EPHS Swim & Dive Team Compete In State Championships

On Saturday, February 11, something remarkable took place at the Veterans' Memorial Aquatic Center in Thornton.

In a year when the long-time successful Estes Park HS Swim and Dive Program nearly disappeared from existence due to overwhelming external and internal stresses, three members of the Girls' HS Diving Team qualified to compete in the 3A State Championships at VMAC and all prevailed in individual efforts.

Three year State HS Diving Finalist Sadie Morgan, added a fourth State Finals to her record with her best ever performance placing 4th in State and becoming the most successful female diver representing Estes Park in 21 years. Highlights of her performance this year were the two dives she performed that received scores of 9. Sadie will be graduating this coming May.

Sophomores, Madison Fraley and Bella

Capo, both competed in their first full State Meet ever with Maddie placing 11th overall and Bella finishing 21st in the semi-finals. Maddie maintained a very strong performance through-out the entire meet by holding strong in the top 12 thru all 11 dives. visit he said, “I’d love to visit Yosemite National Park or ski in Japan. Growing up I’ve heard about, and watched movies about the massive granite walls in Yosemite not to mention the ski films I’ve watched growing up at the Mountain Shop, of the deep pow in Japan.”

What made this meet so successful and memorable was the continuous support the divers received throughout the season from their families, friends, teachers, former coaches, new AD Nolan Oberg, New Swim Coach, Alexis Johnson and Veteran Diving Coach, Bill Kanter.

His favorite quote is, “It’s not about stomping the trick, it’s about learning how to fall” by some college skier at Eldora. He said, “This quote stuck with me because, I’ve been able to apply this to not only skiing, but life as well. Learning how to deal with the stuff thrown at you, and also any failed attempts.”

The best piece of advice he’s ever received is to never take anything for granted, always be thankful and to love one another.

After high school, Mateo plans to attend college, either in state or in Montana and after that go into wildland firefighting.

1600 Wapiti Circle #15

Peak To Peak Concert Series Presents Estes Valley Student Recitals

The Peak to Peak Concert Series spotlights musicians living in the Estes Valley. The Student Recitals concert on Saturday, March 4th features students of music teachers Melinda Workman, Denise Stookesberry and Annaka Hogelin. Students of many age groups and ability levels from beginner through advanced will be represented. The concert will be held at 2 p.m. at Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, 2000 Ptarmigan Trail Drive. A reception follows the concert to meet and greet the musicians.

This year’s performers are: Ariel Kosch (piano), Geneva Thomas (piano), Grace Aldrich (flute), Henry Thomas (piano), Hera Wharton (piano), Lucy Franklin (piano),

Samuel Franklin (piano and recorder), Zelie Franklin (piano), Natalie Workman (piano), Samantha Workman (piano and voice), Aspyn Hartzog (piano), Hadley Hartzog (piano), Amelia Watry (flute), Brooklyn Florence (voice), Ruth Mutschler, (voice), Aracely Thomas (voice), Grace Thamert (voice), Linnea Schmitt (piano), Casey Schmitt (piano) and Luna Youtz (piano). Please join us to enjoy an afternoon concert and support these fine musicians!

The Peak to Peak Concert Series is sponsoring two additional concerts in March. Mark your calendars now! On March 11th, 2 p.m., the Local Vocals will perform musical selections from classical, musical theater, and popular styles. The Local Vocals choir is composed of talented singers from Estes Valley. There will be something for everyone at this concert! On Saturday, March 18th, 2 p.m., concert pianist John Wolf will perform piano solos and, together with Robert Howard, a flute/piano concerto composed by Director Howard.

The Peak to Peak Concert series is sponsored by the Oratorio Society. Concerts are free, but donations are encouraged.