Photo courtesy CSU
Pagosa Springs High School grad Jason Schutz is competing in discus at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. starting today. Schutz, who graduated from Colorado State University in May, was named All American for a second straight year in 2008.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Pagosa’s Schutz competes at Olympic Trials

Jason Schutz, a graduate of Colorado State University and of Pagosa Springs High School, will compete in the men’s discus at the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore., beginning today, July 3.

A throw of 199’ 3” qualified Schutz for the Olympic Trials. The top three throwers out of 24 competing at the Olympic Trials will go to the Olympics in Beijing in August.

Schutz finished sixth in the discus at the Division 1 Track and Field National Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, June 13. He earned All American status for the second consecutive year because of his finish at that meet.

With back-to-back All American honors in the men’s discus, Schutz became the fifth discus thrower in Colorado State University history to receive such All American awards in consecutive years. He was ranked 11th in the nation going into the competition at Des Moines.

Schutz also qualified for Nationals in the hammer throw, finishing 25th, with a throw of 189’ 11”.

Schutz graduated from Colorado State University in May with a degree in water resource management.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Photo courtesy Lori Manzanaras
Sixteen boys from Pagosa Springs, grades 3 to 8, participated in the Brian Urlacher Football Camp at the University of New Mexico Football Stadium June 24-27.  Urlacher is a linebacker for the Chicago Bears and annually returns to his alma mater to host a clinic with the most knowledgeable and experienced players and coaches to teach youth football enthusiasts. Attending the camp were, standing from left, Kyler McKee, Jacob Manzanaras, Sam White, Dean Scott and Creede Wylie. In the middle row are Jeremiah Miller, Slade Wylie, Cody Kimsey, Luke DeVooght and Chris Hogrefe. Seated: Zack DeVooght, Ty Kimsey, Dakota Decker, Zach Curvey, David McRee and Tyler Manzanaras.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Porpoises show strong at Durango Invitational

The Pagosa Lakes Swim Team celebrated summer’s arrival last weekend at the Durango invitational meet, the closest to a home meet that Pagosa can have.

As many as 200 swimmers from western Colorado and New Mexico participated in the invitational, and the athletes, combined with coaches and family, formed a nice crowd around the lap pool at the Durango Community Recreation Center.

Pagosa had some impressive swims, with more than 26 kids participating for the Porpoises. The Pagosa Team finished third overall out of 11 teams, behind Farmington and Durango. There were many qualifying times for end-of-season championship meets in Grand Junction and Cortez. Right now the team focus is on the State Championships in Cortez where the Porpoises are hoping for a high finish.

Emily Bryant, 12, impressed everyone at the pool Saturday and Sunday with a courageous performance in her first meet back after undergoing a difficult heart procedure at Children’s Hospital in Denver. Along with setting a pool record in the 800-meter freestyle, Bryant ended the meet with eight top-3 finishes.

Erica Pitcher was impressive in the butterfly events, winning the 100 fly and finishing third in the 200 fly.

R.J. Hernandez, Austin Miller, James Berndt, D.J. Brown and Samara Hernandez had at least four top-6 finishes each, and some new personal best times. Miller took first place in the 200 backstroke, 200 breastroke, and the 400 free. He also finished in the top 3 in the 400 IM and the 200 fly. Mitchell Higby keeps getting closer to qualifying for West Slopes in the freestyle events. Keegan Caves had a great meet, making West Slope qualifying times in at least four events.

Trevor Bryant, Joey Berndt, Marcus Mazzola, Pitcher Lindner and Kyle Mundy competed in the 9-10 boys division for the first time. All had personal best times with Bryant and Berndt moving up from the 8 and under division. Also competing in the younger boys’ division were Michael Brown, Conner Aragon and Ryan McInnis. The boys combined in four different relays which finished in the top 3 in their age group.

Devan Monkiewicz and Blake Irons both qualified for the West Slope Championships in Grand Junction and the State Championships in Cortez. Monkiewicz had his best performance of the season in the 100 backstroke, taking off about seven seconds and finishing fifth. Irons turned in his best swim of the season in the 50 breastroke.

Erin Monkiewicz, 6 years old, won nearly all her events in the 6 and under age group. Also competing in their first season were Elsa Lindner, Maddie Hundley and Makayla Garcia. All four girls swam together in the 200 medley relay, finishing third.

