Gilpin Basketball

Two three-hour one-way bus trips failed to daunt the Gilpin Eagles Ladies team in their charge toward an unbeaten season. The ladies defeated the 3A Highland Huskies of Ault 38-21 on Friday and the 2A Soroco Rams of Oak Creek 42-38 on Saturday. In both games, a single dominant quarter determined the outcome of the game.

Against Highland, a 19-2 third quarter barrage turned an otherwise close game into an easy win. Highland matched Gilpin point for point in the other three quarters. The girls managed 10 steals off their pressing defense and converted most of them to baskets. Katura Sales led the scorers with 12 points in a balanced scoring distribution. Samantha Peterson had 11 points and Teresa Seitz scored 10 for the Eagles. The other 5 points were all contributed by Andie Ramsey. Seitz also led the rebounders with 10 and had 4 steals for the evening. This win raised the girls’ record to 5-0 for the season.

The following afternoon, the ladies traveled to Oak Creek to get their sixth straight win of the season. The ladies took an early 15-8 first quarter lead, and that provided the margin of victory. After a 26-19 lead at half time, the Eagles struggled to stay ahead in the second half as Soroco slowly closed the lead but were unable to overtake Gilpin. Sales was dominant in this game, being the only player to score in double figures with 15. She also led the club in rebounds with 10 and steals with four. The girls’ record now stands at 6-0 as they head into the Christmas break. Their next game will be at home against Dayspring Christian on Saturday, January 7 at 2:30 p.m.

Men’s Basketball

The men’s team also traveled to Soroco last Saturday, but their experience was not a happy one. The round ball boys suffered their second loss of the season against five wins, losing by a score of 78-70 in overtime. The Eagles came out flat and fell behind 25-6 before a change in the defense sparked the team into action behind 30 points by Chris Randall and 23 points by Jon Adams. The game was tied at 66-66 at the end of regulation play and the Eagles actually took the lead at 70-69 on a free throw early in the overtime period. Then Adams fouled out and the taller Rams took over the boards and the game.

Actually, the game was pretty ragged for the Eagles. They missed several opportunities to explore openings in the Rams’ defense, particularly around the free throw line, and took far too many low percentage three point shots that did not fall. The Eagles will have to avoid such errors when they take on erstwhile rival Nederland at the Panthers’ home court on Thursday, January 5 at 7:00 p.m.

Elks Lodge hosts Soccer Shoot Competition

  On Saturday, September 10th, the Central City Elks Lodge hosted 70 kids at the Soccer Shoot. This was the second year for the event, which saw a slight increase in participation.

  Kids 9 and under competed by kicking the ball through a set of five goals that decreased in size.

  Kids 10-13 competed by kicking the ball through a grid goal that was hanging, which required more accuracy and skill and the ability to get the ball into the air.

  All participants were given a free lunch cooked by Tom Ihme, a small prize, and free face painting done by artist Tesia Webb. Medals were given to first and second place winners, with the first place winners also receiving a t-shirt.

  Adam Dewald turned out an impressive perfect score, so will advance to the Elks district level competition along with the other first place winners.

  Congratulations to the winners of the 2011 Central City Elks Lodge Soccer Shoot!

Ages 7 and Under                                  

BOYS                                                           

1^st – Kyan Restaino

2^nd – Spencer Berv

GIRLS

1^st – Jordan Hobson-Kroll

2^nd – Elise Harless

Ages 8/9                                                    

BOYS                                                           

1^st – Adam Dewald (perfect score)

2^nd – Hunter Harless

GIRLS

1^st – Bailey Hobson-Kroll

2^nd – Ellie Brewer

Ages 10/11                                                

BOYS                                                           

1^st – Wesley Davies

2^nd – N/A

GIRLS

1^st – Shania Gonzales

2^nd – Tabitha Keating

Ages 12/13                                                

BOYS                                                           

1^st – Joshua Keating

2^nd – Jonathan Ramsey

GIRLS

1^st – Devin Valen

2^nd – N/A

Monday, August 22 through Sunday, August 28

PRESS RELEASE - In coordination with Medalist Sports, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and other state entities, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has prepared traveler impact information for motorists during what may be the largest spectator event in Colorado history. 

