thedenverpost--2020-01-20--Raheem Mostert lifts 49ers to Super Bowl with win over Packers in NFC championship game

SANTA CLARA , Calif. — Raheem Mostert rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns to make quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo mostly a spectator , Nick Bosa harassed Aaron Rodgers from the start and the San Francisco 49ers beat the Green Bay Packers 37-20 for the NFC championship on Sunday .
The 49ers ( 15-3 ) advanced to their first Super Bowl in seven years and will play the Kansas City Chiefs in two weeks in Miami for the championship .
It ’ s been a remarkable turnaround for a team that won just 10 games in the first two seasons under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lynch and had the No .
2 pick in the most recent draft .
Now , San Francisco is one of two teams left standing after delivering a second thorough beating of the season to Rodgers and the Packers ( 14-4 ) .
The Niners are the third team to make it to the Super Bowl a year after winning four or fewer games , joining Cincinnati ( 1988 ) and the Rams ( 1999 ) .
Bosa , the prize for last year ’ s rough season as the No .
2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he ended Green Bay ’ s second drive of the game with a 13-yard sack of Rodgers .
Mostert , a former special teams standout , did much of the rest in a remarkable redemption story for a former surfer who was cut seven times and carried the ball only eight times in his first three seasons in the NFL .
But he has become a key part of the NFC ’ s top team this year , leading the Niners with 772 yards rushing in the regular season and delivering a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ title game .
He had the second-most yards rushing in a playoff game to Eric Dickerson ’ s 248 for the Rams on Jan. 4 , 1986 , and was the first player to rush for at least four TDs and 200 yards in a playoff game .
He got started when he burst 36 yards on a third-and-8 trap play to open the scoring on San Francisco ’ s second drive and kept ripping off long runs behind impressive blocking .
He added TD runs of 9 and 18 yards in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the half , becoming the only player in NFL history to rush for at least 150 yards and three TDs in the first half of a playoff game .
Mostert added a 22-yard TD run in the third quarter .
• After cashing in on QB gambles , 49ers and Chiefs are in Super Bowl LIV • WATCH : 49ers ’ Raheem Mostert scores 3 touchdowns in first half vs. Packers • Patrick Mahomes lifts Chiefs to first Super Bowl in 50 years in win over Titans • Packers vs. 49ers live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ championship game Rodgers and the Packers were unable to match that performance as they got overwhelmed by San Francisco ’ s dominant front for a second time this season .
Rodgers had a career-low 3.15 yards per attempt in a 37-8 loss here back in November and wasn ’ t much better in the first half of the rematch .
He lost a snap from center to end Green Bay ’ s only promising drive of the half , threw an interception to Emmanuel Moseley late in the half and didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season against the Niners until connecting on a 6-yard pass to Aaron Jones on the opening drive of the second quarter for his first third-down conversion in 18 attempts this season against the Niners .
Rodgers capped that drive with a 9-yard TD pass to Jones , but the game was too far out of hand by that point .
He led Green Bay to two more TDs and finished with 326 yards passing , but it wasn ’ t nearly enough as the Packers lost the NFC title game for the third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the 2010 season .
The Niners asked very little of Garoppolo , who threw only eight passes thanks to the big-play running game and lopsided score .
He went 24 minutes of game time between his sixth and seventh passes and finished with six completions for 77 yards .
Rodgers ’ two TD passes gave him 40 in his playoff career , breaking Brett Favre ’ s franchise record of 39 .
Rodgers also has seven straight playoff games with at least two TD throws , one shy of Joe Flacco ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amos left after injuring his pectoral muscle in the first half .
… CB Jaire Alexander left in the second half with a thumb injury .
49ers : RB Tevin Coleman left in the first half with a shoulder injury .
49ers : The team ’ s seventh appearance in the Super Bowl against the Chiefs on Feb. 2 .

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Raheem Mostert rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns to make quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo mostly a spectator, Nick Bosa harassed Aaron Rodgers from the start and the San Francisco 49ers beat the Green Bay Packers 37-20 for the NFC championship on Sunday.
The 49ers (15-3) advanced to their first Super Bowl in seven years and will play the Kansas City Chiefs in two weeks in Miami for the championship.
It’s been a remarkable turnaround for a team that won just 10 games in the first two seasons under coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch and had the No. 2 pick in the most recent draft.
Now, San Francisco is one of two teams left standing after delivering a second thorough beating of the season to Rodgers and the Packers (14-4). The Niners are the third team to make it to the Super Bowl a year after winning four or fewer games, joining Cincinnati (1988) and the Rams (1999).
Bosa, the prize for last year’s rough season as the No. 2 overall pick, helped set the tone when he ended Green Bay’s second drive of the game with a 13-yard sack of Rodgers.
Mostert, a former special teams standout, did much of the rest in a remarkable redemption story for a former surfer who was cut seven times and carried the ball only eight times in his first three seasons in the NFL.
But he has become a key part of the NFC’s top team this year, leading the Niners with 772 yards rushing in the regular season and delivering a performance for the ages in the NFC title game.
He had the second-most yards rushing in a playoff game to Eric Dickerson’s 248 for the Rams on Jan. 4, 1986, and was the first player to rush for at least four TDs and 200 yards in a playoff game.
He got started when he burst 36 yards on a third-and-8 trap play to open the scoring on San Francisco’s second drive and kept ripping off long runs behind impressive blocking.
He added TD runs of 9 and 18 yards in the second quarter and had 160 yards rushing at the half, becoming the only player in NFL history to rush for at least 150 yards and three TDs in the first half of a playoff game.
Mostert added a 22-yard TD run in the third quarter.
Rodgers and the Packers were unable to match that performance as they got overwhelmed by San Francisco’s dominant front for a second time this season.
Rodgers had a career-low 3.15 yards per attempt in a 37-8 loss here back in November and wasn’t much better in the first half of the rematch.
He lost a snap from center to end Green Bay’s only promising drive of the half, threw an interception to Emmanuel Moseley late in the half and didn’t convert his first third down of the season against the Niners until connecting on a 6-yard pass to Aaron Jones on the opening drive of the second quarter for his first third-down conversion in 18 attempts this season against the Niners.
Rodgers capped that drive with a 9-yard TD pass to Jones, but the game was too far out of hand by that point.
He led Green Bay to two more TDs and finished with 326 yards passing, but it wasn’t nearly enough as the Packers lost the NFC title game for the third time since their last Super Bowl trip following the 2010 season.
QUIET DAY
The Niners asked very little of Garoppolo, who threw only eight passes thanks to the big-play running game and lopsided score. He went 24 minutes of game time between his sixth and seventh passes and finished with six completions for 77 yards.
PASSING FAVRE
Rodgers’ two TD passes gave him 40 in his playoff career, breaking Brett Favre’s franchise record of 39. Rodgers also has seven straight playoff games with at least two TD throws, one shy of Joe Flacco‘s record.
INJURIES
Packers: S Adrian Amos left after injuring his pectoral muscle in the first half. … CB Jaire Alexander left in the second half with a thumb injury.
49ers: RB Tevin Coleman left in the first half with a shoulder injury.
UP NEXT
49ers: The team’s seventh appearance in the Super Bowl against the Chiefs on Feb. 2.


thedenverpost--2020-01-20--PHOTOS: 2020 Wild West Show at the National Western Stock Show

For the past 114 years , The National Western Stock Show has been a place to celebrate the Western Lifestyle @ @ @ @ @ offers an opportunity to step back in time and experience the legacy of the West @ @ @ @ @ of the old West .
The show includes Bronc riding , Texas Longhorns , Stagecoach @ @ @ @ @ , Indian dancers , Chuck wagon races , Escaramuza Flor de Aguilena riders , a @ @ @ @ @ Riders of the Steppes , Mexican Charros , bareback riding , indian dancing and more @

Payton Routier, 11, in the back, and Piper Yule, in front, ride their horses during the Stagecoach Robbery performance at the 2020 Wild West Show at the Cinch Arena in the Events Center at the National Western Stock Show on January 19, 2020 in Denver, Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-01-20--Howell: Some of Mel Tucker’s biggest recruiting wins this winter have come from within

With a class that ranks among the top 40 in the country , the Colorado football program is generating a good measure of excitement from its fan base on the recruiting trail .
Beating Pac-12 opponents and other Power 5 programs for Caleb Fauria , Christian Gonzalez , Jason Harris , Brenden Rice , Jake Wray and others has made this a good recruiting cycle for head coach Mel Tucker and his staff .
“ Recruiting is the lifeblood of your organization , ” Tucker said this week , repeating what many coaches around the country have said in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a daily task of his staff .
That daily process isn ’ t limited to convincing new players to join the Buffaloes , however .
Some of Tucker ’ s biggest wins in recruiting this winter have come from within : keeping KD Nixon in a CU uniform and hanging on to his entire coaching staff .
Certainly there is potential for the 2020 class to be impactful in CU ’ s future , but as far as the 2020 season goes , staff continuity and Nixon ’ s presence are huge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 465 yards and three touchdowns last season , initially announced his intention to declare for the NFL Draft , despite uncertainty that he ’ d even get selected .
Tucker supported Nixon , but kept in contact with him .
Nixon , who will be CU ’ s only senior skill position player on offense next fall , changed his mind and decided to stay in school .
“ It was important for me because I want these guys to graduate and I communicated that with him on multiple occasions , ” Tucker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all for guys going through the process , as well , and I think they should go through the process and try to figure out what ’ s best for them .
“ When he initially thought he would leave , he had my full support .
I wanted to make sure that he knew that if he decided he would change his mind and he wanted to come back that he could do that .
We had a spot for him and we wanted him to do that.
” Although Nixon wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoped to be this past season , his versatility could be a major boost to the offense next season .
Most important to Tucker is that Nixon is nearing his degree .
“ I anticipate him a year from now having his degree , ” Tucker said .
“ ( Within the team ) , he ’ s going to be a leader for us ; it ’ ll be the second year in this offense and there ’ s going to be some really good opportunities for him to be featured in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
We know what he can do .
I think it ’ s going to be really good for him , on the field and academically , and it ’ s going to be good for us.
” Also good for CU is that the entire group of 10 assistant coaches has remained intact , and it wasn ’ t easy to do that .
The coaching carousel has been spinning around the country over the past 6-7 weeks and CU assistants have had opportunities to leave , including offensive line coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Auburn and Missouri .
“ It ’ s sometimes hard to hang on to guys , ” Tucker said .
“ I ’ ve had schools make runs at my guys , some of my coaches .
I ’ ve had coaches turn down opportunities to go to other places – SEC schools – to stay here , which I feel good about , because they believe in the direction the program is going.
” Just 12 months ago , CU ’ s coaching staff was getting to know each other .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coaches he hired and many of them had not worked with each other .
It ’ s a group that grew together , however , and accomplished a lot of what Tucker had hoped for in the first year .
“ There is a process , not just with the players but also with the staff , of developing the staff , ” Tucker said .
“ Guys have to learn how to work together .
A lot of guys are working together for the first time .
• Best of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the brink of an Oregon Ducks Dynasty ?
“ This time of year is a really exciting time of the season for me .
You ’ ve already been through it together .
You ’ ve been through a year , been through a season and the ups and downs ; you ’ ve been through a recruiting cycle .
Now you ’ ve got time to step back , do scheme evaluation , roster evaluation.
” In addition to evaluating what CU has , the staff will work on projects and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next year ’ s schedule .
All of that will be smoother and , ideally , more efficient with a staff that is intact .
“ You make a lot of improvement as a staff from year one to year two , ” Tucker said .
Improvement is certainly needed after the Buffs put together their third consecutive 5-7 season .
Tucker ’ s recruiting efforts – both inside and outside the building – have put pieces in place to make that improvement possible .

