OPINION

BY JUAN ARELLLANO SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

“Rylee is a tough worker,” Fort Lupton girls wrestling coach Chris Tijerina said. “She puts in the time, she works with all the girls. She makes all the girls in wrestling much better.”

As Tijerina describes junior Rylee Balcazar, it’s easy to tell that she is one of the leaders on the team and sets the example for the rest of the girls. Her hard work and dedication is re ected on the mat day in and day out, Tijerina said.

Balcazar placed third in the state tournament during her freshman year. Last year, during her sophomore year, she became the rst girls wrestling state champion in Fort Lupton school history. Her title was in the 100-pound weight class, and she became only the second girls state champion in Weld County history.

Despite being the defending state champion in her weight class, Balcazar said she’s had a rough start to the season, losing her rst match.

“ e girl I lost to came from California, and it was the rst match of the season. It was an eye-opener. I know people are trying to come at me and I was a bit hot-headed,” she said. “So now, I realize I really need to try harder.” e coaching sta is aware that the eyes of other teams around the state are on Balcazar, which has been a double-edged sword throughout the season.

“ e unfortunate thing is because she is such a good wrestler, a majority of the time when we go to duals, girls will either go up in weight or down in weight because they don’t want to wrestle her. It makes it really di cult to get her matches, and most of the time, the only matches we get her are in tournaments,” mentioned Tijerina. is season, the Bluedevils’ girls wrestling program is undefeated in four dual meets, plus a team championship in one tournament and a third-place e ort in another. at is extra motivation for Balcazar, as the state tournament is around the corner.

“Yes, I’m really motivated. I really want it again for the school and to motivate other girls on my team because I’m helping them out also. I don’t want to be the only one [state champion] this year,” Balcazar said.

“[Last year] was great. She was my rst state champion, so I loved it,” Tijerina said. “We’re working for state champion No. 2, for sure. We think we are going to win back-to-back and, if not, win again her third year. She’s pushing all the girls to be right next to her.”

Balcazar is not only a standout on the wrestling mat, she is part of the softball team that has gone to the state tournament several years running. She is on the varsity girls soccer team and also participates in track and eld.

“It keeps me in shape all year. is year, I might step away from soccer to continue my wrestling career in freestyle. But I’m still going to be in soccer a little bit because I was in competitive also,” mentioned Balcazar. e junior is living proof that hard work and dedication can help student-athletes accomplish their goals in whatever sport they participate. Tijerina is certain that she will accomplish her goals even after high school.

“She’s a great girl, and we want nothing but the best for her. We know she’s going to do great, we know she will do great when she graduates from here and be one of our college wrestlers that are going to succeed and, hopefully, bring a national championship,” the coach said.

Fort Lupton junior Rylee Balcazar shakes the hand of Stanley Lake High School Girls Wrestling Coach prior to their duel on Wednesday Jan. 11, 2023 at Fort Lupton High

School. PHOTO BY JUAN ARELLANO

Prepare for power outages today

WITH A HOME STANDBY GENERATOR

$0 MONEY DOWN + LOW MONTHLY PAYMENT OPTIONS

Contact a Generac dealer for full terms and conditions

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE

CALL NOW BEFORE THE NEXT POWER OUTAGE

(833) 750-0294 750-0294 FREE

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Worried about inflation? Consider these moves

As you know, inflation was big news in 2022. And while it may cool off in 2023, it’s still something to consider as you work toward your long-term goals.

If you’re still working, and you can afford to boost your contributions to your IRA and 401(k), try to do so. The more resources you’ll eventually have available in retirement, the better protected you’ll be against inflation.

You might also want to work with a financial professional to develop scenarios showing how different rates of inflation could affect your portfolio, and how you could adjust your investment mix in response.

If you’re already retired, you might consider doing some consulting or part-time work. With the added income from employment, you may be able to reduce the amount you take out from your retirement accounts, which could make them last longer.

Also, by doing some type of work, you could possibly delay taking Social Security — the longer you wait, the bigger your monthly payments, although they will max out once you reach 70.

We’ll always have to deal with some level of inflation — so it’s a good idea to be prepared.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Eight wrestlers place at Frederick Golden Eagle Invitational

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

FREDERICK -- Horizon’s Camden Neil took second place at 190 pounds at the Frederick Golden Eagle Invitational Jan. 14. He won his two contested matches by pinfall before losing to Vista Peak’s Ezekiel Taylor in the nals.

Jordan Harris was third at 215 pounds. His only tournament loss was in the semi nals. He beat Max Ray of Monrch, Tyler May of Silver Creek and Diego Vallejos of Northridge.

Kyler Manternach took fourth place at 157 pounds. Manternach received a rst-round bye, then split his four tournament matches. He beat Erie’s Wyatt Watson by decision and pinned Mountain Range’s Eric Ramirez in the consolation semi nals.

As for the Mustangs, Zach Cronholm was second at 132 pounds. He pinned his first three opponents in less than 3 1/2 minutes. Max Vejnar was second at 215 pounds. He pinned his first three opponents in just about five minutes of mat time.

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When former Colorado High School Activities Association assistant Commissioner Bert Borgmann died Jan. 9, Skyview girls basketball coach Chris Kemm summed up the feelings of many who are involved in high-school athletics in Colorado.

