Golf starts out strong, Tennis starts next week, Cross Country runs September 8
With CHSAA’s notification last week that only Cross Country, Boys Golf, and Boys Tennis will be competing this fall due to the pandemic, CA’s athletes have started the season well. Golf began practice during the week of August 3, and competition began last Thursday, August 6, at Flatirons Golf Course. The Mustangs were victorious in their first match, with a two-stroke victory over second place Kent Denver and 30-stroke distance over third place Prospect Ridge. The team's second match took place on Monday, and the Mustangs came up one stroke short to the eventual winner, Kent Denver, but were in striking distance right up to the last hole. The team's third match was on Wednesday at the Omni, a long and challenging course. CA tied for second behind the eventual winner, Arapahoe HS. Leading the way for Coach Beth Folsom’s group are Senior Jamie Smith, Juniors Bo Turnage and Jack Pashel, and Sophomore JT Timmers. It will be scrappy challenges throughout this shortened season, with the state championship taking place October 5 and 6 in Gunnison, Colo.
Tennis, led by second-year head of program Noah Tondre, is currently working through intrasquad challenge matches and focused on their first match on Friday, August 21 vs. D’Evelyn at CA. Tondre, an experienced pro who always exhibits an even keel and measured approach with his players, is excited about the season. “We have a lot of great players, and our depth will be strong; the work to date has been really strong.” Seniors Nick Dietrich and Ryan Gaghen are impressive contenders for the #1 and #2 spots, with Sophomore Fabi Frenz vying for a singles spot as well. It should be noted that, because of the change in the CHSAA calendar and how it has affected other sports, Tennis has gained some strong, dynamic athletes who want to compete on the courts this fall. Stay tuned, Tennis is looking to make a deep run in the regional and state tournaments!
Head of Cross Country Annie Bennett is back for her second season leading the harriers, with help from assistant coach and Upper School English teacher, Mike Stanitski. Bennett’s team also saw an influx of those new to Cross Country, because of the delay to the Soccer, Field Hockey, and Volleyball seasons. The relatively young squad is led by Junior boys Gavin Hewitt and Cole Siegler, as well as a trio of Sophomores, Bradley Troyer, Aiden Collins, and Toren Knepper. Senior girls Ellie Wadsworth and Catherine O’Halloran, both new to Cross Country, look to bring their state championship grit and attitude from Field Hockey and will be counted on to provide leadership and perspective to Bennett’s squad, as they head into their first meet on September 8 at the Denver West Cowboy invite at Denver West HS. According to Bennett, her team understands how lucky they are to be given the opportunity to run and compete, and they as a team “respect the importance of representing CA with the highest standards.”
I’m thankful for all of our coaches' leadership and excited to support and cheer on the CA athletes this fall. We are all presented with a new set of challenges this year. Just like the student-athletes who are working so hard during these early days, let’s meet these obstacles with a positive “we can do this” attitude. Mask up, Mustangs, and carry on!
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