by Sierra Foster,
Custer County FFA Chapter Reporter
High School’s FFA students recently took the stage in the school’s west gym to participate in the FFA Creed Contest. The contest showcases their confidence, knowledge of principles of agricultural leadership, and dedication to the Chapter. Continue reading FFA CREED CONTEST: I Believe in …
by Sentinel Staff
For the first time ever, the Custer County High School Clay Busters team has set their sights on a fall season. Traditionally, the Clay Busters as part of the USA Clay Target League compete in the spring and summer, but this year the fall season is offering student shooters another chance
to compete.
The Clay Busters team, made up of Matthew Burgdorff, Lincoln Wingfield, McKenna Marietta and Kaleigh Mintz, practice Thursday’s after school at the Custer County Sheriff’s Range. The team is led by volunteer coaches Doug Burgdorff, Jerry Tracewell, Alan Prudic, Russ Benson and Steve Betton.
For Coach Doug Burgdorff, the program started as a way to spend time with his son. “Matthew likes to shoot, and unlike other sports, trap and sporting clays practice is just one day a week, so I have the ability to help coach,” Burgdorff explained. He continued, “The best part of coaching the Clay Busters is seeing the kids’ confidence increase. Once they learn the basics and start hitting targets, their desire to get better just grows. It’s an outlet for them to be individually successful.”
Safety is at the heart of every practice and competition. According to the USA Clay Target League, which has grown into the largest youth clay target program in the country, student athletes have recorded millions of shots fired nationwide with a perfect safety record. That record has held true for 4-H shooting sports as well, which trains thousands of youth annually in archery, rifle, shotgun, and muzzleloader programs. Both organizations emphasize safety, responsibility, and respect above all else.
The benefits of shooting sports go well beyond the range. Studies and surveys from 4-H and other youth programs show that students who participate build stronger focus, responsibility, and self-confidence. Shooting sports require concentration, breathing control, and focus which are all skills that parallel stress management techniques. The sport also opens the door for college scholarships, particularly for trap and skeet shooters, which are among the fastest-growing collegiate sports in the U.S.
The Custer County Clay Busters offer a unique opportunity for students who may not be drawn to traditional team sports. Each year millions of student athletes are injured playing high school sports. Not so with shooting sports. Zero injuries to date according to the USA Clay Target League. Shooting clays allows athletes to compete against themselves, track their personal improvement, and take pride in steady progress.
As the fall season unfolds, the Clay Busters are proud to represent Custer County with steady hands, sharp eyes, and a commitment to safe, responsible sportsmanship.
by Sentinel Staff
The Custer County Cross Country team journeyed to Leadville Saturday, August 30th to compete in the highest elevation cross country meet in the nation. It was the first race of the year for the team’s middle schoolers. The runners led again this year by Head Coach Heather Ramer who also teaches middle school English. Hal Walter rejoins the cross country coaching staff this year to serve as assistant coach.
by Sentinel Staff
Teamwork for 25-26
The 2025-2026 school year is underway and is led by a united administration team. Kyle Hebberd, Superintendent, Ren Olson, Middle School and High School Principal, and Sydney Benesch K-5 principal collectively bring decades of administration experience to the Custer County School District. Hebberd, achieved success and longevity as a Superintendent in both the Walsh and Swink school districts. With 22 years of administration in small rural school districts Hebberd believes, “Successful small school educators have the mindset that being in a small school is not just a job, it is a way of life.” Hebberd has held jobs outside of education as well. He refers to his many hats. He has built hundreds of miles of fence,built bridges, cut wheat and drilled for oil. His education hat seems to be the favorite, it is well worn and tattered in the best ways from with more than two decades of service to parents, students, and the rural community.
