Best preps section

Best preps

BOBBY FERNANDEZ, sports editor « (970) 392-4478 « bfernandez@greeleytribune.com

THE TRIBUNE « SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014

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When it came to this year’s standouts, these two jumped off the page …

Girls Athlete of the Year: Jazmin Montes

FOR THE TRIBUNE/ Kevin Jelden

PLATTE VALLEY’S JAZMIN MONTES jumps in the long jump event at

the State Track Championships in May at Jeffco Stadium in Lakewood. Montes went on to claim the state title in 3A girls long jump.

Platte Valley star brought competitive fire to three sports

By Bobby Fernandez bfernandez@greeleytribune.com

L

ike the summer sun, Jazmin Montes’ smile shines bright enough to light up the sky.

Also like the sun, Montes

is like a ball of fire when she is on the volleyball court, the basketball floor or the track.

With her unflappable demeanor, competitive passion and unmatched ability to succeed in the classroom, as well as in three sports, Montes, a

Boys Athlete of the Year: Austin Baumeister

Platte Valley graduate, is The Tribune’s Overall Girls Athlete of the Year.

She was honored during the Best Preps banquet on May 29 at the University of Northern Colorado Ballroom.

Broncos senior-to-be Terra Seyler didn’t hesitate when asked to de-

scribe Montes, her former teammate in volleyball and basketball.

“One of the biggest things she brings to the court is fire,” Seyler said.

“She’s our little fireball. She’s always the one that, no matter how the game

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CONTINUED B4: Montes

Brains and brawn lead Frontier athlete

By Kayla Cornett kcornett@greeleytribune. com

A

ustin Baumeister is certainly known by the community for his athletic abilities.

However, he showed just as much ability in the classroom in his four years at Frontier Academy.

He is one athlete with brains and brawn — and he plans to use both as he heads to college this fall.

FOR THE TRIBUNE/ Kevin Jelden

AUSTIN BAUMEISTER FLIES INTO the air while

competing in the triple jump during the 2014 state track meet. Baumeister won the event.

Baumeister, a standout soccer, basketball and track athlete, was named The Tribune’s Overall Boys Athlete of the Year for not only his athletic accomplishments, but also for his academic prowess.

He was honored during the Best Preps banquet on May 29 at the University of Northern Colorado Ballroom.

“I’m just so thankful for everybody that’s helped me out along the way,” Baumeister said. “My family just always being there, my friends, my classmates. I’m thankful for God ‘cause he’s blessed me so much.”

PUTTING IN THE WORK

Frontier assistant boys track & field coach and physical education teacher

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CONTINUED B4: Baumeister

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Best preps

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SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 » THE TRIBUNE

TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

WELD COUNTY ATHLETES AND coaches pose for a group photo with former Denver Broncos running back Reggie Rivers, back row center, during The Tri-

bune Best Preps Awards banquet in May.

Clearly playing with a full deck, leaders recognized with ACE awards Staff reports

At The Tribune’s Best Preps banquet on May 29, student-athletes weren’t the only ones receiving awards.

The Achieving Community Excellence, or ACE, program handed out three awards of its own to recognize leaders in the Greeley community.

The ACE program, which began about three years ago, started with a simple goal: filling an athletics gap for Greeley middle school youth.

And from there, it took off into numerous areas of the community.

ACE has expanded into areas of art, leadership and schools, and city manager Roy Otto said the idea is to support Greeley however it can.

Recently, ACE has been partnering with other groups in Greeley to set some projects in motion, including the Best Preps banquet.

“ACE recognizes that we all have a story, but our individual stories gain meaning when we join with a story greater than ourselves,” Otto said at the banquet. “That union of stories creates excellence.”

At the banquet, ACE handed out the following awards: » COACH OF EXCELLENCE — MARK ROGGY

Mark Roggy, former Greeley West football coach, received ACE’s first award for his contributions to the community.

“In my lifetime, there is no name in coaching that better reflects the heart set of ACE,” Otto said at the Best Preps banquet. “Our coach of excellence knows that it is not about his story but connect-

TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

CITY OF GREELEY MANAGER Roy Otto, right, and former Denver Broncos running back Reggie Rivers perform a rap song togeth-

er during The Tribune Best Preps award ceremony in May. ing his story with the lives of young athletes and in so doing created excellence over and over.”

Roggy was a part of District 6 for 34 years, beginning his coaching career at his alma mater, Greeley Central. He coached there for 14 years and spent 22 years as the Greeley West football coach.

Roggy is now the athletic director and head football coach at Resurrection Chris-

tian, a Class 2A school that plays 1A football in Loveland.

