thedenverpost--2020-05-10--Coronavirus-linked problems in meat supply chain could mean shortages, trouble for ranchers

Rancher Janie VanWinkle has a gnawing feeling that when she ’ s ready to sign a deal this summer to sell her calves , she could see the price she gets drop by as much as 50 % .
Lee Leachman is looking at discounting the bulls he sells for breeding by about 20 % .
Denver chef Bo Porytko , who runs Misfit Snackbar in Denver , went looking for beef at the Restaurant Depot last week and found mostly empty shelves at the warehouse .
“ It was like people were immediately doing the toilet paper thing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the beef supply chain to the end , COVID-19 has created kinks that , if not straightened out , could lead to limited selection in grocery stores , higher prices for restaurants and consumers and some Colorado ranchers shutting their gates for good .
The biggest obstacle is in the middle , where the cattle are sent to feedlots for about 150 days and then to slaughter .
Big plants in Colorado and across the country that typically process thousands of cattle a day have shut down temporarily or greatly scaled back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the workforce .
Thousands of workers nationwide have been stricken and at least 20 have died .
Seven workers at the JBS plant in Greeley have died from the coronavirus .
The Cargill meatpacking plant in Fort Morgan reduced operations in April after an employee died from COVID-19 and others became sick .
“ The first thing that has to happen is we have to get the workers healthy and make sure that they ’ re safe , ” VanWinkle said .
“ But I am telling you , I have big concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other places as well.
” The last couple of years , the VanWinkles got $ 1.55 to $ 1.60 per pound for their calves , or around $ 1,000 for a 6- to 8-month-old animal delivered to the feedlot .
This year , VanWinkle fears the per-calf selling price could drop by as much as half .
Feedlots are filling with cattle waiting to be processed while meat-packing plants run at reduced levels because of virus outbreaks .
Beef plants across the country on average are running at about 65 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of the Department of Animal Sciences at Colorado State University .
He said there are signs the companies are getting a handle on ways to protect workers and will start increasing production .
“ That said , I don ’ t see them coming back to full capacity for a long time , ” said Belk , who is worried about the fallout for the feedlot owners and associated businesses , such as trucking companies and veterinarians .
As the plants further separate work spaces to stop the spread of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of their employees , he added .
And a number of people aren ’ t at work because they ’ re ill or considered at risk for getting ill , Belk said .
President Trump signed an executive order in late April to keep meat processing plants open by declaring them “ critical infrastructure.
” Consumers are likely to find it harder to find certain kinds of cuts of meat at certain points , and that will vary by region , Belk said .
“ When you have a supply chain shock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a huge impact .
People in the industry are saying the last time there was anything like this in the United States was World War II , ” Belk said .
Kate Greenberg , the Colorado agriculture commissioner , doesn ’ t anticipate widespread beef shortages in the state .
Colorado ranks fourth in the nation for fresh and frozen beef exports and for the number of cattle processed , annually producing about 2.85 million cattle valued at $ 3 billion .
In Colorado , there are millions of pounds of meat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , Greenberg noted that stores are starting to limit the amount of meat people can buy .
A King Soopers spokeswoman said the chain has temporary limits on the number of packages of fresh ground beef , poultry and pork customers can buy .
“ But from all we can tell from all the work we ’ ve been doing and conversations we ’ ve been having with partners across the country , it is very much parallel to the toilet paper deal , ” Greenberg said .
“ People see weaknesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel a sense of anxiety that they need to buy much of that product , and then you see empty shelves , which is a reinforcing cycle.
” Shoppers likely will see higher prices in the stores , but the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently said the increases should be slight , from 1-2 % .
A pound of lean ground beef averaged just under $ 5 in the region that includes Colorado at the end of April , according to the USDA .
It was just under $ 4 a pound in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s happening in Colorado is less severe than in other states that are big producers of other types of animals .
Pigs , chickens and turkeys in other states are being euthanized when they outgrow their spaces and the meatpacking plants are backed up .
“ With cattle , our ranchers are able to keep them on the ranch for longer .
They have much greater margins in terms of time , ” Greenberg said .
It ’ s more a question of how much it ’ s going to cost ranchers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ranchers , small processing operations and the state agriculture department , through its Colorado Proud program , are trying new ways to directly connect producers with consumers .
“ I think those kinds of plants are going to be really successful during this period of time , ” Belk said .
“ But it ’ s not enough volume to fix the issue .
There ’ s just not enough of them.
” At Leachman Cattle of Colorado , northeast of Wellington , space for the cattle held for feeding before they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filling up .
“ We have a lot of inventory and we have lots of cattle being offered to us .
It ’ s kind of a tough go right now , ” Lee Leachman said .
The third-generation rancher ’ s operation also sells bulls to other ranchers for breeding .
Only 13 buyers showed up at a March 23 auction , held just as businesses and large gatherings were being shut down to stem the spread of the coronavirus .
Call-in and online bids resulted in a successful sale , Leachman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what it would have been like had all this not happened .
I presume it would have been significantly better , ” Leachman said .
“ But we actually sold most of the cattle.
” Since then , as the implications of the pandemic have become more clear , ranchers aren ’ t buying as many bulls .
One of his bulls averaged about $ 5,000 last year .
This year , that will likely drop to around $ 4,000 .
“ They ’ re much more price sensitive now .
In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big discounting program on bulls we have for sale to try to price them down to where people can afford them , ” Leachman said .
“ We ’ re going to discount them about 20 % , which is a lot.
” VanWinkle , who ranches with her husband , Howard , in Mesa County , shares Leachman ’ s belief that the disruptions to the supply chain will cascade through the system for a while .
She anticipates that when she signs a contract to deliver hundreds of calves to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end up fetching 35-50 % less than usual .
“ That annual pay day once a year , the day you sell your calves , that ’ s 80 to 90 % of our income , ” VanWinkle said .
As VanWinkle prepares to get far less for her beef , prices are rising for shoppers .
She said it comes down to supply and demand .
There ’ s an oversupply of beef and demand has dropped , with restaurants , schools and cruise ships ceasing activity due to the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ really comes down to logistics .
Some beef is packaged to go to grocery stores and some is set up to go into the food service system .
“ There ’ s some retooling that has to happen .
It ’ s complicated and some of this has been happening in our industry for a while .
It ’ s being exacerbated by COVID-19 , ” VanWinkle said .
For now , restaurant owner Porytko plans to get creative with his carryout menu to make do until the beef supply stabilizes .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chicken dishes , and there doesn ’ t seem to be a problem with lamb , ” Porytko said .
He decided on a green chile boudin dish because , as he put it , home cooks probably won ’ t be hoarding pork liver for themselves .
The Colorado Beef Council subscribes to a service that tracks retail beef sales nationwide .
Todd Inglee the CEO , said figures from scanner data sales shot up 95 % from the previous week after three weeks of the widespread shutdown of businesses .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 58 % the week of April 26 .
VanWinkle said there ’ s animosity in the ranching industry right now against the meat packers , who are making a lot of money while ranchers are struggling and consumers are paying more .
Several smaller processing plants across Colorado cater to ranchers who sell their beef directly to consumers or target smaller markets .
Two years ago , VanWinkle began taking individual orders for ground beef and at this point can ’ t keep up with the demand .
But VanWinkle said the smaller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a niche market that altogether couldn ’ t process in a week what JBS typically produced in a day — 5,000 animals .
She said she wants to see the disparity between what ranchers and the big processors make addressed .
However , she said the large plants can produce beef at volumes that make an affordable product .
“ I want to make sure that we ’ re able to produce a product that the single mom I see in Walmart with three kids and who ’ s wondering how to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can afford to buy my high quality , safe protein .
”

