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A14 — The Pagosa Springs SUN — Thursday, November 5, 2015

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Soccer

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Pirates set to take on Vail Mountain in first-ever quarterfinals appearance

By Randi Pierce

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Turning a setback into a comeback Mathew Breman watches the ball enter the goal in Saturday afternoon’s game against Jefferson Academy. Breman finished the shot from Jason Monterroso to score the go-ahead goal in the game, which was the second round of the state playoffs. The Pirates ultimately defeated Jefferson Academy 4-2 in the come-from-behind win. Tomorrow, the Pirates will face off against the Vail Mountain Gore Rangers in Vail at 1 p.m. in the state quarterfinals.

Wildcats by a score of 4-0 Friday afternoon to advance to the second round. The Wildcats entered the playoffs as the No. 21 seed.

“So, the second game, once again, we came out really, really amped up,” Kurt-Mason said.

However, the team, again, didn’t play a good possession game in the first half, the coach explained, allowing the Jaguars to score “two solid goals.”

The first of Jefferson Academy’s goals came in the first minutes of the game, while the second was scored with just over 26 minutes left in the first half.

“We were just screwing up,” Kurt-Mason said, adding that he told the team at halftime there was a simple fix and offered up a motivational statement: “We’ll turn this little setback into a comeback.”

And that’s exactly what the Pirates did.

He also told them they have the hearts of champions and reminded them they had overcome greater deficits than the one they were currently facing.

The simple fix, the coach explained, was to drop the ball back as soon as the Pirates gained possession, buying the team time to

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Berndt again found himself taking on the goalie one-on-one with a penalty kick.

The goal was Berndt’s 40th of the season, which leaves him tied for the lead in the state.

Shortly before the final whistle sounded, Kurt-Mason said he turned around and for the first time noticed the strong crowd supporting the Pirates.

“There were a lot of people there,” he said.

The Pirates notched 14 shots in the game, including five by Ross, four by Berndt, two by Mathew Breman and one each from Lindner, Irons and Thompson.

The Jaguars had 16 shots in the game.

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transition out of a defensive posture and spread out more.

“That dividend paid off right away,” he said.

Less than four minutes into the second half, the Pirates scored their first goal of the day when Maverick Miller fed the ball to Berndt.

The second goal came minutes later, when Berndt found the back of the net on a penalty kick to tie the game.

The third goal of the day for the Pirates came only minutes later, with Monterroso feeding the ball to Mathew Breman, who found his way past the goalie in a crowded box.

Not content with only a one-goal lead, the Pirates added another goal in the game’s final minutes when

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Staff Writer

For the first time in Pagosa Springs High School history, the Pirate soccer team is advancing to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs, and is taking with it a perfect 17-0 record.

To garner their spot among the top eight teams in Colorado 3A soccer, the Pirates logged two wins in the last week, including a 4-2 comefrom-behind win in the second round of state playoffs on Saturday.

“That was a moment in Pagosa soccer history that was amazing,” coach Lindsey Kurt-Mason said of Saturday’s win over No. 12 Jefferson Academy. “That redeems your belief ... it was like a movie.”

Now, the Pirates, who entered the playoffs as the No. 5 seed, will take on the Vail Mountain Gore Rangers, who entered as the No. 4 seed.

That game is scheduled for 1 p.m. tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 6) in Vail. It will be broadcast live on KWUF 1400 AM. The team is set to leave Thursday and make a stop along the way to practice on a turf field since turf makes for a faster tempo of play and requires some changes in technique.

“The guys are jazzed,” KurtMason said, adding that they continue to be focused and work hard in practice. “I just know these guys are going to give everything they have at every moment and it’s a very amazing thing.”

En route to advancing further than any PSHS boys’ soccer team has before, the Pirates hosted the first and second rounds of playoffs Friday and Saturday, defeating No. 28 Dawson School and No. 12 Jefferson Academy, respectively.

“Both of the games, we started the same way,” Kurt-Mason said, explaining that in the Pirates’ focus and desire to win, they would push the ball forward before fully transitioning into a defensive stance, leaving them without a numbers advantage in their attack. “We never really waited and had patience to keep possession for a while.”