During Roggy’s days at Greeley West, the Spartans qualified for the 4A playoffs nine times. West was the state

runner-up in 2009, losing to Wheat Ridge to finish the season at 11-1 overall.

The Spartans won backto-back Northern Conference titles in 2005 and 2006 and were state semifinalists in 2004, 2006 and 2009. » ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATOR OF EXCELLENCE — JEFF CRANSON

JIM RYDBOM/jrydbom@greeleytribune.com

ED ROGERS RECEIVES THE Art Educator of Excellence award during The

Tribune Best Preps banquet.

Greeley West athletic director Jeff Cranson was described by ACE coordinator Bob Parry as being “all in,” a big concept in the program.

“Individuals who are ‘all in’ not only understand the message but they proactively act in accordance with the message,” Otto said at the banquet. “No administrator is more ‘all in’ than this evening’s honoree.”

Otto added that Cranson and Parry created a for-credit coaching and leadership development program for coaches. The program helps coaches more easily maintain their required certifications.

Cranson, a former teacher and coach at West, was named athletic director in

JIM RYDBOM/jrydbom@greeleytribune.com

GREELEY CITY MANAGER ROY Otto shakes the hand of Jeff Cranson after winning the Athletic Administrator of Excellence award.

2011. This fall will mark the 12th year that Cranson has been at West.

He was the Future Business Leaders of America coordinator at Greeley West and was very involved with the Advancement Via Individual Determination program, which prepares students for college.

Cranson was also named the District 6 Teacher of the Year for the 2010-11 school year. » ART EDUCATOR OF EXCELLENCE — ED ROGERS

Ed Rogers, a former art teacher and tennis coach at Greeley Central, was recognized by ACE for his contribution to the arts.

“When ACE began, we knew we could not exclude the members of Greeley’s arts community,” Otto said at the banquet.

Rogers is an active member of Greeley’s art community and is chairman of the Greeley Art Commission, an organization that works to maintain a public art collection.

Rogers taught art and coached tennis for 24 years at Central before retiring in 2007. He coached tennis for a total of 32 years and coached 12 state champions.

Rogers is an artist as well as a sculptor. Last year, he painted a mural at Central for the class of 2012 above the doors of the high school’s west entrance.

Best preps

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2014 ATHLETES OF THE YEAR Staff reports

FALL » Logan Sitzman, Platte Valley football There was no escaping Logan Sitzman, Platte Valley’s senior quarterback this fall, as the 5-foot-11, 160-pound dual threat signal-caller torched defenses during the Broncos’ 11-1 season, capped with a Class 2A football championship.

Sitzman provided leadership to go with his gaudy statistics, completing 136 of 187 passes for 1,674 yards, 11 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 108 quarterback rating in 12 games.

He was just as effective on the ground, carrying the ball 134 times for 1,107 yards and 17 touchdowns.

He was electric in the state title game, a 28-19 win against Faith Christian on Nov. 23. He completed 12 of 15 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown. He ran for 51 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.

JIM RYDBOM/ jrydbom@greeleytribune.com

EATON’S RYLEIGH HAYNES RAISES her

arms in victory after winning a game against rival Platte Valley last fall in Kersey. Eaton won in three straight sets.

He had 29 pins and three major decisions this season.

» Ryleigh Haynes, Eaton volleyball Senior Ryleigh Haynes was a difference-maker for Eaton’s Class 3A state champion volleyball team, as she returned from anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus tears in her right knee.

After missing the entire 2012 season, Haynes was second on the team in kills, with 209 in 83 sets, as the Reds went 27-1.

She had just 78 errors on 415 attacks, hitting 31.6 percent while recording a kill percentage of 50.4.

She coupled her excellent hitting with fine setting. She was second on the team in assists with 402. She also had 40 blocks and 51 aces.

» Morgan Friesen, Windsor girls swimming Freshman Morgan Friesen had a breakout season for the Windsor girls swimming & diving team.

The young swimmer claimed a Class 4A state title in the 100-meter breaststroke, helping the Wizards to an 11th-place finish. She took third place in the 200 individual medley, as well.

In the 100 breaststroke, Friesen broke the state record in the prelims and then beat her own time in the finals to become a state champ.

She recorded 35 first-place finishes during the season and four second-place finishes.

SPRING

WINTER » Kennen Lanteri, Windsor wrestling Senior Kennen Lanteri was a powerhouse wrestler for Windsor this past winter.

Lanteri wrapped up his high school career as a Class 4A state champion, winning back-to-

JIM RYDBOM/jrydbom@greeleytribune.com

PLATTE VALLEY QUARTERBACK LOGAN Sitzman fires a pass while playing against

Sterling in Kersey last fall.

back titles at 152 pounds.