Also competing for the girls was Braden Higby and Taemeeka Cuthair in their first full season. Kelsey Anderson has come on strong the last two weeks and is close to qualifying for West Slopes in many events.

“This was clearly the best meet we’ve had as a team this season,” Coach Steve Williams remarked. “The nice thing about our sport of swimming is that athletes usually get exactly what they deserve, and that’s what happened this weekend — our kids swam great, and that’s what they earned.”

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Pagosa women still busy with golf competitions

Ladies’ league golf competition June 24 consisted of a 9-hole out of an 18-hole total score using par 3s and 5s only.

After deducting 50 percent of the individual’s handicap, the winners in the first flight (0-24 handicap) were Bonnie Hoover, first; Barbara Sanborn, second; and a third-place tie for Lynda Gillespie and Josie Hummel.

In the second flight (plus 24 handicap) the winners were Robyn Alspach, first; Claudia Johnson, second; and Donna Gregory, third.

In a separate competition of low putts for the 18-hole round, the winners were Josie Hummel (32 putts) and Claudia Johnson (33 putts).

On June 26, eight Pagosa lady golfers traveled to Riverview Golf Course in Kirtland, N.M., to compete in the Four Corners area ladies’ team play, opposing San Juan Country Club. As a result, gross points amassed were 33.5 and 34.5 net. This places Pagosa in fourth net place and fifth gross ,with six additional team play events for the season.

Ladies representing PSWGA were Jan Kilgore and Lynda Gillespie, Lynne Allison and Carrie Weisz, Audrey Johnson and Bev Hudson, and Kay McKee and Bonnie Hoover.

The next team play event will be held at Conquistador Golf Course in Cortez, on July 17, opposing the ladies from Dalton Ranch Golf Club.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Photo courtesy Leslie Fluharty
Members of the Pine Cone Classic Charity Golf Tournament committee gather items for the silent auction at this year’s event. From left are Leslie Fluharty, Kay McKee, Barbara Sanborn, Lynne Allison, Audrey Johnson and Robyn Alspach. The Classic is set for July 8-9 and 112 participants are expected. All proceeds from the silent auction and chances on a 27-inch flat-screen TV will go to Archuleta County Victims’ Assistance. Chances in the TV drawing are available from Johnson, 731-9811, or Fluharty, 731-6331.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Course employees hold golf tournament

On July 1, employees of the Pagosa Springs Golf Club engaged in a nine-hole tournament, barbecue, meeting and appreciation get-together.

Employees in all facets of the course’s operation participated: managers, directors, course superintendent, mechanics, starters, marshals, pro-shop workers, mowers, kitchen cooks, snack bar workers and cart and range maintenance personnel.

A scramble format was implemented in the nine-hole tournament and the winners in the top three groups were:

Third Place (31), Ken Bailey, Lewis Morris, Robert James, Eric Freudenberger and Garrett Fitch.

Second Place (29), Buzz Burke, Phillip Lowery, Tome James, Wayne Kuehler and Bill James

First Place (28) — Jim Water, Troy Persson and Clark Riedberger.

Pagosa Bow Club to host shoot

The Pagosa Bow Club will hold its first major shoot Sunday, June 29, with setup on Saturday, June 28.

The shoot will be held on the Laverty range, on East U.S. 160, across from the Riverside campground (follow the signs).

Registration begins at 8 a.m., with shooting starting at 8:30. And entry fee of $20 allows you to shoot all day, $30 puts you in competition for cash prizes.

All compound and traditional classes will be available.

For questions, call: Kurt, 946-0401; Mike, 731-3203; or Dennis, 264-2041.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

PSWGA golfers have busy and successful June

 On June 3, 22 ladies competed in an 18-hole low gross/low net format playing the Meadows/Ponderosa courses. 

Overall gross winners were Cherry O’Donnell in the 0-22.5 handicap flight and Carole Howard in the 22.6 to 40 handicap flight. Low net prizes on the Meadows front 9 course were awarded to Josie Hummel and Nancy Chitwood tied at 32 and Jane Stewart, Sharon Taub, and Loretta Campuzano tied at 33. On the Ponderosa back 9 course net winners were Jan Kilgore and Cindy Simpson tied at 33 and Donna Gregory at 34. Other prizes awarded that day were Par 3 Closest to the pin. Winners were Josie Hummel on No. 4 Meadows and Sharon Taub on No. 2 Ponderosa.

