On Wednesday November 13th, Columbine High School proudly hosted the Jeffco League Spirit Competition for the first time. Columbine Poms competed in the jazz category, taking first place against Valor. This win was huge because they had all worked hard to win in their own school, and they had never beaten Valor before. Their performance was packed with high energy, sharp motions, and synchronized formations, all coming together to make a thrilling experience for the participants and spectators. Columbine dancers shined in their intimidating costumes and dark makeup. Two dancers, Avarie Bloxham and Sammie Sims, shared what goes through their minds when competing: “Just trying to focus, working on facials…Remember corrections and try not to be nervous.” After practicing for a of couple months, they added extra hours to each practice to make sure their routine was perfect and the dancers were well-prepared. Coming off the floor, they all looked and felt confident, which, in the end, paid off because they ended up taking home a first place League Championship! Coach Makenna Swanson, said she's "very proud of all the girls, because they've never been this prepared so early in the year. I’m excited to see what they can do from here.” This gives high hopes for future competitions to come. The school is very proud of them and we can’t wait to see how the rest of their season goes. 

-Article by Ashlyn Woods

-Photos by Lily Dachtler

On Saturday December 10, the Girls Swim and Dive team competed at the Angel Invite at Manuel High School. Three divers competed in the morning with Samantha Zakhem, a sophomore, placing first. Later that morning, the team of 12 swimmers raced. Columbine started off strong with winning the 200 yard medley relay and also beating the meet record with a time of 1:53.29. They continued with swimmers Katie Forbes and Reagan Horn winning multiple events: the 100 yard freestyle and the 100 yard breaststroke. Although there were some close races, the girls won almost every single event. Before the last relay, the 400 freestyle relay, Columbine was ahead of the Smoky Hill team by 41 points. All they had to do to win was beat Smoky Hill in the final relay. The whole team lined the side of the pool, cheering their teammates on, and hoping that they would beat Smoky Hill’s time of 3:51.55. With the two captains, Clara Williams and Reagan Horn, starting and finishing the relay with times under 1 minute each, Columbine won the last race and the meet. Reagan Horn said, “I’m very proud of my team today for all the hard work they’ve put in during practice which has clearly benefited us today.” 

Senior night: what an emotional night it was for the senior girls on the Columbine Volleyball Team. This would be the last time for most of these girls to ever set foot on a court and touch a volleyball . . .  if they can’t pull a win out of this match. This team has played Ralston Valley before and unfortunately took a very hard loss of 3-0 at a tournament at the beginning of the season. They were ready for a comeback, and they came out with a mindset to win their last home game of the season. Columbine came out with a strong 2 set lead at the beginning of the match. Unfortunately, Ralston Valley fights back a little bit harder and is given hope with a win in the third set. The score was 2-1. The 4th set began with only a 5 minute timeout in between, and these ladies were ready to get their head in the game and take this last win to qualify for regionals. Game point—the score was 24-21, Columbine up. Avery Haynes served with the pressure of gamepoint. She served a tough ball to the libero and the setter went up to set and decided at the last minute to dump the ball except . . . Maddie Wallner read her move and went up and blocked her ball straight down. Cheering applause comes from the loud stands of parents and students. The Rebels took the win with a finishing score of 3-1 to finish their last game, qualifying them for Regionals!   

Player Input:

#2 Aaliyah Rodrakkwan: “My favorite thing about CHS volleyball is the community and how every single time I walk into the gyms it feels like family and like I belong. Outside of volleyball, I like to play pickleball and hang out with friends and family.” 

#5 Abbi Roettjer: “My favorite thing about CHS volleyball is that I got to meet really amazing people and made great friends this year. Outside of volleyball, I like to hang out with friends and family.” 

#9 Avery Haynes: “My favorite thing about CHS volleyball is the adrenaline rush on game days. Outside of volleyball I love to read, listen to music and FaceTime Kenzie (my cousin) when I am hanging out with my boyfriend.”

#11 Makenzie Green: “My favorite thing about CHS volleyball is how close the team is, and how it feels like a family. Outside of volleyball I love to watch the Denver Nuggets and hang out with my family and friends.”