Ren Olson, is the principal for the middle and high schools. Olson previously served the Roaring Fork School District as an administrator and has more than four decades in public education. Prior to applying for the principal position at Custer County schools, she regularly attended school board and other meetings as an interested resident. She is fully invested in the public education of our kids. She finds the opening of the MS/HS principal position and her subsequent selection as “serendipitous”. Olson’s principal message states, “Our kids thrive – with higher grades, greater engagement, and maintaining a more positive outlook on learning – when we team together to actively support them.” She said she is excited about working with the high-quality staff. When asked about the year ahead, Olson said she is most grateful for the teamwork and collaboration she Benesch and Hebberd share. All agreed that they feel lucky to serve the students at Custer County Schools.
Sydney Benesch continues to serve Custer County schools in a mighty way. She returned to serve this year as the K-5 principal. Sydney is Custer County to her core. She attended school here K-12, left for college, and then returned to teach second grade at Custer County Elementary School. She rose quickly to serve as a Teacher on Special Assignment as Vice Principal. She weathered the storm of transition serving as the principal of all Custer County Schools and for a few months also served as Interim Superintendent. Benesch is considered by many to be the glue of our district. She has institutional knowledge. She is excited about the year and says she feels “fully supported and is excited to work alongside Kyle and Ren”.
A cohesive leadership team has the greatest potential to positively impact our students and their learning. The benefactors of this new aligned and cohesive administration are the more than 300 students in attendance and the seventy plus staff members. Under the leadership of Hebberd, Olson, and Benesch, CCHS students are taking advantage of college enrollment and STEM classes, extracurricular activities, and the support services available to all students who need a little extra help. The elementary students will be cared for each day by a mostly new teacher lineup shepherded by Benesch. These are considered positive adjustments to achieve the best outcomes for our students.
Hopeful is the feel of this new school year. The hallways are buzzing, and students are already looking forward to Homecoming activities. Whether you are a former Bobcat or a Bobcat supporter you are welcome to attend the volleyball and football games on September 13th. Times and details are available on the Custer County Schools website and on page 10 of the paper.
Go Bobcats!!
by Sentinel Staff
It was back to school week for our youngest rosy cheeked and bright-eyed Bobcats who were excitedly greeted by the Bobcat mascot during assembly.
The Custer County Early Childhood Education Center, (CCECEC) which opened in 2023 as a part of the school district, continues to grow. With the rollout of the Universal Preschool Program, the Custer County Early Childhood Education Center has been able to offer additional slots for 4-year-olds to be funded at half day as well as full day slots if families qualify. This summer, an additional 6 full day slots were added by moving the classroom into the main school building.
Currently the Center can provide care and early childhood learning opportunities for up to 61 youngsters. The CCECEC has an Infant room with space for five infants, a Toddler room with 8 spaces, and a full day Preschool room that can accommodate 16. The Half Day Preschool classroom offers 16 slots for both the morning and afternoon sessions.
Program Director, Laurie Yarger writes, “We aim to provide high quality early childhood education to all families in our community
as we help prepare the next generation. Last year we were recognized by Colorado’s Quality Rating program as a level 4,
solidifying the program as high quality.”
Anyone with interest in or a need for childcare will be glad to know that the Custer County Early Education program still has a few spaces available. Four lucky preschoolers still have an opportunity to attend with openings in the morning program. There is room for two more infants and six busy toddlers to grow and develop.
To enroll or for more information, call the school at 719-783-2291 option 6.
by Fred Hernandez,
Sangre de Cristo Sentinel
The sharp rush of adrenaline surges through horse and
rider as the gate bangs open and the calf makes a dash to escape. The whir of rope as it slices through the air from the hand of an expert landing perfectly around the animal’s neck. In split seconds mount slides to a stop, rider is off and calf is tied down while the crowd roars in delight.
That’s rodeo at its best and some of the best rodeo stars come from right here in Custer County. Sam Stafford, only fourteen years old, is already recognized as one of the most skilled at the art of calf roping.
Born in Pueblo, Colorado, and a lifelong resident of Westcliffe, Colorado, Sam, who grew up on the family ranch, Lazy V Cattle Company, was introduced to the saddle by his father when only a toddler. His love of horses will last a lifetime.