But, in both games, the Pirates hit their stride in the second half.

In the game against the Dawson School Mustangs, that stride translated into a number on the scoreboard with just over 31 minutes left in the game, when Mathew Breman chipped the ball to James Berndt, who bicycle kicked the ball into the back of the net.

About 10 minutes later, the Pirates added to their tally when Breman passed the ball to Jason Monterroso, who one-touched it into the goal.

In the game’s final minutes, Breman claimed a goal of his own off an assist from Berndt, giving the Pirates the 3-0 lead that would let them advance to the second round.

“We had about 24 shots to their six,” Kurt-Mason said.

Berndt logged 10 of the Pirates’ 24 shots. Two each came from Breman, Pitcher Lindner, Monterroso, Blake Irons, Gavin Ross and Keaton Anderson. Josue Castaneda, Hunter Thompson and Brandon Breman each added one shot to the team’s total.

Pirate keeper Briar Erskine logged six saves in the game, compared to the 10 tallied by the Mustangs’ Nicholas Timms.

The next day, the Pirates took on the Jefferson Academy Jaguars, who defeated The Academy

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Thursday, February 11, 2016 —The Pagosa Springs SUN — A11

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Pirate grapplers fall to Falcons, gear up for regionals

By Marshall Dunham Staff Writer

In their last dual of the season, on Thursday, Feb. 4, the Pirates were defeated by the Centauri Falcons 42-27.

“It was ‘Senior Night’ and we honored the 6 seniors who stepped out onto our mat as a competitor for the last time: Bryan Medrano, Tanner Schlom, Tyler Cowan, Chance McReynolds, Jaden Hinger, and Dakota Todd,” explained coach Dan Janowsky in an email to SUN staff. “It goes by fast.”

Janowsky went on to explain that “Centauri is #2 in 2A division and a very tough opponent.”

In the 145-pound division, senior Tyler Cowan won his match by getting a pin in just under three minutes.

At 152 pounds, sophomore Dalton Lucero won his match by also getting a pin.

Nolan Stretton, a sophomore wrestling in the 220-pound division, won his match by decision, scoring 10 points to his opponent’s four.

“Maybe the best match of the night was Tate Hinger, who was an underdog at 126, fell behind early, but in typical fashion didn’t panic, chipped away, kept the pressure on and lost a close 11-8 decision in the end,” wrote the coach.

Janowsky added that, this week, the Pirates will travel to Montrose for the regional state-qualifying meet,

and that wrestlers need to place in the top four to guarantee a spot on the state tournament bracket.

“Our region is very tough,” wrote the coach. “Western Slope wrestling has a LONG tradition in the sport, and some of the programs there have been in place since the 1930’s so there is lots of history and tradition in the culture over there.

Adding to that is the decision by CHSAA to take some of the smaller 4A schools and move them into 3A and you’ve got a steep hill to climb.”

Teams that will participate in the tournament include Olathe, Delta and Sheridan, ranked fourth, seventh and eighth, respectively.

Rifle, Moffat County, Eagle Valley, Steamboat Springs, Cortez, Gunnison, Basalt, Coal Ridge, Grand Valley and Bayfield are expected to attend, as well.

“Currently only Dalton Lucero is ranked in the top 4 at his weight, so we are underdogs across the board, as we expected from the beginning,” wrote the coach. “However, our league is very tough and we scheduled tough events the entire season to ready us for this, and though we are underdogs we are not far behind and we think ready to qualify our kids for state.”

Action for the regional tournament in Montrose is slated to begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, with the semifinals beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday and the finals taking place at 2:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon. marshall@pagosasun.com

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SUN photo/Randi Pierce

Senior Chance McReynolds grapples with his opponent under the spotlight during last Thursday’s dual against the Centauri Falcons. It was the Pirates’ last regular dual of the season, meaning it was also the last home matches for the team’s seniors.

