thedenverpost--2020-05-01--Pandemic sucking the economic life out of several Colorado counties, hitting tourism spots especiall

Pandemic sucking the economic life out of several Colorado counties, hitting tourism spots especially hard

Just as the novel coronavirus hits different people in different ways , the job losses the pandemic has inflicted are not evenly distributed in Colorado , ranging from Great Depression-era dislocations in some counties to relatively manageable declines in others .
More than 30 million U.S. residents have sought unemployment benefits since the pandemic crisis began , including nearly 380,000 workers and contractors in Colorado through April 24 .
That works out to nearly 12 % of the state ’ s labor force .
“ I believe what you are largely seeing is unemployed tourism workers , ” said Cathy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office .
“ It is way overrepresented.
” Tourism accounts for about 40 % of jobs in some mountain counties , and about a 10th of jobs along the Front Range , said Brian Lewandowski , executive director of the Business Research Division at the University of Colorado ’ s Leeds School of Business .
Retail and personal services , other hard-hit sectors , will slowly come back and eventually , restaurants and bars will too as restrictions ease in more populated areas .
But tourism-dependent areas face a more difficult path to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service providers depend on outsiders showing up .
“ Tourism is the last thing to come back and it is dependent not just on Colorado ’ s economy , but on the national and international economies , ” Lewandowski said on a video call Wednesday .
About 86 % of the unemployment claims are coming from the more heavily-populated Front Range metro counties , with high numbers also coming from the more populated mountain counties like Eagle , Summit , Garfield , La Plata and Routt , said Ryan Gedney , a senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labor .
Food services , accommodations , retail , and arts , entertainment and recreation represent four of the five hardest-hit industries , Gedney said .
Tourism covers jobs in all four of those areas , so it isn ’ t a surprise that the counties most dependent on outside spending have seen some of the biggest job losses percentage-wise .
To try and understand where job losses are hitting the hardest , The Denver Post added the March count of unemployed workers in each county , based on a household survey taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the number of workers who filed a claim for unemployment benefits between March 15 and April 11 .
That number was divided by the March laborforce to come up with a “ job impact ” rate for April for each county .
Statewide , the rate came out at 12.7 % , but it ranged from a still-low 4.9 % in Yuma County to a Depression-era 23.7 % in remote and sparsely populated Hinsdale County .
The official unemployment rate has a specific technical definition and is estimated through a survey of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t line up with the calculation .
For example , even though they aren ’ t receiving a paycheck , some furloughed workers may view themselves as still employed , which could depress the official unemployment rate for April .
Also , some full-time workers who now work part-time are among those filing for benefits , and some might have filed but were quickly hired on elsewhere .
And contract workers who have lost income could push up the counts .
They were allowed to file claims on April 20 in Colorado and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
More might view themselves as unemployed rather than having a slow month .
Job impact rates run in the low-teens for much of the Front Range , and will likely stay under 10 % across much of the Eastern Plains .
There are seven counties in Colorado where the officially unemployed count in March plus those who have sought benefits through the middle of April exceeds 20 % .
Hinsdale County had the worst showing with a 23.7 % job impact rate , up from 3.3 % in February .
But its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ populated and closer to metro Denver and highly dependent on gaming activity .
Its unemployment rate went from 2.2 % in February , to 3.6 % in March to a projected 22.5 % in April .
Pitkin County had a job impact rate of 21.7 % , while Ouray County is estimated at 21 % , Delores County at 20.6 % , and San Miguel and San Juan counties at 20.2 % each .
Given that the state was still enjoying a historically low unemployment rate of 2.5 % in February , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those thrown out of work by a threat they never saw coming .
There are nine counties with job impact rates in a still severe range of 15 % to 20 % .
They include four important ski resort counties — Eagle , Summit , Routt and Grand — as well as secondary tourism and support hubs like Lake , Garfield , Archuleta and Clear Creek counties .
Huerfano County , home to Walsenburg , also makes that list , even though it isn ’ t a hot spot for winter or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the state ’ s highest unemployment rate at 7.9 % , and the outbreak only piled on a struggling economy .
Emily Meisner , program manager of La Plata County Economic Development Alliance , estimates the county will report a 15 % unemployment rate for April , close to the 14.3 % job impact rate The Post analysis estimates .
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a key driver of tourism in the southwest corner of Colorado , but when it resumes operations on May 22 , social distancing requirements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are no guarantees riders will even show up to fill that .
Durango has 120 restaurants and bars in a 12-block radius that rely on spending by those who ride the train , Meisner said , and some won ’ t be coming back .
Among metro areas , the highest job impact rate came in Mesa County , home to Grand Junction , at 14.2 % .
It is getting a triple whammy of depressed natural gas prices , a tourism downturn , and if that weren ’ t bad enough , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out much of the peach crop .
Denver and El Paso counties are fairly close in their job impact rate , at 13.5 % and 13.4 % respectively , followed by Adams County at 13.3 % .
That El Paso County has had so many claims for unemployment benefits , 26,851 in the period studied , is somewhat surprising , given an expectation that its heavy concentration of defense and government jobs would insulate it more .
Boulder and Douglas counties fare the best in the metro area with job impact rates of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a higher concentration of professional and technical service jobs and management jobs that can be done remotely .
And Weld County fared relatively well at 10.9 % , although losses in oil and gas , a key industry , are likely to accelerate unemployment there in the weeks ahead .
Sean Demeule , general manager of the Ameristar Black Hawk , has an unsettled feeling when he goes to work , where a skeletal crew provides security and does maintenance .
“ The casino floor is dark .
The machines are off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he lamented .
“ It is supposed to be a fun place .
It just doesn ’ t feel right.
” Ameristar and other casinos in the state closed their doors on March 17 .
Ameristar paid its workers through March , and then furloughed about 800 workers in April .
When they can come back is still an open question , and so too is to what degree gamblers , many of whom are older in age , will return .
It ’ s one thing to risk money , another to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers commuted from metro Denver , but many also called Gilpin County home , which explains why the county is suffering some of the biggest increases in unemployment in the state .
“ What we figure is that 80 % or 90 % of the people who work in the county are employed in the gaming industry .
It is a huge amount of the folk working here who are impacted , ” said Gilpin County commissioner Ron Engels .
And the job losses are starting to spread .
The county loses $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month the casinos remain closed .
The shutdown has blown a 25 % hole in its budget and forced the county to furlough 52 workers , mostly part-time , at the recreation center .
More job cuts will likely be needed .
CinDee Spellman , co-owner Dostal Alley Casino in Central City , said the family-owned casino had to let go of all of its workers .
She and family members still provide pizza and craft beer for take out , but that comes nowhere close to replacing the lost gaming revenues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is an unprecedented season that we are in , ” she said .
“ What does coming back look like ?
Going back to what we were ?
I can ’ t envision that.
” Just as job losses have hit some counties harder than others , some demographic groups have suffered disproportionately higher losses than others in Colorado .
They include young adults , women and workers of Asian descent , according to an analysis of claims data that Gedney compiled .
Last year in Colorado , women accounted for 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while men accounted for 60 % .
During the first six weeks of the pandemic , women have accounted for 55 % of unemployment claims made in the state , while men accounted for only 45 % .
The disease COVID-19 is much harder on those over age 65 , resulting in higher rates of hospitalization and death .
But the COVID-19 recession works the other way .
Its heaviest toll so far has been on younger workers , who are more likely to hold retail , food service or hospitality jobs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Women and young workers are filing for unemployment benefits at proportionately much higher rates than they did last year .
Below are the share of initial unemployment claims each group accounted for last year and the share since the start of March .
Colorado workers age 20 to 24 accounted for only one in 20 unemployment claims last year .
From early March to mid-April , they represent nearly one in four workers who have filed an unemployment claim .
The hit to workers age 25 to 34 went from 12.4 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in recent weeks .
Workers aged 35 and older have also suffered a large number of job losses , but they represent a smaller share of overall claims than young workers .
Last year , workers older than 35 accounted for nearly 7 in 10 unemployment benefit claims filed in the state .
During this downturn , they represented just over half of filings .
The share of unemployment claims by a worker ’ s race is fairly close to what it was last year in Colorado with one exception .
Workers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 1 in 50 unemployment claims last year .
Since the pandemic took hold , they represent about 1 in 20 claims .