  From Monday, August 22 through Sunday, August 28, the 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge (USAPCC) will bring the world’s top cyclists and their fans to the state. The race will impact numerous highways and in order to prepare motorists, CDOT has posted details on its traveler information website (www.cotrip.org). 

  The site contains information for motorists regarding road closures, delays, oversize/overweight loads, and detours. The times for delays and closures are estimates and may be subject to change. For real-time information related to highway impacts, motorists are encouraged to sign up for CDOT’s email and text alerts, available at www.coloradodot.info by clicking on the green cell phone icon, and are encouraged to follow CDOT on Twitter (@coloradodot). Daily road closure information during the event will be available by calling 511 from anywhere in the state.

  Race officials are estimating that it may draw more than one million spectators over the course of seven consecutive days. Traversing more than 500 miles of Colorado terrain, racers will pass through numerous towns and cities, including but not limited to Aspen, Breckenridge, Colorado Springs, Denver, Gunnison, Salida, Steamboat Springs, and Vail.

Summary of impacts:

• August 22/Day 1/Prologue in Colorado Springs: Highways impacted include I-25, US 24, and Business US 24. Impacts will begin at noon and end by approximately 4:30 p.m.
• August 23/Day 2/Stage 1 from Salida to Mount Crested Butte: Highways impacted include State Highway 114, State Highway 135, US 50, US 285, and Cottonwood Pass. Cottonwood Pass will be closed from August 23 at 3 p.m. until August 24 at approximately 1 p.m. Other impacts will begin at 9:45 a.m. and end by approximately 4:30 p.m.
• August 24/Day 3/Stage 2 from Gunnison to Aspen: Highways impacted include State Highway 82, US 24, Cottonwood Pass, and Independence Pass. Cottonwood Pass will be closed from August 23 at 3 p.m. until August 24 at approximately 1 p.m. Other impacts will start at 11 a.m. and will last until approximately 4 p.m.
• August 25/Day 4/Stage 3 Vail Time Trial: I-70 will be impacted from 11:30 a.m. until approximately 4 p.m.
• August 26/Day 5/Stage 4 from Avon to Steamboat Springs: Highways impacted include I-70, State Highway 131, and US 6. Impacts will start at noon and end by approximately 4 p.m.
• August 27/Day 6/Stage 5 from Steamboat Springs to Breckenridge: Highways impacted include I-70, State Highway 9, State Highway 134, US 6, US 40, and Rabbit Ears Pass. Impacts start as early as 9 a.m. and will end by approximately 4 p.m.
• August 28/Day 7/Stage 6 from Golden to Denver: Highways impacted include I-25, I-70, I-70 Business (Colfax Ave.), State Highway 58, State Highway 93, State Highway 95 (Sheridan Blvd.), State Highway 121 (Wadsworth Blvd.), State Highway 391 (Kipling St.), and US 6. Impacts begin as early as 5 a.m. and will end by approximately 3 p.m.

  Visit www.cotrip.org/content/usapcc for road conditions in your area during the race. Spectator information is available at the USAPCC official website (www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com). CDOT would like to remind motorists to obey road signs, Colorado State Patrol, and race officials. To receive updates about road conditions in the race area, visit www.coloradodot.info/ and click on the green cell phone icon in the upper right hand corner of the page. Several options will be available, including specific highways and regions throughout the state.

Gilpin’s Lady Eagles at Eagle Valley

The tables got turned on the Gilpin Ladies’ Varsity at the Region One Tournament at Eagle Valley last Saturday. The girls ran into a buzz saw from Norwood whose full court press powered them to a 29-3 half time lead and wound up burying the Eagles’ hopes for an appearance in the State Basketball Tournament with a final score of 56-25.