Photo courtesy Aaron Freed

The Pagosa Springs Middle School girls’ A team finish its season 10-0, winning the San Juan Basin League championship on Saturday, Feb. 6, at Escalante Middle School in Durango. The team, coached by Yul Wilson, defeated Cortez Middle School 26-20 to bring home the championship for the third year in a row. Team members, pictured left to right, are Halie Severs, Taylor Lewis, Amelia Peshlakai, Hailey Griego, Teagan Stretton, River Pitcher, Elsa Lindner and Alondra Hernandez. The girls will be honored at half time of the boys’ basketball game Saturday night in the Pagosa Springs High School gymnasium.

reCreatioN News

Reservoir Hill reopens following thinning project

By Darren Lewis

evenings for league play.

SUN Columnist

The thinning project on Reservoir Hill has been completed.

Reservoir Hill is open for use, however, be cautious of debris that possibly could be on the ground and even hidden under the snow.

Cleanup of debris will take place early spring, as soon as the snow melts.

Volleyball registration

Youth volleyball registration runs through Monday, Feb. 29.

The 9-10 division will be an instructional league held Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5 to 6 p.m. The 11-12 division will be held on Tuesday and Thursday

Community Center

The Ross Aragon Community Center will be open Saturday, Feb. 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for open gym basketball only. Feel free to come use the Community Center at your leisure.

If usage is strong, organizers will look at expanding the hours on Saturdays.

Please feel free to contact the recreation office with any questions or ideas for better use of the Community Center at 264-4151, ext. 231.

Recreation registration

You can register for all youth recreational sports offered through the

recreation department at any time throughout the year. Registrations for all youth sports will be located in the lobby of the Community Center.

Online registration will only be available prior to the upcoming youth sport offered at that time.

Ice skating

The ice rink at Town Park and the pond at River Center Park are open for ice skating.

Youth basketball 9-12

There’s only one you

Games have started for 9-12 youth basketball . The 9-10 division will play on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the 11-12 division will play on Mondays and Wednesdays.

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VOLUME 108 — NO. 50, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

BoCC to decide on justice center location Sept. 19

Attorney fees to be decided in suit against town over executive session

Springs Partners property no longer an option

By Jim Garrett

By Marshall Dunham

Staff Writer

First day of school

With the successful conclusion of plaintiff Bill Hudson’s suit under the Colorado Open Meetings (Sunshine) Law, demanding disclosure of the recording of the executive session convened by the Pagosa Springs Town Council last Sept.

17, 2015, the town is liable under Colorado law to pay attorney fees.

The suit contended that the town improperly allowed participation by representatives of a “contract adversary,” Springs Partners LLC, in the executive session.

At the time of the executive session, the town and the partners were engaged in renegotiation of the terms of an agreement reached in 2012, providing for development of the partners’ acreage downtown

SUN photos/Randi Pierce

Above: The first day of school wasn’t all rules and hard work for kindergarteners in Kathy Faber’s class, who took part in story time after expressing a near-unanimous desire to learn to read. Left: Students and parents exit Pagosa Springs Elementary School in droves Tuesday following the final bell of the first day of school.

Council seats new members at start of busy meeting Staff Writer

The Pagosa Springs Town Council unanimously appointed new members Rebecca Anderson, representing District 1, and Nicole DeMarco, representing District 3, at the start of its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Anderson and DeMarco were immediately administered the oath of office by Town Clerk April Hessman and seated to participate in the remainder of the business

on council’s agenda for the meeting. Both will complete unexpired terms lasting until April 2018.

Anderson replaces Kathy Lattin, who resigned the seat representing District 1 in June, following a change of residence that disqualified her from continuing to serve.

Anderson has been active for several years in community housing in the area. She has been associated with Archuleta County Habitat for Humanity and the affordable ■ See Town A8

HD mountains prescribed burn to be conducted

By Ann Bond

Special to The SUN

The Columbine Ranger District plans to begin blacklining the perimeter of the Pargin prescribed burn this week in the HD Mountains south of U.S. 160.

The prescribed burn will be conducted over one to two weeks, with exact timing dependent on weather and fuel conditions. The goal is to

Index Opinion A2 Letters A3 Business A9 Film office helps your business in southwest Colorado Sports A12 Pirates fall to Spartans, host Falcons tomorrow

Staff Writer

The Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) will now make a decision on where to put the justice center on Sept. 19.

Originally, the BoCC planned to decide on Sept. 20, but due to scheduling conflicts had to push the date back.

