All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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The Left Hand Valley Courier is featuring each of the nine Niwot High School students who signed National Letters of Intent on the Nov. 13 fall signing day to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. From soccer to track and field, these athletes represent a diverse array of sports and dreams fulfilled. For Kenji McCracken, soccer has always been more than just a sport. It is a passion that has shaped his life, forged lifelong connections, and now opened the door to...
The Niwot Cougars football team wrapped up its 2024 season with recognition for several standout players and optimism for the future. Despite a winless season, individual efforts shined through. Juniors Wyatt Volf and Eli Quesada led the way with selections to the North 3A All-Conference team. Volf earned his spot as a defensive back thanks to his ability to make plays where it mattered most. Playing at linebacker, Quesada was a steady force for the Cougars' defense, making key tackles...
Niwot High School's wrestling program is preparing for an exciting season under the leadership of new Head Coach Michael DeCamillis. In his first year at the helm, DeCamillis brings a diverse background of athletic and coaching experience. A former football and wrestling standout at Broomfield High School, DeCamillis continued his football career at Chadron State College before transitioning into coaching. He also helped with the Cougar football team this fall as an assistant coach, and teaches...
Under the guidance of Head Coach Ella Thramann, now in her third season, the Niwot High School (NHS) girls swim and dive team is gearing up for a challenging, but promising season. A 2019 NHS graduate, Thramann brings a deep connection to the program. This year, the Cougars face a new challenge as they compete in the Class 4A division of the 4A/5A Granite Peaks League for the first time. Known for its high level of competition, the league includes larger schools with deep rosters and a wealth of...
The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes the much-anticipated Niwot Holiday Market. The cherished tradition will take place over two Saturdays, Dec. 7 and Dec 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the heart of the Niwot business district. Centered along Second Avenue and Cottonwood Square, the market is a festive celebration of the season, featuring live music, unique shopping, delicious treats, and activities for the whole family. Sponsored by the Niwot Business Association with...
The Niwot girls basketball team is gearing up for the 2024-25 season with renewed determination and a commitment to growth. Under the guidance of Head Coach Todd Trobaugh, who is entering his second season, the Cougars aim to improve on last season's 5-18 record. This season also marks a new chapter for the program, as the Cougars step into the newly formed Granite Peaks League and compete at the 5A level for the first time. Trobaugh sees a mix of veteran leadership and new talent as the...
The Niwot High School boys basketball team is entering the 2024-25 season with high hopes and a commitment to building a strong foundation in their first year competing in the newly formed Granite Peaks League at the 5A level. After finishing last season with a 7-16 overall record, the Cougars have focused on growth both on and off the court during an intensive offseason. Head Coach Walker Bounds, now entering his second season as a coach after graduating from NHS in 2016, has been working hard...
Alison Steele, co-owner of the Niwot Market, conquered the New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 3. For Steele, the race was not just about covering 26.2 miles. For Steele, it was about balancing her passion for running with her roles as a mother, a business owner, and a community member, all while honoring the memory of her father, Bert Steele. Steele has been a runner since high school, where she competed in cross country and track. Though she ran her first marathon in college, it was not...
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, Niwot High School honored nine standout athletes during its Fall Signing Day ceremony. Held in the Commons during lunch, the event celebrated those Cougars committing to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. Surrounded by teammates, coaches, family, and friends, the athletes celebrated their accomplishments and looked ahead to the exciting next chapter of their lives. Kianna Butler signed with Metropolitan State University of Denver to play...
The Niwot Cougars concluded their season winless, ending with an 0-9 record after their final game against the Mead High School Mavericks was canceled by the St. Vrain Valley School District due to weather....
In a landmark season for Niwot High School's cross country program, the Cougars made an unforgettable debut at the Class 5A state level, securing a state title for the boys team and delivering impressive individual performances on the girls team. The championship race took place at the Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs, where Niwot's runners faced fierce competition and challenging terrain. For the second consecutive year, Niwot's boys claimed a state cross country title, marking...
