The Denver Broncos Futures Football program once again delivered on the mission of growing contact football in Denver Public Schools. The Futures program in its fourth year had over 300 DPS students participate in what is quickly becoming one of the models for youth football in the United States. The program is funded through the Denver Broncos Community Development department with grants from the Play60 initiative. DPS is grateful for all that the Broncos and the NFL have done to help with this program.
The mid afternoon games featured a matchup that we had seen earlier in the season. The Patriots of George Washington took on the Denver West Cowboys and soundly defeated them by the score of 35-7. “Both teams showed significant improvement over the last two seasons. Both West and GW have created an incredible culture at their schools.” Said Director of Athletics, Karen Higel. As they have done all season the Patriots were led by the triple threat of Malik Swift, Adrian King and Hasani Moore. These three had a significant impact on making the Patriots a force to be reckoned with. For the Cowboys, Justin Jewell, Nelson Reyes and Chris Henderson made a significant impact on the revitalized Denver West team.
We congratulate all of the players and coaches for making Futures a SUCCESS!
The Futures Program is made possible by a Grant from the Denver Broncos and the NFL Play60 initiative. DPS has also partnered with USA Football to assist in the development of our players.
We also have a link for you to view action shots of your favorite players at Carlos Bryant Photography.Nuggets Prep League Basketball titles go to Henry Girls and Morey Boys!
Morey was up to the task and matched Dora Moore at every turn. Eventually, the play of point guard Reginald Gibson overshadowed the effort by Dora Moore. Gibson's calm and cool demeanor on the floor led to many open layups and set up numerous free shots. Other outstanding performances were displayed by Dylan Holt, Darrius Fry and Jamison Jendrusch.
All of the coaches should be congratulated for their outstanding leadership in the Nuggets Prep League Tournament. On behalf of the DPS Athletic Department we would like to thank all of our coaches and Athletic Directors for making the Prep League work. We would also like to thank the Denver Nuggets and Kroenke Sports Charities for everything they have done for DPS. It is with their kind and generous support that we are able to make Prep League a reality.
Game times are: Girls 3:45 P.M. followed by the Boys at 4:45 P.M..
Playoff brackets for the GIRLS PREP LEAGUE.
Playoff brackets for the BOYS PREP LEAGUE.
Click for the Middle School Championship Program
Spotlight on Allison Hart-Grant Middle School Student/Athlete!
2. What are your favorite classes at Grant? My favorite classes at Grant are Art, Science, Math, and Reading.
3. What is your favorite sport? My favorite sport is Volleyball!!!!
4. What are your hobbies? My hobbies are playing sports, being with friends, and listening to music.
5. What sports do you plan on playing in High School? I plan on participating in Volleyball, swimming or basketball, track or soccer.
6. What has sports taught you? Sports have taught me that you can't win by yourself
7. What is the best part of Middle School sports? Being in Middle School sports was really fun. It helped because there were teams that were really hard and some that were easier.
8. What is your favorite part of practice?My favorite part of practicing (in all of the sports that I play) is definitely scrimmaging!
9. What advice would you give to other MS kids about playing in Prep League? I would tell other MS kids to always try your best and to not give up. I would also tell them that you can't always win, and it is better to learn that now rather than later.
Spotlight on Deron Davis-Smiley Middle School Student/Athlete!
2. What are your favorite classes at Smiley? My favorite classes at Smiley are history and math.
3. What is your favorite sport? My favorite sport is basketball, but I also play football.
4. What are your hobbies? Some of my hobbies are chilling with friends, but most of the time I like to work on my game.
5. What sports do you plan on playing in High School? I want to play football and basketball in high school. I might just play basketball because I have a better chance of excelling in that sport.
6. What has sports taught you? Sports have taught me to be strong in life. They also keep me off the streets.
7. What is the best part of Middle School sports? The best part of middle school sports is having fun and playing with friends.
8. What is your favorite part of practice? My favorite part of practice is when we are getting ready to compete and we get better.
9. What advice would you give to other MS kids about playing in Prep League? The advice I would give to other MS kids about playing in Prep League would be to “Play your best and don’t let anyone push you around on the court.”
Students from Florida Pitt Waller take the NBA Team Fit Challenge.
Middle School Student Athletes from Florida Pitt Waller were invited to the Pepsi Center on Monday, January 23rd as part of the NBA Team Fit program. The students were hosted by our Denver Nuggets and treated to a wonderful day of learning about fitness and nutrition from members of the Nuggets Team.
