Taking the courts in Pueblo
D’Evelyn came very close to winning its first boys’ tennis title in school history. The Jaguars’ No. 4 doubles team of Ryan Hawkins and Alex Beaman advanced to the finals Saturday, Oct. 14, at Pueblo City Park. Hawkins and Beaman lost the championship match 6-1, 6-1 to the team of Michael Cutter and Kevin Lynch of Cheyenne Mountain.
Ralston Valley racked up 11 team points to finish ninth at the Class 4A state tennis tournament in Pueblo. No. 3 singles player, senior James Salestrom, and No. 4 doubles team of Travis Hensley and Casey Hix led the Mustangs. Both Salestrom and Hensley/Hix took fourth place in their brackets.
Long, productive day on the diamond
Pomona (17-5) and Arvada West (18-4) were very comfortable playing their Class 5A softball district tournaments away from home Saturday, Oct. 14. Both advanced to the 16-team state tournament winning their district tournaments in Fort Collins and Grand Junction respectively.
Pomona racked up victories over Littleton, Grandview and Rocky Mountain to claim the District 3 tournament. Senior Ashli Holland ripped a two-run home run in the top of the 10th inning in the championship game against Rocky Mountain for the eventual game winner. Sophomore Jordyn Randolph was the winning pitcher against Grandview and Rocky Mountain. Senior Samantha Hunnel got the win on the mound against Littleton.
The Panthers were awarded the No. 5 seed for the state tournament and will face Brighton (16-4) at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at Aurora Sports Park.
A-West posted 28 runs in three victories against Palmer, Grand Junction and Highlands Ranch. The Wildcats scored nine runs in the top of the seventh inning in the District 7 elimination game against host Grand Junction. The Tigers held an 8-4 lead before the Wildcats rallied. Senior pitchers Elizabeth Kramer and Cristy Grubbs both picked up victories on the mound.
A-West, No. 6 seed, rides a seven-game winning streak into the state tournament that begins 12:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at Aurora Sports Park against Legacy (15-7).
Eagles soar to state
There was no denying Faith Christian (16-5) entry into the Class 3A 16-team state tournament. The Eagles, who have won 11 of their past 12 games, defeated Cedaredge and Lyons in the District 5 tournament. Faith, No. 5 seed, will face La Junta (10-10) in the opening round of the 3A state tournament at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at Aurora Sports Park.
Connell wraps up coaching career
After 32 seasons, Jim Connell will coach his final football game for Arvada Midget Football at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 21 at Long Lakes Regional Park. The Arvada Tasmanian Devils are encouraging former players of Coach Connell to attend his final game. Some of the past teams Connell coached include Red Barons (1974-79), Wolf Pack (1980-82), Cobras (1983-86), Junkyard Dawgs (1987-89), Kodiak Bears (1995-99) and several other softball and baseball teams. For more information on how Coach Connell will be honored, call Heidi Pallotto-Wallis at 303-887-6286.
Looking for players
An Arvada based baseball team for 12-year-olds are seeking players for the 2007 season. For more information, call John at 303-489-4882 or e-mail reddogscoachjohn@aol.com.
Wrestling club
The Arvada West Youth Wrestling Club will have open registration from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, and from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at Next Level Training Studio, 4230 Kipling St. in Wheat Ridge. For more information, call Brian Wood at 720-938-9088.