“This is a consideration of an amendment on your courthouse timeline,” explained County Administrator Bentley Henderson.

“In your July 19, 2016, meeting you were presented with a timeline of various activities that are associated with the process by which we were looking at providing for public input on facilities and also providing for certain decision ■ See County A8

■ See Suit A8

By Jim Garrett

50¢

treat 6,000 acres of national forest lands with prescribed fire to reduce the risk of high-intensity wildfire, improve forest health and big-game habitat, and to provide conditions for regular follow-up burns to be conducted efficiently and safely.

The operation will involve 80 to 120 U.S. Forest Service firefighters ■ See Burn A8

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9/11: A responder’s look back 15th anniversary ceremony to be held Sunday

By Randi Pierce Staff Writer

On Sept. 11, 2001, the world changed.

One epicenter of that change — the World Trade Center in New York City — was left with piles of rubble, ash and destruction. People were left without loved ones, with 2,753 losing their lives in New York as part of the attack leveled by al-Qaida.

Another 184 people were killed at the Pentagon and 40 people were killed on Flight 93.

The attack may have been carried out at specific sites, but its effects rippled over distance and time and in many different ways.

One effect that Capt. Paul Dillon, who retired from the Denver Fire Department in 2008 after 30 years and is also an Army veteran, felt was the sense of community.

Dillon, despite being in Denver when the attack was carried out, served at Ground Zero about two weeks after the initial event as a task force leader with Urban Search and Rescue Colorado Task Force 1 (CO-TF1).

CO-TF1 is one of 28 task forces throughout the country that are designed to respond following disasters, from earthquakes to the Oklahoma City federal building bombing, 9/11 or Hurricane Katrina. They fall under the umbrella of FEMA (Federal Emergency Manage■ See 9/11 A8

Photos courtesy CO-TF1

Above: Ground Zero in the weeks following the attack of Sept. 11, 2001. Below: Members of the Denver Fire Department who deployed as part of FEMA’s Colorado Task Force 1 to help in New York City.

A14 — The Pagosa Springs SUN — Thursday, February 18, 2016

BasketBall

Lady Pirates claim league title, remain undefeated Staff Writer

The Pagosa Springs High School Lady Pirates added a trio of wins to the book over the last week, and a Intermountain League title.

With Saturday night’s victory over the No. 6-ranked Centauri Falcons, the Lady Pirates clenched the league title, the No. 1 seed in the upcoming district tournament and a guaranteed spot in regional action.

The three wins over the last week also give the Lady Pirates a 19-0 record on the season and 9-0 league record heading into the final regular-season game of the season, as well as a 44-game win streak.

The first win over the last week came against the MontezumaCortez Panthers, who now hold a 2-8 league record and 8-11 overall mark.

The Pirates tamed the Panthers in the game with a final score of 50-31, despite a slowdown by the team mid-game.

“We came out last night and played really well in the first half ...

Our press got to them early,” coach Wes Lewis said Saturday night. “We jumped out, it was 23-4 at the end of the first and we just kind of took our foot off the gas a little bit.”

After scoring 23 points in the first quarter, the Pirates scored 14 in the second while limiting the Panthers to nine.

Cortez then outscored Pagosa in the second half by five points.

“We left some points out there in the second half,” Lewis said, noting that there were some things the team could have done better.

Taylor Lee-Hammer led the Pirates with 23 points in the game, including three 3-pointers and a 12-for-13 stint from the free-throw line.

Morgan Lewis followed with 15 points, which included a 5-for-7 night from the charity stripe.

Madison Lewis contributed six points for the Lady Pirates, Megan Farrah notched four, and Mariah Snarr and Andie Miller each added a free-throw.

As a team, Pagosa had a 21-for26 night from the free-throw line, for a success rate of 81 percent.

Due to the score, the coach noted that a lot of kids were able to play in the game, with the JV players taking to the court during both halves of the game.

Knowing that the Panthers are a physical team, Lewis said, “We were just trying to get out of that game with not using a lot of energy or getting somebody hurt. Unfortunately, Zoee Strohecker rolled an ankle.”

Pagosa pulled down 28 rebounds in the game, turned the ball over 19 times and stole the ball 12 times.