With a class that ranks among the top 40 in the country, the Colorado football program is generating a good measure of excitement from its fan base on the recruiting trail.
Beating Pac-12 opponents and other Power 5 programs for Caleb Fauria, Christian Gonzalez, Jason Harris, Brenden Rice, Jake Wray and others has made this a good recruiting cycle for head coach Mel Tucker and his staff.
“Recruiting is the lifeblood of your organization,” Tucker said this week, repeating what many coaches around the country have said in the past, while adding that recruiting is a daily task of his staff.
That daily process isn’t limited to convincing new players to join the Buffaloes, however. Some of Tucker’s biggest wins in recruiting this winter have come from within: keeping KD Nixon in a CU uniform and hanging on to his entire coaching staff.
Certainly there is potential for the 2020 class to be impactful in CU’s future, but as far as the 2020 season goes, staff continuity and Nixon’s presence are huge.
Nixon, who caught 35 passes for 465 yards and three touchdowns last season, initially announced his intention to declare for the NFL Draft, despite uncertainty that he’d even get selected. Tucker supported Nixon, but kept in contact with him. Nixon, who will be CU’s only senior skill position player on offense next fall, changed his mind and decided to stay in school.
“It was important for me because I want these guys to graduate and I communicated that with him on multiple occasions,” Tucker said, “but I’m all for guys going through the process, as well, and I think they should go through the process and try to figure out what’s best for them.
“When he initially thought he would leave, he had my full support. I wanted to make sure that he knew that if he decided he would change his mind and he wanted to come back that he could do that. We had a spot for him and we wanted him to do that.”
Although Nixon wasn’t as productive as he had hoped to be this past season, his versatility could be a major boost to the offense next season. Most important to Tucker is that Nixon is nearing his degree.
“I anticipate him a year from now having his degree,” Tucker said. “(Within the team), he’s going to be a leader for us; it’ll be the second year in this offense and there’s going to be some really good opportunities for him to be featured in our offense with (coordinator Jay Johnson). We know what he can do. I think it’s going to be really good for him, on the field and academically, and it’s going to be good for us.”
Also good for CU is that the entire group of 10 assistant coaches has remained intact, and it wasn’t easy to do that. The coaching carousel has been spinning around the country over the past 6-7 weeks and CU assistants have had opportunities to leave, including offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic, who reportedly drew interest from Auburn and Missouri.
“It’s sometimes hard to hang on to guys,” Tucker said. “I’ve had schools make runs at my guys, some of my coaches. I’ve had coaches turn down opportunities to go to other places – SEC schools – to stay here, which I feel good about, because they believe in the direction the program is going.”
Just 12 months ago, CU’s coaching staff was getting to know each other. Tucker had never worked with some of the coaches he hired and many of them had not worked with each other. It’s a group that grew together, however, and accomplished a lot of what Tucker had hoped for in the first year.
“There is a process, not just with the players but also with the staff, of developing the staff,” Tucker said. “Guys have to learn how to work together. A lot of guys are working together for the first time.
“This time of year is a really exciting time of the season for me. You’ve already been through it together. You’ve been through a year, been through a season and the ups and downs; you’ve been through a recruiting cycle. Now you’ve got time to step back, do scheme evaluation, roster evaluation.”
In addition to evaluating what CU has, the staff will work on projects and studies to get ready for teams on next year’s schedule. All of that will be smoother and, ideally, more efficient with a staff that is intact.
“You make a lot of improvement as a staff from year one to year two,” Tucker said.
Improvement is certainly needed after the Buffs put together their third consecutive 5-7 season. Tucker’s recruiting efforts – both inside and outside the building – have put pieces in place to make that improvement possible.


thedenverpost--2020-01-20--CU Buffs’ Jeremy Cody breaks 7-foot barrier in high jump at AFA Invitational

The University of Colorado track and field program notched three victories Saturday in the final day of the Air Force Invitational , including sophomore high jumper Jeremy Cody who cleared the seven-feet mark for the first time .
Cody took the victory at 2.05 meters ( 6-8.75 ) on his second attempt , then continued to clear 2.10 meters ( 6-10.75 ) , also on his second attempt .
It took him just one attempt to break the 7-foot barrier at 2.14 meters ( 7-0.25 ) .
Cody ’ s clearance makes him the eighth Buff to clear the mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second CU athlete in the past 27 years to hit the 7-foot barrier .
The CU women took two victories in the final day of competition .
Dani Johnson led a stampede of Buffs in the 60-meter hurdles and Cheyenne Cheshier jumped 11.62-meters ( 38-1.5 ) in the triple jump , winning the meet on her second jump of the competition .
Johnson led a pair of sweeps as the Buffaloes took the first five spots in the prelims and then finished it off with the first four positions in the finals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Eriana Henderson in second and freshman Avery McMullen in third .
Valerie Welch was in fourth and Tamia Badal closed out the sweep in fifth .
In the finals , McMullen dropped out and the order stayed the same led by Johnson ’ s 8.49 seconds .
Henderson had a busy day as she doubled in the hurdles and the 60-meter dash .
The senior qualified with the fourth-best time but bettered her position in the finals to finish second overall .
She ran 7.66 seconds , the seventh-best mark in school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Davis Butte had the sixth-best mark in prelims at 8.40 but dropped out of the finals , making way for Kellen Monestime to run 8.37 seconds to finish fourth overall .
A pair of freshmen were in finals today , Badal and Jaida Drame .
Badal raced in the women ’ s 200 , placing fifth in a time of 25.57 seconds .
Drame finished fifth in the 400 , dropping nearly a second off her prelim time as she finished in 58.35 seconds .
Colorado enters a two-week break from meet competition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begins Thursday , Jan. 30 .

The University of Colorado track and field program notched three victories Saturday in the final day of the Air Force Invitational, including sophomore high jumper Jeremy Cody who cleared the seven-feet mark for the first time.
Cody took the victory at 2.05 meters (6-8.75) on his second attempt, then continued to clear 2.10 meters (6-10.75), also on his second attempt. It took him just one attempt to break the 7-foot barrier at 2.14 meters (7-0.25). Cody’s clearance makes him the eighth Buff to clear the mark indoors. He is also just the second CU athlete in the past 27 years to hit the 7-foot barrier.
The CU women took two victories in the final day of competition. Dani Johnson led a stampede of Buffs in the 60-meter hurdles and Cheyenne Cheshier jumped 11.62-meters (38-1.5) in the triple jump, winning the meet on her second jump of the competition.
Johnson led a pair of sweeps as the Buffaloes took the first five spots in the prelims and then finished it off with the first four positions in the finals. In the prelims, Johnson finished first with Eriana Henderson in second and freshman Avery McMullen in third. Valerie Welch was in fourth and Tamia Badal closed out the sweep in fifth. In the finals, McMullen dropped out and the order stayed the same led by Johnson’s 8.49 seconds.
Henderson had a busy day as she doubled in the hurdles and the 60-meter dash. The senior qualified with the fourth-best time but bettered her position in the finals to finish second overall. She ran 7.66 seconds, the seventh-best mark in school history.
Also in the hurdles, Davis Butte had the sixth-best mark in prelims at 8.40 but dropped out of the finals, making way for Kellen Monestime to run 8.37 seconds to finish fourth overall.
A pair of freshmen were in finals today, Badal and Jaida Drame. Badal raced in the women’s 200, placing fifth in a time of 25.57 seconds. Drame finished fifth in the 400, dropping nearly a second off her prelim time as she finished in 58.35 seconds.
Colorado enters a two-week break from meet competition in preparation for the Colorado Invitational that begins Thursday, Jan. 30.
RESULTS
Men’s 60 Hurdle Finals: 1. Jesus Serrano (BYU) 8.00; 4. Kellen Monestime (COLO) 8.37;
Men’s 60 Hurdle Prelims: 1. Andrew Doctor (CSU) 8.05; 6. Davis Butte (COLO) 8.40; 7. Kellen Monestime (COLO) 8.46; 9. Wyatt Rhoads (COLO) 8.63
Men’s High Jump: 1. Jeremy Cody (COLO) 2.14m (7-0.25); 12. Giancarlo Narvarte (COLO) 1.90m (6-2.75)
Men’s Pole Vault: 1. Kyle Pater (UNAT) 5.82m (19-1); 11. Davis Butte (COLO) 4.45m (14-7.25)
Men’s Shot Put: 1. Mariano Kis (CSU) 16.70m (54-9.5); 11. Henry Carlson (COLO) 12.97m (42-6.75); 12. Tyler Sconce (COLO) 12.93m (42-5.25); 14. Clayton Castro (COLO) 12.65m (41-6); 15. Lars Atkinson (COLO) 12.09m (39-8); 17. Ryan Ganson (COLO) 10.25m (33-7.5)
Women’s 60 Finals: 1. Briyana Bunson (CSU) 7.55; 2. Eriana Henderson (COLO) 7.66
Women’s 60 Prelims: 1. Briyana Bunson (CSU) 7.57; 4. Eriana Henderson (COLO) 7.75
Women’s 200 Finals: 1. Jaslyn Gardner (BYU) 24.38; 5. Tamia Badal (COLO) 25.57
Women’s 400 Finals: 1. Lauren Gale (UNAT) 55.42; 5. Jaida Drame (COLO) 58.35
Women’s 60 Hurdle Finals: 1. Dani Johnson (COLO) 8.49; 2. Eriana Henderson (COLO) 8.57; 3. Valerie Welch (COLO) 8.69; 4. Tamia Badal (COLO) 8.74
Women’s 60 Hurdle Prelims: 1. Dani Johnson (COLO) 8.51; 2. Eriana Henderson (COLO) 8.62; 3. Avery McMullen (COLO) 8.72; 4. Valerie Welch (COLO) 8.76; 5. Tamia Badal (COLO) 8.80; 12. Cheyenne Cheshier (COLO) 9.20
Women’s High Jump: 1. Liz Patterson (UNAT) 1.90m (6-2.75); 6. Kylee Harr (COLO) 1.70m (5-7)
Women’s Triple Jump: 1. Cheyenne Cheshier (COLO) 11.62m (38-1.5)
Women’s Shot Put: 1. Addison Henry (WYO) 14.48m (47-6.25); 9. Lauren Whyrick (COLO) 11.88m (38-11.75); 10. Gya’ni Sami (COLO) 10.89m (35-8.75)


thedenverpost--2020-01-20--Alan Turing’s stolen doctorate, knighthood medal recovered in Colorado