He had a 47-3 record this season after going 46-7 the previous

year. One of his three losses this year was to eventual four-time state champ Phil Downing of Broomfield.

In his state matches, Lanteri had two pins, a major decision and a 4-2 decision for the state title.

» Jake Nelson, Eaton baseball Jake Nelson, an Eaton senior, has provided a steady presence as the leadoff hitter for the Reds,

«

CONTINUED B5: Athletes

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SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 » THE TRIBUNE

Baumeister battled in three sports for four straight years at Frontier Academy « BAUMEISTER From B1

» The Austin Baumeister File

Dan Bisceglia said Baumeister came in as a freshman with a lot of raw athletic ability and potential.

“And, then he just put in the work, listened to his coaches and got it done,” Bisceglia said. “Nobody’s put in more work, really, than Austin. I think it paid off.”

The 6-foot-3-inch Baumeister competed in soccer, basketball and track all four years of high school.

“I’m the only male athlete in my school who’s done that for four years,” Baumeister said.

In track & field this spring, Baumeister was a Class 3A state champion in the triple jump with a school-record jump of 43 feet, 2.75 inches. He placed fourth in the long jump, fifth in the high jump and ran on the 400-meter relay team that took second.

Last week, Baumeister was placed on the Colorado High School Activities Association’s 3A All-State boys track & field’s first team for triple jump.

In basketball, he was selected as an allleague player in the Patriot League and played in the Weld County All-Star game.

Baumeister averaged 9.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. He racked up 110 points, 102 rebounds, 19 blocks and 13 steals on the season.

In soccer, Baumeister was named first team All-Conference in 3A Region 4 as a goalkeeper for the Wolverines, who made it to the state quarterfinals. In 15 games, he made 130 saves and had six shutouts.

Brett Shanklin, head coach for the boys track & field team, said Austin is someone who everybody wants on their team and he was dedicated to each sport he played.

“When it was soccer season, he was focused on soccer. When it was basketball season, he was focused on basketball, and when it was track, same thing,” Shanklin said. “He didn’t go too far from the path and gave his best effort for every team. He wasn’t selfish about it — he wanted to help each team succeed.”

EXPLORING NEW FRONTIERS

Baumeister will continue his soccer career at Adams State University in Alamosa as a goalie with a full soccer scholarship. He said he has been playing soccer since he was 3 years old. In fifth grade, he began goalkeeping, which clearly became his favorite position.

He said he received other offers from Colorado Mesa University (Grand Junction) and Trinidad State Junior College, but in

» Frontier Academy graduate » 6-foot-3 » Standout in soccer, basketball and track & field » He’ll play soccer as a goalkeeper for Adams State University this fall on a full soccer scholarship. » For the Wolverines, who made it to the Class 3A Boys Soccer Championships quarterfinals, Baumeister made 130 saves and recorded six shutouts. He was named first team All-Conference in 3A Region 4 as a goalie for Frontier. » He won a state title at the 3A Track & Field Championships, becoming a champion in the triple jump with a leap of 43 feet, 2.75 inches. He placed fourth in the long jump, fifth in the high jump and ran on the 400-meter relay team that took second.

February he chose to attend Adams State after visiting the campus.

“It was just perfect for me and the school has everything I needed,” Baumeister said.

He met soccer coach Tim Busen and the other players and said they are all great people. Baumeister will have a couple friends on the team, as well.

Northridge graduate Erik Palomino-Romero and Greeley Central grad Christian McBee will also play soccer for Adams State this fall. Baumeister said he will start team activities in July when he goes down for a camp and team practices.

“It’s gonna be exciting for him to be a part of that,” Shanklin said. “I think he’ll definitely contribute on the soccer field.”

Baumeister will also pursue a tough major at Adams State. He said he will study cellular and molecular biology as part of a pre-medicine program for his bachelor’s degree. Baumeister said he wants to be an orthopedic surgeon, which will require fours years of medical school, as well.

“I’ve always kinda been interested in the human body, so I thought surgery was a great way to go ‘cause it’s so hands-on,” he said. “And, I want to be an orthopedic surgeon because they deal with a lot of sports injuries, and that’s always intrigued me.”

Bisceglia said he and Austin’s other coaches always thought he was humoring them by going out for sports because Austin had bigger plans.