Playing the 18-hole combination of Pinon/Ponderosa courses on June 10, 20 players competed using net scores from pre-selected par 4 holes. The overall low net winner was Bonnie Hoover. Net winners on the Pinon course were: first, Jan Kilgore; second, Toosje Lamoreaux; third, Sharon Taub. Net winners on the Ponderosa back 9 course were: first, Audrey Johnson; second, Leslie Fluharty; third, Robyn Alspach.

Twenty-three ladies competed June 17 using the nine most difficult handicapped holes on the Meadows/Ponderosa 18-hole combination. The low net winners in the 0-24 handicap flight were: first, Lynne Allison; second, Barbara Sanborn; third, Audrey Johnson. Lowest net winners in the 25-40 handicap flight were: first, Donna Gregory; second, Lynne McCrudden; third, Sharon Taub. Longest drive prizes were awarded to Lynda Gillespie in the 0-24 handicap flight (No. 4 Ponderosa) and to Leslie Fluharty in the 25-40 handicap flight (No. 7 Meadows).

Area ladies’ golf tournaments

On June 10 and 11, eight ladies representing Pagosa Springs Women’s Golf Association attended the Ladies Charity Golf Classic in Farmington, N.M. The two-person team ladies were Lynne Allison and Kay Crumpton in the 1st flight; Kathy Giordano and Barbara Sanborn and Nancy Chitwood and Josie Hummel in the 2nd flight; and Carole Howard and Sue Martin in the 4th flight. Accolades to Nancy Chitwood and Josie Hummel for their 3rd net tie finish in the 2nd flight.    

The Columbine Classic four-lady team golf tournament June 19 at Dalton Ranch Golf Club in Durango included 12 women from Pagosa Springs. In the Championship flight Barbara Sanborn, Bonnie Hoover, Loretta Campuzano and Lynne Allison won 3rd net with a score of 137 using the two better net balls of the foursome and in the first flight Bev Hudson, Cindy Simpson, Kay McKee, and Leslie Fluharty won 3rd net with a score of 139.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

High Rollers to entertain Saturday at wrestling benefit

The High Rollers, one of the area’s most popular bands, will play an outdoor concert and dance at the fairgrounds Saturday evening, June 28.

The band is well known for its versatility, playing classic country, country-rock, classic rock and roll, ’50s tunes and Spanish music with equal energy, enthusiasm and expertise. The High Rollers are a four-piece band that includes bass player Andy Janowsky, guitarist Garret Valencia, fiddle player Jeff Johnson and drummer Mike Canterbury. All share in the vocals. Sound man Mike May adds the finishing touch, monitoring a state-of-the-art sound system to bring a professional quality sound that is as good as it gets.

The band always plays for large crowds throughout the Four Corners region.

While the band usually performs several times in Pagosa each year and performances here are always enthusiastically supported, due to their popularity and busy schedule this will be the only time they will perform in Pagosa this summer.

The June 28 outdoor dance is in its fifth year, and always provides a guaranteed fun evening for the entire family. Admission to this event is priced to make it available to everyone. The $5 ticket for adults, with children under 12 free, can be paid at the gate. Concessions are not included in the ticket price but will be available. Mike Branch’s smoked brisket sandwich, chips and drink are also priced for the family, and will sell for a mere $5 a plate. Non-alcoholic beverages will be sold throughout the evening.

Proceeds from this event go to the Pagosa Wrestling Club, which this past year has sponsored local athletes in state, national and international events. Three club wrestlers will compete at the nationals in Fargo, N.D. this summer. In conjunction with the dance, the club will also hold a brief and often spirited auction of baked goods to help pay for the event, equipment and travel expenses for the upcoming year. Those who wish to support the dance and the club can donate or bid on a pie, but anyone can come simply for the music, friends and fun.

Gates will be open at 6:30 p.m. and the music will begin at 7. The “dinner hour” will feature traditional western music with Andy’s father, Phil, and brother, Dan, joining the High Rollers on a few songs. Around 7:30 the band will take center stage and play until 11. The High Rollers are crowd pleasers wherever they go and the evening offers high quality, professional entertainment at a very reasonable price, with the proceeds put toward a good cause.

Note: Late June evenings are usually dry and pleasant, perfect for a fun evening of outdoor entertainment, but provisions are in place to move the event indoors in the event of wet weather.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Join the fun, ‘Do-the-Du’

It is that time again, when bikers and runners galore are gearing up for the annual Pagosa Duathlon “Do-the-Du.”

