Latest News – January 30

Local Elks Hoopsters Move on to State

Local winners from the Elks Hoop Shoot traveled to Glenwood Springs last Saturday, Jan. 26  for the District Hoop Shoot. The Leadville kids did great and three will be moving on to the State Hoop Shoot in Salida on Feb. 23. Here are the regional results, with the three 1^st place winners moving forward in the competition. Congratulations!

• Tanis Craiglow – 1^st Place in the 12-13 boys age group.
• Isaiah Martinez – 2^nd Place in the 10-11 boys age group.
• Steve Valdez – 1st place in the 8-9 boys age group.  
• Michaela Sanchez – 2nd place  in the 10-11 girls age group.
• Jasmine Pereida – 1st place in the 8-9 girls age group.

The “Hoop Shoot” program provides a constructive, character-building experience for young people who participate. The program allows competition with peers, free from outside influence of parents, coaches, or teammates. It teaches young people the importance of developing individual skills. In December, local kids competed for trophies, certificates, basketball jerseys and a chance to move on to the Elks District Hoop Shoot.

Nordic Team “Duals” It Out in Summit

Thanks to Contributor Karl Remsen, Panthers Nordic Coach

The Lake County High School and Middle School Nordic ski teams traveled to Summit County for a duathlon on Saturday, Jan. 26.

A duathlon is a race where the skiers start by classic skiing. After completing the first part of the course, the skiers enter a transition zone, changing their skis, then continue the race with the freestyle or skating technique. The high school race was two 3-kilometer legs, while the middle school race was two 1.5-kilometer legs.

Charlie Koch was excited for the first classic race of the season, and he led the team through the first leg. He held on well during the skate leg and finished in the top 35 overall. Ethan Greiner moved up after a moderate start and stayed in good position throughout the skate leg. Ryan Morrison was right behind Ethan, and all three skiers qualified for the state meet with their performance in the classic leg. Andrew Coffin skied a steady pace on both legs. Vlad Bezsmertny and Trevor Kerrigan were proud to finish their first high school Nordic events.

Kimberly Vierczhalek and Hannah Lufkin worked together for the entire race, often switching leads and encouraging each other. Jayde Daigle and Lara Lufkin also skied together, moving up throughout the skate portion of the race. The girls all placed in the middle of the pack in both races, just behind the state qualifying lines for both techniques.

“We had a tough week of training, so I knew we would be a bit tired,” coach Karl Remsen commented. “I was happy with how we fared in our first classic competition—we tend to be a stronger classic team and it showed today.”

Middle School Nordic Report

As of post/press time, the official results for the middle school races had not been released. 

Joe Koch led the middle school boys with strong legs in both classic
and skating. Matt Seibel worked through the hills on both legs. Zach
Coffin had a very strong classic leg despite being tangled off the
start. Travis Kerrigan skied a steady race.

Whitney White continued her strong season leading the middle schools girls through the race from the start. Caroline Benney had a strong skate leg to compliment a steady classic leg. AnneMarie Duel and Molly Lenhard did well and chased each other throughout the course.

“It was great to see the improvement in our kids skating even with all the classic skiing we have been doing,” noted Jeff Spencer, middle school coach.

The next race will be this weekend in Steamboat, since the Lake County race had to be moved due to low snow conditions. 

First Graders Take to the Ice!

The First Grade Parent’s Committee Skate Night at the Ice Rink on Saturday, Jan.26 was a big success . It was a beautiful snowy night, full of music, skating and friends.  The Committee gratefully thanks the Lake County Recreation Department for their generosity in providing free admissions and free skate rental for first graders. 

According to organizers, the committee was created to unite First Graders – The Class of 2024 – by providing parent-sponsored activities and events that are fun and free.  For those who may not know, first grade classes are split between Pitts Elementary and West Park Elementary, a unique situation within the Lake County School District. 

If you are a parent of a Lake County first grader and are interested in participating, please give your name and contact information to Bunny at West Park (719-486-6890) or Lynette at Pitts (719-486-6920).

Future First Grade Parent Committee events include another First Grade Open Gym and One Book One School Activities.