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Principal Eric Rauschkolb and Athletic Director Joe Brown announced that Elise Cranny, Mabel Miyasaki, and Mike Moat have been selected for induction into the Niwot High School Hall of Fame as the Class of 2025. "These individuals have left an indelible mark on the school and its community through their outstanding achievements, unwavering dedication, and profound impact," Brown said in a press release. The induction ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 1, at 6 p.m. in the school...
The Niwot High School wrestling program is preparing to host the annual Invitational meet on Saturday, Jan. 4, the first under new head coach Michael DeCamillis. For years, the meet was organized by longtime NHS coach Gary Daum, and then later by his successor, Bobby Matthews, who stepped down after last season to concentrate on softball and baseball coaching. DeCamillis wrestled and played football at Broomfield High School before continuing his football career as a center at Chadron State...
After watching Niwot High School's first-ever Unified Theater production, "Descendants: The Musical" last year, Sophie Hayes was inspired to help and become a part of something she felt was so special. The Unified Theater program brings together students with and without special needs through theater, and Hayes wanted to get involved. "Everybody showed passion in their roles," Hayes said, "and I was so impressed with how the Unified kids showed up and did their parts, that I wanted to be...
The Left Hand Valley Courier is featuring each of the nine Niwot High School students who signed National Letters of Intent on the Nov. 13 fall signing day to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. From soccer to track and field, these athletes represent a diverse array of sports and dreams fulfilled. Lucy Connors From her first lacrosse game as a third-grader to committing to play for Bucknell University, Lucy Connors' journey has been marked by hard work,...
Arts Student of the Week Parker Jean Tatic clearly recalls being inspired by the actress Florence Pugh the day she saw Pugh perform Amy in Greta Gerwig's version of "Little Women." "I thought it was really interesting," Tatic said, "how she was portraying Amy. Because in the original movie and the book Amy is a little girl, and even in the musical. But in her version, Pugh played both young Amy and adult Amy. And for some strange reason it stood out to me how she was portraying a younger child,...
Lawrence R. Murphy April 24, 1943 - Nov. 19, 2024 Lawrence "Larry" Murphy, 81, of Niwot, Colorado passed away peacefully on November 19, 2024. He was born to William (Bill) and Jospehine Murphy on April 24, 1943 in Gary, Indiana. Larry grew up in Coal City, Illinois and in high school received his Ham Radio License with call letters, N0BA. Larry would string antennas all over his parent's yard and this passion led him to the University of Illinois where he obtained a masters degree in Electrical...
The Left Hand Valley Courier has been fortunate to have devoted staff members who bring you the news every week. We profiled many of our staff members a year ago, and have had some new valuable additions this year and thought you might want to know who is reporting what you like to read. Amy Calderon My name is Amy Calderon, and I’m a student at Niwot High School. Born and raised in Colorado, I carry within me Mexican roots that have deeply influenced my identity and values. Growing up with t...
Whimsical wonder was whistling around town this past Friday during Niwot's annual Enchanted Evening. As one of Niwot's most cherished traditions, residents came down to Left Hand Corner at the intersection of Second Avenue and Niwot Road to spread cheer and ring in the holiday season. Thanks to the organization and support of several Niwot businesses and the efforts by Linda Klueber and Deb Fowler, who organized this year's event, a large crowd gathered in anticipation of Santa's arrival and...
Lawrence R. Murphy April 24, 1943 - Nov. 19, 2024 Lawrence “Larry” Murphy, 81, of Niwot, Colorado passed away peacefully on November 19, 2024. He was born to William (Bill) and Jospehine Murphy on April 24, 1943 in Gary, Indiana. Larry grew up in Coal City, Illinois and in high school received his Ham Radio License with call letters, N0BA. Larry would string antennas all over his parent’s yard and this passion led him to the University of Illinois where he obtained a masters degree in Electrical...
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, Niwot High School honored nine standout athletes during its Fall Signing Day ceremony. Held in the Commons during lunch, the event celebrated those Cougars committing to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. Surrounded by teammates, coaches, family, and friends, the athletes celebrated their accomplishments and looked ahead to the exciting next chapter of their lives. Kianna Butler signed with Metropolitan State University of Denver to play...
