indians geTTing seT for season
by Dan HOeHne pg 4
olaThe WresTling prograM banking on VeTerans
by RiCHaRD ReeDeR pg 19
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201520152015
MONTROSE
DA
ILY
PRESS
2 Winter Sports 12.05.15 Montrose Daily Press
| INDEX | 12.05.15 | MONTROSE
DA
ILY
PRESS
4 MonTrose boys baskeTball
6 MonTrose girls baskeTball
9 MonTrose WresTling
12 MonTrose girls sWiMMing
14 MonTrose CliMbing
16 olaThe boys baskeTball
19 olaThe boys WresTling
22 olaThe girls baskeTball
publisher Vincent laboy
Managing ediTor paul Wahl
sTories by Dan HoehneRichard Reeder
phoTographyDan HoehneRichard Reeder
adVerTising Dennis anderson, advertising director
Heidi Gofforth advertising rep.
Rebecca Kelln, advertising rep.
Carrie Balesadvertising rep.
layouT designer Shaun Gibson
creditS
ryan porTer is a neWCoMer To indian baskeTball This season, and head CoaCh ryan Voehringer sees hiM as a key ConTribuTor.By Dan HOeHne/Daily pReSS
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Treatment for these and other sports injuries can be completed through Physical Therapy and can greatly increase the speed an athlete can return to the � eld of play. From the initial care of the injury, to safely getting the athletes back into the game, In Motion Therapy has the top local specialists for sports injuries. Along with orthopedic injury care, there are other services for High School athletes provided by In Motion Therapy and the High Schools.
ACL injuries are one the more unfortunate injuries seen in female High School athletes, and even in our community,we see many of these injuries each year. Athletic Trainers work with the women’s teams at MHS to try and prevent this injury from occurring. Using strength exercises and jump/land training, studies have shown implementing a non-contact ACL prevention program like this can decrease the incidence of this injury by 50-70 percent.
In Motion Therapy also provides a free sports clinic for athletes in our out of season program every week day from 8AM to 6PM. This accessibility to care makes it possible for athletes to begin their seasons without injury and help them get back quickly if they are suffering.
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Wrestling: Wrist sprains, AC joint sprains, muscle strains, concussionsBasketball: Ankle sprains, elbow tendonitis, thigh contusions, knee sprainsSwimming: Shoulder instability, elbow tendonitis, back strainsClimbing: Ankle strains, � nger injuries, hip strainsCheerleading: Wrist injuries, concussions, knee sprains
4 Winter Sports 12.05.15 Montrose Daily Press
: MonTrose | BOyS BaSKetBall
By Dan HOeHneDaily Press Sports Writer
f the basketball coach is the tallest member of the team, it wouldn’t be so bad if that coach
was Shaquille O’Neal.But when the coach tops out at 6’2”, and is the tallest member of the team, things could be a little dicey.“We’re small,” Montrose Indian head
coach Ryan Voehringer deadpanned. “We lost a lot of height from last year.”
Th at would be an understatement, as it wasn’t just height they lost, but a whole lot of experience as well.
Seven contributing players from last year’s 17-6, 6-2 squad were lost to graduation, along with 6’2” Joey Eck-erman, 6’3” Kyle Freeburg, 6’4” Cole Auker and 6’6” Justin Peterson.
i
Johnse deJulio, lefT, and harrison palefsky are TWo reTurning VarsiTy players WiTh gaMe eXperienCe for MonTrose baskeTball This
season and Will be CounTed on To lead The young
indians.By Dan HOeHne/
Daily pReSS
indianS GettinG Set for SeaSon
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VarsityDate OppOnent timeDec. 10-12 @Glenwood tourney tBaDec. 17-19 @palisade tourney tBaJan. 7-9 @Rampart tourney tBaJan. 16 @Rifle 5:30 p.m.Jan. 19 Grand Junction 7:30 p.m.Jan. 22 @Fruita monument 7 p.m.Jan. 26 @GJ Central 7 p.m.Jan. 29 montezuma-Cortez 7 p.m.Jan. 30 Durango 1:30 p.m.Feb. 2 @Grand Junction 7 p.m.Feb. 4 Fruita monument 7:30 p.m.Feb. 9 GJ Central 7 p.m.Feb. 12 @Durango 7 p.m.Feb. 13 @montezuma-Cortez noonFeb. 18-20 District tourney @ GJ tBaFeb. 27 Sweet 16 tBa
JVDec. 1 @telluride 6 p.m.Dec. 3-5 @Delta tourney tBaDec. 8 @norwood 5:30 p.m.Jan. 12 @Ridgway 7:45 p.m.Jan. 16 @Rifle 2:30 p.m.Jan. 19 Grand Junction 4:30 p.m.Jan. 22 @Fruita monument 4 p.m.Jan. 26 @GJ Central 4 p.m.Jan. 29 montezuma-Cortez 5:30 p.m.Jan. 30 Durango 10:30 a.m.Feb. 2 @Grand Junction 4 p.m.Feb. 4 Fruita monument 4:30 p.m.Feb. 9 GJ Central 3:45 p.m.Feb. 12 @Durango 4 p.m.Feb. 13 @montezuma-Cortez 10:30 a.m.
