thedenverpost--2020-02-23--Ask Amy: Fellowship blows up over possible affair

Dear Amy : My wife and I are in a fellowship group with other families from our church .
We meet for dinner at one house each month and visit after church .
The families : husbands/wives/kids , are all very close and adore each other .
Unfortunately , it appears that one of the husbands and one of the wives ( not his ) seem to adore each other a little too much .
They always sit next to each other at these dinners , and my wife and I have both noticed some funny business going on under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will go off to “ do the dishes ” while the remaining adults continue enjoying the group conversation .
All of this happens with their spouses present .
We weren ’ t certain this behavior was obvious to anyone else , but my wife talked privately with another wife , and she and her husband are certain that something is going on .
Our emotions range from sadness to disbelief and anger that we are somehow facilitating a possible affair .
We don ’ t want to talk with the two spouses on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confronting one of the two in this possible affair will definitely bring the group to an end .
What should we do ?
Dear Sad : “ Doing the dishes ” has a whole new meaning for me , now .
Thank you for that .
Minding your own business is an option .
Otherwise , you are sharing your reactions with the wrong people .
This has become an open secret and a source of gossip .
You could speak with the principals involved ( I ’ m assuming the husband ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behavior .
So you say , “ Your behavior has been noticed and commented on .
I don ’ t want to personally judge you , but … it seems like you ’ re headed toward some Commandment-breaking stuff .
I ’ m giving you a heads-up .
I ’ d hate to see people get hurt.
” Yes — this could implode your group .
Dear Amy : I am a retired , 65-year-old woman .
I live by myself in a townhouse community .
A few months ago , new neighbors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ married men , in their 40s .
They introduced themselves to me , and invited me over to their house for a backyard barbecue the weekend after they moved in .
I was surprised that they invited me , because I thought they ’ d think I was old or boring .
I went to their barbecue .
I was very nervous , but I had such a good time !
They were lovely and funny , and I had so much fun .
Besides waving “ hello ” to them , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haven ’ t talked since .
They seem to have people over to their home almost every weekend , and are very active , but they ’ ve never re-extended an invitation .
I don ’ t want to invade their space or be the “ nosy neighbor.
” I want to be in their company again , but I want it to be at their house .
I have always been shy , so I don ’ t know how I should approach this .
How should I get them to invite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smart ( and nice ) new neighbors have done the right thing by inviting you to their home soon after moving in .
In a townhouse community , you are living in close proximity ( possibly sharing a common wall ) , and by demonstrating how they entertain , they have created trust , understanding and — yes , your burning desire to spend more social time with them .
You should always and forever be authentically who you are , and you should read and respect whatever social cues they are sending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social circle .
You might not be able to angle your way into it , but you could probably deepen your relationship beyond the occasional wave hello .
Even if you don ’ t feel comfortable reciprocating by inviting these two into your own home , you should have thanked them for their hospitality by sending them a note and a small token — perhaps a plant for their garden .
In order to seed a friendship , you first need to let your neighborliness bloom .
Dear Amy : I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” who seeks a rural lifestyle while her boyfriend wants to live in a city .
I was in the same position , except I was the one who wanted the city life .
My boyfriend won , we got married , and have lived in a small town hundreds of miles from cities .
It ’ s been 44 years , and not a day passes that I don ’ t regretfully wonder “ what if .
”

Dear Amy: My wife and I are in a fellowship group with other families from our church. We meet for dinner at one house each month and visit after church. The families: husbands/wives/kids, are all very close and adore each other.
Unfortunately, it appears that one of the husbands and one of the wives (not his) seem to adore each other a little too much. They always sit next to each other at these dinners, and my wife and I have both noticed some funny business going on under the table.
The two of them will go off to “do the dishes” while the remaining adults continue enjoying the group conversation. All of this happens with their spouses present.
We weren’t certain this behavior was obvious to anyone else, but my wife talked privately with another wife, and she and her husband are certain that something is going on.
Our emotions range from sadness to disbelief and anger that we are somehow facilitating a possible affair.
We don’t want to talk with the two spouses on the sidelines, and we know that confronting one of the two in this possible affair will definitely bring the group to an end. What should we do?
— Sad on Sundays
Dear Sad: “Doing the dishes” has a whole new meaning for me, now. Thank you for that.
Minding your own business is an option. Otherwise, you are sharing your reactions with the wrong people. This has become an open secret and a source of gossip. You could speak with the principals involved (I’m assuming the husband). You and your wife witnessed untoward behavior. So you say, “Your behavior has been noticed and commented on. I don’t want to personally judge you, but … it seems like you’re headed toward some Commandment-breaking stuff. I’m giving you a heads-up. I’d hate to see people get hurt.”
Yes — this could implode your group.
Dear Amy: I am a retired, 65-year-old woman. I live by myself in a townhouse community.
A few months ago, new neighbors moved in. They are two gay married men, in their 40s.
They introduced themselves to me, and invited me over to their house for a backyard barbecue the weekend after they moved in.
I was surprised that they invited me, because I thought they’d think I was old or boring.
I went to their barbecue. I was very nervous, but I had such a good time! They were lovely and funny, and I had so much fun.
Besides waving “hello” to them, or the occasional quick chat outside, we haven’t talked since. They seem to have people over to their home almost every weekend, and are very active, but they’ve never re-extended an invitation.
I don’t want to invade their space or be the “nosy neighbor.” I want to be in their company again, but I want it to be at their house.
I have always been shy, so I don’t know how I should approach this.
How should I get them to invite me back?
— Nervous Neighbor
Dear Nervous: Your smart (and nice) new neighbors have done the right thing by inviting you to their home soon after moving in. In a townhouse community, you are living in close proximity (possibly sharing a common wall), and by demonstrating how they entertain, they have created trust, understanding and — yes, your burning desire to spend more social time with them.
You should always and forever be authentically who you are, and you should read and respect whatever social cues they are sending.
These gentlemen likely have a long-standing social circle. You might not be able to angle your way into it, but you could probably deepen your relationship beyond the occasional wave hello.
Even if you don’t feel comfortable reciprocating by inviting these two into your own home, you should have thanked them for their hospitality by sending them a note and a small token — perhaps a plant for their garden.
In order to seed a friendship, you first need to let your neighborliness bloom.
Dear Amy: I’m offering my perspective to “Desperate,” who seeks a rural lifestyle while her boyfriend wants to live in a city.
I was in the same position, except I was the one who wanted the city life.
My boyfriend won, we got married, and have lived in a small town hundreds of miles from cities.
It’s been 44 years, and not a day passes that I don’t regretfully wonder “what if.”
— Country Mouse
Dear Mouse: I hope “Desperate” reads your response.
(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--2020-02-23--Avalanche sweeps two-game SoCal trip with shootout victory at L.A. Kings

LOS ANGELES — Avalanche goalie Pavel Francouz continued to shine Saturday night at Staples Center , allowing one goal or less through regulation for the third consecutive game .
He spearheaded a 2-for-2 penalty killing performance — including a 4-on-3 disadvantage to conclude a goal-less overtime — and stopped all three shots in the shootout in leading Colorado to a sweep of its two-game trip in Southern California .
Winger Joonas Donskoi scored the only goal in the shootout , beating goalie Jonathan Quick with a patient pull-back move in the third round to give the Avs a 2-1 triumph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upset the Avs a week earlier in the NHL Stadium Series game at the Air Force Academy .
“ I know him very well .
We played against the Kings many times when I was playing for the Sharks .
I knew this goalie very well , ” Donskoi , who played the last four seasons in San Jose , said of Quick .
“ Usually he comes out from the ( crease ) a lot , so I thought maybe there ’ s a chance to go around him .
And I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that.
” Francouz was coming off his first career shutout ( 26 saves ) in Friday ’ s 1-0 victory at the Anaheim Ducks .
He faced just 16 shots through regulation Saturday but made five saves in OT when the Avs were shorthanded for the last 1:15 because of J.T .
Compher ’ s hooking minor .
“ It ’ s always great for the goalie if you don ’ t allow many goals .
But honestly , we ’ re playing really well defensively now , ” Francouz said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Friday ) night and against tonight .
So I think it ’ s a result mostly from the team game.
” Colorado ( 36-18-7 , 79 points ) scored its second goal in as many games late in the second period to forge a 1-1 tie .
Defenseman Ryan Graves got his ninth of a season , taking a drop pass from Gabe Landeskog and using a wrister to score under the glove of Quick , who was tremendous to that point .
The Avs , who continued to play without key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Matt Calvert , were also without top winger Andre Burakovsky , who missed the game with an illness .
In addition , Colorado is missing goalie Philipp Grubauer , who began the season as the No .
1 guy .
Colorado finished 0-for-5 on the power play , falling to 1-for-16 in its last five games .
But the Avs were good enough defensively to win without a power-play goal .
The Avs outshot the Kings 24-10 through two periods but was 0-for-4 on the power play and Quick was strong in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early in the second period when Pierre-Edouard Bellemere one-timed a circle-to-circle feed from Matt Nieto .
Quick went side-to-side extraordinarily fast and used his blocker to put the puck out of danger in the corner .
The Avs outshot the Kings 14-7 in the first period but trailed 1-0 at the first intermission .
The Kings scored on a penalty shot , after Colorado defenseman Nikita Zadorov was whistled for hooking Austin Wagner from behind on a breakaway .
Wagner used a snap shot to beat Francouz on the penalty shot .
Hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Avs announced they had extended Francouz , 29 , to a two-year $ 4 million contract that begins next season .
“ He was really good .
He was really good tonight — again , ” Avs coach Jared Bednar said of Francouz .
“ We ’ re starting to expect it from him .
We don ’ t want him to have to be too good .
We want our defending to be solid .
But when we make mistakes and give up scoring chances-against , he ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I thought tonight , real good effort by him .
Exactly what we need out of him.
” Footnotes .
Avs rookie Cale Makar entered the game with just eight penalty minutes in 52 games but was whistled for two penalties in the second period , the latter for embellishment on a play he caught Dustin Brown ’ s stick in the stomach .
… Burakovsky was replaced by Logan O ’ Connor , who was recalled from the Colorado Eagles before the game .
O ’ Connor didn ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday night in Ontario , Calif. , defeating the Ontario Reign 2-1 in overtime .