The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has announced its 2024 All-State Softball Teams, recognizing the state's top performers across all classifications. Among the standouts, Niwot High School's senior pitcher Kianna Butler earned First Team All-State honors in Class 4A, cementing her legacy as one of the program's most accomplished players. Butler, who led the Cougars' pitching staff throughout the season, was one of seven seniors selected to the Class 4A First Team, which...
Evelyn Majka chose quite the time to deliver the first home run of her life. Playing in her final Niwot High School softball home game and navigating the emotions that come with it, Majka belted a Senior Day homer on Oct. 3. The first baseman entered the game against Silver Creek High School with only one extra-base hit on the season, making her blast particularly special. "It was really shocking," Majka said of her home run. "I did not expect it at all, and it was shocking to everybody else....
The Niwot High School softball team's impressive postseason journey came to an end Friday at the Aurora Sports Complex, as the Cougars fell to fifth-ranked Holy Family High School, 8-3, in the 4A State Championship Round of 16. The loss marked the conclusion of a successful season for the Cougars, who finished with a strong 16-10 overall record and 7-4 in league play. Fresh off two victories in the Tournament of 32 Teams in Pueblo, Niwot faced a familiar opponent in Holy Family, which had...
The Niwot High School softball varsity team has secured its spot in the state Tournament of 16 after an impressive showing at the Colorado High School Activities Association Class 4A Regionals in Pueblo, Colorado, Oct. 18 and 19. The team demonstrated resilience and skill, finishing with a 2-1 record in the round of 32. In their opening game against the Palisade High School Bulldogs, the Cougars emerged victorious with a tight 2-1 win. Standout pitcher Kianna Butler dominated from the circle,...
The Niwot High School softball team has been turning heads this season with an impressive performance on and off their home field. With a solid overall record of 14-8 for the 2024 regular season and a commendable 7-4 standing in the competitive 5A/4A/3A Granite Peaks league, the Cougars have proven themselves a force to be reckoned with. The team's performance has been particularly stellar on the home turf, with the Cougars boasting a 6-2 record. Their away game resilience is evident in their 7-...
Niwot's varsity softball team experienced a rollercoaster of emotions and results last week, demonstrating both the challenges and triumphs that come with the sport. The week began with a difficult matchup against Broomfield High School, resulting in a lopsided 15-0 loss. The loss marks the first game of the season that the Cougars were not able to put a run on the board. The Cougars, who average 7.2 runs per game this season, bounced back with a dominant 10-0 mercy rule victory over Silver...
After losing at home in extra innings to Frederick High School, the Niwot varsity softball team headed west to Grand Junction for a four-game, non-league tournament last weekend. In game one on Friday, Sept. 27, the Cougars shut out Grand Junction High School by a score of 5-0, extending their road winning streak to four. Kianna Butler led off with a double to center field, followed by a single from Payton Stokes. An error by the Grand Junction catcher brought in the first run of the game for Ni...
The Niwot High School softball team added two more wins to its record last week, with a 7-0 shutout win at home over Monarch High School, and a 10-0 shutout win at Horizon High School, extending their winning streak to eight games. The varsity record now stands at 10-3, with the Cougars moving up to 12th place in the state 4A rankings. Kianna Butler, who is second in the state in strikeouts in Class 4A, has been a dominating force on the mound for the Cougars this season. Butler, who is backed b...
Niwot High School’s annual homecoming festivities began Monday, Sept. 9, with the highly anticipated pep rally. For the first time, the class of 2025 won the iconic Spirit Stick by being the loudest during the high pressure competition between grade levels. It was a close call between the seniors and sophomores this year. The first day of homecoming events ended with “The Kickoff,” Niwot High School’s Flag Football Tournament, an evening team event attended by students, staff, friends, and fam...
The Niwot High School varsity softball team extended its winning streak with an 11-1 win over Fairview High School on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at home, followed by a 15-3 win at Longmont High School, and a 3-0 win over The Academy High School at home on Saturday. The Cougars scored six runs in the first inning against Fairview, beginning with a solo home run to right field by pitcher Kianna Butler. RBIs from Anna Halverson, Simone Paterno, Saleen Amaya, and Butler added to the lead, resulting in a...