The next night, Pagosa welcomed the state-ranked Falcons to town for a game that included 65 free-throw attempts between the two teams.

Pagosa ultimately won the contest 59-43, with 24 points coming from the charity stripe for the home team.

“I think we beat a really good team tonight,” Lewis said following the game.

Pagosa outscored Centauri 1412 in the first quarter and 24-7 in the second.

“I think the big thing for me is

I thought ... we came out a little lackadaisical,” Lewis said.

The coach pointed out that the team started down by five points before trading baskets with the Falcons.

“The first probably three to four minutes I didn’t think we were very good. ... The last four minutes of the first quarter I thought we were really good, and I thought the entire second quarter we were pretty good,” Lewis said.

In the third quarter, he said, the team came out flat and wasn’t as focused, with Centauri outscoring Pagosa 15-12 in the quarter.

The fourth quarter was much the same for Pagosa, with both teams battling through foul trouble.

“It’s like the light turned on and the girls picked it up and went and finished the last three minutes of the game really strong,” Lewis said.

The Pirates tied the Falcons 9-9 in the final eight minutes.

“You try to adjust to the officiating the best you can,” Lewis said, noting that it takes strategy to know when to take kids out and put them back in. “It comes into a real management situation.”

Centauri is now 6-3 in league play, putting them third behind Pagosa and Monte Vista, and 15-3 on the season.

But, even though the coach said he didn’t feel like the team played with quality for the full 32 minutes, the game served to clench the IML title.

“That was obviously big for our kids. It’s one of our goals to start the year,” Lewis said Saturday, adding on Tuesday, “It’s great to win the league. It’s great to be ... in the driver’s seat” Lee-Hammer led the Pirates in scoring with 21 points on the night, including making 10 of 11 free-throw attempts, including the team’s four free-throws that came from a pair of technicals on Centauri. She tallied three 3-pointers.

Madi Lewis followed with 17 points, five of which came from the free-throw line.

Morgan Lewis recorded 13 points in the game, also scoring five from the line.

Devin Wilson scored two from the line, and Ada Peshlakai and Farrah each made one free-throw.

Pagosa pulled down 20 rebounds in the game, gave the ball to their opponents 11 times and stole the ball 12 times.

Then, Tuesday night, the Lady Pirates hosted their third home game of the week, this time against the Bayfield Wolverines.

The Pirates handed the Wolverines a 75-17 drubbing in the contest.

Despite the emotion that accompanies senior night, Lewis said the team was very focused and dialed in to start the game, with strong defense, a strong transition game and a strong press early in the game.

The Pirates held the Wolverines to four points in each of the first two quarters while scoring 22 and 24 points, respectively.

But it was not all fun and games for the Pirates, who saw Madi Lewis exit the game with an ankle injury that the coach said was “obviously a big scare.”

“You could see just a calming look on their faces when Coach

(Charles) Rand came in and said it was not as bad as we thought,” the coach said of the team’s halftime talk.

The coach didn’t chance putting her back into the game, however.

As of presstime Wednesday, it was not known if Madi Lewis would play in the team’s final regularseason game.

“Devin stepped in and did a nice job,” the coach said.

Despite being short a starter in the second half, Pagosa outscored Bayfield 14-4 and 15-5 in the final two quarters, winning by a score of 75-17.

Nearly every member of the team scored in the game, with Morgan Lewis leading with 20 points.

Lee-Hammer followed with 16, which included four 3-pointers.

Farrah tallied 12 in the game and Mariah Snarr added eight.

“Mariah had a nice game,” Lewis said, adding that, in addition to scoring, she was more aggressive rebounding, sprinted the floor and hustled.

Wilson added seven to the team’s total, followed by five from Madi Lewis, a 3-pointer from Morgan Thompson and two each from Miller and Peshlakai.

The team shot 67 percent in 12 attempts from the free-throw line, pulled down 35 rebounds, turned the ball over five times and stole the ball 19 times.

Now, the Lady Pirates will look to finish the regular season undefeated as they travel to Alamosa for a league matchup against the Mean Moose, who are 4-5 in IML play and 7-11 on the season.

