News and Events
Broncos Launch Video for new Futures Football League.
The new DPS Futures Football League, funded by the Denver Broncos and NFL, is getting underway, bringing tackle football to Denver middle schools for the first time. Broncos players and staff are visiting DPS schools to tell students about the new program, which will begin this spring. Details are highlighted in this new video produced by the Broncos.Broncos video
News and Events
Prep League Fall Roundup
October 28, 2008-The Nuggets/Avalanche Prep League was created in part to provide middle school students with an opportunity to participate in a school organized sports program which promotes the importance of academics. Today, roughly 4,500 students who maintain a C average or better in each class participate in over 1,500 games in the league annually. The overall objective is to assist in the maturation of emotional, intellectual, physical and social development traits of the students participating in the program. This fall the league welcomed a plethora of new members from all over the district. In turn the Prep League saw one of its most competitive seasons ever as new members’ battled traditional stalwarts for the title of League Champion.
The 2008 Flag Football season got off to a rousing beginning when league newcomers Farrell B.
Howell put the entire league on notice as they took eventual Northeastern Division Champion Rachel
B. Noel to the wire before succumbing by a score of 24-22. If this was any indication of things
to come then one could surely surmise that this would be a season to remember. As the year progressed
several teams marked their claim as Prep League title contenders. Kepner, Noel, Henry, Howell, Morey &
Kunsmiller all went into the playoffs with records of 5-2 or better. However, as indication of the leagues
overall parity, underdogs Hill and Lake were able to scratch their way to semi-final berths, with Hill making
it all the way to the championship game. Unfortunately their Cinderella season would last only this far as
defending champion Kepner proved to imposing. Despite an unbelievable effort by Hill co-coaches Gregg Heid and
Pat Clarke and the rest of the Hill team, they were unable to come away with the title as the Kepner Dolphins
led by Rocco Carbone and Ron Joutras led their team to victory. The win capped off a storybook 10-0 season for
Kepner.
Not to be outdone, the 2008 Boys’ Soccer season was like a prize fight with all of the leagues teams trading blows
throughout the season. Traditional league powerhouses Kunsmiller, led by first year head coach Ezequiel Villanueva-Ruiz
and Kepner, led by co-coaches Anderson Gomez and Martin Martinez “kicked off” the season with a game that could only be
described as incredible. Both sides displayed their superior technical ability with one touch combination passing up and
down the pitch. After both teams battled to a 1-1 score line, Kunsmiller was finally able to find a late winner and walk
away from a match which had a championship like atmosphere victorious. In what came as a surprise to everyone around the
league, MLK and Place Bridge Academy met in a late season game to determine playoff seeding. However, if you were to ask
the teams involved they would tell you that there was nothing out of the ordinary about their 4-1 records. Their abundance
of young talent had finally matured and this was clearly evident in this mid-October match-up. Although Place would
eventually come away victorious and earn a first round bye, MLK took the game as a learning experience as they eventually made
their way to the semi-finals. League newbie’s Greenwood also found themselves in the mix after completing the regular season with
a mark of 4-2. However, like so many others, their season was eventually ended by a Kepner Dolphin team biting at the chance to
earn revenge in a title match with undefeated Kunsmiller. In the end Kunsmiller would solidify their dominance during the
2008 Prep League boys’ soccer season by backing up their early season win over Kepner with a 3-1 championship score line.
Kepner had Kunsmiller coach Ezequiel Villanueva-Ruiz sweating all game long; luckily his players were there to cool him off with a
Gatorade bath just as the final whistle sounded.
The storyline for the 2008 Prep League Softball season focused around the weather. However, for once the report read clear skies.
Throughout the season the ladies of the Prep League were rewarded with beautiful weather which in turn opened the door for some nail
biting match-ups on the diamond. In an early season match-up which would set the tone for their seasons, Morey and Centennial squared
off in a battle of the Titans. Both teams displayed timely hitting in a game that would go back and forth throughout. However, in the
end it would be pitching that took center stage as the Morey Mustangs were able to hold off the Prospectors late rally 7-5. In a match-up
which exemplifies what the Prep League is all about, MLK, led by coach Amy Rivera, squared off against Grant, led by coach Joellen Davis
late in the season. Despite the fact that playoff seeding was not at stake, both teams went into the game as if the title was on the line.
The desire of both teams to go out and compete all while keeping with the spirit of the game is an attitude which all teams should embrace.