Surrounded by the beauty of our very own San Juan Mountains, athletes will soar their way through single-track trails, grassy fields, and some challenging rocky terrain to the finish line and the roar of excited spectators.

More than 50 athletes competed in the inaugural event last year, most vowing to return and to bring their friends.

This year’s event has a few changes in the bike portion of the race course that we believe riders will absolutely love. Runners will challenge themselves with a six-mile trek on dirt trails and portions of gravel roads, getting some much-deserved cheers from spectators halfway through, as they round the second loop. Bikers will enjoy aspen groves, canyonlands and fast trails on an 11-mile ride that promises to leave them tired but smiling.

To finish the event, lunch will be served by Pagosa’s renowned Ed Villanueva of Eddie’s Uptown Grill, and there will be many prizes from our generous sponsors including Dogwood Cafe, Dorothy’s Restaurante, The Springs, Ski and Bow Rack and more.

Registration forms are available at Switchback Mountain Gear and Apparel, Pedal and Powder, The Club and the Pagosa Lakes Recreation Center. You may also download a form from our Web site at www.acvap.org and click on the Pagosa Duathlon logo.

If you need a race partner, call us at 264-9075 and we’ll team you up with someone of similar ability.

The Pagosa Duathlon is truly a spectacular event, challenging all levels of athletes. If you’re a beginner, you’ll love it; if you need a partner, we’ll get one for you; if you’re highly competitive, you’ll be challenged.

Come join the fun and “Do-the-Du.”

SUN photo/Ben Bagwell
Some of the winners at Saturday’s Ruritan Club Charity Golf Tournament at the Pagosa Springs Golf Club were, from left, Chip Franschy, Dean Bridgewater, Chris Quinby and John Ogorzalek.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Ruritan Club holds first-ever golf tourney

The Pagosa Springs Golf Club on last Saturday was the scene of the first major fund-raising project for the Archuleta Ruritan Club as the organization held the Spring Fling Golf Tournament.

Michelle Jamison, president of the local Ruritan Club, said, “This was a success for our club in getting sponsors from both Durango and Pagosa Springs. There were a total of 20 hole sponsors and signs were erected at the golf course for all sponsors. We appreciate the support of these area sponsors.”

The winning scramble team was from Durango. It included John Ogorzalek, Chris Quinby, Chip Quinby and Dean Bridgewater.

The second-place trophy winners were all associated with the Pagosa Springs High School golf team: Coach Mark Faber, Assistant Coach Tom Riedberger, and students Tyler Johnson and Hub Coleman.

The third-place winners in the 18-hole tournament were Greg Howard, T.J. Reynolds, Mike Ellis and Larry Schwartz.

“We appreciate this community support for our first major charity fund-raiser,” Jamison said. She presented the trophies Saturday afternoon.

The tournament raised funds for the Ruritan project of aiding volunteers who transport dialysis patients to and from Durango for treatment.

The local Ruritan Club, organized eight months ago, received earlier financial support from the Community United Methodist Church Bazaar Committee and from a Christmas tree auction project at the Pagosa Springs Community Center.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Summer volleyball camp set for July

The 2008 Pirate summer volleyball camp will take place at the high school gymnasium Thursday, July 17, and Friday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Along with basic instruction for players new to the game, this year’s camp will serve as two-day preparation clinic for the annual “Diggin it in Durango” grass doubles volleyball tournament on Saturday, July 19 at Santa Rita Park.

This camp is intended for girls and boys entering grades nine to 12 next year and the cost is $30.

The 2008 Little Spikers Camp for kids entering grades five to eight next year will take place at Pagosa Springs Junior High School Gymnasium Aug. 4, 5 and 6, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. each day.

For $30, campers will receive a T-shirt and participate in a variety of drills and activities designed to make learning the game fun. Campers are asked to bring proper athletic attire including a long-sleeve T-shirt, court shoes (running shoes are not recommended) and knee pads.

To register for camp, call Coach Andy Rice at 903-9604. Registration forms are also available at the Town of Pagosa Springs Recreation Office in Town Hall. Checks should be made out to “Pagosa Springs High School.” Families with more then one child participating in either camp can take $10 off the cost of any subsequent sibling’s registration fee. Registration will also be available on-site on the first day of camp, one-half hour before the start of the first session.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Pagosa golfers fare well at regional events

Three Northern New Mexico Senior Men’s Golf tournaments were held in southern Colorado, with Pagosa men reigning supreme each day.

