2012 Winter sports preview

2 November 2012 Winter Sports Preview 2012

Caring for Student AthletesFor the past 7 years, In Motion therapy has provided care for injured athletes at Montrose and Olathe High Schools for ALL sports, during ALL seasons. Through our High School outreach program, we work directly through the school district as a member of the staff, treating hundreds of injuries at the school while working directly with the administrative staff and the coaches to keep the athletes on the ¬� eld as safe as possible.

Injury prevention is one of the aspects of the Athletic Training program that has been taken very seriously in the past year in two ways:1. ACL prevention program for all female athletes – Non-contact ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament ) tears are prevalent in High School sports, and most commonly in female contact sports. Sudies have shown that a properly implemented program can reduce these injuries by up to 70%. That simply means fewer season ending injuries for our female athletes.2. Concussion management – Montrose County School District has worked very closely with local doctors and the Athletic Trainers from In Motion Therapy to develop one of the leading concussion management systems in the state, encompassing both High Schools and the middle schools in the district. When a head injury does happen to an athlete in the district, in or out of season, know they will get the best care before returning to their � eld of play. In Motion Therapy is honored to have the responsibility of taking care of the local athletes, and takes this very seriously. Keeping the athletes out of the clinic, and without injury is our primary objective.

In Motion Therapy would also like to welcome and introduce our newest team member Ryan Williams. Specializing in manual physical therapy, Ryan has brought an excellent spirit and wealth of knowledge to our growing community.

Please come visit our NEW WEBSITE and meet the crew here! While online, friend the In Motion Facebook account and ‘like’ us.

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Staff Contributors:Publisher:

Francis Wick

Writers:Mike Easterling, Daily Press managing editor

Matt Lindberg, Daily Press news editorCassie Stewart, Daily Press intern

Will Hearst, Daily Press staff writer

Photographers:

Nate Wick, Daily Press design editorWill Hearst, Daily Press staff writer

Sarah Hall, freelancer

Advertising:Dennis Anderson, Daily Press ad director

Lindsey Krol, Daily Press advertising assistantMichael Dunn, Daily Press advertising representativeCarrie Bales, Daily Press advertising representative

Design:Matt Lindberg, Daily Press news editor

Nate Wick, Daily Press design editor

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The big 10Olathe High wrestling squad seeks 10th consecutive

league title, continued success this yearBy Matt Lindberg

Daily Press News Editor

OLATHE — Olathe High wrestling coach TeeJay Rose stood inside the school’s gymnasium one recent evening watching his grapplers leave the building after putting in a couple of hours of work.

Sure, it was still weeks before the season was set to com-mence, but the Olathe program has always been about going above and beyond. That work ethic has helped the Pirates build a highly respected legacy, which includes numerous state champions and Western Slope League championships. In fact, this season, the Pirates will be chas-ing their 10th consecutive WSL title.

“You always expect a lot, and the kids seem to step it up and meet the challenges we put in front of them,” Rose stated confidently. “Some of that is the kids we have here in Olathe are just hard-working, hard-nosed kids. When you have those kinds of kids, it makes our job easy.”

The Pirates are without three-time Class 2A state champi-on Zach Shank, who graduated in May, but the roster boasts plenty of talent, the coach said.

It starts with returning state qualifiers Troy Rose, Jacob Solseth, Ben Pridy, Trenton Piatt and Austin Shank, the younger brother of the former Pirate.

“You’re not going to replace a kid like Zach, who is a four-time state finisher,” Rose assured. “But those five kids, I’d match them up against anybody.”

The coach said he expects a lot out of the five grapplers on and off the mats.

“Leadership,” Rose said. “Those five have got great leader-ship.”

The rest of the roster will feature wrestlers with varied levels of experience, but significant talent, according to the coach.

Throughout the season, the Pirates will face fierce com-petition in duals, including Grand Junction, Gunnison, Salida, Delta and Hotchkiss high schools. They also will participate in tournaments in Montrose and Florence, as well as the Warrior Classic, a premier tournament held in Grand Junction.

“The schedule hasn’t changed much,” Rose said. “I think we have got to have a tough schedule in order to be at the spot we want to be in February (the state tournament).”

As far as expectations go, the Pirates’ leader kept it simple.

“I want them to come out and work hard every day,” Rose said. “I think if they come out and work hard every day, then everything we want to achieve will take care of itself.”

Nate Wick/Daily Press

Olathe wrestler Troy Rose takes down Andrew Hawk during a preseason practice at Olathe High School.