LOS ANGELES — Avalanche goalie Pavel Francouz continued to shine Saturday night at Staples Center, allowing one goal or less through regulation for the third consecutive game. He spearheaded a 2-for-2 penalty killing performance — including a 4-on-3 disadvantage to conclude a goal-less overtime — and stopped all three shots in the shootout in leading Colorado to a sweep of its two-game trip in Southern California.
Winger Joonas Donskoi scored the only goal in the shootout, beating goalie Jonathan Quick with a patient pull-back move in the third round to give the Avs a 2-1 triumph against the Los Angeles Kings — who upset the Avs a week earlier in the NHL Stadium Series game at the Air Force Academy.
“I know him very well. We played against the Kings many times when I was playing for the Sharks. I knew this goalie very well,” Donskoi, who played the last four seasons in San Jose, said of Quick. “Usually he comes out from the (crease) a lot, so I thought maybe there’s a chance to go around him. And I was happy I was able to do that.”
Francouz was coming off his first career shutout (26 saves) in Friday’s 1-0 victory at the Anaheim Ducks. He faced just 16 shots through regulation Saturday but made five saves in OT when the Avs were shorthanded for the last 1:15 because of J.T. Compher’s hooking minor.
“It’s always great for the goalie if you don’t allow many goals. But honestly, we’re playing really well defensively now,” Francouz said. “We didn’t allow many chances (Friday) night and against tonight. So I think it’s a result mostly from the team game.”
Colorado (36-18-7, 79 points) scored its second goal in as many games late in the second period to forge a 1-1 tie. Defenseman Ryan Graves got his ninth of a season, taking a drop pass from Gabe Landeskog and using a wrister to score under the glove of Quick, who was tremendous to that point.
The Avs, who continued to play without key injured forwards Mikko Rantanen, Nazem Kadri and Matt Calvert, were also without top winger Andre Burakovsky, who missed the game with an illness. In addition, Colorado is missing goalie Philipp Grubauer, who began the season as the No. 1 guy.
Colorado finished 0-for-5 on the power play, falling to 1-for-16 in its last five games. But the Avs were good enough defensively to win without a power-play goal.
The Avs outshot the Kings 24-10 through two periods but was 0-for-4 on the power play and Quick was strong in all situations. His best save came early in the second period when Pierre-Edouard Bellemere one-timed a circle-to-circle feed from Matt Nieto. Quick went side-to-side extraordinarily fast and used his blocker to put the puck out of danger in the corner.
The Avs outshot the Kings 14-7 in the first period but trailed 1-0 at the first intermission. The Kings scored on a penalty shot, after Colorado defenseman Nikita Zadorov was whistled for hooking Austin Wagner from behind on a breakaway.
Wagner used a snap shot to beat Francouz on the penalty shot. Hours before Friday’s game in Anaheim, the Avs announced they had extended Francouz, 29, to a two-year $4 million contract that begins next season.
“He was really good. He was really good tonight — again,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said of Francouz. “We’re starting to expect it from him. We don’t want him to have to be too good. We want our defending to be solid. But when we make mistakes and give up scoring chances-against, he’s been there to save us on most nights. I thought tonight, real good effort by him. Exactly what we need out of him.”
Footnotes. Avs rookie Cale Makar entered the game with just eight penalty minutes in 52 games but was whistled for two penalties in the second period, the latter for embellishment on a play he caught Dustin Brown’s stick in the stomach. … Burakovsky was replaced by Logan O’Connor, who was recalled from the Colorado Eagles before the game. O’Connor didn’t have to travel far; the Eagles played Friday night in Ontario, Calif., defeating the Ontario Reign 2-1 in overtime.


thedenverpost--2020-02-23--PHOTOS: Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg campaigns in Aurora hours after Nevada caucus

No previous NHL outdoor game had taken the breath away from players as much as this one .
This one @ @ @ @ @ elevation of 6,621 feet , smashing the previous high mark of 5,280 feet set in @ @ @ @ @

Hours after preliminary results rolled in from the Nevada caucuses, Democratic candidate Pete Buttigieg took the stage at the Crowne Plaza Denver Convention Center seeking to maintain his momentum.
The former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, cast himself as a middle-of-the-road alternative to the frontrunner, far-left Sen. Bernie Sanders. He also took aim at President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos during his brief but enthusiastic address.
Full Article.


thedenverpost--2020-02-23--Fury wins in stunning stoppage of Wilder in heavyweight tilt

LAS VEGAS — Tyson Fury reinvented himself once again , and once again he ’ s a heavyweight champion .
The Gypsy King dropped Deontay Wilder twice Saturday night in their heavyweight title rematch , turning from boxer to puncher to win the title when Wilder ’ s corner threw in the towel as he was taking a beating in the seventh round .
It was a stunning turnaround for a fighter who came back from drug and alcohol abuse to win the title for a second time , made even more surprising because Wilder was the devastating puncher in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The king has returned to his throne , ’ ’ proclaimed Fury , who fought to a draw with Wilder in their first fight .
Fury dropped Wilder in the third round with a right hand that seemed to take the legs out of the champion .
He put him down again in the fifth round , this time with a left hand to the body .
He also bloodied Wilder ’ s ear , and seemed to lick the blood off his shoulder in a bizarre scene in the sixth round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun for the night , he tried to lead the crowd in a singalong of “ American Pie ” after the fight .
Fury knew all the words .
The end came at 1:39 of the seventh round when referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight after Wilder ’ s corner threw in the towel as he was getting pummeled in a neutral corner .
Blood was pouring out of Wilder ’ s ear for several rounds before Fury went in for the shoulder lick .
It was the first loss for Wilder in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 11th defense of the title he won in 2015 .
“ Even the greatest have lost and come back , ” Wilder said .
“ I make no excuses .
This is what big-time boxing is all about.
” The two fighters are under contract for a third fight , though Wilder could opt out of it as the loser .
If the fight happens , Fury would get the better part of a 60-40 purse bid .
Fury stalked Wilder almost from the opening bell , using his jab to control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round on the scorecard of the Associated Press and was in total command of the fight when it ended .
Ringside punch stats demonstrated Fury ’ s dominance , showing him out landing Wilder 82-34 in total punches .
Fury landed 58 power punches in less than seven rounds of the rematch after landing just 38 in the first fight Wilder landed just 34 punches all fight and just 18 power shots .
Wilder briefly protested the stoppage , as a pro-Fury crowd of 15,816 at the MGM Grand hotel roared in delight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavyweight record $ 16.9 million gate and promoters believe it sold well on pay-per-view , too .
“ I wish my corner would have let me go out on my shield , ’ ’ Wilder said .
“ He did what he did .
There ’ s no excuses.
’ ’ Wilder , who at 6-foot-7 and 231 pounds was the smaller man in the ring to the 6-foot-9 British giant , was backpedaling the entire fight , trying to catch Fury coming in with a right hand .
But he was never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to deal with Fury ’ s jab either .
Two judges had Fury winning every round , while the third gave Wilder one round .
Fury had a point deducted for grabbing and pushing in the fifth round .
“ He manned up and he really did show the heart of a champion , ” Fury said .
“ He ’ s a warrior , he will be back , he will be a champion again .
But the king has returned.
” Fury had bulked up to 273 pounds for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become the big puncher .
He was true to his word , dominating early with a jab that stopped Wilder in his tracks and then landing combinations to the head and body .
Fury ( 30-0-1 , 21 KO ) came into the ring carried aloft on a throne with a crown on his head .
Then he showed he was really the Gypsy King as he made it an easy night against a fighter who had gone 12 years without losing as a pro .
For Wilder it was a stunning end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him knock out 41 of his previous 43 opponents .
But his devastating right hand was never a factor , and Fury seemed to walk through it .
That was unlike the first fight 14 months ago when Wilder knocked Fury down twice on his way to a draw .
Both fighters were guaranteed $ 5 million in the rematch but could make $ 40 million apiece .

LAS VEGAS — Tyson Fury reinvented himself once again, and once again he’s a heavyweight champion.
The Gypsy King dropped Deontay Wilder twice Saturday night in their heavyweight title rematch, turning from boxer to puncher to win the title when Wilder’s corner threw in the towel as he was taking a beating in the seventh round.
It was a stunning turnaround for a fighter who came back from drug and alcohol abuse to win the title for a second time, made even more surprising because Wilder was the devastating puncher in their first fight 14 months ago.
“The king has returned to his throne,” proclaimed Fury, who fought to a draw with Wilder in their first fight.
Fury dropped Wilder in the third round with a right hand that seemed to take the legs out of the champion. He put him down again in the fifth round, this time with a left hand to the body.
He also bloodied Wilder’s ear, and seemed to lick the blood off his shoulder in a bizarre scene in the sixth round. If that wasn’t enough fun for the night, he tried to lead the crowd in a singalong of “American Pie” after the fight. Fury knew all the words.
The end came at 1:39 of the seventh round when referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight after Wilder’s corner threw in the towel as he was getting pummeled in a neutral corner. Blood was pouring out of Wilder’s ear for several rounds before Fury went in for the shoulder lick.
It was the first loss for Wilder in 44 fights, and it came in the 11th defense of the title he won in 2015.
“Even the greatest have lost and come back,” Wilder said. “I make no excuses. This is what big-time boxing is all about.”
The two fighters are under contract for a third fight, though Wilder could opt out of it as the loser. If the fight happens, Fury would get the better part of a 60-40 purse bid.
Fury stalked Wilder almost from the opening bell, using his jab to control the early rounds. He won every round on the scorecard of the Associated Press and was in total command of the fight when it ended.
Ringside punch stats demonstrated Fury’s dominance, showing him out landing Wilder 82-34 in total punches. Fury landed 58 power punches in less than seven rounds of the rematch after landing just 38 in the first fight Wilder landed just 34 punches all fight and just 18 power shots.
Wilder briefly protested the stoppage, as a pro-Fury crowd of 15,816 at the MGM Grand hotel roared in delight. The highly anticipated fight drew a heavyweight record $16.9 million gate and promoters believe it sold well on pay-per-view, too.
“I wish my corner would have let me go out on my shield,” Wilder said. “He did what he did. There’s no excuses.”
Wilder, who at 6-foot-7 and 231 pounds was the smaller man in the ring to the 6-foot-9 British giant, was backpedaling the entire fight, trying to catch Fury coming in with a right hand. But he was never able to throw it effectively, and unable to deal with Fury’s jab either.
Two judges had Fury winning every round, while the third gave Wilder one round. Fury had a point deducted for grabbing and pushing in the fifth round.
“He manned up and he really did show the heart of a champion,” Fury said. “He’s a warrior, he will be back, he will be a champion again. But the king has returned.”
Fury had bulked up to 273 pounds for the rematch, vowing to change tactics and become the big puncher. He was true to his word, dominating early with a jab that stopped Wilder in his tracks and then landing combinations to the head and body.
Fury (30-0-1, 21 KO) came into the ring carried aloft on a throne with a crown on his head. Then he showed he was really the Gypsy King as he made it an easy night against a fighter who had gone 12 years without losing as a pro.
For Wilder it was a stunning end to an unbeaten mark that had seen him knock out 41 of his previous 43 opponents. But his devastating right hand was never a factor, and Fury seemed to walk through it. That was unlike the first fight 14 months ago when Wilder knocked Fury down twice on his way to a draw.
Both fighters were guaranteed $5 million in the rematch but could make $40 million apiece.