Just as the novel coronavirus hits different people in different ways, the job losses the pandemic has inflicted are not evenly distributed in Colorado, ranging from Great Depression-era dislocations in some counties to relatively manageable declines in others.
More than 30 million U.S. residents have sought unemployment benefits since the pandemic crisis began, including nearly 380,000 workers and contractors in Colorado through April 24. That works out to nearly 12% of the state’s labor force.
“I believe what you are largely seeing is unemployed tourism workers,” said Cathy Ritter, director of the Colorado Tourism Office. “It is way overrepresented.”
Tourism accounts for about 40% of jobs in some mountain counties, and about a 10th of jobs along the Front Range, said Brian Lewandowski, executive director of the Business Research Division at the University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business.
Retail and personal services, other hard-hit sectors, will slowly come back and eventually, restaurants and bars will too as restrictions ease in more populated areas. But tourism-dependent areas face a more difficult path to recovery. Their retail and restaurants and service providers depend on outsiders showing up.
“Tourism is the last thing to come back and it is dependent not just on Colorado’s economy, but on the national and international economies,” Lewandowski said on a video call Wednesday.
About 86% of the unemployment claims are coming from the more heavily-populated Front Range metro counties, with high numbers also coming from the more populated mountain counties like Eagle, Summit, Garfield, La Plata and Routt, said Ryan Gedney, a senior labor economist with the Colorado Department of Labor.
Food services, accommodations, retail, and arts, entertainment and recreation represent four of the five hardest-hit industries, Gedney said. Tourism covers jobs in all four of those areas, so it isn’t a surprise that the counties most dependent on outside spending have seen some of the biggest job losses percentage-wise.
To try and understand where job losses are hitting the hardest, The Denver Post added the March count of unemployed workers in each county, based on a household survey taken the week that included March 12, to the number of workers who filed a claim for unemployment benefits between March 15 and April 11.
That number was divided by the March laborforce to come up with a “job impact” rate for April for each county. Statewide, the rate came out at 12.7%, but it ranged from a still-low 4.9% in Yuma County to a Depression-era 23.7% in remote and sparsely populated Hinsdale County.
The official unemployment rate has a specific technical definition and is estimated through a survey of households, so it probably won’t line up with the calculation. For example, even though they aren’t receiving a paycheck, some furloughed workers may view themselves as still employed, which could depress the official unemployment rate for April.
Also, some full-time workers who now work part-time are among those filing for benefits, and some might have filed but were quickly hired on elsewhere. And contract workers who have lost income could push up the counts. They were allowed to file claims on April 20 in Colorado and weren’t included in the calculation. More might view themselves as unemployed rather than having a slow month.
Job impact rates run in the low-teens for much of the Front Range, and will likely stay under 10% across much of the Eastern Plains. There are seven counties in Colorado where the officially unemployed count in March plus those who have sought benefits through the middle of April exceeds 20%.
Hinsdale County had the worst showing with a 23.7% job impact rate, up from 3.3% in February. But its sparsely populated. Gilpin County is more populated and closer to metro Denver and highly dependent on gaming activity. Its unemployment rate went from 2.2% in February, to 3.6% in March to a projected 22.5% in April. Pitkin County had a job impact rate of 21.7%, while Ouray County is estimated at 21%, Dolores County at 20.6%, and San Miguel and San Juan counties at 20.2% each.
Given that the state was still enjoying a historically low unemployment rate of 2.5% in February, the rise in joblessness is startling, especially for those thrown out of work by a threat they never saw coming.
There are nine counties with job impact rates in a still severe range of 15% to 20%. They include four important ski resort counties — Eagle, Summit, Routt and Grand — as well as secondary tourism and support hubs like Lake, Garfield, Archuleta and Clear Creek counties.
Huerfano County, home to Walsenburg, also makes that list, even though it isn’t a hot spot for winter or spring tourism. In February, it had the state’s highest unemployment rate at 7.9%, and the outbreak only piled on a struggling economy.
Emily Meisner, program manager of La Plata County Economic Development Alliance, estimates the county will report a 15% unemployment rate for April, close to the 14.3% job impact rate The Post analysis estimates.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a key driver of tourism in the southwest corner of Colorado, but when it resumes operations on May 22, social distancing requirements will halve its capacity. And there are no guarantees riders will even show up to fill that. Durango has 120 restaurants and bars in a 12-block radius that rely on spending by those who ride the train, Meisner said, and some won’t be coming back.
Among metro areas, the highest job impact rate came in Mesa County, home to Grand Junction, at 14.2%. It is getting a triple whammy of depressed natural gas prices, a tourism downturn, and if that weren’t bad enough, a deep freeze in April that wiped out much of the peach crop.
Denver and El Paso counties are fairly close in their job impact rate, at 13.5% and 13.4% respectively, followed by Adams County at 13.3%. That El Paso County has had so many claims for unemployment benefits, 26,851 in the period studied, is somewhat surprising, given an expectation that its heavy concentration of defense and government jobs would insulate it more.
Boulder and Douglas counties fare the best in the metro area with job impact rates of 10.5% and 10.4%. They have a higher concentration of professional and technical service jobs and management jobs that can be done remotely. And Weld County fared relatively well at 10.9%, although losses in oil and gas, a key industry, are likely to accelerate unemployment there in the weeks ahead.
Gilpin County out of luck
Sean Demeule, general manager of the Ameristar Black Hawk, has an unsettled feeling when he goes to work, where a skeletal crew provides security and does maintenance.
“The casino floor is dark. The machines are off. Nobody is out there,” he lamented. “It is supposed to be a fun place. It just doesn’t feel right.”
Ameristar and other casinos in the state closed their doors on March 17. Ameristar paid its workers through March, and then furloughed about 800 workers in April. When they can come back is still an open question, and so too is to what degree gamblers, many of whom are older in age, will return. It’s one thing to risk money, another to risk health.
Many of the gaming workers commuted from metro Denver, but many also called Gilpin County home, which explains why the county is suffering some of the biggest increases in unemployment in the state.
“What we figure is that 80% or 90% of the people who work in the county are employed in the gaming industry. It is a huge amount of the folk working here who are impacted,” said Gilpin County commissioner Ron Engels.
And the job losses are starting to spread. The county loses $1 million a month in revenues each month the casinos remain closed. The shutdown has blown a 25% hole in its budget and forced the county to furlough 52 workers, mostly part-time, at the recreation center. More job cuts will likely be needed.
CinDee Spellman, co-owner Dostal Alley Casino in Central City, said the family-owned casino had to let go of all of its workers. She and family members still provide pizza and craft beer for take out, but that comes nowhere close to replacing the lost gaming revenues.
“Everyone is cognizant of the fact it is an unprecedented season that we are in,” she said. “What does coming back look like? Going back to what we were? I can’t envision that.”
Demographic hits vary
Just as job losses have hit some counties harder than others, some demographic groups have suffered disproportionately higher losses than others in Colorado. They include young adults, women and workers of Asian descent, according to an analysis of claims data that Gedney compiled.
Last year in Colorado, women accounted for 40% of the unemployment claims filed, while men accounted for 60%. During the first six weeks of the pandemic, women have accounted for 55% of unemployment claims made in the state, while men accounted for only 45%.
The disease COVID-19 is much harder on those over age 65, resulting in higher rates of hospitalization and death. But the COVID-19 recession works the other way. Its heaviest toll so far has been on younger workers, who are more likely to hold retail, food service or hospitality jobs. The pandemic is stealing their livelihood.
Job losses hitting females and young workers the hardest
Women and young workers are filing for unemployment benefits at proportionately much higher rates than they did last year. Below are the share of initial unemployment claims each group accounted for last year and the share since the start of March.
Colorado workers age 20 to 24 accounted for only one in 20 unemployment claims last year. From early March to mid-April, they represent nearly one in four workers who have filed an unemployment claim. The hit to workers age 25 to 34 went from 12.4% of unemployment claims last year to 33.2% in recent weeks.
Workers aged 35 and older have also suffered a large number of job losses, but they represent a smaller share of overall claims than young workers. Last year, workers older than 35 accounted for nearly 7 in 10 unemployment benefit claims filed in the state. During this downturn, they represented just over half of filings.
The share of unemployment claims by a worker’s race is fairly close to what it was last year in Colorado with one exception. Workers who say they are of Asian descent accounted for 1 in 50 unemployment claims last year. Since the pandemic took hold, they represent about 1 in 20 claims.


thedenverpost--2020-05-01--Denver’s biggest May snowstorms

Denver’s biggest May snowstorms

It doesn ’ t snow in Denver every May .
But when it does , it can pile up — sometimes to the tune of a foot or more of accumulation .
May snowstorms are just a small part of what makes Denver ’ s weather so interesting and unique .
About 70 % of Mays ( 96 out of 137 in Denver ’ s official meteorological records ) have featured at least some measurable snow .
Most May snows tend to be fairly minor , but as you ’ ll see here , sometimes a good walloping can fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and your garden .
And of late , there ’ s perhaps been a noticeable trend toward snowstorms later in the spring season .
That included a fairly unique , record-setting four-inch snowstorm last May 21-22 , including Denver ’ s latest measurable snowfall in nearly 20 years .
So with that all in mind , here ’ s a look at Denver ’ s top-five May snowstorms on record : As part of a recent run of late-season snowstorms , 2019 ’ s 3.7-inch snowstorm stands out .
While the snowstorm ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to some of the other storms on this list , it does stand out for being the biggest May snowstorm in recent times .
To get snow in the back half of May , it typically takes a fairly unique combination of an unseasonably deep cold plunge , colder-than-average temperatures before a storm and nighttime snowfall .
This was one of those events that combined all three , and the result was a heavy , wet snowfall along the Front Range just a few days before Memorial Day .
This one stands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May this took place .
Denver ’ s obviously no stranger to spring snowstorms , but usually , they ’ ll take place in the first half of the month .
By late May , the sun angle gets so high that even if temperatures are below freezing , it ’ s almost impossible to accumulate snowfall This 1950 storm , though , dumped a stunning 10.7 inches of snow over two days , including 9.3 inches on the 25th .
Temperatures barely dropped to freezing ( the low on the 25th was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just cold enough to lead to Denver ’ s biggest snowstorm of this magnitude this late in the season .
It also led to Denver ’ s second-snowiest May on record , with 13.7 inches of total snowfall accumulation through the duration of the month .
Fortunately , Memorial Day came late in 1950 .
It was on the 29th , and all the snow had melted by then , and it even hit 70 degrees .
Most May snowfalls are smaller-scale events early in the month , leading to a sloppy few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like car tops and grass .
But this 1912 May snowstorm not only took place in the middle of the month , it also produced over a foot of snow over a two-day span .
A whopping 12.4 inches of snow fell in Denver on those two days back in 1912 .
Four days after the storm , it was 86 degrees .
Talk about meteorological whiplash .
Like the 1912 snowstorm , this one dropped 12.4 inches of snow in just two days ( and just a few days after an inch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13.5 inches of snow this May made it Denver ’ s third-snowiest May on record .
Not only was this a substantial snowstorm , it was also a decidedly cold May snowstorm .
Temperatures dropped as low as 23 degrees just after the last flakes fell on May 7th , making it one of the coldest May temperatures ever recorded in Denver .
There are May snowstorms , then there ’ s the May snowstorm of 1898 .
A whopping 15.5 inches of snow kicked off that May , and it lasted for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t drop below 29 degrees throughout the entire duration of the storm , meaning the snow was probably of the heavy and wet variety .
Those kinds of snows are often associated with widespread tree damage , and that was probably the case with this snowstorm .
Needless to say , 1898 ended up as Denver ’ s snowiest May on record , all thanks to this one storm .
Also , naturally , two days after the foot-plus snowstorm , it hit 65 degrees .

