thedenverpost--2020-09-20--Donald Trump and Joe Biden fight for Colorado in starkly different ways

Since President Donald Trump lost Colorado by nearly 5 percentage points in 2016 , its voters have taken a sharper turn away from him — leaving the state looking like an also-ran among battlegrounds this year .
But that doesn ’ t mean Trump and his allies have conceded Colorado .
Or that former Vice President Joe Biden , his Democratic challenger , is taking it for granted .
Both campaigns have marshaled impressive state operations , political observers say , with dozens of paid staffers and growing cadres of volunteers at work .
To reach millions of potential supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re taking very different approaches : Pro-Biden forces , citing safety concerns , largely have avoided the kind of robust door-knocking operations that powered Democrats to big past victories here .
They are relying instead on phone-calling and texting , along with online events , in an unprecedented way .
The Trump Victory operation , meanwhile , has doubled down on in-person canvassing since resuming it in mid-June , as Colorado ’ s initial surge of COVID-19 cases subsided .
It also got a big jump-start on the Biden campaign , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Amid the pandemic ’ s uncertainty , Biden ’ s camp waited until mid-summer to staff up a Colorado general-election operation .
But Republicans know they have an uphill climb .
“ Obviously , the race is what it is here , ” said Josh Penry , a former state lawmaker and longtime Republican strategist .
“ Colorado is younger , more progressive , and the president has not fared well here — in what is probably an understatement.
” Even as Trump ’ s campaign and the Republican National Committee maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado ’ s nine electoral votes on Nov. 3 , they have plenty of other reasons to care about Colorado .
That starts with the fate of Sen. Cory Gardner , the first-term Republican trying to fend off a challenge from former Gov .
John Hickenlooper .
“ If you ’ re the White House , and if you win , you probably don ’ t win because of Colorado .
But you do want a Republican Senate , ” Penry said — and control of that chamber of Congress hangs in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way for Biden , with Hickenlooper likely key to a Democratic takeover .
Both presidential campaigns ’ state operations include close coordination with the Senate campaigns .
Gardner ’ s best shot at winning is for Republicans to keep the margin narrow in the presidential race , GOP observers say .
“ The down-ballot impact of Trump is something that we ’ ve already seen — he has very much poisoned the Republican brand as a whole in Colorado , ” said Laura Chapin , a Democratic strategist in Denver .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said , referencing a poll of unaffiliated Colorado voters conducted after the 2018 midterm elections by Louisville-based Magellan Strategies , a Republican firm .
Magellan found that unaffiliated voters broke by huge margins for Democrats , and they did so largely because of Trump .
It doesn ’ t help that Colorado has large proportions of suburban and highly educated voters , who have leaned more Democratic elsewhere , too .
The pollster said then that the results offered a big warning sign for Republicans in 2020 .
So far , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Colorado polling average on the website FiveThirtyEight has Biden up by nearly 10 percentage points , 51 % to 41 % — even after the race has narrowed in the last two months .
All but one of five polls released so far in September showed Biden maintaining a double-digit lead here .
It ’ s unclear if the candidates will drop into Colorado before November .
The last time either visited Colorado was February , when Trump headlined a rally in Colorado Springs and Biden dropped into Denver for a fundraiser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a virtual Colorado fundraiser with Gov .
Jared Polis , U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar , among others .
The campaigns ’ approaches in Colorado reflect big contrasts in their strategies nationally .
Trump has resumed holding rallies while Biden appears at small , socially distanced gatherings , and Trump Victory offices are bustling while Biden ’ s campaign staff mostly works remotely .
Trump Victory , the joint fundraising effort between the GOP and Trump ’ s campaign , began staffing up in Colorado last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign ’ s political director — as state director .
It ’ s opened a dozen field offices around the state , including a Latinos for Trump office in Pueblo County that is attempting to repeat his surprise narrow victory last time in that blue-collar , traditionally Democratic stronghold .
It ’ s recruited an army of enthusiastic volunteers who have contacted voters 4 million times — including repeated contacts — by phone and on doorsteps , say campaign officials .
They emphasize that canvass volunteers are told to wear masks , stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s wishes .
“ We ’ ll hit our 1 millionth door on Saturday , ” Trump Victory regional spokesman Keith Schipper said last week .
The tally includes unanswered doors , which result in campaign materials left behind .
“ It ’ s a heavy investment in Colorado this cycle .
We ’ re doubling our metrics compared to what we did the last presidential cycle.
” Schipper and Republicans involved in other races said their voters , along with many unaffiliated ones , are particularly hungry for interaction these days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fantastic spot for Colorado to be delivered for Republicans.
” The campaign ’ s volunteers emphasize that Trump has kept campaign promises and signed the Great American Outdoors Act , which was co-sponsored by Gardner .
There ’ s also “ the economy and law and order — there was some unrest in Denver a few weeks ago , ” Schipper said , and that point resonates with some voters .
Schipper declined The Denver Post ’ s request to interview Thomas .
Biden ’ s state director , Ernie Apreza , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear , giving the Biden team reason for confidence here .
But given some surprises in Colorado last time — notably Trump ’ s narrow Pueblo victory — Apreza said the campaign is “ really focused on doing the work we need to do to guarantee we have a victory by Nov. 3.
” He served as deputy communications director for Hillary Clinton ’ s campaign in Colorado four years ago and was Nevada state director ahead of the primaries for Kamala Harris , now Biden ’ s running mate .
He , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gold standard ” of campaigning in Colorado in normal times .
But Apreza says he ’ s confident in the alternatives .
“ We have found phone calls and texting to be particularly effective this year , ” he said , with voters more likely to pick up their phone or respond than in past campaigns .
In less than two months , he said , the campaign has counted more than 2 million “ meaningful conversations ” conducted via those methods .
Instead of office events that might draw a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily online Zoom events tailored to particular groups or places in Colorado .
Apreza says the streams often draw hundreds of live viewers , plus more who watch recordings later .
Recent ones , featuring local and national surrogates , have focused on working moms , African Americans , Latinos , high school students and veterans , among other groups .
“ We ’ re running a campaign really focused on the issues that are on the ballot and on the issues that are top-of-mind for voters today , ” Apreza said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ debated the value of block-by-block canvassing at the top of the ticket , even as campaigns have grown more sophisticated in which voters they target .
Penry says door-knocking may make a difference , but only in the closest of races .
It ’ s also far less efficient than phoning and texting .
“ You ’ re seeing the Biden campaign change the way campaigns are run to suit the circumstances — and that means meeting voters where they are ” during the pandemic , said Craig Hughes , a veteran Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary run .
Still , GOP strategist Tyler Sandberg , who ’ s working this fall on legislative races , calls the Biden decision “ a huge mistake ” — a missed opportunity to pick up on unexpected dynamics and learn how messages land with different types of voters , who increasingly get their news from fractured media sources .
He says phone calls aren ’ t often as revealing .
Apreza allows that “ I wouldn ’ t be doing my job if I weren ’ t a little bit paranoid about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s confident the Biden campaign will reach all corners of Colorado , even if virtually .
“ Is it going to look different ?
Absolutely , ” he said .
“ This is an unprecedented way of doing campaign work.
” While most unions and other Democratic allies also are holding back on door-knocking , some Colorado Democrats have resumed the activity in recent weeks .
Among them are state legislative candidates in swing districts who need to build name recognition to win .
“ I went out and canvassed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone was comfortable , ” said Rep. Lisa Cutter , who faces Republican Donald Rosier in her re-election bid in Jefferson County .
But she sees less reason for presidential campaigns to follow suit , since they rely heavily on TV ads .
She ’ s noticed that voters ’ preferences already seem set for top races .
“ I don ’ t know how personal conversations are really going to help — people are already having those conversations with their friends and neighbors , ” Cutter said .