The Niwot Cougars fell 58-14 to the Northridge High School Grizzlies on Thursday, Oct. 31, in their last home football game of the season, which doubled as Senior Night. Despite a challenging game against Northridge, Niwot fought to put points on the board in the second half. Northridge opened with a touchdown just minutes into the game, taking a 6-0 lead after a failed extra-point attempt. Sophomore quarterback Wyatt Volf aimed to rally the Cougars, but an early interception by the Grizzlies,...
The International Blues Challenge (IBC), the world's largest and most prestigious blues music competition, will once again bring together hundreds of talented musicians from around the globe. Hosted on the iconic Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, the competition will run from Jan. 7 to 11, 2025. Among those set to compete is Niwot resident Joe Pacheco, bassist and backup vocalist of the blues band George Street and the Drive, who, along with his bandmates, earned the chance to perform in...
It began with a wedding ring that vanished one night. Adrianne, a longtime Niwot resident, had followed the same bedtime routine for over 40 years. She would remove her ring and place it carefully on her bedside table. One morning she woke and her ring was gone. In its place was a child's toy ring, the kind of ring you might find as a prize in a Cracker Jack box. It was small and plastic, and gleaming in the morning light. Despite searching the entire house, her wedding ring was nowhere to be fo...
The Niwot High School cross country team secured top team finishes at the 5A Region 3 Championships in Broomfield on Thursday, Oct. 24. Both the boys and the girls teams demonstrated dominance, sweeping the top places and showcasing their readiness for the upcoming 5A State Championship. Boys Team The boys team claimed the first eight spots and an impressive 15:54 average time, well ahead of their closest competitors. Boulder High School held an average time of 16:22 and Fairview High School ave...
In an intense back-and-forth contest on Friday, Oct. 25, the Niwot Cougars fell to the Greeley Central Wildcats, 34-27. The game marked the closest finish for Niwot this season, as the Cougars took their first lead since the season opener. "We've been working all season to try and get something going, and made a lot of offensive changes and went up-tempo tonight," Head Coach Nik Blume said. "It's taken way too long for us to find an identity, but that definitely was a piece of it tonight." The...
The Niwot High School football team faced another challenging matchup on Thursday, Oct. 17, which resulted in a 44-0 loss to the Timnath High School Cubs. This latest defeat keeps the Cougars winless on the season, extending their losing streak to 0-7 as they struggled to find offensive momentum throughout the game. The first quarter was a defensive battle. Niwot's quarterback, sophomore Jaydan Martinez, connected early with sophomore Kaleb Notterman, but the drive ultimately ended in a...
The Niwot Cougars faced another tough night on Thursday, Oct. 10 with a 56-0 loss to the Windsor High School Wizards. The game, played at Everly-Montgomery Field in Longmont, saw the Cougars fall to 0-6 on the season. The Wizards struck early and often, with their first touchdown coming four minutes into the game. By the end of the first quarter, Windsor had built a commanding 28-0 lead. Niwot struggled to find any offensive rhythm, despite a few bright moments, including a solid run by senior...
Niwot High School's cross country teams dominated the Granite Peaks League Championship on Friday, Oct. 11, with both the boys and girls racing to decisive team titles. The varsity boys swept the top five positions, with junior Rocco Culpepper taking first place in 15:23.65, closely followed by juniors Hunter Robbie (15:26.45) and Ryder Keeton (15:28.92). Senior Keegan Geldean finished fourth in 15:32.09, and senior Cole Mazurana rounded out the top five with a time of 15:34.38. Nine of the...
Niwot seniors Drew Stapp and Jagger Kilpatrick represented the Cougars at the 4A Boys Golf State Tournament on Oct. 7 and 8, held at the Tiara Rado Golf Course in Grand Junction. Competing against some of the best golfers in the state, both players put forth strong efforts in their final tournament. For Stapp, the state tournament marked his third appearance, and carried special significance as he aimed to end his high school career on a high note. He opened the first round with an impressive...