It doesn’t snow in Denver every May. But when it does, it can pile up — sometimes to the tune of a foot or more of accumulation.
May snowstorms are just a small part of what makes Denver’s weather so interesting and unique. About 70% of Mays (96 out of 137 in Denver’s official meteorological records) have featured at least some measurable snow. Most May snows tend to be fairly minor, but as you’ll see here, sometimes a good walloping can fall — often threatening trees, power lines and your garden.
And of late, there’s perhaps been a noticeable trend toward snowstorms later in the spring season. That included a fairly unique, record-setting four-inch snowstorm last May 21-22, including Denver’s latest measurable snowfall in nearly 20 years.
So with that all in mind, here’s a look at Denver’s top-five May snowstorms on record:
5. May 20-21, 2019
As part of a recent run of late-season snowstorms, 2019’s 3.7-inch snowstorm stands out. While the snowstorm’s total won’t stick out compared to some of the other storms on this list, it does stand out for being the biggest May snowstorm in recent times.
To get snow in the back half of May, it typically takes a fairly unique combination of an unseasonably deep cold plunge, colder-than-average temperatures before a storm and nighttime snowfall. This was one of those events that combined all three, and the result was a heavy, wet snowfall along the Front Range just a few days before Memorial Day.
4. May 26-27, 1950
This one stands out for just how remarkably late into May this took place. Denver’s obviously no stranger to spring snowstorms, but usually, they’ll take place in the first half of the month. By late May, the sun angle gets so high that even if temperatures are below freezing, it’s almost impossible to accumulate snowfall
This 1950 storm, though, dumped a stunning 10.7 inches of snow over two days, including 9.3 inches on the 25th. Temperatures barely dropped to freezing (the low on the 25th was 31 degrees), but it was just cold enough to lead to Denver’s biggest snowstorm of this magnitude this late in the season.
It also led to Denver’s second-snowiest May on record, with 13.7 inches of total snowfall accumulation through the duration of the month.
Fortunately, Memorial Day came late in 1950. It was on the 29th, and all the snow had melted by then, and it even hit 70 degrees.
3. May 13-14, 1912
Most May snowfalls are smaller-scale events early in the month, leading to a sloppy few inches of wet snow on colder surfaces like car tops and grass. But this 1912 May snowstorm not only took place in the middle of the month, it also produced over a foot of snow over a two-day span.
A whopping 12.4 inches of snow fell in Denver on those two days back in 1912. Four days after the storm, it was 86 degrees. Talk about meteorological whiplash.
2. May 5-6, 1978
Like the 1912 snowstorm, this one dropped 12.4 inches of snow in just two days (and just a few days after an inch of snow had fallen). The 13.5 inches of snow this May made it Denver’s third-snowiest May on record.
Not only was this a substantial snowstorm, it was also a decidedly cold May snowstorm. Temperatures dropped as low as 23 degrees just after the last flakes fell on May 7th, making it one of the coldest May temperatures ever recorded in Denver.
1. May 1-5, 1898
There are May snowstorms, then there’s the May snowstorm of 1898. A whopping 15.5 inches of snow kicked off that May, and it lasted for five full days! Temperatures didn’t drop below 29 degrees throughout the entire duration of the storm, meaning the snow was probably of the heavy and wet variety. Those kinds of snows are often associated with widespread tree damage, and that was probably the case with this snowstorm.
Needless to say, 1898 ended up as Denver’s snowiest May on record, all thanks to this one storm. Also, naturally, two days after the foot-plus snowstorm, it hit 65 degrees.


thedenverpost--2020-05-01--Peyton Manning accepts All-In Challenge with golf, dinner and raises $525,000 for charity

Former Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning accepted the All-In Challenge back in April and the charity auction of a round of golf followed by dinner ended April 28 with a winning bid of $ 525,000 .
That is a hefty price to pay for a whacking the funny ball around the golf course and an over cooked steak , but it ’ s for charity and you get to hang with “ The Sheriff ” .
Manning has been generous with his time during the coronavirus pandemic , giving back by donating food and giving blood at local hospitals in Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the University of Tennessee when he surprised a class of online students .
We need to give a hat tip to Manning for donating his time and money during these trying times .
And to the All-In Challenge winner of golf and dinner , enjoy as it ’ s sure to be a great night with PFM and your ten closest friends .
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Former Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning accepted the All-In Challenge back in April and the charity auction of a round of golf followed by dinner ended April 28 with a winning bid of $525,000. That is a hefty price to pay for a whacking the funny ball around the golf course and an over cooked steak, but it’s for charity and you get to hang with “The Sheriff.”
Manning has been generous with his time during the coronavirus pandemic, giving back by donating food and giving blood at local hospitals in Colorado. He has even made an appearance at the University of Tennessee when he surprised a class of online students.
We need to give a hat tip to Manning for donating his time and money during these trying times. And to the All-In Challenge winner of golf and dinner, enjoy as it’s sure to be a great night with PFM and your ten closest friends.
— Jeff Bailey, The Denver Post
If you enjoy the Denver Sports Omelette, tell a friend it’s easy to sign up here for our daily sports roundup. If you have any questions or suggestions, hit me up on Twitter @joenguyen or by email.
A special offer for Sports Omelette readers! Subscribe to The Denver Post’s sports coverage for just 99¢ for the first month and only $6.99/month thereafter. Cancel anytime.
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Ryan O’Halloran here.
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Singer here.
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Mike Chambers here.
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.


thedenverpost--2020-05-01--Most recently unemployed Coloradans will make more money by not returning to work

A majority of Colorado workers can make more money collecting state and federal unemployment benefits than they would on the job , according to an analysis from the Regional Economic Development Institute at Colorado State University .
The cutoff point is around $ 30 an hour in Colorado , according to the study by Gregory Miller , a CFA and graduate researcher at CSU .
Make more than that and the financial incentive is to return to work .
Make less than that , and collecting unemployment pays better , especially if a job doesn ’ t come with health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making $ 14 an hour before the pandemic , unemployment benefits offer a 150 % increase in pay .
Many of those who lost their jobs in March and April held lower-paying service jobs in retail , food service and hospitality .
“ It is still a rational choice to say I can collect a few months of this and make more than working , and avoid getting sick , ” said Miller .
If only state unemployment benefits were offered , most workers would replace about half their regular incomes and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there would also be more unpaid bills , like rents and mortgages , cascading through the economy .
Acknowledging the severity of the crisis , the CARES Act provides an extra $ 600 a week between the end of March and the end of July under the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program .
Besides creating a disincentive to return to work , Miller said the FPUC has had another unintended consequence , putting essential workers at a financial disadvantage .
A grocery store worker stocking shelves will effectively be paid less than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because a store closed .
The federal unemployment benefits alone are worth $ 15 an hour .
“ You are essentially being penalized for being an essential worker .
That ’ s an obvious moral problem , ” he said .
Miller acknowledges that getting assistance out after the economy shut down was the top priority .
Fine-tuning the program so federal benefits aligned with local wages and boosting pay for critical workers would have taken more time and added complexity .
Here ’ s where things get even more complicated .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Program , which is looking to lend out more than $ 660 billion to struggling small-business borrowers .
To have a PPP loan forgiven , a borrower must spend 75 % of the loan proceeds on payroll by June 30 .
That creates a strong incentive for PPP businesses who have closed operations to call their workers back , even if there isn ’ t much for them to do yet .
For workers collecting unemployment benefits and who worry about becoming ill , there is a strong incentive to refuse .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a PPP borrower risks having to repay part of a loan within two years .
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has started collecting complaints from employers who say workers are refusing to come back .
About 40 have filed a formal complaint .
In normal times , the state would cut off benefits for a claimant who refused a valid return to work request .
But these aren ’ t normal times .
“ There is no black and white answer to the question of whether they will stop getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the job refusal , ” said Jeff Fitzgerald , director of the state ’ s division of unemployment insurance , during a press call on Thursday morning .
For example , is someone refusing to return because they are part of a vulnerable population , say older or with preexisting health conditions ?
Or are they caring for someone who is vulnerable ?
The state will also look at whether a workplace is complying with required safeguards .
For example , Colorado ’ s “ safer-at-home ” order requires workplaces that reopen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of prior levels , to maintain 6-foot distances between workers and to regularly clean high-touch surfaces .
Denver takes it a step further by requiring masks for anyone out in public , not just employees , but also customers and vendors .