Since President Donald Trump lost Colorado by nearly 5 percentage points in 2016, its voters have taken a sharper turn away from him — leaving the state looking like an also-ran among battlegrounds this year.
But that doesn’t mean Trump and his allies have conceded Colorado. Or that former Vice President Joe Biden, his Democratic challenger, is taking it for granted. Both campaigns have marshaled impressive state operations, political observers say, with dozens of paid staffers and growing cadres of volunteers at work.
To reach millions of potential supporters during the pandemic, though, they’re taking very different approaches: Pro-Biden forces, citing safety concerns, largely have avoided the kind of robust door-knocking operations that powered Democrats to big past victories here. They are relying instead on phone-calling and texting, along with online events, in an unprecedented way.
The Trump Victory operation, meanwhile, has doubled down on in-person canvassing since resuming it in mid-June, as Colorado’s initial surge of COVID-19 cases subsided. It also got a big jump-start on the Biden campaign, which first had to win the Democratic primary. Amid the pandemic’s uncertainty, Biden’s camp waited until mid-summer to staff up a Colorado general-election operation.
But Republicans know they have an uphill climb.
“Obviously, the race is what it is here,” said Josh Penry, a former state lawmaker and longtime Republican strategist. “Colorado is younger, more progressive, and the president has not fared well here — in what is probably an understatement.”
Even as Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee maintain that they’re fighting to win Colorado’s nine electoral votes on Nov. 3, they have plenty of other reasons to care about Colorado. That starts with the fate of Sen. Cory Gardner, the first-term Republican trying to fend off a challenge from former Gov. John Hickenlooper.
“If you’re the White House, and if you win, you probably don’t win because of Colorado. But you do want a Republican Senate,” Penry said — and control of that chamber of Congress hangs in the balance.
The dynamic cuts the other way for Biden, with Hickenlooper likely key to a Democratic takeover. Both presidential campaigns’ state operations include close coordination with the Senate campaigns.
Gardner’s best shot at winning is for Republicans to keep the margin narrow in the presidential race, GOP observers say.
“The down-ballot impact of Trump is something that we’ve already seen — he has very much poisoned the Republican brand as a whole in Colorado,” said Laura Chapin, a Democratic strategist in Denver. “This is not just me saying this,” she said, referencing a poll of unaffiliated Colorado voters conducted after the 2018 midterm elections by Louisville-based Magellan Strategies, a Republican firm.
Magellan found that unaffiliated voters broke by huge margins for Democrats, and they did so largely because of Trump. It doesn’t help that Colorado has large proportions of suburban and highly educated voters, who have leaned more Democratic elsewhere, too.
The pollster said then that the results offered a big warning sign for Republicans in 2020.
So far, public polling has borne that out. The Colorado polling average on the website FiveThirtyEight has Biden up by nearly 10 percentage points, 51% to 41% — even after the race has narrowed in the last two months. All but one of five polls released so far in September showed Biden maintaining a double-digit lead here.
It’s unclear if the candidates will drop into Colorado before November. The last time either visited Colorado was February, when Trump headlined a rally in Colorado Springs and Biden dropped into Denver for a fundraiser. Biden did take part Thursday in a virtual Colorado fundraiser with Gov. Jared Polis, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, among others.
Ground games diverge in key ways
The campaigns’ approaches in Colorado reflect big contrasts in their strategies nationally. Trump has resumed holding rallies while Biden appears at small, socially distanced gatherings, and Trump Victory offices are bustling while Biden’s campaign staff mostly works remotely.
Trump Victory, the joint fundraising effort between the GOP and Trump’s campaign, began staffing up in Colorado last year, tapping Jefferson Thomas — the 2016 local campaign’s political director — as state director.
It’s opened a dozen field offices around the state, including a Latinos for Trump office in Pueblo County that is attempting to repeat his surprise narrow victory last time in that blue-collar, traditionally Democratic stronghold. It’s recruited an army of enthusiastic volunteers who have contacted voters 4 million times — including repeated contacts — by phone and on doorsteps, say campaign officials. They emphasize that canvass volunteers are told to wear masks, stand back and defer to each voter’s wishes.
“We’ll hit our 1 millionth door on Saturday,” Trump Victory regional spokesman Keith Schipper said last week. The tally includes unanswered doors, which result in campaign materials left behind. “It’s a heavy investment in Colorado this cycle. We’re doubling our metrics compared to what we did the last presidential cycle.”
Schipper and Republicans involved in other races said their voters, along with many unaffiliated ones, are particularly hungry for interaction these days.
Schipper argued the campaign is “in a fantastic spot for Colorado to be delivered for Republicans.” The campaign’s volunteers emphasize that Trump has kept campaign promises and signed the Great American Outdoors Act, which was co-sponsored by Gardner.
There’s also “the economy and law and order — there was some unrest in Denver a few weeks ago,” Schipper said, and that point resonates with some voters.
Schipper declined The Denver Post’s request to interview Thomas. Biden’s state director, Ernie Apreza, told The Post that the polls are clear, giving the Biden team reason for confidence here.
But given some surprises in Colorado last time — notably Trump’s narrow Pueblo victory — Apreza said the campaign is “really focused on doing the work we need to do to guarantee we have a victory by Nov. 3.” He served as deputy communications director for Hillary Clinton’s campaign in Colorado four years ago and was Nevada state director ahead of the primaries for Kamala Harris, now Biden’s running mate.
He, too, considers door-knocking to be “the gold standard” of campaigning in Colorado in normal times. But Apreza says he’s confident in the alternatives.
“We have found phone calls and texting to be particularly effective this year,” he said, with voters more likely to pick up their phone or respond than in past campaigns. In less than two months, he said, the campaign has counted more than 2 million “meaningful conversations” conducted via those methods.
Instead of office events that might draw a few dozen, the campaign has ramped up daily online Zoom events tailored to particular groups or places in Colorado. Apreza says the streams often draw hundreds of live viewers, plus more who watch recordings later. Recent ones, featuring local and national surrogates, have focused on working moms, African Americans, Latinos, high school students and veterans, among other groups.
“We’re running a campaign really focused on the issues that are on the ballot and on the issues that are top-of-mind for voters today,” Apreza said.
Are Democrats making a mistake?
Political scientists and campaign consultants long have debated the value of block-by-block canvassing at the top of the ticket, even as campaigns have grown more sophisticated in which voters they target. Penry says door-knocking may make a difference, but only in the closest of races.
It’s also far less efficient than phoning and texting.
“You’re seeing the Biden campaign change the way campaigns are run to suit the circumstances — and that means meeting voters where they are” during the pandemic, said Craig Hughes, a veteran Democratic strategist who advised Bennet’s presidential primary run.
Still, GOP strategist Tyler Sandberg, who’s working this fall on legislative races, calls the Biden decision “a huge mistake” — a missed opportunity to pick up on unexpected dynamics and learn how messages land with different types of voters, who increasingly get their news from fractured media sources.
He says phone calls aren’t often as revealing.
Apreza allows that “I wouldn’t be doing my job if I weren’t a little bit paranoid about a number of different things.” But he’s confident the Biden campaign will reach all corners of Colorado, even if virtually.
“Is it going to look different? Absolutely,” he said. “This is an unprecedented way of doing campaign work.”
While most unions and other Democratic allies also are holding back on door-knocking, some Colorado Democrats have resumed the activity in recent weeks. Among them are state legislative candidates in swing districts who need to build name recognition to win.
“I went out and canvassed the other day, and I felt like everyone was comfortable,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, who faces Republican Donald Rosier in her re-election bid in Jefferson County.
But she sees less reason for presidential campaigns to follow suit, since they rely heavily on TV ads. She’s noticed that voters’ preferences already seem set for top races.
“I don’t know how personal conversations are really going to help — people are already having those conversations with their friends and neighbors,” Cutter said.


thedenverpost--2020-09-20--Endorsement: Jason Crow for Colorado’s 6th Congressional District

Editor ’ s note : This represents the opinion of The Denver Post editorial board , which is separate from the paper ’ s news operation .
For more endorsements visit this page .
Two years ago The Denver Post editorial board endorsed Mike Coffman for House District 6 .
We found it hard to envision a more dedicated public servant than Coffman , a Republican , for the heavily gerrymandered 6th Congressional District that surrounds metro-Denver like a backwards “ C. ” And we liked the way Coffman stood up to his own party , especially when it came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jason Crow , whose military service and straightforward manner proved compelling to voters , won in a landslide that year and we are happy to report the Democrat from Aurora is just as hardworking and effective as Coffman .
He has proven not to be a hyper-partisan individual , and in terms of pushing back against Trump ’ s corruption , well , Crow was one of a handful of representatives to present the compelling case for impeachment to the U.S. Senate .
We ’ re proud to endorse him for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face Republican Steve House on Nov. 3 .
House has some creative ideas for how to fix America ’ s health care system , and we hope he gets the chance to lead these reforms someday .
He ’ s a former health care executive who is thoughtful .
One of the most impressive things Jason Crow accomplished in his first two years in office , was opening up the privately owned and operated Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Aurora to visits from members of Congress .
The detention facility lacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law through Congress that required these prison-like facilities to open their doors .
Since passing the law , Crow has visited the facility 60 times , and he says conditions for those awaiting judgment on deportation cases , have improved .
There was confusion about who was responsible for the facilities ’ health inspections and Crow sorted through the bureaucracy to find a solution .
“ We have delivered in so many ways , in ways that maybe don ’ t grab headlines , but that make real differences in people ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , ” Crow told us last week .
“ I have a history of and a focus on uniting folks and trying to find common ground and leading with civility and respect.
” If more of Congress would take that approach , America would be a better place .
Crow has worked with Coffman , who later became the mayor of Aurora , to secure stimulus funds for the district and advocate for federal funds for local governments that faced a steep decline in revenue following the coronavirus shutdowns .
Many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and of the nine that passed the House , three became law by being absorbed into larger bills and passed through the Republican-controlled Senate .
That is no small feat .
The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act included Crow ’ s Military Installation Resilience Assuredness Act , which requires America ’ s military bases to prepare for the impacts of climate change , including severe weather events .
Crow is a lawmaker with good ideas and follow-through .
On health care , Crow prefers a public-option-like program similar to Sen. Michael Bennet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep the private insurance industry intact but provide an affordable public insurance system for people to elect .
On gun safety , Crow , a former Army Ranger , is not looking to trample Second Amendment rights , but he has seen the damage military-style rifles , like the AR-15 , have done in the hands of evil civilians .
He cosponsored the Assault Weapons Ban and is advocating for national universal background checks , something Colorado already requires , and closing what he calls the “ Colorado-loophole , ” where folks can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially less restrictive state laws .
On the debt and deficit , Crow is concerned that for the first time in decades the deficit is going to be larger than the GDP , but he argues the current financial crisis is not the time to cut federal spending or increase taxes .
Spending now will mean a faster recovery later on .
He ’ s urging compromise in Congress to pass another larger coronavirus relief bill , but he said the Republican offer on the table early last week was inadequate to address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his efforts to impeach Trump as one of a handful of House impeachment managers : “ I ’ m somebody who is going to do my duty , regardless of the politics of it and political expediency aside , I ’ m going to defend this country .
Because it ’ s a country I love .
It ’ s a country I believe in and for all our faults and our failings in history … I still believe in that promise that we can move forward and be better .
“ On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impeachment managers asked a rhetorical question .
We asked ‘ how much damage can the president do between now and election day.
’ It turns out a lot.
” We need men and women like Crow in Congress .
To send a letter to the editor about this article , submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