Friday, Nov. 30 at Mesa Duals

(Grand Junction) ............................................. 8 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 6 at Grand Junction ............... 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 7 vs. Paonia ................................. 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8 at Delta Tournament ........... 8 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 13 at Montrose ....................... 7 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, Dec.14-15 at Warrior Classic

(Grand Junction) ............................................ TBA

Thursday, Dec. 20 vs. Delta ............................. 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 11 vs. Berthoud .......................... 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 12 at Montrose Tournament .. 9 a.m.

Friday, Jan. 18 at Salida .................................. 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 19 at Florence Tournament ... 9 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 24 vs. Gunnison ...................... 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 25 at Hotchkiss ............................ 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 2 at Centauri Tournament ....... TBA

Friday, Feb. 8 at League Duals .......................... TBA

Saturday, Feb. 9 at Nucla Tournament ............ TBA

Friday-Saturday, Feb. 14-15 at Regionals

(Grand Valley) ................................................. TBA

Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 21-23 at State

(Denver) ........................................................... TBA

OHS WreStling ScHedules


Carrying on a winning tradition

lady Pirates look to defend league title, head back to state this season

By Matt Lindberg


OLATHE — For the last six years, winning has become the expectation for the Olathe High girls basketball squad. After all, last season the Lady Pirates won their third Western Slope League title in four years and earned their second trip to the Class 3A state playoffs in three years.

This season, the Olathe girls are without last year’s senior lead-ers: Tawni Middleton, Kylie Tait, Bethany Cox and Brenda Suarez. But don’t count out the Lady Pirates this year, because OHS head coach Paul Althaus expects his team to remain a contender.

“I don’t see it as a rebuilding year at all,” Althaus explained. “Five or six years ago, the kids started establishing a tradition, a mentality, for us. It’s something we want to continue each year.

“My every expectation is that we’ll be in Fort Collins (the site of the Class 3A state playoffs) again. It’s not something I just say to get the kids fired up. I think we have the talent to get there.”

This season, the Lady Pirates will be led by senior forward Hal-ey Turley, a three-year veteran.

“Haley has always been a very aggressive player,” Althaus said. “She’s a player with a lot of fire and desire on the floor. I am extremely pleased with her effort on the floor.”

Fellow seniors Erica Godfrey and Kayla Pacheco also will re-turn to the varsity lineup, as will

junior Brooke Cryer and sopho-mores Amanda Kinterknecht and Payton Grett. The coach added senior Ashlee Pope will suit up for the varsity squad and said there are many other younger players he’s looking forward to watching develop.

“We lost some good talent, with-out a doubt, and we understand that,” Althaus said. “But we have some talent coming up.”

The first goal for this season’s squad is to defend its WSL title. The coach said keeping that in Olathe serves as strong motivation.

“I don’t think there’s pressure,” Althaus said. “I think it’s some-thing the kids take pride in. We know it’s our league title and that we have to defend it.”

Defending the league champion-ship means the Olathe girls will have go head to head with numer-ous tough opponents twice this season, including Roaring Fork and Moffat County, the latter of which replaces Rifle this season in the league.

“We have to go out and play hard every night,” Althaus said.

In non-league action, the Lady Pirates will battle the 5A Wild-cats at Fruita Monument High on Jan. 15. They will also take on Hotchkiss and Paonia in their first games of the season. The Olathe girls host the Bulldogs at 5:30 tonight.

Due to scheduling conflicts, the Lady Pirates had to pass on taking part in Montrose High’s Nate Wick/Daily Press

Olathe senior Erica Godfrey puts up a jump shot during a preseason practice at Olathe High School. sEE tradition, PagE 7


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annual Black Canyon Classic.“It’s disappointing not to be able to play in

the Black Canyon Classic, because there’s always good talent there,” he said.

Althaus said he and his assistant coaches have been happy with what they have seen out of their players thus far. He hopes they continue to improve.

“We talk a lot about the fact that one of the reasons we made it to state was because that team jelled very well. That’s something that has to continue if we want to continue to be successful,” Althaus said.

“I think we have got to continue what we have done defensively, because that’s always been our bread and butter. Our defense has to be that force in the game that will drive our offense … I think we’re ready to play.”

Friday, Nov. 30 vs. Hotchkiss .................. 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 4 at Paonia ........................ 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 14 vs. Cedaredge .................. 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 15 vs. Coal Ridge ............. 2:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 21 at Moffat County ............ 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 22 vs. Roaring Fork ......... 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 10 vs. Grand Valley ........ 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 12 vs. Gunnison ............... 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 15 at Fruita Monument ... 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 19 at Aspen ...................... 2:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 25 vs. Basalt ......................... 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 26 at Cedaredge ............... 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 29 at Coal Ridge ................ 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 1 vs. Moffat County ............. 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 2 at Roaring Fork ............ 2:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 8 at Grand Valley ................. 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 14 at Gunnison ............... 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 22 at Basalt .......................... 5:30 p.m.

froM page 6

tradition: turley serving as team leader for ladyPirates basketball squad


Senior Kayla Pacheco moves the ball toward the basket during a preseason practice at Olathe High School.