A majority of Colorado workers can make more money collecting state and federal unemployment benefits than they would on the job, according to an analysis from the Regional Economic Development Institute at Colorado State University.
The cutoff point is around $30 an hour in Colorado, according to the study by Gregory Miller, a CFA and graduate researcher at CSU. Make more than that and the financial incentive is to return to work. Make less than that, and collecting unemployment pays better, especially if a job doesn’t come with health insurance and other benefits.
For someone making $14 an hour before the pandemic, unemployment benefits offer a 150% increase in pay. Many of those who lost their jobs in March and April held lower-paying service jobs in retail, food service and hospitality.
“It is still a rational choice to say I can collect a few months of this and make more than working, and avoid getting sick,” said Miller.
If only state unemployment benefits were offered, most workers would replace about half their regular incomes and have a stronger incentive to return. But there would also be more unpaid bills, like rents and mortgages, cascading through the economy. Acknowledging the severity of the crisis, the CARES Act provides an extra $600 a week between the end of March and the end of July under the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program.
Besides creating a disincentive to return to work, Miller said the FPUC has had another unintended consequence, putting essential workers at a financial disadvantage.
A grocery store worker stocking shelves will effectively be paid less than a nonessential retail worker who was laid off because a store closed. The federal unemployment benefits alone are worth $15 an hour.
“You are essentially being penalized for being an essential worker. That’s an obvious moral problem,” he said.
Miller acknowledges that getting assistance out after the economy shut down was the top priority. Fine-tuning the program so federal benefits aligned with local wages and boosting pay for critical workers would have taken more time and added complexity.
Here’s where things get even more complicated. The CARES Act also created the Paycheck Protection Program, which is looking to lend out more than $660 billion to struggling small-business borrowers.
To have a PPP loan forgiven, a borrower must spend 75% of the loan proceeds on payroll by June 30. That creates a strong incentive for PPP businesses who have closed operations to call their workers back, even if there isn’t much for them to do yet.
For workers collecting unemployment benefits and who worry about becoming ill, there is a strong incentive to refuse. If enough workers don’t come back, a PPP borrower risks having to repay part of a loan within two years.
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has started collecting complaints from employers who say workers are refusing to come back. About 40 have filed a formal complaint.
In normal times, the state would cut off benefits for a claimant who refused a valid return to work request. But these aren’t normal times.
“There is no black and white answer to the question of whether they will stop getting benefits. We will collect facts about the job refusal,” said Jeff Fitzgerald, director of the state’s division of unemployment insurance, during a press call on Thursday morning.
For example, is someone refusing to return because they are part of a vulnerable population, say older or with preexisting health conditions? Or are they caring for someone who is vulnerable? The state will also look at whether a workplace is complying with required safeguards.
For example, Colorado’s “safer-at-home” order requires workplaces that reopen to keep staff counts at half or less of prior levels, to maintain 6-foot distances between workers and to regularly clean high-touch surfaces. Denver takes it a step further by requiring masks for anyone out in public, not just employees, but also customers and vendors.


thedenverpost--2020-05-02--An 86-year-old state inmate dies Friday in Sterling hospital

An 86-year-old Colorado Department of Corrections inmate died Friday at the Sterling Regional Medical Center after experiencing coronavirus symptoms .
@ @ @ @ @ not identified , was taken to the hospital on Monday , according to a DOC @ @ @ @ @ tested for COVID-19 while at the hospital .
The Logan County Coroner ’ s Office @ @ @ @ @ manner of the inmate ’ s death .
The Sterling Correctional Facility has been on @ @ @ @ @ since April 14 , the news release said .
On Wednesday , there were nearly @ @ @ @ @ at the prison .
More than 470 tests for the virus had been administered .
@ @ @ @ @ outbreak in the state .

An 86-year-old Colorado Department of Corrections inmate died Friday at the Sterling Regional Medical Center after experiencing coronavirus symptoms.
The inmate, who was not identified, was taken to the hospital on Monday, according to a DOC news release. He was tested for COVID-19 while at the hospital.
The Logan County Coroner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of the inmate’s death.
The Sterling Correctional Facility has been on modified operations because of COVID-19 since April 14, the news release said.
On Wednesday, there were nearly 240 cases of COVID-19 reported at the prison. More than 470 tests for the virus had been administered. It is the largest known outbreak in the state.


thedenverpost--2020-05-02--Colorado hair stylists get back to work: “They want us here”

Business partners Kayleen Heil and Misty Perego had mixed feelings about reopening their hair salon , Blue Mist , on Friday — the first day they were allowed to let customers in under Colorado ’ s “ safer at home ” guidelines .
The shop , located in Lone Tree , suffered a financial hit from being closed for more than a month , and clients begged to get their hair cut and colored .
But the possibility of being exposed to the coronavirus was enough to make Heil and Perego think twice .
“ The thought had crossed our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ But we want to service our customers , and they want us here .
That was our ultimate decision.
” After a statewide stay-at-home order shut down most Colorado businesses in March , parts of the economy are slowly flickering back to life .
As of May 1 , retail stores , hair salons , tattoo parlors and pet grooming services are among a handful of industries allowed to begin operations , unless a local mandate prevents them from doing so .
Denver and most of its neighbors remain under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but Douglas County — home of Blue Mist — is following the state ’ s “ safer at home ” track .
Still , it was far from a return to business as usual Friday .
At 10 a.m. , Blue Mist began welcoming a limited number of customers — mask and temperature check required .
The salon is not currently offering blowouts or lower face waxes to comply with new safety standards , and it ’ s running with about half as many stylists as it would normally because of restrictions that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 people .
The schedule is filling up quickly .
“ It ’ s going to be 10- and 12-hour days for a while to catch up , ” Perego said .
Down the road , the Park Meadows mall remained largely closed Friday .
The main entrances were locked and parking lots were vacant outside major retailers .
Several stores , including Crate & Barrel , Altar ’ d State and EcoMountain , began offering curbside pickup this week , but management company Brookfield Properties declined to say when their storefronts might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Sporting Goods , which allowed customers inside , though the two-story shop was nearly deserted .
Melissa Tafoya came with her husband to purchase a bike .
Though she does most of her shopping online these days , the couple wanted to compare bike models in person before deciding which to buy .
Tafoya , who is from Parker , was pleasantly surprised to see other shoppers and store staff wearing masks and maintaining social distancing guidelines .
However , she doesn ’ t expect to go to more stores now just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am still a little hesitant , ” she said , “ but I do like that more ( businesses ) have curbside options.
” Personal services such as hair salons and pet groomers saw the biggest immediate demand Friday as shaggy people and pets turned out for their trims .
Uyen Le ’ s two Beauty Bar locations in Colorado Springs are already booking three weeks out — a wait is exacerbated by the limited number of customers allowed in at a time .
Typically , the salons can hold up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the current limitations mean the businesses are operating at a loss .
The mask requirements also change the atmosphere of the salons , Le said : “ We ’ re in a business that ’ s used to be so personal , and you ’ re able to sit and joke and relax .
( Customers ) always say we ’ re like therapists to them.
” Sparkle Bark in Castle Rock was also bustling Friday with five canine customers in for grooming and five in for nail clipping , according to owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to do their own coiffing of pets while Sparkle Bark was dark .
“ I have seen some interesting workarounds , ” she said , citing dogs that came in with oddly clipped eyebrows and other sheared zones .
Taylor Loftin , who owns three tattoo parlors in Weld County , is happy to be back in action .
On Friday , he opened two of his parlors — one in LaSalle and the other in Greeley — after spending the last few days disinfecting them .
Loftin said the forced shutdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did its damage , setting him back $ 30,000 or so .
He lost eight of his 15 tattoo artists during the closure .
“ The six weeks we were closed were the most profitable time of the year for us because of tax season , ” he said .
People like to take their tax refund and “ treat themselves with beautiful body art , ” Loftin said .
His tattoo artists will be required to wear N95 masks when working on clients , and clients will be required to put on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one client at a time will be allowed in a shop , Loftin said , and they can ’ t bring guests .
“ We ’ re excited to get back to work — it ’ s what we do .
Even doing one client a day will be a blessing .
”