Following a tough 4-1 loss to Holy Family High School at home last week, the Niwot High School Cougar varsity softball team came out strong over the weekend in the Berthoud Invitational tournament, scoring 49 runs and winning three out of four games. The Cougars lost a close game one to the Fort Collins High School Lambkins by a score of 6-3. Junior Payton Johnson and freshman Payton Stokes each drove in one run for the Cougars, with senior Kianna Butler scoring the third and final run on an...
Niwot High School's annual homecoming festivities begin Monday, Sept. 9 with a highly anticipated pep rally, where freshmen wear white, sophomores wear black, juniors wear green, and seniors wear the iconic Niwot camo pattern. This year's theme is "Bright Lights, Neon Nights." Niwot's student council team, sponsored by counselor Leah Messinger, has been working hard to plan events, choose spirit week activities and make it a fun, welcoming event for everyone. Spirit week extends through the day...
While playing the most physically demanding position on the diamond, senior Saleen Amaya has grown tremendously throughout her four seasons as Niwot High School softball's starting catcher. Amaya would be the first to admit that she struggled with blocking balls in the dirt and framing pitches early in her career. But with hard work and perhaps some patience on behalf of Niwot's coaching staff, her glovework has become a strength. "I feel like I've definitely developed a lot," Amaya said. "I...
Behind the right arm of ace pitcher Kianna Butler, the Niwot High School varsity softball team is off to an encouraging start in the newly formed Granite Peaks League. The Class 4A Cougars kicked off their league slate on Tuesday, Aug. 27, by hosting Erie High School, which reached the Class 5A state championship game last season. Unfazed, Butler struck out 15 Tigers and didn't walk anyone en route to a 1-0 victory. "I was really focused and took my time," Butler said following her complete-game...
Niwot Youth Sports (NYS) is a non-profit organization providing recreational and competitive sports experiences for children ages four to 18 in the Niwot, Gunbarrel and South Longmont area, and fall brings back the NYS flag football program. The NYS NFL Flag Football League is a premier youth flag football league for boys and girls that includes games against other NFL flag football teams in the Boulder County area. Flag football is a non-contact sport where players wear flags and defenders are...
Head coach Bobby Matthews witnessed a mix of good and bad throughout Niwot High School softball’s season-opening loss at Golden High School on Saturday, Aug. 17. Looking at the positives, Niwot’s offense limited the strikeouts and freshman second baseman Payton Stokes shined during her varsity debut. However, the Cougars’ seven defensive errors were too much to overcome in the 12-8 defeat. “It definitely showed our lack of experience together,” Matthews said. “We only really have three girls playing the exact same position as they did the yea...
Niwot High School’s athletic programs are gearing up for significant changes this year as the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) implements its biennial reclassification. With an enrollment of 1,359 students, Niwot’s growth has led to shifts in classification for multiple sports and placed the school in newly formed leagues that aim to better balance competition across the state. Every two years, CHSAA evaluates school enrollments and reclassifies athletic programs accordingly. This reclassification is crucial in det...
In many respects, this upcoming season will mark a new era for the Niwot High School softball program. Longtime head coach Bobby Matthews is still at the helm, but the Cougars' schedule will look slightly different this fall as Niwot joined the newly-formed Granite Peaks League. Other high schools in the conference include Broomfield, Erie, Fairview, Frederick, Holy Family, Horizon, Legacy, Longmont, Mead, Monarch, Skyline, and Silver Creek. The Cougars had been in the Longs Peak League, which...
On a hazy Thursday evening, Ain't No Mountain High Enough with Dzirae Gold took the stage at Whistle Stop Park for an unforgettable Rock & Rails performance. The July 25 night kicked off with Wendy Woo, an inductee into Westword Magazine's Hall of Fame and a five-time "Singer/Songwriter of the Year" Westword Magazine award winner. Highlights from her set included heartfelt renditions of "Closer to Fine" by the Indigo Girls, "Sweet Dreams" by the Eurythmics, and "Son of a Preacher Man" by Dusty...