OHS girlS baSketball ScHedules


New faces, style in OlathePirates boys basketball team will rely heavily on underclassmen

By Will Hearst

Daily Press staff Writer

After graduating seven seniors last year, including four starters, there are several positions that need to be filled for the Olathe boys basketball team.

Additionally, coach Lance Ready is pre-paring his young team for a style of play that is atypical of the Pirates.

“We are changing a few things up,” he said. “We are not the same team as last

year. Last year, we were uptempo, using a lot of traps and fast breaks. We might be lacking some of that quickness, so we are going to try to control the tempo as much a possible.”

What the Pirates are not lacking is height. According to Ready, he has one player at 6-foot-4, two at 6-foot-3 and an-other at 6-foot-2. Veteran Tanner Vernon stands 6-foot-3, and Ready plans to use him below the hoop and take advantage

of his quickness at wing.“Defensively, we want to play both man

to man and a zone,” he said. “We want to make teams shoot over the top of us and then be in position to get rebounds.”

Offensively, Ready said he is implement-ing some Princeton-style techniques to go with his program’s typical high-low approach when the team is up against a man-to-man defense. Ideally, Ready wants his players to take advantage of their height when the ball is in their court, but he believes he has some shooters who can

score from the outside.While Vernon brings the most varsity

experience, averaging nearly 7 points per game and 5 rebounds as a junior, Ready expects senior Russell Harris to step up and provide leadership, as well as bring the ball up the court.

Ready said he is still learning about this young team. He expects to come up with a starting lineup after two pre-season scrimmages. But regardless who is on the court at tip-off, he knows he is

Will Hearst/Daily Press

Olathe boys basketball head coach Lance Ready talks with his players during a preseason practice. Ready has four starters to replace from last season’s state tournament squad that finished 15-8.

sEE pirates, PagE 9


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going to need some younger players to contribute.

“Right now, we have a mix of seniors, juniors and sophomores,” he said. “We have a lot of unsure things at this point, but we are going to expect some of those sophomores to chip in.”

Last year, the Pirates went 15-8 overall and fell to Pagosa Springs in the first round of the state playoffs.

This season, Ready is not going to set any win/loss goals. He just wants his team to still be playing when the re-gional competition gets underway in late February.

“I think we are going to be in the mix, but with a bunch of kids who haven’t been tested on the varsity floor, you are just going to have to wait and see how things shake out,” Ready said. “I think you are go-ing to see a lot of parity in the league this

season, a lot of close games.”Ready said that he believes Aspen is

going to be tough this year, and Roaring Fork has two standout players that will present a challenge. But no team is going to offer an easy win for the Pirates, he said, especially on the road.

“I think everyone has an advantage at home,” he said. “We have some tough plac-es to play. Some of these schools, like in the North Fork area, are truly basketball schools. That is what they do best. Their places are always packed with fans.”

Ready believes that whatever his play-ers lack in experience, they will make up for with energy and the ability of underclassmen to come off the bench and contribute.

“We are excited about what we’ve got this year,” Ready said. “The kids are working hard, and they are excited about what the season brings.”

froM page 8

PirateS: Harris provides new leadership for the pirates in the upcoming season

Will Hearst/Daily Press

Russell Harris lines up a free throw before a preseason practice in Olathe.

OHS bOyS baSketball ScHedules

Friday, Nov. 30 vs. Hotchkiss ..................... 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 4 at Paonia ........................... 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 14 vs. Cedaredge ..................... 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 15 vs. Coal Ridge ................ 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 21 at Moffat County ............... 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 22 vs. Roaring Fork ............ 4 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 10 vs. Grand Valley ........... 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 12 vs. Gunnison .................. 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 15 at Fruita Monument ...... 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 19 at Aspen ......................... 4 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 25 vs. Basalt ............................ 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 26 at Cedaredge .................. 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 29 at Coal Ridge ................... 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 1 vs. Moffat County ................ 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 2 at Roaring Fork ............... 4 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 8 at Grand Valley ................... 7 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 14 at Gunnison .................. 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 22 at Basalt ............................. 7 p.m.


MHs boys basketball squad eager to compete across the state this seasonBy Matt Lindberg


Montrose High boys basketball coach Martin Maloney won’t deny the talent and success his team had last season. After all, a 20-5 record and an appearance in the third round of the Class 4A state playoffs speak for themselves.