On Tuesday, Oct. 1 the Cougar boys golf team competed in the 4A Region 2 Regional Tournament at the Foothills Golf Course in Denver. The Cougars walked away with a fifth-place finish and a team score of 244. Highlands Ranch High School took first place with a score of 234, with Dakota Ridge High School following in second with 236, and Pueblo West High School finishing in third with 241. Ponderosa High School edged out Niwot for fourth place, finishing just two strokes ahead of the Cougars....
The Niwot High School cross country teams put in a strong performance at the Pat Patten Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 5, across both the varsity and open divisions. The varsity boys team claimed fourth overall, scoring 109 points. Boulder High School took home the title with 55 points, followed by Rock Canyon High School (66 points) and Mountain Vista High School (76 points). Senior Christopher Wood led the Cougars, finishing 15th with a time of 16:31.30. Fellow senior Brayan Herrera was close...
The Niwot High School football team faced a challenging night on Thursday, Oct. 3, as they suffered a 50-0 loss to Evergreen High School. The away game marked Niwot’s worst defeat of the season, bringing their record to 0-5. From the start, Evergreen dominated the field with strong offensive and defensive play. Niwot struggled to gain any traction, facing difficulty on both sides of the ball. Despite their best efforts, the Cougars were unable to score, resulting in a lopsided final score that reflected Evergreen’s control over the game. Thi...
The Niwot High School junior varsity golf team showcased its depth and skill at the Niwot Junior Varsity Event, held on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Twin Peaks Golf Course in Longmont. The Cougars had four teams competing in a field of 30 teams. Niwot's top team took home the victory with a combined score of 208, beating out Northridge High School, which finished second with a score of 217, and Timnath High School, who came in third with a score of 227. The Cougars' other three teams placed sixth...
The Niwot High School volleyball team had an impressive week, showcasing its strength with victories against the Fairview Knights and the Centaurus Warriors, even as the Cougars faced a setback against the Broomfield Eagles. In their home match against the Knights on Monday, Sept. 23, Niwot won decisively in a 3-0 sweep, with scores of 25-16, 25-18, and 25-13. The Cougars' offensive strategy was relentless, achieving a team-hitting percentage of .234 with a total of 64 attacks and 25 kills....
The Niwot High School cross country teams delivered an impressive performance at the Desert Twilight XC Festival on Friday, Sept 28, overcoming scorching 90-degree temperatures to capture both the girls and boys Sweepstakes titles. As the only school in the nation with both teams ranked in the top five nationally, the Cougars solidified their status as a powerhouse program with commanding victories on a hot night at the Toka Sticks Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona. In the Girls Sweepstakes race,...
For the final time this year, Niwot's Cottonwood Square was transformed into a scene from the 1950s as the 2024 season of Dancing Under the Stars came to a close. Swing enthusiasts, newcomers, and long-time attendees gathered under twinkling lights for a night of Lindy Hop and laughter. The event, which has been a staple in Niwot all summer, delivered one last memorable evening on Friday, Sept. 20 as attendees danced the night away. Lorne Fultonberg, from Boulder Swing Dance, led the Lindy Hop...
Niwot High School's cross country teams delivered stellar performances at the St. Vrain Cross Country Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 21, hosted by Lyons High School. Both the boys and girls teams showcased their depth and talent, securing top finishes across the board in the 5000 meter run. The boys team was led by junior Rocco Culpepper, who claimed first place with an impressive time of 15:29.17. His victory was closely followed by fellow juniors Hunter Robbie, who finished second at...
In their final tournament before regionals, the Niwot High School boys golf team delivered an impressive performance at the Longmont Invitational on Tuesday, Sept. 17, held at the Twin Peaks Golf Course. Niwot fielded two teams, which finished third and seventh in the overall standings. Resurrection Christian took home the top spot, with Monarch High School coming in second. Leading the Cougars was senior Drew Stapp, who finished third overall with a stellar score of 69, continuing his...
The Niwot High School football team suffered a tough 41-0 loss against the Wheat Ridge High School Farmers on Thursday, Sept. 19. Offensively, the Cougars struggled throughout the game, totaling only 68 yards with just five first downs. Sophomore quarterback Jaydan Martinez completed four of 16 passes for 32 yards, but threw three interceptions, while junior Wesley Manzanares led the rushing game with 24 yards on 11 carries. Wheat Ridge controlled the game with 306 total yards. They scored early in the first quarter with a six-yard rushing...
