero-waste event, and volunteers from Eco-cycle helped diners sort their compostable and re-useable materials.

Impact On Education

Principal Larry Orobona has been named one of the ten finalists for the Boulder County Impact on Education Awards. Parent Anne Roan, who wrote the nominating letter and interviewed others for input, said she was “overwhelmed by the amount of good feelings people have for Larry.”

In its sixteenth year, Impact on Education Awards are given to outstanding teachers, administrators and volunteers who made a positive impact on students, the school or on peers in the educational community. Each year, five people are awarded $1,500 for their school and $500 for personal use.

“I have worked with Mr. O on various school projects and know that his dedication and compassion for all Heatherwood students and staff is extraordinary,” said Gina Finney. “He plays a very active role in each school day and you will always see his smiling face at every school event.”

Local Business And Blue Laws

By Kathy Raczkowski

KathyR@lhvc.com

Every few years it seems the debate is renewed regarding the repeal of Colorado’s Blue Laws. The debate concerns who should be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages and whether to lift the Sunday ban on sales.

Arguments are heating up yet again with the introduction of some new bills that would change the current state of affairs if passed by the Colorado legislature.

One bill would lift the ban on Sunday sales of alcohol and cars. Another would allow retailers other than liquor stores to sell full-strength beer and wine. There’s also talk of allowing hard liquor to be sold in supermarkets, but that push seems to be on hold for now.

It’s an ongoing debate. Changes are being made to the proposed bills as they advance, in an attempt to gain more widespread support. Backing the bills are several big chain stores with out-of-state headquarters.

Opposed are owners of many of the small, independently owned liquor and grocery stores, along with local wineries and breweries. Consumers fall somewhere in the middle.

“It could put a lot of us out of business,” said Niwot Liquor’s Tom Valdez of the proposal to allow alcohol sales in grocery and discount stores. Would it help if he could open his store on Sunday? “No. It’d cost us more than we’d make,” he said, noting that they’d remain closed on Sundays even if the law passed.

He also pointed out the increased difficulty in monitoring and enforcement faced by law officials, if spirits were available at so many more locations. “It’d be a nightmare.”

Niwot law enforcement might not be overtaxed, though, as Burt Steele has no intention of applying for a liquor license for Niwot Market. “I don’t need the liability,” he said. “Let Tom handle that.”

George Keeler has no plans to open La Cavasita on Sundays if the Blue Laws are lifted, except maybe right around the holidays. He hoped his business would not be hurt too badly if people could buy wine in grocery stores.

Keeler said that since he stocks eclectic and boutique wines, consumers with more sophisticated palates would come to him for those specialties, assuming the chains were focused on mainstream wines.

Keeler also said he could see the benefit of lifting the Sunday sales ban in resort towns with the many out-of-state travelers, but he felt no need for a state-wide change.

Car sales also are restricted on Sundays under the current law. But if the Blue Laws are repealed for liquor sales, the same will hold true for automobiles. Would that change the status quo for Gunbarrel Import Motors, Niwot’s only car dealership?

“No. We won’t open Sundays,” said owner Jon Jelosek. “Everybody should take the day off.”

Spring Sports Previews

By Bruce Warren

BASEBALL

After taking his team to the final day of the state tournament in his first year as head coach last season, Jason Lathrop hopes to return for an encore. The Cougars finished third in the class 4A state tournament last year, after coming together in the playoffs to beat several higher ranked teams. Although five of those players are now playing sports in college, Lathrop has a strong nucleus returning.

The uncertainty that accompanies a coaching change is gone this spring as Lathrop has kept his coaching staff intact. Former Boulder High head coach Roger Fisher returns as the pitching coach for the program, while veteran Craig McBride returns as hitting coach. Mike Owens will again serve as a varsity assistant. Former Boulder High player Matt Jensen returns for his second season as the head coach for the JV squad, and Ian Moore will assist Jensen. Former Niwot High pitcher-first baseman Andrew Fogoros returns for his second year as the head coach for the C team, and will again be assisted by Biff Warren.

The pitching staff is led by senior Ben Packard, who will also play first base when he’s not on the mound. According to Fisher, Packard was throwing 89 mph in winter workouts, and is expected to increase his velocity as the season gets underway. Sophomore Ryan Strufing went from pitching for the C team in the first game of the season last year to shutting down varsity opponents in the state tournament at the end of the season. Strufing will be available as soon as the Cougar basketball season ends.

The Cougars are also counting on senior Forrest Carpenter and junior Cody Lahman as part of the starting rotation. Lahman will also get a late start due to basketball. Others who may see action on the mound include junior Parker Jones, sophomore Matt Perry and sophomore Brady Olesczuk.

