17 minute read
Athletics and Activities Wrap Up
2020-21 Activity & Club Recap
Visual and Performing Arts All-State Orchestra
Claire Robertson '23 was selected to the 2021 Colorado AllState Orchestra as a cellist.
Theatre
History in the making! For the first time in school history, the Drama Club staged a musical, Bright Star: Concert Version, outside on McNicholas Green. Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, the concert version of the show is crafted to be performed on any stage, so leant itself well to being produced outside. To prepare a show during COVID restrictions, the actors rehearsed exclusively either online and outside; pit band pre-recorded the instrumental track for the actors; and tech crew exercised ingenuity in building the sets and keeping the props simple to allow incredible flexibility. Of four planned performances, two were able to happen due to mercurial spring weather. Fortunately, RJ Media captured one of them on camera; watch it here: www.regisjesuit.com/BrightStar.
2020-21 Honor Bands
Moira Newman '22 was selected to perform the clarinet in both the University of Colorado's 2021 Honor Band and the Furman University Virtual Honor Band in February 2020.
Arrupe Club Club Highlights
On February 14, the Girls Division Arrupe Club organized an hour-long “Spread the Love” Valentine’s Day drive-thru parade of about 50 students, decorating vehicles and bringing cheer to the residents of Chelsea Place, a senior living facility specializing in memory and Alzheimer's care.
Esports Club
The Esports Club team of Teddy Armatas '22, Alex Casillas '22, Matthew Collins '21, Dax Morley '22, Dirk Morley '23 and Johny Vu '22 took second place in the CHSAA Varsity League of Legends State Finals.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Nine out of 21 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Club members are heading to the National Leadership Conference this summer after successfully competing in the State Leadership Competition. Four additional students finished in the top ten in the State competition. Congratulations to National qualifiers Sorin Beals '23, Cameron Cary '22, Rachel Cooper '24, Joshua Dermer '22, Meredith Garnsey '23, Kamden Lai '23, Dean Miller '24, Andrew Simon '22 and Sam Walters '22. A special congratulations to Andrew Simon ’22 who was crowned the 2021 State Champion in the Personal Finance category.
Mock Trial
FIRST PLACE AT REGIONALS! For a fourth consecutive year, the Mock Trial A team won the Arapahoe County Regional Tournament earning them a spot in the State Tournament in March. The team fi nished second overall in the virtual State competition. Maddie Proctor '21 won Best Attorney, and Juliette Bruner '21 was named Best Witnesses for her category.
RJ Coding Team
Computer Programming students Alex Casillas '22, Oliver Howe '24, Ian Kilty '22 and Dean Miller '24 formed a team and competed at the Colorado School of Mines High School Programming Competition, fi nishing fourth among Colorado teams.
RJ Special Olympics
More than 200 Regis Jesuit students and faculty took part in this year's annual Polar Plunge on April 17 raising a total of $26,888 for Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO). Regis Jesuit was awarded both the Highest Fundraising Team and Coolest School by SOCO. Catelyn Billings ’23, Dylan McCollough ’23 and Kameron Rendek ’24 were the top three fundraisers for Regis Jesuit.
RJ Students for Life
Continuing the tradition of hosting one of the largest studentled diaper drives in the country, students and employees donated more than 32,800 diapers to the Students for Life Club’s annual Diaper Drive in the fall. The diapers and other supplies were donated to Catholic Charities of Denver and Alternatives Pregnancy Center to support young families in need.
RJ Media
Congratulations to RJ Media for winning fi rst place in the "Social Justice Reporting" Best of Show category at the 2020 NSPA Fall National High School Journalism Convention. In addition, Elevate magazine was named one of 60 publications nominated by the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) as fi nalists in its prestigious Pacemaker competition, honoring the best of the best in print media. You can read their award-winning cover story "Racial Justice: Rooted in Love" by visiting RJMediaNow.com.
Speech & Debate
Congratulations to the four students who competed in the 2021 National Speech & Debate Tournament in June: Laura Miller '21, Peyton Ralston '22, Kevin Reyes '21 and Ashlyn Viereck '22. This is Reyes’ second consecutive time qualifying to compete at Nationals.
Held virtually in March, Abigail Donovan ‘23, Jasline Becerra ‘24, Sabrina Vizurraga ‘22, Michele Chinn ’22 and Wyatt Warr ’22 collaborated with students from 19 Jesuit schools in 13 diff erent countries on projects focused on several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals aiming to demonstrate and promote the Jesuit Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs). Regis Jesuit was one of only fi ve Jesuit high schools from the United States chosen to participate in the inaugural Jesuit Student Global Activism Leadership Summit.