At Dalton Ranch Golf Club June 10, Pagosa Springs’ winners were: Second Flight, First Net, Bill Walker (68); Second Gross, Jack Hummel (93); and Third Flight, First Gross, Ken Bailey (90).

On June 1, at Pagosa Springs Golf Club in a Two-Man Scramble format, the winners were: First Flight, First Gross, Roger Betts/partner (71); Third Gross, Buzz Burke/ partner (72); Second Flight, First Gross, Ranza Boggess/partner (75); and Fourth Flight, First Gross, Ken Bailey/partner (76).

On June 12, again at Pagosa Springs Golf Club, Pagosa’s winners were: Championship Flight, First Gross, Buzz Burke (77); First Flight, First Net, Bob Oliver (69); Second Cross, Hugh Bundy (81); Third Flight, First Gross, Bill Walker (83); and Fourth Flight, Second Gross, Ken Bailey (92).

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Photo courtesy Jennifer Martin
The Pagosa Springs Optional 7 gymnastics team ended its season at the state meet, competing in the advanced divisions at Vail. In the back, from left, are Toni Stoll, Gabrielle Pajak and Danielle Pajak. In front is Re’ahna Ray.

Photo courtesy Jennifer Martin
The Level 4 team from Pagosa Springs represented the program well at the recent state championship meet at Vail. The meet ended this year’s gymnastics season. In back is Miah Pitcher. In the middle, from left, are Abby Walkup and Molly Burkesmith. In front, from left, are Isabelle Pajak and Emmy Davis.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Pagosa gymnasts compete in state championships in Vail

Pagosa gymnasts participated in their final competition of the season at the state championships in Vail. Sixteen teams gathered from all over the state to compete in the two-day event.

The Level 4 team of Molly Burkesmith, Emmy Davis, Isabelle Pajak, Miah Pitcher and Abby Walkup were the first to compete.

Pitcher rounded out a fantastic season scoring a personal best of 37.15 in the all around taking eighth place out of 26 competitors in the 9-year-old age division. She placed fourth on the balance beam with a 9.55 and received a bronze medal on vault with a 9.45.

Burkesmith also had a personal best all around score of 35.60 and a personal best beam score of 9.3.

Davis just missed the medal placing with a tie for fifth place on vault with a 9.55. She also topped her all around score of 35.45 for the season and placed 15th out of 26 in the 8 and under division.

Pajak received her highest vault score of the year and Walkup finished out her very first competitive season with an all around score two points higher than her personal best.

The Optional 5 group of Madelyn Davey, Megan Davey, Hannah Rohrich, Zoe Rohrich and Sierra Trout competed for the Optional 5 team and placed fourth in the team competition. These athletes have brought a trophy home from every competition this season.

In the 10 and under group, Trout received a neck full of medals placing on every event and capturing the bronze medal in the all around. She placed fifth on beam and floor, third on bars and second on vault.

In the 11-12 year-old group, Madelyn Davey placed third in the all around, third on beam on floor, and second on vault.

Hannah Rohrich placed fourth in the all around and fourth on bars and beam.

Zoe Rohrich placed ninth all around, fifth on floor and received a silver medal on the balance beam.

Megan Davey placed 14th all around.

The Optional 7 team of Danielle Pajak, Gabrielle Pajak, Re’ahna Ray and Toni Stoll were the last group to compete in the advanced division.

Stoll captured the bronze medal on vault and made the podium placing eighth in the all around.

Gabrielle Pajak placed 15th and Ray placed 17th.

Danielle Pajak received a silver medal on the uneven bars and placed 10th all around in the senior division.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

SUN photo/Sarah O. Smith
We’re dressed for action, we are ready to get kicking ... just give us a signal. These young soccer players were lined up and prepared for action Tuesday at the annual soccer camp sponsored by the Pagosa Sting Soccer Club and instructed by British pro footballers.

Photo courtesy Julie Davey
The Pagosa Springs Gymnastics Level 5 Optional Team includes, standing, from left, Hannah Rohrich, Zoe Rohrich, Megan Davey and Sierra Trout. At the front is Madelyn Davey. The team took second place at a Grand Junction meet last week, in preparation for their appearance at the upcoming state competition.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Pagosa Gymnasts second at Grand Junction meet

Pagosa gymnasts participated in their fifth competition of the season last week in Grand Junction.