Rudy Fernandez, Arron Afflalo and the Nuggets Strength Coach Steve Hess were on hand to stress the importance of being FIT!
Grant Ranch takes Volleyball Title
The Grant Ranch Grizzlies may want to start using the word "Dynasty" when it comes to Volleyball. The Grizzlies defeated the Hamilton Huskies in front of a large crowd at Prep League Member School Hill. The first game was dominated by the Grizzlies who looked poised and ready to play. Grant Ranch won the first game by a score of 25-11.
The Hamilton TEAM bounced back from shaky start and built 15-7 lead in the 2nd match behind the impressive serving of Jordan Graham. Hamilton was up 18-11 before GR started to make a comeback and took the lead after some great volleys by both teams, 23-22. Hamilton regrouped and focused to take the next 3 points a nd win the 2nd game to tie the score 1-1. Maggie Eronimous had some impressive hits while receiving some outstanding sets from Jenny Jacal.
Volleyball Championship Program
Morey Completes UNDEFEATED Season. Captures the Flag Football Title.
The Morey Mustangs looked impressive in their Victory over the Henry Eagles. The final score was 34-0. The Mustangs entered the game undefeated and ended with a record of 9-0. Coach Ross Ethridge was very complimentary of his teams effort. "We worked hard all year to make it to this spot. We faced some very tough competition throughout the playoffs and we are glad to bring a Championship home to Morey."
This was the first trip to the championship game for the Henry Eagles. The Eagles entered the game with a 6-2 record in what would be the last game for Coach Laura Davidson. "I am just so happy that we got a chance to play in this game. I have absolutely loved coaching in this league and I am very encouraged to see how much it has grown over the past 9 years."
Outstanding players for the game were James Hueston, who scored on a very long run, Reggie Gibbson (Quarterback),Ellis Jones and CJ Lane.
Flag Football Championship Program
Spotlight on James Hueston-Morey Student/Athlete!
2. What are your favorite classes at Morey? My favorite classes at Morey are math and science. Both are classes that mentally challenge me to do better and are classes that I love to learn about and participate in.
3. What is your favorite sport? My favorite sport is Ice Hockey. I’ve been playing hockey since I was two and love the wind in my face and scoring a goal and helping my team win. Cross country though is a close second because it challenges me to go beyond what I previously thought I could do.
4. What are your hobbies? My hobbies are hanging out with my friends and family. I also love to read, build Legos, go to the gym, play sports, run, and learn about the world around me.
5. What sports do you plan on playing in High School? I plan on participating in track and field, cross country, lacrosse, and hockey. Most are sports I will be able to play at high school, but hockey I will have to play on a team outside of school.
6. What has sports taught you? Sports have taught me how to not only be an individual player, but to also be a team player. It’s more about the team than it is about me. Also sports have helped to teach me how to control my competitiveness, and that it isn’t all about winning, but it is more about having fun and making friends.
7. What is the best part of Middle School sports? The best part of middle school sports is getting to know and be friends with your coaches and teammates. Also it is fun to be in a safe competitive environment with all of the other middle school athletes that are just like me.
8. What is your favorite part of practice? My favorite part of practice is all of it. What I mean by that is that I love hanging out with my teammates and coaches. Then I also enjoy actually getting to practice the sport that I love. My favorite part of practice is getting to not only make myself better, but to also help make my teammates and my team better.
9. What advice would you give to other MS kids about playing in Prep League? I would tell middle school kids wanting to play in the Prep League that they should always get to know their teammates and coaches as more than just teammates, but also as friends. I would also tell them to get to know the volunteer staff and to thank them. It makes participating in the Prep League so much more fun. Lastly I would tell them to always have fun and to try their best.
Cross Country Title goes to Slavens Boys and DCIS Girls!
In what has become one of the fastest growing programs in Prep League, Middle School Cross Country shined as James Hueston of Morey Middle School and Kayla Young of DCIS would bring home the individual Middle School Championships for DPS. Houston won the boys race with a time of 9:04, while Young captured the girls race in an astounding 9:49. From Henry Middle School Jacob Schipper along with Ethan Olree challenged Hueston for the title, but in the end Hueston was too good in capturing another Boys title.
For Kayla Young challenges came from Rachel Olree and Anna McCollister of Hamilton.
On the team side of things it was Slavens K-8 School winning the Boys Team Title with 45 combined points and DCIS, behind the individual first place finish of Young winning the Girls Team Title with 61 overall points.