Rancher Janie VanWinkle has a gnawing feeling that when she’s ready to sign a deal this summer to sell her calves, she could see the price she gets drop by as much as 50%. Lee Leachman is looking at discounting the bulls he sells for breeding by about 20%.
Denver chef Bo Porytko, who runs Misfit Snackbar in Denver, went looking for beef at the Restaurant Depot last week and found mostly empty shelves at the warehouse.
“It was like people were immediately doing the toilet paper thing,” Porytko said.
From the start of the beef supply chain to the end, COVID-19 has created kinks that, if not straightened out, could lead to limited selection in grocery stores, higher prices for restaurants and consumers and some Colorado ranchers shutting their gates for good.
The biggest obstacle is in the middle, where the cattle are sent to feedlots for about 150 days and then to slaughter. Big plants in Colorado and across the country that typically process thousands of cattle a day have shut down temporarily or greatly scaled back as the novel coronavirus has swept through the workforce. Thousands of workers nationwide have been stricken and at least 20 have died.
Seven workers at the JBS plant in Greeley have died from the coronavirus. The Cargill meatpacking plant in Fort Morgan reduced operations in April after an employee died from COVID-19 and others became sick.
“The first thing that has to happen is we have to get the workers healthy and make sure that they’re safe,” VanWinkle said. “But I am telling you, I have big concerns about the future of ranching in Colorado and other places as well.”
The last couple of years, the VanWinkles got $1.55 to $1.60 per pound for their calves, or around $1,000 for a 6- to 8-month-old animal delivered to the feedlot. This year, VanWinkle fears the per-calf selling price could drop by as much as half.
Feedlots are filling with cattle waiting to be processed while meat-packing plants run at reduced levels because of virus outbreaks.
Beef plants across the country on average are running at about 65% of their capacity, said Keith Belk, head of the Department of Animal Sciences at Colorado State University. He said there are signs the companies are getting a handle on ways to protect workers and will start increasing production.
“That said, I don’t see them coming back to full capacity for a long time,” said Belk, who is worried about the fallout for the feedlot owners and associated businesses, such as trucking companies and veterinarians.
As the plants further separate work spaces to stop the spread of the coronavirus, they can’t bring in all of their employees, he added. And a number of people aren’t at work because they’re ill or considered at risk for getting ill, Belk said.
President Trump signed an executive order in late April to keep meat processing plants open by declaring them “critical infrastructure.”
Consumers are likely to find it harder to find certain kinds of cuts of meat at certain points, and that will vary by region, Belk said.
“When you have a supply chain shock like this it’s going to have a huge impact. People in the industry are saying the last time there was anything like this in the United States was World War II,” Belk said.
Kate Greenberg, the Colorado agriculture commissioner, doesn’t anticipate widespread beef shortages in the state. Colorado ranks fourth in the nation for fresh and frozen beef exports and for the number of cattle processed, annually producing about 2.85 million cattle valued at $3 billion. In Colorado, there are millions of pounds of meat in cold storage, she said.
However, Greenberg noted that stores are starting to limit the amount of meat people can buy.
A King Soopers spokeswoman said the chain has temporary limits on the number of packages of fresh ground beef, poultry and pork customers can buy.
“But from all we can tell from all the work we’ve been doing and conversations we’ve been having with partners across the country, it is very much parallel to the toilet paper deal,” Greenberg said. “People see weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the system. They feel a sense of anxiety that they need to buy much of that product, and then you see empty shelves, which is a reinforcing cycle.”
Shoppers likely will see higher prices in the stores, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently said the increases should be slight, from 1-2%. A pound of lean ground beef averaged just under $5 in the region that includes Colorado at the end of April, according to the USDA. It was just under $4 a pound in late December.
Greenberg said what’s happening in Colorado is less severe than in other states that are big producers of other types of animals. Pigs, chickens and turkeys in other states are being euthanized when they outgrow their spaces and the meatpacking plants are backed up.
It’s different with cattle.
“With cattle, our ranchers are able to keep them on the ranch for longer. They have much greater margins in terms of time,” Greenberg said.
It’s more a question of how much it’s going to cost ranchers to keep animals longer than they intended.
Ranchers, small processing operations and the state agriculture department, through its Colorado Proud program, are trying new ways to directly connect producers with consumers.
“I think those kinds of plants are going to be really successful during this period of time,” Belk said. “But it’s not enough volume to fix the issue. There’s just not enough of them.”
At Leachman Cattle of Colorado, northeast of Wellington, space for the cattle held for feeding before they’re sent to the packing plant is filling up.
“We have a lot of inventory and we have lots of cattle being offered to us. It’s kind of a tough go right now,” Lee Leachman said.
The third-generation rancher’s operation also sells bulls to other ranchers for breeding. Only 13 buyers showed up at a March 23 auction, held just as businesses and large gatherings were being shut down to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Call-in and online bids resulted in a successful sale, Leachman said.
“Of course nobody knows what it would have been like had all this not happened. I presume it would have been significantly better,” Leachman said. “But we actually sold most of the cattle.”
Since then, as the implications of the pandemic have become more clear, ranchers aren’t buying as many bulls. One of his bulls averaged about $5,000 last year. This year, that will likely drop to around $4,000.
“They’re much more price sensitive now. In fact, we just put in place a big discounting program on bulls we have for sale to try to price them down to where people can afford them,” Leachman said. “We’re going to discount them about 20%, which is a lot.”
VanWinkle, who ranches with her husband, Howard, in Mesa County, shares Leachman’s belief that the disruptions to the supply chain will cascade through the system for a while. She anticipates that when she signs a contract to deliver hundreds of calves to the feedlot in November, she’ll end up fetching 35-50% less than usual.
“That annual pay day once a year, the day you sell your calves, that’s 80 to 90% of our income,” VanWinkle said.
As VanWinkle prepares to get far less for her beef, prices are rising for shoppers. She said it comes down to supply and demand. There’s an oversupply of beef and demand has dropped, with restaurants, schools and cruise ships ceasing activity due to the pandemic. She believes the perceived shortage of beef really comes down to logistics. Some beef is packaged to go to grocery stores and some is set up to go into the food service system.
“There’s some retooling that has to happen. It’s complicated and some of this has been happening in our industry for a while. It’s being exacerbated by COVID-19,” VanWinkle said.
For now, restaurant owner Porytko plans to get creative with his carryout menu to make do until the beef supply stabilizes.
“Now I’m thinking about more chicken dishes, and there doesn’t seem to be a problem with lamb,” Porytko said. He decided on a green chile boudin dish because, as he put it, home cooks probably won’t be hoarding pork liver for themselves.
The Colorado Beef Council subscribes to a service that tracks retail beef sales nationwide. Todd Inglee the CEO, said figures from scanner data sales shot up 95% from the previous week after three weeks of the widespread shutdown of businesses. The increases started moderating, and then rose 58% the week of April 26.
VanWinkle said there’s animosity in the ranching industry right now against the meat packers, who are making a lot of money while ranchers are struggling and consumers are paying more.
Several smaller processing plants across Colorado cater to ranchers who sell their beef directly to consumers or target smaller markets. Two years ago, VanWinkle began taking individual orders for ground beef and at this point can’t keep up with the demand.
But VanWinkle said the smaller plants that sell locally produced beef represent a niche market that altogether couldn’t process in a week what JBS typically produced in a day — 5,000 animals. She said she wants to see the disparity between what ranchers and the big processors make addressed. However, she said the large plants can produce beef at volumes that make an affordable product.
“I want to make sure that we’re able to produce a product that the single mom I see in Walmart with three kids and who’s wondering how to keep a roof over their heads next month can afford to buy my high quality, safe protein.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-10--Smaller producers, retailers say they are positioned to weather coronavirus meat shortage

These days , Justin Brunson watches industry meat prices like some people watch their stocks .
The Denver chef turned butcher has seen them fluctuate daily , even hourly , and by as much as 100 % and more in the last week alone .
In one phone call , he was quoted $ 7 a pound as opposed to the expected $ 2.99 .
“ I do feel like a lot of these big companies are price-gouging right now , ” Brunson said .
As large beef processing plants across the United States slow production because of novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being reported and consumers are wondering when and where to buy their meat .
But small butchers and grocers say this kind of breakdown in the system was inevitable .
“ It ’ s a line , just like a car assembly line , ” Brunson said of the setup of large processing plants .
“ Everybody works elbow to elbow , the meat comes down a conveyor belt … and just the way that they ’ re set up , some of the larger plants will have upwards of 1,000 people at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s just the nature of the beast.
” At Brunson ’ s 6,500-square-foot River Bear American Meats plant in Denver , he has kept eight workers turning out 7,000-8,000 pounds of meat a week during the virus shutdown .
He sells everything from ground beef to whole chickens , deli cuts and cured meats at Leevers Locavore and other local stores .
For an idea of scale , Brunson ’ s sausages are made in 350-pound batches .
His smallest producer slaughters and sends him just 10 cows a month , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JBS Greeley can process around 5,000 cattle per day .
If he gets one high quote for meat , Brunson can switch to his smaller supplier , where the price hasn ’ t changed .
“ We ’ re not feeling the pressure , because we don ’ t use the large guys , ” Brunson said .
“ One of the big things when I work with ranchers — a lot of ( them ) have their own USDA kill facilities on their properties .
They haven ’ t had the problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says his beef supply across two Denver stores has remained constant as well , with no sign of running out .
“ It ’ s the high cost of cheap food , and we ’ re seeing it , ” Marczyk said of the national shortage .
“ It ’ s amazing how durable our little supply chain is through all this .
It ’ s inspiring and it ’ s really validating.
” Marczyk Fine Foods ’ beef , pork and lamb products all come from Niman Ranch , a network of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
And Marczyk says he saw that company adjust its practices right away in March when the shutdown began .
“ They were so far ahead of this thing , ” Marczyk said .
“ When these large plants are talking about having to run at speeds that the Niman plant runs at already , they ’ re looking at raising prices dramatically , while our stuff is staying stable .
So we ’ ve been paying the right price all along.
” The “ right price ” could be hard for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during an economic downturn when more than 30 million Americans are out of work .
At Marczyk ’ s , for example , ground beef costs $ 6.99 per pound , and Brunson ’ s River Bear equivalent sells for $ 7.99 a pound .
King Soopers ’ house brand is currently priced at $ 4.99 .
“ We do try to be competitive and fair , but it has to be fair throughout the supply chain , ” Marczyk says .
“ Not just fair to my customer , it has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agrees .
He pays his farmer $ 2.50 per pound of beef as opposed to the commodity rate of 82 cents , he said .
And what he ’ s getting is the difference between a “ BMW or a Pinto ” — all Colorado grass-fed , Black Angus beef .
Marczyk says people go to the grocery store and ask for any 80 % ground beef , “ and ( those meats ) are just not all created equal .
They ’ re just not , ” Marczyk said .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no idea.
” Marzcyk and Brunson think that consumers will come out of this period with a better appreciation for their food , and especially their meat — where it came from , what ’ s in it and who got sick while processing it along the way .
“ A supply chain based on monoculture is very , very dangerous , ” Marczyk said .
“ There ’ s all this economy in consolidation , but there ’ s risk in consolidation.
” Formerly an investment banker , Marczyk puts it this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the time… and then we do just the opposite in our food system .
Consolidate , consolidate , consolidate .
Bigger , bigger , bigger.
” Meanwhile , River Bear this year will expand its Denver facility by another 3,500 square feet .
And Marczyk says the outpouring of support for his small grocery stores and their workers has been humbling .
The next step now , and something that ’ s close to both of their hearts , could be the creation of more regional and local USDA slaughter facilities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system doesn ’ t happen again .
But each processing plant can cost somewhere between $ 3 million to $ 8 million to build .
“ So it ’ s a huge hurdle for small family farms to do that , but if we start thinking like a community… ” Brunson said .
And until then , “ We think we can keep our prices stable , ” according to Marczyk .
“ If the ( farmers ’ ) costs of production increase , of course we ’ re going to have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t , we ’ re going to hold that line .
”