But although Nathan Hawley, who averaged 21.5 points per game, and the five other seniors who led the squad have since graduated, Maloney is cautioning doubters to not count Montrose out. He doesn’t con-sider it a rebuilding season.

“Last year’s team had a great bunch of kids. We had some outstanding players,” Maloney recalled. “They worked their butts off, and they were very success-ful. I think that attitude and lessons of how hard they worked rubbed off on the kids coming back this year.

“They understood they couldn’t just sit back and have success come to them. They had to fight, battle and improve on a daily basis in order to accomplish things they did. We lost a bunch of good seniors, but we have got some young kids coming up.”

This year’s Indian squad is fueled by returners Angelo Youngren, a junior, as well as seniors Benton Cruz, Blake Alexander and Tyler Cayo. The coach said he expects a lot out of the group.

“Obviously, as upperclassmen, you look for leader-ship,” Maloney said. “We want them to be teachers for the younger kids. We want them to show them how we

play at this level.”Youngren, who plays guard, averaged 7.4 points, 3.2 as-

sists and 2.4 steals last season. He is on the mend after hurting his ankle during football season, but his coach is confident he will hit the hardwood soon.

Cayo will also serve as a guard for Montrose, while Cruz and Alexander will be perimeter players. Maloney noted Alexander missed much of last season, but said he expects him to play key minutes this year.

Those four may be the core for Montrose, but the coach was also excited talking about the rest of the roster.

“They talk about those good programs reloading. I’m not sure if we’re reloading, but we’re sure going to give it an effort,” Maloney said confidently. “I think we got some young talent coming up, and if we can mix them in with the older kids, I think we can be a pretty com-petitive team this year.”

That group includes Ross Barney, Cole Auker and Kyle Freeberg. Barney, who split time last season on the JV and varsity squads, is 6-foot-7 and will fill a void in the post for Montrose, according to the coach.

“He’s a very exciting prospect,” Maloney said.At 6-foot-4, Freeberg, the coach said, is a great perim-

eter/slasher shooter, while the 6-foot-4 Auker has a world of potential.

Montrose’s biggest challenge this season will be its schedule. The Indians only play on their home court five times, and all those contests are Southwestern

League games. Despite the demanding nature of that slate, Maloney seems ready for it.

“I think we’re probably going to need Mel Gibson, because we’re going to be the road warriors,” he said, jokingly making a reference to Gibson’s 1981 movie “Max Max 2: The Road Warrior.”

“It’s certainly a challenging schedule, but again, that’s kind of what we look forward to. We like the idea of playing good, top-flight teams so we know what to prepare for as we move into our league and hopefully, eventually, the state playoffs.”

The Indians are at the D’Evelyn/Golden Preview Clas-sic this weekend and will compete in a tournament in Steamboat Springs before the end of the year. They’ll participate in a tournament at Rampart High at the top of the year before transitioning to SWL action, which will be a real test for MHS.

“Our league is never a cakewalk. It’s always going to be a challenge,” Maloney said.

During a practice the week before Thanksgiving, the In-dians spent up to 15 minutes running laps around the gym before focusing on their shooting. The coach said he has been pleased with what he has seen so far out of his unit.

“I like the effort they’ve shown,” he said. “They’re fo-cused in practice, paying attention and doing their best to implement what the coaches are asking.”

When the regular season commences, expect the Indi-ans to be ready.

“My expectation is we go out there and play hard … ” Maloney said. “We understand (success) doesn’t just happen. You have to work hard to be successful.”

saraH Hall/sPecial tO tHe Press

Montrose High School basketball coach Martin Maloney explains the importance of full effort during a practice.

The road warriors


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Thursday, Nov. 29 at D’Evelyn Tournament ..........................................................TBA

Friday, Nov. 30 at D’Evelyn Tournament ...............................................................TBA

Saturday, Dec. 1 at D’Evelyn Tournament .............................................................TBA

Thursday, Dec. 6 at Steamboat Tournament .........................................................TBA

Friday, Dec. 7 at Steamboat Tournament ..............................................................TBA

Saturday, Dec. 8 at Steamboat Tournament ..........................................................TBA

Thursday, Jan. 3 at Rampart Tournament ............................................................TBA

Friday, Jan 4. at Rampart Tournament .................................................................TBA

Saturday, Jan 5. at Rampart Tournament .............................................................TBA

Friday, Jan. 18 vs. Grand Junction High School ............................................ 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 22 vs. Fruita Monument High School ..................................... 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 25 vs. Montezuma-Cortez High School ...................................... 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 26 vs. Durango High School .................................................... 1:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 2 at Grand Junction High School ....................................................7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 5 at Fruita Monument High School ..............................................7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 8 Grand Junction High School ........................................................7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 12 vs. Grand Junction Central High School ........................... 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 15 at Durango High School .......................................................... 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 16 at Montezuma-Cortez High School .................................... 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 21 at Colorado Mesa 4A SWL/WSL Tourn. .................................TBA

Friday, Feb. 22 at Colorado Mesa 4A SWL/WSL Tourn. ......................................TBA

Saturday, Feb. 23 at Colorado Mesa 4A SWL/ WSL Tourn. .................................TBA

MHS bOyS baSketball ScHedules


Montrose High senior Blake Alexander works on a backboard jumping drill at the end of practice.