A 13-0 first quarter deficit proved to be too much for the Eagles to recover from, although the game proved to be much closer in the second half. And getting play-off tournament experience can be expected to give this young team the maturity to better their great 18-5 season record next year.

Samantha Peterson led the Eagles’ scorers with 10 points. The effectiveness of the Norwood ladies team press kept anyone else from scoring in double figures and limited the girls to only one three-point attempt in the entire game.

The community would like to thank Coach Schuessler and the team for providing a highly entertaining season. Better luck next year – we’ll be waiting for you!

Gilpin Ladies quest for victory continues at Regional’s on Saturday, March 5^th

An improbable 3-point shot that bounced on the back of the rim and then on the side rim before dropping through the hoop with 37 seconds left in the game spelled the end of the Gilpin Ladies’ Varsity’s quest for the Front Range 1-A District Championship. Gilpin led 21-19 when Belleview center Boneth Ahaneku fired a 30-foot shot in an attempt to avoid the Gilpin full court press that was keeping the Bruins off balance. Fans from both teams watched in stunned silence as the basketball played its little game on the rim before falling in. As the cheer went up from the Belleview crowd, the Eagles called a time out and then hustled down court to get off a shot that bounced off the rim and into Belleview’s hands. The Eagles pressed desperately and with five seconds left on the clock, they caused a turnover. Getting the ball in at half court they worked the clock until one second was left and then fired a shot that fell short of the rim.

Until the final minute, the game see-sawed back and forth with both teams playing good defense but showing a reluctance to shoot. Samantha Peterson had 13 points for the Eagles, capping a season that brought her first team all league honors. Because they finished second in the District playoffs, they will compete for a chance to go to the State Tournament in the Regional’s at Eagle Valley High School. We play Norwood on Saturday at 1 p.m.

After the game, Belleview was presented with the District Championship trophy, but Gilpin was unexpectedly awarded the League Championship trophy. It was a surprise because Belleview was the only team to defeat the lady Eagles twice during the season. The situation became further confused when not one player from Belleview was selected for the all-league teams.

Before the boys’ championship game, the all league selections were announced and the efforts of our ladies’ team was well rewarded when team leading scorer Katura Sales was announced as Player of the Year and Coach Jeff Schuessler was announced as Coach of the Year, an honor that he justly deserved for his hard work with the team. Sales was joined on the all-league team by Peterson, who was a first team all star, and Andie Ramsey, who was awarded Honorable Mention recognition.  Since both Sales and Peterson are sophomores and Ramsey is just a freshman, it can be expected that lady Eagles will once again be in the title hunt next year.

The girls reached the District finals by squelching co-champion Community Christian 52-30 at the Shining Mountain gym on Thursday. This win broke the tie between the two teams for the league lead. It was a typical Gilpin game for the ladies, who jumped off to a 16-3 first quarter lead and then simply added to the difference through the other three quarters. Gilpin scorers were led by Katura Sales and Shelby Foelsch, each of whom had 10 points to top all scorers.

The men’s team’s season came to an end last Tuesday at the hands of the Denver Jewish Day School Tigers 58-49 at the Tigers’ gym. Playing there for the second time in a week, the boys gave a better account of themselves than the previous week, but after the Tigers jumped to a 33-18 half time lead, there was simply not enough time to catch up. The Eagles did outscore the Tigers 31-25 in the second half and had the lead cut to 9 points with about three minutes left in the game, but with the Eagles trying to press, the DJDS varsity came back into the game and quickly racked up an unanswered 6-0 run to squelch the Gilpin hopes. Kevin Robertson led the Eagles with 18 points and Vince Marone backed him up with 12 tallies. The loss gave the Eagles a 7-12 record for the season.

At the district finals, team leading scorer Chris Randall was named to the Second Team All-Star roster and Jon Adams was given Honorable Mention. Since the men’s team is losing only one member this year and both of the honored players are juniors who will return, the boys’ team is also looking at a better future.

