Senior-heavy Cougars baseball team welcomes new coach in 2022

With seven seniors, new head coach Ken Rosales has a strong core to build upon in his first season in charge of the storied NHS baseball program, which has five 4A state championships to its credit, though none more recent than 2005.

Rosales, a school resource officer at Niwot High, has worked with the Boulder County Sheriff's Department for 21 years, and was head baseball coach at Lyons High School for eight years, where his teams made the state tournament four times. He first got into coaching when his son played, and Rosales quickly fell in love with the sport.

Rosales is joined by veteran assistant coach Todd Kidder, who worked with Rosales at Lyons, and who also has a club baseball head coaching background.

The pitching staff will be led by senior Jack Brooker, who also plays first base and outfield. Junior Jed Kilpatrick, who also plays shortstop, and versatile senior Walt Van Riper are also expected to see action on the mound. Van Riper caught and played first base for last year's Cougar squad.

Sophomore Brock Rothstein and senior Jackson Ackerman will provide additional pitching depth. Rothstein is also an outfielder, and Ackerman is slated to play second base. Junior Julian Lettow may also see action on the mound and at first base.

Catching duties will be shared by juniors Jaedyn Adler and Diego Castro when Van Riper is not behind the plate. Adler will also play the outfield, while Castro has seen playing time as an infielder.

The offense will be led by senior Nick Yard, who may be limited to serving as a designated hitter as he recovers from an arm injury. Seniors Spencer Olson, who started in the infield last season, and Eastin Leatherwood, who missed last season due to injury, also are expected to contribute to a potent offense. Leatherwood, who also excels in football, will play the outfield. Senior Ian Turner, who joins the team for the first time, will fill a utility role. Brooks Barber, who started in the infield as a freshman last season, is currently recovering from an injury.

With a total of 28 players reporting for practice, the JV squad will have 15 players, including a strong freshman class of 12 players. Wade Connor, a former assistant at Mead High School, will be the head coach for the JV squad. Brandon Saunders, who played for Rosales at Lyons, and Biff Warren, now in his 21st year with the program, will serve as assistant coaches.

The season is set to open March 12, at Skyline at 11 a.m. The original March 10 opener against Greeley Central has been postponed to March 28.