A tough act to followlady indians hope to maintain role as league powerhouse

By Will Hearst


After losing only one Southwestern League game last year, the Montrose High School girls basketball team plans to be in the hunt for a league title again this year with what coach Eric Sanchez is calling a well-balanced and capable squad.

“I am excited about all of them,” he said. “We have two all-league players, Tess Skoe and Kala Keltz. We are going to expect a lot from them, and the rest of the kids to follow their lead. The example and work ethic set by them will have to to be met and matched every single day.”

The rest of the squad includes four new players, three of them freshmen. The team of 10 will also consist of two ju-

niors and two seniors, Shae Willford and Lara Ammermann, who will join Skoe and Keltz as upperclassmen.

The team should have some height advantages, at least until the post season rolls around, according to Sanchez. The Lady Indians have seven players 5-foot-8 or taller.

“We are going to have to utilize our post game,” he said. “I think we have an advantage in that area. But I also like our ability to shoot from the perimeter. We are going to have to be disciplined to do either.”

Sanchez places a high value on solid de-fense. In their preseason workouts, that is what his players have been working on, he said.

“We pride ourselves defensively,” he said. “We are primarily a man-to-man defensive team. We are working on the little things that make you successful defensively.”

Sanchez plans to have his team ready to show a full-court press by its season opener on Dec. 6. But Montrose also will have the ability to slow things down when the situation requires, he said.

One of the biggest challenges Sanchez sees for his squad each year is dealing with playing on the road. In the first few weeks of the season, the Lady Indians will go on the road to Steamboat Springs and take a three-day road trip to the Front Range for the Rampart New Year’s Classic.

The second half of the season will be highlighted by league action, when San-chez looks forward to making a run at the title. Last year, the squad finished in a first-place tie with Grand Junction, as

both teams went 9-1 in SWL play.“Our goal is to be competing for the

league championship,” he said. “We feel we have the squad to compete. If we do the things we are capable of doing, I like our chances in the league, and that sets us up for a state playoff run. These are some things we have already started talking about as a team.”

Last year, the state playoff run was short lived after the Lady Indians fell to Golden in the first round.

Becoming a complete team is one of the primary goals Sanchez has set for his girls this year.

“I like the chemistry we are starting to create,” he said. “Those are the intan-gibles that if we can develop over the course of the season, good things can happen. I like what we see in the gym right now. There are going to be ups and downs, and we have got to be willing to move with those ups and downs.”


The Montrose High School girls basketball team practices a technique to jump on one foot very far and land quietly while keeping balance.


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Thursday, Dec. 6 Tournament at Steamboat .........................................................TBA

Friday, Dec. 7 Tournament at Steamboat ..............................................................TBA

Saturday, Dec 8 Tournament at Steamboat ...........................................................TBA

Thursday, Dec. 13 vs. Black Canyon Tournament ................................................TBA

Friday, Dec. 14 vs. Black Canyon Classic ...............................................................TBA

Saturday, Dec.15 vs. Black Canyon Classic ............................................................TBA

Thursday, Jan. 3 at Rampart Tournament ............................................................TBA

Friday, Jan. 4 at Rampart Tournament .................................................................TBA

Saturday, Jan. 5 at Rampart Tournament .............................................................TBA

Friday, Jan. 18 vs. Grand Junction High School .................................................6 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 22 vs. Fruita Monument High School ..........................................6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 25 vs. Montezuma-Cortez High School ...........................................6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 26 vs. Durango High School .......................................................12 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 1 at Grand Junction Central High School ................................. 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 5 at Fruita Monument High School ......................................... 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 8 at Grand Junction High School ............................................... 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 12 vs. Grand Junction Central High School ................................6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 15 at Durango High School ...............................................................6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 16 at Montezuma-Cortez High School .........................................6 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 21 at Mesa 4A SWL/WSL Tourn. ..................................................TBA

Friday, Feb. 22 at Mesa 4A SWL/WSL Tourn. .......................................................TBA

Saturday, Feb. 23 at Mesa 4A SWL/WSL Tourn. ...................................................TBA

MHS girlS baSketball ScHedules

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The whole Montrose High School cheer squad works together to make the letter M high above the court during a practice in the MHS gym.

