Category Archives: Custer County Kids

2024, Custer County Kids

Bobcat Football: Earn the Right

 

Earn the Right

Bobcat Football

Agi Thomas #15
Photo via Custer County Schools, Leah Grundy

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

photo via Custer County Schools, Leah Grundy

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!!

2024, Custer County Kids, Uncategorized

Custer’s CASTILIAN CONNECTION

CUSTER’S CASTILIAN CONNECTION

Big Send Off for Exchange Student
Lucas ArnanzSacristan

Host family Vogelsongs with Lucas Courtesy of Vogelsongs

by Fred Hernandez
It all started with Mrs. Donna Vogelsong some-time last year. As an empty nester she started feeling the pangs of being alone at home and started toying with the idea of foster parenting. In conversation with her husband Paul, it was agreed that more information should be gathered before making a final decision. During her research, she came upon a posting on Facebook seeking volunteers as hosts for the International Student Exchange (ISE). At first, she let the thought slide. But a week or so later there it was again. With agreement from Paul she sent for an application, filled it out and mailed it back. Continue reading Custer’s CASTILIAN CONNECTION →

Custer County Kids

Booster Club and Community: Making a Big Difference

Custer County Booster Club and Community:
Making a Big Difference

Press Release
The Custer County Bobcat Booster Club (CCBBC) just finished a happy and successful weekend selling concessions to the Westcliffe Stampede PRCA Rodeo. They grossed over $8,000 in sales over the two-day event, helping them support the many good extracurricular activities at Custer County School.
After subtracting the expenses, the net will be about half that amount. Westcliffe Meats donated all the hamburger free of charge, and Elevation Meats donated brats and hot dogs at wholesale price.
CCBBC has supported the school beginning in 2013 with everything from choir uniforms and band supplies to camp scholarships and the Knowledge Bowl. Unlike most booster clubs, which typically just support football, CCBBC was started to help make the full school experience in all activities accessible for all students. Whether it is uniforms, band instruments, transportation or camp scholarships, the booster club is dedicated to ensuring every student in the county has a chance to take part in extra-curricular activities, and to have a chance at a generous scholarship. Continue reading Booster Club and Community: Making a Big Difference →

2021, Custer County Kids

Clay Busters Gaining Members

by Fred Hernandez
It is an old sport to be sure but in Custer County it is the latest for youngsters between the ages of 12 and 18. Recently formed by Todd Byerly and a group of local “aficionados” this new team called the Custer County Clay Busters is starting out with about fifteen members. The coaches are Todd Byerly, Jerry Tracewell and Kirk Meir. Their booster club, which will oversee fundraising and other club activities, has Reggie Foster, Mike Foster and Jillian Dinsmore. Continue reading Clay Busters Gaining Members →

2021, Custer County Kids

2021 Custer County Fair Schedule July 12-17

 

2021 Custer County Fair
All events on this schedule are OPEN to the PUBLIC Spectators!

Monday, July 12, 2021
7:00 am – 8:00 am: OPEN class check in
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm: 4-H Firearms Competition-
Custer County Sheriff’s Office Shooting Range
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
9:00 am – 4-H Horse Shows & Gymkhana–Saddle Club Arena
3:00 pm – 4-H Cat Show and Costume Class – Lamb Barn
5:30 pm – Speech Competition
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
9:00 am – Archery Shooting Sports Competition – Cowboy Church
9:00 am – 5:00 pm: Exhibit Building Open Thursday-Saturday
Thursday, July 15, 2021
8:30 am – Dog Show (4-H) – Show Ring
9:00 am – Silent auction begins for 4-H Indoor Projects, Open Projects, & 4-H Small Animal
10:30 am -12:30 pm: Rabbit and Poultry Classes 4-H, FFA
1:00 pm – Llama Show (4-H) public participation
after show – Saddle Club Arena
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm : Pork Dinner Sponsored by
Custer County 4-H Council
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Swine Classes
(4-H and FFA)
Friday, July 16, 2021
9:00 am – 10:30 am: 4-H and FFA
Beef Classes
10:30 am – 1:00 pm: 4-H and FFA
Sheep Classes
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm 4-H and FFA
Goat Classes
2:30 pm: Master Showmanship
(after goat show)
Saturday, July 17,2021
10:00 am: Rodeo Parade – Downtown
11:00 am – Steak Dinner Sponsored by Cowboy Church
and Fair Board
11:00 am – Awards Ceremony- Livestock Buckles
and Shooting Sports
12:00 pm – Livestock Auction (4-H and FFA)
4:00 pm – Silent Auction Ends for all Indoor, Open &
4-H Small Animal Projects

2021, Custer County Kids

Bobcat Strong! Strong Performance at State Track Finals

by George Gramlich
Wow! The Bobcats came to the 2021 Colorado State Track and Field Championship well prepared and with a winning attitude as our four state qualifiers all did simply outstanding jobs in their respective events. The event, was held from Thursday, June 24th – Saturday, June 26th, at JeffCo Stadium in Lakewood, Colorado.
Coach Hal Walter said that “the state meet followed a nine-meet regular season that extended past graduation due to Covid-19 measures, and culminated with three meets in an eight-day stretch. They had only four days recovery/prep before heading to the state meet.”.

