With the winter weather providing colder temperatures, the sports scene for the Colorado Academy Mustangs is heating up.
Boys Basketball
Steve Hyatt, Boys Basketball coach, is doing well piecing together this year’s Varsity team. Hyatt has the benefit of having seasoned Varsity Senior returners, Jamie Bratis, Liam Hall, Nate Kay, and Mark LeClair, helping to lead the way. The squad currently has a 3-3 record, with convincing wins over 4A Frederick and Steamboat and 3A Frontier Academy. Sophomores Keegan Coatsworth, Elliott Cravitz, and Ahbil Woldeyohannes provide critical scoring ability, and Juniors Brooks LeClair and Jordon Mills add ball-handling skills and defensive intensity. The new year will offer highly competitive Metro League opponents, along with league and regional playoff challenges. Hyatt is always patient in his approach and is comfortable embracing the process while pushing accountability, intensity, and toughness.
Girls Basketball
The new Girls Basketball coach, Reggie Morton, is basing his Varsity team’s style on speed and tenacity. The girls, after a successful trip to Buena Vista, currently have a 3-2 record and are playing with increasing confidence in every game. Seniors Kendall Beall, Juliet Cramer, Mali Lopez, and Merrill Rollhaus offer tremendous leadership and athleticism, while Junior Ella Freimuth gives the team outside shooting ability and defensive tenacity. Sophomore Erishai Okra is a strong point guard who can score from inside, as well. The new year will provide two strong non-league opponents and then the opportunity for the girls to steel themselves against their Metro League rivals. It should be a fun, exciting season for Coach Morton’s team, as he is focusing on the fundamentals and playing fast.
Swimming
Swimming has started off the new season in fantastic form as Coach Beckie Mutz, in her ninth season at the helm, guides her girls with a steady hand and elevates expectations. Seniors Caroline Briggs, Caroline Burke-Dullinger, Lilly Clowes, Anne Freeman, and Savannah Siegler are offering terrific leadership to the group. Senior Kenzie Abbott leads the contingent of divers, as they earn critical points during the meets. Many girls have already qualified for the state meet in February, and more will achieve those times in the new year. Eternally optimistic and positive, Coach Mutz is confident in her team’s ability to capture a league title this season. “We are a top team this year because of our depth,” she says. “We have so many girls who can gain points for us in any meet.” It will be fun to watch this group as they continue to evolve and become stronger on a weekly basis.
Ice Hockey
Ice Hockey Coach Chris Delaney and Assistant Coach Nathan Oystrick have a group of players this year who came out of the gates with a convincing 3-0 win over a tough Pueblo County team. As the team continues to build skills, more victories are within reach. Leading the way for the Hockey Team are Seniors Paul Chandler, Evan Fenley, and Simon Lammens. Lammens, one of the top goalies in the state, will lead the way from the defensive end, while Sophomores Jack Gerber and Jack Pashel, and Freshmen Brogan Andrus and Jack Michaud provide scoring punch. This program continues its upward progression and will push for a playoff spot as their league schedule comes into full swing in the new year. Coach Delaney likes what he sees so far. “If we can cut down on the penalties and focus on the simple details, we will do well down the stretch,” Delaney says. “The team gets better every time they get on the ice.”
Climbing
New Climbing coaches Dylan Garey and Michael Alessi are doing a tremendous job leading the experienced group, along with teaching skills to those new to the sport. Seniors George Davis, Phoebe Cannon, Sean Paton, and Will Ungar form the nucleus for the competitive team. Freshmen Cooper Carson and Harris May have proven up to the challenge and provide excellent depth. May and Carson were the top two climbers in a recent meet, while Davis, Paton, and Ungar took top spots in another early-season meet. The regional and state competition will be stiff, but this group will be ready under Garey and Alessi’s tutelage. “We have so many advanced climbers who are great problem solvers,” says Garey. “I have loved working with all of the students and look forward to what lies ahead in the new year.”
I’m thankful for the efforts of all of the winter athletes. Their work on the court, in the pool, on the ice, and on the wall has been impressive. CA student-athletes are raising the bar by getting into the new Bansbach Strength and Conditioning Center on a regular basis. The outcome of their hard work will be exciting and impactful. It will be great to watch all of these athletes and coaches come together and finish the winter season in fine fashion. I encourage you to join me at an upcoming contest. Please check the CA website for dates, times, and locations.