“But, I think that everything he does, he cares about the same amount,” Bisceglia added. “It’s just that everything he does, he does well and he holds a pretty high stan-

Last week, Baumeister was selected by the Colorado High School Activities Association as a member of the 3A AllState boys track & field’s first team for the triple jump. » The big man was selected as an allleague basketball player in the Patriot League and played in the Weld County All-Star game. He averaged 9.2 points and 8.5 rebounds a game while racking up 110 points, 102 rebounds, 19 blocks and 13 steals on the season. » Baumeister has big goals in academics after recording a cumulative 4.273 grade-point average at Frontier. At Adams State, he will study cellular and molecular biology as part of a pre-medicine program. He will then go to medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon.

dard for himself.”

Baumeister had a cumulative grade-point average of 4.273 at Frontier, ranking him fourth in his graduating class.

He added that he took a lot of science classes to help get ready for his first four years of college, and he’s not really worried about the program being hard.

“Nothing’s ever easy, but I’m sure it’ll be OK,” Baumeister said. “I’ll have people who can help me.”

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Baumeister has also spent a big chunk of his life doing community service. He was in the Boy Scouts of America when he was younger and is now an Eagle Scout, the highest advancement rank in scouting, and he said he still spends a lot of time being a scout.

At Frontier, he was the treasurer for the National Honor Society and participated in the Welcome to America program for foreign exchange students.

Bisceglia said there’s no doubt Baumeister leads by example and through the good things he’s done, the effect he’s had on younger kids is amazing.

“It doesn’t take many words; he’s the kinda kid where the whole team is sitting there and Austin speaks up for a few minutes and everyone takes note,” he said. “He’s always (made) it easy on the coaches to help get everyone in line.”

Bisceglia added that Austin’s group of friends has helped him become more outgoing over the years.

“I think he’s a pretty serious guy and he has

JOSHUA POLSON/jpolson@greeleytribune.com

AUSTIN BAUMEISTER SAVES AN incoming shot during a soccer game last year.

certain things that he wants to accomplish, so I think he’s pretty focused,” Bisceglia said.

“But, he’s got a great sense of humor and he’s fun to be around. He’s pretty level-headed.”

As busy as he was with school, sports and community service, Baumeister said he did still have some free time in high school. He said he likes camping, fishing and mountain biking.

“My parents tell me they took us up (camping) when we were just born, so I’ve been doing that my whole life,” Baumeister said. “It’s so peaceful; it gives you time to think. Plus, I like looking at the stars and just hanging out, smelling the fresh air.”

Baumeister has a twin sister, Shelbi, and an older brother, Haden. When Austin heads to college and is 4 1/2 hours away from Greeley, his twin will stay close to family.

“She’s gonna stay in town and go to UNC and live close to my parents,” Austin said.

“And, I’m gonna go far away and make my mom upset.”

Shanklin said he wishes Austin the best as he takes the next step in his life.

“It’s been exciting having him as part of the team all these years,” he said. “ … Just seeing his hard work all pay off and culminating with a state championship in the triple jump, that was pretty exciting.”

Bisceglia said he’s so happy that Baumeister won the boys Athlete of the Year award because he deserves it.

“If you get a kid like Austin, it’s unbelievable how that trickles down to really the juniors and sophomores and freshmen,” Bisceglia said. “Not only is he the hardest worker and most successful, but he’s the kind of kid that everybody wants to kinda be like. …

Couldn’t ask for a better kid.”

Athlete’s former teammates miss her already « MONTES From B1 is going, when someone makes a play, she’s in their face, telling them how great they’re doing, getting everybody riled up.”

Before graduating this spring, Montes left her mark in the classroom and in a trio of sports at Platte Valley.

She also left her mark with her teammates.

“She’s missed a lot already,” Seyler said. “We went to the first travel league (in summer volleyball), and we walk in and we’re like, ‘We miss Jazmin.’ ... Honestly, I think she left a little bit of herself in every single one of us.”

This past fall, Montes was arguably the top libero in the state in Class 3A, as the Broncos went 19-9 and qualified for state.

Her dig total of 584 — with just 96 digging errors — was the most in 3A by 77.

She was also a disruptive force on defense for Platte Valley’s girls basketball team (14-7), averaging 4.2 steals per game to go with 5.6 points and 3.2 rebounds.

She capped her stellar senior season by winning the 3A state track & field triple jump title with a leap of 35 feet, 2.5 inches. She also placed sixth at state in long jump (16’ 5.5”), a week after setting a personal record (17’ 4”) in the same event during the Patriot League meet.

She had 12 first-place finishes this past season in track.

“I feel like it was a really good way to end (high school), even though there were some struggles here and there,” said Montes, who will study and play volleyball at Northeastern Junior College this fall. “Altogether, I could leave Platte Valley with people knowing who I am. It was really nice to be able to do that.”