C-TeamDec. 3-5 @GJ Central tourney tBaDec. 7 GJ Central 6 p.m.Dec. 9 Delta 6 p.m.Dec. 10 @Olathe 5:30 p.m.Dec. 12 @Olathe tourney tBaDec. 14 @Fruita monument 5:30 p.m.Jan. 5 @Grand Junction 5:30 p.m.Jan. 11 palisade 6 p.m.Jan. 12 @Ridgway 5:15 p.m.Jan. 14 Grand Junction 6 p.m.Jan. 16 Olathe 10:30 a.m.Jan. 21 @GJ Central 6 p.m.Jan. 25 @Delta 5:30 p.m.Jan. 28 Fruita monument 6 p.m.Feb. 1 @palisade 4 p.m.
Along with those players, including Jake Miller, Josue Perez and Cameron LeBlanc, Montrose says good bye to a combined 45.4 points, 21.3 rebounds and more than 10 as-sists per game.
That Indian team finished second in the Southwestern League standings, behind Grand Junction and ahead of Fruita Monument, though the Wildcats have 6’7” Javen Gumber, 6’4” Trey Morrill and 6’3” Kamren McKee back, while the Tigers return with 6’8” Ben Rasmussen.
“We’ve got players who can play bigger than they are,” Voehringer said. “But against some of those guys, they’re go-ing to have to play really big.”
But what Montrose lacks in length, it makes up for in ag-gressiveness and hard work, as senior Johnse DeJulio saw dur-ing summer league play.
“We competed really well even though we were outsized by everyone we played,” he said. “But we beat the teams we should have and competed well and made games of it against the better teams.”
DeJulio is returning to the fold with significant varsity experience, having averaged 5.2 points, even though there were plenty of other scoring options a season ago.
A 5’10” guard, DeJulio can stretch the defense with his outside shooting, but is per-haps even more effective with his acrobatic forays into the lane, twisting and contorting among the trees for highlight reel finishes at the bucket.
Harrison Palefsky, Arjun Singh also saw decent amounts of playing time last year and bring a quickness and athleti-cism that will be the mark of this Indian team.
Other key players that Voeh-ringer is expecting contribu-tions from include returnee Marus Catlin and newcom-ers Ryan Porter and Dallas McRary.
“I’ve also got some sopho-mores coming up that will have to step in and help us out, but we’re early,” Voehringer said. “The key is, our preseason schedule is brutal and these young guys are going to get thrown to the wolves right away, which will hopefully benefit us down the road.”
Those early battles will be at the Glenwood and Palisade Tournaments, which will in-clude games against the likes of state ranked Pueblo West twice and Rampart a 5A power.
“It will be real tough early,” Voehringer said. “But after fac-ing teams like that, we should be real ready for league play.” n
“I’ve also got some sophomores coming up that will have to step in and help us out, but we’re early,”
MonTrose head CoaCh ryan Voehringer is The TallesT MeM-ber of his indian baskeTball TeaM, a big deparTure froM a season ago.By Dan HOeHne/Daily pReSS
MonTrose indians 2015-16 boys baskeTball sChedule
6 Winter Sports 12.05.15 Montrose Daily Press
: MonTrose | GiRlS BaSKetBall
ladY indianS retUrn StronG
continUed on paGe 8
By Dan HOeHneDaily Press Sports Writer
s is the cycle that is high school athletics, Montrose girls basketball lost a little from last year’s squad, but
return a lot to continue its’ success.Aft er going 17-6 overall and 6-2
in Southwestern League play, the Lady Indians said goodbye to grad-uated lockdown defender Stepha-nie Rowan, as well as now senior Elise Hill, who is paring down her sports to focus on her club volley-ball season.
“Stephanie was such a great de-fender for us,” senior Holly Brooks said. “And Elise really gave us a good scoring option inside.”
But while their contributions will be missed on both ends of the court, Montrose returns its’ pri-mary core that includes Brooks, Elle Pace, Bryce Gatt and Kaitlin Ammermann.
Brooks led the team with a 12.3 point scoring average, and recently signed to play next year at Colo-rado Mesa University.
Th e 6’5” Pace is invaluable to have down on the low blocks and also just accepted a scholarship from Portland State University.
Brooks and Pace also gained valuable experience against top competition over the summer playing club ball with the Western
Slope Supreme Court at various tournaments around the country.
“It is always a good thing to play more and to play against better competition,” head coach Eric San-chez said. “For Elle, I’m sure it was the fi rst time she’s played against girls her size or taller, so that had to be a valuable experience for her.”