Editor’s note: This represents the opinion of The Denver Post editorial board, which is separate from the paper’s news operation. For more endorsements visit this page.
Two years ago The Denver Post editorial board endorsed Mike Coffman for House District 6.
We found it hard to envision a more dedicated public servant than Coffman, a Republican, for the heavily gerrymandered 6th Congressional District that surrounds metro-Denver like a backwards “C.” And we liked the way Coffman stood up to his own party, especially when it came to pushing back against President Donald Trump.
Jason Crow, whose military service and straightforward manner proved compelling to voters, won in a landslide that year and we are happy to report the Democrat from Aurora is just as hardworking and effective as Coffman. He has proven not to be a hyper-partisan individual, and in terms of pushing back against Trump’s corruption, well, Crow was one of a handful of representatives to present the compelling case for impeachment to the U.S. Senate.
We’re proud to endorse him for a second term in office.
Crow will face Republican Steve House on Nov. 3. House has some creative ideas for how to fix America’s health care system, and we hope he gets the chance to lead these reforms someday. He’s a former health care executive who is thoughtful.
One of the most impressive things Jason Crow accomplished in his first two years in office, was opening up the privately owned and operated Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Aurora to visits from members of Congress. The detention facility lacked oversight, and Crow rapidly got a law through Congress that required these prison-like facilities to open their doors.
Since passing the law, Crow or someone from his office has visited the facility 60 times, and he says conditions for those awaiting judgment on deportation cases, have improved. There was confusion about who was responsible for the facilities’ health inspections and Crow sorted through the bureaucracy to find a solution.
“We have delivered in so many ways, in ways that maybe don’t grab headlines, but that make real differences in people’s lives. I’m proud of that,” Crow told us last week. “I have a history of and a focus on uniting folks and trying to find common ground and leading with civility and respect.”
If more of Congress would take that approach, America would be a better place.
Crow has worked with Coffman, who later became the mayor of Aurora, to secure stimulus funds for the district and advocate for federal funds for local governments that faced a steep decline in revenue following the coronavirus shutdowns.
Many of Crow’s bills have been bipartisan, and of the nine that passed the House, three became law by being absorbed into larger bills and passed through the Republican-controlled Senate. That is no small feat.
The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act included Crow’s Military Installation Resilience Assuredness Act, which requires America’s military bases to prepare for the impacts of climate change, including severe weather events.
Crow is a lawmaker with good ideas and follow-through.
On health care, Crow prefers a public-option-like program similar to Sen. Michael Bennet’s Medicare X proposal that would keep the private insurance industry intact but provide an affordable public insurance system for people to elect.
On gun safety, Crow, a former Army Ranger, is not looking to trample Second Amendment rights, but he has seen the damage military-style rifles, like the AR-15, have done in the hands of evil civilians. He cosponsored the Assault Weapons Ban and is advocating for national universal background checks, something Colorado already requires, and closing what he calls the “Colorado-loophole,” where folks can cross state lines and purchase weapons under potentially less restrictive state laws.
On the debt and deficit, Crow is concerned that for the first time in decades the deficit is going to be larger than the GDP, but he argues the current financial crisis is not the time to cut federal spending or increase taxes. Spending now will mean a faster recovery later on. He’s urging compromise in Congress to pass another larger coronavirus relief bill, but he said the Republican offer on the table early last week was inadequate to address America’s needs.
And on his efforts to impeach Trump as one of a handful of House impeachment managers: “I’m somebody who is going to do my duty, regardless of the politics of it and political expediency aside, I’m going to defend this country. Because it’s a country I love. It’s a country I believe in and for all our faults and our failings in history … I still believe in that promise that we can move forward and be better.
“On the last day of the trial, the impeachment managers asked a rhetorical question. We asked ‘how much damage can the president do between now and election day.’ It turns out a lot.”
We need men and women like Crow in Congress.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.
Updated Sept. 20, 2020 at 8:39 a.m. This story has been updated to clarify that Rep. Jason Crow or someone from his office has visited the ICE detention center in Aurora 60 times.


thedenverpost--2020-09-20--Along with raising cattle, company aims to raise awareness about the ranching way of life

Along with raising cattle and bison on five ranches , Duke Phillips III and his team are raising awareness about ranching as a way of life and a way to conserve the West ’ s open spaces , wildlife and other natural resources .
Even during the coronavirus pandemic and a statewide drought in Colorado , Ranchlands , the management company founded by Phillips , is still running cattle , running workshops and programs and hosting visitors at the Medano-Zapata Ranch in the San Luis Valley .
Work goes on at the Chico Basin Ranch southeast of Colorado Springs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The two ranches are among five managed by Ranchlands .
The others are in New Mexico , Texas and South Dakota .
Altogether , they cover about 300,000 acres and form the foundation of a business that Phillips , his son , Duke Phillips IV , and his daughter , Tess Leach , run with about 20 full-time employees .
“ Ranchlands is a cattle and bison company .
We raise cattle and bison to sell into the market as protein , ” the elder Phillips said .
“ We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a range operation where we operate in a natural environment .
We don ’ t have feedlots .
We don ’ t have irrigated pasture .
It ’ s all natural range.
” Ranchlands operates the Chico Basin Ranch on a 25-year lease from the Colorado State Land Board .
Just under 90,000 acres , the area is one of country ’ s largest uninterrupted stretches of shortgrass and sand-sage prairie left , according to the management company .
There ’ s a panoramic view of the mountains , including the Sangre De @ @ @ @ @ @ @ north and west , and the Spanish Peaks farther south .
Ranchlands has had an open-gate philosophy , Phillips said , serving as a place where both locals and travelers can take advantage of the various education programs and opportunities to connect with the staff and gain a better understanding of what ranching is all about .
Chuck Dye is fairly new to the Ranchlands staff , starting as at Chico Basin five months ago .
For him , it ’ s all about “ doing right by the land , ” something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ My role is to learn , to gain a stronger and more attentive eye in ways livestock can be used sustainably , ” Dye said .
“ The focus is on the land , and the continued education of younger generations about land management .
It ’ s inspiring.
” The Nature Conservancy owns the 110,000-acre Medano-Zapata Ranch , which is on the eastern edge of the Great Sand National Park and Preserve .
Ranchlands runs cattle and bison there , operates a lodge and offers several education and arts programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partnership with The Nature Conservancy to offset the costs of running and owning the property while implementing conservation projects .
“ We also have hunting and fishing .
We have an education program that sees over 2,000 kids a year for day programs ” Phillips said .
“ We have a ranch management leadership school that ’ s been in existence for 20 years .
We ’ re training young people how to be to be leaders in ranch management.
” While COVID-19 has forced some changes to the way Ranchlands does business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again in mid-July .
Phillips said social distancing and other precautions are being followed .
Leach , head of business development , said the accommodations are at about 80 % capacity and are open through Oct. 31 .
Ranch guests can go horseback riding , following cattle at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain .
They ’ re encouraged to go hiking , bird watching , and practice roping cattle .
The landscape changes from forests and meadows , alpine lakes and topping out in tundra .
The ranches host concerts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photographers are invited to visit and the ranch managers sponsor an exhibition of their work in Denver .
“ Those are platforms or a medium for bringing people together to talk about conservation and ranching because ranching is such a misunderstood way of life , ” said Phillips .
Many times , people tend to either romanticize ranching or see it as the mining of the land , he added .
He wants the public to understand the business as well as the role he see it playing in furthering conservation .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to have open space , open pastures , ” Phillips said .
“ There ’ s such a need today for that , especially with development and people buying small acreages.
” Wildlife needs open spaces to migrate , nest , breed and give birth .
“ Animals just don ’ t do well with a bunch of people around them , ” Phillips said .
But to be able to keep working on conservation and to keep the range land open , ranchers have to be able to keep making a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its business through different revenue streams .
One of those is its leather-making venture , which produces and sells high-end leather bags , belts and other items .
“ It began just from me having a small bag I carried around with me to repair my saddle gear , ” Phillips said .
“ I made a bag for my wife and someone else wanted one .
Pretty soon we ’ re making belts and holsters and things like that.
” Now , the company has a full-on leather crafting business called Ranchlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use traditional American leather work similar to that of saddle makers .
Artisans work in a shop on the Chico Basin Ranch .
Besides the coronavirus , the drought has created challenges this year .
Ranchlands will send cattle to auction earlier than normal due to the impacts on the range land .
“ It ’ s just one of those things , it ’ s just part of ranching , ” Phillips said .
“ It presents problems , but it ’ s really just part of what you have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play .
”

Along with raising cattle and bison on five ranches, Duke Phillips III and his team are raising awareness about ranching as a way of life and a way to conserve the West’s open spaces, wildlife and other natural resources.
Even during the coronavirus pandemic and a statewide drought in Colorado, Ranchlands, the management company founded by Phillips, is still running cattle, running workshops and programs and hosting visitors at the Medano-Zapata Ranch in the San Luis Valley.
Work goes on at the Chico Basin Ranch southeast of Colorado Springs, although it remains closed to most visitors.
The two ranches are among five managed by Ranchlands. The others are in New Mexico, Texas and South Dakota. Altogether, they cover about 300,000 acres and form the foundation of a business that Phillips, his son, Duke Phillips IV, and his daughter, Tess Leach, run with about 20 full-time employees.
“Ranchlands is a cattle and bison company. We raise cattle and bison to sell into the market as protein,” the elder Phillips said. “We’re basically the front end. We are a range operation where we operate in a natural environment. We don’t have feedlots. We don’t have irrigated pasture. It’s all natural range.”
Ranchlands operates the Chico Basin Ranch on a 25-year lease from the Colorado State Land Board. Just under 90,000 acres, the area is one of country’s largest uninterrupted stretches of shortgrass and sand-sage prairie left, according to the management company.
There’s a panoramic view of the mountains, including the Sangre De Cristo and Green Horn mountain to the north and west, and the Spanish Peaks farther south. Ranchlands has had an open-gate philosophy, Phillips said, serving as a place where both locals and travelers can take advantage of the various education programs and opportunities to connect with the staff and gain a better understanding of what ranching is all about.
Chuck Dye is fairly new to the Ranchlands staff, starting as at Chico Basin five months ago. For him, it’s all about “doing right by the land,” something that appealed to him about Ranchlands mission.
“My role is to learn, to gain a stronger and more attentive eye in ways livestock can be used sustainably,” Dye said. “The focus is on the land, and the continued education of younger generations about land management. It’s inspiring.”
The Nature Conservancy owns the 110,000-acre Medano-Zapata Ranch, which is on the eastern edge of the Great Sand National Park and Preserve. Ranchlands runs cattle and bison there, operates a lodge and offers several education and arts programs and ecotourism opportunities.
Ranchlands works in partnership with The Nature Conservancy to offset the costs of running and owning the property while implementing conservation projects.
“We also have hunting and fishing. We have an education program that sees over 2,000 kids a year for day programs” Phillips said. “We have a ranch management leadership school that’s been in existence for 20 years. We’re training young people how to be to be leaders in ranch management.”
While COVID-19 has forced some changes to the way Ranchlands does business, the Zapata ranch began welcoming visitors again in mid-July. Phillips said social distancing and other precautions are being followed.
Leach, head of business development, said the accommodations are at about 80% capacity and are open through Oct. 31.
Ranch guests can go horseback riding, following cattle at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain. They’re encouraged to go hiking, bird watching, and practice roping cattle. The landscape changes from forests and meadows, alpine lakes and topping out in tundra.
The ranches host concerts by singers and songwriters. Artists and photographers are invited to visit and the ranch managers sponsor an exhibition of their work in Denver.
“Those are platforms or a medium for bringing people together to talk about conservation and ranching because ranching is such a misunderstood way of life,” said Phillips.
Many times, people tend to either romanticize ranching or see it as the mining of the land, he added. He wants the public to understand the business as well as the role he see it playing in furthering conservation.
“In order for ranching to function it has to have open space, open pastures,” Phillips said. “There’s such a need today for that, especially with development and people buying small acreages.”
Wildlife needs open spaces to migrate, nest, breed and give birth. “Animals just don’t do well with a bunch of people around them,” Phillips said.
But to be able to keep working on conservation and to keep the range land open, ranchers have to be able to keep making a living. Ranchlands has worked on diversifying its business through different revenue streams. One of those is its leather-making venture, which produces and sells high-end leather bags, belts and other items.
“It began just from me having a small bag I carried around with me to repair my saddle gear,” Phillips said. “I made a bag for my wife and someone else wanted one. Pretty soon we’re making belts and holsters and things like that.”
Now, the company has a full-on leather crafting business called Ranchlands Mercantile. Phillips said the idea is to use traditional American leather work similar to that of saddle makers. Artisans work in a shop on the Chico Basin Ranch.
Besides the coronavirus, the drought has created challenges this year. Ranchlands will send cattle to auction earlier than normal due to the impacts on the range land.
“It’s just one of those things, it’s just part of ranching,” Phillips said. “It presents problems, but it’s really just part of what you have to do if you’re going to play.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-20--Broncos Insider: Looking at Denver’s age, experience and size comparative to rest of NFL