Federal officials say they recovered mathematician and World War II-era codebreaker Alan Turing ’ s doctoral degree , knighthood medal and other pieces of memorabilia in Colorado in 2018 , almost 36 years after they were stolen .
In filings in the U.S. District Court of Colorado on Friday , federal officials say they seized the British mathematician ’ s Princeton University degree , his Order of the British Empire medal and several photos , school reports and letters from his time at Sherborne School , a boarding school in Dorset , England .
According to the seizure notices , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of Colorado Boulder in January 2018 , saying she wanted to loan Alan Turing ’ s memorabilia to the library .
Archivists at the library determined the items were stolen from Sherborne in 1984 .
Based on her own admission to investigators and from Sherborne records , Julia Turing visited the school during a larger study of Alan Turing ’ s life and asked to see his archive , which was stored in a wooden box in a laboratory .
School officials said they found a note underneath the box after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me for taking these materials into my possession .
They will be well taken care of while under the care of my hands and shall one day all be returned to this spot .
”

By Dan Mika, BizWest Media/Prairie Mountain Media
Federal officials say they recovered mathematician and World War II-era codebreaker Alan Turing’s doctoral degree, knighthood medal and other pieces of memorabilia in Colorado in 2018, almost 36 years after they were stolen.
In filings in the U.S. District Court of Colorado on Friday, federal officials say they seized the British mathematician’s Princeton University degree, his Order of the British Empire medal and several photos, school reports and letters from his time at Sherborne School, a boarding school in Dorset, England.
According to the seizure notices, a woman named Julia Turing approached the University of Colorado Boulder in January 2018, saying she wanted to loan Alan Turing’s memorabilia to the library. Archivists at the library determined the items were stolen from Sherborne in 1984.
Based on her own admission to investigators and from Sherborne records, Julia Turing visited the school during a larger study of Alan Turing’s life and asked to see his archive, which was stored in a wooden box in a laboratory. School officials said they found a note underneath the box after the theft, reading: “Please forgive me for taking these materials into my possession. They will be well taken care of while under the care of my hands and shall one day all be returned to this spot.”
Read more at bizwest.com.


thedenverpost--2020-01-20--When it comes to unanimous Baseball Hall of Fame picks, Derek Jeter could be No. 2.

NEW YORK — When it comes to unanimous picks for baseball ’ s Hall of Fame , Derek Jeter quite appropriately has the chance to be No .
2 .
Yankees closer Mariano Rivera became the first player to appear on every ballot when he swept 425 votes in last year ’ s election .
Ken Griffey Jr. was three votes short perfection in 2016 , breaking the mark of five shy that had been held since 1992 by Tom Seaver .
Bill Madden , the longtime New York Daily News baseball writer , said attitudes had changed and Rivera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 % results from the Baseball Writers ’ Association of America , whose 2020 votes are announced Tuesday .
“ Nobody wants to be branded or held accountable on social media if they ’ re not voting for an obvious selection , ” Madden said Monday .
“ I could see people ’ s lives being threatened if they didn ’ t vote for Derek Jeter.
” Jeter was picked by all 201 voters tabulated through late afternoon Monday by Ryan Thibodaux ’ s Hall of Fame vote tracker , nearly half the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who hit .310 , Jeter led New York to five World Series titles and captained the Yankees for his final 11 1/2 seasons .
New York retired No .
2 in his honor , but Jeter has struggled for success in his post-playing days as CEO of the of the Miami Marlins .
Larry Walker , who hit 383 homers in a career boosted by nearly a decade of home games in the launching pad of Denver ’ s Coors Field , was at 170 ( 84.6 % ) .
Curt Schilling , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Boston , was next at 158 ( 78.6 % ) .
While Walker and Schilling were thus far above the 75 % threshold needed for election , percentages usually decline among the non-public ballots .
Attitudes have changed since the initial Hall vote in 1936 , when Ty Cobb was left off four ballots , Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner were omitted from 11 , Christy Mathewson from 21 and Walter Johnson from 37 .
Joe DiMaggio received one vote as an active player in 1945 , fell short in his first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elected in 1955 , when 28 voters left him off .
Yogi Berra was elected in his second appearance in 1972 after missing by 28 votes in his first try .
Willie Mays was deemed unworthy by 23 voters when he was elected in 1979 , and 52 bypassed Sandy Koufax when he was voted to the Hall in 1972 .
“ Mariano was the very best at what he did .
Derek Jeter will not be the very best at what he did , ” Thorn said .
“ The meaningfulness of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ herd mentality.
” Walker is on the BBWAA ballot for the 10th and final time after improving from 34.1 % in 2018 to 54.6 % last year .
Schilling is making his eighth appearance after going up from 51.2 % to 60.9 % .
He dropped from 52.3 % in 2016 to 45 % the following year and claimed his support dropped because he publicly supported the election of Donald Trump for president .
Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens , both tainted by accusations of steroids use , also are on for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-third of the vote in his first appearances in 2013 and both were at about 59 % last year .
Bonds was at 72.6 % on this year ’ s vote-tracker and Clemens at 71.6 % .
Manny Ramírez , suspended twice under Major League Baseball ’ s drug program , was at 31.8 % on the vote-tracker .
Sammy Sosa , another steroids-tainted star , was at 16.9 % .
• Kickin ’ it with Kiz : Here ’ s neatest magic trick new Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur could perform with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next year , when the most prominent players eligible for the first time are Torii Hunter and Mark Buehrle .
The 2022 ballot will include David Ortiz and Alex Rodriguez , who served a season-long suspension in 2014 for violations of the drug program and baseball ’ s collective bargaining agreement .
Joining the ballot in 2023 is newly tainted Carlos Beltrán , who quit as New York Mets manager last week after he was implicated in using electronics to steal signs with Houston in 2017 , his final season as a player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the older voters get lopped off the list because they haven ’ t covered a baseball game in decades , ” Thorn said , “ it makes the perceptions sharper so that younger voters are going to have attitudes that permit them to vote for Bonds or Clemens or Sosa or Schilling or any number of individuals with presumed black marks against their record.
” Players elected by the BBWAA will be inducted on July 26 at the Hall in Cooperstown , New York , along with catcher Ted Simmons and former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were voted in last month by the Hall ’ s Modern Era Committee .

NEW YORK — When it comes to unanimous picks for baseball’s Hall of Fame, Derek Jeter quite appropriately has the chance to be No. 2.
Yankees closer Mariano Rivera became the first player to appear on every ballot when he swept 425 votes in last year’s election. Ken Griffey Jr. was three votes short perfection in 2016, breaking the mark of five shy that had been held since 1992 by Tom Seaver.
Bill Madden, the longtime New York Daily News baseball writer, said attitudes had changed and Rivera’s performance could lead to more 100% results from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, whose 2020 votes are announced Tuesday.
“Nobody wants to be branded or held accountable on social media if they’re not voting for an obvious selection,” Madden said Monday. “I could see people’s lives being threatened if they didn’t vote for Derek Jeter.”
Jeter was picked by all 201 voters tabulated through late afternoon Monday by Ryan Thibodaux’s Hall of Fame vote tracker, nearly half the expected ballots. A 14-time All-Star shortstop who hit .310, Jeter led New York to five World Series titles and captained the Yankees for his final 11 1/2 seasons. New York retired No. 2 in his honor, but Jeter has struggled for success in his post-playing days as CEO of the of the Miami Marlins.
Larry Walker, who hit 383 homers in a career boosted by nearly a decade of home games in the launching pad of Denver’s Coors Field, was at 170 (84.6%). Curt Schilling, a three-time World Series champion for Arizona and Boston, was next at 158 (78.6%). While Walker and Schilling were thus far above the 75% threshold needed for election, percentages usually decline among the non-public ballots.
Attitudes have changed since the initial Hall vote in 1936, when Ty Cobb was left off four ballots, Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner were omitted from 11, Christy Mathewson from 21 and Walter Johnson from 37.
Joe DiMaggio received one vote as an active player in 1945, fell short in his first two ballot appearances after retirement and was elected in 1955, when 28 voters left him off. Yogi Berra was elected in his second appearance in 1972 after missing by 28 votes in his first try. Willie Mays was deemed unworthy by 23 voters when he was elected in 1979, and 52 bypassed Sandy Koufax when he was voted to the Hall in 1972.
John Thorn, Major League Baseball’s official historian, called last year’s election a precedent.
“Mariano was the very best at what he did. Derek Jeter will not be the very best at what he did,” Thorn said. “The meaningfulness of Mariano achieving unanimity just testifies to a herd mentality.”
Walker is on the BBWAA ballot for the 10th and final time after improving from 34.1% in 2018 to 54.6% last year.
Schilling is making his eighth appearance after going up from 51.2% to 60.9%. He dropped from 52.3% in 2016 to 45% the following year and claimed his support dropped because he publicly supported the election of Donald Trump for president.
Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, both tainted by accusations of steroids use, also are on for their eighth time. Each received just over one-third of the vote in his first appearances in 2013 and both were at about 59% last year. Bonds was at 72.6% on this year’s vote-tracker and Clemens at 71.6%.
Manny Ramírez, suspended twice under Major League Baseball’s drug program, was at 31.8% on the vote-tracker. Sammy Sosa, another steroids-tainted star, was at 16.9%.
Bonds and Clemens could benefit next year, when the most prominent players eligible for the first time are Torii Hunter and Mark Buehrle.
The 2022 ballot will include David Ortiz and Alex Rodriguez, who served a season-long suspension in 2014 for violations of the drug program and baseball’s collective bargaining agreement. Joining the ballot in 2023 is newly tainted Carlos Beltrán, who quit as New York Mets manager last week after he was implicated in using electronics to steal signs with Houston in 2017, his final season as a player.
“It seems to me that as the older voters get lopped off the list because they haven’t covered a baseball game in decades,” Thorn said, “it makes the perceptions sharper so that younger voters are going to have attitudes that permit them to vote for Bonds or Clemens or Sosa or Schilling or any number of individuals with presumed black marks against their record.”
Players elected by the BBWAA will be inducted on July 26 at the Hall in Cooperstown, New York, along with catcher Ted Simmons and former players’ association head Marvin Miller, who were voted in last month by the Hall’s Modern Era Committee.