At age twelve, Sam and his horse JR came under the masterful
tutelage of World Champion and professional horse trainer Jack Wright of Penrose, Colorado. With thirty world and reserve
titles including the 2014 American Paint Horse Association world championship title, Mr. Wright is considered Royalty among the elite in the kingdom of roping and reining. With his inborn skills Sam flourished and quickly developed into the world class winner he has become.
On the Junior High/High School Rodeo Association, Sam won the State Title in Tie Down Roping for Colorado. This qualified for him and his horse, JR, to compete in Des Moine, Iowa, at the Junior
High National Finals where he placed 4th in the World for Tie Down Roping. Recently, in a crowded field of 1,500 contestants in Guthrie, Oklahoma, at the National Little Britches Finals Rodeo, Sam won the title for 7th in the World for Team Roping and 10th in the World for Breakaway Roping.
With these wins Sam has qualified for the Vegas Tuffest as well and the Hooey Junior Patriot to be held this December in Las Vegas, Nevada, known in the rodeo world as the most prestigious arena. The future for this young star includes his plan to enter Tarleton State University in Stephensville, Texas, nationally recognized as
having one of the best rodeo facilities and to be a part of their rodeo team. Beyond that, Sam wants to be an accomplished horse trainer. Sam says he would have been a bull rider rather than a roper but “Mom would not let me”.
Huge congratulations are definitely in order for Sam Stafford who has brought much honor to his native Custer County. Thank you, Sam Stafford. You are truly the Champ.
Photos courtesy of the Staffords
by Laura Vass
Custer County School District C-1 Regular School Board Meeting on May 13th, began at 4:30 p.m.
All School Board members were present except Brad Davis who is moving out of the county and turned in his resignation. After a few changes to the agenda, to include removal of the Executive Session, the public was given their opportunity to speak.
Lea Grundy encouraged people to stay for a full meeting as she has been doing, noting that she has found that Facebook is not the best place to get information. She said she had requested the criminal background records so she could understand the issue with the administration. As such, she thanked the Board for doing their due diligence in this matter.
A student and parent expressed disappointment that the football Coach resigned.
School Counselor Troy Bomgardner expressed concern about the turnover in recent years and asked that the Board give some grace to the Superintendent and Principal (who were on paid leave pending investigation) and questioned if the Board broke policy in not doing reviews of the Superintendent in September and December. (Superintendent Peck was given his review in January, in agreement with his contract.) Continue reading May 2025 School Board Meeting: Investigation Results in Superintendent’s Dismissal
Congratulations Team and coaches Eddie Crispe and Brandon Bradford.
Good Job!
Bobcat Football
by Leah Grundy
It is the start of a new era for the Custer County High School Football program. Coach Clayton Stallones is the 3rd head coach for this team in the last four years and he has accepted the challenge of “starting over” yet again. He comes to Custer County from Pueblo with his wife, Jade, and their five young children.
EARN THE RIGHT – That is the motto for this season as the program has been redefined around leadership, commitment, work ethic, and community involvement. The past is the past and the focus is on the future creating a program that the school, athletes, and community can be proud of and support. It will take time and Coach Stallones is determined to reach that goal sooner rather than later.
The first “8-man football” game of the season was played on a neutral field in Limon, CO, where our Custer County Bobcats (team of 16 players and one coach) faced Sedgwick County, ranked #7th in the state (who arrived in a custom motor coach with 6 coaches and a 45-man roster. It was awesome and I will admit, intimidating and honestly, I was a little jealous!!).
Thank you to the die-hard parents, and new AD, Aundrea McCormick, that drove 3 hours one way to support these kids as the sun set behind the “Crow’s Nest” and the mosquitos came out in force!
The first half was all about these kids learning to trust their coach by putting into action the new plays and positions that they have been practicing all summer. Yes, there were nerves, “mistakes” that led to learning opportunities, and the lopsided score would have discouraged anyone but, with a new era, came new perseverance!
The second half was led by heart, and determination as Agi Thomas, #15 had a 70+ yard kick return for a touchdown that put the Bobcats on the scoreboard! Sophomore, Masson Simmons – QB completed a pass to Agi for a second touchdown and the defense, led by Sophomore Taylor Bradford #55 scored a safety! Wyatt Grundy #10 had a fumble recovery in the second half.