The stats from NFL active rosters on kickoff weekend are in from the league office , and they reveal a few interesting facets about the Broncos ’ roster construction .
First , Denver is clearly betting on youth , starting with its quarterback .
Drew Lock , 23 , was one of 19 starting QBs in Week 1 who are younger than 30 years old ; he was also one of six rookie or second-year signal callers to start .
In terms of age , the Broncos ’ roster is slightly younger than the NFL average ( 25.56 years compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s average is no doubt made higher by its more veteran-laden defense .
But overall , the Broncos don ’ t have a lot of seasoning , especially compared to their competition : They are the third-most inexperienced team in the AFC with 3.44 average years of service time , behind Jacksonville ( NFL-high 18 rookie/first-year players ) and Miami .
And while the Broncos are collectively slightly taller than the NFL average ( 6.18 feet to 6.17 ) and slightly slimmer ( 243.36 pounds to 244.74 ) , the team doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
In Week 1 , the Broncos had the fewest active 300-plus pound players in the league with eight , with offensive tackle Elijah Wilkinson ( 329 pounds ) and nose tackle Mike Purcell ( 328 ) topping the list of Denver heavies .
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The stats from NFL active rosters on kickoff weekend are in from the league office, and they reveal a few interesting facets about the Broncos’ roster construction.
First, Denver is clearly betting on youth, starting with its quarterback. Drew Lock, 23, was one of 19 starting QBs in Week 1 who are younger than 30 years old; he was also one of six rookie or second-year signal callers to start.
In terms of age, the Broncos’ roster is slightly younger than the NFL average (25.56 years compared to 26.03), and Denver’s average is no doubt made higher by its more veteran-laden defense.
But overall, the Broncos don’t have a lot of seasoning, especially compared to their competition: They are the third-most inexperienced team in the AFC with 3.44 average years of service time, behind Jacksonville (NFL-high 18 rookie/first-year players) and Miami.
And while the Broncos are collectively slightly taller than the NFL average (6.18 feet to 6.17) and slightly slimmer (243.36 pounds to 244.74), the team doesn’t have as many behemoth linemen as others.
In Week 1, the Broncos had the fewest active 300-plus pound players in the league with eight, with offensive tackle Elijah Wilkinson (329 pounds) and nose tackle Mike Purcell (328) topping the list of Denver heavies.
— Kyle Newman, The Denver Post
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thedenverpost--2020-09-22--Vast majority of Colorado high schools opt for fall football season; schedule expected soon

John Sullivan had 2020 circled on his calendar for a while .
For all the right reasons .
“ ( We ) probably had our best senior class that ever came through the school , ” the Vista Peak Prep football coach said Monday after the deadline passed for Colorado high schools to declare whether they would play football in the fall or the spring .
“ This was the year we really had circled to do well.
” Despite requests from Sullivan to his superiors to start practice this week , once the option became available , the Bison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spring .
Vista Peak opted to play during CHSAA ’ s Season C , which runs March to May .
“ My stomach has been twisted for about two weeks straight , ” Sullivan said .
“ And it ’ s still twisted .
I can only imagine how the kids feel … Although we ’ re disappointed in the decision , we respect it and we ’ ll prepare for the spring.
” At least they ’ re not alone .
Multiple sources told The Post on Monday that a handful of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Mountain Range , Northglenn , Westminster and Boulder High are still slated to play football in the spring .
Denver South , Gateway , Aurora Central and Falcon are reportedly among those in 4A who ’ ll join the Bison in Season C. Denver Public Schools and Aurora Public Schools last week declared that they ’ d play football in the C period .
But it ’ s a small group , statewide , with a vast majority of schools electing to play in the autumn .
CHSAA member schools had until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Season A , which runs October through December , or for Season C. The organization had not released a master list of fall football and spring football schools as of early Monday evening .
Sources told The Post that approximately 31 out of 41 schools in 5A had opted into Season A , which can begin practice on Thursday and will open its season Oct. 8 .
The same sources said 37 out of 43 programs in 4A were starting in the fall and at least 28 out of 40 in 3A .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play the fall .
A schedule for Season A was expected to be released this week , possibly as early as Tuesday morning .
Mullen elected for Season A almost as soon as the option became available , coach Jeremy Bennett recalled with a chuckle .
He said the decision was a “ no brainer ” as a gesture to his upperclassmen .
“ We ’ ve got some seniors that had limited action last year but they ’ re college football players in terms of ability , and I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Bennett said Monday .
“ And realistically , who ’ s to say the spring is going to be any different from the fall ?
“ Our kids wanted to play .
And I wanted that for them .
And that ’ s why we made that decision.
” Denver Public Schools , meanwhile , reaffirmed its commitment to the spring , releasing a statement to The Post that read , in part : “ ( The district ) understands the desire and passion around providing our student athletes with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competition and recruiting for college-level scholarships .
Currently in Denver , we are under guidance from our local health departments that limit cohort size and adult interaction with cohorts .
This guidance makes it impossible to offer the same programming allowed in neighboring communities and could limit participation opportunities for our students.
” Mullen has a rough idea of its schedule , save for the opener , which Bennett said he understood would be assigned by CHSAA based on recent computer rankings and other historical data .
Meanwhile , 24 miles to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus back to the spring .
And toward a much smaller Season C bracket .
“ I assume ( they ’ ll ) be getting creative , ” Sullivan said of his schedule .
“ With what ’ s going on , I would hope so — I would be extremely disappointed if ( they ’ re ) not .
Gosh , we ’ ll play anybody .
We ’ ll play 5A , 4A , whatever .
We would ’ ve been like that in the fall .
We don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and play “ It ’ s tough for the kids .
I feel horrible for them .
But we ’ ll make the best of it .
”

John Sullivan had 2020 circled on his calendar for a while. For all the right reasons.
“(We) probably had our best senior class that ever came through the school,” the Vista Peak Prep football coach said Monday after the deadline passed for Colorado high schools to declare whether they would play football in the fall or the spring. “This was the year we really had circled to do well.”
Despite requests from Sullivan to his superiors to start practice this week, once the option became available, the Bison will be flexing their muscles in the spring. Vista Peak opted to play during CHSAA’s Season C, which runs March to May.
“My stomach has been twisted for about two weeks straight,” Sullivan said. “And it’s still twisted. I can only imagine how the kids feel … Although we’re disappointed in the decision, we respect it and we’ll prepare for the spring.”
At least they’re not alone. Multiple sources told The Post on Monday that a handful of Front Range schools in Class 5A, including Mountain Range, Northglenn, Westminster and Boulder High are still slated to play football in the spring. Denver South, Gateway, Aurora Central and Falcon are reportedly among those in 4A who’ll join the Bison in Season C.
Denver Public Schools and Aurora Public Schools last week declared that they’d play football in the C period. But it’s a small group, statewide, with a vast majority of schools electing to play in the autumn.
CHSAA member schools had until 8 a.m. Monday to formally declare for Season A, which runs October through December, or for Season C. The organization had not released a master list of fall football and spring football schools as of early Monday evening.
Sources told The Post that approximately 31 out of 41 schools in 5A had opted into Season A, which can begin practice on Thursday and will open its season Oct. 8. The same sources said 37 out of 43 programs in 4A were starting in the fall and at least 28 out of 40 in 3A.
CHSAA declined to confirm which schools opted to play the fall. A schedule for Season A was expected to be released this week, possibly as early as Tuesday morning.
Mullen elected for Season A almost as soon as the option became available, coach Jeremy Bennett recalled with a chuckle. He said the decision was a “no brainer” as a gesture to his upperclassmen.
“We’ve got some seniors that had limited action last year but they’re college football players in terms of ability, and I’ve got to get them on the film,” Bennett said Monday. “And realistically, who’s to say the spring is going to be any different from the fall?
“Our kids wanted to play. And I wanted that for them. And that’s why we made that decision.”
Denver Public Schools, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to the spring, releasing a statement to The Post that read, in part:
“(The district) understands the desire and passion around providing our student athletes with a football season that will allow access to competition and recruiting for college-level scholarships. Currently in Denver, we are under guidance from our local health departments that limit cohort size and adult interaction with cohorts. This guidance makes it impossible to offer the same programming allowed in neighboring communities and could limit participation opportunities for our students.”
Mullen has a rough idea of its schedule, save for the opener, which Bennett said he understood would be assigned by CHSAA based on recent computer rankings and other historical data.
Meanwhile, 24 miles to the east, Vista Peak will turn its focus back to the spring. And toward a much smaller Season C bracket.
“I assume (they’ll) be getting creative,” Sullivan said of his schedule. “With what’s going on, I would hope so — I would be extremely disappointed if (they’re) not. Gosh, we’ll play anybody. We’ll play 5A, 4A, whatever. We would’ve been like that in the fall.. We don’t care. We want to line up and play.
“It’s tough for the kids. I feel horrible for them. But we’ll make the best of it.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-22--Denny Hamlin, Michael Jordan partner on NASCAR team for Bubba Wallace