After transferring out of Boulder High School's softball program following her freshman season, Madison Dodge remains grateful to have found a welcoming home at Niwot High School. Dodge, an outfielder, attends the Dawson School but because the private Lafayette prep institution doesn't have a softball program, she initially opted to play at Boulder. Unfortunately, things didn't work out with the Panthers, so she decided to join Niwot's program ahead of her sophomore year. Looking back, the...
Rock & Rails summer concerts continue on Thursday, July 25, with the opening act starting at 5 p.m. and the headliner lighting up the stage at 6:30 p.m. The Wendy Woo Band returns to Rock & Rails to start the night off with an energetic and enjoyable performance. The Wendy Woo Band is a self-described "poly-ethnic, power pop, song-rock, 6-piece band with sweet vocal harmonies and shuddering grooves." Wendy Woo is an inductee into the Westword Hall of Fame as a result of being named...
This October will have marked two years since long-time Niwot resident and businessman Craig "Lefty" Harris lost his life in a traffic accident at the intersection of the Diagonal Highway and Niwot Road. A little more than two months later, ownership of the beloved 2nd Avenue pizzeria that Harris left behind, was transferred to Maricela Vasquez and her husband, Lorenzo Villalobos, Harris' beloved employee who had worked for him for more than two decades. The transfer facilitated the community's...
It didn't take long for newcomer Kianna Butler to find her groove with the Niwot High School varsity softball team last season. After transferring from a Class 2A school in Flagstaff, Arizona, Butler became the Class 4A Cougars' top pitcher during her junior season. Niwot head coach Bobby Matthews trusted Butler with 130.2 innings in the circle and was rewarded with a stellar 2.68 earned run average. Butler, not one to shy away from pressure, said she enjoyed the competitive leap from 2A to 4A....
Hangge Fields at Monarch Park were abuzz with activity this past Sunday, June 23, as the volunteer board members of Niwot Youth Sports hosted a celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony for their brand new building housing concessions, storage and permanent bathrooms on site. NYS President Pat Longseth and NYS Hangge Fields at Monarch Supervisor and Maintenance Director Glenn Wager, who also serves as NYS Girls Softball Commissioner, were on hand to officially open the building. Riki Frea, NYS...
Niwot High School's softball season ended last fall, but for seniors Autumn Rutherford and Anne Booth, the last game of the season came in June. Rutherford and Booth were selected to play in the Colorado High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) All-State game June 12 at Rawlings Field in Pueblo. Niwot softball coach Bobby Matthews said, "Players are selected by coaches who are members and teams are put together from all classifications." Rutherford and Booth played for the Blue team, which won...
As Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Joe Brown closed out Niwot High School's inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony, the echoes of applause reverberated through the auditorium, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. The five inductees – Tiny Koehler, Sue Prahl, Art and Debbi Stapp, Terri Ward, and Biff Warren– accepted the honor with grace, each telling stories the audience will not soon forget. On June 2, students, teachers, family, and friends gathered to recognize excellence. Dir...
Niwot High School announced its inaugural Hall of Fame class, "honoring a group of five remarkable individuals who have woven themselves into the very fabric of our school and community: Tiny Koehler, Sue Prahl, Debbi and Art Stapp, Terri Ward, and Biff Warren," in a press release. The Night of Champions Celebration will be held in the Niwot High School auditorium on Sunday, June 2, at 6:30 p.m. to not only celebrate the school's inaugural Hall of Fame inductees, but also the achievements of...
One or more vandals caused significant property damage at Monarch Park's Hangge Fields the night of Friday, May 17, or early the next morning. To make matters worse, minority groups were targeted with racist and homophobic graffiti sprayed on a dugout close to the parking lot. For over 50 years, the non-profit Niwot Youth Sports has organized youth sports programs year-round for children ages 4-18 in the Niwot-Gunbarrel area. At Monarch Park, the organization uses a total of six ballfields for...