thedenverpost--2020-01-20--Nazem Kadri, Nathan MacKinnon carry Avalanche to rout of Red Wings at the Pepsi Center

Avalanche fans enjoyed their annual red-letter day at the Pepsi Center .
Big games from Nazem Kadri ( two goals , three points ) , Nathan MacKinnon ( two goals ) Cale Makar ( two assists ) and Andre Burakovsky ( two assists ) on Monday carried the Avalanche to a 6-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings — its former Western Conference rival — in an MLK Day matinee at the Pepsi Center .
The Avs , who also got goals from Matt Nieto and Ryan Graves and strong goaltending from Pavel Francouz ( 22 saves ) , finished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them into an 11-day break between games .
Colorado ( 28-15-6 ) has 33 remaining games , beginning Feb. 1 at Philadelphia .
“ Really nice way to go into the break , ” said Makar , who logged a team-high 21:22 and regained the NHL rookie scoring lead with 37 points .
“ As a team , we ’ ve been just trying to figure things out , just play consistent every game , and I feel like through this home stretch we ’ ve been able to do that , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone 4-7-1 prior to the homestand .
“ It ’ s important — you want to go out and enjoy the break .
It feels like our team was under fire here , warranted or not , a week ago , 10 days ago , and here we are , it ’ s a five-game homestand and we go 3-0-2 , points in all five , ” Avs coach Jared Bednar said .
“ So I think it looks good on our team .
They worked hard .
They deserve it.
” • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Avalanche ’ s home ice hurt by transplants rooting for visiting teams ?
• Avalanche hosts the downtrodden Red Wings , the team it used to be • Kiszla : Cale Makar is only 21 years old .
But are we watching emergence of best defenseman in Avalanche history ?
Lowly Detroit ( 12-34-4 ) saw its winless streak stretch to five games ( 0-4-1 ) .
The Red Wings took a 1-0 lead into the second period and were looking strong in front of goalie Jimmy Howard , who made 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shots after the second until Colorado got two early third-period goals from Kadri and Nieto to blow the game open .
Howard , who fell to 2-18-2 on the season , was looking for his first win since Oct. 29 against Edmonton .
MacKinnon ’ s two goals gave him 30 for the season , tying Joe Sakic for a franchise-record three-consecutive 30-goal seasons .
MacKinnon became the fourth 30-goal scorer this season , joining Boston ’ s David Pastrnak ( 37 ) , Washington ’ s Alex Ovechkin ( 34 ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kadri ’ s first goal tied it 1-1 and came on the power play , but the Avs otherwise continued to struggle on the man-advantage , going was 1 for 5 .
They are now 2 for 25 in their last eight games .
“ That was a momentum changer for us , just being able to execute on the power play and finally just buy one , ” Kadri said .
“ I think we ’ ve been getting a lot of opportunities and we felt like it was coming soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us.
” Footnotes .
Tyson Jost assisted on Nieto ’ s goal and had five shots in what Bednar said was the best game of the season for the 21-year-old forward .
… Colorado was an impressive 37-27 on faceoffs .
… Former Avs defenseman Patrik Nemeth was a plus-3 for the Red Wings .
… The Avs ’ scratches were forward Joonas Donskoi and defenseman Mark Barberio .
Donskoi , who is recovering from a concussion , missed his fifth consecutive game , but this one for precautionary reasons .

Avalanche fans enjoyed their annual red-letter day at the Pepsi Center.
Big games from Nazem Kadri (two goals, three points), Nathan MacKinnon (two goals) Cale Makar (two assists) and Andre Burakovsky (two assists) on Monday carried the Avalanche to a 6-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings — its former Western Conference rival — in an MLK Day matinee at the Pepsi Center.
The Avs, who also got goals from Matt Nieto and Ryan Graves and strong goaltending from Pavel Francouz (22 saves), finished 3-0-2 in a five-game homestand that takes them into an 11-day break between games. Colorado (28-15-6) has 33 remaining games, beginning Feb. 1 at Philadelphia.
“Really nice way to go into the break,” said Makar, who logged a team-high 21:22 and regained the NHL rookie scoring lead with 37 points. “As a team, we’ve been just trying to figure things out, just play consistent every game, and I feel like through this home stretch we’ve been able to do that, for the most part.”
The Avs had gone 4-7-1 prior to the homestand.
“It’s important — you want to go out and enjoy the break. It feels like our team was under fire here, warranted or not, a week ago, 10 days ago, and here we are, it’s a five-game homestand and we go 3-0-2, points in all five,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said. “So I think it looks good on our team. They worked hard. They deserve it.”
Lowly Detroit (12-34-4) saw its winless streak stretch to five games (0-4-1). The Red Wings took a 1-0 lead into the second period and were looking strong in front of goalie Jimmy Howard, who made 18 first-period saves and stopped 32 of 34 shots after the second until Colorado got two early third-period goals from Kadri and Nieto to blow the game open.
Howard, who fell to 2-18-2 on the season, was looking for his first win since Oct. 29 against Edmonton.
MacKinnon’s two goals gave him 30 for the season, tying Joe Sakic for a franchise-record three-consecutive 30-goal seasons. MacKinnon became the fourth 30-goal scorer this season, joining Boston’s David Pastrnak (37), Washington’s Alex Ovechkin (34) and Auston Matthews (34) of Toronto.
Kadri’s first goal tied it 1-1 and came on the power play, but the Avs otherwise continued to struggle on the man-advantage, going was 1 for 5. They are now 2 for 25 in their last eight games.
“That was a momentum changer for us, just being able to execute on the power play and finally just buy one,” Kadri said. “I think we’ve been getting a lot of opportunities and we felt like it was coming soon and it was definitely a big goal for us.”
Footnotes. Tyson Jost assisted on Nieto’s goal and had five shots in what Bednar said was the best game of the season for the 21-year-old forward. … Colorado was an impressive 37-27 on faceoffs. … Former Avs defenseman Patrik Nemeth was a plus-3 for the Red Wings. … The Avs’ scratches were forward Joonas Donskoi and defenseman Mark Barberio. Donskoi, who is recovering from a concussion, missed his fifth consecutive game, but this one for precautionary reasons.


thedenverpost--2020-01-20--Guest Commentary: I work for the private prison that’ll close in March. Here’s our real record.

In November of 2019 , the residents and the men and women who work at the Cheyenne Mountain Re-entry Center in Colorado Springs received some startling news .
The governor and the Colorado Department of Corrections had targeted the facility , which provides contract prison services , for closure in June 2020 .
Since the announcement and ensuing budget hearings in the legislature , we have been challenged to keep and attract staff at the facility .
These factors forced our company to take the unprecedented step of accelerating the closure of the facility to March .
After the closure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some criticism about our operation , so I wanted to share some facts about the Cheyenne Mountain Re-entry Center and our state prison system .
In 2019 , I retired from DOC after 30 years of service .
I began as an officer and held several roles , including incident review manager , the associate director of the private prison monitoring unit , an associate warden , warden , and deputy director of prison operations .
I have worked at eight facilities at every custody level , with all ages and genders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities .
In December 2019 , I became the acting facility director at Cheyenne Mountain .
A prison , whether operated directly by the state or by a contractor , is a challenging environment to manage and it faces operational and programmatic issues every day .
Since arriving , I have assessed the operational and cultural aspects of Cheyenne Mountain and can attest that offenders are safe , staff wellness is appropriate , and the facility is secure .
Employees work hard and are committed to providing support services to the clientele they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing programs and services during 2019 , including substance abuse , sex offender training , anger management , depression , mental health , general education , technical skills , family , parenting and employment planning .
And medical care is provided for inmates 24 hours a day , seven days a week .
I can attest that security components are sound , as indicated by the most recent security audit and vulnerability assessment conducted by DOC .
Cheyenne Mountain also achieved national accreditation through the American Correctional Association in July 2019 .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the importance of holding contract facilities accountable and ensuring they adhere to their contracts , policies and procedures .
The DOC established the private prison monitoring unit , where I formerly worked , to monitor contractor-operated facilities at a level and frequency that is not conducted at state facilities .
Cheyenne Mountain receives four separate and extensive state audits each month .
The audits cover all aspects of operations , including facilities , programs , clinical , mental health , and security .
The average number of hours documented for facility audits each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months of January through November of 2019 , facility audits identified an average of the following : 67 items that met standards/best practices ; five items which were unresolved ( handled on location by staff and do not require follow-up ) ; and one item which was recurring ( requires a plan of action ) .
Of the 73 items measured at Cheyenne Mountain , 91.8 % met standards/best practices .
Again , state operate facilities are not subject to the same criteria and level of measurement .
Cheyenne Mountain has played an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society , and we have always sought to collaborate with the DOC to provide sound services to offenders and public safety to the citizens of Colorado .
The employees of Cheyenne Mountain and I are proud of our track record and the work we have done on behalf of those in our care .
Since news broke in November that the state wanted to close Cheyenne Mountain , there has been a direct impact on the facility and the lives of approximately 180 employees and 650 residents .
Hiring events are underway to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents have begun to transition to other facilities .
Operationally , Cheyenne Mountain will continue to conduct programming , complete parole plans , provide services to the offender population , and maintain a secure facility .
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 .