Montes also excels in the classroom. She has a 3.69 grade-point average, is a member of the National Honor Society, and she qualified for the National FCCLA Conference this summer.

“Just, in general, to see what a great little lady she is, it just makes me feel very proud,” said Carmen Pedrego, Jazmin’s mother. “I am very, very proud of her. There are

on the court, because she always smiles, never lets down.”

» The Jazmin Montes File » Platte Valley graduate » 5-foot-2 » Standout in volleyball, basketball and track » She’ll play volleyball as a defensive specialist for Northeastern Junior College next fall. » For the Broncos — who qualified for the Class 3A state volleyball tournament and had a 19-9 record this past fall — Montes had 584 digs, with just 96 digging errors.

Her dig total was the most in 3A by 77 digs. She was also strong at the service line, recording 31 aces, third-most on the team, in 84 sets. » She was just as big of a defensive pest in basketball, averaging 4.2 steals per game for the Broncos (14-7). She also averaged 5.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. » She capped her excellent senior year with a stellar campaign on the track. With long jump and triple jump being her primary events, Montes had 12 first-place finishes, winning the state triple jump title with a leap of 35 feet, 2.5 inches.

She was also sixth at state in long jump (16’ 5.5”). Just a week before state, she set her personal record in long jump, with a leap of 17’ 4” at the Patriot League meet. » Montes is also a standout student, recording a 3.69 gradepoint average. She is a National Honor Society member and a member of FCCLA. She qualified for the National FCCLA Conference this summer.

just no words to explain that.”

SUPPORT SYSTEM

At about 5-foot-2-inches tall, Montes packs so much positive energy in her petite frame, she probably could have spared Jefferson County a hefty utilities bill and lit up Jeffco Stadium herself after claiming her gold medal.

“She’s humble, she’s great ... she’s a true walking specimen of what young athletes should look up to,” Platte Valley volleyball coach Jared Rudiger said.

Montes’ positive approach toward sports, her studies and life in general, is no doubt aided by the vast support system Montes has, particularly from her tight-nit family.

“They have definitely played a huge part in where I am today,” Montes said. “They’ve always been there to support me and cheer me on, even if I make some dumb mistake. ... That really helps me out a lot, and it helps me have a better outlook.”

Of course, with Montes’ positive energy, any of Montes’ family members would view going to her volleyball matches, basketball games and track meets as more of a pleasure than a chore.

“She’s just not a person that gives up. ... She’s a fighter,” Pedrego said. “She has been that way since she was young, when she started school. ... When she was about to take a test, if she was worried about it, she would not rest until she knew she would do a great job. She has been that way all her life.”

Seyler said Montes’ energy and activity on the volleyball court inspired her entire team.

“There is nothing that fires me up more than when Jazmin is diving all over the place, getting balls up that probably no one else in the state can get up,” Seyler said.

“She’s jumping all over the place, and you know she’s out there working hard for the team. I think it just gets everyone fired up. ...

Just getting to know her is one of the greatest honors I’ve had, because she’s a great person on and off the court.”

A QUICK LEARNER

Somewhat remarkably, Montes is college-bound and will play volleyball on scholarship at NJC despite not really getting involved with sports until the seventh grade.

“I don’t think it was until prob-

COLLEGE BOUND

JIM RYDBOM/jrydbom@greeleytribune.com

PLATTE VALLEY’S JAZMIN MONTES, right, takes a shot over Frontier Academy’s Brenna Olson while playing in Kersey last season.

ably freshman year that I realized how much I really love (sports),” Montes said.

Montes didn’t play varsity volleyball until her junior year and has never played club volleyball.

Rudiger, who has coached Platte Valley for the past two seasons, said he’s seen Montes improve tremendously during that time.

“Really, the first contact I had with Jazmin was when I took over the program after track season was over (in 2012); she came to open gym,” Rudiger said. “She was a very raw volleyball player that first summer, but because of her quickness, foot speed and athletic ability, I knew she could be something special.”

Rudiger credited Montes as one of the biggest contributors to the Broncos’ return to the state tournament in 2012, after a twoyear absence.

“Her junior year, she was one of the turning points for us to be successful,” Rudiger said. “She just turned it on, and I think our kids enjoyed having that fresh attitude

Montes said that even though it hasn’t completely set in that she is done with high school, she is excited for the next chapter of her life.

“I’m really excited to live on my own and stuff like that,” Montes said. “But, I’m really happy to be close to home, too, so I can just come home on a weekend or something, because my family is really important to me.

“I’m really excited. It should be interesting to meet new people and be in a whole new environment.”