These days, Justin Brunson watches industry meat prices like some people watch their stocks. The Denver chef turned butcher has seen them fluctuate daily, even hourly, and by as much as 100% and more in the last week alone.
In one phone call, he was quoted $7 a pound as opposed to the expected $2.99. “I do feel like a lot of these big companies are price-gouging right now,” Brunson said.
As large beef processing plants across the United States slow production because of novel coronavirus outbreaks among their workforce, shortages are being reported and consumers are wondering when and where to buy their meat. But small butchers and grocers say this kind of breakdown in the system was inevitable.
“It’s a line, just like a car assembly line,” Brunson said of the setup of large processing plants. “Everybody works elbow to elbow, the meat comes down a conveyor belt … and just the way that they’re set up, some of the larger plants will have upwards of 1,000 people at a time working shoulder to shoulder… It’s just the nature of the beast.”
At Brunson’s 6,500-square-foot River Bear American Meats plant in Denver, he has kept eight workers turning out 7,000-8,000 pounds of meat a week during the virus shutdown. He sells everything from ground beef to whole chickens, deli cuts and cured meats at Leevers Locavore and other local stores.
For an idea of scale, Brunson’s sausages are made in 350-pound batches. His smallest producer slaughters and sends him just 10 cows a month, while the largest processes 900 a week. JBS Greeley can process around 5,000 cattle per day.
If he gets one high quote for meat, Brunson can switch to his smaller supplier, where the price hasn’t changed.
“We’re not feeling the pressure, because we don’t use the large guys,” Brunson said. “One of the big things when I work with ranchers — a lot of (them) have their own USDA kill facilities on their properties. They haven’t had the problems yet.”
Denver specialty grocer Pete Marczyk says his beef supply across two Denver stores has remained constant as well, with no sign of running out.
“It’s the high cost of cheap food, and we’re seeing it,” Marczyk said of the national shortage. “It’s amazing how durable our little supply chain is through all this. It’s inspiring and it’s really validating.”
Marczyk Fine Foods’ beef, pork and lamb products all come from Niman Ranch, a network of more than 700 family farms across the country. And Marczyk says he saw that company adjust its practices right away in March when the shutdown began.
“They were so far ahead of this thing,” Marczyk said. “When these large plants are talking about having to run at speeds that the Niman plant runs at already, they’re looking at raising prices dramatically, while our stuff is staying stable. So we’ve been paying the right price all along.”
The “right price” could be hard for consumers to swallow, though, especially during an economic downturn when more than 30 million Americans are out of work. At Marczyk’s, for example, ground beef costs $6.99 per pound, and Brunson’s River Bear equivalent sells for $7.99 a pound. King Soopers’ house brand is currently priced at $4.99.
“We do try to be competitive and fair, but it has to be fair throughout the supply chain,” Marczyk says. “Not just fair to my customer, it has to be fair to my producer.”
Brunson agrees. He pays his farmer $2.50 per pound of beef as opposed to the commodity rate of 82 cents, he said. And what he’s getting is the difference between a “BMW or a Pinto” — all Colorado grass-fed, Black Angus beef.
Marczyk says people go to the grocery store and ask for any 80% ground beef, “and (those meats) are just not all created equal. They’re just not,” Marczyk said. “The average consumer out there, they have no idea.”
Marzcyk and Brunson think that consumers will come out of this period with a better appreciation for their food, and especially their meat — where it came from, what’s in it and who got sick while processing it along the way.
“A supply chain based on monoculture is very, very dangerous,” Marczyk said. “There’s all this economy in consolidation, but there’s risk in consolidation.”
Formerly an investment banker, Marczyk puts it this way: “We talk about diversity all the time… and then we do just the opposite in our food system. Consolidate, consolidate, consolidate. Bigger, bigger, bigger.”
Meanwhile, River Bear this year will expand its Denver facility by another 3,500 square feet. And Marczyk says the outpouring of support for his small grocery stores and their workers has been humbling.
The next step now, and something that’s close to both of their hearts, could be the creation of more regional and local USDA slaughter facilities, so that the same bottleneck in the system doesn’t happen again. But each processing plant can cost somewhere between $3 million to $8 million to build.
“So it’s a huge hurdle for small family farms to do that, but if we start thinking like a community…” Brunson said.
And until then, “We think we can keep our prices stable,” according to Marczyk. “If the (farmers’) costs of production increase, of course we’re going to have to charge more, but if they don’t, we’re going to hold that line.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-10--Broncos Insider: How readers graded Denver’s 2020 NFL draft class

With the 2020 NFL draft come and gone , we ’ ve heard from our staff about their grades on how the Broncos fared ( pretty solid ) .
We ’ ve heard from national media outlets about what they thought of Denver ’ s picks ( even better , except for Mel Kiper Jr. ) .
Here ’ s what you thought .
After each pick , we placed a poll on our site for each player .
We ’ ve weighted each letter grade with a number ( A is 5 , B is 4 , C is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 1 ) and figured out the average .
The following is a breakdown of how Denver Post readers graded the Broncos ’ draft picks : NEW 💥 If you enjoy The Denver Post ’ s sports coverage , we have a new subscription offer for you !
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Tap here to ask Ryan O ’ Halloran .
NFL Journal : Broncos quarterback Drew Lock hopes offseason training makes him more elusive to opposing defenses Following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Experience in Miami earlier this year , Broncos quarterback Drew Lock was asked about his offseason to-do list .
His answer was semi-surprising .
Read more… Keeler : Why McTelvin Agim ’ s journey from jail to the Broncos brought tears of joy The former Arkansas pass-rusher faced a fork in life ’ s road at the age of 14 .
The straight and narrow path was worth every step .
Read more… Broncos to open season vs. Tennessee on “ Monday Night Football ” Easiest stretch : If the Broncos can survive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Week 8 bye and then play three consecutive games against 2019 non-playoff teams ( at Atlanta , at Las Vegas and vs. the L.A. Chargers ) .
Easy ?
Hardly .
But manageable .
Read more… + WATCH : Peyton Manning pokes fun at Tom Brady , wanted to play golf in Boston “ where they don ’ t like Tom very much ” + Keeler : With Tom Brady and Big Ben on the docket for the Broncos ’ September , Drew Lock needs to pick up where he left off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hamler ’ s dropped passes be concerning as he enters NFL ?
+ Broncos ’ trip to London nixed as NFL says no international games this year + Broncos Briefs : Kareem Jackson on former/current teammate A.J .
Bouye — “ He can do it all ” + 10 offensive tackles the Broncos should watch for in the 2021 NFL draft + In memo , Broncos reiterate refund-or-credit option should games be canceled or played without fans + Want to chat about the Broncos ?
Ask to join our closed discussion group on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular-season schedule Thursday .
Here are 10 non-Broncos games that should be appointment viewing .
Read more… And the winner of our greatest Colorado athlete of all-time tournament bracket is … After weeks of voting and tens of thousands of ballots cast , you , our readers , have determined who is the greatest athlete in Colorado history .
Read more… If you see something that ’ s cause for question or have a comment , thought or suggestion , email me at dboniface @ denverpost.com or tweet me @ danielboniface .

With the 2020 NFL draft come and gone, we’ve heard from our staff about their grades on how the Broncos fared (pretty solid). We’ve heard from national media outlets about what they thought of Denver’s picks (even better, except for Mel Kiper Jr.). Here’s what you thought.
After each pick, we placed a poll on our site for each player. We’ve weighted each letter grade with a number (A is 5, B is 4, C is 3, D is 2 and F is 1) and figured out the average. The following is a breakdown of how Denver Post readers graded the Broncos’ draft picks:
First round, 15th overall pick: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama (A — 4.86 score)
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama (A — 4.86 score) Second round, 46th pick: KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State (C+ — 3.29)
KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State (C+ — 3.29) Third round, 77th pick: Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa (B — 3.80)
Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa (B — 3.80) Third round, 83rd pick: Lloyd Cushenberry, C, LSU (A- — 4.67)
Lloyd Cushenberry, C, LSU (A- — 4.67) Third round, 95th pick: McTelvin Agim — (B — 3.86)
McTelvin Agim — (B — 3.86) Fourth round, 118th pick: Albert Okwuegbunam (B — 4.02)
Albert Okwuegbunam (B — 4.02) Fifth round, 178th pick: Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Forest (B — 3.79)
Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Forest (B — 3.79) Sixth round, 181st pick: Netane Muti, G, Fresno State (B — 3.82)
Netane Muti, G, Fresno State (B — 3.82) Seventh round, 252nd pick: Tyrie Cleveland, WR, Florida (C+ — 3.38)
Tyrie Cleveland, WR, Florida (C+ — 3.38) Seventh round, 254th pick: Derrek Tuszka, Edge, North Dakota State (A- — 4.48)
Derrek Tuszka, Edge, North Dakota State (A- — 4.48) Overall grade (B — 4.03)
— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post
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What’s on tap?
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Ask the Expert
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Tap here to ask Ryan O’Halloran.
Must-Read
Following an autograph session at the Super Bowl Experience in Miami earlier this year, Broncos quarterback Drew Lock was asked about his offseason to-do list. His answer was semi-surprising. Read more…
The former Arkansas pass-rusher faced a fork in life’s road at the age of 14. The straight and narrow path was worth every step. Read more…
Easiest stretch: If the Broncos can survive the first seven games, they have a Week 8 bye and then play three consecutive games against 2019 non-playoff teams (at Atlanta, at Las Vegas and vs. the L.A. Chargers). Easy? Hardly. But manageable. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ WATCH: Peyton Manning pokes fun at Tom Brady, wanted to play golf in Boston “where they don’t like Tom very much”
+ Keeler: With Tom Brady and Big Ben on the docket for the Broncos’ September, Drew Lock needs to pick up where he left off
+ Broncos Mailbag: Should receiver KJ Hamler’s dropped passes be concerning as he enters NFL?
+ Broncos’ trip to London nixed as NFL says no international games this year
+ Broncos Briefs: Kareem Jackson on former/current teammate A.J. Bouye — “He can do it all”
+ Broncos jersey numbers for 2020 draft picks and undrafted free agents
+ Broncos safety Kareem Jackson reflects on 2019 two-game suspension, comfort level playing amid coronavirus
+ Broncos quarterback Drew Lock “super-pumped” about new system, players
+ 10 offensive tackles the Broncos should watch for in the 2021 NFL draft
+ Aurora ICU nurse Gabby Windey, a Broncos cheerleader, earns Denver Outlaws honor
+ In memo, Broncos reiterate refund-or-credit option should games be canceled or played without fans
+ Want to chat about the Broncos? Ask to join our closed discussion group on Facebook.
By The Numbers
10
The NFL unveiled its 256-game regular-season schedule Thursday. Here are 10 non-Broncos games that should be appointment viewing. Read more…
Parting Shot
After weeks of voting and tens of thousands of ballots cast, you, our readers, have determined who is the greatest athlete in Colorado history. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me @danielboniface.