Go Eagles – take state!

Of the Front Range League District Tournament

The Gilpin County Lady Eagles’ varsity team hurtled into the semi-finals of the Front Range League District Tournament, Monday, by hammering Cornerstone Christian 46-17 in the Gilpin County gym. The win vaults them into a semi-final game, probably against league co-champ Community Christian, at the Shining Mountain gym, Thursday at 5 p.m.

The ladies continued a recent practice of holding opponents to no points in the first quarter. It ended at 12-0, and not until 14 minutes into the game did Cornerstone get on the scoreboard. The rout continued through the third quarter which ended with a 36-4 tally. Coach Jeff Schuessler was able to play his entire squad in the game and all of them scored from the field in the game. Andie Ramsey sank three 3-pointers and a 2-pointer lead the scorers with 11 points in a game in which scoring was evenly divided. No other player scored n double figures.

The Eagles’ full court press took advantage of Cornerstone’s many errors and insured the victory.

The tournament victory capped a period of 10 days in which the girls played five games and won them all handily. Two of the victories gave them an 8-1 league record that tied them with Belleview and left them with a 1/2 game lead over Community Christian. However, because Belleview defeated them in league play and had an 18-2 record to Gilpin’s 17-3 season, Belleview was seated first in the league tournament.

Summarizing the streak, which started with a victory over Community Christian on February 11, the girls followed with a 48-11 victory over non-league opponent, Alexander Dawson on the 12th.  On the 15th, they got off to a 12-2 first quarter lead against Rocky Mountain Lutheran and wound up with a 35-21 win. On the 16th, they hammered league rival Denver Jewish Day School 58-16, a game which started with a 17-0 first quarter lead and a 29-2 halftime tally. Finally, on the 17th, they defeated North Park 37-17 to close the regular season.  Sisters Andie Ramsey and Katura Sales led the Eagles in scoring against Alexander Dawson with 14 and 13 points respectively. No one scored in double figures against Rocky Mountain Lutheran, but Katura led the team against the Jewish school with 13 points, and Samantha Peterson contributed 10 tallies. Samantha had 14 points against North Park, but no other girl scored in double figures.

The Eagles’ Mens’ Varsity team finished in a three-way tie for fourth place in the league with Rocky Mountain Lutheran and Jim Elliot, each with a 4-4 league record. The Eagles actually controlled their own destiny heading into last week, and, had they won, they could have finished alone in 3rd place. But their pressure defense failed against both Rocky Mountain Lutheran, 63-54, and Denver Jewish Day School, 78-44. An archaic seating rule in the league by-laws breaks ties by comparing season’s records, and since the Eagles finished their season at 7-11, they wound up being seated 6th in the league tournament and open their playoff season with a game against Denver Jewish Day School on Tuesday.

The Eagles had a good chance against Rocky Mountain Lutheran until a 3-pointer by Jon Lowers gave the visitors a 22-18 half time lead. In the third quarter, they coasted to a 43-30 lead and though the Eagles outscored Rocky Mountain Lutheran 24-22 in the final period, they could not regain the lead. Chris Randall had 22 points for Gilpin, and Vince Marone had 11.

The Denver Jewish Day School Tigers, featuring the three top scorers in the game, stormed to a 26-12 lead over the Eagles and then never looked back. A 2-point third quarter didn’t help the Eagles either. Randall had 13 points, and Jon Adams had 12 for Gilpin.

Having a good time with the Nederland Curling Club

Curling dates back to at least 1511 based on an etched stone discovered in Scotland. The Kilsyth Curling Club is the oldest curling club still in existence and was established in 1716. Absent from the Winter Olympics since 1924, curling was re-instilled as an official Olympic sport in 1998. Thanks to founder Al Leiser, the Nederland Curling Club has been around for three years and counting.