While MLK came away victorious, both sides left it all out on the field and in the end could walk away from their seasons with their heads
held high. After all was said and done the 2008 season came down to a showdown of two undefeated rivals. The Henry Eagles and the Hamilton
Huskies had been waiting for this game all season long. With a match-up that featured two veteran coaches in Elaine Giromini for Henry and
Lee Lampert for Hamilton, the game was destined to be competitive. Although both sides displayed some early championship game jitters,
eventually the players were able to relax and settle into their rhythm. As if it were scripted for Hollywood, the game went right down to
the wire with Hamilton eventually pulling away. For coach Lampert, he can finally add a softball trophy to his mantle already lined with
those from baseball. As for everyone else, there will surely be extra motivation going into next season in hopes of reaching the ranks of
champion themselves.
The 2008 Prep League Volleyball season saw the creation of new rivalries as the leagues division title races went all the way to the wire.
In the final game of the season Central Division foes Morey and Lake squared off to decide the division champion. Lake, who is led by their
energetic coach Jeff Kurtz, proved to be a formidable opponent; however, Morey, led by coach Shana Wilhelm proved up for the challenge as they
took the game and the division in front of their home crowd. The addition of several new teams to the Prep League saw the leagues numbers grow
to unprecedented heights, as twenty-three teams competed for the crown. Among the newcomers was Bryant Webster, led by their coach Cori Hatchell.
Although they were new to the league, one would never know judging by their performances. The grit and determination displayed throughout the
season led them all the way to the playoffs before finally succumbing to a veteran Smiley club. As the season winded down it looked as if
Slavens may have caught stride at just the right time as they polished off several late season victories. Slavens coach Doris Pearson must have
liked her team’s chances to go all the way as the playoffs drew near. However, in the end it would be the Grizzlies of Grant Ranch, led by coach
Jill Fox meeting up with fellow undefeated squad Morey, in the Championship game. After Grant Ranch took game one it looked as if they had the
trophy in the bag. However, Morey refused to go away and took game two in convincing style. After a back and forth third and final game Grant
Ranch was finally able to persevere and come away victorious. Both teams showed tremendous work ethic and determination as they battled it out.
I think everyone in the gym that day left amazed at just how talented the girls of DPS really are.
As the 2008 Nuggets/Avalanche Prep League Fall season comes to an end we would be remised if we did not thank the people that helped make it all possible. The Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rockies and McCormick Tribune, as well as the DPS Foundation all dedicated valuable resources which enabled middle school children throughout DPS the opportunity to participate in structured physical activity. The wonderful coaching staff at South High School, led by Athletic Director Miranda Odom put on an amazing championship event at an incredible venue. Finally, the coaches and Athletic Directors at all of our middle schools who work tirelessly every day to make the league what it is today. To all of you we are thankful and look forward to starting anew as the 2008/2009 Prep League Winter Basketball season is upon us. Games begin November 11th and this year promises to be a special one as nearly thirty teams will compete for division and league crowns. We hope to see you all in November.
News and Events
Prep League Cross Country a huge success.
Denver, October 7, 2008-Incredible energy and excitement surrounded the Prep League Cross Country Championship held at Bible Park. On hand to oversee the tremendous effort by the students of DPS was Doug Fulton from Kroenke Sports Enterprises. "This is one of the greatest events that I have witnessed in many years." Fulton expressed as he watched student/athletes power their way over the finish line. "It is amazing to see how much this sport has grown over the year" commented Bruce Hoyt, School Board Member. "It is a testiment to the schools commitment to the Prep League that helps to create wonderful opportunities for kids to participate in." Hoyt added.
With the sunlight dwindling the Team Awards were presented to an excited crowd of parents, spectators and fans. This year the Champions of the Prep League are:
- Boys City Champions: Hamilton Huskies
- Girls City Champions: Hamilton Huskies
- Boys Runner-up: Hill Skyhawks
- Girls Runner-up: Slavens Storm
Individual and team results listed here:
Middle School Girls XC resultsMiddle School Boys XC results
News and Events
Denver Broncos and NFL Provide New Field at DPS All-City Stadium and Launch New Tackle-Football League for Denver Middle School Students
DENVER, Sept. 3, 2008 – As the fall football season begins, Denver Public Schools has a new field at All-City Stadium, and will introduce a new tackle-football program for middle school students, thanks to support from the Denver Broncos and the National Football League (NFL).
A new Astroturf field was installed at All-City Stadium this summer, thanks to funding from the NFL Grassroots Program, an initiative of the NFL and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation. All-City Stadium, located at South High School, hosts DPS games and tournaments for football, soccer, track and field, lacrosse, and field hockey.