thedenverpost--2020-02-23--Democratic candidate Pete Buttigieg appeals to political middle at Aurora town hall

Hours after preliminary results rolled in from the Nevada caucuses , Democratic candidate Pete Buttigieg took the stage at the Crowne Plaza Denver Convention Center seeking to maintain his momentum .
The former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , cast himself as a middle-of-the-road alternative to the frontrunner , far-left Sen. Bernie Sanders .
He also took aim at President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos during his brief but enthusiastic address .
Early predictions showed Sanders , of Vermont , winning the Nevada caucuses by a wide margin , trailed by former Vice President Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would say it was a pretty good day for us in Nevada , ” Buttigieg said .
A top three finish in Nevada combined with second-place in New Hampshire and a top finish in Iowa alongside Sanders shows that the campaign remains a strong contender , Buttigieg told the crowd of an estimated 8,500 .
But he cautioned that soon Sanders could assume an insurmountable lead .
“ I ’ m here to make the case for a politics that invites everyone in instead of saying ‘ It ’ s my way or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Colorado Rep. Jeni Arndt introduced the 38-year-old political upshot .
Earlier in the day , Arndt formally endorsed Buttigieg ’ s campaign alongside former Golden Mayor Marjorie Sloan and Wheat Ridge City Council member Rachel Hultin .
Before she could properly pronounce his last name , Arndt said she and her family understood that Buttigieg talks “ plain sense ” and represents the right values for the state .
“ The movement is real , it ’ s now , it ’ s right here , it ’ s Colorado and let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arndt said .
Immediately , Buttigieg threw himself into the political middle , listing issues he said a majority of Americans already support : An economy that works for people rather than corporations , supporting organized labor , eliminating the amount of uninsured and expanding health care to touch on mental health and substance abuse issues , among other things .
In addition the majority of Americans want a president who doesn ’ t raise their blood pressure when they turn on the television and they want a secretary of education who actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ That ’ s the opportunity , that ’ s the urgency , ” he said .
Buttigieg said he wants to redefine how a successful economy is measured .
“ I believe the stock market and the economy are not the same thing , ” he said .
“ I ’ m happy for it to be going up , but it ’ s not the same thing.
” Instead , he ’ d measure success by the income growth of the majority of citizens , push for a higher minimum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disparities .
He also advocated for full immigration reform , allowing immigrants to apply for extra visas for those willing to stay in rural communities and help them grow and succeed .
“ If we care about family values then this has to be a country that seeks to unify and reunify families and never , ever separate them , ” Buttigieg said .
The excitable crowd absorbed Buttigieg ’ s remarks , cheering for more .
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold joined him on the stage for a brief question and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is love ” erupted in the room after a 9-year-old boy called the openly-gay Buttigieg courageous and asked for help in coming out as gay .
The boy was whisked on stage where Buttigieg told him he was already courageous and gave him a few pieces of advice .
“ You ’ ll never know who ’ s taking their lead from you .
Who ’ s watching you and deciding that they can be a little braver because you have been brave , ” Buttigieg told the boy .
“ Even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always be easy , I can promise you that I ’ m going to be rooting for you and I think there ’ s a whole bunch of people here who are going to be rooting for you too.
” Cane in hand , ball cap on her head , Cindy Slick walked into the venue with her friend Jody Veeder .
The pair met at a Buttigieg watch party and quickly bonded over a mutual appreciation for the candidate ’ s demeanor and stances .
“ He ’ s smart , articulate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Slick said .
“ You can tell he cares about our country and wants to bring kindness back to America.
” Vedder agreed and noted that she appreciates Buttigieg ’ s penchant for unity rather than relying on fringe views .
Plus he ’ s young , said Slick , nodding her head and shaking the few Buttigieg pins in her hat .
“ Someone is going to have to realize how old Bernie is , ” Slick said .
For Karl Matthys , Buttigieg ’ s veteran status is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also a veteran , drove from his home in Colorado Springs for the event .
“ We ’ ve had war hawks in the office , but I can ’ t remember the last time we had a veteran , ” Matthys said .
Some might say details are lacking from Buttigieg ’ s stance on the issues , but Slick said the specifics are posted on his website and it ’ s the duty of voters to do their research .
“ Just because he ’ s not shoving them down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have a stance , ” Slick said .
As caucus results funneled in from Nevada , Slick and others said they were unconcerned .
Nobody thought Buttigieg could make it this far anyway and he ’ s finished strong in the first three states , they said .
Each agreed they ’ ll support the Democratic nominee , but hold out hope that Buttigieg takes the top spot .
Jeannette Prentice said she drove three hours from her home in “ Trump country , ” Wray , Colorado , to hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political mud throwing contest , is what drew her attention .
“ He does not lower himself to their levels , ” Prentice said .
Buttigieg is the sixth presidential candidate to visit Colorado this week .
It ’ s his second trip to Colorado this year .
He ’ ll be followed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren , who will visit Denver Sunday .
Biden , Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard , Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sanders are the other Democratic hopefuls who hosted events in state .
President Donald Trump also held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was joined on stage by Vice President Mike Pence and the state ’ s at-risk Republican Sen. Cory Gardner , among others .

Hours after preliminary results rolled in from the Nevada caucuses, Democratic candidate Pete Buttigieg took the stage at the Crowne Plaza Denver Airport Convention Center seeking to maintain his momentum.
The former mayor of South Bend, Ind., cast himself as a middle-of-the-road alternative to the front-runner, far-left Sen. Bernie Sanders. He also took aim at President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos during his brief but enthusiastic address.
Sanders, of Vermont, won the Nevada caucus by a wide margin, trailed by former Vice President Joe Biden and then Buttigieg.
“I would say it was a pretty good day for us in Nevada,” Buttigieg said.
A top-three finish in Nevada combined with second-place in New Hampshire and a top finish in Iowa alongside Sanders shows that the campaign remains a strong contender, Buttigieg told the crowd of an estimated 8,500.
But he cautioned that soon Sanders could assume an insurmountable lead.
“I’m here to make the case for a politics that invites everyone in instead of saying ‘It’s my way or the highway,’” Buttigieg said.
Colorado Rep. Jeni Arndt introduced the 38-year-old political upshot. Earlier in the day, Arndt formally endorsed Buttigieg’s campaign alongside former Golden Mayor Marjorie Sloan and Wheat Ridge City Council member Rachel Hultin.
Before she could properly pronounce his last name, Arndt said she and her family understood that Buttigieg talks “plain sense” and represents the right values for the state.
“The movement is real, it’s now, it’s right here, it’s Colorado and let’s go for Pete,” Arndt said.
Immediately, Buttigieg threw himself into the political middle, listing issues he said a majority of Americans already support: An economy that works for people rather than corporations, supporting organized labor, eliminating the amount of uninsured and expanding health care to touch on mental health and substance abuse issues, among other things.
In addition, the majority of Americans want a president who doesn’t raise their blood pressure when they turn on the television and they want a secretary of education who actually believes in public education, Buttigieg said.
“That’s the opportunity, that’s the urgency,” he said.
Buttigieg said he wants to redefine how a successful economy is measured.
“I believe the stock market and the economy are not the same thing,” he said. “I’m happy for it to be going up, but it’s not the same thing.”
Instead, he’d measure success by the income growth of the majority of citizens, push for a higher minimum wage and take actions to reduce salary disparities.
He also advocated for full immigration reform, allowing immigrants to apply for extra visas for those willing to stay in rural communities and help them grow and succeed.
“If we care about family values then this has to be a country that seeks to unify and reunify families and never, ever separate them,” Buttigieg said.
The excitable crowd absorbed Buttigieg’s remarks, cheering for more. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold joined him on the stage for a brief question-and-answer session.
Chants of “love is love” erupted in the room after a 9-year-old boy called the openly-gay Buttigieg courageous and asked for help in coming out as gay.
The boy was whisked on stage where Buttigieg told him he was already courageous and gave him a few pieces of advice.
“You’ll never know who’s taking their lead from you. Who’s watching you and deciding that they can be a little braver because you have been brave,” Buttigieg told the boy. “Even if I can’t promise it will always be easy, I can promise you that I’m going to be rooting for you and I think there’s a whole bunch of people here who are going to be rooting for you too.”
Cane in hand, ball cap on her head, Cindy Slick walked into the venue with her friend Jody Veeder. The pair met at a Buttigieg watch party and quickly bonded over a mutual appreciation for the candidate’s demeanor and stances.
“He’s smart, articulate and he’s passionate about us,” Slick said. “You can tell he cares about our country and wants to bring kindness back to America.”
Vedder agreed and noted that she appreciates Buttigieg’s penchant for unity rather than relying on fringe views.
Plus he’s young, said Slick, nodding her head and shaking the few Buttigieg pins in her hat.
“Someone is going to have to realize how old Bernie is,” Slick said.
For Karl Matthys, Buttigieg’s veteran status is the draw. Matthys said he drove from his home in Colorado Springs for the event.
“We’ve had war hawks in the office, but I can’t remember the last time we had a veteran,” Matthys said.
Some might say details are lacking from Buttigieg’s stance on the issues, but Slick said the specifics are posted on his website and it’s the duty of voters to do their research.
“Just because he’s not shoving them down our throats does not mean he doesn’t have a stance,” Slick said.
As caucus results funneled in from Nevada, Slick and others said they were unconcerned. Nobody thought Buttigieg could make it this far anyway and he’s finished strong in the first three states, they said.
Each agreed they’ll support the Democratic nominee, but hold out hope that Buttigieg takes the top spot.
Jeannette Prentice said she drove three hours from her home in “Trump country,” in Wray, to hear Buttigieg speak. Positivity, in a political mud throwing contest, is what drew her attention.
“He does not lower himself to their levels,” Prentice said.
Although the crowd welcomed Buttigieg’s proposals with welcome arms, Kyle Kohli, spokesperson for the Colorado Republican Party, marked them as dangerous.
“Whether it’s his outrageous policies on government-run healthcare or his promises to roll back tax cuts for middle-class families, it is clear Pete Buttigieg would only derail the economic progress Colorado has made under President Trump,” Kohli said in a Sunday morning statement.
Buttigieg is the sixth presidential candidate to visit Colorado this week. It’s his second trip to Colorado this year. He’ll be followed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who will visit Denver Sunday.
Biden, Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sanders are the other Democratic hopefuls who hosted events in state. President Donald Trump also held a rally Thursday in Colorado Springs where he was joined on stage by Vice President Mike Pence and the state’s at-risk Republican Sen. Cory Gardner, among others.


