If 2004 was a rebuilding year for Wheat Ridge’s softball team, a state title shouldn’t be far out of reach for the Farmers in 2005.
After winning back-to-back Class 5A state crowns in 2002 and 2003, the Farmers squad dominated by sophomores and juniors got hot during the 2004 state tournament, making it to the program’s third straight title game.
“I think we surprised a lot of people, but I don’t think our team was surprised,” Wheat Ridge coach Eric Larson said. “Although, if you would have told me after the way we started the year that we would be in the state final, I would have probably even said no way.”
The Farmers had an up-and-down season that featured Wheat Ridge dropping three of its final four 5A Jeffco League games. Despite the losing skid the Farmers hosted a district tournament. However, they lost in the district title game to Bear Creek 6-1.
Wheat Ridge turned their fortunes around when it counted a week later at the state tournament. The Farmers defeated Monarch, Eaglecrest and Lakewood to advance to their third straight championship game.
“I knew we had the talent to do it and get into the championship game,” Wheat Ridge catcher Tara Mickelson said. “This is a team that always bounces back.”
A three-peat did fall short with a 4-0 loss to Loveland in the title game. On the bright side for Larson, he retains most of the talent that nearly won the program’s third consecutive championship.
“There are higher expectations,” Larson said. “I think we have to be more confident because we have so many players returning.”
The biggest loss might come from the transfer of junior Julia Diehl. The starting third baseman for the Farmers and one of their leading hitters will play for Dakota Ridge this season after transferring from a charter school over to Dakota Ridge High School.
Diehl did get some time on the mound last season, but pitching is a position that Wheat Ridge has historically been deep in since Larson took over the program.
“I think depth will be our key again,” Larson said. “We won’t have to rely on just one pitcher to carry us the whole season.”
Seniors Patty Stravia and Kelly Dolan, along with juniors Kyla Nelson and Alaina Larson will more than likely anchor the pitching staff. Coach Larson believes that sophomore Gianna Zimmerman and possibly some freshmen could step into roles on the mound.
Nelson has the tools to be one of the top pitchers in the state but suffered an injury that prevented her from pitching in the playoffs last season.
“All the pitchers are about the same,” Alaina Larson said. “Kyla is one that can pick it up and be the top pitcher.”
Catching Wheat Ridge’s battery of pitchers isn’t up for question. Mickelson has been the Farmers’ starting catcher since she transferred from Chaparral High School after her freshman year.
Mickelson is the lone returning starter from the Farmers’ 2003 championship team.
“Tara is a key,” Eric Larson said. “She is an all-Colorado caliber catcher. To have her back there handling all our pitchers is big.”
Wheat Ridge gets its season under way on the road at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, against Monarch. The Farmers should be locked up with a tight race for the 5A Jeffco League title with Pomona and Lakewood both returning several players from their state semifinal teams.
However, a conference title isn’t the main priority for the Farmers.
“It’s nice to win league title, but it is all about focusing on the end of the season,” Alaina Larson said. “That is when you want to come out with a big bang.”