Cranny, Miyasaki, and Moat selected for NIwot High Hall of Fame

Principal Eric Rauschkolb and Athletic Director Joe Brown announced that Elise Cranny, Mabel Miyasaki, and Mike Moat have been selected for induction into the Niwot High School Hall of Fame as the Class of 2025. "These individuals have left an indelible mark on the school and its community through their outstanding achievements, unwavering dedication, and profound impact," Brown said in a press release.

The induction ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 1, at 6 p.m. in the school auditorium, when the school celebrates its scholars and athletes at the Night of Champions.

Cranny, a two-time state cross country champion, propelled Niwot to consecutive 4A State Track and Field Championships in 2013 and 2014. In track, she swept the 800, 1600, and 3200-meter races at both state meets. After an illustrious career at Stanford University, Cranny went on to compete in the 2021 and 2024 Olympics. She returned to Niwot High last fall to help honor the NHS boys Cross Country Team, which won the Nike Cross Nationals.

Miyasaki was described as the school's "heart and soul" by Brown. She began working in the school cafeteria in 1978 and continued for twenty years before a knee injury forced her retirement.

"Mabel was Niwot's #1 fan," said Brown who described her as "a constant presence at every athletic event, from basketball games where she famously 'razzed' opponents like a young Tad Boyle, to wrestling matches and even distant away games. Mabel's support extended to speech debates, concerts, and plays, proving her commitment to every facet of student life. She was a volunteer and constant source of positive energy, always offering words of encouragement and celebrating the accomplishments of every student she encountered."

Miyasaki was informed of selection by Rauschkolb and Brown at her 100th birthday party March 10. "Despite facing dementia, she still lit up at the mention of Niwot," Brown said. NHS grad and former coach Ron Stedman catered the event, and was touched that she remembered him, saying, "You're Ron Stedman! I remember you, you, you're Ron Stedman!"

Moat established himself as a legendary high school pitcher, achieving an unprecedented feat by pitching and winning three consecutive state championships in 1998, 1999 and 2000, the first baseball titles in school history. "His remarkable dominance included a 1-hitter victory as a sophomore against Broomfield and culminated in a perfect game against Lewis-Palmer during his senior year regionals," Brown said. "For fifteen years, Moat held the distinction of being the only pitcher to win three consecutive state titles. His outstanding high school career earned him All-Conference, All-State, and All-American honors, as well as the prestigious 2000 Bauldie Moschetti Award."

Moat was drafted by the Texas Rangers out of high school, but accepted a scholarship to pitch at San Diego State, where one of his coaches was Tony Gwynn. After his junior year, he was drafted by the Chicago White Sox and pitched in their organization for four seasons before an arm injury led to his retirement. He returned to Colorado and became the pitching coach at Niwot High School for four years before turning to coaching his children in baseball and softball. He continues to serve on the board of directors of Niwot Baseball, Inc.