thedenverpost--2020-02-23--PHOTOS: 2020 CHSAA State Wrestling tournament in Denver

Andy Cross, AAron Ontiveroz, Kathryn Scott, Seth A. McConnell

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Dominick Serrano gets a stretch from his coach Monte Trusty as he prepares for his quarterfinal match in the class 4A 132-pound division against Roosevelt's Clayton Robinson during the Colorado state high school wrestling tournament at the Pepsi Center on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020. Serrano, along with teammate Isaiah Salazar, is seeking a fourth consecutive state championship to cap off an undefeated senior campaign.


thedenverpost--2020-02-23--Cherokee Trail wrestling affirms place among Class 5A elite with two state champions, top-five team

Cherokee Trail wrestling affirms place among Class 5A elite with two state champions, top-five team finish

Cherokee Trail was fully intent on marching downtown this weekend and putting its stamp on the Colorado wrestling map .
The Cougars , who have been in the Class 5A top-10 conversation for some time now , delivered a performance indicating they ’ ve moved up a peg into elite status .
It started when 106-pound sophomore Derek Glenn Jr. won Cherokee Trail ’ s first individual championship in the school ’ s 17-year history , and continued with an undefeated title run by junior Sam Hart at 220 .
And even when senior Julian Williams fell in a hard-fought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a program-best fourth-place finish .
“ We took eighth in 2010 , we took eighth in 2017 when we had three finalists and came up short there — so we ’ ve been building toward this for a while , ” Cherokee Trail coach Jeff Buck said .
“ We ’ ve made a lot of noise before , but this is the coming-out party , for sure.
” Glenn , who didn ’ t qualify for state last year , beat Frankie boy Sanchez of Grandview 4-2 with a takedown with 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory avenged the sophomore ’ s 3-1 loss to Sanchez in a Centennial League dual earlier in the season as offseason sweat equity paid off for Glenn ( 38-6 ) .
“ Last year , I was really small — only 94 pounds — so I didn ’ t really have a chance , ” Glenn said .
“ But I ’ ve grown , and I also put the time in over the summer .
… You only get one chance to be the first state champ in school history , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it.
” Hart , meanwhile , scrapped his way to the finish line of an undefeated season with a 4-2 defeat of Brighton freshman Dylan BravoPacker in the 220 finals .
The Ohio State football commit finished 38-0 after losing in the 220 finals last season .
“ I ’ m feeling relieved , amazed , excited , all of the above , ” Hart said .
“ Our team is really coming together and this program is changing a lot for the better .
We came in with no state champs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one other finalist is unbelievable.
” In the heavyweight title bout , the Cougars nearly pulled off the three-peat .
Williams lost 5-2 to Columbine junior Zach Schraeder , and the Air Force football commitment finished the year 31-6 .
Not bad for wrestling far underweight in his class , as Williams weighs in around 205 .
“ He ’ s one of the most insane athletes I ’ ve ever seen , and he ’ s so strong to be able to wrestle 80 pounds underweight and make it to the finals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drill partner this season .
“ And he made the finals after taking two seasons off from wrestling .
All of that ’ s pretty unheard of.
” The championship double-dip seemed to be wrestling karma for Cherokee Trail , which was 0-5 in title matches coming into this weekend .
And if you ask Buck , the Cougars are just getting going .
“ This is just the first step , ” Buck said .

Cherokee Trail was fully intent on marching downtown this weekend and putting its stamp on the Colorado wrestling map.
Consider that task accomplished.
The Cougars, who have been in the Class 5A top-10 conversation for some time now, delivered a performance indicating they’ve moved up a peg into elite status.
It started when 106-pound sophomore Derek Glenn Jr. won Cherokee Trail’s first individual championship in the school’s 17-year history, and continued with an undefeated title run by junior Sam Hart at 220. And even when senior Julian Williams fell in a hard-fought 285 final, the Cougars paced to a program-best fourth-place finish.
“We took eighth in 2010, we took eighth in 2017 when we had three finalists and came up short there — so we’ve been building toward this for a while,” Cherokee Trail coach Jeff Buck said. “We’ve made a lot of noise before, but this is the coming-out party, for sure.”
Glenn, who didn’t qualify for state last year, beat Frankie boy Sanchez of Grandview 4-2 with a takedown with 17 seconds left in the match. The victory avenged the sophomore’s 3-1 loss to Sanchez in a Centennial League dual earlier in the season as offseason sweat equity paid off for Glenn (38-6).
“Last year, I was really small — only 94 pounds — so I didn’t really have a chance,” Glenn said. “But I’ve grown, and I also put the time in over the summer. … You only get one chance to be the first state champ in school history, and I took that chance and ran with it.”
Hart, meanwhile, scrapped his way to the finish line of an undefeated season with a 4-2 defeat of Brighton freshman Dylan BravoPacker in the 220 finals. The Ohio State football commit finished 38-0 after losing in the 220 finals last season.
“I’m feeling relieved, amazed, excited, all of the above,” Hart said. “Our team is really coming together and this program is changing a lot for the better. We came in with no state champs, and to come out with two and one other finalist is unbelievable.”
In the heavyweight title bout, the Cougars nearly pulled off the three-peat. Williams lost 5-2 to Columbine junior Zach Schraeder, and the Air Force football commitment finished the year 31-6. Not bad for wrestling far underweight in his class, as Williams weighs in around 205.
“He’s one of the most insane athletes I’ve ever seen, and he’s so strong to be able to wrestle 80 pounds underweight and make it to the finals,” said Hart, Williams’ drill partner this season. “And he made the finals after taking two seasons off from wrestling. All of that’s pretty unheard of.”
The championship double-dip seemed to be wrestling karma for Cherokee Trail, which was 0-5 in title matches coming into this weekend. And if you ask Buck, the Cougars are just getting going after taking a program-record 10 qualifiers to state this year.
“This is just the first step,” Buck said.


thedenverpost--2020-02-23--Ryan Dirksen’s turnaround sparks comeback as Eaton Reds claim share of 3A title

DENVER – This time last season , Eaton sophomore Ryan Dirksen was sitting out of postseason wrestling due to eligibility issues .
“ I got in trouble in school and I had to screw my head on right , ” Dirksen recalled .
“ I was hanging out with the wrong people and following the wrong crowd and had to turn things around.
” Just like he did the classroom , Dirksen turned things around in Saturday night ’ s title match .
An underdog entering the Class 3A 145-pound match with Jefferson senior Zander Condit , Dirksen was quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s team title hopes fade away .
Condit controlled the majority of the match building a 9-5 lead on points .
Late in the third period however , Dirksen flipped the match around with a late pin of Condit as the last seconds ticked away .
“ The biggest thing with Ryan is you can never count him out , ” said Eaton head coach Tony Mustari .
“ He ’ s a gamer .
You never know what he ’ s going to throw at you and you ’ ve always got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guys to wrestle to the whistle and never stop.
” Dirksen was one of two Eaton wrestlers in the finals , with teammate Tanner True competing at 285 pounds .
Dirksen ’ s win put Eaton into a tie for first place in the 3A team standings with Valley .
Valley senior Jaziah Whaley completed a perfect season ( 41-0 ) to claim the 160-pound title over Weld Central ’ s Tanner Baumgartner in a 12-5 decision .
Whaley is set to join Northern Colorado ’ s program in the fall .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tied Valley for the team title with 105.5 points .
It was the first time a team other than Valley or Alamosa won a share of the 3A team title since 2010 .
“ If someone would have would asked me three weeks ago if we would have been in this situation at the end of Friday or Saturday morning , I would have choked them out , ” Mustari joked .
“ But these guys work their butts off .
This is a group of kids that has ton of confidence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around each other .
The camaraderie between these guys is second to none .
It ’ s a brotherhood.
” In another 3A match , Weld Central freshman Roberto Estrada completed a perfect season by defeating Eagle Valley senior Matt Medina at the 106-pound weight class in what has been an emotional season for the Rebels .

DENVER – This time last season, Eaton sophomore Ryan Dirksen was sitting out of postseason wrestling due to eligibility issues.
A year later, he’s a state champion.
“I got in trouble in school and I had to screw my head on right,” Dirksen recalled. “I was hanging out with the wrong people and following the wrong crowd and had to turn things around.”
Just like he did the classroom, Dirksen turned things around in Saturday night’s title match. An underdog entering the Class 3A 145-pound match with Jefferson senior Zander Condit, Dirksen was quickly seeing both his own and Eaton’s team title hopes fade away. Condit controlled the majority of the match building a 9-5 lead on points. Late in the third period however, Dirksen flipped the match around with a late pin of Condit as the last seconds ticked away.
“The biggest thing with Ryan is you can never count him out,” said Eaton head coach Tony Mustari. “He’s a gamer. You never know what he’s going to throw at you and you’ve always got to be prepared. We teach our guys to wrestle to the whistle and never stop.”
RELATED: https://www.denverpost.com/2020/02/22/colorado-state-wrestling-tournament-2020-results-day-3/
Dirksen was one of two Eaton wrestlers in the finals, with teammate Tanner True competing at 285 pounds.
Dirksen’s win put Eaton into a tie for first place in the 3A team standings with Valley. Valley senior Jaziah Whaley completed a perfect season (41-0) to claim the 160-pound title over Weld Central’s Tanner Baumgartner in a 12-5 decision. Whaley is set to join Northern Colorado’s program in the fall.
When all was said and done, Eaton tied Valley for the team title with 105.5 points. It was the first time a team other than Valley or Alamosa won a share of the 3A team title since 2010.
“If someone would have would asked me three weeks ago if we would have been in this situation at the end of Friday or Saturday morning, I would have choked them out,” Mustari joked. “But these guys work their butts off. This is a group of kids that has ton of confidence in themselves and the team. They rally around each other. The camaraderie between these guys is second to none. It’s a brotherhood.”
In another 3A match, Weld Central freshman Roberto Estrada completed a perfect season by defeating Eagle Valley senior Matt Medina at the 106-pound weight class in what has been an emotional season for the Rebels.