CHARLOTTE , N.C. — Denny Hamlin is starting his own race car team in partnership with Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan and Bubba Wallace as the driver .
Hamlin , a three-time Daytona 500 winner and top contender for this year ’ s Cup title , made the announcement on social media .
The team will be a single-car Toyota entry aligned with Joe Gibbs Racing .
“ Eleven years ago I met Michael Jordan at a then-Charlotte Bobcats game and we became fast friends , ” Hamlin wrote .
“ Not long after , I joined Jordan Brand as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has grown over the years and now we are ready to take it to the next level .
“ Deciding on the driver was easy — it had to be Bubba Wallace.
” Hamlin said additional details would be forthcoming .
Wallace is the only Black driver at NASCAR ’ s top level .
There ’ s been speculation for months that Hamlin was organizing some sort of ownership group as he expects NASCAR ’ s business model to become more favorable for team owners when the “ Next Gen ” car is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a current driver from owning a team and driving for another , but Hamlin works around the policy with Jordan as the primary owner .
Jordan became a partial owner of the Bobcats in 2006 and bought the team outright in 2010 , restoring the franchise to its original Hornets name .
Hamlin has been a longtime season-ticket holder with courtside seats along the visitors ’ bench .
Jordan has twice traveled to the NASCAR season finale to watch Hamlin race for the championship .
Hamlin , who ’ s 39 , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has cobbled together about $ 18 million in sponsorship deals since he made social equality his platform , already said he ’ d leave Richard Petty Motorsports at the end of the season .
“ This is a unique , once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I believe is a great fit for me at this point in my career , ” Wallace wrote in a social media post coordinated with Hamlin ’ s .
“ I am grateful and humbled that they believe in me and I ’ m super pumped to begin @ @ @ @ @ @

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Denny Hamlin is starting his own race car team in partnership with Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan and Bubba Wallace as the driver.
Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner and top contender for this year’s Cup title, made the announcement on social media. The team will be a single-car Toyota entry aligned with Joe Gibbs Racing.
“Eleven years ago I met Michael Jordan at a then-Charlotte Bobcats game and we became fast friends,” Hamlin wrote. “Not long after, I joined Jordan Brand as their first NASCAR athlete. Our friendship has grown over the years and now we are ready to take it to the next level.
“Deciding on the driver was easy — it had to be Bubba Wallace.”
Hamlin said additional details would be forthcoming. Wallace is the only Black driver at NASCAR’s top level.
There’s been speculation for months that Hamlin was organizing some sort of ownership group as he expects NASCAR’s business model to become more favorable for team owners when the “Next Gen” car is released in 2022. NASCAR rules prohibit a current driver from owning a team and driving for another, but Hamlin works around the policy with Jordan as the primary owner.
Jordan became a partial owner of the Bobcats in 2006 and bought the team outright in 2010, restoring the franchise to its original Hornets name. Hamlin has been a longtime season-ticket holder with courtside seats along the visitors’ bench.
Jordan has twice traveled to the NASCAR season finale to watch Hamlin race for the championship. Hamlin, who’s 39, is still seeking his first title.
Wallace, who has cobbled together about $18 million in sponsorship deals since he made social equality his platform, already said he’d leave Richard Petty Motorsports at the end of the season.
“This is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I believe is a great fit for me at this point in my career,” Wallace wrote in a social media post coordinated with Hamlin’s.
“I am grateful and humbled that they believe in me and I’m super pumped to begin this adventure with them.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-22--Florence native, Vietnam vet to be honored with memorial signs on Colo. 115

Sgt .
First Class Ray Adam Archuletta , a native of Florence who was a decorated Vietnam War veteran and who died in that war , will be remembered with the dedication of memorial signs designating Colo. 115 near Florence in his honor .
The Colorado State Legislature paved the way for this recognition in April 2019 when it adopted House Joint Resolution 19-1012 , providing that a State Highway in Florence , Colorado will be dedicated in honor of SFC Archuletta .
Honorable State Senator Leroy Garcia and State Representative Donald Valdez sponsored this legislation .
Born and raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graduate of Florence High School .
He enlisted in the United States Army in 1954 and served until his death in 1967 .
During his military career , he received numerous awards including : • Two Purple Hearts • Three Silver Star Medals ( Silver , First Oak Leaf Cluster , and Second Oak Leaf Cluster ) • Bronze Star for Heroism The City of Florence has embraced this Resolution and will rename a park “ SFC Ray Adam Archuletta and Other Veterans.
” Currently , the park is officially known as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Skater Park.
” Many family and friends are proud to memorialize these honors on a life dedicated to service to family , community and country .
His parents , Michael Tony and Flora Archuletta , lived in Florence since the early 1900s and chose to work and raise their family there until their deaths .
The Archuletta family moved to southern Colorado when it was a territory .
In addition to SFC Archuletta , his surviving brothers Retired MSG James Archuletta , Louis Richard Archuletta and Michael T. Archuletta also served in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A dedication ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at the Rialto Theater at 209 W. Main St. in Florence .
A virtual option also is available through Zoom .
RSVP to Frances Natividad Coleman at 303-935-2260 to obtain the Zoom link .
The family continues to raise funds to cover the dedication expenses .
Contributions are appreciated and can be sent to Rick Archuletta .
For more information , call 719-429-7421 .

Sgt. First Class Ray Adam Archuletta, a native of Florence who was a decorated Vietnam War veteran and who died in that war, will be remembered with the dedication of memorial signs designating Colo. 115 near Florence in his honor.
The Colorado State Legislature paved the way for this recognition in April 2019 when it adopted House Joint Resolution 19-1012, providing that a State Highway in Florence, Colorado will be dedicated in honor of SFC Archuletta. Honorable State Senator Leroy Garcia and State Representative Donald Valdez sponsored this legislation.
Born and raised in Florence, SFC Archuletta was a graduate of Florence High School. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1954 and served until his death in 1967. During his military career, he received numerous awards including:• Two Purple Hearts• Three Silver Star Medals (Silver, First Oak Leaf Cluster, and Second Oak Leaf Cluster)• Bronze Star for Heroism
The City of Florence has embraced this Resolution and will rename a park “SFC Ray Adam Archuletta and Other Veterans.” Currently, the park is officially known as “Husky Park,” also known as “Skater Park.” Many family and friends are proud to memorialize these honors on a life dedicated to service to family, community and country. His parents, Michael Tony and Flora Archuletta, lived in Florence since the early 1900s and chose to work and raise their family there until their deaths. The Archuletta family moved to southern Colorado when it was a territory.
In addition to SFC Archuletta, his surviving brothers Retired MSG James Archuletta, Louis Richard Archuletta and Michael T. Archuletta also served in the Army during the Vietnam era.
A dedication ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at the Rialto Theater at 209 W. Main St. in Florence. A virtual option also is available through Zoom. RSVP to Frances Natividad Coleman at 303-935-2260 to obtain the Zoom link.
The family continues to raise funds to cover the dedication expenses. Contributions are appreciated and can be sent to Rick Archuletta. For more information, call 719-429-7421.


thedenverpost--2020-09-21--Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl is first German to win Hart Trophy as NHL MVP

EDMONTON , Alberta — The Stanley Cup Final is in Edmonton , and Oilers star Leon Draisaitl made history Monday night .
Only it had more to do with his home country than his home arena .
Draisaitl became the first German player to win the Hart Trophy as MVP after leading the league in scoring with 110 points in 71 games .
He also won the Ted Lindsay Award for most outstanding player as voted by peers .
Draisaitl joins former NBA star Dirk Nowitzki as the only German players to earn MVP honors in one of the four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Dirk was obviously someone that I look up to , someone that I admire : the way he presents himself and the way he really has achieved everything that there is to achieve for a professional athlete in North America , ” Draisaitl said .
“ He ’ s always been someone that I look up and it ’ s a big honor for me to be in that conversation with him.
” Draisaitl finished ahead of Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon and New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin in voting by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scored 43 goals , and his 67 assists were a career high despite the regular season being cut short .
Winnipeg ’ s Connor Hellebuyck won the Vezina Trophy as top goaltender , Nashville ’ s Roman Josi got the Norris Trophy as the best defenseman , and Colorado ’ s Cale Makar won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year .
Draisaitl is the second Oilers player to win the Hart in the past four years following Connor McDavid , who is widely considered the best hockey player in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season and produced even more .
• Avalanche ’ s Cale Makar wins Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year • Bettman : Next NHL season could start in December or January • Chambers : Nathan MacKinnon is not your typical Lady Byng winner “ I think Connor and I have a very healthy , great , competitive relationship and we just try and make each other better every day , ” Draisaitl said .
Edmonton was eliminated in the qualifying round of the expanded 24-team playoffs despite playing games in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home rink .
Minutes before the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning faced off in Game 2 of the final , Draisaitl accepted the Hart and Ted Lindsay virtually from his home in Cologne , Germany , where it was already early Wednesday morning .
Draisaitl didn ’ t get to celebrate with family members because they were asleep and would rather still be playing for the chance to win a title and add another white “ NHL STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS ” banner to the rafters at Rogers Place .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Draisaitl said .
“ But there ’ s nothing that comes ahead of the Stanley Cup .
That ’ s the same for any player in the league .
If I could hand those two or three awards back in for a Stanley Cup , I would do that in a heartbeat and I think so would everyone else .
”