Gatt and Ammermann provide additional presence on the inside
reTurning VarsiTy player bryCe gaTT Will be looked To for soMe inside sCoring and inTerior defense for MonTrose This season.
By Dan HOeHne/Daily pReSS
a
Though she Was The TeaM’s leading sCorer lasT year, holly brooks is a Willing passer and Will haVe a nuMber of sCoring opTions WiTh This year’s lady indians.By Dan HOeHne/Daily pReSS
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Varsitydate opponent TimeDec. 10-12 @Glenwood tourney tBaDec. 17-19 @palisade tourney tBaJan. 7-9 @Rampart tourney tBaJan. 16 @Rifle 4 p.m.Jan. 19 Grand Junction 6 p.m.Jan. 22 @Fruita monument 5:30 p.m.Jan. 23 Kirtland 3 p.m.Jan. 26 @GJ Central 5:30 p.m.Jan. 30 Durango noonFeb. 2 @Grand Junction 5:30 p.m.Feb. 4 Fruita monument 6 p.m.Feb. 9 GJ Central 5:15 p.m.Feb. 12 @Durango 5:30 p.m.Feb. 18-20 District tourney @ GJ tBaFeb. 27 Sweet 16 tBa
JVdate opponent TimeDec. 1 @telluride 4:30 p.m.Dec. 3-5 @Delta tourney tBaDec. 8 @norwood 4 p.m.Dec. 10-12 @Fruita tourney tBaJan. 12 @Ridgway 6:30 p.m.Jan. 16 @Rifle 1 p.m.Jan. 19 Grand Junction 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 22 @Fruita monument 4 p.m.Jan. 23 Kirtland 1:30 p.m.Jan. 26 @GJ Central 4 p.m.Jan. 29 montezuma-Cortez 5:30 p.m.Jan. 30 Durango 10:30 a.m.Feb. 2 @Grand Junction 4 p.m.Feb. 4 Fruita monument 4:30 p.m.Feb. 9 GJ Central 3:45 p.m.Feb. 12 @Durango 4 p.m.
C-Teamdate opponent TimeDec. 7 GJ Central 4:30 p.m.Dec. 9 Delta 4:30 p.m.Dec. 10 @Olathe 4 p.m.Dec. 12 @Gunnison tourney tBaDec. 14 @Fruita monument 4 p.m.Jan. 5 @Grand Junction 4 p.m.Jan. 11 palisade 4:30 p.m.Jan. 12 @Ridgway 4 p.m.Jan. 14 Grand Junction 4:30 p.m.Jan. 16 Olathe 9 a.m.Jan. 21 @GJ Central 4:30 p.m.Jan. 23 Kirtland noonJan. 25 @Delta 4 p.m.Jan. 28 Fruita monument 4:30 p.m.Feb. 1 @palisade 5:30 p.m.
MonTrose indians 2015-16 girls baskeTball sChedule
8 Winter Sports 12.05.15 Montrose Daily Press
and outside, respectively, on both off ense and defense.
And while this core group returns and could well go into the season
comfortable in playing their game, Sanchez is changing things up a bit.
“I think we started to get a little too predictable last year,” he said.
“And I think as a program, there is always room to change and grow. So we’re going to be changing some things to fi t the players we have.”
Th e Indians season progressed into the postseason last year, ended by a gut-wrenching, overtime loss to Pueblo East.
And though they are incorporat-ing some new players into the mix, early in the practice season, signs are encouraging.
“We do have a lot of new faces and they’ve been really energetic in practice,” Brooks said. “Th ey came in knowing what to expect and are picking things up well.”
But with so much returning for these Lady Indians, and valuable experience gained to prepare for the season, Montrose could very well extend its season even further.
“I think we’ve set a platform over the last few seasons so the players know what is expected of them,” Sanchez said. “And it’s just a matter of building on what we’ve estab-lished and work to build it higher and take it farther.”
Th e Lady Indians tip-off their season Th ursday, Dec. 10 with a 6 p.m. game at the Glenwood Tour-nament against host Glenwood Springs. n
head CoaCh eriC sanCheZ Will be Changing Things up WiTh The lady indians This year, as he felT The TeaM goT a liTTle Too prediCTable lasT season.
By Dan HOeHne/Daily pReSS
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By Dan HOeHneDaily Press Sports Writer
raduation hit the Indian grapplers with two of three state qualifi ers being lost to graduation.
But with one of those back, and a full
compliment of wrestlers keeping the wres-tling room buzzing, it would be no surprise to see Montrose pick up where it left off .
Th at one, Terrell Banuelos, made his second trip to the state fi nals in the 113-pound class, and will be moving up to the 120-pound class this time around.
Banuelos isn't the only returning wrestler who had success last year, as some who just came short of making state will look to take that next step.
"Most of the team last year came close to getting out of Regionals," head coach Neil Sample said.