Junior Zach LaBorde, who became the starter behind the plate down the stretch last season, returns. Olesczuk and sophomore Veric Nichols, who will also get a late start due to basketball, will be the backups.

When Packard is pitching, Carpenter is the leading candidate to play first base, with senior Hector Ramirez, also a designated hitter, in reserve. Perry is the leading candidate to take over at second base, with junior Jimmy Reed also fighting for playing time.

Sophomore Tyler Strong will be at third base, with senior Zane Sigafoos also seeing action.

Senior Luke Lahman, who is also playing basketball, will provide infield leadership at shortstop. Lahman saw action primarily at second base last year. The outfield will be manned by Cody Lahman, Strufing, Jones, and Carpenter when they are not pitching. Lahman and Carpenter saw considerable time in the outfield last season. Senior Daniel Fish will provide depth in the outfield and at second base, while junior Andrew Guido and sophomore Ben Raynor are also expected to compete for playing time. Guido has also been playing basketball, and suffered a broken hand in the finals of the conference basketball tournament, which may sideline him early in the season.

TENNIS

Long-time NHS tennis coach Miikka Keronen is back, but will serve as co-head coach with Nathan Balk, a math teacher at Niwot, this spring. Keronen has left the Boulder Country Club and is now Director of Tennis at The Ranch Country Club in Westminster. “I’m scouting the competition,” Keronen said in noting that many of the young country club players play for rival schools in Colorado.

With nine players returning from last season’s third-place team in class 4A, the Cougars figure to be one of the stronger teams in the state. “We have a really experienced team. If we get lucky, we could win it all,” Keronen said.

The Cougars are led by senior Allie Hefter, who returns at No. 1 singles. Claire Runge, another senior, is likely to play No. 2 singles once basketball season ends. Allyson Lee, who graduated last year after taking third at state in No. 3 singles, is likely to be replaced by her sister, Amanda Lee, a junior. Allyson Lee is now on the tennis team at Gonzaga University.

Junior Molly Joyce and senior Maggie Pinnick are likely to return at No. 1 Doubles this spring. The rest of the doubles squad is likely to include senior Taylor Oliver, who played No. 2 doubles last year, senior Whitney Fredericks, who finished second at state last year in No. 3 doubles with Alex Forke, who graduated, senior Amanda Beekes, and sophomore Caroline Runge, whom Keronen calls one of the most improved players on the squad.

Others competing for varsity spots include seniors Caitlyn Spielman, Connie Oh and Colleen Griep along with freshman Morgan Mulshine and sophomore Whitney Vasquez. Keronen said Mulshine and Vasquez are “extremely talented, but lack experience.”

“We’ve scheduled several 5A teams,” Keronen said. “We’ve been invited to the Mullen Tournament, which is one of the best in the state.” Keronen expects Broomfield to be tough in the conference again, with Cheyenne Mountain and Greeley West two of the top teams in the state. “It looks exciting.”

Niwot has enough players to field a Varsity II squad, which will again be coached by Beth Cerrone. Nora Harrison also returns as the JV coach.

GIRLS SOCCER

Chad Eisentrager returns for his second season as head coach with nine returning starters from last year’s 17-1 squad, plus another former starter who took a year off last season. And the best part is that only one of the returning starters is a senior.

Junior Lauren Shaner, who plays center midfielder, was All-State Honorable Mention last year in addition to earning All-Conference honors. Two more juniors, defenders Lauren Braman and Kaitlyn Buck, also return after being named All-Conference as sophomores. Braman and Buck come by it naturally as each has an older brother playing defense in college football, with Matt Braman at Georgia and Cody Buck at Army.

Sophomore goalkeeper Alexis Zumwalt also returns after an All-Conference freshman season. Junior Jessica Hamlin, who took a year off last season after starting in goal as a freshman, returns this year as a midfielder and backup keeper.

Other returning starters include junior defender Marisa Gradoz, senior center midfielder Machol Gradoz, junior forward Lindsay Ostrom, junior midfielder Molly Forke, and defender Brittney Davidson.

The team also expects a boost from junior forward Lauren Phillips, who transferred to Niwot from Boulder High. Others expected to compete for varsity playing time include senior midfielders Kailey Jones and Ginny Kim. Seniors Sarah Cudney, Olivia Miller and Audrey Ford will provide additional depth.

Eisentrager expects Silver Creek, with a strong senior class, Fossil Ridge, which made it to the state semi-finals last year, and Broomfield, which must replace a number of graduated seniors, to be the teams to beat in the conference. “We want to compete for the Northern Conference title,” Eisentrager said. “Our ultimate goal is to reach the Final Four, and compete for a state championship.” Eisentrager will be assisted by Jeremy Drake, who also coaches the Niwot boys soccer team in the fall.