Homegrown talent is harder to come by for Niwot High School athletics these days. NHS pulls from over fifty middle schools for its student body and open enrollment at all St. Vrain Valley high schools allows students to choose where they study and compete during their high school years. But one of the most exciting young athletes at NHS is a Niwot area native, who just completed her sophomore year, and is already a girls lacrosse state champion. Payton Johnson, a rising junior at Niwot High...
After a weather delay on April 28, Niwot Youth Sports President Pat Longseth is eager to cut the ribbon on the new Niwot Youth Sports Monarch Improvement Project building. The end-of-season celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony is now scheduled for Sunday, June 23, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Hangge Fields at Monarch Park. The six-field complex, with access off of Highway 52 just west of 79th Street, is now home to a building that includes permanent restrooms, a concession area, and equipment storage...
Niwot High School Athletic Director Joe Brown announced the hiring of Michael DeCamillis as the new head coach of the school's wrestling program. DeCamillis replaces longtime wrestling coach Bobby Matthews, who stepped down after the season to focus on the NHS softball program, where he is the head coach. In a press release, Brown said, "We are thrilled to announce the hiring of Michael DeCamillis as the new head coach of the Niwot High School Wrestling program. Coach DeCamillis brings a wealth...
It’s been a year in the making, but the Niwot Youth Sports Monarch Improvement Project will be the focus of the Opening Day ceremonies Sunday, April 28, starting at 11 a.m. at Hangge Fields at Monarch Park. The six-field complex, with access off of Highway 52 just west of 79th Street, is now home to a building which includes permanent restrooms, a concession area, and equipment storage space. The facility was built as part of the Monarch Improvement Project, which has raised most of funds to meet the goal of $500,000 for the building and o...
The Left Hand Valley Courier is spotlighting various local neighborhoods, their history, issues and general nature. This week, the Courier is spotlighting Cottonwood Park West. In the mid-20th century, Niwot began to grow from its origins as a small railroad town and farming community into a fully suburban community that provided housing, schools and amenities for families working in Boulder and Longmont. This was particularly true once IBM purchased land for its operations in the late 1950s,...
Niwot High School wrestling coach Bobby Matthews decided it was time to do something different in the sport. In a social media post, Matthews said, "In November I made the decision that the 2023-24 season would be my last as a wrestling coach. Twenty-two years is a long time. I want to thank all the wrestlers who I have had the pleasure of coaching over the past 22 years. I will still be around the sport as I will move over to the officiating side. I will continue coaching softball and...
After receiving support from countless individuals throughout her softball and baseball playing careers, Niwot High School graduate Tara Harbert is now lending her knowledge to the next generation. Harbert, a 2002 NHS graduate who later played on the USA Baseball Women's National Team, spent this past fall coaching junior varsity softball at Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch. Additionally, she and her fiancé, Bryan, have committed themselves to supporting their three children's...
Approximately 50 community members convened at The Wheel House on Jan. 22, to consider the future of baseball and softball in Niwot. The meeting was arranged by the Niwot High School baseball and softball programs in conjunction with Niwot Youth Sports (NYS). The group discussed a spectrum of ideas starting with needs at Niwot High School baseball and softball facilities for everyday items, such as tarps and lawn chemicals to enhance their ability to conduct ground maintenance. The group also ta...
Niwot High School’s annual Gary Daum Classic has quickly grown into one of Colorado’s premiere boys wrestling tournaments. Named in honor of former NHS boys wrestling head coach Gary Daum, who passed away in 2012 following a battle with cancer, the mid-season tournament returns to Niwot on Saturday, Jan. 6, with a bevy of big-name programs attending. Twenty-one teams, including Niwot, will be competing at this year’s event, the 11th under its current title. “This year, we've added Air Academy, Berthoud, as well as Pueblo County, which is a pe...
I am a 2019 graduate of Niwot High School and recently earned a Journalism and Media Communication degree from Colorado State University in 2023, with a minor in Spanish. I grew up in Lyons, Colorado, and moved to southwest Longmont when I was 15. I was on the varsity softball team at Niwot High for all four years and was elected as a co-captain with my best friend, Caitlyn Schreiner, my senior year. In high school, I was an outfielder but I played third base my junior year. I have a brother...