Sometimes referred to as “chess on ice,” curling – to put it simply – is loosely akin to shuffleboard with a circular target. The stones or rocks closest to the center of the 12 ft. diameter target area or “house” score a point. The intricacies of the game reveal themselves in the “curling” of the 38 to 44 lb. handled polished granite stones which are influenced by the “sweeping” of the brooms. Ahead of the slid stone, melting friction created by the hog hair brooms straightens its path and increases its speed. When the rock slows, a sideways sweeping motion draws out the applied spin or “curl” of the stone.

The second most important thing about curling is practicing good sportsmanship. It is expected that if you touch or “burn” a stone with your broom or body that you announce the foul to the opposing team’s skipper. There is no dishonor in conceding a game when the played series of ends will not result in victory. In fact it is expected and results in more time to socialize wherein subsequently the winners buy the losers a drink. Traditionally to concede a contest the losing team removes their gloves, offers a handshake, and good wishes are exchanged.

The most important thing about curling is having a good time which The Nederland Curling Club is well practiced. They are an engaging league of 17 people who enjoy being in each others company and like sharing their sport with onlookers. It was men vs. women that night and an upraised fist and a cry of “It’s in the house.” evoked good natured ribbing and laughs. They must love their sport as on most evenings they play at the Nederland Ice Rink, the temperatures are freezing and the wind is screaming. A bottle of warming scotch is rumored to be stashed nearby for such nights where a wee nip is in order. The fact that it was 38 degrees and calm seemed to have everybody in good spirits.

The Nederland Curling Club Tournament will be held at the Nederland Ice Rink during the first week of March. Spectators are welcome! For curling schedules and information go to: www.nedhockey.com.

Gilpin vs. Belleview Christian

A fierce half-court press and timely shooting by eight Eagles’ players led the Gilpin County Boys Basketball team to a rather easy 61-42 victory over undermanned and inexperienced Belleview Christian Bruins at the GCHS gym, Friday, January 21. The win gave the team a 1-0 record in league play and a 4-7 record for the season. Belleview fell to 1-5 in league play.

Using the press, the Eagles roared to a 22-10 first quarter lead and the game was never really in doubt thereafter. Even though Eagles’ coach Paul Hanson used the press only sparingly the rest of the way, the defense kept Belleview from making a serious run at the lead. By the end of the third quarter, Gilpin led 50-25, so varsity substitutes played the fourth quarter and got valuable experience, since Belleview canceled the JV game because they didn’t have enough players. During much of the second half, Gilpin spent time perfecting its slow-down offense, so the difference in the score could have been much higher.

Chris Randall led the Eagles’ scoring parade with 22 points. Jon Adams contributed 11 points, and six other players scored in the single figure range.

The Gilpin Girls’ team lost a heartbreaker to Belleview 21-19. Although they led most of the way, the Gilpin ladies were not able to get off enough shots in the fourth quarter and were completely shut out 4-0. The coach said, “They played hard, but made too many mistakes. If you can hold a team to 21 points, you ought to be able to win.” From our observation, it was a hard-fought, defensive game on both sides. The loss was the first in league play for Gilpin, who now stands 0-1. Belleview Christian is one of the league leaders with a 5-1 record. The Gilpin girls’ teams record overall is 7-4 with some big wins over 2-A and 3-A schools.

All proceeds and donations from the basketball games on Thursday, January 27, against Denver Waldorf, will be given to the family of a student, Eric, who has been diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer. The girls play at 4 pm, and the boys play at 6 pm in the Gilpin High School gym.

Individual players receive all-conference recognition

It was a sad day for the Gilpin County High School Lady Eagles varsity volleyball team when they truly played their last game of the season at Denver Jewish Day School on Thursday, October 28, in the district playoffs.

The Lady Eagles were in second place in their 1A class, with a chance to advance to the regional playoffs if they won their district playoffs. It was not to be this year as they lost three match games in a row to the Shining Mountain Waldorf Lions, a team they had previously beaten this season, 3-0.