thedenverpost--2020-05-10--Post Premium: Our best stories for the week of May 4-10

We ’ ve lived through the toilet paper shortage .
I haven ’ t seen a Clorox wipe in weeks .
So what ’ s next ?
There ’ s worry it could be meat .
The big plants in Colorado and elsewhere process thousands of cattle a day , but that kind of volume means a lot of people working in close quarters .
At least 20 have died nationwide , and thousands are sick .
Although the president has declared these businesses critical , that hasn ’ t changed the need for them to implement measures to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , less meat is being processed , and that is backing up the entire supply chain , ending with the ranchers who can ’ t sell their product .
This weekend , business writer Judith Kohler and food writer Josie Sexton teamed up to look at this issue and how it is playing out in Colorado .
There are a lot of unknowns and some contradictions in what they found .
Colorado has plenty of beef , already processed and frozen .
But will there be hoarding ?
Will the price increases be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government is predicting , or will producers push bigger increases ?
We talked to a local butcher who was quoted a price double what he expected for beef , but he had options for other sources .
And what about our fellow Coloradans , the ranchers , people such as Janie VanWinkle ?
“ The first thing that has to happen is we have to get the workers healthy and make sure that they ’ re safe , ” VanWinkle said .
“ But I am telling you , I have big concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other places as well.
” Coronavirus-linked problems in meat supply chain could mean shortages , trouble for ranchers | Part 1 Smaller producers , retailers say they are positioned to weather coronavirus meat shortage | Part 2 Five of our best stories from the past week How Kendrick Castillo ’ s family is coping with his loss , advocating for change one year after the STEM School shooting On May 7 , 2019 , two students barged into the STEM School Highlands Ranch with pistols and a rifle .
On that day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his armed classmates told everyone not to move .
Instead he charged them , likely sparing the lives of other students but sacrificing his own .
Thursday was the first anniversary of the shooting , and for the second year in a row , the school ’ s community is finishing the school year apart during uncertain times .
Here ’ s how Kendrick ’ s family is mourning his death .
Read more from Sam Tabachnik .
RELATED : He was shot trying to stop an armed classmate during the STEM School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focused on helping others .
As coronavirus upends funerals in Colorado and elsewhere , there ’ s hope the pandemic will spur openness about grief Grief , which can be an isolating experience , has become an even more lonely act as people are forced to mourn without family and friends physically beside them .
Yet the pandemic is pushing death into the forefront of society as nearly a thousand Coloradans have been lost to the new coronavirus .
Funerals are being altered or postponed because of the social-distancing measures implemented to stem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts , religious leaders and others hope the pandemic will change how Americans approach grief , paving the way for people to talk more openly about the difficult emotions that come with losing loved ones .
Read more from Jessica Seaman… Denver Zoo faces “ unthinkable ” reality of no visitors , dwindling cash and 3,000 animals to feed — The Know Like an art museum , the Denver Zoo has had little choice but to maintain its valuable collection of public attractions after the city and state stay-at-home orders took effect in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paintings and historical artifacts don ’ t require thousands of pounds of food daily , medical care and cleaning to survive .
The zoo costs about $ 1 million per month to maintain , said Bert Vescolani , the CEO of the Denver Zoological Foundation .
And with an estimated loss of nearly $ 12 million by May — mostly because of the lack of visitors — he has been forced to lay off or furlough a quarter of his staff and cut pay for managers .
Read more here .
Denver businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they weigh reopening This weekend retail stores in Denver were able to reopen after weeks of being closed .
But businesses won ’ t be able to just resume normal activity .
Shops can have only a limited number of customers browsing at any time , and shoppers must wear masks and stay 6 feet away from others .
Read more from Sam Tabachnik and Joe Rubino .
On a typical Mother ’ s Day , Major League Baseball is pretty in pink .
Pink bats , gloves and shoes are all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the fight against breast cancer , Sean Keeler writes .
Not this Sunday .
Not in the age of the coronavirus pandemic .
But that doesn ’ t mean baseball moms are forgotten .
Here ’ s how four Rockies remember the impact their mothers had on their lives and their careers .
+ Coronavirus Q & A : Gov .
Jared Polis sits down with The Denver Post + Colorado ’ s coronavirus hospitalizations and deaths peaked in April , but health officials warn “ we could go backward ” + @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals but plans to keep them in case of a fall coronavirus surge + Greg Zanis has died ; he made crosses for the victims of Columbine , Aurora and other mass violence + Wheat Ridge ’ s favorite history teacher is retiring after 40 years — and she ’ s still learning from her students + Why McTelvin Agim ’ s journey from jail to the Broncos brought tears of joy + Here are the six Colorado finalists for this year ’ s James Beard Awards and what to order from them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants that have closed permanently because of the pandemic — The Know See more great photos like this on The Denver Post ’ s Instagram account .

We’ve lived through the toilet paper shortage. I haven’t seen a Clorox wipe in weeks. So what’s next? There’s worry it could be meat.
The big plants in Colorado and elsewhere process thousands of cattle a day, but that kind of volume means a lot of people working in close quarters. At least 20 have died nationwide, and thousands are sick. Although the president has declared these businesses critical, that hasn’t changed the need for them to implement measures to keep their workers safe.
As a result, less meat is being processed, and that is backing up the entire supply chain, ending with the ranchers who can’t sell their product.
This weekend, business writer Judith Kohler and food writer Josie Sexton teamed up to look at this issue and how it is playing out in Colorado. There are a lot of unknowns and some contradictions in what they found. Colorado has plenty of beef, already processed and frozen. But will there be hoarding? Will the price increases be the 1% to 2% the government is predicting, or will producers push bigger increases? We talked to a local butcher who was quoted a price double what he expected for beef, but he had options for other sources.
And what about our fellow Coloradans, the ranchers, people such as Janie VanWinkle?
“The first thing that has to happen is we have to get the workers healthy and make sure that they’re safe,” VanWinkle said. “But I am telling you, I have big concerns about the future of ranching in Colorado and other places as well.”
— Lee Ann Colacioppo, editor
Smaller producers, retailers say they are positioned to weather coronavirus meat shortage | Part 2
Five of our best stories from the past week
On May 7, 2019, two students barged into the STEM School Highlands Ranch with pistols and a rifle. On that day, Kendrick Castillo did not listen when his armed classmates told everyone not to move. Instead he charged them, likely sparing the lives of other students but sacrificing his own.
Thursday was the first anniversary of the shooting, and for the second year in a row, the school’s community is finishing the school year apart during uncertain times. Here’s how Kendrick’s family is mourning his death. Read more from Sam Tabachnik.
RELATED: Amid a pandemic, STEM School Highlands Ranch community remembers the shooting
RELATED: He was shot trying to stop an armed classmate during the STEM School shooting. Now, Josh Jones is focused on helping others.
Grief, which can be an isolating experience, has become an even more lonely act as people are forced to mourn without family and friends physically beside them. Yet the pandemic is pushing death into the forefront of society as nearly a thousand Coloradans have been lost to the new coronavirus. Funerals are being altered or postponed because of the social-distancing measures implemented to stem COVID-19’s spread.
Mental health experts, religious leaders and others hope the pandemic will change how Americans approach grief, paving the way for people to talk more openly about the difficult emotions that come with losing loved ones. Read more from Jessica Seaman…
Like an art museum, the Denver Zoo has had little choice but to maintain its valuable collection of public attractions after the city and state stay-at-home orders took effect in March, John Wenzel writes. But paintings and historical artifacts don’t require thousands of pounds of food daily, medical care and cleaning to survive.
The zoo costs about $1 million per month to maintain, said Bert Vescolani, the CEO of the Denver Zoological Foundation. And with an estimated loss of nearly $12 million by May — mostly because of the lack of visitors — he has been forced to lay off or furlough a quarter of his staff and cut pay for managers. Read more here.
This weekend retail stores in Denver were able to reopen after weeks of being closed. But businesses won’t be able to just resume normal activity. Shops can have only a limited number of customers browsing at any time, and shoppers must wear masks and stay 6 feet away from others. Read more from Sam Tabachnik and Joe Rubino.
RELATED: Local public mask mandates draw ire in political circles
On a typical Mother’s Day, Major League Baseball is pretty in pink. Pink bats, gloves and shoes are all a salute to moms and bring awareness to the fight against breast cancer, Sean Keeler writes.
Not this Sunday. Not in the age of the coronavirus pandemic. But that doesn’t mean baseball moms are forgotten. Here’s how four Rockies remember the impact their mothers had on their lives and their careers.
Important headlines
+ Coronavirus Q&A: Gov. Jared Polis sits down with The Denver Post
+ Colorado’s coronavirus hospitalizations and deaths peaked in April, but health officials warn “we could go backward”
+ Colorado hasn’t needed its overflow hospitals but plans to keep them in case of a fall coronavirus surge
+ The Rev. Terrence “Big T” Hughes recovering after long COVID-19 battle
+ Greg Zanis has died; he made crosses for the victims of Columbine, Aurora and other mass violence
+ Wheat Ridge’s favorite history teacher is retiring after 40 years — and she’s still learning from her students
+ Home-building academy’s goal: Provide a foundation for people seeking stable careers, new starts
+ Why McTelvin Agim’s journey from jail to the Broncos brought tears of joy
+ Here are the six Colorado finalists for this year’s James Beard Awards and what to order from them right now — The Know
+ Denver restaurants that have closed permanently because of the pandemic — The Know
Photo of the week
See more great photos like this on The Denver Post’s Instagram account.


thedenverpost--2020-05-10--Rockies offer a salute of appreciation on Mother’s Day