The Starters (Seniors Austin Scholl #50, Wyatt Grundy #10, Juniors Ty Stoltzfus #65, Taylor Bradford #55, Drake Knopick #49, Sophomores Agi Thomas #15, Masson Simmons #12 and Freshman Eli Flynn #2) definitely “Earned The Right” and played offense, defense and special teams all night.
When needed, they were supported by teammates Seniors Tryston
Evans #64, Jordan Craig #88, Sophomores Wade Pierce #22, and Freshman Bode Bridges #25, Ethan Fore #17, Brayden Baker #11, Jacob Tomassoni #6, and Lucas Bradford #3. Everyone was called to step up and play their position and they did!
There were many great tackles, running plays, and the passing game shows great promise for Simmons and his
receivers.
Come watch their first home game, this Friday, September 6th at 7 p.m. in the shadows of the great Sangre De Cristo Mountains and see if you can feel a change not only in the season but in the football
program as well.
This week’s Players of the Week
Offensive Player of the Week: Agi Thomas #15
Defensive Player of the Week: Taylor Bradford #55
Special Teams Player of the Week: Agi Thomas #15
Congratulations Agi Thomas #15,
Tony’s Mountain Pizza Player of the Game!!
| PLACE. | Seller | Tag# | WGT | Unit Price | TOTAL Price | Buyer |
| Grand Champion Beef: | Jaliane Gonzalez | #92 | 1348 | $ 9.00 | $ 12,132.00 | Norup Gas |
| Grand Champion Pig: | Rafael Gonzalez | #213 | 274 | $ 21.50 | $ 5,891.00 | Samuelson Ranch |
| Grand Champion Lamb: | Jaliane Gonzalez | # 180 | 129 | $ 40.00 | $ 5,160.00 | Gene & Jan Burleson |
| Grand Champion Goat: | Madilynn Berry | #165 | 73 | $ 51.00 | $ 3,723.00 | Farm Credit |
| Res. Gr.Champion Beef | Grant Rusk | #94 | 1346 | $ 6.00 | $ 8,076.00 | Texas Creek Ranch |
| Res. Gr. Champion Pig | Jaliane Gonzalez | #180 | 283 | $ 20.00 | $ 5,660.00 | Norup Gas |
| Res. Gr.Champion Lamb | Lily Bomgardner | #193 | 131 | $ 29.50 | $ 3,864.50 | Trails End |
| Res. Gr.Champion Goat: | Alexis Grundy | #165 | 59 | $ 44.00 | $ 2,596.00 | Westcliffe Meats |
| Class 5 Beef First: | Rafael Gonzalez | #91 | 1407 | $ 6.75 | $ 9,497.25 | Connie & Jack Thompson |
| Class 4 Pig First: | Jolene Mullett | #225 | 261 | $ 16.00 | $ 4,176.00 | Custer County Buyers Grp. |
| Class 5 Lamb First: | Kord Goff | #189 | 146 | $ 20.00 | $ 2,920.00 | Hillside |
| Class 4 Goat First: | Sierra Foster | #171 | 88 | $ 25.00 | $ 2,200.00 | Brady Pitt |
| Class 4 Lamb First: | Stephanie Lewis | #192 | 136 | $ 22.00 | $ 2,992.00 | Martin and Tope |
| Class 3 Beef First: | Docerty McCoy | #93 | 1215 | $ 6.00 | $ 7,290.00 | P-O Disposal |
| Class 3 Pig First: | Mitchell VanDeusen | #217 | 248 | $ 21.00 | $ 5,208.00 | Tipton |
| Class 3 Goat First: | Masha Muzhzhavlev | #174 | 78 | $ 25.00 | $ 1,950.00 | Jim Kauten |
