Niwot football seizes fall season

A lot of things had to go right for Niwot football to have a fall season, and somehow, they did. In early August, The Colorado High School Athletics Association (CHSAA) postponed football's fall season until the spring, but on Sept. 16, in conjunction with Gov. Jared Polis, CHSAA allowed football and cheer and dance to opt for a fall season.

SVVSD athletic director Chase McBride then had to wait for local health officials to give permission, which they did on Sept. 17, and SVVSD jumped on the opportunity to play fall football.

Other local high schools, such as Boulder, opted for the spring football season. Although SVVSD schools were also given the option, McBride was happy to facilitate a renewed season.

"It's just about providing opportunities," McBride said. "If there's an opportunity, we're going to do our best as a school district to provide it."

Niwot head football coach Nik Blume was also excited for the opportunity to commence his inaugural season. He said Niwot has been holding optional workouts and their first official practice is set to begin on Sept. 24. It's been a roller coaster of emotions for Blume as his fall season mimicked a yo-yo.

"I'd say it was kind of breaking news to myself," Blume said. "When they (CHSAA) shot it down the first time, we all had our hopes up and then when they had come out and said the board had voted and they weren't moving it, definitely a punch in the stomach. But we were ready to regroup and get settled in for kind of a long offseason.

"When I saw the news that (the CHSAA) Commissioner was meeting with the Governor, I was like, 'well, here we go again.' There seemed to be, when it posted that she was going to meet with the Governor, it sure seemed like there was a lot more traction... I was pretty hopeful if they were going to go through all that again that it must be headed in a different direction."

Blume will now begin preparation for a 6-game season, with an extra game added if Niwot does not make the playoffs. Adjustments for Blume include limiting indoor film sessions due to COVID-19, holding fewer physical practices early on to allow the players to adjust, and taking more Saturdays off for more recovery time.

The social-aspect of building a team is another aspect that will unfortunately be limited. Niwot typically holds team dinners the day before games and with COVID-19, they'll miss out on many of these camaraderie-boosting outings. Blume's seniors may not get the full experience, but they are still thrilled for the chance to play.

"The seniors are definitely elated to get a finish, or an opportunity to finish their career here, the way that they had hoped in the time of year they had hoped," he said.

Niwot will open its season at home against Holy Family on Oct. 9. Blume added that if Niwot has enough players, he hopes to include a sub-varsity team as well.