Student-Athlete of the Week: Chad Volf

Chad Volf's versatile skill set at quarterback proved perfect for Niwot football's offense in their 22-16 season opener win over Greeley Central on Aug. 26. Volf rushed for two touchdowns and threw for another to get his junior campaign off to a strong start.

Still, though, Volf hopes the Cougars can do even more damage moving forward.

"I think Friday went really well," Volf said. "I feel like on offense we could have had a couple more touchdowns, but I think the three we had were pretty great."

Volf credited his 70 yards rushing to a playbook that encourages the run, while his 122 passing yards on 9-of-17 was only done with the help of his receivers. In Niwot's wide receiver room, which wasn't at full strength against the Wildcats, Volf said he has found strong connections with junior Paris Lee and sophomore Weston Domich, who caught the touchdown pass.

On the defensive side of the ball, Volf's impact is just as prominent. His leadership skills, in particular, have been of use at safety with a new-look defense. Volf said he and defensive lineman Nicolas Kemp worked well to keep the Cougars' defense running smoothly.

In addition, Volf's work in the secondary has helped him develop a better knowledge of defensive strategy which serves to help him at QB.

"It helps a lot with seeing the coverages and learning them a lot more and knowing how they line up and seeing what they're going to do or what they can do," said Volf, whose 22 total tackles last season tied for seventh on the team.

Head football coach Nik Blume first gave Volf the nod at QB during the second game of last season when then-starter Ben Classen couldn't play due to injury. Although the Cougars failed to score an offensive point in that game, Volf stepped up in a tough situation and gained some experience under center in the process.

Now with the starting QB job his to start 2022, he hopes to build upon last year's 4-6 season.

"It would be amazing if we could have a winning record," Volf said. "We haven't done that in ages and I think that would be amazing."

Volf's younger brother, Wyatt, is also a name to watch in Niwot's program. Wyatt is currently the Cougars junior varsity quarterback and he threw a touchdown pass in their season opener win. "I think Wyatt's doing pretty well and he'll do great," the elder Volf said of his freshman brother.