| Class 2 Beef First: | Alexis Grossardt | #89 | 1199 | $ 6.00 | $ 7,194.00 | Lazy V |
| Class 2 Pig First: | Owyn Clark | #200 | 244 | $ 18.00 | $ 4,392.00 | Trails End |
| Class 1 Lamb First: | Brentley Curtis | #170 | 111 | $ 27.00 | $ 2,997.00 | Samuelson Ranch |
| Class 1 Beef First: | Noel Green | #90 | 1043 | $ 5.50 | $ 5,736.50 | Bud and Patti Dunn |
| Class 1 Pig First: | London Dean | #222 | 222 | $ 18.00 | $ 3,996.00 | Trails End |
| Class 5 Lamb Second: | Ben Smith | #163 | 165 | $ 27.50 | $ 4,537.50 | Custer County Buyers Grp. |
| Class 4 Lamb Second: | Evangeline Golovanoff | #175 | 135 | $ 24.00 | $ 3,240.00 | 5E Angus |
| Class 3 Beef Second: | Christopher Mullett | #95 | 1235 | $ 5.25 | $ 6,483.75 | Mill Iron Ranch |
| Class 4 Pig Second: | Jennica Mullett | #224 | 267 | $ 20.00 | $ 5,340.00 | Dunn Ranch |
| Class 3 Lamb Second: | Masha Muzhzhavlev | #173 | 133 | $ 37.00 | $ 4,921.00 | Sangre De Cristo Electric |
| Class 2 Beef Second: | Sage Shy | #86 | 1161 | $ 6.25 | $ 7,256.25 | Colorado Quarries |
| Class 2 Goat Second: | Paisley Berry | #167 | 67 | $ 43.00 | $ 2,881.00 | Samuelson Ranch |
| Class 1 Pig Second: | Evangeline Golovanoff | #209 | 227 | $ 25.00 | $ 5,675.00 | 17 Trucking |
| Class 4 Beef Third: | Addie Banning | #96 | 1325 | $ 6.75 | $ 8,943.75 | Brad Padula |
| Class 2 Lamb Third: | Jennica Mullett | #194 | 130 | $ 22.00 | $ 2,860.00 | Custer County Buyers Grp. |
| Class 3 Pig Third: | Ty Stoltzfus | #216 | 288 | $ 23.00 | $ 6,624.00 | Seifert Ranch |
| Class 3 Lamb Third: | Marin Foster | #191 | 132 | $ 25.00 | $ 3,300.00 | Custer County Buyers Grp |
| Class 4 Pig Third: | Kord Goff | #210 | 263 | $ 12.50 | $ 3,287.50 | Rusler Implement |
| Class 1 Beef Third: | Brylee Shy | #88 | 1099 | $ 5.00 | $ 5,495.00 | 5E Angus |
| Class 3 Pig Third: | Rowan Saathoff | #205 | 250 | $ 14.00 | $ 3,500.00 | Terri Wells |
| Class 4 Lamb Third: | Reagan Hatfield | #190 | 135 | $ 28.00 | $ 3,780.00 | Wayne Aigaki |
| Class 2 Pig Third: | Brylee Shy | #208 | 242 | $ 25.00 | $ 6,050.00 | Colorado Quarries |
| Class 1 Pig Third: | Paisley Berry | #203 | 229 | $ 15.00 | $ 3,435.00 | Kirkpatrick Bank |
| Class 3 Lamb Fourth: | Jolene Mullett | #195 | 134 | $ 27.50 | $ 3,685.00 | Trails End |
| Class 5 Pig Fourth: | Addie Banning | #220 | 278 | $ 17.50 | $ 4,865.00 | Trent & Pepper Stafford |
| Class 4 Pig Fourth: | Madilynn Berry | #202 | 256 | $ 15.00 | $ 3,840.00 | Samuelson Ranch |
| Class 3 Pig Fourth: | Joseph Mullett | #226 | 248 | $ 16.00 | $ 3,968.00 | Mullett Roofing |
| Prem. sale for over wgt. | Haylie Shaffer | Animal Prem. | $ 2,750.00 | San Isabel Ranch | ||
| Avg. Per Pound | $ 21.41 | $ 214,369.00 | Total Sales | |||