Seven teams from the western part of state were involved in the competition.

Isabelle Pajak single-handedly represented the Level 4 team, posting an all around score of 33.90 and receiving fourth place. She also brought home a silver medal on the balance beam.

The Optional 5 group — Madelyn Davey, Megan Davey, Hannah Rohrich, Zoe Rohrich and Sierra Trout — collected yet another second-place team trophy to add to their collection.

In the senior division, Madelyn Davey placed third in the all around, third on beam on floor, fifth on bars and was the vault champion with a score of 9.30.

Hannah Rohrich placed fifth in the all around, fourth on bars and third on vault.

Zoe Rohrich placed sixth all around and fifth on balance beam.

Megan Davey was eighth all around and fifth on vault.

Sierra Trout was seventh in the all around in the junior division and also placed fourth on vault and fifth on bars and floor.

The Optional 7 team of Danielle Pajak, Gabrielle Pajak and Toni Stoll placed third in the team competition.

Stoll captured the bronze medal in the junior all around and placed second on vault, third on beam and fourth on bars.

Gabrielle Pajak had a much improved performance, placing sixth in the all around, fourth on vault, and fifth on bars and floor.

Danielle Pajak received fourth in the senior all around division and placed third on vault and bars.

The state championship meet will be the team’s next, and final performance of the season — set for June 14-15.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

SUN photo/Sarah O. Smith
Pagosa Springs Elementary School physical education teacher Lindsey Kurt-Mason poses at the end-of-year school track meet with the 2008 winners of the Presidential Physical Fitness Award.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Upcoming wrestling camp features international stars

Terry Brands’ Wrestle the World Training Camp will take place in Pagosa Springs from June 18-22.

The two-time world champion and resident Olympic Training Center coach will bring in his staff of top-notch wrestling clinicians and trainers for five days of wresting instruction and competition.

One of the unique clinicians for the camp this year is Momir Petkovic, the assistant national Greco-Roman coach for USA Wrestling. Petkovic was an Olympic gold medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling in 1976, wrestling for the former Yugoslavia. In addition to his Olympic gold, Petkovic has silver medals from world championships in 1978, 1979 and 1981 and a bronze medal from the 1977 world championship. He has coached in the United States since 1986 and brings extensive knowledge, not just of wrestling, but of Eastern European methods of developing athletes at the youth level.

Another featured clinician will be Pagosa Springs’ graduate Michael Martinez. Since winning two high school state titles for Pagosa Springs in 2004 and 2005, Martinez has been training at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and at the University of Wyoming. This past year, Martinez traveled to the World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, as the alternate to USA Wrestling’s Henry Cejudo at 121.5 pounds and also competed in major tournaments in the United States, Canada, Ukraine and Russia in preparation for the Olympic Trials which take place June 14 in Las Vegas, Nev.. He is currently one of the top-ranked freestyle wrestlers in the country at 55 kilos (121.5 lbs.).

Teams from across the Rocky Mountain region have enrolled in the camp for its high quality instruction and to participate in dual meet competition that accompanies the camp.

The public is invited to drop in free of charge to get a glimpse of some of the wrestling world’s top competitors.

In addition, the camp is open to all interested Pagosa wrestlers, though participation level does vary with the age and experience of the wrestler.

Local athletes attend free of charge but are asked to assist in the setup, administration, and take-down of the camp.

Those who have not signed up should call Dan Janowsky 264-4554 for a more detailed schedule and instructions on how to register.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Photo courtesy Joanne Irons
Swimming in her first competition of the season, Erica Pitcher, of the Pagosa Lakes Porpoises, won the 100-meter butterfly and finished second in the 50 freestyle at last week’s Cortez Invitational. The Porpoises are at Ouray this weekend.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Strong showings by Porpoises at Farmington, Cortez

The Pagosa Lakes Porpoises Swim Team traveled to Farmington May 31 and June 1, and last weekend to Cortez to compete against teams from western Colorado and New Mexico.

The Porpoises placed third in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions at Farmington, bringing home their second trophy in two years.

Pagosa, with only 13 swimmers competing, finished third to the host Farmington Swim Team and the team from Gallup N.M.

In the girls’ division, Pagosa was led by Samara Hernandez in the 15-18 girls division and Erin Monkiewicz in the 8 and under girls. Both finished top three in their age groups. Also contributing to the third place finish were Braden Higby and Kelsey Anderson.