In lieu of sending a delegation of students and staff to Washington, D.C. this year, our 15th year offering this faith formation experience for students, 30 students and staff participated virtually from the Regis Jesuit campus via livestream meetings, presentations, small group discussions and prayer. They joined more than 6000 students and adults from across the world seeking a deeper encounter with themselves, others and God and to learn, pray, network and advocate for social justice. This year's delegation continued to meet throughout the year to discover ways to share their encounters with the larger Regis Jesuit community.
International Samaritan 5K Run/Walk
On October 16, 125 students, faculty, staff and parents walked or ran five kilometers around campus as part of teams to raise funds to support students in Guatemala, Ethiopia, Honduras and Jamaica through International Samaritan, a long-time Regis Jesuit service partner. Through the sponsorship of more than 300 donors, teams raised more than $23,500 or enough to provide 79 tablets to International Samaritan scholars. Watch a story from RJ Media about the 5K to learn more about the work of and our partnership with International Samaritan at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEF47nbu6nQ. In January, a group of RJ students joined Jesuit schools from across the world in participating in the 48th annual March for Life. Students participated on campus as a retreat experience, learning how to represent and give voice to the vulnerable and build a culture of life at all stages and ages.
Mission Szn
Led by RJ's Servant Leadership Class, this year’s Mission Szn was a huge success, raising nearly $15,000 to support this year's student-chosen organizations: Kino Border Initiative, Marisol Homes and First Nations! The school community rallied together for dress-down days, a dodgeball debacle, the first-ever Amazing Race, virtual pep rally and one-of-a-kind experiences with faculty and staff to raise funds and awareness for organizations in need and promote philanthropy amongst the students.
NHS Blood Drive
Over two days in the fall, the National Honor Society held a record-breaking annual blood drive in which students, parents and employees donated more than 65 units of blood, doubling the drive’s goal and saving a total of 195 lives! Regis Jesuit was recognized for holding the top in-school blood drive in the "Drive for Life" High School Challenge and was presented with a $2000 check by the Denver Broncos and Vitalant for this impressive effort. NHS chose to redirect these monies to support our first-ever Wish Week in support of the Make-AWish Foundation.
In our eighth year of engagement with this impactful program, 18 students and four faculty members participated virtually in the UN Commission on the Status of Women conference in March, normally held in person at the United Nations in New York City. Students participated in these impactful meetings and discussions centered on the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in education, training, science and technology and employment and were grateful for the experience and opportunity to participate.
Wish Week
In what is sure to become a new school tradition, Regis Jesuit students, faculty and staff participated in the school's firstever Wish Week, helping to bring the wish of a three-yearold battling leukemia to fruition through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Led by the Servant Leadership Class, Wish Week presented multiple fun, community-building fundraising opportunities for students and faculty to participate in throughout the week. The inaugural Wish Week concluded with a special video message from Super Bowl Champion Quarterback, Peyton Manning, and garnered nearly $20K in support, almost twice the goal, all the while helping to further foster a culture of philanthropy among our students.
2020-21 Athletics Recap
In response to COVID, the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) adjusted this year’s athletic seasons, adding a fourth season, modifying the time of year for some sports and shortening most seasons. We applaud our studentathletes, coaches, athletic trainers and athletic directors for their flexibility and sportsmanship in representing Regis Jesuit well on the field, court, ice, mat, pool and pitch this year. Go Raiders!
FALL – Season A
GIRLS Cross Country
The Girls Cross Country Team had another strong season and sent two individual runners to the 2020 Class 5A State Meet in October. Amelie Colsman '22 and Mikayla Smith '21 ran strong races for the Raiders, finishing 35th and 80th place respectively, both improving their times over last year's State meet.
Rugby
The Girls Rugby Team finished their season with a 5-10 record. Due to its growing popularity, a Junior Varsity team was added to their program, inviting many newcomers to the sport.
Softball
Continental League Coach of the Year, Meredith Feik, led the Girls Varsity Softball Team to the 5A State Championship Tournament, only the second time in school history. Consistent outstanding performances by Chloe Valdez ‘21, Kilee Stortz ‘21 and Lanie Smith ’21 were key factors for the Raiders' success this year.
BOYS Cross Country
The Boys Cross Country Team had a great season and recorded outstanding performances by their full roster of more than 50 runners.
Golf
THIRD AT STATE! The Boys Golf Team finished third in State, including a tournament-best two over on day two of the tournament. Ryan Occhionero ‘21 finished in a tie for second place, Teddy Hummel ’21 placed 16th overall and Liam Wood ’22 placed 22nd.