In November of 2019, the residents and the men and women who work at the Cheyenne Mountain Re-entry Center in Colorado Springs received some startling news. The governor and the Colorado Department of Corrections had targeted the facility, which provides contract prison services, for closure in June 2020.
Since the announcement and ensuing budget hearings in the legislature, we have been challenged to keep and attract staff at the facility. These factors forced our company to take the unprecedented step of accelerating the closure of the facility to March. After the closure announcement last week, there has been some criticism about our operation, so I wanted to share some facts about the Cheyenne Mountain Re-entry Center and our state prison system.
In 2019, I retired from DOC after 30 years of service. I began as an officer and held several roles, including incident review manager, the associate director of the private prison monitoring unit, an associate warden, warden, and deputy director of prison operations. I have worked at eight facilities at every custody level, with all ages and genders, and provided direct oversight for all state facilities.
In December 2019, I became the acting facility director at Cheyenne Mountain. A prison, whether operated directly by the state or by a contractor, is a challenging environment to manage and it faces operational and programmatic issues every day. Since arriving, I have assessed the operational and cultural aspects of Cheyenne Mountain and can attest that offenders are safe, staff wellness is appropriate, and the facility is secure.
Employees work hard and are committed to providing support services to the clientele they serve. Cheyenne Mountain offered over two-dozen ongoing programs and services during 2019, including substance abuse, sex offender training, anger management, depression, mental health, general education, technical skills, family, parenting and employment planning. And medical care is provided for inmates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I can attest that security components are sound, as indicated by the most recent security audit and vulnerability assessment conducted by DOC. Cheyenne Mountain also achieved national accreditation through the American Correctional Association in July 2019.
From my years of service, I understand the importance of holding contract facilities accountable and ensuring they adhere to their contracts, policies and procedures. The DOC established the private prison monitoring unit, where I formerly worked, to monitor contractor-operated facilities at a level and frequency that is not conducted at state facilities. Cheyenne Mountain receives four separate and extensive state audits each month. The audits cover all aspects of operations, including facilities, programs, clinical, mental health, and security. The average number of hours documented for facility audits each month is approximately 336. For the months of January through November of 2019, facility audits identified an average of the following: 67 items that met standards/best practices; five items which were unresolved (handled on location by staff and do not require follow-up); and one item which was recurring (requires a plan of action).
Of the 73 items measured at Cheyenne Mountain, 91.8% met standards/best practices. Again, state operate facilities are not subject to the same criteria and level of measurement.
Cheyenne Mountain has played an important role in re-integrating inmates back into society, and we have always sought to collaborate with the DOC to provide sound services to offenders and public safety to the citizens of Colorado.
The employees of Cheyenne Mountain and I are proud of our track record and the work we have done on behalf of those in our care. Since news broke in November that the state wanted to close Cheyenne Mountain, there has been a direct impact on the facility and the lives of approximately 180 employees and 650 residents. Hiring events are underway to assist employees in evaluating their options and residents have begun to transition to other facilities. Operationally, Cheyenne Mountain will continue to conduct programming, complete parole plans, provide services to the offender population, and maintain a secure facility.
Sean Foster is acting facility director at Cheyenne Mountain Re-entry Center.
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.


thedenverpost--2020-01-20--Larry Walker’s Hall of Fame fate arrives Tuesday with a close vote expected

Be it ecstasy or agony , the long wait is nearly over for Larry Walker .
Tuesday afternoon , the former Rockies all-star right fielder will find out if he ’ s been elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame .
Indications are that the vote will be extremely close , that Walker will either barely clear the 75 % vote total needed or come up achingly short in his 10th and final year on the ballot .
Walker ’ s fate rests in the hands of the estimated 412 members of the Baseball Writers ’ Association of America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on results revealed through Monday via the Baseball Hall of Fame Vote Tracker , Walker had received a yes vote of 85.0 % .
However , only 193 ballots had been made public , leaving an estimated 219 votes unknown .
In order to get elected , Walker will need to garner 65.9 % of the unknown votes .
That ’ s a tall order .
The votes for this year ’ s Hall will be announced starting at 4 p.m. on the MLB Network , with a live stream at MLB.com .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who runs the Baseball Hall of Fame Vote Tracker , predicted that Walker would receive between 74 % to 76 % of the vote .
That prediction still looks accurate .
“ Walker was on 65.9 % of the 232 pre-results public ballots last year , ” Thibodaux explained .
“ His final result was 54.6 % , so he fell 11.3 % to the true finish.
” Walker played the bulk of his 17-year career in Colorado , but also played for the Montreal Expos and St. Louis Cardinals .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winner and the 1997 National League MVP .
He played his final game Oct. 2 , 2005 , as a member of the Cardinals .
Walker ’ s Hall of Fame election — or snub — could set a precedent for Rockies players in the future who will likely have to battle the stigma of putting up big numbers at hitter-friendly Coors Field .
First baseman Todd Helton , on the Hall of Fame ballot for the second time , has received 33.3 % of the votes made public this year .
Helton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year .
Last year , Mariners legend Edgar Martinez was elected in his final year on the ballot .
Before him , five previous players were elected in their final year of BBWAA eligibility : Tim Raines ( 2017 ) , Jim Rice ( 2009 ) , Ralph Kiner ( 1975 ) , Joe Medwick ( 1968 ) and Red Ruffing ( 1967 ) .
If Walker is not elected , he could get another shot relatively soon .
The Hall of Fame has four separate veteran ’ s era committees vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Today ’ s Game ” era — which considers contributions from 1988 to the present — is scheduled to convene in the fall of 2021 for inclusion in the Class of ’ 22 .
Walker could make it to Cooperstown via that path .

Be it ecstasy or agony, the long wait is nearly over for Larry Walker.
Tuesday afternoon, the former Rockies all-star right fielder will find out if he’s been elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Indications are that the vote will be extremely close, that Walker will either barely clear the 75% vote total needed or come up achingly short in his 10th and final year on the ballot.
Walker’s fate rests in the hands of the estimated 412 members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America who are eligible to vote. Based on results revealed through Monday via the Baseball Hall of Fame Vote Tracker, Walker had received a yes vote of 85.0%. However, only 193 ballots had been made public, leaving an estimated 219 votes unknown. In order to get elected, Walker will need to garner 65.9% of the unknown votes. That’s a tall order.
The votes for this year’s Hall will be announced starting at 4 p.m. on the MLB Network, with a live stream at MLB.com.
Two weeks ago, Ryan Thibodaux, who runs the Baseball Hall of Fame Vote Tracker, predicted that Walker would receive between 74% to 76% of the vote. That prediction still looks accurate.
“Walker was on 65.9% of the 232 pre-results public ballots last year,” Thibodaux explained. “His final result was 54.6%, so he fell 11.3% to the true finish.”
Walker played the bulk of his 17-year career in Colorado, but also played for the Montreal Expos and St. Louis Cardinals. He was a five-time all-star, seven-time Gold Glove winner and the 1997 National League MVP. He played his final game Oct. 2, 2005, as a member of the Cardinals.
Walker’s Hall of Fame election — or snub — could set a precedent for Rockies players in the future who will likely have to battle the stigma of putting up big numbers at hitter-friendly Coors Field. First baseman Todd Helton, on the Hall of Fame ballot for the second time, has received 33.3% of the votes made public this year. Helton received 16.5% of the actual vote last year.
Last year, Mariners legend Edgar Martinez was elected in his final year on the ballot. Before him, five previous players were elected in their final year of BBWAA eligibility: Tim Raines (2017), Jim Rice (2009), Ralph Kiner (1975), Joe Medwick (1968) and Red Ruffing (1967).
If Walker is not elected, he could get another shot relatively soon. The Hall of Fame has four separate veteran’s era committees vote on a rotating basis, and the “Today’s Game” era — which considers contributions from 1988 to the present — is scheduled to convene in the fall of 2021 for inclusion in the Class of ’22. Walker could make it to Cooperstown via that path.


thedenverpost--2020-01-20--Windsor crushes Roosevelt in blowout win

The Windsor Wizards easily defeated the Roosevelt Roughriders by a score of 84-48 on Tuesday .
Ben Hageman lead Windsor @ @ @ @ @ also collecting seven rebounds and four assists .
Lance Mcginnis and Chase Eastin also had @ @ @ @ @ and 10 points , respectively .
Both teams will go on the road in their @ @ @ @ @ heading to play Erie and Roosevelt taking on Skyline .
Roosevelt has not reported any @ @ @ @ @ this contest .
This story was created with technology provided by Data Skrive .
Information @ @ @ @ @ will update as more data is available .

The Windsor Wizards easily defeated the Roosevelt Roughriders by a score of 84-48 on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
Windsor was paced in scoring by Ben Hageman who scored 18 points while also collecting seven rebounds and four assists. Lance Mcginnis and Chase Eastin also had respectable games contributing 14 points and 10 points, respectively.
Roosevelt was paced in scoring by Keaton Kaiser who accounted for 12 points, while also collecting one rebound and two assists. Devean Patrick helped by chipping in 10 points and seven rebounds.
Both teams will go on the road in their next contest, with Windsor heading to play Erie and Roosevelt taking on Skyline.
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This story was created with technology provided by Data Skrive. Information accurate as of publication and will update as more data is available.


thedenverpost--2020-01-20--Sargent wins big over Custer County, 63-33

The Sargent Farmers easily handled the Custer County Bobcats by a score of 63-33 on Saturday .
Blake Behil lead @ @ @ @ @ while also collecting five rebounds and three assists .
Kage Pepper aided the effort by @ @ @ @ @ rebounds , and three assists .
Both teams will go on the road in their @ @ @ @ @ heading to play Creede and Custer County taking on Primero .
Custer County has not @ @ @ @ @ statistics from this contest .
This story was created with technology provided by Data Skrive @ @ @ @ @ publication and will update as more data is available .

The Sargent Farmers easily put away the Custer County Bobcats by a score of 63-33 on Saturday.
Sargent was paced in scoring by Blake Behil who scored 21 points while also recording five rebounds and three assists. Kage Pepper and Ryan Holland also had respectable games contributing 17 points and 10 points, respectively.
Both teams will go on the road in their next contest, with Sargent heading to play Creede and Custer County taking on Primero.
Custer County has not reported any team or player statistics from this contest.
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This story was created with technology provided by Data Skrive. Information accurate as of publication and will update as more data is available.


thedenverpost--2020-01-20--Lone Star narrowly defeats Bethune

Lone Star narrowly defeats Bethune

Bethune narrowly lost to Lone Star in a 34-32 showdown on Saturday .
Looking ahead to their next games , @ @ @ @ @ play Arickaree/Woodlin , while Lone Star will travel to play Weldon Valley .
No team @ @ @ @ @ reported for this contest .
This story was created with technology provided by Data Skrive @ @ @ @ @ publication and will update as more data is available .

Bethune narrowly lost to Lone Star in a 34-32 showdown on Saturday.
Lone Star was lead in scoring by Wyatt Lockwood who scored 11 points. Brady Kuntz had a productive night, scoring nine points.
Bethune will play host to Arickaree/Woodlin, while Lone Star will travel to play Weldon Valley.
Bethune has not reported any team or player statistics from this contest.
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This story was created with technology provided by Data Skrive. Information accurate as of publication and will update as more data is available.


thedenverpost--2020-01-20--Kim/Branson prevails over McClave, 69-57

Kim/Branson beat the McClave Cardinals by a score of 69-57 on Saturday .
Both teams will go on the road @ @ @ @ @ with Kim/Branson heading to play Cheraw and McClave taking on Springfield .
No team or @ @ @ @ @ for this contest .
This story was created with technology provided by Data Skrive .
@ @ @ @ @ and will update as more data is available .

