GREELEY, CO – AUGUST 23: Northridge’s Justus Alcala (22) and Northridge’s Juan “Chino” Beltran (9) hug after Beltran’s goal on Alcala’s assist during the Boys’ Football game Greeley Central Wildcats against rivals Northridge Grizzlies at District 6 Soccer Stadium in Greeley on August 23, 2022. The Grizzlies beat the Wildcats 10-0. (Alex McIntyre/staff photographer)
About a week ago, the college high school athletic department was feeling a little festive.
And the Bulldogs’ party spirit has nothing to do with their recent highly successful track and field campaign, or their regional baseball championship that preceded their trip to the state baseball tournament this weekend. end.
Instead, the University celebrated half a dozen senior athletes who signed up to compete in college track and field.
Taylor Clark and Kiyah Peters have signed on to become the newest members of the University of Northern Colorado’s “Sugar Bears” dance team beginning next school year.
Desmond Williams is heading to Nebraska where he will compete for the North Platte Community College men’s basketball team.
Ava Sandoval will join the University of Northern Colorado cheer squad.
Justus Alcala — a UH student who played men’s soccer for Northridge — will compete for Northeastern Junior College’s men’s soccer program.
GREELEY, CO – AUGUST 23: Northridge’s Justus Alcala (22) reacts after scoring a goal to give the Grizzlies a 2-0 lead during the Greeley Central Wildcats boys soccer game against Crosstown rivals Northridge Grizzlies, at District 6 Football Stadium in Greeley on August 28. February 23, 2022. The Grizzlies defeated the Wildcats 10-0. (Alex McIntyre/staff photographer)
And Paxton Daggett will follow his state title run in the 3A State Wrestling Tournament in February by competing in the men’s wrestling program at Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs, Wyoming.
Speaking of wrestling…
Months after Eaton won their second consecutive 3A wrestling tag team title, the accolades continue to pile up for the Reds and their head coach, Tony Mustari.
Earlier this month, at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Colorado Chapter annual banquet at the Marriott Hotel in Colorado Springs, Mustari was named 3A Coach of the Year.
Last February at the Ball Arena in Denver, Eaton comfortably won the 3A tag team title with 128 points. Severance finished second with 109.5 points.
GREELEY, CO – FEBRUARY 09: Northridge’s Zach Van Soest (3) drives down the field with Roosevelt’s Keaton Kaiser (3) chasing after him during the Northridge Grizzlies boys basketball game against the Roosevelt Roughriders at Northridge High School of Greeley on February 9, 2021. The Roughriders defeated the Grizzlies 58-44. (Alex McIntyre/Staff Photographer) Breaking records and receiving offers
Just a few months ago, Northridge senior Zach Van Soest wrapped up a season in which he set all-time school records in assists and rebounds for the Grizzlies men’s basketball program. Van Soest was also within 40 points of setting the school scoring record.
Although he ended his career in high school, he certainly wasn’t done playing competitive basketball.
Recently, Van Soest signed to play men’s college basketball next year for Trinidad State College.
Last winter, Van Soest averaged 14.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.2 assists per game.
WINDSOR, CO – MAY 24: Jake Eccleston of Windsor stands for a portrait in the pool at Windsor High School in Windsor on May 24, 2022. Eccleston won two state titles, in the 200m individual medley and 100m breaststroke, at the 4A boys swimming and diving championships this spring. (Alex McIntyre/Staff Photographer) Gliding on the water
On Thursday, CHSAAAnow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps released all-state men’s swim and dive teams.
Unsurprisingly, Windsor junior Jack Eccleston earned first-team honors after winning his second straight state titles earlier this month in the 200-yard IM and 100 breaststroke.
Eccleston’s senior teammate David Bosch earned second team 4A honors for his contributions to the 200m freestyle relay, 100m breaststroke and 400m freestyle relay.
Windsor senior Zachary Kuch (200 freestyle relay, 400 freestyle relay), junior Keegan Nichols (400 freestyle relay) and junior Booker Whittington (200 freestyle relay) also earned second team 4A honors.
The Wizards set numerous school records on May 12-13, placing fifth in the 4A State Meet.
Greeley West freshman Everett Mash earned second-team 5A honors in diving.
Bobby Fernandez covers high school sports for the Greeley Tribune. Reach him at (970) 392-4478, by email at [email protected] or on Twitter @BobbyDFernandez.
