In response to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, CHSAA, the governing body of Colorado high school athletics, has slated the winter sports season for basketball, ice hockey, and swimming to begin practices January 18, with competition to commence the week of January 25. Colorado Academy’s student-athletes have been anxiously awaiting the start of their winter seasons and have had high-energy practices in anticipation of their first games. As we all balance community safety and health with the need for our students to be back with their teachers, coaches, and peers, we are hopeful that we can have a smooth and uninterrupted return to normalcy and a high school athletics season. All home basketball games played in the main gym can be viewed live online with Mustang Vision, our new camera system, powered by the NFHS Network.
Basketball
Boys Basketball, led by Coach Steve Hyatt, features a talented group of Seniors, including Brooks LeClair, Jordon Mills, Samer Mohamed, Nic Rodriguez, and a trio of Juniors, Elliott Cravitz, Jayden Hill, and Ahbil Woldeyohannes. “Our program has an excellent opportunity to thrive this season,” says Hyatt. “We have a remarkable number of dedicated, hardworking, and high-character individuals. As one collective and unselfish team, we will pursue excellence, play for one another, and compete every time we step on the floor!”
Coach Reggie Morton, in his second year leading the CA Girls Basketball program, fields a young, but talented and competitive group. Seniors Ella Freimuth, Karlee Osman, and Sage Phelps-Fast will provide leadership necessary to be successful in the ever-challenging Metro League. The girls will be up to the task, according to Coach Morton. “We have a great group of Seniors who will be instrumental in providing leadership for our younger players,” Morton says. “I’m really excited for this year and these kids.”
Swimming
The Girls Swim Team, led by Beckie Mutz, who is starting her tenth year as the Head Coach of CA Swimming, looks to be highly competitive and qualify a number of swimmers and divers for regional and state competitions. Seniors Chloe Brants, Kiah May, Catherine O’Halloran, Charlotte Smith, and Mackenzie Wagner lead the way for the Mustangs. Assisting Coach Mutz this year are Swim Coach Pari Bradley, who also works in CA Child Care, and Dive Coach Lise Melbe.
“Our team is a group of unique and determined young ladies,“ says Coach Mutz. “Our captains are good leaders and will help this team succeed. We also have a strong Junior and Sophomore group that will definitely help this team to be fast and strong. I am excited to see what our new Freshman class will do. They also look very promising.”
Ice Hockey
On the ice rink, Coach Chris Delaney is enthusiastic about the growth of the program and this year’s prospects. Seniors Steven Blattner and Mateo Gluck are critical in the equation as captains and leaders, and there is great talent in this team. “There has been a lot of work behind the scenes to make this season happen,” says Delaney. “Our players are ready to continue the progress we have made in the past few years and make this a special season.”
CA Athletics are back! I’m thankful for the patience of our community, the perseverance of our players, and the leadership of our administration during this challenging year. I’m appreciative of the work our coaches do on a daily basis to guide our student-athletes. My hope is that CA student-athletes will compete every day, be good teammates, challenge for titles, respect the game, and smile. Hang in there Mustangs, and go CA!