McClave could not overcome Kim/Branson in 69-57 loss on Saturday.
Kim/Branson was paced in scoring by Elijah Aragon who put up 17 points while also collecting four rebounds and three assists. Kinton Shannon had a productive night, recording nine points, two rebounds and two assists.
Both teams will go on the road in their next contest, with Kim/Branson heading to play Cheraw and McClave taking on Springfield.
McClave has not reported any team or player statistics from this contest.
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thedenverpost--2020-01-20--Sedgwick County is victorious over Wiggins, 39-22

Wiggins could not overcome Sedgwick County in 39-22 loss on Saturday .
Both teams will go on the road in @ @ @ @ @ Sedgwick County heading to play Peetz and Wiggins taking on Yuma .
No team or @ @ @ @ @ for this contest .
This story was created with technology provided by Data Skrive .
@ @ @ @ @ and will update as more data is available .

Sedgwick County defeated the Wiggins Tigers by a score of 39-22 on Saturday.
Both teams will go on the road in their next contest, with Sedgwick County heading to play Peetz and Wiggins taking on Yuma.
No team or player statistics have been reported for this contest.
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This story was created with technology provided by Data Skrive. Information accurate as of publication and will update as more data is available.


thedenverpost--2020-01-21--Ask Amy: Long-ago abuse brings on questions now

Dear Amy : About 15 years ago ( in high school ) , a close friend of mine was sexually assaulted at my house during a party I hosted while my parents were away .
It happened overnight in the guest room by a then-trusted boy ( a platonic friend ) from another school .
I remember her calmly waking me up that night asking if she could sleep in my room .
The next day the boy was gone , and she told me what had happened .
Our assessment at that time was : “ Ugh , what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ’ d gone home after the party and had to take several showers .
A few weeks later he dropped by our school and she ran to the bathroom and vomited into the toilet .
Despite all of this , I never asked her about it , and I now feel terrible .
We ’ ve remained close over the years .
We were bridesmaids in each other ’ s weddings and had our children in the same year .
Although we visit each other several times a year , our communication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brief texts to plan the next visit .
About a year ago , my family and I were at her home when I noticed that she had a book on overcoming trauma .
I immediately thought of that night in high school .
Now I think about it all the time .
I ’ m wracked with guilt that it happened in my house , that I didn ’ t do more , and that I never asked her about it .
Should I ask her about it , and if so , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring up painful memories for her in order to alleviate my own guilt .
Dear Bad Friend : Your plaintive question is yet another example of how the impact of sexual assault ripples outward .
Sexual assault has been much in the news lately , not because it is happening more often , but because we are finally talking about it !
Yes , you should talk to your friend .
When you don ’ t know how to say something , you can start with : “ I ’ m not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You do not want to offload all of your feelings of guilt .
You DO want to create a safe space for her to say whatever she wants to say , including , possibly , “ I really don ’ t want to talk about this.
” Because you two do not maintain regular verbal contact , send a text : “ Hey , I have something I want to talk to you about .
Can you set aside some time so we can have a private call ?
” Tolerate some silence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love you ; you are important to me .
I hate the fact that you were hurt.
” If she says , “ Oh , I never think about it , ” then you can respond , “ Well , I ’ ve felt bad about this for a long time , and I hope you ’ re OK. ” Dear Amy : I am a 57-year-old woman .
I want to encourage those interested in meeting a potential partner online not to give up .
Four years ago , after a breakup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of free dating sites .
I met different gentlemen for coffee two or three times a week for a year .
This was not a date .
It was a meeting in a public place to discover whether we had any interest in scheduling a date .
I never felt unsafe or threatened .
During that year , I met 103 different men .
Eleven of those encounters ended with us making plans .
( Ninety percent of the time I realized that I was not interested . )
Ten of the men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of experiences — from one dinner , to dating for several weeks or months .
Fortunately , regardless of what else I was doing , I continued my coffee meetings .
Number 103 turned out to be the love of my life , and we have been happily married for three years now .
My philosophy was , “ It ’ s a half-hour of my life , a cup of coffee … what do I have to lose ?
” By the way , I had 103 meetings , but my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am so grateful that I didn ’ t give up .
Dear Happy : This is impressive .
Thank you for the useful primer .
Here ’ s to # 103 !
Dear Amy : I appreciated your advice for “ Clueless , ” the hopelessly shy guy who wanted to meet potential friends and perhaps a romantic partner .
He might also have success if he volunteers for a cause he believes in .
Dear Been There : Absolutely .
Conversation is easier when you are working alongside other people .

Dear Amy: About 15 years ago (in high school), a close friend of mine was sexually assaulted at my house during a party I hosted while my parents were away.
It happened overnight in the guest room by a then-trusted boy (a platonic friend) from another school.
I remember her calmly waking me up that night asking if she could sleep in my room. The next day the boy was gone, and she told me what had happened. Our assessment at that time was: “Ugh, what a creep!” She told me she’d gone home after the party and had to take several showers. A few weeks later he dropped by our school and she ran to the bathroom and vomited into the toilet.
Despite all of this, I never asked her about it, and I now feel terrible.
We’ve remained close over the years. We were bridesmaids in each other’s weddings and had our children in the same year. Although we visit each other several times a year, our communication between visits tends to be limited to brief texts to plan the next visit.
About a year ago, my family and I were at her home when I noticed that she had a book on overcoming trauma.
I immediately thought of that night in high school. Now I think about it all the time. I’m wracked with guilt that it happened in my house, that I didn’t do more, and that I never asked her about it.
Should I ask her about it, and if so, how? I don’t want to bring up painful memories for her in order to alleviate my own guilt.
— Bad Friend
Dear Bad Friend: Your plaintive question is yet another example of how the impact of sexual assault ripples outward. Sexual assault has been much in the news lately, not because it is happening more often, but because we are finally talking about it!
Yes, you should talk to your friend. When you don’t know how to say something, you can start with: “I’m not really sure how to say this…” You do not want to offload all of your feelings of guilt. You DO want to create a safe space for her to say whatever she wants to say, including, possibly, “I really don’t want to talk about this.”
Because you two do not maintain regular verbal contact, send a text: “Hey, I have something I want to talk to you about. Can you set aside some time so we can have a private call?”
Tolerate some silence. Tell your friend, “I love you; you are important to me. I hate the fact that you were hurt.” If she says, “Oh, I never think about it,” then you can respond, “Well, I’ve felt bad about this for a long time, and I hope you’re OK.”
Dear Amy: I am a 57-year-old woman. I want to encourage those interested in meeting a potential partner online not to give up.
Four years ago, after a breakup, I posted profiles on a couple of free dating sites. I met different gentlemen for coffee two or three times a week for a year. This was not a date. It was a meeting in a public place to discover whether we had any interest in scheduling a date.
I never felt unsafe or threatened. During that year, I met 103 different men. Eleven of those encounters ended with us making plans. (Ninety percent of the time I realized that I was not interested.)
Ten of the men and I went on to have a range of experiences — from one dinner, to dating for several weeks or months.
Fortunately, regardless of what else I was doing, I continued my coffee meetings. Number 103 turned out to be the love of my life, and we have been happily married for three years now.
My philosophy was, “It’s a half-hour of my life, a cup of coffee … what do I have to lose?”
By the way, I had 103 meetings, but my husband only had one: me!
I am so grateful that I didn’t give up.
— Happy With #103
Dear Happy: This is impressive. Thank you for the useful primer. Here’s to #103!
Dear Amy: I appreciated your advice for “Clueless,” the hopelessly shy guy who wanted to meet potential friends and perhaps a romantic partner.
He might also have success if he volunteers for a cause he believes in.
— Been There
Dear Been There: Absolutely. Conversation is easier when you are working alongside other people.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-01-21--CU basketball drops to No. 23 but still ties program rankings mark

Colorado got back to work on Monday facing twin challenges — preparing for a Washington State club riding a somewhat surprising surge of momentum , while also addressing the rebounding woes that hurt the Buffaloes during their weekend split in Arizona .
Nevertheless , a small piece of program history was made on Monday .
Though the Buffs dropped three spots in the weekly AP Top 25 poll , moving from No .
20 to No .
23 following Saturday ’ s 21-point loss at Arizona , this week will mark the eighth week this season CU has appeared in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chauncey Billups-led club of 1996-97 for the most in program history .
The ’ 96-97 squad peaked at No .
15 in the first two weeks of February and was ranked for seven weeks during the regular season before finishing at No .
24 in the final poll of the season , shortly after reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament .
This year ’ s club has been ranked at every spot between 20 and 25 except No .
22 .
Perhaps predictably , head coach Tad Boyle was less concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was the state of his team on Monday as the Buffs began preparations for Thursday ’ s visit from Washington State ( 8 p.m. , Pac-12 Network ) .
“ I think it says more about the state of college basketball this year than it does something about the Colorado Buffaloes , ” Boyle said .
“ There are a lot of teams like us that are inconsistent .
You win at home , and then you ’ ve got some head-scratching losses .
I look at West Virginia losing at K-State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ Huh , how did that happen ?
’ When you see things like that happen , it tells you that it ’ s just not us .
But for us to differentiate ourselves , the only way we do that is by winning games that , quote-unquote , we weren ’ t supposed to win .
Arizona was one of those , even though we were ranked and they weren ’ t. ” After Saturday ’ s loss at Arizona in which CU was outrebounded 39-25 , point guard McKinley Wright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Boyle the Buffs go through some box-out drills with a bubble over the basket to re-sharpen the team ’ s suddenly AWOL rebounding skills .
On Monday , Boyle said Wright “ didn ’ t have to ” make that suggestion , as the Buffs went through an intense practice focused on regaining an edge on the glass that has been a team strength for much of the season .
The Buffs also endured a film session reviewing Saturday ’ s loss that magnified what disappointed Boyle the most .
Winning in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gaining splits on the road probably will keep the Buffs in contention for the conference crown as long as they take care of business at home .
But winning at home or on the road won ’ t occur consistently enough if the Buffs do not compete better than what they showed on Saturday .
“ The disappointing thing about the Arizona loss after watching the tape is that I just didn ’ t feel like we competed as hard we needed to .
That ’ s disheartening , ” Boyle said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I haven ’ t lost faith in them by any means .
I know this is a competitive group .
But for whatever reason , we didn ’ t want to compete with Arizona on Saturday .
We didn ’ t .
We have to live with that .
”