Additionally, grants from Denver Broncos Charities and the NFL will allow DPS to introduce its first-ever tackle football program for students in seventh and eighth grades. The Denver Broncos Futures League will begin in March 2009, allowing 300 students from 32 DPS schools to participate in competitive tackle football. The program requires students to maintain high standards in academics, behavior and attendance in order to maintain weekly eligibility.
“The Futures League is an excellent way to keep students engaged in school and focused on success,” said Cindy Kellogg, vice president of community development for the Denver Broncos Football Club. “Athletics programs teach students about teamwork and good sportsmanship, increase their physical fitness level, and provide them with an incentive to maintain good grades. The Broncos will engage in a variety of activities throughout the fall that will encourage students to focus on achievement both in the classroom and on the field.”
Currently DPS’s Prep League, the official middle school sports program for the district, offers competitive flag football for students in grades 6-8. The new tackle program will allow seventh and eighth grade students to build game skills and confidence before heading into high school, creating a pipeline of potential players for the high school football teams. The flag football program will also remain, taking place in the fall while the tackle program will take place in the spring only for seventh and eighth grade students.
With the addition of the Denver Broncos Futures League, all of Denver’s major professional sports teams are now supporting the district’s Prep League program, which is expected to engage 4,500 students in sports during the 2008-2009 school year. The Colorado Rockies and Kroenke Sports, owner of the Nuggets and Avalanche, have sponsored Prep League for several years. For the 10 years following district budget cuts in 1997, the middle school sports program in DPS has been funded entirely by community support, generated through the Denver Public Schools Foundation.
“The middle school years are challenging for many students and our Prep League sports program keeps thousands of students interested in school,” said John Andrew, athletics manager for DPS. “The program keeps students active, provides them with adult supervision after school, and lets them have fun and make new friends. We are so thrilled to have the Broncos and NFL involved in providing these opportunities for our middle school students.”
About Denver Broncos Charities The Denver Broncos strive to improve the lives of Coloradans through youth health, hunger and homeless relief initiatives. Furthermore, the NFL is dedicated to improving the physical fitness level and overall health of children nation wide, launching its NFL Play 60 initiative, encouraging children to get 60 minutes of physical activity in a day.
About the Denver Public Schools Foundation The DPS Foundation raises funds in support of The Denver Plan, the district’s ambitious education reform plan to improve student achievement. The Foundation supports programs such as professional development for principals and teachers, improved curriculum and quality of instruction, after-school programs, and community partnerships. For more information, visit www.dpsfoundation.org.
News and Events
Warm Thoughts from Justin
As summer turns to fall and the leaves begin to change, it can only mean one thing; another year of DPS Prep League Sports is upon us. This year the Prep League is proud to welcome a host of new schools to its already extensive lineup. Joining the ranks for the 2008-2009 seasons are: Fairmont, Cole, Bryant Webster, Howell, Greenwood, Waller, Roberts, Greenlee, Gilpin and Whittier. On behalf of everyone associated with Denver Public Schools Athletics I would like to extend a warm welcome to all ten of our new members. We look forward to the development of new friendships along with a few new rivalries as well.
This year the Prep League will be offering eleven sports for the student athletes of DPS. The fall season includes a loaded lineup of activities which includes: boy’s soccer, flag football, volleyball, softball and cross-country. In the winter season the Prep League will be offering boy’s and girl’s basketball. In our spring season students can choose from boy’s baseball, girl’s soccer, or boy’s and girl’s 6th grade basketball. As you can tell there is something for everyone to enjoy and participate in, so don’t delay and contact your school’s Principal or Athletic Director today to inquire about the sport’s we have to offer.
News and Events
Hamilton Sweeps Spring Sports
Behind tremendous speed and skill the Hamilton Husky Soccer and Baseball Teams swept through the playoffs with great alacrity. In soccer the girls’ showed impressive passing and teamwork in defeated fellow Eastern Division rival Slavens by a score of 5-1. The undefeated Huskies, led by coaches Tara Schneider and Tracy Zimmerman, were virtually unstoppable this season while completing their undefeated season. In route to the championship the Huskies defeated Rishel 9-0 and cross town powerhouse Morey 3-0.
The boys’ baseball team showed the same resolve in completing one of the most difficult feats to accomplish in sports….A THREE PEAT. The Huskies, led by coach Lee Lampert, displayed tremendous hitting power against the Centennial Prospectors on their way to the 2008 championship. Pitcher Tony Yacovetta showed tremendous poise in keeping the bats cold for the Prospectors.Hamilton won the game 7-1.