The Niwot High School boys golf team continued its season with two challenging tournaments during weeks five and six, facing stiff competition from some of the top teams in their league. On Sept. 5, the Cougars competed in the Frederick Classic at the Coyote Creek Golf Course. Despite strong performances from several golfers, Niwot finished fourth overall with a team score of 301. Fairview High School took first place with a score of 284, Monarch High School placed second at 292, and Erie High...
Niwot High School's homecoming football game against the Skyview Campus Wolverines on Friday, Sept. 13 ended in a narrow 14-6 loss for the Cougars, leaving them 0-3 on the season. The game was filled with moments of grit and determination, but the Cougars were unable to capitalize on key opportunities as they fought through turnovers and a tough Skyview defense. Before kickoff, the Stapp family was honored by St. Vrain Valley School District Superintendent Don Haddad for their longstanding...
On Friday, Sept. 6, Cottonwood Square transformed into a lively celebration of country dance as Dancing Under the Stars hosted its first-ever country dance night. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter and the clinking of cowboy boots, as twinkling lights shone overhead casting a soft glow on the crowd below. The blend of cowboy hats, denim, pearl snap shirts, and lively country tunes gave the night an authentic feel. Participants were treated to an array of country dance styles,...
Niwot High School's football team faced a difficult challenge against 4A program Centaurus High School on Friday, Sept. 6, falling 49-7 under the lights of Everly-Montgomery Field in Longmont. The Centaurus Warriors dominated the game from the first quarter, while Niwot struggled to gain momentum despite key defensive plays and moments of offensive promise. The Cougars were missing some key players due to illness, which made the game even more challenging. The game started with hope for the...
The penultimate salsa dance evening of the Dancing Under the Stars season brought a large, enthusiastic crowd to Cottonwood Square on Friday, Aug. 30. With perfect weather and a gorgeous sunset as the backdrop, the night was a memorable one for the dancers. Marcela Lay, the evening's instructor, introduced new moves that challenged and delighted participants, adding to their growing repertoire of salsa steps. Her teaching style was both engaging and accessible, ensuring that newcomers and vetera...
The Niwot High School golf team continued its season at the Eaton High School Invitational on Aug. 29, where the Cougars secured a solid fourth-place finish among a field of twenty-five teams. The tournament at the Eaton Country Club saw Niwot achieving a team score of 226. Windsor High School claimed the top spot with a score of 204, followed by Fossil Ridge High School in second with 217, and Monarch High School rounding out the top three with 222. Niwot's top performer was junior Jackson...
Niwot High School's football team kicked off its season on Saturday, Aug. 31, with a tough matchup against Thomas Jefferson High School (TJ), a 4A team known for its strong competition. The Cougars, playing in Class 3A again this season, showed flashes of promise, but ultimately fell to the Spartans, 33-14. The game started on a positive note, with senior running back Haden Shaw scoring on a six-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Junior kicker Caleb Roby added the extra point, putting the...
On Friday, Aug. 23, Dancing Under the Stars featured a lively blend of waltz, folk, and contra dancing, bringing a fresh dynamic to Niwot's beloved event. The evening was accompanied by live music from keyboardist Teri Rasmusson and fiddler Royston Hunget, whose harmonious tunes set the perfect mood for the traditional dances. Earlier in the season, Rasmusson, a Niwot resident, performed with violinist Julia Hays on July 12. Adding to the energy was Tina Fields, who called the dances and guided...
Kaige Kennedy, a senior at Niwot High School, recently returned home from the Dominican Republic with a gold medal around his neck, after representing the USA in the Latin America Baseball Classic (LABC). "It was really exciting getting to travel and play with a bunch of guys who know what they're doing and give it their all," Kennedy said. "The fact that we got to win the whole thing was surreal." Reflecting on the atmosphere of the final game, Kennedy noted that the team's mindset remained...