thedenverpost--2020-02-23--Windsor’s Dominick Serrano and Isaiah Salazar become first teammates to four-peat in same year

Windsor made history a bunch of times Saturday night at the Pepsi Center .
Dominick Serrano and Isaiah Salazar both joined the four-time champions club , with Serrano ’ s championship at Class 4A 132 pounds and Salazar ’ s title at 182 pounds .
Their performances helped pace Windsor to its fourth team title .
“ My eighth-grade year , when I came to my first high school state championship and saw guys winning titles , I looked down from the top of the arena and said , ‘ I want to do something like that , ' ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Isaiah did that , again .
The belief in ourselves and trust in the coaches paid off.
” Serrano and Salazar also became the first teammates to clinch their fourth championship in the same year , and gave Windsor its first four-time champs .
And as if that wasn ’ t enough rewriting of the record books , Serrano finished his career a dazzling 168-0 , becoming only the second unbeaten wrestler in state history alongside Kyle Sand ( Arvada West , 125-0 from 2000-04 ) .
“ It ’ s an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ m beyond words , but I know that I couldn ’ t have done this without my teammates .
… Never in a million years ( growing up ) would I have thought I would be one to do this.
” Both are committed to wrestle at the Division I level , with Serrano going to Nebraska and Salazar headed to Minnesota .
Serrano is also a multiple-time national champion , while Salazar polished off another undefeated season of his own at 37-0 and did not lose over his final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Windsor ) fan base — it makes me happy to do it for them , ” said Salazar , who won his first title with Class 3A Eaton .
“ I couldn ’ t be more grateful for them.
” Serrano , who had an incessant bloody nose throughout his championship match , earned a 22-8 major decision over Broomfield junior John Beau Hostler .
With blood still pouring out Serrano ’ s nostril postmatch , he said he channeled all his energy this weekend inward .
“ I didn ’ t really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I just always focused on my next match , and same with this tournament .
I stayed away from the social media side of things and put my energy into my opponent , not into things that haven ’ t happened yet.
” Meanwhile , Salazar also did his part to take care of business with ease .
He pummeled Montrose senior Cole Simmons in his final , winning by second-period pin .
It was a dominant performance indicative of both his and Serrano ’ s entire prep careers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ last few years , we sought out the highest level of competition possible within our financial means , ” Windsor coach Monte Trusty said .
“ We traveled the entire country , and we never let them stay in their comfort zone .
That ’ s the special part , also , … They grinded through all those tests.
” • Cherokee Trail wrestling affirms place among Class 5A elite with two state champions , top-five team finish • Keeler : Why Pomona wrestling dynasty is “ better than Valor football ” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other individual state titles for Windsor as the Wizards went 5-for-5 in title matches .
Junior Vance Vombaur won at 138 , senior Cody Eaton won at 160 and senior Tristian Perez won at 170 .
Five individual state champions in one tournament is tied for third in CHSAA history .
“ 5-0 — that was the goal , ” Salazar said .
“ We couldn ’ t draw it up any better than that .
”

Windsor made history a bunch of times Saturday night at the Pepsi Center.
Dominick Serrano and Isaiah Salazar both joined the four-time champions club, with Serrano’s championship at Class 4A 132 pounds and Salazar’s title at 182 pounds. Their performances helped pace Windsor to its fourth team title.
“My eighth-grade year, when I came to my first high school state championship and saw guys winning titles, I looked down from the top of the arena and said, ‘I want to do something like that,'” Serrano said. “Today, me and Isaiah did that, again. The belief in ourselves and trust in the coaches paid off.”
Serrano and Salazar also became the first teammates to clinch their fourth championship in the same year, and gave Windsor its first four-time champs. And as if that wasn’t enough rewriting of the record books, Serrano finished his career a dazzling 168-0, becoming only the second unbeaten wrestler in state history alongside Kyle Sand (Arvada West, 125-0 from 2000-04).
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Serrano said. “I’m beyond words, but I know that I couldn’t have done this without my teammates. … Never in a million years (growing up) would I have thought I would be one to do this.”
RELATED: Colorado state wrestling tournament 2020 results, Day 3
Both are committed to wrestle at the Division I level, with Serrano going to Nebraska and Salazar headed to Minnesota. Serrano is also a multiple-time national champion, while Salazar polished off another undefeated season of his own at 37-0 and did not lose over his final two years.
“The whole (Windsor) fan base — it makes me happy to do it for them,” said Salazar, who won his first title with Class 3A Eaton. “I couldn’t be more grateful for them.”
Serrano, who had an incessant bloody nose throughout his championship match, earned a 22-8 major decision over Broomfield junior John Beau Hostler. With blood still pouring out Serrano’s nostril postmatch, he said he channeled all his energy this weekend inward.
“I didn’t really think about the hype,” Serrano said. “I just always focused on my next match, and same with this tournament. I stayed away from the social media side of things and put my energy into my opponent, not into things that haven’t happened yet.”
Meanwhile, Salazar also did his part to take care of business with ease. He pummeled Montrose senior Cole Simmons in his final, winning by second-period pin. It was a dominant performance indicative of both his and Serrano’s entire prep careers.
“What Dom and Isaiah did these last few years, we sought out the highest level of competition possible within our financial means,” Windsor coach Monte Trusty said. “We traveled the entire country, and we never let them stay in their comfort zone. That’s the special part, also, … They grinded through all those tests.”
The duo’s four-peat feat bookended three other individual state titles for Windsor as the Wizards went 5-for-5 in title matches. Junior Vance Vombaur won at 138, senior Cody Eaton won at 160 and senior Tristian Perez won at 170. Five individual state champions in one tournament is tied for third in CHSAA history.
“5-0 — that was the goal,” Salazar said. “We couldn’t draw it up any better than that.”


thedenverpost--2020-02-23--Class 2A wrestling: John Mall’s Wesley VanMatre wins fourth state title

The irony is not lost on Wesley VanMatre when he climbs atop the medal stand .
On Saturday night , the John Mall High School wrestler became a four-time state champion .
As a young kid , VanMatre was a self-described reluctant grappler .
“ It seemed like I hated it forever , ” VanMatre said of wrestling .
“ I just stuck with it , kept working , and here I am now.
” VanMatre received a storybook ending to his illustrious high school wrestling career Saturday night , which began years ago in rural Walsenburg , and wrapped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met Lyons ’ David Gardner in the Class 2A 145-pound final with VanMatre ’ s arm raised in victory after a 10-3 decision .
But was there really ever a doubt ?
Not for John Mall coach Josh Vialpando .
He witnessed all of VanMatre ’ s championships , each more impressive than the last , and what strikes Vialpando most is VanMatre ’ s attitude about the historic feat .
Vialpando said : “ He doesn ’ t talk about that stuff .
He ’ s not that kind of personality.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state championship trophies do the talking — all four of them .
“ I was looking to come out here this weekend and give it everything I have , ” VanMatre said .
“ Leave it all on the mat.
” His wrestling journey began at age 4 , and as VanMatre mentioned , the love wasn ’ t instant .
Winning four state titles didn ’ t seem possible even when ascending through the competitive ranks .
“ He overcame a pretty significant injury , a broken wrist , as a freshman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended up having only 12 matches under his belt .
We knew he had the potential to win it , but with not a lot of experience .
That ’ s what got the ball rolling.
” VanMatre never set out to be defined by his wrestling , despite dominance that began in eighth grade ( a 30-match winning streak ) .
A wider range of VanMatre ’ s athletic prowess can be found on the football field , where he rushed for more than 1,700 yards and 20-plus touchdowns as a senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m the most athletic kid in this whole tournament — all classes , ” VanMatre said .
“ It ’ s something God gave me , I guess.
” When it comes to wrestling , though , VanMatre ’ s motivation for success goes beyond chasing glory .
It speaks to a humble nature his coach has witnessed on countless occasions , like when VanMatre regularly volunteered his time to help the JV team .
VanMatre ’ s inspiration to wrestle these past few seasons is especially personal .
“ I dedicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” VanMatre said .
“ They passed away my sophomore year , and ever since I was little , they were at every tournament I had been to .
I do it all for them.
” That emotion was evident Saturday night when VanMarte after he claimed a fourth state championship .
He is currently undecided on a college wrestling destination , but then again , Pepsi Center has always felt like home .
“ The toughest part is that some days you feel like wrestling , and on some random ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” VanMatre said .
“ It ’ s hard to stay into it .
But once you think about this place , it ’ s worth it .
That ’ s what drives me .
”

The irony is not lost on Wesley VanMatre when he climbs atop the medal stand.
On Saturday night, the John Mall High School wrestler became a four-time state champion. As a young kid, VanMatre was a self-described reluctant grappler.
“It seemed like I hated it forever,” VanMatre said of wrestling. “I just stuck with it, kept working, and here I am now.”
VanMatre received a storybook ending to his illustrious high school wrestling career Saturday night, which began years ago in rural Walsenburg, and wrapped up inside the Pepsi Center. He met Lyons’ David Gardner in the Class 2A 145-pound final with VanMatre’s arm raised in victory after a 10-3 decision.
But was there really ever a doubt?
Not for John Mall coach Josh Vialpando. He witnessed all of VanMatre’s championships, each more impressive than the last, and what strikes Vialpando most is VanMatre’s attitude about the historic feat. Vialpando said: “He doesn’t talk about that stuff. He’s not that kind of personality.”
So, VanMatre will simply let his state championship trophies do the talking — all four of them.
“I was looking to come out here this weekend and give it everything I have,” VanMatre said. “Leave it all on the mat.”
His wrestling journey began at age 4, and as VanMatre mentioned, the love wasn’t instant. Winning four state titles didn’t seem possible even when ascending through the competitive ranks.
“He overcame a pretty significant injury, a broken wrist, as a freshman,” Vialpando said. “He ended up having only 12 matches under his belt. We knew he had the potential to win it, but with not a lot of experience. That’s what got the ball rolling.”
VanMatre never set out to be defined by his wrestling, despite dominance that began in eighth grade (a 30-match winning streak). A wider range of VanMatre’s athletic prowess can be found on the football field, where he rushed for more than 1,700 yards and 20-plus touchdowns as a senior last fall.
“I think I’m the most athletic kid in this whole tournament — all classes,” VanMatre said. “It’s something God gave me, I guess.”
When it comes to wrestling, though, VanMatre’s motivation for success goes beyond chasing glory. It speaks to a humble nature his coach has witnessed on countless occasions, like when VanMatre regularly volunteered his time to help the JV team. VanMatre’s inspiration to wrestle these past few seasons is especially personal.
“I dedicated these last two titles to my grandparents,” VanMatre said. “They passed away my sophomore year, and ever since I was little, they were at every tournament I had been to. I do it all for them.”
That emotion was evident Saturday night when VanMarte after he claimed a fourth state championship. He is currently undecided on a college wrestling destination, but then again, Pepsi Center has always felt like home.
“The toughest part is that some days you feel like wrestling, and on some random ones, you really don’t,” VanMatre said. “It’s hard to stay into it. But once you think about this place, it’s worth it. That’s what drives me.”