Instead of tears of joy, with the loss there were tears of sorrow and plenty of supportive hugs among the Lady Eagles and their head coach, Alexis Donaldson, after the game.

Individual players who received all-conference recognition were: Megan Ball (SR), Outside Hitter, named on the 1A 2^nd Team; Erin Brownson (SR), Setter, named on the 1A 2^nd Team; and Katura Sales (SO), Right Side, named on the 1A 2^nd Team.

The Gilpin team ranked 18 out of 40 teams in the conference with a conference record of W4-1 and an overall record of W11-8.

Next year there will be plenty of opportunity for the team to head to the district playoffs again and more with at least four returning well-seasoned players: Shelby Foelsch (JR), Molly Quaranto (JR), Katura Sales (SO), and Becca Shafer (JR). Watch for the Lady Eagles to return with a great 2011 season in the fall.

Mountain girls hold title for third straight year

A wood trophy with a golden statue of a girl runner captured in stride sits proudly on the entry counter of the administrative offices of Nederland Middle/Senior High School. It belongs to the Ned Panthers High School Girls Cross Country team, who once again proved their grit and spirit by blasting away their competition at the 2010 Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) State Cross Country Meet. The annual meet took place all day on Saturday, October 30, at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora.

The girls team was the 2009 defending champion in the 2A class against ten other high school teams. This is the third straight year they retained their team championship title because of individual team runners achieving strong times in crossing the 3.1 mile course finish line.

Junior Kelley Robinson took first place in the 2A class with a top time of 18 minutes and 51.68 seconds. This was Robinson’s second time to earn first place. She repeated her previous win at the 2008 CHSAA State Cross Country Meet, when Erin Kelly of Crested Butte Community School was the runner-up. In 2009 Robinson lost to Kelly and was the runner-up. This year the two runners reversed their roles again with Robinson winning and Kelly, a senior this year, coming in a full 39 seconds behind Robinson as the runner-up.

Other top individuals of the team and their times out of 66 competing runners were:

- Rebecca Hermann (JR) at 19 minutes and 37.83 seconds (5^th place)

- Bailey Kuechenmeister (FR) at 20 minutes and 29.78 seconds (10^th place)

- Jess Ousley (JR) at 21 minutes and 14.18 seconds (13^th place)

- Jenna Mahon (FR) at 21 minutes and 27.23 minutes (15^th place)

Nederland’s Athletic Director, Tim Shaffer, was pleased to present the girls with their trophy at the meet. Three days later at school the girls were still taking in their win. One of the top runners, who has been on the team for three years, commented in awe that it was, “Unbelievable.”

Co-coaches for the team were Sabrina and Ken Robinson. Coach Sabrina Robinson said it was a “rare, perfect day” for their girls when everyone set their best personal records and “felt good afterwards” about their individual races. “It was a toughly fought race.” The coach also praised Rebecca Hermann for being able to take on the lead when Kelley Robinson was injured early in the season.

Coach Ken Robinson will be the head coach for the team next year and looks forward to a good but challenging season with all five of his top runners returning. He said state is “one of the hardest courses” with its elevation and hills. One of his goals for next year is for the team to be one of the top in the state, regardless of divisions or classes. He quietly and confidently remarked, “They’re capable of it.”

The boys team placed ninth in the 2A class against 12 other teams. Individual members of the team and their times out of 79 competing runners were:

- Ian Hinderman (FR) at 19 minutes and 11.05 seconds (26^th place)

- Noah Thatcher (FR) at 20 minutes and 05.00 seconds (45^th place)

- Dan Johnson (JR) at 20 minutes and 14.75 seconds (46^th place)

- Jacob Aguilar (FR) at 20 minutes and 16.30 seconds (47^th place)

- Parker Landry-Murphy (JR) at 20 minutes and 57.20 seconds (60^th place)

Watch for the exciting Nederland High School cross country team next year when they start competing in the fall.  They are a team well worth watching. Congratulations to the runners on an awesome 2010 season!