Football
The Varsity Football Team finished the regular season with a 5-1 record and sealed their spot in the playoffs after a gameending field goal in a 17-14 win against Pine Creek. The Raiders lost to eventual State Champions Cherry Creek in the first round of the playoffs. Their run-heavy offense averaged 27 points per game while their strong defense only allowed 13 points per game. A total of 10 players earned First Team All-Conference selections and four earned Second Team AllConference selections.
Tennis
STATE RUNNER-UP! It was another successful season for Boys Varsity Tennis going 6-1 on the regular season. They took First Place at Regionals and finished Second Place in the CHSAA 5A State Championship. Morgan Shilling ’21 won back-to-back State Championship Titles in No. 1 Singles.
WINTER – Season B
GIRLS Basketball
STATE RUNNER UP AND INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMP! Girls Varsity Basketball went 8-0 in League play and took second place in the CHSAA 5A State Championship, losing to undefeated Valor Christian. The Raiders, led by Avery Vansickle ‘21, Samantha Jones ‘21 and Jordan Jones ‘22, put up big scores during the season, often beating opponents by an average of 37 points and averaged an efficient 63.5 points per game. Vansickle was named to First Team All-State and First Team All-Conference teams. Samantha Jones earned Second Team All-State and First Team All-Conference honors. Jordan Jones, along with Savitri Jackson '23, received Second Team All-Conference honors. Carl Mattei was selected as the Continental League 2021 Coach of the Year.
Photo Credit: Courtney Oakes | Sentinel Colorado
Cheer
Varsity Cheer had an incredible regular season taking the Continental League Title and placing 17th at the State Spirit Competition in March.
Poms
With continued success this year, the Varsity Poms Team placed third at Dance Team Union Regionals, second in the Continental League and fourth overall at State. Seven athletes were named to the 2020-21 Colorado Spirit Coaches Association All-Colorado Spirit Team.
THIRD PLACE AT STATE! The Girls Swim & Dive Team earned their fourth consecutive third-place State Championship Title. Allie Sanchez '22, Emma Weber '22, Greta Leege '22 and Rosie Jump '23 finished third in the 200-yard medley relay. Emma Weber '22 claimed individual State titles in both the 200 IM and the 100-yard breaststroke, where she also set a new State record with a time of 59.93 seconds! She also received First Team All-State honors. Due to quarantine restrictions, only 17 out of the 27 Top 20 State swimmers participated in this year’s State meet.
Wrestling
STATE RUNNER-UP! In their second year as CHSAA sport, Girls Wrestling celebrated lots of success on the mat. The season was highlighted by Alexis Segura’s ’24 second-place finish at State. She was also selected to Second Team All-State.
BOYS Basketball
Battling through various injuries and quarantines throughout the season, the Boys Basketball Team fought hard and finished the regular season with an overall record of 12-1, earning a spot in the Elite 8 round of the CHSAA 5A Playoffs. They lost in a hard-fought matchup to George Washington by two points. Blakeley Stoughton ’21 and Michael Wolf ’21 received First Team All-Conference and All-State Honorable Mention honors. Kyle Sandler ‘22 and Alonzo Paul ’21 received Second Team All-Conference distinctions.
Hockey
Boys Varsity Hockey had an incredible regular season run finishing with an overall record of 12-1. They advanced to the Frozen Four playoff matchup, losing in overtime to Valor Christian, who went on to win the tournament. Eight players earned All-State and All-Conference honors for the 2020-21 season.
Wrestling
THREE-TIME STATE CHAMPION! Boys Wrestling had another great year highlighted by Antonio Segura’s ‘21, pictured below, third consecutive State Championship Title. Undefeated with an overall record of 23-0, Segura was named the Continental League Wrestler of the Year and selected to First Team All-State. Coach Brent Bieshaar was also named Continental League Coach of the Year. Zavier Carroll '22 and Garrett Padgett '22 were named First Team Continental League, and Dirk Morley '23 and Zion Taylor '23 earned Honorable Mention honors.
SPRING - Season C
GIRLS Field Hockey
STATE CHAMPIONS! The Girls Varsity Field Hockey Team finished their season with a 9-1 record, losing only once to Cherry Creek, but beating them in a thrilling sudden-death double overtime to secure their second State Championship. Four athletes were selected to 2020-21 CHSAA All-State Teams for their outstanding performances this season. Katie Loftus '22 and Cate Lord '21 each earned First Team All-State distinctions and Lily Castiglione '22 and Ellie Johnson '22 were selected to Second Team All-State. In addition, Coach Spencer Wagner was selected as the 2020-21 Coach of the Year.
Volleyball
Girls Varsity Volleyball ended the 2020-21 season with an overall record of 8-8 and participated in Regionals under the leadership of Zoe Butler ’21. They have several strong underclass players and are looking forward to another great season next year.