thedenverpost--2020-02-24--Jeff Hoffman’s shorter delivery produces mixed results in Rockies’ Cactus League opener

TEMPE , Ariz. — Jeff Hoffman ‘ s spring project went “ live ” Sunday afternoon with mixed results , but ultimately it left the Rockies ’ right-hander satisfied .
“ It felt good .
My whole body felt good , ” Hoffman said after starting against the Angels in Colorado ’ s Cactus League opener .
“ I felt like I was consistent with my delivery and my windup .
So that was something good to feel at game speed .
That sets a good foundation , and that ’ s where we need to be.
” Hoffman began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making it shorter in a quest for better command .
Hoffman , in the mix for the back end of the starting rotation , issued a four-pitch walk to open the game and threw 26 pitches in the first inning .
He ended up allowing two runs on three hits over two innings while striking out three .
“ I threw all of my pitches , and it felt good to get them all into action , ” Hoffman said .
“ They all had good shape , and that was one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From there we can kind of fine-tune things.
” Manager Bud Black , stressing that Hoffman has not “ revamped ” his delivery , said : “ Overall , his stuff was fine and his delivery looked good .
The main reason Jeff has done this is to become comfortable with all of his pitches.
” Zero-sum game .
Right-handed reliever Scott Oberg pulled off the seemingly impossible last season .
While his fellow bullpen mates were giving up home runs by the bushel at Coors Field , Oberg didn ’ t give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while posting a 1.71 ERA and limiting hitters to a .191 average .
• Paul Egins , the big-hearted “ cornerstone of the franchise , ” keeps the Rockies running • Saunders : Rockies ’ Trevor Story primed to be face of franchise • 🔊 Rockies podcast : Ian Desmond , Trevor Story among those who must take on enhanced leadership roles Black said there was no big secret to Oberg ’ s success .
“ He can naturally keep the ball down , and that ’ s a point of emphasis for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He kept most his pitches out of the middle of the plate , and he ’ s got the ability to move the fastball .
He can throw it at the top of the zone , and he can move it inside on guys .
It ’ s a function of making pitches.
” Oberg , the primary righty setup man , who took over as closer late in the season for the struggling Wade Davis , threw his last pitch Aug. 16 , before undergoing surgery to correct blood clots in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been given a clean bill of health .
Footnotes .
Monday will be an interesting day on the mound for the Rockies when they host the Indians at Salt River Fields .
Rotation candidates Chi Chi Gonzalez and Peter Lambert are scheduled to pitch , as well as right-handed relievers Bryan Shaw and Carlos Estevez .
… Black watched recently signed reliever Daniel Bard throw a side session Saturday and came away impressed , saying , “ He threw really well.
” Bard , plagued by control problems , has not pitched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our Rockies Insider newsletter to get the latest team news sent straight to your inbox .

TEMPE, Ariz. — Jeff Hoffman‘s spring project went “live” Sunday afternoon with mixed results, but ultimately it left the Rockies’ right-hander satisfied.
“It felt good. My whole body felt good,” Hoffman said after starting against the Angels in Colorado’s Cactus League opener. “I felt like I was consistent with my delivery and my windup. So that was something good to feel at game speed. That sets a good foundation, and that’s where we need to be.”
Hoffman began tweaking his delivery late last season, making it shorter in a quest for better command. Hoffman, in the mix for the back end of the starting rotation, issued a four-pitch walk to open the game and threw 26 pitches in the first inning. He ended up allowing two runs on three hits over two innings while striking out three.
“I threw all of my pitches, and it felt good to get them all into action,” Hoffman said. “They all had good shape, and that was one of the things I was focused on. From there we can kind of fine-tune things.”
Manager Bud Black, stressing that Hoffman has not “revamped” his delivery, said: “Overall, his stuff was fine and his delivery looked good. The main reason Jeff has done this is to become comfortable with all of his pitches.”
Zero-sum game. Right-handed reliever Scott Oberg pulled off the seemingly impossible last season. While his fellow bullpen mates were giving up home runs by the bushel at Coors Field, Oberg didn’t give up a single home run there, while posting a 1.71 ERA and limiting hitters to a .191 average.
Black said there was no big secret to Oberg’s success.
“He can naturally keep the ball down, and that’s a point of emphasis for him,” Black said. “He kept most his pitches out of the middle of the plate, and he’s got the ability to move the fastball. He can throw it at the top of the zone, and he can move it inside on guys. It’s a function of making pitches.”
Oberg, the primary righty setup man, who took over as closer late in the season for the struggling Wade Davis, threw his last pitch Aug. 16, before undergoing surgery to correct blood clots in his throwing arm. Black said that Oberg has been given a clean bill of health.
Footnotes. Monday will be an interesting day on the mound for the Rockies when they host the Indians at Salt River Fields. Rotation candidates Chi Chi Gonzalez and Peter Lambert are scheduled to pitch, as well as right-handed relievers Bryan Shaw and Carlos Estevez. … Black watched recently signed reliever Daniel Bard throw a side session Saturday and came away impressed, saying, “He threw really well.” Bard, plagued by control problems, has not pitched in the majors since 2013.
Angels 7, Rockies 5
At Tempe Diablo Stadium
On the mound: Starter Jeff Hoffman, working to develop his shorter pitching motion, needed 26 pitches in the first inning and gave up three hits over two innings, but the right-hander also struck out three. … Right-hander Ryan Castellani was rusty, giving up two runs and walking three in his inning of work. … The Angels tagged reliever Joe Harvey for two runs on three hits (including two home runs) in the seventh inning.
At the plate: Infielder Eric Stamets, a minor-league, free-agent signee who played last season for the Indians, smashed a three-run homer to left-center to tie the game at 4-all in the fifth. … Nolan Arenado came to the plate with the bases loaded in the third and drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.
Worth noting: Right-hander Ashton Goudeau caught the attention of manager Bud Black with a strong two innings that included three strikeouts.
Up next
Indians (1-0) at Rockies (0-1), 1:10 p.m. Monday, Salt River Fields
Indians pitchers: RHP Nick Wittgren, RHP Emmanuel Clase, RHP Jean Carlos Mejia, RHP Argenis Angulo, RHP Jared Robinson
Rockies pitchers: RHP Peter Lambert, RHP Bryan Shaw, LHP Tim Collins, RHP Carlos Estévez, RHP Jesus Tinoco, RHP Yency Almonte
Subscribe to our Rockies Insider newsletter to get the latest team news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-02-23--Colorado hires Karl Dorrell: Dig deep enough, and you can spot reasons it makes sense (but you have

Colorado hires Karl Dorrell: Dig deep enough, and you can spot reasons it makes sense (but you have to really dig)

The Karl Dorrell hire has generated more shrugs than sizzle with many Colorado fans and in the media , and it ’ s difficult to envision an instant bump in CU season-ticket sales .
And the Hotline ’ s reaction , frankly , is essentially the same .
Dorrell , a Miami Dolphins assistant , wouldn ’ t have been on our list of 20 potential candidates to replace Mel Tucker .
Dorrell was an undistinguished head coach in his only previous tenure , which ended during the second Bush presidency .
He spent most of the past 13 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a candidate for head coaching jobs at the pro or college level … not a hot name or a warm name or even a room-temperature name .
Karl Dorrell is the best Colorado could do ?
But with a deeper dig , with a longer look , the other camp — the camp in which Dorrell makes some sense — is faintly visible on the horizon .
Examining that camp , here ’ s what we see … *** Dorrell was hired by UCLA , his alma mater , on his 39th birthday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a head coach , at least a high-level head coach .
That was evident in the moment — Dorrell as UCLA ’ s counter to Pete Carroll ?
Oh , goodness — and it has held true through the passage of time .
But Dorrell is now 56 , having spent the majority of the past 12 seasons on NFL staffs .
The NFL background should play well in recruiting , and the experience everywhere should aid his management of the program .
* Mel Tucker arrived in Boulder as a 47-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado or in the Pac-12 .
* Dorrell arrives in Boulder as a 56-year-old former major college head coach with two stints on the Colorado staff and experience working for the greatest coach in CU history .
During his first and only public comments on the search , which came in the immediate aftermath of Tucker ’ s departure , Colorado athletic director Rick George said the following : “ I want somebody that shares my passion for this university .
If that someone has been here before , that ’ s great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that passion about Colorado that I do.
” As mentioned above , Dorrell is a former Colorado assistant coach twice over : He served on staff for CU legend Bill McCartney in the early 1990s and then was offensive coordinator in Boulder under Rick Neuheisel in the mid/late 1990s .
So Dorrell surely has an affinity for CU , a passion for the school and the community .
Now , we should mention that the likelihood of Dorrell being a hot name on the coaching carousel in a few years is south of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t a hot candidate … until one deep-pocketed school got desperate .
His background at Michigan State was the X factor .
No such Big Ten/SEC dynamic exists with Dorrell .
The Buffaloes were helpless to retain Tucker .
They spent a week interviewing and pondering options with varying degrees of sizzle .
And they ended up hiring an off-the-radar coach who would have jumped at the job from the start .
But if we squint across the landscape to that other camp , where optics are irrelevant , one thought comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado football under Dorrell that much lower than the ceiling under Tucker ?
It ’ s unknowable , of course .
But the Buffaloes have produced one winning season in the past 14 .
Tucker recruited well in his short tenure , and Dorrell must do the same , of course .
But given the current resources ( modest ) and the in-state talent ( modest ) and the absence of Nick Saban or Bill McCartney on the sideline , we view the Buffaloes as being , at best , a second-level program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wins the next year , 8/9 wins the next year … and repeat .
Of course , it ’ s worth repeating : The optics are bad .
*** Dorrell ’ s success hinges largely on his staff — in particular , his choices for defensive coordinator and strength/conditioning coach .
His background is offense , and we ’ re assuming that Darrin Chiaverini , the Buffaloes ’ well-regard offensive assistant , will remain on staff .
( Chiaverini played for Dorrell at Colorado when the latter was the receivers coach . )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ — that ’ s the key .
One of Dorrell ’ s problems at UCLA , perhaps his primary problem , was an immense amount of staff turnover and some questionable hiring decisions .
To that end , the compensation for assistants is critical .
Tucker ’ s staff salary pool was $ 3.16 million in 2019 , according to the USA Today salary database .
Among the Pac-12 public schools , only Oregon State and Arizona were lower .
Dorrell ’ s staff pool is $ 3.8 million , a significant 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list , especially at the DC position .
Based on 2019 figures , that pool would be No .
6 among the publics .
It ’ s the best CU fans could have hoped for , frankly , given Colorado ’ s budget .
Dorrell , if you ’ re wondering , received a five-year contract worth $ 18 million .
The first-year compensation is $ 3.2 million , with $ 200,000 escalators .
*** The Pac-12 has turned over 25 % of its football coaches this winter .
Of the three newbies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head coach before ( Washington ’ s Jimmy Lake ) .
One hasn ’ t been a head coach this decade ( Dorrell ) .
One is new to the Power Five ( Washington State ’ s Nick Rolovich ) .
That ’ s not the most inspiring collective resume — the risk factor feels high .
But taken on a case-by-case basis , the moves make more sense given the broader framework of Pac-12 resources and hiring philosophies .
Rolovich was the smart move for WSU given his style of play and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Washington given his success on the Huskies staff as a play caller and recruiter .
Dorrell is tougher to square , save for his affinity for Colorado , and his appointment requires a greater leap of faith .
As the Hotline does with every head coaching hire in the conference , we ’ ll check back after three years .
Support the Hotline : Several Hotline articles will remain free each month ( as will the newsletter ) , but for access to all content , you ’ ll need to subscribe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of $ 1 per week for a full year or — introductory offer alert !
— just 99 cents for the first month , with the option to cancel anytime .
Click here .
And thanks for your loyalty .
*** Send suggestions , comments and tips ( confidentiality guaranteed ) to pac12hotline @ bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716 *** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference , and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference .

The Karl Dorrell hire has generated more shrugs than sizzle with many Colorado fans and in the media, and it’s difficult to envision an instant bump in CU season-ticket sales.
And the Hotline’s reaction, frankly, is essentially the same.
Dorrell, a Miami Dolphins assistant, wouldn’t have been on our list of 20 potential candidates to replace Mel Tucker.
(And if you had suggested his name for the 21st spot, we would have assumed it was in jest.)
Dorrell was an undistinguished head coach in his only previous tenure, which ended during the second Bush presidency.
He spent most of the past 13 years in the NFL, never mentioned as a candidate for head coaching jobs at the pro or college level … not a hot name or a warm name or even a room-temperature name.
Karl Dorrell is the best Colorado could do?
But with a deeper dig, with a longer look, the other camp — the camp in which Dorrell makes some sense — is faintly visible on the horizon.
Examining that camp, here’s what we see …
*** Dorrell was hired by UCLA, his alma mater, on his 39th birthday.
He wasn’t ready to be a head coach, at least a high-level head coach.
That was evident in the moment — Dorrell as UCLA’s counter to Pete Carroll? Oh, goodness — and it has held true through the passage of time.
His record in Westwood:
6-7/4-4
6-6/4-4
10-2/6-2
7-6/5-4
6-6/5-4
Total: 35-27/24-18
But Dorrell is now 56, having spent the majority of the past 12 seasons on NFL staffs.
The NFL background should play well in recruiting, and the experience everywhere should aid his management of the program.
That’s 17 years on sidelines, 17 years in meetings, 17 years evaluating talent, 17 years studying film.
Put another way:
* Mel Tucker arrived in Boulder as a 47-year-old first-time head coach with no experience at Colorado or in the Pac-12.
* Dorrell arrives in Boulder as a 56-year-old former major college head coach with two stints on the Colorado staff and experience working for the greatest coach in CU history.
*** Vital point to understanding the hire:
During his first and only public comments on the search, which came in the immediate aftermath of Tucker’s departure, Colorado athletic director Rick George said the following:
“I want somebody that shares my passion for this university. If that someone has been here before, that’s great. But I want someone that shares that passion about Colorado that I do.”
As mentioned above, Dorrell is a former Colorado assistant coach twice over:
He served on staff for CU legend Bill McCartney in the early 1990s and then was offensive coordinator in Boulder under Rick Neuheisel in the mid/late 1990s.
So Dorrell surely has an affinity for CU, a passion for the school and the community.
Now, we should mention that the likelihood of Dorrell being a hot name on the coaching carousel in a few years is south of slim.
Then again, Tucker wasn’t a hot candidate … until one deep-pocketed school got desperate.
His background at Michigan State was the X factor.
No such Big Ten/SEC dynamic exists with Dorrell.
*** The optics are bad.
The Buffaloes were helpless to retain Tucker.
They spent a week interviewing and pondering options with varying degrees of sizzle.
And they ended up hiring an off-the-radar coach who would have jumped at the job from the start.
But if we squint across the landscape to that other camp, where optics are irrelevant, one thought comes to mind: Is the ceiling for Colorado football under Dorrell that much lower than the ceiling under Tucker?
It’s unknowable, of course. But the Buffaloes have produced one winning season in the past 14.
Tucker recruited well in his short tenure, and Dorrell must do the same, of course.
But given the current resources (modest) and the in-state talent (modest) and the absence of Nick Saban or Bill McCartney on the sideline, we view the Buffaloes as being, at best, a second-level program: 4/5 wins one year, 6/7 wins the next year, 8/9 wins the next year … and repeat.
Of course, it’s worth repeating: The optics are bad.
*** Dorrell’s success hinges largely on his staff — in particular, his choices for defensive coordinator and strength/conditioning coach.
His background is offense, and we’re assuming that Darrin Chiaverini, the Buffaloes’ well-regard offensive assistant, will remain on staff. (Chiaverini played for Dorrell at Colorado when the latter was the receivers coach.)
But the other side of the ball — that’s the key.
One of Dorrell’s problems at UCLA, perhaps his primary problem, was an immense amount of staff turnover and some questionable hiring decisions.
(After his best year, 2005, when the Bruins went 10-2, Dorrell lost four assistants/coordinators to other jobs and fired two more.)
To that end, the compensation for assistants is critical.
Tucker’s staff salary pool was $3.16 million in 2019, according to the USA Today salary database.
Among the Pac-12 public schools, only Oregon State and Arizona were lower.
Dorrell’s staff pool is $3.8 million, a significant 20% increase that should expand his candidate list, especially at the DC position.
Based on 2019 figures, that pool would be No. 6 among the publics.
It’s the best CU fans could have hoped for, frankly, given Colorado’s budget.
Dorrell, if you’re wondering, received a five-year contract worth $18 million. The first-year compensation is $3.2 million, with $200,000 escalators.
*** The Pac-12 has turned over 25% of its football coaches this winter.
Of the three newbies:
One hasn’t been a head coach before (Washington’s Jimmy Lake).
One hasn’t been a head coach this decade (Dorrell).
One is new to the Power Five (Washington State’s Nick Rolovich).
That’s not the most inspiring collective resume — the risk factor feels high.
But taken on a case-by-case basis, the moves make more sense given the broader framework of Pac-12 resources and hiring philosophies.
Rolovich was the smart move for WSU given his style of play and affordability.
Lake was the obvious hire for Washington given his success on the Huskies staff as a play caller and recruiter.
Dorrell is tougher to square, save for his affinity for Colorado, and his appointment requires a greater leap of faith.
As the Hotline does with every head coaching hire in the conference, we’ll check back after three years.
Support the Hotline: Several Hotline articles will remain free each month (as will the newsletter), but for access to all content, you’ll need to subscribe. I’ve secured a rate of $1 per week for a full year or — introductory offer alert! — just 99 cents for the first month, with the option to cancel anytime. Click here. And thanks for your loyalty.
*** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716
*** Follow me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline
*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.


thedenverpost--2020-02-23--Karl Dorrell officially announced as CU Buffs football coach

The Buffs have made it official : CU football is handing the keys to Karl Dorrell .
The university formally announced Sunday that the 56-year-old Dorrell has been hired as the CU ’ s 27th full-time football coach , replacing Mel Tucker , who left the program Feb. 11 to take the head coaching job at Michigan State .
“ I ’ m excited to be back .
It ’ s like coming home , ” Dorrell said in a CU release .
“ The thing that excited me about this job is that my experience in the past here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successful .
We had a lot of good teams , went to a lot of good bowl games .
It ’ s a top caliber program that has a lot of potential , and I ’ m excited to return it to that level.
” Said CU athletic director Rick George : “ I am excited that Karl Dorrell has agreed to become our head football coach .
Karl has had great success as a college coach , both as a head coach and an assistant , and he knows the Pac-12 Conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important that our next coach have CU ties , and Karl has those ties having worked at CU twice previously .
Karl shares my passion for Colorado and our vision for winning championships .
He will be a tremendous mentor and role model for our student-athletes , and he will provide great leadership for our program going forward.
” Pending an approval by the CU Board of Regents , Dorrell will receive a five-year deal , the same as his predecessor , the maximum length allowed for a higher-education employee under state law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of $ 18 million with the first-year salary at $ 3.2 million and an annual increase of $ 200,000 .
The assistant coaches salary pool will be $ 3.8 million , an increase from the $ 3.155 million for Tucker ’ s staff .
A California native and a UCLA alum , Dorrell has served two previous stints with the Buffaloes as an assistant .
He worked as a wide receivers coach under Bill McCartney from 1992-93 and was an offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach for Rick Neuheisel from 1995-98 .
Unlike his predecessor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FBS head coach to Boulder — although that experience came more than a decade ago .
Dorrell coached the Bruins , his alma mater , to a 35-27 record over five seasons from 2003-07 .
UCLA fired him in December 2007 , and he hadn ’ t taken another head coaching job until the Buffs came calling .
The Bruins reached the postseason in all five of Dorrell ’ s campaigns in Westwood but won more than seven games just once over that span — a 10-2 mark in 2005 .
Dorrell has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NFL , save for a one-season stint as offensive coordinator at Vanderbilt in 2014 that saw the Commodores finish 3-9 ( 0-8 in the SEC ) while averaging 17.2 points per game .
• Kiszla : As CU football coach , best thing about Karl Dorrell is he ’ s safe , boring and the anti-Mel • Karl Dorrell expected to become new CU Buffs football coach , reports say CU had reportedly interviewed former USC and Washington coach Steve Sarkisian , former Wisconsin and Arkansas coach Bret Bielema , Air Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Darrin Chiaverini , among others , in recent days .
Tucker had left Boulder in stunning fashion after only 14 months on the job , becoming the first CU coach with a tenure of only one season since Bud Davis in 1962 .
Dorrell is CU ’ s fifth full-time coach in a decade and the third over the last 15 months , an unprecedented period of instability in the football program .
Mike MacIntyre was fired by George in November 2018 and replaced by Tucker in early December of that year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ full-time football coaches : McCartney ( 1982-94 ) , Neuheisel ( 1995-98 ) , Gary Barnett ( 1999-2005 ) and Dan Hawkins ( 2005-10 ) .
The last time the Buffs had go through three different full-time coaches in three consecutive seasons was 1961-63 , when the school fired Sonny Grandelius in March 1962 during an NCAA investigation into recruiting improprieties .
Davis was brought in as an interim in 1962 and was replaced by former Oklahoma assistant Eddie Crowder in January 1963 .