In the eight and under boys, R.J. Hernandez finished first, and Michael Brown fared well in the 50-meter freestyle and on the relay with his older brother DJ, Zack Irons and Blake Irons. In the 9-10 boys, strong finishes were produced by Blake Irons in the 50 breaststroke and Devan Monkiewicz in the grueling 200 individual medley. DJ Brown finished third in a very competitive 11-12 boys age group with strong finishes in the backstroke and freestyle.

In the 13- and 14-year-old boys, Keegan Caves, Mitchell Higby, Austin Miller and Zack Irons all came through with their best efforts of the season.

Following their performance at Farmington, the Pagosa Team traveled to Cortez for their first outdoor meet of the season.

On Friday afternoon, Pagosa swimmer Joey Berndt swept the 8 and under boys’ events, giving Pagosa two individual honors two weeks in a row from different swimmers. Swimming his first meet of the summer, Conner Aragon turned in his best times of the year.

Competing on the girl’s side, Erin Monkiewicz came through with another solid performance.

Starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, most of the kids had a chilly morning.

Finishing well in a packed age group, James Berndt came away with some of his best swims of the season. Devan Monkiewicz had another strong performance in all his races, especially the backstroke and the 200 IM. Austin Miller swam the hardest combination swimming the 200 butterfly, 400 IM, and the mile all in one meet and finishing at least third in all three. Mitchell Higby and Blake Irons again had excellent swims, with Mitchell finishing the 100 fly for the first time ever and Blake almost winning the 50 breast.

On the girl’s side, 14-year-old Erica Pitcher won the 100 fly and finished second in the 50 free in her first competition of the year. Sydney Aragon also came through in the 13-14 girls, swimming for the first time in almost a year. Braden Higby represented the Porpoises in the 9-10 division with strong finishes and Kelsey Anderson, along with Taemeeka Cuthair, swam in the 11-12 division. All swam their best times of the season.

The Porpoises’ next meet is this weekend in Ouray.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Pagosans continue to succeed on Little Britches Rodeo circuit

Several Pagosa Springs cowboys and cowgirls competed at a three-day rodeo in South Fork, June 6-8.

Waylon Lucero and Hunter Williams won the average in the Senior Team Roping for the three days, placing first on Friday, fifth on Saturday, and second on Sunday.

Katelyn McRee won the average in Junior Girls’ barrel racing, placing first on Friday, first on Saturday, and third on Sunday. McRee also did well in several other events, placing second in breakaway roping on Friday and fourth on Saturday, as well as fourth in the trail course, third in pole bending, and third in ribbon roping on Saturday (along with partner Re’ahna Ray), which netted her the Daily All Around for the Saturday rodeo.

Re’ahna Ray was not far behind her, also placing in five events on Saturday, which included third in ribbon roping, second in breakaway roping, sixth in goat tying, seventh in trail course, and the girls partnered up to place sixth in team roping on Saturday. On Sunday, they ended up sixth in the team roping again, and Ray was fourth in trail course and won the goat tying for Junior Girls.

Among Pagosa’s Junior Boys, bull riders also did well, with Robert Koontz placing fifth on Friday and fifth on Saturday. Tyreese Tyndall took second on Saturday and Cody Snow placed third in Saturday’s rodeo. Cassidy DeYapp competed in Junior Boys’ breakaway roping and team roping.

In the Senior Girls’ division, Raesha Ray had her best rodeo on Sunday, winning the Daily All Around. This was a result of placing first in barrels, fourth in trail course, second in pole bending, sixth in breakaway roping, and seventh in team roping. Ray also placed third in barrels on Friday and first on Saturday, as well as fourth in breakaway on Friday and fifth in trail course on Saturday.

Also in Senior Girls, Breann Decker placed second in barrels both Friday and Saturday, and Kelsi Lucero wound up seventh in barrels on Friday and sixth on Sunday. Her pole bending run placed her seventh on Friday. Hailey Archuleta was fifth in barrels on Saturday and seventh in goat tying on Friday.

Pagosa had one Little Wrangler representing the team at South Fork LBR, and that was McKenna DeYapp. She placed seventh in the flag race on Friday and sixth in barrels. Both Saturday and Sunday, DeYapp placed in flag again (fifth and second respectively).

Pagosa has 15 young cowboys and cowgirls who have qualified for the National Little Britches Rodeo Finals, which will be held the end of July in Pueblo.