At the end of “ Field of Dreams , ” Ray Kinsella , as portrayed by Kevin Costner , chokes up as he asks his dad , “ You wan na have a catch ?
” But so is this : A mom racing to get her son to a ballgame on time , juggling the family schedule , keeping score at a Little League game , working the concession stand and providing emotional support after an 0-for-4 game or a costly error .
“ It ’ s hard for me to remember specifics of what my mom did for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it seemed like she did everything , ” Rockies all-star outfielder Charlie Blackmon said of his mother , Ellen .
On a typical Mother ’ s Day , Major League Baseball is pretty in pink .
Pink bats , gloves and shoes are all a salute to moms and bring awareness to the fight against breast cancer .
Not this Sunday .
Not in the age of the coronavirus pandemic .
But that doesn ’ t mean that baseball moms are forgotten .
Here ’ s how four Rockies remember the impact their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ careers : THE WINDUP Second baseman Ryan McMahon ’ s mom , Tracy , is a good athlete who played a year of college volleyball and has a pretty sweet golf swing .
She was instrumental in her son ’ s career , especially when Ryan ’ s dad , Jim , was away from home for business .
Tracy even coached Ryan ’ s younger brother , TJ , for a season of T-ball .
“ My mom was my pitcher when I was growing up .
We ’ d play Wiffle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Southern California , ” McMahon recalled .
“ Every time she pitched , she did the full Sandy Koufax windup .
She never skipped it .
“ So when it was time for my first time pitching in Little League , I , of course , had the full windup going on .
My dad was my Little League coach at the time and I thought he was going to have a heart attack when he first saw me pitch like that .
I got rid of the Koufax windup but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memories with my mom.
” THE SCOREKEEPER Teddie Story , mom of shortstop Trevor Story , was a baseball fan long before her son became an all-star slugger .
Teddie took Trevor to Texas Rangers games and played catch with him until he started throwing too hard as he neared high school .
According to her son , Teddie “ swings a pretty good golf club.
” “ My mom was so supportive and she was always a sight for sore eyes , especially if I didn ’ t have a good game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s was very attuned to the game and very locked into what was going on on the field .
“ She started keeping score when I was a little kid and she kept our book all the way through high school .
In fact , she ’ s the one who taught me how to keep score .
I don ’ t think she keeps score anymore , but I know she really enjoyed it.
” THE CALL Teresa Oberg grew up in Syracuse , N.Y. but she was not a fan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Red Sox .
Nope , she loved Cincinnati ’ s “ Big Red Machine ” of the 1970s .
She often played catch with her son , Scott , the Rockies ’ right-handed relief pitcher .
She often kept what she considered the “ official scorebook ” when Scott was playing for Tewksbury Memorial High School in Massachusetts .
“ I remember the day that I got drafted by the Rockies , ” Scott recalled .
“ That was a pretty special mother-and-son moment .
“ I was sitting in the living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on draft day , one from the Rockies and one from the Cardinals .
After the 10th round , the Cardinals had stopped calling , and as the draft was moving along , I kind of zone out .
“ It got to be the 15th round and my mom was in the kitchen .
She was the one who first heard that I got drafted by the Rockies .
She screamed from the kitchen and kind of startled me .
She was really excited .
That was a really good moment.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a creature of habit and a master of discipline .
His pre- and postgame workout routines are strict , not to be interrupted and a key to his success .
Ellen set that example .
“ My mom is a very consistent person , and she does very well managing her thoughts and actions , ” Blackmon said .
“ I think I got a lot of that from her .
She ’ s pretty much the best mom ever , in my opinion .
She did a lot to help me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grow up and get to where we are .
“ In 2011 , when I got the call-up to the big leagues , I was driving my Jeep up from Colorado Springs to Denver to catch a plane to San Diego .
I was thrilled but absolutely terrified and anxious .
I called my mom and dad ( Myron ) while I was driving up to Denver and told them the news .
They were so happy for me , but I can still remember my mom telling me to drive safe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She knew how excited I was .
”

At the end of “Field of Dreams,” Ray Kinsella, as portrayed by Kevin Costner, chokes up as he asks his dad, “You wanna have a catch?”
That’s classic baseball.
But so is this: A mom racing to get her son to a ballgame on time, juggling the family schedule, keeping score at a Little League game, working the concession stand and providing emotional support after an 0-for-4 game or a costly error.
“It’s hard for me to remember specifics of what my mom did for me when I was a kid because it seemed like she did everything,” Rockies all-star outfielder Charlie Blackmon said of his mother, Ellen.
On a typical Mother’s Day, Major League Baseball is pretty in pink. Pink bats, gloves and shoes are all a salute to moms and bring awareness to the fight against breast cancer.
Not this Sunday. Not in the age of the coronavirus pandemic.
But that doesn’t mean that baseball moms are forgotten. Here’s how four Rockies remember the impact their mothers had on their lives and their careers:
Courtesy of Ryan McMahon Ryan McMahon and his mom, Tracy, playing golf.
Courtesy of Ryan McMahon Ryan McMahon is seen at age 2 and a half with his mother Tracy in this undated photo at the family's home in Southern California.
Courtesy of Ryan McMahon Ryan McMahon's mother, Tracy, with Ryan's younger brother, Tyler. Tracy was the coach of Tyler's T-ball team.
THE WINDUP
Second baseman Ryan McMahon’s mom, Tracy, is a good athlete who played a year of college volleyball and has a pretty sweet golf swing. She was instrumental in her son’s career, especially when Ryan’s dad, Jim, was away from home for business. Tracy even coached Ryan’s younger brother, TJ, for a season of T-ball.
“My mom was my pitcher when I was growing up. We’d play Wiffle Ball almost every day in our backyard in Southern California,” McMahon recalled. “Every time she pitched, she did the full Sandy Koufax windup. She never skipped it.
“So when it was time for my first time pitching in Little League, I, of course, had the full windup going on. My dad was my Little League coach at the time and I thought he was going to have a heart attack when he first saw me pitch like that. I got rid of the Koufax windup but that’s still one of my favorite memories with my mom.”
Courtesy of Colorado Rockies Trevor Story and his mom, Teddie, from the 2014 Arizona Fall League at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Courtesy of Trevor Story Rockies shortstop Trevor Story (No. 10), poses with his father, Ken (far left), mom, Teddie, and brother, Tyler, at "Senior Night" in Irving High School in Irving, Texas in 2011.
THE SCOREKEEPER
Teddie Story, mom of shortstop Trevor Story, was a baseball fan long before her son became an all-star slugger. Teddie took Trevor to Texas Rangers games and played catch with him until he started throwing too hard as he neared high school. According to her son, Teddie “swings a pretty good golf club.”
“My mom was so supportive and she was always a sight for sore eyes, especially if I didn’t have a good game,” Trevor said. “She’s was very attuned to the game and very locked into what was going on on the field.
“She started keeping score when I was a little kid and she kept our book all the way through high school. In fact, she’s the one who taught me how to keep score. I don’t think she keeps score anymore, but I know she really enjoyed it.”
Courtesy of Scott Oberg Scott Oberg, center, with his mom, Teresa (left) and dad, Royd, right, in Oberg's hometown of Tewskbury, Mass.
Courtesy of Scott Oberg Rockies reliever Scott Oberg at Fenway Park in 2019. From left to right, brother Jeff, father Royd, Scott, and his mom, Teresa Oberg.
THE CALL
Teresa Oberg grew up in Syracuse, N.Y. but she was not a fan of the Yankees, Mets or even the Red Sox. Nope, she loved Cincinnati’s “Big Red Machine” of the 1970s. She often played catch with her son, Scott, the Rockies’ right-handed relief pitcher. She often kept what she considered the “official scorebook” when Scott was playing for Tewksbury Memorial High School in Massachusetts.
“I remember the day that I got drafted by the Rockies,” Scott recalled. “That was a pretty special mother-and-son moment.
“I was sitting in the living room and I got only two calls on draft day, one from the Rockies and one from the Cardinals. After the 10th round, the Cardinals had stopped calling, and as the draft was moving along, I kind of zone out.
“It got to be the 15th round and my mom was in the kitchen. She was the one who first heard that I got drafted by the Rockies. She screamed from the kitchen and kind of startled me. She was really excited. That was a really good moment.”
RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post Charlie Blackmon (19) watches his teammate bat during spring training for the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field at Talking Stick on Feb. 21, 2020 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Photo courtesy of Ellen Blackmon The picture with his sister Katie who was on the Honeybees and Charlie on the Braves was in a recreation league when Katie was four and Charlie was six.
Ross D. Franklin, The Associated Press Colorado Rockies' Charlie Blackmon walks through the dugout prior to a spring training baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Tuesday, March 10, 2020, in Scottsdale, Ariz.
LIKE MOTHER, LIKE SON
Charlie Blackmon is a creature of habit and a master of discipline. His pre- and postgame workout routines are strict, not to be interrupted and a key to his success. Ellen set that example.
“My mom is a very consistent person, and she does very well managing her thoughts and actions,” Blackmon said. “I think I got a lot of that from her. She’s pretty much the best mom ever, in my opinion. She did a lot to help me and my sister (Katie) to grow up and get to where we are.
“In 2011, when I got the call-up to the big leagues, I was driving my Jeep up from Colorado Springs to Denver to catch a plane to San Diego. I was thrilled but absolutely terrified and anxious. I called my mom and dad (Myron) while I was driving up to Denver and told them the news. They were so happy for me, but I can still remember my mom telling me to drive safe and keep my eyes on the road. She knew how excited I was.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-10--On Philanthropy: Encouraging donors to ask questions about nonprofits’ climate impact