Montes drew the attention of NJC coach Jessica Squier and the Plainsmen coaching staff with a stellar performance at the Colorado Coaches of Girls Sports AllState match in November at Arvada West High School.

“The NJC coach called me the next day and said, ‘We want her.

We need her. The sky’s the limit for her here. Our players want her here. And, we need a starting libero. She has a chance to be our starting libero as a freshman,’ ” Rudiger said.

Rudiger said he expects the rapid progression he has seen from Montes the past two years to continue in college.

“The kid definitely has the chance at NJC to be the starting libero,” Rudiger said. “ She could go there and compete at the libero spot for two years, and she could really get picked up her junior year — if she choses to — to go play DI volleyball somewhere. ...

I don’t even think Jazmin realizes how good she is.”

Carmen said she is excited, knowing Jazmin is off to college but is a little anxious to see her daughter move out on her own.

“I am excited. I’m very, very excited for her,” Carmen said. “I am very proud of her. But, at the same time, just having to see her away from me, that makes me sad and it makes me cry, just to think about it. But, I know it’s good for her. ... You get to a point where you just have to let your children fly, and hopefully they fly really high, which I know she will.”

tty Im

Best preps

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« THE TRIBUNE « SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014

« B5

Platte Valley’s Johnson wins Heart & Soul honor « ATHLETES From B3 who finished with a 24-2 record and were the Class 3A state baseball runner-up this spring. He hit .455 with 21 RBI, three doubles and two triples and an on-base percentage of .538 in 22 games.

However, Nelson’s biggest contributions come on the mound. Nelson, who will pitch for the University of New Mexico next school year, had a 7-1 record with 41 strikeouts, 14 walks and a 1.05 ERA in 33 1⁄3 innings.

He was an unquestioned leader in the Reds’ dugout. » Brittany Pierce, Eaton track Brittany Pierce, an Eaton senior, was an absolute blur on the track this spring.

Pierce had 14 first-place finishes in individual events this season, none bigger than her first-place finish in the 400-meter dash at the Class 3A Track & Field Championships on May 17.

She completed the race with a personal record of 56.62 seconds at Jefferson County Stadium.

At state, she also had fourth-place finishes in the 200 (25.67) and the 100 (12.55).

In addition to her individual accomplishments, she was the anchor on Eaton’s meet record-breaking, state champion 800 sprint medley relay team (1:48.14).

Her big point production helped the Reds to a second-place finish in the girls team standings.

JIM RYDBOM/jrydbom@greeleytribune.com

EATON’S JAKE NELSON FIRES a pitch to

home plate while playing St. Mary in Eaton this past spring. Eaton won the game 11-0 to advance in the playoffs. state the past four years and were Region 4 champions in 2012 and 2013. In addition, the teams have been named Academic All-State by CHSAA all four years.

This spring, Shanklin coached the boys track & field team to a third-place finish, which is the highest in program history, and he had a state champion.

Both the boys and girls have had more than 50 state qualifiers in the past two years and made the Academic All-State team twice. The boys were also the Patriot League champions this season.

EATON’S BRITTANY PIERCE BEGINS sprinting as she runs in the 3A

» Heart & Soul Award

country and track programs from the ground up.

Both programs began just four years ago, but he has

» Trey Johnson, Platte Valley Perhaps no local athlete has displayed more heart and soul over the last couple years than Trey Johnson, a Platte Valley

FOR THE TRIBUNE/Kevin Jelden

» Coach of the Year » Brett Shanklin, Frontier Academy track and cross country Brett Shanklin has built Frontier Academy’s cross

State Championship 400-meter dash at Jeffco Stadium in Lakewood. already made huge strides in that time.

In the fall, Shanklin coached the boys cross country team to its first

Class 3A state title after the Wolverines had taken third place the year before.

Both the boys and girls teams have qualified for

senior.

Johnson suffered a severe head injury during a game against Eaton on Oct. 12, 2012. The injury may have ended his football career but it did not stop him from being the Broncos’ biggest supporter during their run to the Class 2A state championship this past November.

He was even the first Platte Valley player to hoist the championship trophy.

Broncos players and members of the Platte Valley community showed their support for Johnson by displaying the No. 22, which Johnson wore while still playing football.

Johnson spent the better part of a year regaining his physical and cognitive skills.

This past spring, he returned to athletics, running for the Broncos’ track team, competing in sprints and relays.