EDMONTON, Alberta — The Stanley Cup Final is in Edmonton, and Oilers star Leon Draisaitl made history Monday night.
Only it had more to do with his home country than his home arena.
Draisaitl became the first German player to win the Hart Trophy as MVP after leading the league in scoring with 110 points in 71 games. He also won the Ted Lindsay Award for most outstanding player as voted by peers.
Draisaitl joins former NBA star Dirk Nowitzki as the only German players to earn MVP honors in one of the four major North American professional sports leagues.
“Dirk was obviously someone that I look up to, someone that I admire: the way he presents himself and the way he really has achieved everything that there is to achieve for a professional athlete in North America,” Draisaitl said. “He’s always been someone that I look up and it’s a big honor for me to be in that conversation with him.”
Draisaitl finished ahead of Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon and New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin in voting by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. He scored 43 goals, and his 67 assists were a career high despite the regular season being cut short.
Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck won the Vezina Trophy as top goaltender, Nashville’s Roman Josi got the Norris Trophy as the best defenseman, and Colorado’s Cale Makar won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year.
Draisaitl is the second Oilers player to win the Hart in the past four years following Connor McDavid, who is widely considered the best hockey player in the world. Draisaitl played with and without McDavid this season and produced even more.
“I think Connor and I have a very healthy, great, competitive relationship and we just try and make each other better every day,” Draisaitl said.
Edmonton was eliminated in the qualifying round of the expanded 24-team playoffs despite playing games in its — empty, of course — home rink. Minutes before the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning faced off in Game 2 of the final, Draisaitl accepted the Hart and Ted Lindsay virtually from his home in Cologne, Germany, where it was already early Wednesday morning.
Draisaitl didn’t get to celebrate with family members because they were asleep and would rather still be playing for the chance to win a title and add another white “NHL STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS” banner to the rafters at Rogers Place.
“It’s a nice personal reward,” Draisaitl said. “But there’s nothing that comes ahead of the Stanley Cup. That’s the same for any player in the league. If I could hand those two or three awards back in for a Stanley Cup, I would do that in a heartbeat and I think so would everyone else.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-21--Colorado’s Allison Eid the kind of judge “any Republican president” might nominate to Supreme Court

President Donald Trump wants to ntominate a woman to the U.S. Supreme Court by the end of the week to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , and he could turn to former Colorado Supreme Court Justice Allison Eid to fill that role .
The conservative jurist already earned Trump ’ s support once , in 2017 , when he nominated her to her current position as a judge on the 10th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals .
Before that , he ’ d named her in 2016 to a short list of people he ’ d consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eventually nominating another Coloradan , Neil Gorsuch .
Eid ’ s name is among four dozen included on Trump ’ s current list of high court candidates , and USA Today reported over the weekend she likely was one of five women on the president ’ s short list .
More recently , speculation has focused on Judge Amy Coney Barrett of the 7th Circuit as the front-runner , followed by Judge Barbara Lagoa of the 11th Circuit .
Local legal experts said Eid is viewed as a reliable conservative vote who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d call her a textualist , and originalist , ” said Chris Murray , a shareholder at the Denver firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck .
“ She ’ s certainly one of those where , if she likes the law or doesn ’ t like the law , it doesn ’ t matter to her .
What matters to her is , can she figure out what it says ?
” Sen. Cory Gardner has been a staunch supporter of Eid for years , and Sen. Michael Bennet also voted in favor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although he expressed reservations at the time over her “ conservative judicial philosophy.
” She previously clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas , who in 2006 recommended her to then-Gov .
Bill Owens for a spot on the state Supreme Court .
Eid ’ s husband formerly served as Owens ’ chief counsel .
During the about 11 years she served on the state Supreme Court , Eid regularly took positions on the conservative side of the spectrum , and some , like the liberal advocacy group Alliance for Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ She had an incredibly conservative , dangerous record on the Colorado Supreme Court and she ’ s continued to be conservative on the 10th Circuit , ” said Daniel Goldberg , legal director at the Alliance for Justice .
“ It ’ s no surprise she ’ s on the president ’ s short list.
” In one notable case on the Colorado Supreme Court , Eid wrote a dissenting opinion in 2015 that supported school vouchers in Douglas County that many parents planned to use to pay for education at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the program , finding it conflicted with the state Constitution ’ s prohibition on using public money for religious schooling .
Eid disagreed , arguing in part that the court ’ s interpretation of the state Constitution was too broad .
“ The language ( in the Constitution ) does not compel this result , ” she wrote , adding that while the Constitution forbids public expenditures “ to help support or sustain ” church or sectarian schools , “ It does not suggest , as the plurality would have it , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other purposes — for example , to assist students — is constitutionally suspect simply because the funds indirectly or incidentally benefit church or sectarian schools.
” Eid did not return a request for comment Monday .
Murray described Eid as well-respected by both those who agree and those who disagree with her , and said he believes she would “ lament how political judging has gotten ” .
He described her as mainstream .
“ She ’ s the kind of judge you would expect from a Republican president , any Republican president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Romney , if he would have won , probably would have picked someone like Allison Eid.
” If Eid were to be seated on the U.S. Supreme Court and join Gorsuch , it would be the first time in history that two Coloradans served as Supreme Court justices at the same time .

President Donald Trump wants to nominate a woman to the U.S. Supreme Court by the end of the week to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and he could turn to former Colorado Supreme Court Justice Allison Eid to fill that role.
The conservative jurist already earned Trump’s support once, in 2017, when he nominated her to her current position as a judge on the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Before that, he’d named her in 2016 to a short list of people he’d consider for the U.S. Supreme Court, before eventually nominating another Coloradan, Neil Gorsuch.
Eid’s name is among four dozen included on Trump’s current list of high court candidates, and USA Today reported over the weekend she likely was one of five women on the president’s short list. More recently, speculation has focused on Judge Amy Coney Barrett of the 7th Circuit as the front-runner, followed by Judge Barbara Lagoa of the 11th Circuit.
Local legal experts said Eid is viewed as a reliable conservative vote who is well-qualified and politically connected.
“I’d call her a textualist, and originalist,” said Chris Murray, a shareholder at the Denver firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. “She’s certainly one of those where, if she likes the law or doesn’t like the law, it doesn’t matter to her. What matters to her is, can she figure out what it says?”
Sen. Cory Gardner has been a staunch supporter of Eid for years, and Sen. Michael Bennet also voted in favor of her appointment to the 10th Circuit, although he expressed reservations at the time over her “conservative judicial philosophy.”
She previously clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who in 2006 recommended her to then-Gov. Bill Owens for a spot on the state Supreme Court. Eid’s husband formerly served as Owens’ chief counsel.
During the about 11 years she served on the state Supreme Court, Eid regularly took positions on the conservative side of the spectrum, and some, like the liberal advocacy group Alliance for Justice, have described her as “ultraconservative.”
“She had an incredibly conservative, dangerous record on the Colorado Supreme Court and she’s continued to be conservative on the 10th Circuit,” said Daniel Goldberg, legal director at the Alliance for Justice. “It’s no surprise she’s on the president’s short list.”
In one notable case on the Colorado Supreme Court, Eid wrote a dissenting opinion in 2015 that supported school vouchers in Douglas County that many parents planned to use to pay for education at religious institutions. The court struck down the program, finding it conflicted with the state Constitution’s prohibition on using public money for religious schooling. Eid disagreed, arguing in part that the court’s interpretation of the state Constitution was too broad.
“The language (in the Constitution) does not compel this result,” she wrote, adding that while the Constitution forbids public expenditures “to help support or sustain” church or sectarian schools, “It does not suggest, as the plurality would have it, that any program that provides public money for other purposes — for example, to assist students — is constitutionally suspect simply because the funds indirectly or incidentally benefit church or sectarian schools.”
Eid did not return a request for comment Monday. Murray described Eid as well-respected by both those who agree and those who disagree with her, and said he believes she would “lament how political judging has gotten”. He described her as mainstream.
“She’s the kind of judge you would expect from a Republican president, any Republican president,” he said. “Mitt Romney, if he would have won, probably would have picked someone like Allison Eid.”
If Eid were to be seated on the U.S. Supreme Court and join Gorsuch, it would be the first time in history that two Coloradans served as Supreme Court justices at the same time.


thedenverpost--2020-09-21--Shooting victim, armed suspect shot dead by Lakewood police are identified

A man shot dead while sitting in his car in a Lakewood Walmart parking lot and a man suspected of the fatal shooting , who was then shot and killed by police , have been identified .
Steven Scott Hargis , 27 , of Lakewood , died at the scene , 440 Wadsworth Blvd.
, on Friday morning , police said in a news release .
Police on Monday also identified the suspect in the shooting as 46-year-old Matthew Lyvon Paul , of Denver .
The motive remains under investigation .
On Friday , Paul , while still armed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carjack employees and customers at a nearby Grease Monkey shop , 395 Wadsworth Blvd.
, according to police .
Soon after the shooting , officers contacted Paul in the 7700 block of West Fourth Avenue where he fired multiple shots , hitting police vehicles and nearby residences , police said .
Officers returned fire , hitting the suspect , who was pronounced dead at the scene .
An investigation into the incident is ongoing .
The officers who shot Paul are on administrative leave , per policy , pending an internal investigation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @

A man shot dead while sitting in his car in a Lakewood Walmart parking lot and a man suspected of the fatal shooting, who was then shot and killed by police, have been identified.
Steven Scott Hargis, 27, of Lakewood, died at the scene, 440 Wadsworth Blvd., on Friday morning, police said in a news release.
Police on Monday also identified the suspect in the shooting as 46-year-old Matthew Lyvon Paul, of Denver. The motive remains under investigation.
On Friday, Paul, while still armed, fled the shooting scene and attempted to carjack employees and customers at a nearby Grease Monkey shop, 395 Wadsworth Blvd., according to police.
Soon after the shooting, officers contacted Paul in the 7700 block of West Fourth Avenue where he fired multiple shots, hitting police vehicles and nearby residences, police said. Officers returned fire, hitting the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing. The officers who shot Paul are on administrative leave, per policy, pending an internal investigation. They were not identified on Monday.