Give me an M!


MHs cheer squad hoping to crack top six in state competitionBy Will Hearst


Local high school sports fans know how cheerleaders can help generate energy and promote the cohesiveness of the crowd, but few realize that the members of the Montrose High School cheer squad puts in as much time practicing each week as most other teams — and they, too, are out for victory.

Last year, the Montrose cheer-leaders finished seventh among 30 Class 5A teams at the state com-petition. Unfortunately, only the top six qualify for the finals and get the opportunity to compete for the title. This year, coaches Sharon and Tom Bacus plan for the Indian squad to be among that group, proving that Montrose has the energy, coordination and skill to be one of the best.

“For the state competition, we are going to take it one step at a time,” Sharon Bacus said. “Once we are in the finals, it is anyone’s shot.”

The state competition takes place at the Denver Coliseum on Friday, De. 7. The 25-member Montrose team will have less than three minutes to deliver a performance that they hope lands them among that elite group of six.

One of the team captains, Libby Capshaw, believes that stepping on to that stage will be the biggest moment of her three-year cheer career.

“It’s nerve racking and exciting,” Capshaw said. “You work so hard for this. Battling injuries, tears, and you have just two minutes and 30 seconds to show what you have and make all that practice worthwhile.”

Not willing to accept another seventh-place finish, Sharon Bacus has ramped up the difficulty of this year’s routine, knowing that if team members can stick their stunts, they should make the cut.

“We have the maturity and the experience of those seniors,” she

said. “This is a bigger percentage of seniors than we have had in a long time. This year, we added flips to our stunts, and they are getting really good.”

Of the 25 students on the team, 12 are seniors, including captains Shelbi Lee, Lilly Richardson and Capshaw.

Lee, a four-year veteran of the squad, enjoys the camaraderie of being with her teammates but isn’t afraid to show her competi-tive side.

“It is really exciting and fun, but it is also stressful because every-one is looking up to you,” Lee said. “This is my last year, but we have gotten better each year, and I have big expectations for us at state.”

Cheerleading is a popular pro-gram at MHS, according to Bacus, who said in some years, 60 stu-dents will try out for the 30 places on the squad. Even fewer mem-bers of the team will be selected to take part in competitions.

This year, MHS has six boys competing on the team. According to Bacus, their addition is a game changer for the squad.

“I enjoy having the boys on the team. I believe their strength en-ables us to do a lot harder stunts,” she said. “But because there is no co-ed division for 4A, we do end up competing against 5A schools.”

The team began practicing for competition in late summer, cheered on MHS teams through-out the fall, and will be busy two to three nights a week all winter providing energy to students and fans at basketball games and wrestling matches. Tom and Sha-ron Bacus will be right there with them, all year long, just as they have for the last 13 years.

“We started doing this when our kids were on the cheer team,” Sharon Bacus said. “We stay involved because every year you meet someone new and get to know the kids. It’s hard not to want to come back.”


Montrose High senior Lily Richardson gets lifted up high above her team in a recent practice.


Taking it to the next levelNew head coach samples wants to see indian wrestlers step it up

By Cassie stewart

Daily Press Intern

“From good to great” — that is the philosophy new coach Neil Samples is espousing for the Montrose High School wrestling team this season.

Last year, the team had five wrestlers advance to the Class 4A state tournament in Denver, though senior Marcus Velasquez and junior Jeremiah Banuelos are the only two from that bunch returning to the mat for Mon-trose this season. Samples said that this year he also expects wrestler Matt Sandoval to qualify for state.

“The boys that have gone (to state) last year know what it takes to do it again,” Samples said. “It takes guts and hard work.”

Samples said he expects to have 30 grapplers on the roster this season. He’s looking for seniors Velasquez, Cody Rollo and James Foster to help push the team to its potential. Velasquez said although the Indians lack

upperclassmen, he thinks that will provide a chance for the younger athletes to shine.

“The seniors need to lead by example,” Velasquez said. “It won’t be too bad because if the underclassmen can follow, then they will have the chance to travel with us since there (are) only 14 traveling spots.”

In addition to that, Samples has bigger shoes to fill this season since he has been promoted to head coach. His predecessor, Kevin Passehl, left the helm earlier this year so that he could spend more time with his family. Samples said he was excited about making the jump from assistant to head coach for MHS.

“Since I’m head coach, there won’t be much change with my job,” he said. “We are sticking to the same plan that we already have done.”

Velasquez said Samples has plenty of experience from his time as an assistant coach, and that experience will benefit everyone involved with the team.

