Written by: Liam Schulte

Many athletes had amazing moments and accomplishments that made this fall sports season memorable as ThunderRidge continues to prove themselves not only as a top team in the district, but also in the state of Colorado.

Football:

This season, the newly coached football team found their way to a 4-6 record, going 1-4 in league play against a very competitive schedule. They were unable to receive a 5A playoff spot this year. Meanwhile, the junior varsity team went 2-8, and the freshman with a record of 4-6. Evan Olds (11) had an impressive year at Running Back, averaging 76.5 yards on the ground per game and scoring 12 total touchdowns.

Flag Football:

The inaugural season for girls flag football at ThunderRidge, the second for the state, this year was incredible. Girls all around the school competed against other teams from the Denver Metro area, and ended up competing in the CHSAA girls flag football state championships. After starting off their first season 8-0, they look to replicate such a start in next year's season, which will be the first year it will be an official CHSAA sport.

Cross Country:

After a strong season last year, the Grizzly cross country team built upon what they had done prior, with Owen Cassleman (12) leading the way. His performance at the Liberty Bell race on September 10th (14 minutes, 58 seconds) set a new school record. He will be looking to further build upon an already impressive career at Colorado State University. Braydon Leist (12), Ben Lee (10), Cameron Skidmore (12), Ryder Jay (10), Owen Casselman (12), Landon Twiss (12), Anthony Cummings (12), and Caitlyn Boyle (12) all raced in the 5A State Cross Country Championships. For the varsity team, they will be racing in Mesa, Arizona in the NXR Southwest regional on November 18th.

       Volleyball:

The varsity team finished with a record of 7-16, stringing on a three-game winning streak at the end of the season. Karsen Fowles (12) had a great season, serving 37 aces throughout the season, ranking 14th in the 5A Continential League. JV finished with a record of 5-9, with a great start at 4-1 in their first five games. The team also showed their respect and love for the game, receiving the sportsmanship award for the 2023 Continential League season.

Softball:

This year, varsity had a great showing, finishing with a record of 19-7, 7-3 in league play. JV also had a winning record, standing at 8-4-2 and 2-2-2 in league play. Riley Bowman (11) had a mind-boggling amount of strikeouts at 191, which makes her 25th in the nation for batters struck out. At state this year, they won their first two games, against Cherry Creek (8-0) and Cherokee Trail (8-2) before running into a top national team in Grandview (8-7).Overall, many players on this team have more years to play at Thunderridge, setting up for a special season next year.

Golf:

Golf competed in many tournaments around the state at the 5A level this year. Great individual performances from Austin Hunt (10), Will Smith (12), Kyle Bubier (12), Dylan Johnson (12), Matt Combs (11), and Drake Holm (11) throughout the year carried the team to frequent top five finishes in tons of tournaments during the season. Coached by Continential League Coach of the Year, Dan Singleton, this team made tons of splashes, such as coaching Austin Hunt (10) to an already incredible career, being a two-time varsity golfer and performing at an all-state level.

Photo created by: Josh Stephenson

Tennis:

Many students competed in the courts, giving their all for both the team and individually. As a team, both boys and girls went to matches; spectators anxiously awaiting the result of every set. Something special happened this year, as the ThunderRidge team beat rival Mountain Vista for the first time since 2004. Players like Owen Cooper (12) and Layton Nelson (12) highlighted a very talented group for the ‘23 season.

Soccer:

A state playoff team coached by Mike Parsons, the soccer team was able to piece together a good string of victories, leading them to a thrilling win in the playoffs against Pine Creek in overtime, with key goals from Evan Moore (12) and Nolan Munson (11). In the second round, they lost to a very strong Legend team 2-0, who finished as a top 10 team in 5A Colorado soccer.Overall, the team looks to build upon a 8-6-3 record this year with young players such as Alex Eckert (9) and Samuel Haworth (10). 

Poms + Cheer:

Not just competing at football games, Poms and Cheer athletes possess a ton of skill. Led by coach Ashely Harhigh, they work on perfecting their craft to be at their best in every competition. One competition held at the National Western Complex, UDA Regionals, have been a highlight to an already impressive season. Adding on to that, they won first place in a home event this November.

As we proceed into the next stage in high school sports, it’s important to reflect upon the importance ThunderRidge athletes have in our school’s community.