thedenverpost--2020-09-21--Rising Rapids midfielder Cole Bassett taking next step in promising career

It ’ s no longer a question of if but when Rapids teen sensation Cole Bassett will be sold to a big European club .
The 19-year-old Littleton native has caught fire in recent weeks , having scored goals in three of his last six starts while tacking on three assists .
He has not only shown he ’ s a capable MLS starter he ’ s also proved his worth as one of the most promising American soccer prospects .
In just four games last fall and winter he scored four goals with the United States U-20 National Team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he spent time training with Arsenal — marking the second winter he ’ d time spent overseas after a 10-day trip with Freiburg .
“ I want to be a goalscoring midfielder , ” Bassett said after the Rapids ’ 2-0 win over the L.A. Galaxy on Saturday .
“ Credit to my teammates , Sam Vines literally put it on a platter tonight , I just had to finish it off .
The way that we ’ re playing as a team right now , I think our movements are really good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s allowing me to get into really good spots in the attacking third.
” Bassett opened the scoring by finishing off a feed from Vines , who is also a homegrown Colorado talent .
The two led what was the club ’ s youngest starting XI of the season , with an average age of 24.9 .
On Monday , Bassett was named to MLS Team of the Week for the second-straight week .
“ Since I ’ ve gotten here certainly Cole had only gotten a few minutes…He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we talked about that as a young player , you have to earn your manager ’ s trust , ” Rapids coach Robin Fraser said .
“ Throughout this year and recently he has really gotten hold of it .
He is doing a really good job on both ends of the field.
” It appears Bassett found one thing that may have been lacking from his game : consistency .
Both a quick hook and a constant shuffling of positions hindered Bassett in the short-term , but now he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every facet of the game .
“ My M.O .
is to try to be a goalscoring midfielde , so I got to continue to do it .
You can ’ t just have a one-off game and do it and not score the next , ” Bassett said .
“ The best players in the world , they score or get assists in every single game.
” The timing of Bassett ’ s runs into the box have improved and become more crisp .
When he ’ s on the field the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While his time with the hometown MLS team may come to an end in the near future , for now he ’ s focused on what ’ s in front of him .
“ We ’ ve got two big games coming up vs. San Jose and Kansas City and I think as a team we can ’ t expect anything less than six points .
The table is really tight right now and wins are crucial , ” he said .
“ We have to stay consistent and those are the teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

It’s no longer a question of if but when Rapids teen sensation Cole Bassett will be sold to a big European club.
The 19-year-old Littleton native has caught fire in recent weeks, having scored goals in three of his last six starts while tacking on three assists. He has not only shown he’s a capable MLS starter he’s also proved his worth as one of the most promising American soccer prospects.
In just four games last fall and winter he scored four goals with the United States U-20 National Team. In between those two stints, he spent time training with Arsenal — marking the second winter he’d time spent overseas after a 10-day trip with Freiburg.
“I want to be a goalscoring midfielder,” Bassett said after the Rapids’ 2-0 win over the L.A. Galaxy on Saturday. “Credit to my teammates, Sam Vines literally put it on a platter tonight, I just had to finish it off. The way that we’re playing as a team right now, I think our movements are really good and so is our positioning, and it’s allowing me to get into really good spots in the attacking third.”
Bassett opened the scoring by finishing off a feed from Vines, who is also a homegrown Colorado talent. The two led what was the club’s youngest starting XI of the season, with an average age of 24.9. On Monday, Bassett was named to MLS Team of the Week for the second-straight week.
“Since I’ve gotten here certainly Cole had only gotten a few minutes…He’s been in and out of the team but we talked about that as a young player, you have to earn your manager’s trust,” Rapids coach Robin Fraser said. “Throughout this year and recently he has really gotten hold of it. He is doing a really good job on both ends of the field.”
It appears Bassett found one thing that may have been lacking from his game: consistency. Both a quick hook and a constant shuffling of positions hindered Bassett in the short-term, but now he’s broken out as a contributor in nearly every facet of the game.
“My M.O. is to try to be a goalscoring midfielde, so I got to continue to do it. You can’t just have a one-off game and do it and not score the next,” Bassett said. “The best players in the world, they score or get assists in every single game.”
The timing of Bassett’s runs into the box have improved and become more crisp. When he’s on the field the Rapids are stronger with their positioning. While his time with the hometown MLS team may come to an end in the near future, for now he’s focused on what’s in front of him.
“We’ve got two big games coming up vs. San Jose and Kansas City and I think as a team we can’t expect anything less than six points. The table is really tight right now and wins are crucial,” he said. “We have to stay consistent and those are the teams that are eventually going to win championships.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-21--Broncos Analysis: Minus key players, focus is on Vic Fangio to lead staff, roster through adversity

Jeff Driskel , this is your chance .
Quarterback Drew Lock ’ s shoulder injury will keep him out 2 to 5 weeks , according to coach Vic Fangio .
Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler , your time is now .
Top receiver Courtland Sutton ’ s torn ACL ended his season after only three catches on 31 snaps .
And McTelvin Agim , get your jersey ready .
Reserve defensive ends Dre ’ Mont Jones ( knee ) and DeMarcus Walker ( calf ) won ’ t be available Sunday against Tampa Bay .
The latest gut-punch of Broncos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , thrusting the aforementioned quartet into new roles .
But above all , the focus is now squarely on Fangio .
How he navigates the next month until Lock , cornerback A.J .
Bouye and running back Phillip Lindsay return will go a long way toward determining his Broncos ’ tenure .
Fangio worked more than three decades in the NFL as an assistant coach before breaking through and becoming the Broncos ’ coach in January 2019 .
Season 1 was derailed by outside linebacker Bradley Chubb ’ s knee injury and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 is on the cusp of becoming undone because of a rash of injuries more serious than the common strains and sprains .
Ever seen anything like this , Vic ?
“ I ’ m sure I have , ” he said .
“ But I know there have been some rough years that way .
We ’ ll get through it here .
We have a bunch of good players here that are ready to step up .
We have a coaching staff that ’ s going to lead them .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play.
” Is Fangio ready for this task ?
Can he , along with his staff , quickly get the young players ready for larger roles ?
Can he , as the defensive play-caller , find ways to slow down Tom Brady ( this week ) , Cam Newton ( Week 5 ) and Patrick Mahomes ( Week 7 ) ?
And can he , as the big whistle , keep the locker room positive ?
This might be Fangio ’ s biggest challenge , convincing the veteran players that the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the morale remains high , the collective psyche could be doubting .
The Broncos were counting on those injured players to start faster than last year , support the young offense as it found a rhythm and break the franchise ’ s four-year playoff drought .
“ Yeah , it does have a negative effect on the team , ” Fangio admitted .
“ I ’ m not going to insult anybody ’ s intelligence that losing the type of players and the ( number ) of players we ’ ve lost doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Since the NFL is all about living in the present , here are five issues facing the Broncos : 1 .
They have no choice but to lean on Driskel .
Eye-brows were raised in March when the Broncos signed Driskel instead of a more experienced backup to serve as Lock ’ s off-field mentor/on-field insurance .
Brett Rypien will be the backup .
Sorry , a ready-made starter isn ’ t flying into town .
2 .
Fangio has to roll the dice defensively to create impact plays .
The Broncos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the four-man pass rush isn ’ t cutting it so far .
To create more takeaways and better field position , Fangio should dial up more pressures by blitzing defensive backs .
3 .
Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur has to make tight end Noah Fant the co-centerpiece of the passing game along with Jeudy .
Fant has had two monster halves in the first two games — five catches-81 yards-one touchdown against the Titans ( first half ) and four catches-57 yards-one touchdown against Pittsburgh ( second half ) .
A shift toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ends ) will free up Fant and also provide an extra blocker ( Nick Vannett or Jake Butt ) in the run game .
• Broncos reeling from injuries with Courtland Sutton out for season with ACL tear , Drew Lock sidelined for multiple weeks due to shoulder • Kiszla vs. O ’ Halloran : Would Colin Kaepernick be better Broncos quarterback than Jeff Driskel ?
• Broncos quarterback Drew Lock out for three-to-five weeks with shoulder injury , Vic Fangio says • Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton out for season with knee injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pittsburgh and begin another NFL season 0-2 , veteran Shelby Harris sounds warning : “ We ’ ve got to change the culture ” 4 .
The Broncos need to get creative with Hamler to utilize his speed and find a way to activate athletic tight end Albert Okwuegbunam to see how defenses react to him and Fant on the field at the same time .
5 .
And they have to absolutely , positively find a way to beat the Jets in Week 4 and Miami in Week 6 to at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t have a whole lot of reason to be confident , but he was on Monday .
“ We have good players here in the building , still , ” he said .
“ They ’ re going to come in and rally and look at it as an opportunity for them to go out and play good and show what they ’ ve got .
We ’ re going to get them ready as a coaching staff to compete and try and find a way to win these close games @ @