Tiney Ricciardi, Conrad Swanson, John Aguilar

Business partners Kayleen Heil and Misty Perego had mixed feelings about reopening their hair salon, Blue Mist, on Friday — the first day they were allowed to let customers in under Colorado’s “safer at home” guidelines.
The shop, located in Lone Tree, suffered a financial hit from being closed for more than a month, and clients begged to get their hair cut and colored. But the possibility of being exposed to the coronavirus was enough to make Heil and Perego think twice.
“The thought had crossed our mind of not opening,” Perego said. “But we want to service our customers, and they want us here. That was our ultimate decision.”
After a statewide stay-at-home order shut down most Colorado businesses in March, parts of the economy are slowly flickering back to life. As of May 1, retail stores, hair salons, tattoo parlors and pet grooming services are among a handful of industries allowed to begin operations, unless a local mandate prevents them from doing so.
Denver and most of its neighbors remain under a stay-at-home order until May 8, but Douglas County — home of Blue Mist — is following the state’s “safer at home” track.
Still, it was far from a return to business as usual Friday.
At 10 a.m., Blue Mist began welcoming a limited number of customers — mask and temperature check required. The salon is not currently offering blowouts or lower face waxes to comply with new safety standards, and it’s running with about half as many stylists as it would normally because of restrictions that limit the salon’s capacity to 10 people. The schedule is filling up quickly.
“It’s going to be 10- and 12-hour days for a while to catch up,” Perego said.
Down the road, the Park Meadows mall remained largely closed Friday. The main entrances were locked and parking lots were vacant outside major retailers. Several stores, including Crate & Barrel, Altar’d State and EcoMountain, began offering curbside pickup this week, but management company Brookfield Properties declined to say when their storefronts might open.
One exception was Dick’s Sporting Goods, which allowed customers inside, though the two-story shop was nearly deserted. Melissa Tafoya came with her husband to purchase a bike. Though she does most of her shopping online these days, the couple wanted to compare bike models in person before deciding which to buy.
Tafoya, who is from Parker, was pleasantly surprised to see other shoppers and store staff wearing masks and maintaining social distancing guidelines. However, she doesn’t expect to go to more stores now just because they’re open.
“I am still a little hesitant,” she said, “but I do like that more (businesses) have curbside options.”
Personal services such as hair salons and pet groomers saw the biggest immediate demand Friday as shaggy people and pets turned out for their trims.
Uyen Le’s two Beauty Bar locations in Colorado Springs are already booking three weeks out — a wait is exacerbated by the limited number of customers allowed in at a time. Typically, the salons can hold up to 30 customers, Le said, and the current limitations mean the businesses are operating at a loss.
The mask requirements also change the atmosphere of the salons, Le said: “We’re in a business that’s used to be so personal, and you’re able to sit and joke and relax. (Customers) always say we’re like therapists to them.”
Sparkle Bark in Castle Rock was also bustling Friday with five canine customers in for grooming and five in for nail clipping, according to owner Chris McCullough. She noticed that people tried to do their own coiffing of pets while Sparkle Bark was dark.
“I have seen some interesting workarounds,” she said, citing dogs that came in with oddly clipped eyebrows and other sheared zones.
Kevin Mohatt, Special to the Denver Post Taylor Loftin, owner of three tattoo shops in Weld County, prepares to tattoo Tiffany Cook at his shop Social Society Tattoo Collective after reopening for the first time since the stay-at-home orders were enacted last March, in La Salle, CO, May 1, 2020.
Kevin Mohatt, Special to the Denver Post The Social Society Tattoo Collective reopens for the first time since the stay-at-home orders were enacted last March in La Salle, CO, May 1, 2020.
Kevin Mohatt, Special to the Denver Post Taylor Loftin, owner of three tattoo shops in Weld County, tattoos Tiffany Cook at his shop Social Society Tattoo Collective after reopening for the first time since the stay-at-home orders were enacted last March, in La Salle, CO, May 1, 2020.
Kevin Mohatt, Special to the Denver Post Taylor Loftin, owner of three tattoo shops in Weld County, tattoos Tiffany Cook at his shop Social Society Tattoo Collective after reopening for the first time since the stay-at-home orders were enacted last March, in La Salle, CO, May 1, 2020.
Kevin Mohatt, Special to the Denver Post Tiffany Cook waits for her tattoo session at Social Society Tattoo Collective after the shop reopened for the first time since it closed on March 14 for the stay-at-home orders in La Salle, CO, May 1, 2020.
Taylor Loftin, who owns three tattoo parlors in Weld County, is happy to be back in action. On Friday, he opened two of his parlors — one in LaSalle and the other in Greeley — after spending the last few days disinfecting them.
Loftin said the forced shutdown of his tattoo shops starting in mid-March did its damage, setting him back $30,000 or so. He lost eight of his 15 tattoo artists during the closure.
“The six weeks we were closed were the most profitable time of the year for us because of tax season,” he said. People like to take their tax refund and “treat themselves with beautiful body art,” Loftin said.
His tattoo artists will be required to wear N95 masks when working on clients, and clients will be required to put on a surgical or cloth mask. Only one client at a time will be allowed in a shop, Loftin said, and they can’t bring guests.
“We’re excited to get back to work — it’s what we do. Even doing one client a day will be a blessing.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-02--Hall of Fame safety Steve Atwater hosting four retrospective shows that examine Broncos’ first two S

Hall of Fame safety Steve Atwater hosting four retrospective shows that examine Broncos’ first two Super Bowl titles

As “ The Last Dance ” documentary on the 1997–98 Bulls garners national attention , Broncos fans can relive their own team ’ s glory during that same time period with four shows highlighting Denver ’ s first two Super Bowl championships .
The new editions of “ Broncos Extra , ” hosted by former safety and current manager of fan development Steve Atwater , examine Denver ’ s 1997 and 1998 regular seasons as well as their victories in Super Bowl XXXII over Green Bay and Super Bowl XXXIII over Atlanta .
“ It ’ s so fun going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the best seasons and years of our lives , ” Atwater said .
“ I think the fans will love it , too.
” On Saturday , “ Reflections of a Championship Season : 1997 ” and “ Reflections of Super Bowl XXXII : World Champions at Last ” debut at 7 p.m. on the NFL App .
The two episodes feature Atwater , former defensive lineman Alfred Williams and former offensive lineman Mark Schlereth talking about the season and upset of the reigning champion Packers .
“ I remember we felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game , ” Atwater said .
“ We were kind of talking them up , being respectful , like , ‘ Man , how are we going to stop these guys ?
’ But they were like , ‘ We ’ re going to do this , we ’ re going to do that ’ … We were surprised by that.
” Then Sunday at 7 p.m. , also on the NFL app , Atwater is joined by former wideout Rod Smith and former defensive back Ray Crockett for the premier of “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and “ Reflections of Super Bowl XXXIII : Back-to-Back Champs.
” That Denver team started the season 13-0 before losing on the road to the Giants in Week 15 .
“ We weren ’ t talking too much about it , but in the back of our minds , we thought , ‘ Man , can we actually go undefeated ? '
” Atwater recalled .
“ After we lost that game ( in New York ) , it took some pressure off , and we got honed back in.
” Ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atwater , a first-round pick in 1989 out of Arkansas ( No .
20 overall ) , also offered his thoughts on Denver ’ s brand-new draft class , which was highlighted by the selection of Alabama wideout Jerry Jeudy at No .
15 overall .
Atwater was particularly high on Iowa cornerback Michael Ojemudia ( No .
77 ) , LSU center Lloyd Cushenberry ( No .
83 ) and Missouri tight end Albert Okwuegbunam ( No .
118 ) .
“ I saw ( Ojemudia ) and got a chance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Senior Bowl , ” Atwater said .
“ He ’ s a really good cornerback who played a lot of Cover 2 defense , just like Josey Jewell did when he was at Iowa .
He ’ s good on the outside , and he ’ s a physical player who ’ s going to be a great fit for that cornerback room.
” Atwater , who on Feb. 1 became the 11th former Broncos player to be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame , is scheduled to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With the coronavirus pandemic ongoing — and with the National Baseball Hall of Fame canceling its 2020 ceremonies earlier this week — the “ Smiling Assassin ” knows there ’ s a chance his enshrinement will have to wait .
“ Whatever happens , I want everyone to be safe , ” Atwater said .
“ If we have to do it differently , or later in the year , or next year — it ’ s going to be just fine with me… The rough part ( of getting elected ) is @ @ @ @

As “The Last Dance” documentary on the 1997–98 Bulls garners national attention, Broncos fans can relive their own team’s glory during that same time period with four shows highlighting Denver’s first two Super Bowl championships.
The new editions of “Broncos Extra,” hosted by former safety and current manager of fan development Steve Atwater, examine Denver’s 1997 and 1998 regular seasons as well as their victories in Super Bowl XXXII over Green Bay and Super Bowl XXXIII over Atlanta.
“It’s so fun going down memory lane, especially in two of the best seasons and years of our lives,” Atwater said. “I think the fans will love it, too.”
On Saturday, “Reflections of a Championship Season: 1997” and “Reflections of Super Bowl XXXII: World Champions at Last” debut at 7 p.m. on the NFL App. The two episodes feature Atwater, former defensive lineman Alfred Williams and former offensive lineman Mark Schlereth talking about the season and upset of the reigning champion Packers.
“I remember we felt a little bit disrespected going into the game,” Atwater said. “We were kind of talking them up, being respectful, like, ‘Man, how are we going to stop these guys?’ But they were like, ‘We’re going to do this, we’re going to do that’… We were surprised by that.”
Then Sunday at 7 p.m., also on the NFL app, Atwater is joined by former wideout Rod Smith and former defensive back Ray Crockett for the premier of “Reflections of a Championship Season: 1998” and “Reflections of Super Bowl XXXIII: Back-to-Back Champs.” That Denver team started the season 13-0 before losing on the road to the Giants in Week 15.
“We weren’t talking too much about it, but in the back of our minds, we thought, ‘Man, can we actually go undefeated?'” Atwater recalled. “After we lost that game (in New York), it took some pressure off, and we got honed back in.”
Ahead of the shows’ release this weekend Atwater, a first-round pick in 1989 out of Arkansas (No. 20 overall), also offered his thoughts on Denver’s brand-new draft class, which was highlighted by the selection of Alabama wideout Jerry Jeudy at No. 15 overall. Atwater was particularly high on Iowa cornerback Michael Ojemudia (No. 77), LSU center Lloyd Cushenberry (No. 83) and Missouri tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (No. 118).
“I saw (Ojemudia) and got a chance to break down his film when I was at the Senior Bowl,” Atwater said. “He’s a really good cornerback who played a lot of Cover 2 defense, just like Josey Jewell did when he was at Iowa. He’s good on the outside, and he’s a physical player who’s going to be a great fit for that cornerback room.”
Atwater, who on Feb. 1 became the 11th former Broncos player to be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, is scheduled to be inducted into Canton on Aug. 8. With the coronavirus pandemic ongoing — and with the National Baseball Hall of Fame canceling its 2020 ceremonies earlier this week — the “Smiling Assassin” knows there’s a chance his enshrinement will have to wait.
“Whatever happens, I want everyone to be safe,” Atwater said. “If we have to do it differently, or later in the year, or next year — it’s going to be just fine with me… The rough part (of getting elected) is over with.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-01--Inmate dies in Jefferson County jail cell

A 50-year-old inmate died Friday in his cell at the Jefferson County jail .
Deputies doing a routine check at @ @ @ @ @ Abeyta in a unresponsive state in his cell , according to a news release .
@ @ @ @ @ until just after 6 a.m. , when Abeyta was pronounced dead .
Arrested April 27 @ @ @ @ @ indicated during booking procedures that he had been a daily heroin user for the past @ @ @ @ @ housed alone in a medical unit of the jail because of drug withdrawal protocol as @ @ @ @ @ , including a cough and shortness of breath .
Abeyta did not have a fever @ @ @ @ @ , the sheriff ’ s office said , and subsequent temperature checks did not show @ @ @ @ @ withdrawal protocol , Abeyta was checked on by deputies .
He was arrested for failure @ @ @ @ @ a controlled substance , the release said .
An investigation is ongoing , and the @ @ @ @ @ determine the cause and manner of his death .