: MonTrose | WReStlinG
Terrell banuelos Will lead The MonTrose WresTlers This year, as
Well as Vie for a reTurn Trip To sTaTe.By Dan HOeHne/Daily pReSS
gcontinUed on neXt paGe
10 Winter Sports 12.05.15 Montrose Daily Press
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"We'll have Travis MacGregor back, along with Jeff Dick, Brandon Mathias and Pat-rick Vigil, who all could very well take the next step to state."
In addition to the familiar faces, a slew of newcomers will be looking to make their mark in keeping the tradition of Indian wrestling rolling right along.
"We've got some freshmen who, from the looks of it, could come in and contribute to varsity right out of the gate," assistant coach Loren Beek said. "We're starting to get some
good wrestlers out of the youth program, but it's still a few years away from really having an impact on varsity."
Th e coaches noted that a number of strong transfers are being added, notably Olathe's John Needham, who can only add to the strength of the squad.
"We've also got this 285-pound behemoth in Sam Distell, though he has no prior experience," Beek said. "But he's a huge, strong kid who could really develop and be a factor."
A mix of veterans with goals to reach and fresh faces vying to stand out, the wrestling program at Montrose likely won't miss a beat in its string of achievement.
"I'm hoping we can get a lot of kids to step up at the competition level, and for others to do what they're already doing," Sample said. "We have a strong program and these kids are working hard. We'll just keep busi-ness as usual, getting them ready and hope-fully add a few more going to state." n
“We’ve also got this 285-pound behemoth in Sam Distell, though he has no prior experience”
MonTrose indians 2015-16 WresTling sChedule
Varsitydate opponent TimeDec. 3 Delta 7 p.m.Dec. 5 @mesa tourney 9 a.m.Dec. 11 @Fort morgan 5:30 p.m.Dec. 12 @Roosevelt tourney 9 a.m.Dec. 17 Olathe 7 p.m.Dec. 18-19 @Warrior Classic tBaJan. 8 Golden 6 p.m.Jan. 9 indian invite 9 a.m.Jan. 13 @GJ Central 7 p.m.Jan. 15-16 @Florence tourney tBaJan. 21 Grand Junction 7 p.m.Jan. 27 Cedaredge 7 p.m.Jan. 28 @Fruita monument 7 p.m.Jan. 30 @Discovery Canyon 9 a.m.
Feb. 6 @SWl Duals-Fruita tBaFeb. 12-13 @Regionals tBaFeb. 18-20 State touney tBa
JVdate opponent TimeDec. 3 Delta 6 p.m.Dec. 5 @Olathe tourney 9 a.m.Dec. 12 @Rifl e tourney tBaDec. 17 Olathe 6 p.m.Jan. 13 @GJ Central 6 p.m.Jan. 21 Grand Junction 6 p.m.Jan. 27 Cedaredge 6 p.m.Jan. 28 @Fruita monument 6 p.m.Jan. 30 @GJ tourney tBa
MonTrose WresTling CoaCh neil saMple sees plenTy of poTenTial in his indian sQuad This season.By Dan HOeHne/Daily pReSS
Montrose Daily Press Winter Sports 12.05.15 11
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: MonTrose | GiRlS SWimminG
date opponent TimeDec. 4 @Glenwood Springs 4 p.m.Dec. 12 @GJ Relay meet 9:30 a.m.Dec. 18-19 montrose invite tBaJan. 2 @Delta tBaJan. 8 Grand Junction 4:30 p.m.Jan. 16 @GJ invite noonJan. 22-23 @Jeffco invite tBaJan. 27 @Gunnison 4 p.m.Feb. 5-6 @Conference meet tBaFeb. 12-13 State meet tBa
MonTrose indians 2015-16 girls sWiMMing sChedule
WiTh a group of sTaTe Qualifiers reTurning, MonTrose girls sWiMMing Was already in good shape, buT are also adding sTrengTh and depTh forThis season. By Dan HOeHne/Daily pReSS
Montrose Daily Press Winter Sports 12.05.15 13
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Swimmin’ indianS look to make a SplaSh
By Dan HOeHneDaily Press Sports Writer
oming off a strong season that saw the Montrose girls swim team qualify for state and tally 14 points against the ultimate competition,
the Lady Indians return possibly even stronger this season.
Callie Storter, Allie Field, Madelyn Chandler, Jackie Hanley, Hope Morris and Isabelle Benitez represented Montrose at the state meet last year, and only Storter was lost to graduation.
And not only is this core group return-ing, with such valuable experience to build upon, but there are a number of swimmers that are coming in ready to contribute.
“We had a lot of newcomers last year that really took time to build up before they could really contribute,” head coach El-len Erickson said. “We’ve got newcomers this year, but most are coming in with club experience, so we’ve been able to make the
workouts harder, earlier, and they’ll be able to help us right off the bat.”
There is also the benefit of adding depth in such strokes as the butterfly where, last year, Erickson would have to look to find an extra person or two to take part.