I was in high school when America observed the first Earth Day in April 1970 .
To highlight the day , I wore an M-17 military gas mask in the hallways between classes , until I was assaulted by a teacher , slammed against the lockers and dragged by my collar to the principal ’ s office .
We argued about First Amendment rights and the principal allowed me to continue to wear the mask that day .
A few weeks ago , the coronavirus pandemic obscured the celebration of Earth Day ’ s 50th anniversary .
The last 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planet .
Although we have made progress in regulating some air , water and other pollutants , the increase in greenhouse gas emissions , primarily from consumption of fossil fuels , has contributed greatly to climate change and a frighteningly warming planet .
The 1.3 million nonprofits in the U.S. employ 12.3 million people ( more than 10 % of the U.S. private workforce ) , with payrolls exceeding those of most other U.S. industries , including construction , transportation and finance .
In Colorado alone , 23,000 nonprofit organizations have $ 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % to the state ’ s GDP and employing ( directly or indirectly ) 330,000 people .
Annually , U.S. nonprofits spend more than $ 826 billion on salaries , benefits and payroll taxes and nearly $ 1 trillion on goods and services .
These statistics reveal the actual and potential carbon footprint and climate impact nonprofits can have every day .
So , how can donors determine whether the nonprofits they support are doing what they can to mitigate their environmental impact ?
Community , family and corporate foundations , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and business donors , can begin by asking questions of their grantees to help them focus on their climate impact .
This is the same method grant makers have been using for years to help nonprofits focus on their diversity , equity and inclusiveness initiatives .
The proposed questions that follow are not intended to be a litmus test for funding .
Nor are they designed to place additional burdens on nonprofit organizations , especially in this period of enormous financial and operational stress .
Rather , they are a conversation starter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations to be more climate friendly .
1 .
Does your board have a policy prioritizing reduction of carbon footprint in all operations and programs ?
2 .
Have you obtained an energy efficiency audit for your facilities and operations ?
3 .
If you have an endowment , are your investments carbon-neutral and climate friendly ?
4 .
Does your organization seek alternatives to travel , such as remote meeting technology ?
When air travel is required , do you purchase carbon offsets ?
5 .
Do you have policies and practices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , paper and other supply use ?
Do you purchase recycled products when available ?
6 .
Have you explored renewable energy resources for your facilities , whether you own or rent ?
7 .
Do you use LED light bulbs and turn off computers , copiers and other electronic equipment when not in use ?
8 .
Do you have policies and practices to discourage food waste ?
9 .
Do you purchase reusable or compostable products for meetings , meals and events , such as cups , glasses , tableware , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a comprehensive recycling and/or composting program ?
11 .
If you have a supply chain , does it have carbon reduction measures in place ?
Are your own distribution channels fuel and energy efficient ?
12 .
Do you have incentives to encourage employees to use transportation alternatives such as public transportation , carpools , car sharing , bicycles , electric vehicles , etc.
?
13 .
If you operate vehicles , what percent are electric , hybrid or hydrogen fueled ?
14 .
Is there a person on your staff who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s carbon footprint ?
Does that person provide periodic reports on carbon footprint improvements ?
“ Simply put , climate change is an existential crisis — the most serious we humans have ever faced .
There are only two differences between global warming and a nuclear holocaust : the speed at which species perish and the fact that we all have our fingers on the button , ” said William Becker , Executive Director of the Presidential Climate Action project .
“ This is truly an all-hands-on-deck moment .
If we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their carbon footprints , or to influence them to do so , we should use it.
” In addition to their stated missions , nonprofits can play a critical role in responding to climate change .
Donors can pose any or all of the questions listed above in an effort to help nonprofits expand their roles in protecting the planet .
Three Colorado-based nonprofits lead the charge on climate change : The Alliance Center , mobilizing nonprofits , businesses , government agencies , academic institutions and community members to collaboratively create sustainability-focused solutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado ’ s climate , air , land , water and communities through organizing , advocacy and elections ; and Western Resource Advocates , protecting the West ’ s land , air and water by creating and advocating for policies to dramatically reduce climate pollution consistent with the calls from the world ’ s scientific community .
Bruce DeBoskey , J.D.
, is a philanthropic strategist working across the United States with The DeBoskey Group to help families , businesses , foundations and family offices design and implement thoughtful philanthropic strategies and actionable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaker at conferences and workshops on philanthropy .
Visit deboskeygroup.com .

I was in high school when America observed the first Earth Day in April 1970.
To highlight the day, I wore an M-17 military gas mask in the hallways between classes, until I was assaulted by a teacher, slammed against the lockers and dragged by my collar to the principal’s office. We argued about First Amendment rights and the principal allowed me to continue to wear the mask that day.
A few weeks ago, the coronavirus pandemic obscured the celebration of Earth Day’s 50th anniversary. The last 50 years have not been kind to our planet. Although we have made progress in regulating some air, water and other pollutants, the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from consumption of fossil fuels, has contributed greatly to climate change and a frighteningly warming planet.
The 1.3 million nonprofits in the U.S. employ 12.3 million people (more than 10% of the U.S. private workforce), with payrolls exceeding those of most other U.S. industries, including construction, transportation and finance. In Colorado alone, 23,000 nonprofit organizations have $40 billion in economic impact, contributing 11.3% to the state’s GDP and employing (directly or indirectly) 330,000 people. Annually, U.S. nonprofits spend more than $826 billion on salaries, benefits and payroll taxes and nearly $1 trillion on goods and services.
These statistics reveal the actual and potential carbon footprint and climate impact nonprofits can have every day. So, how can donors determine whether the nonprofits they support are doing what they can to mitigate their environmental impact?
Community, family and corporate foundations, as well as donor advised funds, and individual and business donors, can begin by asking questions of their grantees to help them focus on their climate impact. This is the same method grant makers have been using for years to help nonprofits focus on their diversity, equity and inclusiveness initiatives.
The proposed questions that follow are not intended to be a litmus test for funding. Nor are they designed to place additional burdens on nonprofit organizations, especially in this period of enormous financial and operational stress. Rather, they are a conversation starter to help nonprofits move forward in adapting their operations to be more climate friendly.
Does your board have a policy prioritizing reduction of carbon footprint in all operations and programs? Have you obtained an energy efficiency audit for your facilities and operations? If you have an endowment, are your investments carbon-neutral and climate friendly? Does your organization seek alternatives to travel, such as remote meeting technology? When air travel is required, do you purchase carbon offsets? Do you have policies and practices in place to reduce energy, water, paper and other supply use? Do you purchase recycled products when available? Have you explored renewable energy resources for your facilities, whether you own or rent? Do you use LED light bulbs and turn off computers, copiers and other electronic equipment when not in use? Do you have policies and practices to discourage food waste? Do you purchase reusable or compostable products for meetings, meals and events, such as cups, glasses, tableware, etc.? Do you have a comprehensive recycling and/or composting program? If you have a supply chain, does it have carbon reduction measures in place? Are your own distribution channels fuel and energy efficient? Do you have incentives to encourage employees to use transportation alternatives such as public transportation, carpools, car sharing, bicycles, electric vehicles, etc.? If you operate vehicles, what percent are electric, hybrid or hydrogen fueled? Is there a person on your staff who is responsible for the reduction of the organization’s carbon footprint? Does that person provide periodic reports on carbon footprint improvements?
“Simply put, climate change is an existential crisis — the most serious we humans have ever faced. There are only two differences between global warming and a nuclear holocaust: the speed at which species perish and the fact that we all have our fingers on the button,” said William Becker, Executive Director of the Presidential Climate Action project. “This is truly an all-hands-on-deck moment. If we are in a position to help others reduce their carbon footprints, or to influence them to do so, we should use it.”
In addition to their stated missions, nonprofits can play a critical role in responding to climate change. Donors can pose any or all of the questions listed above in an effort to help nonprofits expand their roles in protecting the planet.
Nonprofits of the Month
Three Colorado-based nonprofits lead the charge on climate change: The Alliance Center, mobilizing nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, academic institutions and community members to collaboratively create sustainability-focused solutions; Conservation Colorado, working to protect Colorado’s climate, air, land, water and communities through organizing, advocacy and elections; and Western Resource Advocates, protecting the West’s land, air and water by creating and advocating for policies to dramatically reduce climate pollution consistent with the calls from the world’s scientific community.
Bruce DeBoskey, J.D., is a philanthropic strategist working across the United States with The DeBoskey Group to help families, businesses, foundations and family offices design and implement thoughtful philanthropic strategies and actionable plans. He is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences and workshops on philanthropy. Visit deboskeygroup.com.


thedenverpost--2020-05-10--NFL Journal: Broncos quarterback Drew Lock hopes offseason training makes him more elusive to opposi

NFL Journal: Broncos quarterback Drew Lock hopes offseason training makes him more elusive to opposing defenses