Pagosa defeated Alamosa 57-37 on Feb. 5.

“If we play up to our ability, I like our chances,” Lewis said, noting that Alamosa is well-coached, has some good athletes and is better than their record indicates (the team has played a number of 4A opponents this season). “It’s certainly not a night off. We’ve got to show up and play.”

Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in Alamosa. randi@pagosasun.com

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Taylor Lee-Hammer shoots a 3-pointer Tuesday evening against Bayfield, one of four she had on the evening.

Lee-Hammer scored 60 total points for the Lady Pirates in three games in the last week.

SUN photo/ Randi Pierce

Shauntel Garcia and her fellow cheerleaders celebrate a successful free throw during Friday night’s Lady Pirate victory over the MontezumaCortez Panthers.

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Thursday, May 19, 2016 — The Pagosa Springs SUN — A15

BaseBaLL

Experience key for baseball team’s future

By Randi Pierce Staff Writer

With another season in the books for the Pagosa Springs High School baseball team, the eye is on the team’s future.

The Pirates may have finished 2-16 on the season, and 0-8 in league play, leaving them in last place, but the season, and the team, were not without bright spots.

For coach Robert Henderson, one of the biggest highlights of the season was having the team’s younger players gain varsity experience that will help the team in the future.

“I think that was probably the biggest thing we got out of this year,” he said.

Henderson said many of the team’s freshmen played roughly half the games, while many of the sophomores played more than that, with the coach’s goal being to mix the younger athletes up with the varsity athletes to gain experience.

“A lot of the young kids played a lot,” he said.

Too, the coach noted that, in addition to being a “beautiful place to coach baseball,” it was a fun season, with a team that was good to work with and athletes who were eager to learn.

“I had a good time,” he said.

It was a mix of veteran and younger players who led the team in the stats for the season.

Senior Briar Erskine led the team with a .436 average this season, followed by sophomore Keaton Laverty with a .425 average.

Erskine also led the team in singles with 13 on the season and was second in stolen bases with six, behind junior Zach DeVooght, who stole seven bases on the season.

Laverty led the team in RBIs

with 18, in runs scored with 18, in doubles with four, in triples with three, in on-base percentage at .519 and in slugging percentage at .825.

He, along with junior Isiah Walton, led the team in home runs with two each.

Erskine led the team in pitching with 27 innings pitched and 33 strikeouts.

Four seniors spent the season with the team: Erskine, Jeremy Monday, Adolfo Valenzuela and Mathew Breman.

“Briar was obviously a leader of our team,” Henderson said, calling Erskine the team’s main pitcher and “a great bat.”

Henderson explained that Erskine first hit Henderson’s radar during the soccer season, when Erskine served as goalie.

“He’s just a great kid,” Henderson said, adding, “He’s a leader and great fun to be with.”

2016 was the first year Monday served on the varsity squad, with Henderson calling Monday a “jackof-all-trades” who ran the bases, played outfield, infield, pitched a couple of games and was a strong utility player for the team.

Henderson called Monday “a great kid” and “funny.”

Valenzuela primarily played third base and shortstop for the Pirates, as well as contributing offensively.

“He cranked a home run, one of our only home runs, for us,” Henderson said, highlighting that Valenzuela started swinging the bat well toward the end of the season.

Too, Henderson noted, Valenzuela would ask for help and was always try to improve, with the coach saying, “That impressed me.”

Breman, despite missing a portion of the season to pursue mo-

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SUN photo/Randi Pierce Dane Kline throws to the plate during Pagosa’s loss to the Bayfield Wolverines on May 7.

tocross, played primarily in the outfield for the Pirates, with the coach noting he was super fast and did everything asked of him, as well as being a good role model.

“He has such a positive attitude,” Henderson said, adding, “It was nice to have him on the team.”

By Lynne McCrudden Special to The SUN

The Pagosa Springs Women’s Golf Association has begun casual play on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. at the Pagosa Springs Golf Club.

All women are more than welcome to join this group. We have all levels of play, so don’t think you are not good enough.

Our first scramble and meet-

Tournament n Continued from A14

Photo courtesy Kody Hill

on the links, plus lunch, and are eligible for some $5,000 in prizes, in addition to raising funds for a good cause.”