Colorado got back to work on Monday facing twin challenges — preparing for a Washington State club riding a somewhat surprising surge of momentum, while also addressing the rebounding woes that hurt the Buffaloes during their weekend split in Arizona.
Nevertheless, a small piece of program history was made on Monday.
Though the Buffs dropped three spots in the weekly AP Top 25 poll, moving from No. 20 to No. 23 following Saturday’s 21-point loss at Arizona, this week will mark the eighth week this season CU has appeared in the top 25. That matches the Chauncey Billups-led club of 1996-97 for the most in program history.
The ’96-97 squad peaked at No. 15 in the first two weeks of February and was ranked for seven weeks during the regular season before finishing at No. 24 in the final poll of the season, shortly after reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament. This year’s club has been ranked at every spot between 20 and 25 except No. 22.
Perhaps predictably, head coach Tad Boyle was less concerned about matching that program historical mark than he was the state of his team on Monday as the Buffs began preparations for Thursday’s visit from Washington State (8 p.m., Pac-12 Network).
“I think it says more about the state of college basketball this year than it does something about the Colorado Buffaloes,” Boyle said. “There are a lot of teams like us that are inconsistent. You win at home, and then you’ve got some head-scratching losses. I look at West Virginia losing at K-State by 18. It’s like, ‘Huh, how did that happen?’ When you see things like that happen, it tells you that it’s just not us. But for us to differentiate ourselves, the only way we do that is by winning games that, quote-unquote, we weren’t supposed to win. Arizona was one of those, even though we were ranked and they weren’t.”
After Saturday’s loss at Arizona in which CU was outrebounded 39-25, point guard McKinley Wright IV said he was going to suggest to Boyle the Buffs go through some box-out drills with a bubble over the basket to re-sharpen the team’s suddenly AWOL rebounding skills. On Monday, Boyle said Wright “didn’t have to” make that suggestion, as the Buffs went through an intense practice focused on regaining an edge on the glass that has been a team strength for much of the season.
The Buffs also endured a film session reviewing Saturday’s loss that magnified what disappointed Boyle the most. Winning in Tucson is tough for every team, and gaining splits on the road probably will keep the Buffs in contention for the conference crown as long as they take care of business at home. But winning at home or on the road won’t occur consistently enough if the Buffs do not compete better than what they showed on Saturday.
“The disappointing thing about the Arizona loss after watching the tape is that I just didn’t feel like we competed as hard we needed to. That’s disheartening,” Boyle said. “Very surprising, and disappointing. I haven’t lost faith in them by any means. I know this is a competitive group. But for whatever reason, we didn’t want to compete with Arizona on Saturday. We didn’t. We have to live with that.”


thedenverpost--2020-01-21--Derek Johnson’s theft in selling skis was ‘methodical, unfathomable’ Aspen Skiing Co. executives say

Former Aspen Skiing Co. executive Derek Johnson is a “ calculating bully ” who emotionally abused employees , reduced their wages and stunted their careers in a decade-and-a-half-long scheme to sell merchandise he stole from the company , which put the value at $ 6 million .
That ’ s according to several letters from Skico executives and employees , including CEO Mike Kaplan , filed Thursday in Pitkin County District Court ahead of Tuesday ’ s sentencing for the 52-year-old Johnson , who pleaded guilty in November to one count of felony theft between $ 100,000 and $ 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of isolated theft that might be explained away as a brief lapse in judgment , ” Kaplan wrote on behalf of Skico and its employees in a two-page letter .
“ On the contrary , Derek engaged in an ongoing , intentional , coordinated effort to steal from Aspen Skiing Company .
“ This deception was methodical , intentional and remains unfathomable to me.
” Johnson — who also served one term on Aspen City Council ( 2009 to ’ 13 ) and ran for mayor in 2013 — faces between four and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentenced Tuesday by District Judge Chris Seldin .

Former Aspen Skiing Co. executive Derek Johnson is a “calculating bully” who emotionally abused employees, reduced their wages and stunted their careers in a decade-and-a-half-long scheme to sell merchandise he stole from the company, which put the value at $6 million.
That’s according to several letters from Skico executives and employees, including CEO Mike Kaplan, filed Thursday in Pitkin County District Court ahead of Tuesday’s sentencing for the 52-year-old Johnson, who pleaded guilty in November to one count of felony theft between $100,000 and $1 million.
“This was no instance of isolated theft that might be explained away as a brief lapse in judgment,” Kaplan wrote on behalf of Skico and its employees in a two-page letter. “On the contrary, Derek engaged in an ongoing, intentional, coordinated effort to steal from Aspen Skiing Company.
“This deception was methodical, intentional and remains unfathomable to me.”
Johnson — who also served one term on Aspen City Council (2009 to ’13) and ran for mayor in 2013 — faces between four and 12 years in prison when he is sentenced Tuesday by District Judge Chris Seldin.
Read the full story here.


thedenverpost--2020-01-21--PHOTOS: Martin Luther King Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo of Champions

The 2,000 pound Limousin bulls trotting out of the arena at the National Western Stock Show on Tuesday towered over @ @ @ @ @ .
Miniature , in this case , meaning 400 to 450 pounds .

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 20: DeShauna Loud loses her hat as she competes in the women's steer undecorating during the Martin Luther King Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo of Champions on Monday, January 20, 2020. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)


thedenverpost--2020-01-21--Michael Porter Jr. leads Nuggets to impressive road win over Timberwolves

Four minutes into the fourth quarter Monday night at the Target Center , Porter soared out of nowhere and smashed Culver ’ s layup attempt into the backboard .
That kick-started a fast break , which ultimately ended in another 3-pointer for the surging rookie .
Porter ’ s ruthless shooting and dogged work on the glass helped boost the Nuggets past the Timberwolves 107-100 .
Porter logged 20 points and a career-high 14 rebounds to end the Nuggets ’ third consecutive back-to-back set on a high note and start their three-game road trip on a positive .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grown , ” said Porter .
He added : “ Just helping the team win .
Not going out there thinking about me .
I ’ m just going out there to try to help the team win , and I ’ m not trying to go out there and be a letdown on the defensive or offensive side.
” Added Nuggets coach Michael Malone : “ He ’ s growing up in front of our eyes , and he has so much room to grow , which is what really excites I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Porter has all the makings of a young star , but there ’ s so much more room for growth.
” It wasn ’ t just Porter , however .
Five Nuggets scored in double figures , including Nikola Jokic , Jerami Grant and Will Barton , who turned in huge nights .
Jokic played battering ram down low as part of his 17-point , 13-rebound performance and Grant made an impact with 19 points and seven rebounds .
He and Barton combined for six 3-pointers — more than half of Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just 104-100 with 1:28 remaining before Barton ’ s dagger 3 extinguished hope .
“ I didn ’ t think Will Barton was going to play , ” Malone said .
“ He ’ s banged up .
For him to go out there to play the way he did , feeling how he does , a testament to his toughness as well.
” The same went for Mason Plumlee , who returned in the second half after rolling his ankle in the second quarter .
The win improved the Nuggets to 30-13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They ’ re well on their way to surpassing their NBA franchise record for road wins in a season , which stands at 22 .
Neither team could create any separation in the third quarter as Porter continued to pad his stats .
At 6-foot-10 , he soared on the defensive glass , and it ’ s fair to wonder if he realizes that his best shot at finding scoring opportunities simply comes from mopping up the boards .
On one sequence , he corralled a defensive rebound and coasted up the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the back-and-forth period , the Nuggets led 81-79 .
For the third consecutive game , the Nuggets were down three starters and had to lean on their substantial depth .
Led by Porter , their bench outscored the Timberwolves ’ reserves 43-36 .
But Jamal Murray did do some light dribbling before the game , while the point guard responsibilities were left to Monte Morris and P.J .
Dozier .
Even while nursing his sore ankle , Murray ’ s impact has been felt .
Against the Pacers on Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players on the Nuggets ’ bench .
“ If you can ’ t play , if you can ’ t help the team , if you ’ re out with injury , find a way to contribute something , ” Malone said before the game .
“ And obviously , we are a better team with Jamal Murray , Gary Harris and Paul Millsap active and in the lineup , but if they ’ re not able to play , bring something to the table .
And I thought Jamal was terrific last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the huddles , his energy on the bench , constantly encouraging guys .
And that ’ s a sign of leadership , that ’ s a sign of a guy that , ‘ I can ’ t play on the court , but I ’ m going to find a way to help my team.
’ ” The Nuggets crashed the glass in the first half , but none hit it harder than Porter .
He tallied a first-half double-double with 11 points , 10 rebounds and three assists and helped build Denver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 15 points ) and Barton ( 11 ) were also instrumental in Denver ’ s first-half attack .
Both connected from outside after Sunday night ’ s cold 3-point shooting against Indiana .
And as usual , Jokic conducted the offense with his timely , precise passes .
His dimes cut through the teeth of Minnesota ’ s defense , leading to 16 Nuggets assists on 21 field goals over the first two quarters .