The Buffs have made it official: CU football is handing the keys to Karl Dorrell.
The university formally announced Sunday that the 56-year-old Dorrell has been hired as the CU’s 27th full-time football coach, replacing Mel Tucker, who left the program Feb. 11 to take the head coaching job at Michigan State.
“I’m excited to be back. It’s like coming home,” Dorrell said in a CU release. “The thing that excited me about this job is that my experience in the past here for the most part has been very successful. We had a lot of good teams, went to a lot of good bowl games. It’s a top caliber program that has a lot of potential, and I’m excited to return it to that level.”
Said CU athletic director Rick George: “I am excited that Karl Dorrell has agreed to become our head football coach. Karl has had great success as a college coach, both as a head coach and an assistant, and he knows the Pac-12 Conference and West Coast well. It was important that our next coach have CU ties, and Karl has those ties having worked at CU twice previously. Karl shares my passion for Colorado and our vision for winning championships. He will be a tremendous mentor and role model for our student-athletes, and he will provide great leadership for our program going forward.”
Pending an approval by the CU Board of Regents, Dorrell will receive a five-year deal, the same as his predecessor, the maximum length allowed for a higher-education employee under state law. The contract is worth a total of $18 million with the first-year salary at $3.2 million and an annual increase of $200,000. The assistant coaches salary pool will be $3.8 million, an increase from the $3.155 million for Tucker’s staff.
A California native and a UCLA alum, Dorrell has served two previous stints with the Buffaloes as an assistant.
He worked as a wide receivers coach under Bill McCartney from 1992-93 and was an offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach for Rick Neuheisel from 1995-98.
Unlike his predecessor, Dorrell brings previous experience as an FBS head coach to Boulder — although that experience came more than a decade ago.
Dorrell coached the Bruins, his alma mater, to a 35-27 record over five seasons from 2003-07.
UCLA fired him in December 2007, and he hadn’t taken another head coaching job until the Buffs came calling.
The Bruins reached the postseason in all five of Dorrell’s campaigns in Westwood but won more than seven games just once over that span — a 10-2 mark in 2005.
Dorrell has spent most of his post-UCLA career in the NFL, save for a one-season stint as offensive coordinator at Vanderbilt in 2014 that saw the Commodores finish 3-9 (0-8 in the SEC) while averaging 17.2 points per game.
CU had reportedly interviewed former USC and Washington coach Steve Sarkisian, former Wisconsin and Arkansas coach Bret Bielema, Air Force coach Troy Calhoun and Buffs interim coach Darrin Chiaverini, among others, in recent days.
Tucker had left Boulder in stunning fashion after only 14 months on the job, becoming the first CU coach with a tenure of only one season since Bud Davis in 1962.
Dorrell is CU’s fifth full-time coach in a decade and the third over the last 15 months, an unprecedented period of instability in the football program. Mike MacIntyre was fired by George in November 2018 and replaced by Tucker in early December of that year.
From 1982-2010, CU featured just four full-time football coaches: McCartney (1982-94), Neuheisel (1995-98), Gary Barnett (1999-2005) and Dan Hawkins (2005-10). The last time the Buffs had to go through three different full-time coaches in three consecutive seasons was 1961-63, when the school fired Sonny Grandelius in March 1962 during an NCAA investigation into recruiting improprieties. Davis was brought in as an interim in 1962 and was replaced by former Oklahoma assistant Eddie Crowder in January 1963.


thedenverpost--2020-02-23--Daredevil “Mad” Mike Hughes dies in rocket crash near Barstow

Daredevil rocket builder “ Mad ” Mike Hughes of Apple Valley died Saturday , Feb. 22 , when the homemade steam-powered vessel he manned as part of a television series crashed in the San Bernardino County desert near Barstow , reports said .
The Science Channel , which has scheduled the series “ Homemade Astronauts ” to premiere this year , and TMZ reported that Hughes , 64 , was aboard the rocket and perished in the accident .
A video posted on Twitter shows a parachute separating from the rocket just after launch and then moments later , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Michael ‘ Mad Mike ’ Hughes tragically passed away today during an attempt to launch his homemade rocket .
Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends during this difficult time .
It was always his dream to do this launch & Science Channel was there to chronicle his journey , ” a Science Channel post on Twitter said .
Waldo Stakes , a colleague who was at the rocket launch , also said Hughes was killed .
“ It was unsuccessful , and he passed away , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment .
Justin Chapman , a freelance journalist , told The Associated Press that he and his wife witnessed the crash .
The rocket appeared to rub against the launch apparatus , which might have torn the parachutes attached to it , Chapman said .
Hughes was a resident of Apple Valley , according to the Victorville Daily Press .
The San Bernardino County Sheriff ’ s Department said that about 1:50 p.m. , deputies were called to an event on private property off Highway 247 near Barstow , where a man was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sheriff ’ s spokeswoman was not able to immediately provide any other details or confirm the identity of the dead man .
The sheriff ’ s aviation and special investigations units are trying to determine the cause of the crash .
The Federal Aviation Administration was not involved in the investigation , FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said .
“ In the past , we determined his previous flight attempts did not fall within the FAA ’ s regulatory authority , ” Gregor said .
The website Space.com said Hughes planned Saturday “ to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Astronauts , a new series on the Science Channel that follows self-financed , self-made teams on their quest to reach the sky.
” The website said Hughes , with the help of partner Waldo Stakes , hoped to reach 5,000 feet in a steam-powered rocket .
The premise of the show , which involves two other teams , is to launch a rocket on a tight budget .
In August , Space.com reported , Hughes ’ attempt to launch the rocket was scuttled when the water heater he bought off Craigslist for $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create steam .
Hughes also acquired a nose cone for the decidedly un-NASA-like price of $ 50 .
“ No one knows where the nose cone came from or what its original intent was , ” the story said .
In March 2018 , Hughes launched himself 1,875 above Amboy in the Mojave Desert , according to BusinessInsider.com .
Hughes has been widely quoted as saying that he believes the Earth is flat .
He has told some people that his launches are designed to prove his belief while telling others that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story really is incredible , ” Hughes told the AP in 2018 .
“ It ’ s got a bunch of story lines — the garage-built thing .
I ’ m an older guy .
It ’ s out in the middle of nowhere , plus the Flat Earth .
The problem is it brings out all the nuts also , people questioning everything .
It ’ s the downside of all this.
” The Associated Press contributed to this story .

Daredevil rocket builder “Mad” Mike Hughes of Apple Valley died Saturday, Feb. 22, when the homemade steam-powered vessel he manned as part of a television series crashed in the San Bernardino County desert near Barstow, reports said.
The Science Channel, which has scheduled the series “Homemade Astronauts” to premiere this year, and TMZ reported that Hughes, 64, was aboard the rocket and perished in the accident.
A video posted on Twitter shows a parachute separating from the rocket just after launch and then moments later, the rocket falling from hundreds of feet nose-down.
“Michael ‘Mad Mike’ Hughes tragically passed away today during an attempt to launch his homemade rocket. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends during this difficult time. It was always his dream to do this launch & Science Channel was there to chronicle his journey,” a Science Channel post on Twitter said.
Waldo Stakes, a colleague who was at the rocket launch, also said Hughes was killed.
“It was unsuccessful, and he passed away,” Stakes said. He declined further comment.
Justin Chapman, a freelance journalist, told The Associated Press that he and his wife witnessed the crash.
The rocket appeared to rub against the launch apparatus, which might have torn the parachutes attached to it, Chapman said.
Hughes was a resident of Apple Valley, according to the Victorville Daily Press.
Mad Mike Hughes just launched himself in a self-made steam-powered rocket and crash landed. Very likely did not survive. #MadMike #MadMikeHughes pic.twitter.com/svtviTEi8f — Justin Chapman (@justindchapman) February 22, 2020
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said that about 1:50 p.m., deputies were called to an event on private property off Highway 247 near Barstow, where a man was pronounced dead after the crash. A sheriff’s spokeswoman was not able to immediately provide any other details or confirm the identity of the dead man. The sheriff’s aviation and special investigations units are trying to determine the cause of the crash.
The Federal Aviation Administration was not involved in the investigation, FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said.
“In the past, we determined his previous flight attempts did not fall within the FAA’s regulatory authority,” Gregor said.
Michael 'Mad Mike' Hughes tragically passed away today during an attempt to launch his homemade rocket. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends during this difficult time. It was always his dream to do this launch & Science Channel was there to chronicle his journey pic.twitter.com/GxwjpVf2md — Science Channel (@ScienceChannel) February 23, 2020
The website Space.com said Hughes planned Saturday “to blast himself off-Earth as part of Homemade Astronauts, a new series on the Science Channel that follows self-financed, self-made teams on their quest to reach the sky.” The website said Hughes, with the help of partner Waldo Stakes, hoped to reach 5,000 feet in a steam-powered rocket.
The premise of the show, which involves two other teams, is to launch a rocket on a tight budget. In August, Space.com reported, Hughes’ attempt to launch the rocket was scuttled when the water heater he bought off Craigslist for $325 failed to heat the water enough to create steam. Hughes also acquired a nose cone for the decidedly un-NASA-like price of $50. “No one knows where the nose cone came from or what its original intent was,” the story said.
In March 2018, Hughes launched himself 1,875 above Amboy in the Mojave Desert, according to BusinessInsider.com.
Hughes has been widely quoted as saying that he believes the Earth is flat. He has told some people that his launches are designed to prove his belief while telling others that his launches are unrelated.
“My story really is incredible,” Hughes told the AP in 2018. “It’s got a bunch of story lines — the garage-built thing. I’m an older guy. It’s out in the middle of nowhere, plus the Flat Earth. The problem is it brings out all the nuts also, people questioning everything. It’s the downside of all this.”
The Associated Press contributed to this story.