“We’ve got more depth in the butterfly than I’ve had in a number of years,” she said. “And that also leads to a lot of possibilities in the medleys. And with girls strong in the different strokes, there is nothing set in stone yet as to who is going to swim what, which is a good position to be in.”
That adds to an otherwise already deep group of freestyle swimmers, as two free-style relays qualified for state last year.
“I’ve also got four or five girls in the breaststroke that should do well for us at districts,” Erickson said. “Two of those I expect should make state, and Madelyn Chandler is very strong in the backstroke, but could also make an impact in breast-stroke.”
It’s a plethora of options, to which is
added another interesting addition in Italian exchange student Elisa Vannicola, a former synchronized swimmer who Erickson notes is strong in all the different strokes.
Add in that the Indians will have a full compliment of divers for the season, and the depth just keeps building.
“Two of them will be swimming and div-ing,” she said. “With the rest just focused on diving. Some already have an 11-dive for-mat, so we’re hoping when the time comes they’ll be within range of making state, but if not, will be a big help in Districts.”
A strong team a season ago that seems to have only added to its’ strengths.
“Am I excited? I sure am,” Erickson said. “Each season is exciting to be a part of, but there are some, like this year, that there’s that little bit extra that you’re looking forward to.”
Montrose swimming gets the season started Friday, Dec. 4 at Glenwood Springs, with the first home meet the Montrose Invi-tational on Friday, Dec. 18. n
C
14 Winter Sports 12.05.15 Montrose Daily Press
: MonTrose | ClimBinG
indianS readY for the climbBy Dan HOeHneDaily Press Sports Writer
he Montrose rock climbing squad took some losses in the off sea-son, with the departure of former
head coach Adam O’Brien, as well as the graduation of former state champion Bekah
Shearer and strong climbers Ben Case and Cole McCoullough.
But the Indians shouldn’t fall too far as former assistant Rick McBee will step into the head coaching slot seamlessly, while Krista Brundage slides into assistant duties.
“I started out as a parent volunteer fi ve years ago and have been an assistant for
the last four,” McBee said. “We’ve got about 70-percent of the kids back from last year, so it’s been an easy transition.”
Montrose also returns a good share of strong, experienced climbers that helped take the team to the State Finals, including Bella Bass, Katelyn Rycenga, Taylor McBee, Nik and Zac Ormsbee, Austin Magnuson,
T
The MonTrose CliMbing TeaM is geTTing seT for The season under
firsT-year head CoaCh riCk MCbee.By Dan HOeHne/Daily pReSS
Montrose Daily Press Winter Sports 12.05.15 15
Logan Porter and Gavin Rojas.But while the familiarity is there,
the training methods are changing up some from O’Brien’s time with the team.
“Adam was coming more from a swimming, cross-training, multi-sport background, so his training was more aerobic,” McBee said. “We’re doing more strength based and I’ve been doing research into diff erent types of training methods. We’ll include diff er-ent things, like obstacle courses, and make things fun.”
While Shearer was the top climber for the girls last year, Bass, Rycenga and Taylor McBee were also a part of the state championship squad and return with high hopes.
“We’ve got a lot of us back and so far it’s been looking really good,” Rycenga said. “We’ve been having a lot of fun and we’re doing really well.”
Th e girls have been so strong the last few years and that should continue
with this group,” McBee said. “Th e boys haven’t been able to quite get to that same level, but we’ve got a lot of strong climbers back this year and I could see them moving up.”
Th e boys looking to keep their pro-gram on the rise, while the girls look to maintain their elevated status.
“We’re getting some good girls com-ing in from gymnastics too,” McBee said. “Th ey have the gymnastics train-ing and have the strength that trans-lates well. Annika Sheya, for example, has just been climbing for a month and has already progressed so much.”
Th e passion for and enjoyment of the sport is evident in the determined but loose practice sessions, which should translate well to their perfor-mances this season.
“I’m optimistic for us this year,” McBee said. “I’m most impressed with the attitude. Th is is a great group of kids that are a real team, are real posi-tive and a lot of fun.” n
date opponent TimeDec. 5 @Ridgway/Ouray tBaDec. 12 @Grand Valley Climbing Center tBaJan. 23 Home meet tBaJan. 30 @Colo. mountain College tBaFeb.6 @Regionals tBaFeb. 27-28 @State tBa
MonTrose indians 2015-16 CliMbing sChedule
kaTelyn ryCenga Was parT of The girls sTaTe ChaMpionship run lasT
season and reTurns WiTh The saMe goal in Mind.
By Dan HOeHne/Daily pReSS
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: olaThe | BOyS BaSKetBall
optimiSm watchword for olathe baSketball teamBy RiCHaRD ReeDeRDaily Press News Editor
fter a tough rebuilding year, the Olathe Pirates boys basketball team is hoping for improvement as they face a
tough Western Slope League sched-ule.
The Pirates were 0-14 last year, but Coach Rich Tafoya, in his second year, believes his team is ready to make a strong run this season.