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota forward Jarrett Culver never saw Michael Porter Jr. coming.
Four minutes into the fourth quarter Monday night at the Target Center, Porter soared out of nowhere and smashed Culver’s layup attempt into the backboard. That kick-started a fast break, which ultimately ended in another 3-pointer for the surging rookie.
Porter’s ruthless shooting and dogged work on the glass helped boost the Nuggets past the Timberwolves 107-100. Porter logged 20 points and a career-high 14 rebounds to end the Nuggets’ third consecutive back-to-back set on a high note and start their three-game road trip on a positive.
“I think (my confidence) has definitely grown,” said Porter. He added: “Just helping the team win. Not going out there thinking about me. I’m just going out there to try to help the team win, and I’m not trying to go out there and be a letdown on the defensive or offensive side.”
Added Nuggets coach Michael Malone: “He’s growing up in front of our eyes, and he has so much room to grow, which is what really excites I think everybody in Nugget nation is that Michael Porter has all the makings of a young star, but there’s so much more room for growth.”
It wasn’t just Porter, however. Five Nuggets scored in double figures, including Nikola Jokic, Jerami Grant and Will Barton, who turned in huge nights. Jokic played battering ram down low as part of his 17-point, 13-rebound performance and Grant made an impact with 19 points and seven rebounds. He and Barton combined for six 3-pointers — more than half of Denver’s 11.
The Timberwolves trailed just 104-100 with 1:28 remaining before Barton’s dagger 3 extinguished hope.
“I didn’t think Will Barton was going to play,” Malone said. “He’s banged up. For him to go out there to play the way he did, feeling how he does, a testament to his toughness as well.”
The same went for Mason Plumlee, who returned in the second half after rolling his ankle in the second quarter.
The win improved the Nuggets to 30-13 overall and 13-7 on the road. They’re well on their way to surpassing their NBA franchise record for road wins in a season, which stands at 22.
Neither team could create any separation in the third quarter as Porter continued to pad his stats. At 6-foot-10, he soared on the defensive glass, and it’s fair to wonder if he realizes that his best shot at finding scoring opportunities simply comes from mopping up the boards. On one sequence, he corralled a defensive rebound and coasted up the court into a transition 3-pointer. By the end of the back-and-forth period, the Nuggets led 81-79.
For the third consecutive game, the Nuggets were down three starters and had to lean on their substantial depth. Led by Porter, their bench outscored the Timberwolves’ reserves 43-36.
But Jamal Murray did do some light dribbling before the game, while the point guard responsibilities were left to Monte Morris and P.J. Dozier.
Even while nursing his sore ankle, Murray’s impact has been felt. Against the Pacers on Sunday, Murray was one of the most animated players on the Nuggets’ bench.
“If you can’t play, if you can’t help the team, if you’re out with injury, find a way to contribute something,” Malone said before the game. “And obviously, we are a better team with Jamal Murray, Gary Harris and Paul Millsap active and in the lineup, but if they’re not able to play, bring something to the table. And I thought Jamal was terrific last night in terms of his voice in the huddles, his energy on the bench, constantly encouraging guys. And that’s a sign of leadership, that’s a sign of a guy that, ‘I can’t play on the court, but I’m going to find a way to help my team.’ ”
The Nuggets crashed the glass in the first half, but none hit it harder than Porter. He tallied a first-half double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds and three assists and helped build Denver’s 55-54 halftime lead.
Grant (15 points) and Barton (11) were also instrumental in Denver’s first-half attack. Both connected from outside after Sunday night’s cold 3-point shooting against Indiana. And as usual, Jokic conducted the offense with his timely, precise passes. His dimes cut through the teeth of Minnesota’s defense, leading to 16 Nuggets assists on 21 field goals over the first two quarters.


thedenverpost--2020-01-21--Avon police and rescue crews searching for man who went missing Friday

Avon police , Vail Mountain Rescue and other agencies are actively searching for Cole Greenfield , who has been missing @ @ @ @ @ was last seen outside of Loaded Joe ’ s in Avon on Friday evening at @ @ @ @ @ not returned to this unit at the Tarnes at Beaver Creek , which is an @ @ @ @ @ Resorts .
He has not made it into work since that time .
Greenfield is @ @ @ @ @ inches tall and weighs around 200 pounds .
He has brown hair and some light @ @ @ @ @ Chief Greg Daly said authorities became aware that Greenfield was missing Monday after his friends @ @ @ @ @ organic search Monday afternoon .
“ We would love that he ended up a friend @ @ @ @ @ Daly said .
“ I can ’ t tell you as to why he wasn @ @ @ @ @ morning and now.
” Daly said Vail Mountain Rescue and officers are out searching while @ @ @ @ @ Greenfield ’ s friends .

Avon police, Vail Mountain Rescue and other agencies are actively searching for Cole Greenfield, who has been missing since Friday night. Greenfield was last seen outside of Loaded Joe’s in Avon on Friday evening at around 9:45 p.m.
Greenfield has not returned to this unit at the Tarnes at Beaver Creek, which is an employee housing complex for Vail Resorts. He has not made it into work since that time. Greenfield is about 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs around 200 pounds. He has brown hair and some light facial hair.
Avon Police Chief Greg Daly said authorities became aware that Greenfield was missing Monday after his friends alerted authorities and started an organic search Monday afternoon.
“We would love that he ended up a friend’s house,” Daly said. “I can’t tell you as to why he wasn’t reported between Saturday morning and now.”
Daly said Vail Mountain Rescue and officers are out searching while some officers are sitting with Greenfield’s friends.
Read the full story here.


thedenverpost--2020-01-21--Keeler: Don’t look now Connor McDavid, but Avs star Nathan MacKinnon is gaining on you

Matt Duchene scores No .
30 in Game 79 four years ago , throws himself a parade .
Nathan MacKinnon scores No .
30 in Game 49 on Monday , shrugs .
Different times , these .
Different times .
“ I don ’ t think I ’ m gon na get 50 , ” MacKinnon , the Avalanche all-star , said quietly when the subject of the big 5-0 — Nimble Nate is on a pace for 51 — was broached .
“ I ’ m a disher .
I ’ m a passer .
I ’ ll get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ m just joking , ” MacKinnon continued , less than hour after scoring twice on the hapless Detroit Red Wings to help Colorado close the first half of the season with a 6-3 win .
“ I don ’ t know .
We ’ ll see .
“ I ’ ve got to get hot .
I ’ ve only gotten 40 once , so I don ’ t know .
I ’ m just trying to play my best every night , play at 100 percent and we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When No .
29 isn ’ t speaking softly and carry the NHL ’ s biggest stick , he ’ s raising the bar .
With a backdoor beauty and an empty-net Hail Mary , MacKinnon on Monday became the first Avs player since Joe Sakic in 2003-07 to post at least 30 goals over three consecutive seasons .
“ I mean , I shoot a lot of pucks , so I ’ ve got to score , ” MacKinnon said .
“ I ’ ve had a lot of help.
” Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the kind of victory the Avs might ’ ve struggled to pull out of their hats a year ago — especially when trailing 1-0 after a sleepy first period .
Nazim Kadri chipped in two goals , including a nifty second-period deflection off rookie Cale Makar ’ s laser that chased away some of Colorado ’ s recent power-play blues .
In the third stanza , Matt Nieto ’ s seventh goal and Ryan Graves ’ eighth effectively stiff-armed the Wings before they could get near enough to sniff anything tangible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from distance with a minute left , to ice the homestand .
“ It ’ s nice to be on a really good team , ” said MacKinnon , who went into Monday night with 72 points , third in the NHL behind the Edmonton duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl .
“ A lot of empty-netters , if you don ’ t win games , you ’ re not going to get those.
” Only for a disher and a passer , he ’ s making the rest of it look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on a pace for 121 points over 82 regular-season games , which would top the Avs ’ single-season points mark of 120 , set by Sakic in 1995-96 .
“ I don ’ t even know where he ’ s at .
I just know he ’ s having a good year , ” offered Graves , the defenseman who ’ s having a heck of a year himself .
“ But he has a good year every year .
He expects that from himself , and we expect that from him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of the hockey world believes , too .
Earlier Monday , MacKinnon finished second in a who ’ s-the-best-player-in-the-NHL survey of 392 current players by The Athletic , with 17 percent of the vote to McDavid ’ s 63 .
At age 24 , the ceiling is wherever MacKinnon wants it to be , brush strokes by Michelangelo .
“ I ’ d like to see him keep going at the exact same pace , you know ?
” said coach Jared Bednar , whose Avs finished their five-game , prebreak homestand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re not going to score every night .
But he ’ s producing chances on a nightly basis .
… “ I don ’ t know where he would set the bar .
But I ’ d like to see him keep going at the exact same pace .
Or better.
” That ’ s 50.2 goals after 82 regular-season games , if we ’ ve got the math right .
The Avs ’ single-season record for goals ?
Sakic , again — with 54 in 2000-01 .
And if anyone can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of steam right now , it ’ s MacKinnon .

Matt Duchene scores No. 30 in Game 79 four years ago, throws himself a parade.
Nathan MacKinnon scores No. 30 in Game 49 on Monday, shrugs.
Different times, these. Different times.
“I don’t think I’m gonna get 50,” MacKinnon, the Avalanche all-star, said quietly when the subject of the big 5-0 — Nimble Nate is on a pace for 51 — was broached.
“Nah. I don’t think I’m gonna get 50.
“I’m a disher. I’m a passer. I’ll get 70 assists but not 50 goals.”
Come again?
“I’m just joking,” MacKinnon continued, less than hour after scoring twice on the hapless Detroit Red Wings to help Colorado close the first half of the season with a 6-3 win. “I don’t know. We’ll see.
“I’ve got to get hot. I’ve only gotten 40 once, so I don’t know. I’m just trying to play my best every night, play at 100 percent and we’ll see what happens out there.”
When No. 29 isn’t speaking softly and carry the NHL’s biggest stick, he’s raising the bar. With a backdoor beauty and an empty-net Hail Mary, MacKinnon on Monday became the first Avs player since Joe Sakic in 2003-07 to post at least 30 goals over three consecutive seasons.
“I mean, I shoot a lot of pucks, so I’ve got to score,” MacKinnon said. “I’ve had a lot of help.”
Monday at The Can was a depth win, the kind of victory the Avs might’ve struggled to pull out of their hats a year ago — especially when trailing 1-0 after a sleepy first period.
Nazim Kadri chipped in two goals, including a nifty second-period deflection off rookie Cale Makar’s laser that chased away some of Colorado’s recent power-play blues. In the third stanza, Matt Nieto’s seventh goal and Ryan Graves’ eighth effectively stiff-armed the Wings before they could get near enough to sniff anything tangible.
And cue MacKinnon with the closer, from distance with a minute left, to ice the homestand.
“It’s nice to be on a really good team,” said MacKinnon, who went into Monday night with 72 points, third in the NHL behind the Edmonton duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. “A lot of empty-netters, if you don’t win games, you’re not going to get those.”
Only for a disher and a passer, he’s making the rest of it look easy, too. No. 29 is on a pace for 121 points over 82 regular-season games, which would top the Avs’ single-season points mark of 120, set by Sakic in 1995-96.
“I don’t even know where he’s at. I just know he’s having a good year,” offered Graves, the defenseman who’s having a heck of a year himself.
“But he has a good year every year. He expects that from himself, and we expect that from him. We believe in him.”
The rest of the hockey world believes, too. Earlier Monday, MacKinnon finished second in a who’s-the-best-player-in-the-NHL survey of 392 current players by The Athletic, with 17 percent of the vote to McDavid’s 63. At age 24, the ceiling is wherever MacKinnon wants it to be, brush strokes by Michelangelo.
“I’d like to see him keep going at the exact same pace, you know?” said coach Jared Bednar, whose Avs finished their five-game, prebreak homestand with a 3-0-2 mark. “You’re not going to score every night. But he’s producing chances on a nightly basis. …
“I don’t know where he would set the bar. But I’d like to see him keep going at the exact same pace. Or better.”
That’s 50.2 goals after 82 regular-season games, if we’ve got the math right. The Avs’ single-season record for goals? Sakic, again — with 54 in 2000-01. And if anyone can catch Super Joe down with a full head of steam right now, it’s MacKinnon.