A 50-year-old inmate died Friday in his cell at the Jefferson County jail.
Deputies doing a routine check at 5:15 a.m. found Paul George Abeyta in a unresponsive state in his cell, according to a news release. Lifesaving measures were carried out until just after 6 a.m., when Abeyta was pronounced dead.
Arrested April 27 by Lakewood police, Abeyta indicated during booking procedures that he had been a daily heroin user for the past five years. He was housed alone in a medical unit of the jail because of drug withdrawal protocol as well as reported coronavirus-related symptoms, including a cough and shortness of breath.
Abeyta did not have a fever upon arriving at the jail, the sheriff’s office said, and subsequent temperature checks did not show fever. In accordance with withdrawal protocol, Abeyta was checked on by deputies.
He was arrested for failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance, the release said.
An investigation is ongoing, and the coroner’s office will determine the cause and manner of his death.


thedenverpost--2020-05-01--CU Buffs position overview: Offensive line

Two of Colorado ’ s top offensive linemen from the 2019 season are in the midst of preparing for the NFL Draft .
The popular coach who made an impact on the group as a whole is now in East Lansing , Mich .
There will be some big changes within the Buffaloes ’ offensive line in 2020 , but it is a group that could be a strength .
As concerns over the spread of the new coronavirus remain and there is no telling when – or if – the college football season will begin , the Buffaloes are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will be played .
Over the next couple of weeks , BuffZone will preview each position group for the CU football team .
In this first installment , we look at the offensive line .
In previewing the Buffs ’ line , it would be easy to focus on what has been lost .
Tim Lynott Jr. was a four-year starter who played all 12 games at center last year .
Arlington Hambright , who transferred to CU a year ago , played every game at left tackle .
Both are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The biggest loss for CU , however , was coach Chris Kapilovic .
Although he spent just one year in Boulder , Kapilovic was widely appreciated by his players , but he took an opportunity to follow former Buffs head coach Mel Tucker to Michigan State .
In replacing Kapilovic , new head coach Karl Dorrell made a somewhat surprising hire with Mitch Rodrigue , a veteran coach with no previous ties to the west and no Power 5 coaching experience .
Dorrell has stressed the importance of hiring great teachers as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a believer in Rodrigue , who has coached nearly 30 years , including stops at Louisiana , Southern Mississippi and South Alabama .
After Louisiana went through a coaching change following the 2017 season , Rodrigue spent the last two seasons at Spanish Fort High School in Alabama .
“ What coach Rod brings to us is a great amount of experience and the ability to be a great mentor to our players , ” Dorrell said .
“ What you will find out about our coaches is that we will get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on and off the field .
He really is an outstanding man , he has an infectious personality and our players will gravitate to him.
” Rodrigue takes over a position group that is loaded with young talent , as well as a good deal of experience .
Kary Kutsch , the lone senior , is back after starting all 12 games at left guard last season .
He ’ s had a good offseason in the weight room and is hoping to be even better than last year .
Junior William Sherman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right tackle .
He was a nine-game starter at left tackle in 2018 , but moved to the right side last year when Hambright joined the team .
There ’ s a chance Sherman will return to the left side .
Based on his development to this point , Sherman could become one of the better left tackles in the Pac-12 .
CU also returns Colby Pursell , a junior who started all 12 games of the 2018 season at center .
Last year , he moved to right guard and made five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of the year .
A healthy Pursell could solidify the Buffs at center or a guard spot .
The key to CU ’ s success up front could come with the sophomore class , however .
Kanan Ray , a former UCLA signee , regained his health last year and spent the 2019 season as a backup .
He ’ s got the potential to earn a starting job at guard .
Casey Roddick has that ability , as well ; he started twice at right guard last year and will battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also features tackle Frank Fillip , who made two starts as a true freshman in 2018 .
He got a much-needed redshirt year in 2019 and could land a starting spot .
Both of CU ’ s previous two line coaches – Klayton Adams and Kapilovic – were high on Fillip ’ s potential .
CU also has a lot of talent among its redshirt freshman and true freshman groups .
While the youngsters might have to wait their turn , redshirt freshman Austin Johnson could become a major factor at guard or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed just 1.75 sacks per game ( third-best in the Pac-12 ) and one sack per 19.57 passing attempts ( second-best rate in the Pac-12 ) .
With a new quarterback , CU would love to have the line produce similar – or better – numbers this year .
Here ’ s an initial look at the projected offensive line for the 2020 season :

Two of Colorado’s top offensive linemen from the 2019 season are in the midst of preparing for the NFL Draft.
The popular coach who made an impact on the group as a whole is now in East Lansing, Mich.
There will be some big changes within the Buffaloes’ offensive line in 2020, but it is a group that could be a strength.
As concerns over the spread of the new coronavirus remain and there is no telling when – or if – the college football season will begin, the Buffaloes are preparing for the 2020 season in hopes it will be played. Over the next couple of weeks, BuffZone will preview each position group for the CU football team. In this first installment, we look at the offensive line.
In previewing the Buffs’ line, it would be easy to focus on what has been lost. Tim Lynott Jr. was a four-year starter who played all 12 games at center last year. Arlington Hambright, who transferred to CU a year ago, played every game at left tackle. Both are now aiming for a shot in the NFL.
The biggest loss for CU, however, was coach Chris Kapilovic. Although he spent just one year in Boulder, Kapilovic was widely appreciated by his players, but he took an opportunity to follow former Buffs head coach Mel Tucker to Michigan State.
In replacing Kapilovic, new head coach Karl Dorrell made a somewhat surprising hire with Mitch Rodrigue, a veteran coach with no previous ties to the west and no Power 5 coaching experience.
Dorrell has stressed the importance of hiring great teachers as coaches, however, and he’s a believer in Rodrigue, who has coached nearly 30 years, including stops at Louisiana, Southern Mississippi and South Alabama. After Louisiana went through a coaching change following the 2017 season, Rodrigue spent the last two seasons at Spanish Fort High School in Alabama.
“What coach Rod brings to us is a great amount of experience and the ability to be a great mentor to our players,” Dorrell said. “What you will find out about our coaches is that we will get fully involved with our players, both on and off the field. He really is an outstanding man, he has an infectious personality and our players will gravitate to him.”
Rodrigue takes over a position group that is loaded with young talent, as well as a good deal of experience.
Kary Kutsch, the lone senior, is back after starting all 12 games at left guard last season. He’s had a good offseason in the weight room and is hoping to be even better than last year.
Junior William Sherman returns after starting all 12 games at right tackle. He was a nine-game starter at left tackle in 2018, but moved to the right side last year when Hambright joined the team. There’s a chance Sherman will return to the left side. Based on his development to this point, Sherman could become one of the better left tackles in the Pac-12.
CU also returns Colby Pursell, a junior who started all 12 games of the 2018 season at center. Last year, he moved to right guard and made five starts while battling illness and injury the rest of the year. A healthy Pursell could solidify the Buffs at center or a guard spot.
The key to CU’s success up front could come with the sophomore class, however.
Kanan Ray, a former UCLA signee, regained his health last year and spent the 2019 season as a backup. He’s got the potential to earn a starting job at guard. Casey Roddick has that ability, as well; he started twice at right guard last year and will battle for playing time.
The sophomore class also features tackle Frank Fillip, who made two starts as a true freshman in 2018. He got a much-needed redshirt year in 2019 and could land a starting spot. Both of CU’s previous two line coaches – Klayton Adams and Kapilovic – were high on Fillip’s potential.
CU also has a lot of talent among its redshirt freshman and true freshman groups. While the youngsters might have to wait their turn, redshirt freshman Austin Johnson could become a major factor at guard or center.
Last year, the Buffs allowed just 1.75 sacks per game (third-best in the Pac-12) and one sack per 19.57 passing attempts (second-best rate in the Pac-12). With a new quarterback, CU would love to have the line produce similar – or better – numbers this year.
Here’s an initial look at the projected offensive line for the 2020 season:
Position: Offensive line
Seniors: Kary Kutsch, 6-5, 310 (12 starts, 764 snaps played, 77 knockdown blocks)
Juniors: Chance Lytle, 6-7, 320 (24 snaps, 1 knockdown block); Heston Paige, 6-5, 300; Colby Pursell, 6-4, 305 (5 starts, 333 snaps, 29 knockdown blocks); William Sherman, 6-4, 310 (12 starts, 836 snaps, 67 knockdown blocks).
Sophomores: Frank Fillip, 6-7, 290 (6 snaps); Josh Jynes, 6-3, 300 (15 snaps, 2 knockdown blocks); Kanan Ray, 6-4, 290 (17 snaps, 1 knockdown block); Casey Roddick, 6-4, 330 (2 starts, 309 snaps, 29 knockdown blocks); John Deitchman, 6-0, 260 (walk-on).
Redshirt freshmen: Austin Johnson, 6-4, 300 (3 snaps); Nikko Pohahau, 6-5, 285; Valentin Senn, 6-7, 290; Jake Wiley, 6-6, 290; Dominick Cate, 6-3, 285 (walk-on).
True freshmen: Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, 6-9, 325; Carson Lee, 6-3, 315; Jake Wray, 6-5, 300
Players lost: Arlington Hambright, 6-5, 300 (graduated; 12 starts, 831 snaps, 75 knockdown blocks); Tim Lynott, 6-3, 300 (graduated; 12 starts, 833 snaps, 75 knockdown blocks); Hunter Vaughn, 6-7, 310 (graduated; 6 snaps, 1 knockdown block); Jack Shutack, 6-6, 300 (graduated, walk-on; 5 starts, 273 snaps, 32 knockdown blocks).