"Last year was really tough, and the year before they one won once," he said. "But the kids are working hard and we have had a good summer and things are moving in the right direc-tion."
The Pirates attended three camps this summer, including one at West-ern State Colorado University. They also had two good scrimmages and open gym all summer.
"All of those were good steps in
the development of the team, they are forming good bonds," Tafoya said. "As long as they work hard and together we should see some good improvement."
The biggest obstacle the Pirates face is they don't have the size that many of their opponents have, some-thing Tafoya said they will try to exploit by playing good defense.
"This is a big league and we have to work hard on defense and use our sped and quickness," he said. "Our speed will be our strength, and we need to utilize that."
Tafoya said the Pirates will play an up-tempo style of offense to utilize their quickness.
"With our speed as a strong ad-vantage, it makes no sense to play a slow down style of offense," he said. "We will continue to run and hope we wear people down and their size advantage won't be a big advantage for them."
a
continUed on paGe 18
Montrose Daily Press Winter Sports 12.05.15 17
Varsitydate opponent TimeDec. 3-5 @Delta tourney tBaDec. 8 paonia 7 p.m.Dec. 18 meeker 7 p.m.Jan. 7 Grand Valley 7 p.m.Jan. 9 @moffat County 2:30 p.m.Jan. 15 aspen 7 p.m.Jan. 16 @Roaring Fork 4 p.m.Jan. 19 Gunnison 7 p.m.Jan. 23 @Coal Ridge 4 p.m.Jan. 29 Basalt 7 p.m.Jan. 30 @Grand Valley 4 p.m.Feb. 5 moffat County 7 p.m.Feb. 6 @aspen 4 p.m.Feb. 9 @Gunnison 7 p.m.Feb. 12 Roaring Fork 7 p.m.Feb. 19 Coal Ridge 7 p.m.Feb. 20 @Basalt 4 p.m.Feb. 22-27 District tourney tBamarch 4-5 Regional tourney tBamarch 10-12 State tourney tBa
JVDec. 8 paonia 4 p.m.Dec. 11-12 @meeker tourney tBaDec. 18 meeker 4p.m.Jan. 7 Grand Valley 4 p.m.Jan. 9 @moffat County 12 p.m.Jan. 15 aspen 4 p.m.Jan. 16 @Roaring Fork 1 p.m.Jan. 19 Gunnison 4 p.m.Jan. 23 @Coal Ridge 1 p.m.Jan. 29 Basalt 4 p.m.Jan. 30 @Grand Valley 1 p.m.Feb. 5 moffat County 4 p.m.Feb. 6 @aspen 1 p.m.Feb. 9 @Gunnison 4 p.m.Feb. 12 Roaring Fork 4 p.m.Feb. 19 Coal Ridge 4 p.m.Feb. 20 @Basalt 1 p.m.
olaThe piraTes 2015-16 boys baskeTball sChedule
senior JaCob MaZZa is ready To lead The olaThe piraTes
boys baskeTball TeaM Through a Tough WesTern
slope league season.By RiCHaRD ReeDeR/
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Tafoya will be counting on seniors Jacob Mazza and Armando Reyes for leader-ship. Juniors Trace Medina and Daniel Vernon will also play big roles for the Pirates. All four played signifi cant time for the varsity last year.
Mazza said the Pirates are working hard and he expects good things from himself.
"I want to fi nish with 10 blocks and 10 points every chance I can," he said. "I want to help us improve and win some games this year aft er the last couple years."
Mazza said he agrees with Tafoya's idea of running as much as possible.
"We have great speed and we have to use that and break down the other team," he said. "We are resilient and we have to use that to our advantage, we won't quit."
Reyes said he has great expectations for this season as well.
"I think we have a great chance to win some games, then have a chance to win and advance at districts," he said. "It's our time and we want to take advantage of it."
Reyes said Mazza is right about the team's resiliency as an advantage.
"We won't give up, this is a diff erent team and we are leav-ing the past behind us," he said. "We have juniors and seniors and we are all stepping up. Our level of intensity will help us against bigger teams." n
senior arMando reyes has high hopes for The olaThe piraTes boys baskeTball TeaM afTer a Winless season lasT year.By RiCHaRD ReeDeR/Daily pReSS
Montrose Daily Press Winter Sports 12.05.15 19
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olathe wreStlinG proGram bankinG on VeteranS
: olaThe | WReStlinG
By RiCHaRD ReeDeRDaily Press News Editor
ft er a successful 2014 sea-son, the Olathe wrestling team has high hopes for
2015-16 with a strong returning
cast of grapplers.Th e Pirates were third in the
Western Slope League last year and were 10th at the 3A State Tourna-ment.