Following an autograph session at the Super Bowl Experience in Miami earlier this year , Broncos quarterback Drew Lock was asked about his offseason to-do list .
“ I think one of the biggest things , besides throwing and getting into the playbook once I ’ m allowed to , is focusing on my speed , ” he said .
“ I feel one of the biggest things in my game is being able to get out of the pocket and run around and I want to utilize that ( in 2020 ) .
” Lock showed more-than-serviceable athleticism in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to slide around the pocket and get to the perimeter to make throws , as well as rushing 18 times for 72 yards .
So did the training work ?
“ Without a doubt , ” Lock said during a recent media conference call .
“ I went back and watched a lot of my clips , whether it was me in the actual game or when I first started training and it was just me running , and I found little things here and there to help me be more explosive out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest takeaway while watching his game tape was the need to run more “ upright.
” “ You ’ ll see me hunch a little bit when I ran last year , ” he said .
“ I could have gotten a little more speed ( staying upright ) and just being a little more fluid with how I was moving .
I think we did a great job of ( correcting that ) .
Hopefully I can display that going into this year.
” Lock was sacked only five times in five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Flacco in eight games and nine of Brandon Allen in three games .
Per The Denver Post ’ s game charting , opponents averaged 8.2 disruptions per game , compared to 9.3 for Flacco and 7.3 for Allen .
That number should expect to be skewed for Lock since his athleticism allows him to hold onto the football longer ( he had completions while throwing in 5.13 , 4.72 and 6.37 seconds ) , which equals more pressures .
If Lock shows solid mobility , new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur could put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make half-field reads , but also to get away from elite edge rushers .
Six final thoughts on the regular-season schedule : 1 .
The Broncos will make five trips to the Eastern time zone ( Pittsburgh , the New York Jets , New England , Atlanta and Carolina ) , their highest total since five in 2012 .
2 .
Per BetOnline , home teams are favored 166 times ( 64.8 % ) , the road team 74 times ( 28.9 % ) and there are 16 games listed as pick ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is favored in all 16 games , Jacksonville is an underdog in every game and the Broncos are favored in five , an underdog in nine and a pick ’ em twice .
3 .
Eight teams have five prime-time games , seven have four and the Broncos , Tennessee and the New York Giants all have three .
Detroit and Washington will not appear in prime time and their lone national television appearances are on Thanksgiving .
4 .
The Texans get the Week 1 opening slot ( at Kansas City ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Detroit ) .
Didn ’ t know they were that interesting .
5 .
Weeks 15-16 have five games apiece labeled as “ Saturday or Sunday , ” including Bills-Broncos on Dec. 19 or 20 and Broncos-Chargers on Dec. 26 or 27 .
The two Saturday games will start at 2:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Denver time .
6 .
Quirks : The Chiefs play their eight road games in blocks of two — Weeks 2-3 , 6-7 , 11-12 and 14-15 .
Three teams ( Washington , New Orleans and New England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And three teams play consecutive division road games ( Cleveland , Dallas and New England ) .
Don Shula , the NFL ’ s all-time winningest coach and father of Broncos quarterbacks coach Mike Shula , died last Monday at age 90 .
Over a 33-year head-coaching career , Shula coached 490 regular-season games ( 328 wins ) … and only three ( 2-0-1 record ) were against the Broncos .
Shula coached the Baltimore Colts from 1963-69 , but that was before the NFL-AFL merger .
He coached the Dolphins from 1970-95 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1971 : Tied the Broncos 10-10 in Denver .
Dwight Harrison ( Broncos ) and Paul Warfield ( Dolphins ) caught second-half touchdown passes .
1975 : Beat the Broncos 14-13 in Denver .
The Broncos ’ points were via two Jim Turner field goals and a Riley Odoms fumble recovery .
1985 : Beat the Broncos 30-26 in Miami .
Dan Marino was 25-of-43 passing for 390 yards ( three touchdowns ) and John Elway was 18 of 37 for 250 yards ( one interception ) .
Only three meetings in 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wiped out by the strikes in 1982 and ’ 87 .
Under the current scheduling model , the teams play every three years .
Post-career employment .
We ’ ve heard of having a coach-in-waiting for college programs ( almost always a fiasco ) , but not a job-in-waiting-once-a-playing-career-is-over .
New Orleans ’ Drew Brees is headed to NBC after he retires , and Indianapolis ’ Philip Rivers was named coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope , Ala .
Does this eliminate Rivers from being a commentator ?
He could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but probably not the Monday night schedule .
Gore keeps on keeping on .
The New York Jets will be running back Frank Gore ’ s fourth team in as many years .
He played a decade for San Francisco , followed by three years in Indianapolis and a season apiece for Miami and Buffalo .
Gore , who turns 37 on Thursday , is currently third all-time in rushing yards ( 15,347 ) , trailing only Walter Payton ( 16,726 ) and Emmitt Smith ( 18,355 ) .
Gore will back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s smart move .
Getting cut by Cincinnati on April 30 was bad timing for quarterback Andy Dalton so he made the right decision in signing a one-year contract with Dallas .
This will allow Dalton to use 2020 as a take-a-breath/stay-healthy season so he can hit the March 2021 market .
Cam Newton remains a free agent and his best course is to wait until a team ’ s need arises in the preseason .

Following an autograph session at the Super Bowl Experience in Miami earlier this year, Broncos quarterback Drew Lock was asked about his offseason to-do list.
His answer was semi-surprising.
“I think one of the biggest things, besides throwing and getting into the playbook once I’m allowed to, is focusing on my speed,” he said. “I feel one of the biggest things in my game is being able to get out of the pocket and run around and I want to utilize that (in 2020).”
Lock showed more-than-serviceable athleticism in his five-game debut last year, able to slide around the pocket and get to the perimeter to make throws, as well as rushing 18 times for 72 yards.
So did the training work?
“Without a doubt,” Lock said during a recent media conference call. “I went back and watched a lot of my clips, whether it was me in the actual game or when I first started training and it was just me running, and I found little things here and there to help me be more explosive out of the gate.”
Lock’s biggest takeaway while watching his game tape was the need to run more “upright.”
“You’ll see me hunch a little bit when I ran last year,” he said. “I could have gotten a little more speed (staying upright) and just being a little more fluid with how I was moving. I think we did a great job of (correcting that). Hopefully I can display that going into this year.”
Lock was sacked only five times in five games, compared with 26 sacks of Joe Flacco in eight games and nine of Brandon Allen in three games.
Per The Denver Post’s game charting, opponents averaged 8.2 disruptions per game, compared to 9.3 for Flacco and 7.3 for Allen. That number should expect to be skewed for Lock since his athleticism allows him to hold onto the football longer (he had completions while throwing in 5.13, 4.72 and 6.37 seconds), which equals more pressures.
If Lock shows solid mobility, new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur could put him on the move more often to make half-field reads, but also to get away from elite edge rushers.
Schedule thoughts
Six final thoughts on the regular-season schedule:
1. The Broncos will make five trips to the Eastern time zone (Pittsburgh, the New York Jets, New England, Atlanta and Carolina), their highest total since five in 2012.
2. Per BetOnline, home teams are favored 166 times (64.8%), the road team 74 times (28.9%) and there are 16 games listed as pick’em (6.3%). Baltimore is favored in all 16 games, Jacksonville is an underdog in every game and the Broncos are favored in five, an underdog in nine and a pick’em twice.
3. Eight teams have five prime-time games, seven have four and the Broncos, Tennessee and the New York Giants all have three. Detroit and Washington will not appear in prime time and their lone national television appearances are on Thanksgiving.
4. The Texans get the Week 1 opening slot (at Kansas City) and a Thanksgiving Day game (at Detroit). Didn’t know they were that interesting.
5. Weeks 15-16 have five games apiece labeled as “Saturday or Sunday,” including Bills-Broncos on Dec. 19 or 20 and Broncos-Chargers on Dec. 26 or 27. The two Saturday games will start at 2:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Denver time.
6. Quirks: The Chiefs play their eight road games in blocks of two — Weeks 2-3, 6-7, 11-12 and 14-15. Three teams (Washington, New Orleans and New England) play three consecutive road games. And three teams play consecutive division road games (Cleveland, Dallas and New England).
Shula vs. Broncos
Don Shula, the NFL’s all-time winningest coach and father of Broncos quarterbacks coach Mike Shula, died last Monday at age 90.
Over a 33-year head-coaching career, Shula coached 490 regular-season games (328 wins) … and only three (2-0-1 record) were against the Broncos.
Shula coached the Baltimore Colts from 1963-69, but that was before the NFL-AFL merger. He coached the Dolphins from 1970-95. His matchups against the Broncos:
1971: Tied the Broncos 10-10 in Denver. Dwight Harrison (Broncos) and Paul Warfield (Dolphins) caught second-half touchdown passes.
1975: Beat the Broncos 14-13 in Denver. The Broncos’ points were via two Jim Turner field goals and a Riley Odoms fumble recovery.
1985: Beat the Broncos 30-26 in Miami. Dan Marino was 25-of-43 passing for 390 yards (three touchdowns) and John Elway was 18 of 37 for 250 yards (one interception).
Only three meetings in 26 seasons? Broncos-Dolphins games weren’t wiped out by the strikes in 1982 and ’87. Under the current scheduling model, the teams play every three years.
Around the league
Post-career employment. We’ve heard of having a coach-in-waiting for college programs (almost always a fiasco), but not a job-in-waiting-once-a-playing-career-is-over. New Orleans’ Drew Brees is headed to NBC after he retires, and Indianapolis’ Philip Rivers was named coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Ala. Does this eliminate Rivers from being a commentator? He could dash off to a game on weekends, but probably not the Monday night schedule.
Gore keeps on keeping on. The New York Jets will be running back Frank Gore’s fourth team in as many years. He played a decade for San Francisco, followed by three years in Indianapolis and a season apiece for Miami and Buffalo. Gore, who turns 37 on Thursday, is currently third all-time in rushing yards (15,347), trailing only Walter Payton (16,726) and Emmitt Smith (18,355). Gore will back up Le’Veon Bell.
Dalton’s smart move. Getting cut by Cincinnati on April 30 was bad timing for quarterback Andy Dalton so he made the right decision in signing a one-year contract with Dallas. This will allow Dalton to use 2020 as a take-a-breath/stay-healthy season so he can hit the March 2021 market. Cam Newton remains a free agent and his best course is to wait until a team’s need arises in the preseason.


thedenverpost--2020-05-11--Graduation caps strange, emotional end to CU Buffs basketball career for Lucas Siewert

The plan , at the time , made perfect sense .
Yet the timing proved to be the cruelest twist of all for Lucas Siewert during the sudden and gut-wrenching end to his college basketball career .
Siewert , the lone four-year senior on the Colorado men ’ s basketball team this past season , graduated this week , a milestone that was supposed to bring his parents , Osni and Silvia , to Boulder from their native Brazil .
Obviously it ’ s not an easy trip , and since Siewert ’ s parents had managed to visit for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they figured they would pass on Senior Day at the final home game in favor of visiting for their son ’ s college graduation .
Like everything else this spring , that plan was left in tatters after the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 kept Siewert from ending his senior season in the NCAA Tournament .
It also prevented his parents from making what would have been a memorable graduation trip to Boulder .
“ While my brother was here ( for Senior Day ) , my parents never got the opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ That was something I didn ’ t really like .
It was just my birthday and it ’ s also my dad ’ s birthday , so we were going to celebrate together .
That kind of fell apart but there was nothing we could really do about it.
” Although the Buffs stumbled down the stretch , dropping their final five games , the loss of an NCAA Tournament berth secured before the slide robbed CU of a chance to erase that frustration with just one victory .
Other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity , including fellow senior and junior college transfer Shane Gatling .
That list also includes junior forward Tyler Bey , who has opted to pursue a pro career , and the trio of Daylen Kountz , Jakub Dombek , and Frank Ryder , all of whom opted to transfer out of the program .
Yet the sting of missing out on the NCAA Tournament probably dug deeper for Siewert than any of the Buffs .
He was a freshman during one of the most disappointing seasons of coach Tad Boyle ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplied steady production in subsequent seasons as the Buffs retooled behind a nucleus of Bey , McKinley Wright IV , D ’ Shawn Schwartz , and Evan Battey .
Due to a technicality beyond his control , Siewert became the first four-year player during the Boyle era to not play in the NCAA Tournament , but he finished in the top-10 all-time at CU in games played ( 130 , sixth ) , made 3-pointers ( 140 , eighth ) , and career 3-point percentage ( .384 , sixth ) .
“ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to think about the rest of my life , ” Siewert said .
“ We had a team meeting the other day , and Boyle said they ’ re dedicating next season to me and Shane , because we don ’ t have the opportunity to come back next year .
I know they ’ re going to be a great team , and they ’ re going to be thinking about me and Shane.
” The same pandemic situation that thwarted Siewert ’ s NCAA Tournament debut also is hindering his transition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 6-foot-10 Siewert certainly is capable of enjoying a long career in Europe or elsewhere , but as of now he has been relegated to working out at home , running at the CU lacrosse field , and keeping his shooting eye sharp at the outdoor courts by the CUs Events Center .
The current plan is to remain in Boulder until the end of June , and if no professional doors open by then he likely will return to Brazil .
“ I ’ m a little nervous about it , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to get back to normal , ” Siewert said .
“ I know there is always going to be back home to play in the professional league , so I always know I ’ ll have a place .
I ’ m just trying to stay ready .
“ Just all the people I ’ ve gotten to meet , and all the places I got to go .
Just the opportunity in general ( at CU ) was just a great thing for my life .
My teammates , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together .
That ’ s what I ’ m going to remember the most .
”

