As we move into a season where weather can change quickly, I want to give you some clarity on how we make decisions about practices and games when storms are in the forecast. My goal is always to keep students safe while communicating in a timely way so you can plan accordingly.
Here’s the process I follow:
Tracking Forecasts – I monitor the NOAA website for predictions about afternoon rain and lightning.
Watching Storm Direction – I use the 9News future weather radar to see how storms are moving and the likelihood of them impacting our area.
Lightning Policy – Per athletic guidelines, if lightning is detected within 10 miles, all practices and games are suspended. Activity can only resume once there are no new strikes within 30 minutes and the storm has moved beyond the 10-mile radius.
Lightning Detection Tools – We use the WeatherBug app, which has a highly accurate lightning detector, to help guide our decisions.
Decision Time – I work to make cancellation or delay decisions between 2:00–2:30 pm whenever possible. This allows families time to adjust car line and bus arrangements.
Caution First – We always lean on the side of caution. I want to avoid sending students off-site only to have them sitting on a bus or stuck in unsafe conditions.
I understand this can sometimes cause frustration, especially when a storm doesn’t materialize after a cancellation. Please know that every decision is made with student safety as the top priority.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we navigate unpredictable Colorado weather.
Roll Thunder!
Sports Physicals - All middle school athletes will need to have the following form turned in in order to participate. Medical Eligibility Form
If you need a sports physical we will have Doctors at school on Aug 2nd that can perform a physical for you. They are $40 and here is the link to the sign up genius for available times. Sport Physical Sign Up
Sports Physicals need to be emailed to Aimee Kleager at akleager@denverchristian.org
Registration dates - Stay tuned
Registering through Rolldcthunder.com - Here is the link for registering for fall sports (directions are attached. This is where you will upload your student's physical, provide emergency medical information, and read the DC Athletic Handbook: rolldcthunder.com. If you are not able to upload your physical (file may be too large) please email to Aimee Kleager (akleager@denverchristian.org).
Booster club- If you are interested in helping during the sports season there are many opportunities. Please see the booster club site for more information. Link Here
Links to Team Snap and calendars
August -October
November-February
March-May
Dear DC Middle School Families,
As our athletics program continues to grow, I want to share an important update that reflects both the momentum we’re experiencing and our ongoing commitment to developing students through sports.
Starting this school year, some middle school sports will include tryouts.
This is a shift from how we’ve done things in the past, and I want to be transparent and supportive as we move forward together.
Our goal at Denver Christian is to continue creating a middle school athletics experience that reflects the culture we’ve built at the high school level — competitive, Christ-centered, and focused on whole-student growth. Over the last few years, we’ve seen increasing interest in middle school sports, which is exciting! But in several cases, we’ve had more athletes sign up than we have roster spots for, which has led to logistical challenges and a diluted experience for players and coaches.
By introducing tryouts (only when necessary), we are:
- Ensuring athletes are placed where they can develop and contribute
- Aligning our middle school teams with the expectations of our high school programs
- Preparing students for what it takes to play at the next level
Tryouts will only happen when more students sign up than we have space for.
For example, in volleyball, we’ll continue having two teams per grade of 10 players each (20 total). If more than 20 girls try out, we will hold tryouts and make cuts to reach that number.
Varsity coaches will work alongside middle school coaches to design tryout guidelines and drills. This ensures consistency with the expectations and culture of each high school program.
There will be many other opportunities for students who don’t make a specific team.
Denver Christian offers a wide range of after-school activities and athletic options throughout the year, and we’ll work with families to help students find the right fit.
More details about tryout dates, signups, and expectations will be shared later this summer.
We know that trying something new can come with questions — and we’re here to walk through it together. Our heart is to keep building a strong, Christ-centered culture in athletics that challenges our students, supports them, and sets them up for future success — both on and off the field.
Thanks so much for your partnership and support as we continue to grow the Thunder athletic experience.
Roll Thunder!
Mike Hanson
Middle School Athletic Director
Denver Christian
303-763-7958