“We’re excited about this season, things
“We’re excited about this season, things are looking strong with the group we have coming back”
senior Jake JiMeneZ, lefT, and Chayden harris haVe Their sighTs seT on sTaTe TiTles for The olaThe piraTesBy RiCHaRD ReeDeR/Daily pReSS
continUed on paGe 21
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20 Winter Sports 12.05.15 Montrose Daily Press
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olaThe piraTes 2015-16 WresTling sChedule
Varsitydate opponent TimeDec. 5 @mesa Dual 9 a.m.Dec. 10 @Delta 6 p.m.Dec. 11 @peyton tri 6 p.m.Dec. 12 @lewis palmer tourney 9 a.m.Dec. 17 @montrose 6 p.m.Dec. 18-19 @Warrio Classic tBaJan. 8 Berthoud 6 p.m.Jan. 9 @montrose tourney 9 a.m.Jan. 15-16 @Florence tourney tBaJan. 21 @paonia 6 p.m.Jan. 22 Fruita monument 6 p.m.Jan. 28 Hotchkiss 6 p.m.Jan. 29 @Rifl e 5 p.m.Jan. 30 @Brighton 9 a.m.Feb. 4 Gunnison/Grand Valley 6 p.m.Feb. 12-13 Regional tourney tBaFeb. 18-20 State tournament tBa
JVdate opponent TimeDec. 5 Olathe JV tourney 9 a.m.Dec. 10 @Delta 6 p.m.Dec. 12 @Rifl e tourney 9 a.m.Dec. 17 @montrose 6 p.m.Dec. 19 @Fruita tourney 9 a.m.Jan. 15-16 @Rangely tourney tBaJan. 21 @paonia 6 p.m.Jan. 22 Fruita monument 6 p.m.Jan. 23 @paonia tourney 9 a.m.Jan. 28 Hotchkiss 6 p.m.Jan. 30 @Grand Junction 9 a.m.Feb. 6 @norwood tourney 9 a.m.
CoaCh Tee Jay rose has high eXpeCTaTions for The olaThe WresTling TeaM afTer The piraTes’ 10Th plaCe finish aT sTaTe lasT year.By RiCHaRD ReeDeR/Daily pReSS
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are looking strong with the group we have coming back,” Pirate Coach Tee Jay Rose said. “Last year at state we have fi ve kids qualifi ed and three placed and the other two were one win away from placing.”
From last year, Chayden Harris placed third and Felix Pena and Andrew Godfrey placed fourth. Th e near-placers were Jake Jimenez and Trent Rose.
Rose has high expectations for those fi ve and then Caleb Jolley and Justin Mosher.
“Th ey have all been working hard and now have the experience of the state meet,” he said. “Th ey will be pushing hard to improve on last year and help bring the other guys along.”
Th e Pirates will start the season at the Mesa Duals at Colorado Mesa University. Th ey will face Delta
on Dec. 10 and then go to the Lewis Palmer Tourna-ment on Dec. 12. Th ey travel to Montrose on Dec. 17 before hitting the mat at the always tough War-rior Classic.
Rose said the tough early season schedule will prepare the Pirates for the league schedule and the regional and state tournaments.
“Going against the level of competition we will face at Lewis Palmer and the Warrior Classic will make us better,” he said. “Th e kids really learn what it takes to take the next step and compete for titles, it does nothing but help us.”
Jimenez, a senior, said last year showed him what he needs to do to have the best shot at the state title he covets.
“Practice has been going really good, but I have state on my mind,” he said. “Got to bust it here in the practice room and keep getting better.”
He said the team has the chance to make a run at the league title and then have a great showing at state.
“We just have to fi nd consistency, just working to keep improving,” he said. “We showed last year we can compete with anyone and now we have to go harder and bring it home.”
Godfrey, a junior, said he’s ready to go further than last year and is anxious to get started.
“I want to win the title, I just have to keep work-ing hard,” he said. “I have been putting in extra time, I know what I have to do to get my title.”
Godfrey is eagerly anticipating the start of the season.
“I am excited to get aft er it, ready for someone besides our guys,” he said. “I have never been more ready for a season.”
Rose said the team’s attitude is at a big level as the fi rst tournament approaches. “I tell them we just have to go out and compete every week and good things will happen,” he said. “As long as we keep the improvement going, this team can ac-complish some great things for themselves and the school.” n
“We just have to fi nd consistency, just working to keep improving,” he said. “We showed last year we
can compete with anyone and now we have to go harder and bring it
home”
Junior andreW godfrey is hoping
To iMproVe on his fourTh plaCe
finish aT The sTaTe TournaMenT.
By RiCHaRD ReeDeR/Daily pReSS
22 Winter Sports 12.05.15 Montrose Daily Press
: olaThe | GiRlS BaSKetBall
olathe GirlS baSketball team ‘reloadinG’
By RiCHaRD ReeDeRDaily Press News Editor
he Olathe Pirates Girls basketball team enters this year aft er losing four seniors from last
year’s Western Slope League regular season champions, but they are hoping to reload and not rebuilt.