TRACK

Scott Player is optimistic as he returns for his third year as head track coach for the boys and girls programs at Niwot. “We can compete with all of the teams in our conference, especially on the girls’ side,” Player said. “In the girls’ program, we have the best top-end talent since I’ve been here. The guys are definitely improved, but it will take a special commitment from the kids to get over the top.”

The Cougars compete in the Northern Conference, one of the toughest in the state. “The conference is so big, we’ll only see maybe a quarter of it before regionals,” Player said. “Thompson Valley, Broomfield and Longmont are some of the best teams in the state.”

Senior co-captain Megan Horsch returns for the girls as a state qualifier in the 1600M and 800M. She was also part of the 4 X 800M relay team that finished fourth in the state in class 4A. Carissa Hirsh, another senior, also returns from the fourth place 4 X 800M relay team. Hirsh may qualify in the 400M and the 800M this year, according to Player.

Rosalie Pierman is the other senior co-captain. Pierman, a sprinter, has battled injuries the past two years. “We’re looking for a breakout from her this season,” Player said. Another senior, Haley Sheffield, missed last season due to illness, but was a good contributor as a sophomore. Sheffield runs the hurdles and sprints, and high jumps.

Junior Megan Lang was also part of the fourth place 4 X 800M relay team, and is a returning state qualifier in the 800M and 1600M. Junior Rachel Moorer also returns from last season. “She is our best returning jumper, and also runs the high hurdles,” Player said. Moorer’s specialties are the triple jump and the long jump.

A strong sophomore class is headed by Miranda Lahman, who was also part of the fourth place 4 X 800M relay team at state. “She’s extremely versatile,” Player said, “and is our best high jumper. She’s already jumping 4’10”.” Lahman also ran the 4 X 400M relay at state, and is considered one of the Cougars’ top hurdlers.

Sophomore Emily Boldt is a returning state qualifier in the 200M and the 4 X 400M relay. “She was our best sprinter by far last year, and is much improved,” Player said. Sophomore Sydney Coffey qualified for state last year as well, running the 4 X 400M relay. She also leads off the Cougars’ 4 X 200M relay.

On the boys side, senior co-captain Clay Burns returns as a state qualifier in the 100M, the 4 X 200M relay, and long jump. “Clay is the team leader,” Player noted. Senior Brian Malang, a distance runner, is the other co-captain. “Brian has improved dramatically from last year.”

Junior Lucas Diesing is also a returning state qualifier in the 4 X 800M relay. He is the squad’s best high jumper, clearing 6 feet already. Diesing will also run the 400M, the 800M and the 4 X 400M relay. Junior Danny Foye is another returning state qualifier in the 4 X 800M relay. “We should be improved in the 4 X 800M this season,” Player said. Foye also runs the 400M and the 800M.

The squad suffered an early blow when top distance runner Kevin Harris, a junior, tore his ACL while skiing. Harris was the top cross-country runner for the Cougars last fall, and Player was counting on him to qualify for state this season. Harris is likely out all season, but hopes to return for his senior year.

Junior Peter Neis returns after finishing seventh at state in class 4A last year in the high hurdles. “Peter is our best hurdler,” Player said. “He hopes to qualify for state in the 300M hurdles this season.” Junior Jeff Roueche has missed early season workouts while continuing to play basketball for the Cougars, where he is the team’s top scorer. Roueche was a state qualifier in the 4 X 200M relay last year, and qualified in the 4 X 100M relay as a freshman. “Jeff is probably our second best sprinter, right behind Clay,” Player noted. “He will run the 200M and 400M this year.”

Junior Travis Ward qualified for state last year in the 4 X 200M, and is expected to be a part of the sprint relays this year. Sophomore Alex Paul is recovering from an injury but should be ready in a few weeks. Paul qualified for state last year in the 4 X 800M, and just missed qualifying in the 1600M.

With Harris out, Paul and junior Luke Schuler figure to be the best distance runners for the Cougars. “Schuler is our top miler outside of Alex,” Player said. Junior Sam Yulsman also returns after being the alternate at state last season in the 4 X 800M relay. Yulsman will run the 800M and 1600M as well as the relay.

Jesse Johnson returns as a long-time assistant coach and will focus on the distance runners. Steve Burns also returns as an assistant coach and will work with the sprinters. Sam Catterson, a former decathlete, will also serve as an assistant coach, working with sprinters, throwers, hurdlers and vaulters.