The Niwot High School boys golf team faced another challenging week on the course, competing in two league tournaments that tested the golfers' consistency and resilience. On Aug. 20, the Cougars participated in the Centaurus League Tournament at the Indian Peaks Golf Course, where they tied for fourth place with Monarch High School, both teams finishing with a score of 308. Fairview High School claimed first place with a dominant score of 287, followed by Erie High School at 302, and Horizon...
Coming off a 3-7 season, Niwot High School's football team is aiming for an upward trajectory in a challenging new environment. The Cougars have moved to a new league in 3A, the North 2 League, which includes tough opponents like the Windsor Wizards and the Mead Mavericks. The reclassification sets the stage for fierce competition, but Head Coach Nik Blume remains focused on the bigger picture in his fourth season as the coach. Despite the challenges ahead, Blume's primary focus is on continued...
Niwot High School’s athletic programs are gearing up for significant changes this year as the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) implements its biennial reclassification. With an enrollment of 1,359 students, Niwot’s growth has led to shifts in classification for multiple sports and placed the school in newly formed leagues that aim to better balance competition across the state. Every two years, CHSAA evaluates school enrollments and reclassifies athletic programs accordingly. This reclassification is crucial in det...
The Cougars boys golf team has been busy on the greens, participating in three tournaments last week. On Aug. 12, Niwot's top players competed in the Roosevelt Invite at the Fox Hill Club in Longmont, where the team secured a third-place finish out of twenty-seven teams. Timnath High School took first with a score of 236, and Erie High School followed in second with 238. Niwot ended just behind with a team score of 242. Senior Drew Stapp delivered a strong performance, finishing fourth overall...
The second annual Flower Fest on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Niwot's business district proved to be a resounding success, drawing in a large crowd eager to celebrate the beauty of summer blooms, local artistry, and community spirit. Event organizer Kathy Trauner, owner of Fly Away Home, expressed her delight, noting, "Visitors seemed to really enjoy themselves." The festival's signature activity, the "Flower Journey," was a major hit. With 150 passports available for attendees...
Friday, Aug. 9, Dancing Under the Stars brought a spicy new flavor to the dance floor with Nathan Hook leading a Cuban-style salsa. Making his first appearance as an instructor this season, Hook introduced a fresh salsa style to the event, adding variety and excitement for both regulars and newcomers. Hook took his time with the basic steps, watching all participants closely and offering advice when he felt it was necessary. As in previous weeks, switching partners was encouraged often,...
With only three concerts left after Aug. 8, Rock & Rails fans were determined to attend Thursday's concert despite the weather. A chilly and rainy day set the stage for the evening, with mist and cool temperatures persisting throughout the entire concert, limiting the crowd size. The evening kicked off with Gunbarrel resident and country music artist Dean Himes. A 2022 inductee into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, Himes brought a mix of heartfelt originals as well as well-loved covers to the...
As the golf season swings back into action, the Niwot High School boys golf team has already made a strong impression. The Cougars kicked off their season on Aug. 8 with a resounding victory at their first tournament, the Holy Family League Event, held at the Eagle Trace Golf Club in Broomfield. The tournament, which featured both varsity and junior varsity divisions, drew teams from across the league and beyond. In a field of 14 schools, Niwot emerged victorious, showcasing the team's talent...
On Saturday, August 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Niwot will come alive with the vibrant colors of the Flower Fest. The second year of this annual celebration will be held on 2nd Avenue and in Cottonwood Square and promises a delightful experience for all ages. Kathy Trauner, owner of Fly Away Home and one of the event organizers, describes the Fest as a celebration of everything we love about summer. "Flowers are everywhere, all grown by local farmers," said Trauner. One of the event's highlights...
On Thursday, Aug. 1, Rock & Rails continued its summer concert series with two standout performances that delighted the crowd. The evening began with Strangebyrds, a folk/rock and Americana duo of Cari Minor and Ray Smith. With six award-winning releases under their belt, they kicked off the hot evening with a captivating mix of music. Their set consisted of covers and originals from all seven of their albums, including their self-proclaimed theme song "Strangebyrds," which sounds vaguely...