Congratulations to all runners for an incredible event. Below is a link to the Running Bears website which has a complete list of results. Middle School Results
Henry Softball Wins Softball Title.
In front of a crowd that you would expect to see at a high school softball championship game the Henry Eagles defeated the Hamilton Huskies by a score of 19-4. Leading the Eagles was 6th grade Mikayla Marquez who pitched an incredible game. The Huskies gained their composure in the 2nd inning and made a solid push to challenge the Eagles but in the end Henry had too much fire power. Outstanding play was exhibited by both teams. Catcher and All-Prep League nominee Angelina Abeyta was a dominant force at the plate as she continually held Hamilton runners in place. Equally impressive was the 7th grade catcher for Hamilton, Leslie French, whose competitive spirit and pride was evident to all of the spectators.
Both teams were the division champions in their respective divisions. Henry capped an undefeated season by bringing home the 2011 League Championship. The DPS Athletic Staff is very proud to help support the dreams and aspirations of ALL of our players in Prep League. We are philosophically and financially supported by our founding sponsors the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Kroenke Sports as well as our wonderful sponosrs the Colorado Rockies who have really helped to focus our efforts on increasing participation in Softball and Baseball. We are also supported by the Denver Broncos, Bank of the West, Chipotle and a number of individual sponsors.
Congratulations Eagles. Softball Program
All Prep League Softball and Soccer for Early Fall
The All Prep League Softball and Soccer teams have been submitted by the schools coaches. This years All-Prep League teams feature some of the best student athletes we have seen in years.
2011 Lancer Invitational Meet Results
Girls ResultsTop 3 Girls
1 McCollister, Anna Hamilton 10:34.13
2 Olree, Rachel Merrill 10:46.28
3 Young, Kayla Dcis 10:58.69
Boys Results
Top 3 Boys
1 Hueston, James Morey 9:45.04
2 Schipper, Jacob Henry 9:54.05
3 Olree, Ethan Merrill 9:59.17
2011 Spartan Invitational Meet Results
Girls ResultsTop 3 Girls
1 McCollister, Anna Hamilton 9:36.86
2 Young, Kayla Dcis 9:47.94
3 Olree, Rachel Merrill 9:51.35
Boys Results
Top 3 Boys
1 Hueston, James Morey 8:51.35
2 Schipper, Jacob Henry 8:57.16
3 Olree, Ethan Merrill 8:57.75
2011 Slavens Invitational at Harvard Gulch Park
DPS Superintendent Tom Boasberg leading the Stampede!
2011 Washington Park Invitational A Huge Success
The Team Titles in the High School Division were both won by Denver East High School. The Angels had a combined score of 41 on the boys side and 28 on the girls which was just enough to bring home both crowns. In the Middle School Division it was the Skyhawks of Hill who would take the Boys Division, while the Slavens Storm emerged victorious in the Girls Division. Congratulations to all runners for their incredible effort.
Middle School Team Results are as follows (Top 5): Click the link below for complete individual and team results.
Middle School Girls
1. Slavens (49)
2. Hamilton (57)
3. DCIS (66)
4. Hill (108)
5. Merrill (126)
Middle School Boys
1. Hill (46)
2. Slavens (62)
3. Hamilton (97)
4. Morey (115)
5. Henry (166)
2011 Wash Park MS Boys Results
2011 Wash Park MS Girls Results
Kennedy Futures Team Rocks Mile High Stadium
The Kennedy Commander Futures Football team took to the gridiron on Friday, August 12th to play in the Broncos Bowl. The game, held at Mile High Stadium pitted the Kennedy Commanders, member of the Broncos Futures Football program, against the Heaton Hawks of Pueblo. The Futures program is sponsored by the Denver Broncos to increase participation in football for Denver Public Schools. The program is in its third year. “Without this program many of our programs would be struggling to have a team in high school.” Said Manager of Athletics John Andrew. “Having the philosophical and financial support of such a great community leader in the Broncos has really helped to motivate our kids and coaches.”
Colorado Passes Most Sweeping Youth-Concussion Law in U.S.
Colorado's governor signed the nation's most sweeping youth-concussion law this week, requiring coaches to bench players as young as 11 when they're suspected of having a concussion.
The new law, known as either SB 40 or the Jake Snakenberg Act, also requires annual concussion-recognition training for volunteer Little League and Pop Warner coaches, along with coaches in public and private schools. The concussion training will be made available to all coaches online for free.
This is where the Colorado law begins to differentiate itself from other states' youth-concussion measures. Most states only limit their concussion rules to school sports, but Colorado also includes all volunteer coaches for youth athletic activities.