“Samples has been here since I was a freshman, so he knows what he is doing, and he knows what it takes to send us to state,” said Velasquez, who will wrestle in the 160-pound weight class this season.

The Montrose boys began their season Thursday by hosting a dual against Delta. They’ll take on some familiar competition throughout the season, including Gunnison, Pueblo West and Fruita Monument, before hosting the Class 4A regional tournament in February. Samples said he believes hosting regionals will be an advantage for Montrose in getting as many wrestlers as possible to state.

“We have a good feeling about state this year,” Sam-ples said. “These boys have strong talent, and all we need is to make sure they can all be good leaders.”

As for Velasquez, he said he owes his success and dedication to his family.

“I want to return to state again so I can let people remember my school,” Velasquez said. “And because I love my mom and dad and I want to make them proud.”


Junior Jeremiah Banuelos, top, tries to flip sophomore Michael Maas on his back during a preseason practice in the Montrose High School wrestling annex.

Thursday, Nov. 29 vs. Delta High School ............7 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 1 at Colorado Mesa Duals ............TBAThursday, Dec. 6 vs. Gunnison High School ......7 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 8 at Roosevelt Tournament ..........TBAThursday, Dec. 13 at Olathe High School ...........7 p.m.Friday, Dec. 14 at Warrior Classic ........................TBASaturday, Dec. 15 at Warrior Classic ....................TBAWednesday, Dec. 19 at Grand Junction High School ...................................................................7 p.m.Friday, Jan. 11 vs. Pueblo West High School .....6 p.m.Saturday, Jan 12. vs. Indian Invitational .............TBAThursday, Jan. 17 vs. Fruita Monument High School ...................................................................7 p.m.Friday, Jan. 18 at Alameda Senior High School 6 p.m.Saturday, Jan. 19 at Alameda Tournament .........TBAThursday, Jan. 31 vs. Grand Junction Central High School ..........................................................7 p.m.Saturday, Feb. 2 at Discovery Canyon Dual Tournament ...........................................................TBASaturday, Feb. 9 at Central High School League Duals .......................................................................TBAFriday, Feb. 15 vs. Regional Tournament ............TBASaturday, Feb. 16 vs. Regional Tournament ........TBAThursday, Feb. 21 State Tournament at Pepsi Center in Denver ................................................................TBAFriday, Feb 22. State Tournament at Pepsi Center in Denver ................................................................TBASaturday, Feb. 23 State Tournament at Pepsi Center in Denver ................................................................TBA

MHS WreStling teaM ScHedules


New leadership for an elite program

MHs climbing team gets new coach,

returns plenty of experienceBy Mike easterling

Daily Press Managing Editor

In terms of building a spar-kling tradition, few athletic programs at Montrose High School have been as successful as the climbing team. Though climbing is not recognized as a Colorado High School Activities Association sport, the Indian program already has estab-lished itself as one of the best in the state, solidifying its lofty status with another impressive showing last year.

The MHS girls varsity team followed the state title it won in 2010 with a second-place fin-ish at state last year. The girls junior varsity team also was second, while the boys JV team earned the state title. Mon-trose’s Alana Lin was the state champion in the varsity girls competition.

This season, the team has a new coach, Adam O’Bryan, but expectations remain high for a program that returns roughly 25 to 30 competitors from last year’s squad.

“We have a lot of kids re-turning from last year, a solid handful of which went to state last year,” O’Bryan wrote in an email to the Daily Press. “For the team, we have 50 members, which is one of the biggest teams in the Colorado [High School] Climbing League’s Western Slope Region.”

Many of those team members have little to no experience, but O’Bryan welcomes the op-portunity to introduce them to

climbing.“I think it’s important to give

all ability levels (the chance) to climb because it’s a great lifelong sport and way to get involved outdoors,” he stated. “Also, it’s important to give the younger, less-experienced climbers on the team (a chance) so that they can develop their skills and become competitive when they become upperclass-men. Furthermore, a lot of the more experienced and advanced climbers have been a great help with showing the ropes to the younger climbers.”

The Indians have competed in two meets this season already, one in Grand Junction and one in Durango.

“It’s tough to tell how we did as a team based on the fact that’s solely individual,” he said of the scoring at those competi-tions. “As for top performers, so far the leading climbers for us have been James McBee, John Beyer, Ari Lightsey, Brooke Brennecke and Rebekah Shearer.”

McBee is the son of Rick

McBee, who helps O’Bryan coach the team.

“Rick has a lot of outdoor climbing experience and brings a parent perspective to the team,” O’Bryan said. “Since this is my first year of coach-ing, it’s been great bouncing ideas off of him to get not only a tried-and-true climber’s opin-ion, but a parent’s point of view, as well.”