Jeff Driskel, this is your chance. Quarterback Drew Lock’s shoulder injury will keep him out 2 to 5 weeks, according to coach Vic Fangio.
Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler, your time is now. Top receiver Courtland Sutton’s torn ACL ended his season after only three catches on 31 snaps.
And McTelvin Agim, get your jersey ready. Reserve defensive ends Dre’Mont Jones (knee) and DeMarcus Walker (calf) won’t be available Sunday against Tampa Bay.
The latest gut-punch of Broncos injury news was confirmed by Fangio on Monday, thrusting the aforementioned quartet into new roles. But above all, the focus is now squarely on Fangio. How he navigates the next month until Lock, cornerback A.J. Bouye and running back Phillip Lindsay return will go a long way toward determining his Broncos’ tenure.
Fangio worked more than three decades in the NFL as an assistant coach before breaking through and becoming the Broncos’ coach in January 2019. Season 1 was derailed by outside linebacker Bradley Chubb’s knee injury and an inability to protect leads. Season 2 is on the cusp of becoming undone because of a rash of injuries more serious than the common strains and sprains.
Ever seen anything like this, Vic?
“I’m sure I have,” he said. “But I know there have been some rough years that way. We’ll get through it here. We have a bunch of good players here that are ready to step up. We have a coaching staff that’s going to lead them. And we’re going to be ready to play.”
Is Fangio ready for this task?
Can he, along with his staff, quickly get the young players ready for larger roles?
Can he, as the defensive play-caller, find ways to slow down Tom Brady (this week), Cam Newton (Week 5) and Patrick Mahomes (Week 7)?
And can he, as the big whistle, keep the locker room positive? This might be Fangio’s biggest challenge, convincing the veteran players that the season isn’t over. Even if the morale remains high, the collective psyche could be doubting. The Broncos were counting on those injured players to start faster than last year, support the young offense as it found a rhythm and break the franchise’s four-year playoff drought.
“Yeah, it does have a negative effect on the team,” Fangio admitted. “I’m not going to insult anybody’s intelligence that losing the type of players and the (number) of players we’ve lost doesn’t have some type of effect.”
Since the NFL is all about living in the present, here are five issues facing the Broncos:
1. They have no choice but to lean on Driskel. Eye-brows were raised in March when the Broncos signed Driskel instead of a more experienced backup to serve as Lock’s off-field mentor/on-field insurance. Brett Rypien will be the backup. Sorry, a ready-made starter isn’t flying into town.
2. Fangio has to roll the dice defensively to create impact plays. The Broncos have two sacks through two games and the four-man pass rush isn’t cutting it so far. To create more takeaways and better field position, Fangio should dial up more pressures by blitzing defensive backs.
3. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur has to make tight end Noah Fant the co-centerpiece of the passing game along with Jeudy. Fant has had two monster halves in the first two games — five catches-81 yards-one touchdown against the Titans (first half) and four catches-57 yards-one touchdown against Pittsburgh (second half). A shift toward “12” personnel (two tight ends) will free up Fant and also provide an extra blocker (Nick Vannett or Jake Butt) in the run game.
4. The Broncos need to get creative with Hamler to utilize his speed and find a way to activate athletic tight end Albert Okwuegbunam to see how defenses react to him and Fant on the field at the same time.
5. And they have to absolutely, positively find a way to beat the Jets in Week 4 and Miami in Week 6 to at least have a pulse entering November.
Fangio doesn’t have a whole lot of reason to be confident, but he was on Monday.
“We have good players here in the building, still,” he said. “They’re going to come in and rally and look at it as an opportunity for them to go out and play good and show what they’ve got. We’re going to get them ready as a coaching staff to compete and try and find a way to win these close games.”


thedenverpost--2020-09-21--Avalanche’s Cale Makar wins Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year

Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar , the 2019 Hobey Baker Award winner as college hockey ’ s best player , won the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year on Monday .
The 21-year-old from Calgary is Colorado ’ s fourth Calder winner and first defenseman , joining forwards Nathan MacKinnon ( 2014 ) , Gabe Landeksog ( 2012 ) and Chris Drury ( 1999 ) .
Forward Peter Forsberg also won the Calder in 1995 for Quebec , months before the Nordiques relocated to Denver .
MacKinnon , who recently won the 2020 Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship combined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also was a finalist for the major NHL awards announced Monday .
But he was beaten out by Edmonton ’ s Leon Draisaitl for the two league MVP awards — the Hart Trophy ( voted on by writers ) and the Ted Lindsay Award ( players ) .
Makar , who led all NHL rookies in points-per-game ( 0.88 ) and was second in scoring with 50 points in 57 games , beat out fellow finalists Quinn Hughes of Vancouver and Chicago ’ s Dominik Kubalik .
Hughes , a defenseman , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than Makar .
Kubalik , a left winger , was third in NHL rookie scoring with 46 points .
Makar received 116-of-170 first-place votes from the Professional Hockey Writers Association and he did not get any votes lower than second-place .
Hughes was the runner-up with 53 first-place votes .
“ I can ’ t give enough thanks to each and every one of my Avalanche teammates .
Honestly , I owe them a ton of credit for my success this season and it ’ s a pleasure to compete with those guys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call .
“ To the coaching staff , obviously , thank you to the trust they showed in me through the entire season , and thank you to our trainers and everyone in the Avalanche administration for everything they did to help keep our focus on the ice .
And then lastly , to the great fans of Denver .
I ’ m extremely appreciative of the fantastic support you ’ ve shown me and our team .
But Makar wasn ’ t done .
He also recognized Hockey Hall of Famer Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Makar family have strong ties .
“ To a lifetime family friend Bill Hay , who won the Calder in 1960 with Chicago .
I ’ m happy to join the club .
So thank you , ” Makar said .
Makar is the first defenseman to win the Calder since Aaron Ekblad in 2015 , and just the third in the last 16 years .
Previous defensemen to win the award include Hockey Hall of Famers Brian Leetch ( 1989 ) , Raymond Bourque ( 1980 ) , Denis Potvin ( 1974 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Makar , selected by the Avalanche with the fourth pick of the 2017 draft , made his NHL debut in the 2019 playoffs , days after playing in the NCAA championship game for the Massachusetts Minutemen .
He had 15 points in the 2020 playoffs , second-most among rookie defensemen in NHL history ( Hughes had 16 in two more games this year ) .
Makar logged a career-high 32:01 in Game 7 of Colorado ’ s second-round loss to the Dallas Stars , who eliminated the Avs with a 5-4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , finished second in the Hart Trophy voting for the second time in three years .
Draisaitl finished with 91 first-place votes and 1,309 points .
MacKinnon was second with 48 and 1,162 , respectively .
MacKinnon , surprisingly , did not make the NHL first-team all-star team , dropping to the second team .
The three forwards on the first team were Draisaitl , Boston ’ s David Pastrnak and Panarin .
MacKinnon had 43 more points than the Avs ’ second-leading scorer , Makar , and was instrumental in keeping injury-plagued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its best players out of the lineup for long periods of time .
MacKinnon was edged by then-New Jersey forward Taylor Hall for the 2018 Hart Trophy — largely because Hall had 41 more points than the Devils ’ second-leading scorer .
But PHWA voters didn ’ t vote in that direction this year .
MacKinnon has produced three consecutive 90-point seasons , joining Joe Sakic and Forsberg as the only Avalanche players to do that .
MacKinnon had 93 points in just 69 games this season — just six points shy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games in 2018-19 .
Sakic ( 2001 ) and Forsberg ( 2003 ) remain Colorado ’ s only two Hart Trophy winners , and Sakic is the only Ted Lindsay Award winner ( 2001 ) .

Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, the 2019 Hobey Baker Award winner as college hockey’s best player, won the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year on Monday.
The 21-year-old from Calgary is Colorado’s fourth Calder winner and first defenseman, joining forwards Nathan MacKinnon (2014), Gabe Landeksog (2012) and Chris Drury (1999). Forward Peter Forsberg also won the Calder in 1995 for Quebec, months before the Nordiques relocated to Denver.
MacKinnon, who recently won the 2020 Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship combined with a high level of play, also was a finalist for the major NHL awards announced Monday. But he was beaten out by Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl for the two league MVP awards — the Hart Trophy (voted on by writers) and the Ted Lindsay Award (players).
Makar, who led all NHL rookies in points-per-game (0.88) and was second in scoring with 50 points in 57 games, beat out fellow finalists Quinn Hughes of Vancouver and Chicago’s Dominik Kubalik. Hughes, a defenseman, had three more points in 11 more games than Makar. Kubalik, a left winger, was third in NHL rookie scoring with 46 points.
Makar received 116-of-170 first-place votes from the Professional Hockey Writers Association and he did not get any votes lower than second-place. Hughes was the runner-up with 53 first-place votes.
“I can’t give enough thanks to each and every one of my Avalanche teammates. Honestly, I owe them a ton of credit for my success this season and it’s a pleasure to compete with those guys,” Makar said on a televised call.
“To the coaching staff, obviously, thank you to the trust they showed in me through the entire season, and thank you to our trainers and everyone in the Avalanche administration for everything they did to help keep our focus on the ice. And then lastly, to the great fans of Denver. I’m extremely appreciative of the fantastic support you’ve shown me and our team.
But Makar wasn’t done. He also recognized Hockey Hall of Famer Bill Hay of Calgary. Hay and the Makar family have strong ties.
“To a lifetime family friend Bill Hay, who won the Calder in 1960 with Chicago. I’m happy to join the club. So thank you,” Makar said.
Makar is the first defenseman to win the Calder since Aaron Ekblad in 2015, and just the third in the last 16 years. Previous defensemen to win the award include Hockey Hall of Famers Brian Leetch (1989), Raymond Bourque (1980), Denis Potvin (1974), and Bobby Orr (1967).
Makar, selected by the Avalanche with the fourth pick of the 2017 draft, made his NHL debut in the 2019 playoffs, days after playing in the NCAA championship game for the Massachusetts Minutemen. He had 15 points in the 2020 playoffs, second-most among rookie defensemen in NHL history (Hughes had 16 in two more games this year).
Makar logged a career-high 32:01 in Game 7 of Colorado’s second-round loss to the Dallas Stars, who eliminated the Avs with a 5-4 victory in overtime.
MacKinnon, meanwhile, finished second in the Hart Trophy voting for the second time in three years. Draisaitl finished with 91 first-place votes and 1,309 points. MacKinnon was second with 48 and 1,162, respectively.
MacKinnon, surprisingly, did not make the NHL first-team all-star team, dropping to the second team. The three forwards on the first team were Draisaitl, Boston’s David Pastrnak and Panarin.
MacKinnon had 43 more points than the Avs’ second-leading scorer, Makar, and was instrumental in keeping injury-plagued Colorado in the win column with many of its best players out of the lineup for long periods of time.
MacKinnon was edged by then-New Jersey forward Taylor Hall for the 2018 Hart Trophy — largely because Hall had 41 more points than the Devils’ second-leading scorer.
But PHWA voters didn’t vote in that direction this year.
MacKinnon has produced three consecutive 90-point seasons, joining Joe Sakic and Forsberg as the only Avalanche players to do that. MacKinnon had 93 points in just 69 games this season — just six points shy of his 99 points in all 82 games in 2018-19.
Sakic (2001) and Forsberg (2003) remain Colorado’s only two Hart Trophy winners, and Sakic is the only Ted Lindsay Award winner (2001).