To register, or for further information regarding the golf tournament, visit www.lpea.coop, or contact Matney (759-8881) or Hammer (946-9434) directly.

Since the LPEA Golf Tournament’s inception in 2003, the event has raised more than $65,000 for a variety of nonprofit entities in Archuleta County, including local food banks, Upper San Juan Search and Rescue, Pagosa Early Learning Center and the Archuleta County Victim Assistance Program.

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Now Offering Correction One of last week’s baseball photos incorrectly identified Evin Maze as the player in the photo, when, in fact, Dane Kline was the Pirate making the play. The SUN regrets this error. randi@pagosasun.com

Pagosa women’s golf group begins play

Two Pagosa Peak elite wrestlers have qualified for the Colorado Greco Roman/freestyle national wrestling team. Sixth-grader Skyler Hill, left, and seventh-grader Cameron Lucero, right, have wrestled multiple tournaments to qualify for this team. They will be traveling to Indianapolis, Ind., to wrestle in the USA national wrestling duals on June 7-12 for team Colorado.

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School district board approves budget Operating deficit of about $187,000 – A12

The Pagosa Springs

PAGOSA SPRINGS, ARCHULETA COUNTY, COLORADO 81147

Council acts on town amenities

Discusses pedestrian and 5th Street bridges – A12

SUN

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VOLUME 108 — NO. 37, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2016

Downtown Task Force to hold community forum

Photo courtesy George Hunyadi

Cloud formations provide for a spectacular sunset Sunday evening.

The skies over Pagosa Springs have made for several picturesque scenes recently, with intermittent rainstorms over both Pagosa Springs and the mountains. The weather is supposed to remain primarily warm and sunny with small chances for storms over the next several days.

By Shari Pierce

Special to The SUN

The Downtown Task Force has scheduled a special community forum for Thursday, June 16. The meeting will be held at 5:15 p.m. in the South Conference Room of the Ross Aragon Community Center.

Property and business owners and residents of the proposed district, any persons interested in embracing and enhancing the downtown core, and those wanting to learn more about this initiative and participate in discussion of ideas are invited to this forum.

Multiple crashes; two at ‘notorious curve’ on Wolf Creek Pass

By Marshall Dunham Staff Writer

Two accidents involving two semi trucks occurred within two days of each other near mile marker 160 on U.S. 160 last week.

The first accident happened at 9:46 a.m. on Thursday, June 2, with the driver of the truck being 24-yearold Kerry DuPree, of Texas, explained the Colorado State Patrol’s Doug Wiersma.

Wiersma reported that the 2009 freight liner, carrying beer, overturned at the “notorious curve” on Wolf Creek Pass near the scenic overlook at mile marker 160.

The truck’s brakes overheating is what caused the accident, noted Wiersma, adding that DuPree was charged with careless driving and treated for minor injuries.

50¢

■ See Downtown A8

Investigation launched into complaints filed against county

Wiersma also reported that the accident caused traffic delays, with both lanes of the highway being closed for an hour, and only one lane being used afterwards for three hours.

Pagosa Fire Protection District (PFPD) Chief Randy Larson said that units were dispatched to the scene at 9:47 a.m., with the first unit arriving at 9:58 a.m.

Total, three PFPD vehicles were dispatched containing five personnel, explained Larson, adding that two of those five were volunteers and that the scene was cleared at 10:37 p.m.

The following night, at 11:20 p.m., a second crash occurred in the same area.

According to Wiersma, 41-year-

By Marshall Dunham Staff Writer

The Colorado Independent Ethics Commission (IEC) has found that the complaints filed against the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) and County Attorney Todd Starr warrant a hearing and an investigation.

The complaints, filed by citizen Greg Giehl, allege that the BoCC and Starr violated Colorado State Statute when the BoCC signed a new legal services contract with Starr’s legal firm, Rose Walker Starr LLP, in October of 2015.

■ See Crashes A8

■ See Ethics A8 SUN photo/Randi Pierce

Brooke Bowdridge, LaShae Smith and Miah Pitcher are all smiles as they enter Pagosa Springs High School’s graduation ceremony Saturday at PSHS. All three boasted the highest distinction for their grades (a 4.0 grade-point average), with Bowdridge named valedictorian and Pitcher named the salutatorian.