That's not all: When a student-athlete is removed from a game because of a suspected concussion, the coach must contact the student's parents and cannot permit the student to return to any supervised team activities involving physical exertion until receiving clearance from a doctor. Once a doctor clears a student-athlete to return to competition, "a registered athletic trainer with specific knowledge of the athlete's condition" will manage the student-athlete's "graduated return to play."
It's that last part that may truly pave the way for the future of youth-concussion policies, as I alluded to in a previous post about new concussion legislation in New York state. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association recommended a five-day weaning period to return concussed athletes back to competition after they've received a doctor's clearance, yet the proposed New York legislation does not include this condition.
Snakenberg, the namesake of the Colorado law, was a freshman football player who died in 2004 from second-impact syndrome, which can occur when someone sustains a second concussion before fully healing from the first. While requiring student-athletes to obtain a doctor's clearance theoretically prevents all future risk of second-impact syndrome, gradually returning the concussed student-athletes back to the playing field after they've been cleared by doctors would only help keep them safer.
The new Colorado law takes effect Jan. 1, 2012.
2011 Prep League Spring Roundup
The 2011 Prep League Spring Season once again produced the largest field in Prep League history. In all, over 1,600 DPS student athletes took to their respective playing fields in a quest for division and league titles. Over the course of the 2010-2011 school year the Prep League reached extraordinary heights. For the second time in league history a single sport produced over 500 participants, occurring during the 2011 girl’s soccer season. Additionally, every middle school and K-8 in the district produced teams in every season accounting for an increase in participation from the 2009-2010 school year. Such momentous accomplishments have solidified the Prep League as the premier youth sports league in the City of Denver.
The 2011 DPS Prep League Baseball Season was a testament to how far the league has progressed over the last five years. The overall
parity that is present throughout the league made for an incredibly exciting season of baseball. Nearly 400 student athletes from across
the district took to the diamonds in an attempt to win division and league crowns.
Out of the Northwest Division it would be the Prospectors of Centennial that would come out on top in the division with the Skinner Scorpions and the Lake Knights joining them in the 2011 baseball playoffs. The Northeast Division crowned Morey as its 2011 champion, while the Lions of Greenwood and the Panthers of MLK would do just enough to advance as playoff qualifiers from the division as well. After a very close race throughout the season the Eagles of Henry would eventually emerge as champions of the Southwest Division. Joining the Eagles in the playoffs from the southwest were the Kepner Dolphins and the Grant Ranch Grizzlies. The always competitive Southeast Division once again saw Hamilton emerge as champions. Joining the Huskies in the playoffs from the southeast would be the Storm of Slavens and the Skyhawks of Hill.
When it was all said and done it would be the Henry Eagles who were crowned 2011 DPS Prep League Baseball Champions. The win would cap off an incredible undefeated season that saw the Eagles go 11-0. Along the way the Eagles would knock off some of the Prep Leagues elite programs, including the Hamilton Huskies who saw their string of Prep League championships come to an end in 2011. Despite a semi-final round loss for Hamilton they could still hold their heads high as they had an incredible season and an incredible run that will live in Prep League infamy.
As newly crowned champions the Eagles will look to build a dynasty of their own as they will come back in 2012 as defending champions. Look for another incredible season of baseball next spring as everyone will be looking to build on the success of 2011.
The 2011 DPS Prep League Girls Soccer Season was once again a record breaker as over 500 student athletes participated at schools
across DPS. The success of girls soccer in the Prep League has translated into success at the High School level. This past season both
Denver West and Denver East hosted CHSAA Tournament games, while Denver East would advance all the way to the Elite Eight of the State
Tournament.
Prep League Division Champions in 2011 would be the Fairmont Eagles out of the Northwest Division, the Mustangs of Morey out of the Northeast Division, the Phoenix of DCIS out of the Southwest Division and the Skyhawks of Hill out of the Southeast Division. Joining the Division Champions in the 2011 playoffs would be the Skinner Scorpions, the Lake Knights and the Centennial Prospectors who advanced from the Northwest Division. In the Northeast Division Rachel B. Noel, Florida Pitt Waller and the Cougars of Smiley all advanced into playoff action. The Henry Eagles, the Grant Ranch Grizzlies and the Kepner Dolphins all advanced from the Southwest Division, while the Hamilton Huskies, the Slavens Storm and the Merrill Jaguars moved on from the Southeast Division.