thedenverpost--2020-05-01--CU Buffs position overview: Defensive line

In losing their best and most experienced defensive lineman to injury for a few games last season , the Colorado Buffaloes appeared to be in some trouble up front .
As it turned out , the Buffs weathered the storm with defensive end Mustafa Johnson on the sidelines with a sore ankle , while young players gained valuable experience .
Defensive line depth was a major concern for the Buffs going into the 2019 season .
This year , it could be a position of strength .
Concerns over the spread of the new coronavirus remain , creating uncertainty around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Buffaloes and head coach Karl Dorrell are still preparing for the 2020 season , however , and over the next couple of weeks , BuffZone will preview each position group at CU .
In this second installment , we look at the defensive line , which returns everybody that saw the field in what was a solid 2019 season for the unit .
When previous head coach Mel Tucker was hired at CU in December of 2018 , he immediately identified the defensive line as a priority in recruiting .
The building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really began under Tucker ’ s predecessor , Mike MacIntyre .
Recruiting defensive linemen was a weakness for much of MacIntyre ’ s tenure , but in his final two years , he and then-defensive coordinator DJ Eliot brought Johnson , end Terrance Lang and nose tackle Jalen Sami to Boulder .
That trio combined for 31 starts last year and they all return this season as projected starters in a three-man front .
Tucker wasn ’ t in Boulder very long , but significantly upgraded the depth .
His 2019 recruiting class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rodman , Austin Williams , Lloyd Murray Jr. and Jayden Simon , as well as junior college transfers Jeremiah Doss and Janaz Jordan .
Before bolting for Michigan State in February , Tucker added junior college transfer Justin Jackson , high school recruit Jordan Berry and Alabama transfer Antonio Alfano to the mix .
Alfano was the headliner of Tucker ’ s additions .
Once rated the No .
1 player in the country for the 2019 class , Alfano left Alabama a month into last season and enrolled at CU in January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next season is unknown , however .
He would need an NCAA waiver to be eligible – unless a one-time transfer exemption is approved by the Division I council .
On top of that , he was suspended indefinitely by Dorrell a month ago for a violation of team rules .
Having Alfano on the field would make the Buffs better up front , as he ’ s got the potential to be a dominant force .
Even without him , though , the Buffs should be in good shape .
Johnson has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most disruptive linemen the past two seasons , racking up 102 tackles , 20.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks .
Lang continues to get better each season and came through last year with a team-high six sacks .
Take another step and he could be one of the top pass rushers in the Pac-12 .
Sami is a solid run stopper in the middle and he ’ s just a sophomore this year .
Doss , Jordan , Rodman and Williams were all in their first year of Division I football last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ ll provide good depth again this year .
After redshirting , Murray and Simon could get into the mix , as well .
Jackson comes to CU after playing two seasons at Northwest Mississippi Community College .
He earned All-MACJC honors last year and will push for a rotational spot this season .
Walk-on Dante Sparaco could be a wild card in the group .
Sparaco is a former CU signee who transferred to Montana State and then back to the Buffs last year .
He was ineligible to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was recognized as one of the Buffs ’ scout team players of the week .
Another walk-on , Nico Magri , had a good year on the scout team in 2019 , as well .
Berry comes in with exceptional size , at 6-foot-4 , 330 pounds , but could benefit from a redshirt year .
Before he left CU , Tucker expressed his hope that a deeper , more experienced line could allow the Buffs to be more versatile up front , switching between three-man and four-man fronts .
Dorrell sees the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be the deepest unit on the CU defense .
Here ’ s an initial look at the projected defensive line for the 2020 season :

In losing their best and most experienced defensive lineman to injury for a few games last season, the Colorado Buffaloes appeared to be in some trouble up front.
As it turned out, the Buffs weathered the storm with defensive end Mustafa Johnson on the sidelines with a sore ankle, while young players gained valuable experience.
Defensive line depth was a major concern for the Buffs going into the 2019 season. This year, it could be a position of strength.
Concerns over the spread of the new coronavirus remain, creating uncertainty around the start of the college season. The Buffaloes and head coach Karl Dorrell are still preparing for the 2020 season, however, and over the next couple of weeks, BuffZone will preview each position group at CU. In this second installment, we look at the defensive line, which returns everybody that saw the field in what was a solid 2019 season for the unit.
When previous head coach Mel Tucker was hired at CU in December of 2018, he immediately identified the defensive line as a priority in recruiting.
The building of the defensive front, however, really began under Tucker’s predecessor, Mike MacIntyre. Recruiting defensive linemen was a weakness for much of MacIntyre’s tenure, but in his final two years, he and then-defensive coordinator DJ Eliot brought Johnson, end Terrance Lang and nose tackle Jalen Sami to Boulder.
That trio combined for 31 starts last year and they all return this season as projected starters in a three-man front.
Tucker wasn’t in Boulder very long, but significantly upgraded the depth. His 2019 recruiting class included high school players Na’im Rodman, Austin Williams, Lloyd Murray Jr. and Jayden Simon, as well as junior college transfers Jeremiah Doss and Janaz Jordan.
Before bolting for Michigan State in February, Tucker added junior college transfer Justin Jackson, high school recruit Jordan Berry and Alabama transfer Antonio Alfano to the mix.
Alfano was the headliner of Tucker’s additions. Once rated the No. 1 player in the country for the 2019 class, Alfano left Alabama a month into last season and enrolled at CU in January.
Alfano’s playing status for next season is unknown, however. He would need an NCAA waiver to be eligible – unless a one-time transfer exemption is approved by the Division I council. On top of that, he was suspended indefinitely by Dorrell a month ago for a violation of team rules.
Having Alfano on the field would make the Buffs better up front, as he’s got the potential to be a dominant force.
Even without him, though, the Buffs should be in good shape.
Johnson has been one of the Pac-12’s most disruptive linemen the past two seasons, racking up 102 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.
Lang continues to get better each season and came through last year with a team-high six sacks. Take another step and he could be one of the top pass rushers in the Pac-12. Sami is a solid run stopper in the middle and he’s just a sophomore this year.
Doss, Jordan, Rodman and Williams were all in their first year of Division I football last season and showed improvement throughout the season. They’ll provide good depth again this year. After redshirting, Murray and Simon could get into the mix, as well.
Jackson comes to CU after playing two seasons at Northwest Mississippi Community College. He earned All-MACJC honors last year and will push for a rotational spot this season.
Walk-on Dante Sparaco could be a wild card in the group. Sparaco is a former CU signee who transferred to Montana State and then back to the Buffs last year. He was ineligible to play last year, but seven times he was recognized as one of the Buffs’ scout team players of the week.
Another walk-on, Nico Magri, had a good year on the scout team in 2019, as well. Berry comes in with exceptional size, at 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, but could benefit from a redshirt year.
Before he left CU, Tucker expressed his hope that a deeper, more experienced line could allow the Buffs to be more versatile up front, switching between three-man and four-man fronts. Dorrell sees the same potential in a group that just might be the deepest unit on the CU defense.
Here’s an initial look at the projected defensive line for the 2020 season:
Position: Defensive line
Seniors (2019 statistics): Mustafa Johnson, 6-foot-2, 290 pounds (9 starts, 393 snaps played, 34 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 7 QB pressures).
Juniors: Jeremiah Doss, 6-4, 255 (58 snaps); Justin Jackson, 6-2, 270 (JUCO transfer); Janaz Jordan, 6-4, 305 (2 starts, 217 snaps, 12 tackles); Terrance Lang, 6-7, 280 (11 starts, 588 snaps, 40 tackles, 6 sacks, 12 QB pressures); Nico Magri, 6-3, 280 (walk-on); Dante Sparaco, 6-5, 270 (walk-on).
Sophomores: Na’im Rodman, 6-2, 295 (2 starts, 314 snaps, 11 tackles); Jalen Sami, 6-6, 320 (11 starts, 411 snaps, 25 tackles, 1 sack); Austin Williams, 6-5, 320 (190 snaps, 5 tackles).
Redshirt freshmen: Antonio Alfano, 6-5, 285 (transfer from Alabama); Lloyd Murray Jr., 6-2, 325 (33 snaps, 2 tackles); Jayden Simon, 6-3, 265.
True freshmen: Jordan Berry, 6-2, 330.
Players lost: Va’atofu Sauvao, 6-3, 310 (transferred).


thedenverpost--2020-05-01--Colorado tops 800 deaths, more than 15,000 coronavirus cases

Colorado has 15,768 lab-confirmed cases of the new coronavirus and 820 deaths , according to state data released Friday afternoon .
As of mid-afternoon Friday , 737 people were hospitalized because of complications of COVID-19 , according to the Colorado Hospital Association .
About 71 patients had been discharged to go home or to a lower level of care , such as a nursing home , between Thursday and Friday .
State officials think they ’ ve identified only a fraction of those who have gotten the new virus .
Statewide , 75,259 people have been tested , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Environment .
The new numbers came as parts of the state gradually began reopening , including allowing in-person shopping at non-essential retail stores .
Denver and much of the surrounding metro area are waiting at least a week before easing social distancing restrictions , though Douglas County moved forward with reopening .
It can take as long as two weeks for infected people to develop symptoms , and not everyone seeks medical care or testing immediately , so it won ’ t be clear if reopening causes an increase in cases until at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said counties and cities will decide what measures they still need to avoid spike ” in cases that could strain their health care systems .
It could be some time before mountain communities , which don ’ t have many hospital beds , feel comfortable allowing Front Range residents to come for outdoor recreation , he said .
“ It ’ s really critical that people stay within the law , ” he said .
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox .

Colorado has 15,768 lab-confirmed cases of the new coronavirus and 820 deaths, according to state data released Friday afternoon.
As of mid-afternoon Friday, 737 people were hospitalized because of complications of COVID-19, according to the Colorado Hospital Association. About 71 patients had been discharged to go home or to a lower level of care, such as a nursing home, between Thursday and Friday.
State officials think they’ve identified only a fraction of those who have gotten the new virus. Statewide, 75,259 people have been tested, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
The new numbers came as parts of the state gradually began reopening, including allowing in-person shopping at non-essential retail stores. Denver and much of the surrounding metro area are waiting at least a week before easing social distancing restrictions, though Douglas County moved forward with reopening.
It can take as long as two weeks for infected people to develop symptoms, and not everyone seeks medical care or testing immediately, so it won’t be clear if reopening causes an increase in cases until at least mid-May.
Gov. Jared Polis said counties and cities will decide what measures they still need to avoid spike” in cases that could strain their health care systems. It could be some time before mountain communities, which don’t have many hospital beds, feel comfortable allowing Front Range residents to come for outdoor recreation, he said.
“It’s really critical that people stay within the law,” he said.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-05-01--CU Buffs position overview: Tight ends

CU Buffs position overview: Tight ends

During his first stint as an assistant coach with the Colorado football team , from 1992-93 , Karl Dorrell was part of an offense that featured one of the best tight ends to ever play in Boulder : Christian Fauria .
During the final year of his second stint , in 1998 , he got a chance to work with a freshman who would go on to become the best tight end to ever play at CU : Daniel Graham .
Throughout eight of his years as a coach , Dorrell worked with another one of the great tight ends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Embree .
Now that he ’ s the head coach of the Buffaloes , it ’ s no surprise that Dorrell sees great value in the tight end as a piece to the puzzle on offense .
Although there is uncertainty about the 2020 season because of the new coronavirus , Dorrell and CU continue preparing and BuffZone is previewing each position group for the Buffs .
In this third installment , we look at the tight ends , a position that ’ s been in the news lately .
In the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are planning to join the Buffs as walk-on transfers .
That boosts CU ’ s tight end room from six bodies to nine .
“ That ’ s some of my influence of , obviously , offensively what ’ s important to me , ” Dorrell told BuffZone this week .
“ We are trying to give us options .
That position we wanted to address and we ’ re really , really fortunate to get some guys that were grad transfers and should be able to help us ; should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll see.
” Barely an afterthought during Mike MacIntyre ’ s six-year tenure as head coach , from 2013-18 , the tight end became a bigger part of the offense last year under former head coach Mel Tucker and coordinator Jay Johnson .
Former walk-on Brady Russell flourished last year , not only as a blocker , but as a receiver .
He caught 23 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns – the most productive season by a CU tight end since Nick Kasa in 2012 .
Now a junior , Russell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Pac-12 , but the Buffs don ’ t have much experience around him .
Junior Jared Poplawski appeared in nine games as a true freshman in 2017 , but hasn ’ t played since as he has dealt with a torn ACL , a shoulder injury and hip flexor .
This winter , he tore his ACL again , and his playing status for next season is unknown .
Sophomore Luke Stillwell , who joined the team as a junior college transfer last fall , is the only other tight end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a game for CU .
He played the last four games of the 2019 season , but on special teams .
CU likes the potential of its two incoming freshmen – Caleb Fauria and Louis Passarello – but they will need time to develop .
Fauria , Christian ’ s son , is considered one of the top 20 tight end prospects in the 2020 class .
There ’ s also walk-on sophomore C.J .
Schmanski , who has not played in a game yet .
The lack of experience makes the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lynch , a former quarterback at Legacy High School and UCLA , switched to tight end a year ago .
His only catch with the Bruins went for a 2-yard touchdown .
Lynch is a graduate transfer who will play right away as a senior .
Nick Fisher , from Division II William Jewell College , will also be a graduate transfer .
At 6-foot-5 , 270 pounds , he will be CU ’ s biggest tight end and he ’ s got the most production in college , albeit at a lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 596 yards and two touchdowns last season and has 55 catches in his career .
Jake Peters , who is transferring from Arizona , will be a sophomore and he hopes to play right away , as well .
He did not appear in a game last year and caught one pass in two years with the Wildcats .
Over time , Dorrell hopes to develop more depth , talent and experience at tight end and he hired Embree ’ s son , Taylor , to coach them .
They ’ ll lean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though , to run multiple tight end sets at times .
“ They ’ re going to be heavily involved , ” offensive coordinator Darrin Chiaverini said last month .
“ We ’ re going to be a mixture of 11 personnel ( one tight end ) , 10 personnel ( no tight ends ) and 12 personnel ( two tight ends ) .
I believe you ’ ve got to use all your personnel groups to be successful .
Tight ends will have a heavy , heavy emphasis in our offense.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a top-notch player to lean on .
Quick development of the others will be a key to the CU offense .
Here ’ s an initial look at the projected tight ends for the 2020 season : Juniors : Jared Poplawski , 6-4 , 250 ( did not appear in any games in 2019 ) ; Brady Russell , 6-3 , 255 ( 11 starts , 23 catches , 221 yards , 2 TD ) .
Sophomores : Luke Stillwell , 6-4 , 220 ( played four games on special teams ) ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walk-on ; transfer from Arizona ) ; C.J .
Schmanski , 6-3 , 240 ( walk-on )

During his first stint as an assistant coach with the Colorado football team, from 1992-93, Karl Dorrell was part of an offense that featured one of the best tight ends to ever play in Boulder: Christian Fauria.
During the final year of his second stint, in 1998, he got a chance to work with a freshman who would go on to become the best tight end to ever play at CU: Daniel Graham.
Throughout eight of his years as a coach, Dorrell worked with another one of the great tight ends to wear a CU uniform: Jon Embree.
Now that he’s the head coach of the Buffaloes, it’s no surprise that Dorrell sees great value in the tight end as a piece to the puzzle on offense.
Although there is uncertainty about the 2020 season because of the new coronavirus, Dorrell and CU continue preparing and BuffZone is previewing each position group for the Buffs. In this third installment, we look at the tight ends, a position that’s been in the news lately.
In the past week, three tight ends have announced they are planning to join the Buffs as walk-on transfers. That boosts CU’s tight end room from six bodies to nine.
“That’s some of my influence of, obviously, offensively what’s important to me,” Dorrell told BuffZone this week. “We are trying to give us options. That position we wanted to address and we’re really, really fortunate to get some guys that were grad transfers and should be able to help us; should be, on paper, but we’ll see.”
Barely an afterthought during Mike MacIntyre’s six-year tenure as head coach, from 2013-18, the tight end became a bigger part of the offense last year under former head coach Mel Tucker and coordinator Jay Johnson.
Former walk-on Brady Russell flourished last year, not only as a blocker, but as a receiver. He caught 23 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns – the most productive season by a CU tight end since Nick Kasa in 2012.
Now a junior, Russell is one of the better tight ends in the Pac-12, but the Buffs don’t have much experience around him.
Junior Jared Poplawski appeared in nine games as a true freshman in 2017, but hasn’t played since as he has dealt with a torn ACL, a shoulder injury and hip flexor. This winter, he tore his ACL again, and his playing status for next season is unknown.
Sophomore Luke Stillwell, who joined the team as a junior college transfer last fall, is the only other tight end on the roster to have appeared in a game for CU. He played the last four games of the 2019 season, but on special teams.
CU likes the potential of its two incoming freshmen – Caleb Fauria and Louis Passarello – but they will need time to develop. Fauria, Christian’s son, is considered one of the top 20 tight end prospects in the 2020 class.
There’s also walk-on sophomore C.J. Schmanski, who has not played in a game yet.
The lack of experience makes the latest additions important for the Buffs.
Matt Lynch, a former quarterback at Legacy High School and UCLA, switched to tight end a year ago. His only catch with the Bruins went for a 2-yard touchdown. Lynch is a graduate transfer who will play right away as a senior.
Nick Fisher, from Division II William Jewell College, will also be a graduate transfer. At 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, he will be CU’s biggest tight end and he’s got the most production in college, albeit at a lower level. He caught 39 passes for 596 yards and two touchdowns last season and has 55 catches in his career.
Jake Peters, who is transferring from Arizona, will be a sophomore and he hopes to play right away, as well. He did not appear in a game last year and caught one pass in two years with the Wildcats.
Over time, Dorrell hopes to develop more depth, talent and experience at tight end and he hired Embree’s son, Taylor, to coach them. They’ll lean on the group they have this year, though, to run multiple tight end sets at times.
“They’re going to be heavily involved,” offensive coordinator Darrin Chiaverini said last month. “We’re going to be a mixture of 11 personnel (one tight end), 10 personnel (no tight ends) and 12 personnel (two tight ends). I believe you’ve got to use all your personnel groups to be successful. Tight ends will have a heavy, heavy emphasis in our offense.”
With Russell, the Buffs have a top-notch player to lean on. Quick development of the others will be a key to the CU offense.
Here’s an initial look at the projected tight ends for the 2020 season:
Position: Tight ends
Seniors (2019 statistics): Nick Fisher, 6-foot-5, 270 pounds (walk-on; grad transfer from William Jewell College); Matt Lynch, 6-4, 230 (walk-on; grad transfer from UCLA).
Juniors: Jared Poplawski, 6-4, 250 (did not appear in any games in 2019); Brady Russell, 6-3, 255 (11 starts, 23 catches, 221 yards, 2 TD).
Sophomores: Luke Stillwell, 6-4, 220 (played four games on special teams); Jake Peters, 6-4, 220 (walk-on; transfer from Arizona); C.J. Schmanski, 6-3, 240 (walk-on)
Redshirt freshmen: None.
True freshmen: Caleb Fauria, 6-4, 230; Louis Passarello, 6-5, 245.
Players lost: Beau Bisharat, 6-2, 230 (1 start, 1 catch, 2 yards; graduated); Jalen Harris, 6-4, 255 (1 start, 7 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD; graduated); Darrion Jones, 6-6, 255 (transferred); Legend Brumbaugh, 6-3, 230 (walk-on; transferred).