Banner Health North Colorado Medical Center Proud Supporters of All Weld County Prep Athletes

The staff at North Colorado Sportsmedicine offers diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation care for injured athletes of all ages and skill levels including on-site sports medicine physicians and complete rehabilitation programs for athletes. We specialize in physical therapy, manual therapy and athletic training services. In addition, we offer injury prevention and performance enhancement training using the Frappier Acceleration Sports Training program; designed to make athletes faster and stronger while reducing the risk of injury. This performance enhancement program features: • State-of-the-art motion analysis software used to review and improve skills • Close cooperation with coaches and athletes on team strengthening and prevention programs to reduce the risk of injuries.

For information on North Colorado Sportsmedicine programs, or to schedule an appointment, please call Tracy (970) 392-2496.

For information on Frappier Acceleration Sports Training, please call (970) 392-2107.

1517 16th Ave. Ct. Greeley, CO 80631 (970) 392-2496 Fax: (970) 392-2072

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Best preps

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SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 » THE TRIBUNE

2014 OUTSTANDING ATHLETES Staff reports

FALL » Volleyball — Kortney Lockey, Eaton: Lockey was a force for the state champion Reds (27-1), leading the team in kills (380, second in 3A), while ranking second in aces (53) and digs (335). » Boys Cross Country — Chris Baker, Frontier Academy: As a senior, Baker led the Wolverines to their first 3A team title. Individually, he placed fifth at the state meet (17 minutes, 16.9 seconds). » Girls Cross Country — Makayla Santos, Frontier Academy: Santos, a senior, placed second in the 3A state meet with a time of 20:07.3. She led the Wolverines to a fourthplace team finish. » Football — Ty Eichman, Dayspring Christian: Eichman was a strong senior leader for the 1A 8-man champion Eagles (13-0) and was also a statistical standout. He had 940 rushing yards, 604 receiving yards, 18 total touchdowns and 86 tackles. » Softball — Bridgette Hutton, Valley: Hutton excelled at the plate and in the pitcher’s circle for the Vikings (15-8). She hit a team-high .475 with 15 RBI, seven doubles, five triples and 22 runs scored. As a pitcher, she went 9-1 with 106 strikeouts, 18 walks and a 1.04 earned-run average. » Boys Soccer — Colin Kerr, Frontier Academy: As a senior, Kerr helped the Wolverines (16-1) to the 3A state quarterfinals, recording team-highs of 28 goals and 12 assists. » Boys Tennis — Andrew Struzenberg, Greeley Central: As a senior, Struzenberg led a group of 11 Wildcat players into the 4A state tournament. He was Central’s No. 1 singles player. » Boys Golf — Joe Lee, Greeley Central: Lee consistently performed at a high level throughout the season, qualifying for the 4A state meet, at which he tied for 37th (82-85-167). » Cheer/Pom — Rachel Baldwin, Greeley West: Baldwin brought the spirit to arguably Weld’s deepest and most talented spirit squad.

WINTER

» Boys Basketball — Matt Gar-

JOSHUA POLSON/jpolson@greeleytribune.com

SWIMMERS MORGAN KING, LEFT, and Morgan Friesen flex their muscles together while posing for a photo with former

Denver Broncos running back Reggie Rivers, middle, during The Tribune Best Preps award ceremony. cia, Greeley Central: As a senior, Garcia packed plenty of punch in his pint-sized frame, leading the Wildcats (19-7) with 16 points to go with two assists and 1.8 steals per game. He shot 43 percent from 3-point range. » Girls Basketball — Darian Hale, Briggsdale: Despite being just a sophomore, Hale helped lead the Falcons (19-6) to the 1A semifinals. She averaged 16.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and two steals per game. » Girls Swimming & Diving — Morgan King, Greeley West: After a stellar sophomore campaign a year ago, King was every bit as impressive this past winter. She qualified for the 5A state meet,

placing fifth in the 100-yard butterfly (56.07 seconds), tying for 11th in the 50-yard freestyle (24.38). » Wrestling — Jackson Wright, Valley: Wright was almost unbeatable throughout his senior season, finishing 46-4. He capped his season with a 13-3 major decision win against Monte Vista’s Simon Schaefer in the 3A 170-pound finals.

SPRING » Baseball — Colton Lind, Eaton: Lind, a senior, provided a big bat (.535, 34 RBI) and reliable presence behind the plate for Eaton (23-2), the 3A state runner-up.

He had seven doubles, two triples and three home runs on 38 hits.