Leading the Bobcat effort was our middle and long-distance star, Micah Zeller. Ending a tremendous career at Custer County Central School District, Micah turned up the heat at the three-day meet and produced some outstanding results. Micah competed in three events: the 800 meter race, the 1600 meter race and the 3200 meter race. Running that many middle/long distance events in just a few days is, in itself, quite an achievement.
The highlight of Micah’s efforts was his definitive win in the 3200 meter race with an excellent time of 9 minutes and 47 seconds (9:47). It was a solid victory as 2nd place was 10:04 which yields a very nice victory margin. Micah came close to a second victory in the 800 meter race coming in a close second with a very good time of 1:57:61 missing 1st place by a slim margin. Astonishingly, Micah grabbed another 2nd place in the 1600 meter race with a great time of 4:23: 20, again just missing first place. His silver finishes, in the 800 and 1600, were personal best times for him. Good job, sir.

Jonah Carichner, our 400 meter star, also turned in a super performance placing 14th in the 400 meter finals in a very competitive race. Jonah’s time of 54.87 was not far off a top five finish. Great work.


Kaydin Moore also did a tremendous job in her hurdles and triple jump events. Kaydin grabbed an impressive 9th place in the 300 meter hurdles race with a super time of 50:92. She did well in the 100 meter hurdles preliminary race placing 10th with a time of 17:69 but just failed to qualify for the finals. Kaydin did some great jumping in the girls triple jump placing 14th with a
real good leap of 32-04 meters.


Harrison Walter, the fourth Custer Bobcat to go to State, ran the 200 meter Dash in the Special Olympic division. He did very well, placing 9th, which is a podium finish!
A super effort by our Bobcat track team, dedicated Head Track and Field Coach Joy Parrish, Distance Running Coach Hal Walter, and Throwing Coach Caden Parker. Thanks from all of us.

Photos courtesy of Custer County Schools and Coach Hal Walter.

2021, Custer County Kids

Bobcats Football Kicks Off Spring Season

Press Release

The Custer County High School Football Team opened a never-done-before spring season Friday night at John Mall High School. The team was defeated 60-0 in its first game. The team is using the spring season to prepare for the 2021 fall season and will focus on improvement each week. Although the score doesn’t indicate it, the coaching staff saw a number of things that are encouraging for the team. “We are the youngest and most inexperienced team I’ve had since I’ve been at CCHS,” said head coach Troy Bomgardner. “Our plan is to build for the future and become competitive by the end of this season. We have an awesome group of players who desire greatly to improve, they are doing everything we ask of them and there is no doubt we will get better each week.”
Leading offensively for the Bobcats was Ben Stafford at quarterback with 75 yards rushing. “Ben showed great determination Friday as it was his first ever game at QB plus his first varsity start as a freshman, there is no doubt he will continue to get better each week,” noted Bomgardner Leading defensively was Tony Tomassoni with 10 tackles. “Tony showed up in a big way Friday night, he’s bigger, stronger, and faster than he was last year,” Bomgardner said.
The Bobcats will be at home this Saturday against Justice at 1 p.m. There are no ticket restrictions and all fans are welcome!

2020, Custer County Kids

Trap Shoot Team Fundraiser

by Jerry Tracewell
Volunteer Asst. Coach


In case you haven’t heard, thanks to Todd Byerly (pictured on the right) and with the help of our CC School Superintendent, Mike McFalls (pictured on the left), and the unanimous approval of the School Board, Custer County Schools is adding a trap shooting team as a new student activity. Todd is the organizer and volunteer head coach of the team that will compete against other schools in the Colorado State High School Clay Target League; there are approximately 12 other schools in the state with either established teams or teams in formation. The CO State League is a subordinate organization of the USA High School Clay Target League that was incorporated in 2012 and now has more than 33,000 student participants in 1,100 teams spread across 25 states. Student teams practice for three weeks during March and April before beginning competition shooting within their respective states during April and May. Then, in early June, there is a State Championship Tournament for all students who wish to attend.

Membership on the team is open to any student from age 12 through 19. At this time, we have seven students who have completed registration for the team and another seven students in process. We estimate that the team will have 15 or 16 student members. The CC Board of Commissioners has given its permission to construct a trap range on county-owned property near the landfill. One of the most expensive items for this project is the target thrower itself, which has already been donated to the team by a local Westcliffe businessman.
However, there are several other team “start-up costs” such as the cost of ammunition, clay targets, shooting vests/hats and shell pouches, which brings us to the underlying purpose for this article. The Sangre Cristo Sentinel has graciously committed to hosting a fundraiser to help the team get started. The way this will work is that we are appealing to the citizens of Custer County (or anyone else who might want to help) to donate money to the team for purchasing items like those listed above. All donations of cash or checks will be collected at the Sentinel office. Checks must be made payable to “Custer County Schools” with a notation of “Trap Team.” Because your donation is to the Custer County Schools, it is tax deductible. You can also mail your donation to the Sangre de Cristo Sentinel at PO Box 179, Westcliffe, CO 81252. All monies collected by the Sentinel will be delivered to the school for depositing in the trap team’s school-managed bank account. Thank you for your support. For more information about the Colorado State High School Clay Target League, go to coclaytarget.com.