After a grueling week long playoff run it would be the Phoenix of DCIS that would emerge as Prep League Girls Soccer Champions. The win marked the first Prep League Championship for DCIS in any sport and appears to be the start of something special at DCIS as they have built an incredible soccer program at the school.
Finishing as the 2011 runners-up were the Huskies of Hamilton who played an exceptional championship match, yet fell just short on this day, losing by a score of 1-0. Look for the Huskies, as well as the rest of the Prep League to come out strong in 2012 as the Girls Prep League Soccer Season gets back into action.
The 2011 Boys and Girls Prep League 6th Grade Basketball League featured well over 40 teams from across the district. In fact, like all other sports in the spring of 2011, this would be the largest field to ever compete in the 6th grade league. The 6th grade basketball league was created as a developmental program designed to prepare students new to middle school of the nuances associated with Prep League Basketball. Being that the sport of basketball is very popular across the district, many 6th grade students were finding it difficult to make the respective teams at their middle schools. Therefore the league began as an alternate opportunity for these students. To date over 3,300 6th graders have come through the specialized 6th grade basketball league and progressed on to the middle school team at their school.
As the 2011 Nuggets/Avalanche Prep League Spring Season comes to an end we would be remiss if we did not thank the people that helped make it all possible. The Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rockies, Denver Broncos 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 staff at John F. Kennedy High School who helped put on an amazing championship event. We would also like to thank Bank of the West for their dedicated support of DPS middle school athletics and their focus on bringing financial literacy to the students of the district. We look forward to a long lasting partnership with an incredible organization committed to the community of Denver. And a special thank you to 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 the Fall Season. Games begin in August and next year promises to be a special one as thirty teams will compete for division and league crowns.
Championship Saturday at All-City Stadium
The Denver Broncos Futures Football Championship finished in fine fashion this weekend at All-City Stadium. 10 teams comprised of DPS Middle School Students competed in the finale for the 2011 season. Cold temperatures did not stop the impressive play by all 300 participants. This is the third year of the very successful Futures Football Program for DPS.
The Denver Public Schools Athletic Department would like to thank the Denver Broncos Community Department for supporting the Futures Program. After three years of the program the participation numbers for High School Football have increased and the level of play has dramatically improved. For more information about the Middle School Prep League please visit our web site at DPS Middle School Prep League and for more information about the wonderful work that the Broncos do in our community visit them at Denver Broncos Community Page
DPS Board Honors Professional Sports Teams
Thursday, January 20th, the DPS Board of Education honored the following professional sports teams for their outstanding contribution to the Middle School Prep League. The Nuggets/Avalanche-Kroenke Sports Enterprises, the founding sponsor of Prep League beginning in 1997; the Colorado Rockies, sponsors of Prep League and the RBI program; and the Denver Broncos, sponsors of the highly successful Futures Football Program. Receiving the honors for the teams were Deb Dowling-Canino, Vice President of Community Relations for Kroenke Sports; Paul Parker, Liaison for the Colorado Rockies; and Cindy Kellogg, Vice President of Community Development for the Denver Broncos.
A proclamation was read by the honorable Theresa Pena that stated:
Thanks to their support, more than 5,000 DPS students per year participate in after school sports, thus learning the importance of teamwork, dedication, discipline, and respect, both on the field and in the classroom. Denver Public Schools is grateful for its partnership with:
and sincerely thanks them for helping DPS provide this enriching opportunity to thousands of students. Without their support, Prep League would not exist.
Now, be it proclaimed that the Board of Education of School District No. 1 in the City and County of Denver and the State of Colorado on this date, expresses its congratulations to all of the professional sports teams for their outstanding generosity and investment in DPS students.
“We are very unique in having the major professional teams as partners of our program,” said John Andrew, Manager of Prep League. “You just do not see this kind of support in other major markets. We are very lucky to have them.” To contribute to Prep League contact The DPS Foundation.
Mission Statement
The principal objectives of the Nuggets/Avalanche Prep League are:
To use sport to motivate and encourage student athletes to succeed academically.
To provide exemplary leadership to promote the emotional, intellectual, physical, and social development of students who participate by selecting the best qualified coaches and official’s available.
To provide an environment that will facilitate students to develop good sportsmanship, leadership, and communication skills.
To provide middle school students with an opportunity to participate in a school-organized sports program.
To provide a program that will help students develop fundamental skills in a variety of sports.
To provide a program that will benefit and challenge students who possess potential skills, interests, and capabilities beyond those found in the regular instructional program.
To provide students an opportunity to explore a variety of athletic activities.