BOYS Soccer
Boys Varsity Soccer had a historic regular season going undefeated and not allowing a single goal during league play, winning the Continental League Championship Title. They suffered a heartbreaking loss in the final few minutes of their first-round playoff matchup against Cherry Creek, allowing their first and only goal of the season. Three players earned All-State distinctions for the 2020-21 CHSAA Season C; Alejandro Herrera '21 and Trey Tomlin '21 were selected to Second Team All-State and Tanner Scarth '21 received Honorable Mention honors.
SPRING - Season D
GIRLS Golf
Girls Varsity Golf had another exciting season and sent two players, Emaan Adil ’21 and Caitlin Neumann ‘23 to compete in the 5A State Championship Tournament at City Park Country Club in June.
Lacrosse
Another strong season for Girls Varsity Lacrosse as they made it to the Semifinal round for the 5A State Championship, losing in a close matchup to Valor Christian. The Raiders closed out the regular season with an overall record of 6-4.
Soccer
Under the tutelage of Coach Will Cropper ‘98, the Girls Varsity Soccer Team placed second in the CHSAA 5A Continental League, completing the season with an overall league record of 7-1-2. The Raiders season ended short in a first round of playoffs with a loss to Rocky Mountain High School.
Tennis
The Girls Varsity Tennis Team finished their season in ninth place in the Continental League. Five players/teams advanced to the Class 5A State Tournament in June: Madison Wei ’23 - No. 3 Singles; Ally Gosser ’21/Paige Wolf ’23 - No. 2 Doubles; and Stella Fitzgerald ’21/Lucy Filippini ’24 - No. 4 Doubles competed in the first round of the tournament. The No. 1 Doubles team of Ella Cherveny ’21/Tara Connolly ’21 and No. 3 Doubles team of Madeline Roper ‘21/Mary Clare Watts ’24 both advanced to the quarterfinals round.
INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP! Girls Varsity Track & Field had another strong performance and set two new school records this season. Fabiola Belibi ’22 bested her own school record earlier in the year with a new distance of 19.7 feet in Long Jump, the event in which she also claimed the 2020-21 State Title. Belibi also place second at State in the 100- and 300-Meter Hurdles. Rylie Ward ’21 capped off her senior year by setting a new school record in discus at 188.5 feet. The Raiders finished in 12th place at State to end the season.
BOYS Baseball
Varsity went 12-5 on the season, led by strong pitching by Alec Willis ’21 and a strong hitting team. In one game this season, the team blasted 13 home runs setting a national record for second-most all-time homers in a game. The Raiders suffered a disappointing loss in the first round of Regionals, ending their incredible season.
Lacrosse
Finishing second place in the Continental League with a record of 7-1, the sixth-ranked team advanced to the Semifinal round of the 5A State Tournament, losing in a close game to No. 2 Valor Christian by a final score of 10-7. Long-time head coach, Jim Soran, was celebrated for his 30 years of coaching with the program and his 350th all-time win.
Rugby
STATE CHAMPS! Coach Anthony Mattacchione and the Boys Varsity Rugby Team went undefeated on the season and capped off their extraordinary winning streak with a 33-17 victory against Palmer High School to claim the inaugural 2021 Boys Colorado Rugby Association (CIRA) Championship Title. STATE RUNNER-UP AND INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS! Boys Varsity Swim & Dive won the 2021 Continental A League Championship Title, taking first place in 50 Freestyle, and the 200 and 400 Freestyle Relay. The Raiders had an equally impressive performance at the Class 5A State Championships in June, taking second place as a team with a total of 400.5 points behind first-place Cherry Creek and claiming two individual titles. Gio Aguirre '22 placed first in the 100 Free, and Quinn Henninger '21 clinched the 2021 Dive State Championship, his second high school career title, also setting a new State Diving record.
Photo Credit: Courtney Oakes | Sentinel Colorado
Track & Field
INDIVIDUAL STATE TITLE! The Boys Varsity Track & Field Team, led by Head Coach Ryan Taylor, had another successful season which ended with a Class 5A State title for D’Andre Barnes ’23 in the 200 Meter with a season-best time of 21.69 seconds. Barnes also placed third in the 100 Meter Dash. Nunie Tuitele ‘22 had a strong season and took second place in discus at State. Overall, the boys team placed fourth at the State Meet.
Volleyball
In the first official season as a CHSAA sport, Coach Kristi Gauss’ 11th-ranked Boys Varsity Volleyball Team ended the regular season in tenth place, qualifying them to play in the Class 5A Regional Tournament. They beat six-seeded Bear Creek in Regionals but eventually lost in a hard-fought match against No. 1 Douglas County in the Quarterfinal round of the Class 5A State Volleyball Championship Tournament.