BOYS SWIMMING

Debbie Stewart and Stephen Beam return as co-head coaches of the combined Silver Creek and Niwot boys swim team with 19 seniors on the squad. “These guys are very excited,” Stewart said. “We were a little worried about senioritis, but it’s not a problem.”

Expectations are high for the program, which returns four-time state champion Nick Koerner, a senior. Koerner won the 50 Freestyle, the 100 Freestyle, and swam on the state champion 200 Freestyle Relay and the state champion 200 Medley Relay last year. He has had several college programs, including Division I schools, interested in recruiting him.

Koerner, who participates in swimming year-round, will head off to Washington state for Sectionals in early March, which is just one step down from Junior Olympics. “He loves high school swimming, and enjoys his high school team,” Stewart said. Once Sectionals are over, Koerner will devote the rest of the spring to the high school program.

All four swimmers from the state champion 200 Freestyle Relay return, including seniors Kevin Fisher, Kyle Stewart and Alex Roiniotis. Fisher also qualified for state in the 50 Freestyle and 100 Freestyle last year. Stewart finished 14th in the 50 Freestyle at state, and also took ninth place in diving. Although the combination of swimming and diving could take a toll, his coach (and mother) Debbie Stewart is quick to point out, “He doesn’t like to swim much more than 50 yards.” Roiniotis took eighth in the 100 Backstroke at state, and also qualified in the Butterfly.

Another swimmer the Raptors are counting on heavily is Eric Fisher. Only a sophomore, the younger Fisher took third in the state last year in the 500 Freestyle, and seventh in the 200 Freestyle. He will join Koerner in Washington at the Sectionals before returning to his high school team.

Senior Alex Grant also returns with a state title in hand as part of the winning 200 Medley Relay. Grant also finished 16th at state in the 100 Butterfly, and qualified for state in the 100 Freestyle. Grant also swam on the 4 X 100 Relay at state, which finished 10th.

Senior Michael Yamazaki is another returning state titlist as part of the 200 Medley Relay. Yamazaki also finished eighth at state in both the 200 Individual Medley and the 100 Breaststroke. His teammates adopted Yamazaki’s statement at the state swim meet last year as the team slogan for this season: “We gonna win!”

Senior Kyle Digiacomo also returns after a 14th place finish in the 200 Freestyle a year ago, as well as an 18th place finish in the 500 Freestyle.

Sophomore Johnny Pellouchoud, who qualified for state in the 100 Breaststroke last year, also returns. Others to watch include seniors Jase Wallingford and Grady Heins, who were alternates at state last year. Wallingford excels in the 50 Freestyle and 100 Freestyle, while Heins is best at the 100 Breaststroke.

In addition, Steward and Beam expect senior Matt Reichenbach to add depth in the butterfly and IM, with senior Carl Stokely also contributing in the butterfly, freestyle and IM events. Sophomore Justin Kulikauskas is another swimmer to watch in the freestyle events.

Senior Evan Engel will give the Raptors another diver to go along with Stewart. Engel took last year off, but appears to be coming back strong this season.

SWIMMING

Susan Jennings, Skyline Girls Golf coach, has several state titles to her credit, and would like to get the tem back to the elite among the state’s golf programs. The Skyline team, which is comprised of golfers from throughout the St. Vrain Valley School District’s schools, includes several local golfers this season.

Gone however, is the lone state qualifier from last season, Niwot’s Kaitlyn Negrelli, who is now playing golf at Colorado State University.

The team does include Niwot students Hannah Maurer, a sophomore, and Lizzy Byrd, a junior. Niwot freshman Gina Larson and Tara Sugadhan will also be part of the squad.

Mikayla Tatman of Silver Creek will also golf for Skyline this spring.

Skyline hosts the first Northern Conference tournament at its home course, Ute Creek, on April 1. The squad is large enough that Jennings has scheduled enough meets to give several players a chance to compete at the varsity level throughout the season.

GIRLS GOLF

Susan Jennings, Skyline Girls Golf coach, has several state titles to her credit, and would like to get the tem back to the elite among the state’s golf programs. The Skyline team, which is comprised of golfers from throughout the St. Vrain Valley School District’s schools, includes several local golfers this season.

Gone however, is the lone state qualifier from last season, Niwot’s Kaitlyn Negrelli, who is now playing golf at Colorado State University.

The team does include Niwot students Hannah Maurer, a sophomore, and Lizzy Byrd, a junior. Niwot freshman Gina Larson and Tara Sugadhan will also be part of the squad.

Mikayla Tatman of Silver Creek will also golf for Skyline this spring.

Photo by Ed Navarro

Niwot’s Paco Retana won his second round match at the Class 4A state wrestling tournament, 11-9. Retana, who wrestles at 189 pounds, was Niwot’s only state qualifier.