O’Bryan is not only new to the program, he’s new to Mon-trose, having moved here from Chicago only a few months ago.

The 23-year-old was coaching the boys soccer C team at MHS, and his mentor teacher at the school, Tracy Lightsey, suggest-ed he inquire about coaching the climbing team.

He credits the Indians’ tradi-tion of climbing success to Rusty George, who launched the program. As for its popularity among students, O’Bryan said that’s largely a function of the surrounding terrain.

“The geographic location and the proximity to great outdoor climbing venues really in-

spire kids to get involved with the sport climbing program because it’s difficult to pursue outdoor climbing in the chilly winter months,” he stated.

A new climbing wall was opened at MHS last season, and the on-campus facility serves as a distinct advantage for the team, he said.

“Places like Junction and Du-rango have stellar facilities but are privately owned,” he stated. “That benefits us because the kids don’t have to travel any-where and can head up to prac-tice immediately after school. Furthermore, it allows me and some of the more advanced climbers to work on route set-ting early in the morning right before school begins.”

O’Bryan described his climb-ers as passionate about the sport but laid back otherwise — a pleasure to be around, he said.

“I’m looking forward to a great season,” he stated.


Junior Brittany Bolling looks for a hand hold during a practice at the Montrose High School climbing wall.

Saturday, Dec. 8 at Grand Junction Climbing Center .............................................................TBA

Saturday, Dec. 15 at Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs ................................TBA

Saturday, Jan. 12 at Colorado Rocky Mountain School in Carbondale .................................TBA

Saturday, Jan. 19 vs. Montrose Invitational .............................................................................TBA

Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Rock Lounge in Durango .....................................................................TBA

Saturday, Feb. 9 Regionals at Grand Junction ........................................... Climbing Center TBA

Saturday, Feb. 23 State at Colorado Springs .............................................................................TBA

MHS cliMbing teaM ScHedules


Getting back to workyoung MHs girls swim team ready to hit the water again

By Cassie stewart

Daily Press Intern

Last year, the Montrose High School girls swim team enjoyed a very successful sea-son, winning the Class 4A district title and having a number of swimmers place at the state competition. While the Lady Indians have lost some of those performers to graduation, this season’s team isn’t plan-ning on settling for a rebuilding year.

Montrose head coach Ellen Erickson said last year’s squad placed seventh

at state. This season, Erickson said the team will feature 17 members, seven of whom are divers.

“This year, the girls have great work ethic,” Erickson said.

Returning swimmers this year are seniors Logan Morris, Brooke Gaber and diver Larissa Grammer. Last year, Morris and Gaber swam the 100-yard breaststroke and the 200-yard IM. Erick-son said those events will be one of the strengths of the team.

“This year, I have all returning breast-strokers, except for one,” Erickson said.

The balance of her team will be filled by several new swimmers. But no matter how strong that new talent turns out to be, Gaber said the district competition will not be any easier than in previous seasons.

“The competition at districts has been really intense,” Gaber said. “I think we will have to work extra hard because of the number of girls we have on our team, but if we go into it with a good mind set, we hopefully will be fine.”

Montrose will head to districts during the first week of February at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction. The following week, the Lady Indians hope

to be packing their bags to head off to state on the Front Range. Gaber has high hopes for her team at state but knows it must clear some hurdles to get there.

“There (are) not as many experienced girls on the team like in the past,” Gaber said. “But having a team that wants to be together and works hard every day is the best thing I could ask for as a captain. It makes it a lot easier for me to be there and enjoy it with them.”

Montrose opens the season today in Glenwood Springs. Erickson said with hard work and dedication, the team has the potential to go as far as it wants.

“I don’t see anything holding us back this year,” she said.


Members of the Montrose High School girls swim team await instructions during a pre-season practice at the Montrose Aquatic Center.

Friday, Nov. 30 at Glenwood Springs High School .......................................................4:15 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 1 at Aspen High School .......... 9 a.m.Saturday, Dec. 8 at Colorado Mesa University League Relays 9:30 .................................................a.m.Friday, Dec. 14 vs. Montrose Invitational ....... 1 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 14 vs. Montrose Invitational 7:30 a.m.Saturday, Jan. 5 at Delta High School ............. 9 a.m.Friday, Jan. 11 vs. Montrose Invitational ........ 4 p.m.Saturday, Jan. 19. at Glenwood Springs High School ............................................................ 9 a.m.Friday, Feb. 1 at Colorado Mesa University Conference Championships ..................................TBASaturday, Feb. 2 at Colorado Mesa University Conference Championships ..................................TBAFriday, Feb. 8 at State Championships ...............TBASaturday, Feb. 9 at State Championships .........TBA

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2012 Winter sports preview

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