News and Events
Nuggets Avalanche Athlete of the Year Award Click here Nuggets Athlete of the Yearfor the nomination process.
News and Events
Smiley Middle School and Hamilton Claims Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball Championships
The Smiley Cougar Girls’ Basketball team outpaced the MLK Panthers last night in front of a large crowd at Bruce Randolph Middle School to earn the title of Middle School Basketball Champions for 2008. The Panthers of MLK battled hard and displayed some impressive defense against the Cougars. Je’Nae Hardy and Jamesha Briscoe led the Cougars down the stretch by spreading the floor and forcing MLK to foul. Eventually the Smiley Cougars outlasted the Panthers for the win. The final score was 22-18. This is the 3rd Championship in a row for the Cougars.
The boys’ championship was a hard fought battle with both teams showing impressive dribbling and passing skills. Both teams came into the contest with undefeated records. Hamilton took an early lead in the game but the Eagles of Henry showed great poise in mounting a comeback. Minutes into the 3rd quarter Hamilton’s dominant center Eric Andres suffered a sprained ankle and the Eagles were able to close the gap. Andres returned later in the 4th quarter and took over the game on the offensive and defensive end. The final score was 32-25.
The Denver Nuggets/Colorado Avalanche Prep League has been a success since its inception in 1997. By creating a sports league (volleyball, basketball, soccer, cross country, baseball, softball and flag football) for boys and girls in 22 DPS middle schools, more than 3,200 middle school students maintain good grades in the classroom in order to participate in games. The existence of this academic requirement helps students develop good study habits and appreciate the importance of maintaining good grades in order to have the privilege of playing organized sports.
The participating middle schools are: Centennial, Grant Ranch K-8, Grant, Hamilton, Henry, Hill, Horace Mann, Kepner, Kunsmiller, Lake, Martin Luther King Jr., Merrill, Moore K-8, Morey, Noel, Park Hill K-8, Place, Randolph, Rishel, Skinner, Slavens K-8 and Smiley.
The League is funded primarily by grants from the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche Community Funds, FSN Rocky Mountain, Colorado Rockies and the Denver Public Schools Foundation.
The Denver Nuggets Community Fund and the Colorado Avalanche Community Fund have together made grants totaling more than $1.5 million to the DPS Prep League since 1998. The DPS Foundation plays a significant role in helping the students in Denver Public Schools.
News and Events
Ida Jeng wins Nugget for a Day Award
Ida Jeng, 8th grade student at Martin Luther King Jr. Early college won the Nugget of the Day award for the month of December.
She was recognized in an
assembly at school by Mark Randall, a former player for the Denver Nuggets and current Community Ambassador.
She received a Carmelo Anthony Jersey, and 2 tickets to a Nugget practice where she received many autographs and pictures
including this nice pose with
NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony.
She was also awarded with 4 catered suite tickets to the Nuggets/Hornets game on 12/12. Ida is a softball
player, community volunteer and she is a great role model to the students of MLK.
Winners of FSN Scholastic Award Program
Fox Sports Rocky Mountain has teamed up with the Denver Public Schools Foundation to highlight the DPS Prep League’s commitment to sportsmanship, sound academic performance, leadership, citizenship, and bright futures. Now that the season has come to a close, we are pleased to announce the winners of the fall 2007 Prep League Scholastic Awards Program. After reviewing all of the teacher evaluations and student submissions, the following teams were selected by the Awards committee for their outstanding performance both in the classroom and in their respective sports:
- Volleyball- Hamilton
- Boys Soccer- Morey Middle School
- Flag Football- Rachel Noel
- Cross Country- Hill Middle School
- Softball- Martin Luther King
To honor these teams and their accomplishments, we are pleased to invite all team members, coaches, and parents to a special awards ceremony on November 15th. Each team member will be presented with a complimentary Scholastic Awards tee shirt and medal. The event will be held at Morey Middle School from 4-6 PM. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided.
Additionally, we are proud to announce that Alanna Rizzo from Fox Sports Rocky Mountain will be on-hand to host the event on behalf of our sponsor. FSN Rocky Mountain is in their third year as a partner of the DPS Foundation and their first year as the presenting sponsor of the Prep League Scholastic Awards.
We would encourage all parents, coaches, and teachers to attend the event and honor the Award recipients! Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments you might have. I look forward to seeing you all next Thursday.