» Boys Track — Landon Gonser, Greeley Central: Gonser, a senior, recorded a school record in the triple jump (44 feet, 10.5 inches) at the St. Vrain Invitational on May 2 as part of a stellar season. He had 11 first-place finishes. » Girls Track — Miranda Mathiason, Highland: Mathiason capped her superb junior season with a first-place finish (100 hurdles, 15.05), a second (300 hurdles, 46.35) and a third (100 dash, 13.02) at the 2A state track meet. » Girls Soccer — Hannah Braun, Frontier Academy: Braun, a senior, helped take the Wolverines (13-3-2) to new heights, recording a team-high 32 goals on 92 shots

to go with 10 assists. She led Frontier to its first quarterfinals appearance. » Girls Tennis — Paige Crews, Greeley West: Crews (16-3), a senior, advanced all the way to the state quarterfinals at No. 1 singles in the 5A state meet. » Girls Golf — Sammy Geisick, Greeley Unified: Geisick capped her fine senior season by tying for 24th at the 4A state meet with a score of 178 (87-91). » Boys Swimming — Brody Lewis, Greeley West: Lewis was stellar as a sophomore, winning the first conference individual championship since the school moved to 5A, winning the 100yard breaststroke in 1:00.08.

The Greeley Mall is in search of the

CUTEST COWPOKE

in all of Weld County!

A reward will be offered to the person who submits a picture of their cute cowpoke and gets the most votes from the Greeley Tribune audience.

Submit a photo and cast your vote by June 26th.

The verdict will be announced soon after.

Go to www.greeleytribune.com/cutestcowpoke

« THE TRIBUNE « SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014

« B7

Real Estate Solutions

WHAT DOES C3 MEAN? CHARACTER. CULTURE. COMMITMENT.

They are the cornerstones of the C3 Real Estate Solutions dedication to service at the highest levels. With three offices in Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley, C3 Real Estate Solutions is a full service real estate firm specializing in bringing buyers and sellers together by integrating the highest level of personal service and knowledge with state-of-the-art technology and community involvement.

The founders, Jesse Laner and John Simmons have come together to form a trusting, professional and dedicated team and business. Loving what they do is their driving force for success. Helping people find their dream home has become a passion and the long relationships they build with clients is proof. Real Estate is about people, not property. C3 provides a setting that caters to the needs of their clients, doing everything to make buying or selling a home the best experience possible.

Because of John and Jesse and their commitment to excellence, they have been nationally and internationally recognized as top producers and have received numerous designations, recognitions, and accolades.

C3 has built their success by hiring the right people. Our staff is truly the best. They love what they do and are the heart of our company. They treat every customer with the utmost respect. The team has grown from the original two partners to a company of 45 in just over a year. They have 6 full time staff members who possess decades of the experience and the company has collectively closed on more than 280 transactions since the beginning of 2013.

The company is run with a focus on balancing priorities of faith, family, friends, fun (work), finances, fitness and giving back to the community.

Character, culture, commitment is C3 Real Estate Solutions’ winning combination for everyone and as such it is with great pride that C3 is a sponsor of the Greeley Tribune Best Preps banquet. One of many aspects of Achieving Community Excellence with City Manager Roy Otto and The City of Greeley & District 6 aims at leadership & character building in youth & coaches. C3 knows that this is foundational for the community to reach its full potential and impact youth. We honor and celebrate the accomplishments and impact and legacy of athletes and coaches in this region.

ALEX ALVAR EZ ABOUT ME After spending years in the banking industry, I decided that the real estate industry was where I wanted to be. I love helping and serving others and felt that my personality, experience, and background fit this profession best.

MISSION STATEMENT I believe putting people and their needs above my own and conducting business with integrity, transparency, creativity, and hard work will pay the greatest dividends in the end and leave a lasting legacy. I love building relationships, serving others, and strive to help people achieve their real estate goals.

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 2014 BEST PREPS ACE 209 E. 4TH STREET LOVELAND CO, 80537 970.800-3181

7251 W. 20TH ST. UNIT D GREELEY CO, 80525 970-568-5459

2720 COUNCIL TREE AVE. FT. FOLLINS CO, 80525 970-225-5152

WWW.C3REALESTATESOLUTIONS.COM

B8 »

SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 » THE TRIBUNE

Better health

begins here.

Your primary care provider is your personal guide to better health.

There’s peace in knowing you have someone who knows you, your family history, how to help you avoid potential problems and how to tackle problems when they do arise.

If you ever need advanced care, your primary care provider is also your connection to the network of world-class specialists and technologies of University of Colorado Health.

Now welcoming new patients With more than 45 caring primary care providers throughout northern Colorado, you’re never far from a UCHealth provider who specializes in family medicine or internal medicine.

GREELEY Internal Medicine, 1900 16th St. Family Medicine, 5881 W. 16th St. WINDSOR Family Medicine, 1455 Main St.

Choose better health. Choose UCHealth.

Call 970.347.8819 to find a doctor near you.