The plan, at the time, made perfect sense. Yet the timing proved to be the cruelest twist of all for Lucas Siewert during the sudden and gut-wrenching end to his college basketball career.
Siewert, the lone four-year senior on the Colorado men’s basketball team this past season, graduated this week, a milestone that was supposed to bring his parents, Osni and Silvia, to Boulder from their native Brazil. Obviously it’s not an easy trip, and since Siewert’s parents had managed to visit for a few games during his Buffaloes career, they figured they would pass on Senior Day at the final home game in favor of visiting for their son’s college graduation.
Like everything else this spring, that plan was left in tatters after the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 kept Siewert from ending his senior season in the NCAA Tournament. It also prevented his parents from making what would have been a memorable graduation trip to Boulder.
“While my brother was here (for Senior Day), my parents never got the opportunity to come to Colorado,” Siewert said. “That was something I didn’t really like. It was just my birthday and it’s also my dad’s birthday, so we were going to celebrate together. That kind of fell apart but there was nothing we could really do about it.”
Although the Buffs stumbled down the stretch, dropping their final five games, the loss of an NCAA Tournament berth secured before the slide robbed CU of a chance to erase that frustration with just one victory. Other players were robbed of a possible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, including fellow senior and junior college transfer Shane Gatling. That list also includes junior forward Tyler Bey, who has opted to pursue a pro career, and the trio of Daylen Kountz, Jakub Dombek, and Frank Ryder, all of whom opted to transfer out of the program.
Yet the sting of missing out on the NCAA Tournament probably dug deeper for Siewert than any of the Buffs. He was a freshman during one of the most disappointing seasons of coach Tad Boyle’s 10-year tenure in 2016-17, and he supplied steady production in subsequent seasons as the Buffs retooled behind a nucleus of Bey, McKinley Wright IV, D’Shawn Schwartz, and Evan Battey. Due to a technicality beyond his control, Siewert became the first four-year player during the Boyle era to not play in the NCAA Tournament, but he finished in the top-10 all-time at CU in games played (130, sixth), made 3-pointers (140, eighth), and career 3-point percentage (.384, sixth).
Siewert also ranks 35th all-time in total rebounds (467).
“That’s something I’m going to think about the rest of my life,” Siewert said. “We had a team meeting the other day, and Boyle said they’re dedicating next season to me and Shane, because we don’t have the opportunity to come back next year. I know they’re going to be a great team, and they’re going to be thinking about me and Shane.”
The same pandemic situation that thwarted Siewert’s NCAA Tournament debut also is hindering his transition into the professional ranks. The sharpshooting, 6-foot-10 Siewert certainly is capable of enjoying a long career in Europe or elsewhere, but as of now he has been relegated to working out at home, running at the CU lacrosse field, and keeping his shooting eye sharp at the outdoor courts by the CUs Events Center. The current plan is to remain in Boulder until the end of June, and if no professional doors open by then he likely will return to Brazil.
“I’m a little nervous about it, but not too worried because I know everything is going to get back to normal,” Siewert said. “I know there is always going to be back home to play in the professional league, so I always know I’ll have a place. I’m just trying to stay ready.
“Just all the people I’ve gotten to meet, and all the places I got to go. Just the opportunity in general (at CU) was just a great thing for my life. My teammates, we had great moments together, great wins together. That’s what I’m going to remember the most.”


thedenverpost--2020-05-11--Coronavirus delay, early ice melt challenge Arctic science mission

BERLIN — They prepared for icy cold and trained to be on the watch for polar bears , but a pandemic just wasn ’ t part of the program .
Now dozens of scientists are waiting in quarantine for the all-clear to join a year-long Arctic research mission aimed at improving the models used for forecasting climate change , just as the expedition reaches a crucial phase .
For a while , the international mission looked like it might have to be called off , as country after country went into lockdown because of the virus , scuppering plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ German research vessel Polarstern that ’ s been moored in the high Arctic since last year .
News of the pandemic caused jitters among those already on board , said Matthew Shupe , an atmospheric scientist at the University of Colorado and co-leader of the MOSAiC expedition .
“ Some people just wanted to be home with their families , ” he told The Associated Press in a video interview from the German port of Bremerhaven , where he and about 90 other scientists and crew have been kept in isolation to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Ocean Research managed to fly out a handful of people via Canada last month .
The rest of the crew will be exchanged with the help of two other German research ships that will meet the Polarstern on the sea ice edge .
That upcoming rendezvous will force the Polarstern to abandon its current position for three weeks at a critical time in the Arctic cycle .
“ We are on the cusp right now of the onset of the sea ice melt season and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Shupe .
“ That could happen when the ship is gone , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a distinct risk we face.
” To avoid missing out on key data , researchers will leave some instruments behind , including an 11-meter ( 36-foot ) tower used for atmospheric measurements , and hope that it ’ s still there when they return .
“ The ice could just come together and destroy everything , ” said Shupe .
“ Hopefully that doesn ’ t happen.
” Adding to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ice is cracking up and moving about earlier than anticipated , a sign of possible future changes to the Arctic if global warming continues .
“ It ’ s challenging , ” said Shupe .
“ But we need to face that challenge in order to get these kind of measurements.
” Scientists on the 140-million-euro ( $ 158 million ) expedition have already gathered valuable data since setting out last September with 100 researchers and crew from 17 nations including the United States , France , China and Britain .
Shupe said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perform during the long Arctic winter will improve the models they use to calculate how snow insulates sea ice and affects the movement of energy .
“ Conceptually we know that , of course , but we actually have observations now that will tell us how that ’ s working , ” he said .
Measurements of tiny airborne particles can also help shed light on the role they play in trapping heat or reflecting sunlight , especially if there ’ s less ice and more open ocean as temperatures in the Arctic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into research about the coronavirus could have a positive knock-on effect for fields such as climate science , said Shupe .
“ Everybody is now looking at the new for models of how this ( virus ) spreads , ” he said .
“ Perhaps this actually opens the door to more people to understand the climate problem.
” Still , the researchers on MOSAiC are hoping to deal with one problem at a time , hence the strict quarantine to avoid any chance of carrying the coronavirus into the Arctic .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting sick and we don ’ t want to take that out to the ship , ” said Shupe .
“ Realistically , it ’ s actually one of the safest places on Earth right now .
”

BERLIN — They prepared for icy cold and trained to be on the watch for polar bears, but a pandemic just wasn’t part of the program.
Now dozens of scientists are waiting in quarantine for the all-clear to join a year-long Arctic research mission aimed at improving the models used for forecasting climate change, just as the expedition reaches a crucial phase.
For a while, the international mission looked like it might have to be called off, as country after country went into lockdown because of the virus, scuppering plans to bring fresh supplies and crew to the German research vessel Polarstern that’s been moored in the high Arctic since last year.
News of the pandemic caused jitters among those already on board, said Matthew Shupe, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Colorado and co-leader of the MOSAiC expedition.
“Some people just wanted to be home with their families,” he told The Associated Press in a video interview from the German port of Bremerhaven, where he and about 90 other scientists and crew have been kept in isolation to ensure they’re virus-free.
Organizers at the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Ocean Research managed to fly out a handful of people via Canada last month. The rest of the crew will be exchanged with the help of two other German research ships that will meet the Polarstern on the sea ice edge.
That upcoming rendezvous will force the Polarstern to abandon its current position for three weeks at a critical time in the Arctic cycle.
“We are on the cusp right now of the onset of the sea ice melt season and that’s a really important transition,” said Shupe.
“That could happen when the ship is gone,” he said. “It’s a distinct risk we face.”
To avoid missing out on key data, researchers will leave some instruments behind, including an 11-meter (36-foot) tower used for atmospheric measurements, and hope that it’s still there when they return.
“The ice could just come together and destroy everything,” said Shupe. “Hopefully that doesn’t happen.”
Adding to the problem is the fact that the sea ice is cracking up and moving about earlier than anticipated, a sign of possible future changes to the Arctic if global warming continues.
“It’s challenging,” said Shupe. “But we need to face that challenge in order to get these kind of measurements.”
Scientists on the 140-million-euro ($158 million) expedition have already gathered valuable data since setting out last September with 100 researchers and crew from 17 nations including the United States, France, China and Britain.
Shupe said the measurements that scientists were able to perform during the long Arctic winter will improve the models they use to calculate how snow insulates sea ice and affects the movement of energy.
“Conceptually we know that, of course, but we actually have observations now that will tell us how that’s working,” he said.
Measurements of tiny airborne particles can also help shed light on the role they play in trapping heat or reflecting sunlight, especially if there’s less ice and more open ocean as temperatures in the Arctic continue to rise.
The intense interest into research about the coronavirus could have a positive knock-on effect for fields such as climate science, said Shupe.
“Everybody is now looking at the new for models of how this (virus) spreads,” he said. “Perhaps this actually opens the door to more people to understand the climate problem.”
Still, the researchers on MOSAiC are hoping to deal with one problem at a time, hence the strict quarantine to avoid any chance of carrying the coronavirus into the Arctic.
“We definitely don’t want anybody getting sick and we don’t want to take that out to the ship,” said Shupe. “Realistically, it’s actually one of the safest places on Earth right now.”