“Nooooo. Not another friend and one of the good guys,” Kemm tweeted. “My heart hurts. Bert helped me elevate my voice for highschool basketball in Colorado.”

“Shocked and saddened by the passing of retired CHSAA assistant commissioner Bert Borgmann,” tweeted Cherry Creek High tweeted Cherry Creek High Schol Athletic Director Jason Wilkins. “Bert was a Jason Wilkins. “Bert was a big deal and really good for big deal and really good for kids. He advanced Colorado and put his soul into his work. Bert helped me out a great number of times. He is a legend in Colorado highschool sports”

Bert Borgmann and his son,

Logan PROVIDED

Borgmann, who spent 33 years with CHSAA before retiring in 2021, died of complications from recent surgery. He was 67. His son,. Logan, made the announcement on Facebook.

“On Monday Jan. 9, at approximately 6 p.m., our father, Bert Borgmann, the strongest man I’ve ever known, left this mortal plane and went to be with our mom,” the post read. “ e loss of my father was a surprise and de nitely has been a very di cult time. We will miss him dearly and know that his in uence and mentorship spread far and wide.”

“My dad was one of the best people I’ve ever known. He was sel ess and caring. He loved sports and his family more than anything. I won’t remember him the way I’ve seen him the past few days, but I’ll remember him the way he looked when he walked me down the aisle on my wedding day,” said Borgmann’s daughter, Callie Kryder, on Facebook. “ e way he danced with me to a song picked out by my mom before she passed. I’ll remember the way he looked when Kyle and I told him that we were expecting. And the way I knew his smile lit up when we told him that we were having a baby girl.”

“We lost a great man and massive in uence on CO High School Basketball. RIP,” said Rangeview basketball coach Shawn Palmer on Twitter.

CHSAANow.com recounted Borgmann’s many awards during his 33-year tenure at CHSAA. He received the Jim Saccomano Award (National Football Federation – Colorado Chapter), the Ray Lutz Award (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference), is a member of the Colorado Dugout Club Hall of Fame (Colorado Baseball Coaches Association), received the NFHS Section 6 Citation Award for outstanding contribution to the mission of the NFHS, served as chair and acting member of the NFHS Press Committee and was a Lifetime Honorary Member of the International Association of Approved Basketball O cials Board 4.

“ e hearts of the CHSAA family are breaking tonight at the loss of a true champion for high school sports and activities,” tweeted CHSAA Commissioner Mike Krueger. “Rest in peace and love my dear friend. ank you for epitomizing servant leadership.”

“Wanna pass my deepest condolences to the family of Bert Borgmann, who passed away,” said Altitude Sports personality Vic Lombardi. “Bert was the backbone of CHSAA for so many years. A remarkable career serving youth in Colorado highschool sports.”

“So heartbreaking to lose a good man,” said Virginia Lorbeer, who helped Borgmann run the state basketball tournaments for several years.

“When I started as an AD, Bert was always there to talk to and get guidance from,” said Horizon’s Marty Tonjes on Twitter. “Loved our conversations about everything Colorado sports. He loved the preps.”

Borgmann grew up in Broom eld, graduated from Colorado State University and lived in Aurora.Service arrangements are incomplete. His wife, Alexandra Hays, predeceased him. Survivors include his two children, Logan and Callie, and his grandson, Connor.

Our Family Helping Your Family

24-Hour Phone Lines 303-654-0112 • 303-857-2290

Brighton: 75 S. 13th Avenue Obituaries, Arrangements and Resources Online at taborfuneralhome.com

allieventcenter.com

In Loving Memory

Place an Obituary for Your Loved One.

303-566-4100 obituaries@coloradocommunitymedia.com Self placement available online at FtLuptonPress.com

PATTON

Carl Dean Patton

January 1, 1937 - December 11, 2022 Carl Dean Patton, 85, passed away December 11, 2022 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Fort Morgan. Carl was born on January 1, 1937 to omas and Blanche (Hendrickson) Patton in Fort Morgan. He was the oldest of ten children, raised on the family farm in Roggen. Carl attended Kiowa’s one room schoolhouse until the 8th grade. He was a mechanic and spent his days farming and operating heavy equipment. He enjoyed driving truck, so he purchased a semi and started his own business, C&F Custom Hauling. Carl retired at the age of 84 and spent his last years turning wrenches with his son Tommy. He knew a little about everything when it came to xing things and was as tough as they come. Carl enjoyed shing and boating with his family and friends, telling jokes, and a tall glass of whiskey. Carl was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Dorothy Ley and Betty Burnett. Carl is survived by his three children, Don (Luann) Patton of Fort Lupton, Carlene Patton of Fort Lupton, and Tommy (Connie) Patton of Fort Morgan; six grandchildren, Mistie Coursey, Nicole Engbarth, Sandy Fry, Craig Patton, Autumn and Brittannie Ramirez; 12 great-grandchildren; four brothers: Jim Patton of Greeley, Ira and Clyde Patton of Roggen, and Roy Patton of Frederick; and three sisters: Carol Rice of Bridgeport, NE, Toby Schwindt of Wheatland, WY, and Ruth Collins of Crested Butte. A memorial service will be held at Life Fellowship Church Friday January 20, 2023 at 2:00pm, followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments. Donations are being accepted to help o set funeral expenses at fundafamily.com.