Head Coach Paul Althous welcomes back four seniors with plenty of varsity time, and two juniors who also have varsity experience.
Th e Pirates have won the league title four times in the last seven years and were second in the other three years.
“I have talked to the girls a lot and that we have been building a good tradition of winning,” Althous said. “But all of that is in the past and they have to cre-ate their own history.”
Althous said the girls have been committed to this season with plenty of off -season work.
“We did summer ball and some camps, and everyone was
involved,” he said. “Th ey are all excited and anxious to get the season going.”
Th e four seniors are post Taylor Brown, forward Shelby Anderson, guard Vanessa Ce-ballos and guard Emily Mundy. Th e juniors are guard Miranda Pacheco and guard Kacy Hen-wood.
“Th ey are all very talented kids, our fi rst six are going to be real strong,” Althous said. “Th e rest of the team all has plenty of JV experience and will help us uphold the tradition.”
Th e Pirates will focus on defense and putting pressure on opponents. Off ensively they will play an up tempo game to get out and run the fl oor.
“We don’t have great size, we are smaller and quicker and the speed pays off ,” Althous said. “Th e kids love playing the up tempo game.”
Th e Pirates will open the season the Delta Tournament Dec. 3-5. Th ey will open with Cedaredge. Last year the Bruins
“I have talked to the girls a lot and that we have been building a good tradition of winning”
T
senior forWard shelby anderson is CoMing off a suCCessful Volleyball season.By RiCHaRD ReeDeR/Daily pReSS
Montrose Daily Press Winter Sports 12.05.15 23
defeated the Pirates by fi ve points, their lone loss until they lost to Moff at County in the district championship game. Th ey will also face Delta and Hotchkiss.
Althous said the league will be a tough road this season. Moff at County returns most of its team from last year and Coal Ridge and Grand Valley should be tough as well.
“We try and play up as much as we can, we will scrimmage Montrose and Grand Junction, so we are stepping up two divi-sions there,” he said. “It pre-pares us well and give us a good direction to go for the season.”
And his four seniors are pumped up and ready for the new season.
“We are coming off a long volleyball season and we are all
excited,” Anderson said. “We have a lot of strong players and we are looking forward to a good year.”
Mundy echoed Anderson’s sentiments.
“We can go all the way through to state,” she said. “We work together better now and we can do good things.”
Ceballos has the ultimate goal on her mind.
“We want a state champion-ship, that’s my goal,” she said. “If we work hard good things will come our way.”
Brown points to the long time the team has been together as their strength.
“We have the talent and we work so well together,” she said. “We have been together a long time, and we work hard and push each other.” n
Varsitydate opponent TimeDec. 3-5 @Delta tourney tBaDec. 8 paonia 5:30 p.m.Dec. 18 meeker 5:30 p.m.Jan. 7 Grand Valley 5:30 p.m.Jan. 9 @moffat County 1 p.m.Jan. 15 aspen 5:30 p.m.Jan. 16 @Roaring Fork 2:30 p.m.Jan. 19 Gunnison 5:30 p.m.Jan. 23 @Coal Ridge 2:30 p.m.Jan. 29 Basalt 5:30 p.m.Jan. 30 @Grand Valley 2:30 p.m.Feb. 5 moffat County 5:30 p.m.Feb. 6 @aspen 2:30 p.m.Feb. 9 @Gunnison 5:30 p.m.Feb. 12 Roaring Fork 5:30 p.m.Feb. 19 Coal Ridge 5:30 p.m.Feb. 20 @Basalt 2:30 p.m.Feb. 22-27 District tourney tBamarch 4-5 Regional tourney tBamarch 10-12 State tourney tBa
JVDec. 4-5 @meeker tourney tBaDec. 8 paonia 4 p.m.Dec. 18 meeker 4p.m.Jan. 7 Grand Valley 4 p.m.Jan. 9 @moffat County 11 a.m.Jan. 15 aspen 4 p.m.Jan. 16 @Roaring Fork 1 p.m.Jan. 19 Gunnison 4 p.m.Jan. 23 @Coal Ridge 1 p.m.Jan. 29 Basalt 4 p.m.Jan. 30 @Grand Valley 1 p.m.Feb. 5 moffat County 4 p.m.Feb. 6 @aspen 1 p.m.Feb. 9 @Gunnison 4 p.m.Feb. 12 Roaring Fork 4 p.m.Feb. 19 Coal Ridge 4 p.m.Feb. 20 @Basalt 1 p.m.
olaThe piraTes 2015-16 girls baskeTball sCheduleolaThe girls
baskeTball CoaCh enTers his 13Th
season looking for anoTher league TiTle.
By RiCHaRD ReeDeR/Daily pReSS
senior guard Vanessa Ceballos has her eyes on The sTaTe ChaMpionship This season.By RiCHaRD ReeDeR/Daily pReSS
24 Winter Sports 12.05.15 Montrose Daily Press
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