High school grads earns more than $500,000 through 115 scholarships

By Randi Pierce Staff Writer

The 68 graduates of the Pagosa Springs High School (PSHS) class of 2016 who walked in the June 4 ceremony comprise a diverse group, from actors to championship athletes to honor society students to ranchers and others whose main interests were outside the halls of the school.

The class was also high-achieving, earning more than $500,000 through 115 scholarships, with some renewable, and boasting 10 students with a 4.0

grade-point average: Brooke Bowdridge, Andrew Cersonsky, Lauren Fortney, Hannah Hemenger, Miah Pitcher, Olivia Reinhardt, Regan Richardson, LaShae Smith, Nikola Taylor and Jessicah Wellman.

The following is the list of scholarships awarded as of May 28, provided by PSHS Guidance Counselor Mark Thompson.

Aimee Lark: Fort Lewis College Merit Scholarship, $3,000, renewable.

Cersonsky: Chama Peak Land Alliance, $250; ■ See Grads A8

PFPD chief releases warning on river safety

By Marshall Dunham Staff Writer Photo courtesy George Hunyadi

This elk calf gets a wobbly start. The newborn calf stood up for the fist time when the photographer came upon it, startling it.

It’s common to see baby wild animals outside during spring.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife warns against coming into contact with newborn creatures in the wild.

With the number of incidents involving tubes and kayaks occurring in the past weeks, Pagosa Fire Protection Chief Randy Larson would like to say a couple things about river safety.

“If you lose a tube, or a kayak ...

it would be nice for you to inform dispatch,” said Larson. “If we see an empty one we’re going to go chase it and make sure there is nobody in the river.”

Larson talked about how swiftly the river is currently running, and how it is very dangerous to be tub■ See Warning A8

Index Opinion A2 Letters A3 Obituaries, Memorial Services A4 Priscilla Jean Garfield-Mercer Joel Christie Robert Earl (Bob) Goetzinger Jack V. Peterson

Pagosans invited to Hospice of Mercy Memorial Planting Special to The SUN

The Pagosa Springs community is invited to the annual Hospice of Mercy Memorial Planting on Thursday, June 16, from 11 a.m. to noon.

The event, held at the Hospice of Mercy Memorial Garden located next to the Pagosa Springs Visitor Center, at 105 Hot Springs Blvd., will be a time for reflecting and sharing.

Attendees will plant a perennial in memory of former Hospice of Mercy patients and hear words of comfort offered by hospice chaplains.

Attendees may come for a few moments or stay for the whole hour.

For more information, contact Hospice of Mercy at 382-2032.

Education A5 Colorado Department of Education begins listening tour Business A10 Local issues addressed by Region 9 Economic Development Strategy Public Notices B1-B10 PREVIEW Live Performers SUDOKU

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County requests lawsuit be moved

Village at Wolf Creek

Plaintiffs have 30 days to file – A13

Litigation heats up in recent weeks – A9

The Pagosa Springs

PAGOSA SPRINGS, ARCHULETA COUNTY, COLORADO 81147

SUN

www.PagosaSUN.com

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VOLUME 108 — NO. 36, THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

Laser technology finds undiscovered Chacoan structures at Chimney Rock

By Jim Garrett Staff Writer

A team of seven University of Colorado Boulder researchers, led by Assistant Professor Gerardo Gutierrez, married high tech to anthropology at Chimney Rock National Monument for two weeks in May this spring.

The pairing produced an offspring of discovery.

Using advanced, high-resolution laser scanning technology to map the monument’s rugged and forested terrain from May 9 to 23, the team found previously unknown sites of

big houses, pit houses and kivas.

The structures were built a millennium ago by Native Americans of the Chacoan culture, but since obscured by the sands of time.

The high resolution technology, according to Gutierrez, originally developed for military surveillance and space exploration, is known as LiDAR, an acronym for light detection and ranging.

A U.S. Geological Survey website reports that LiDAR works by emitting a dense stream of laser pulses, up to ■ See Chimney Rock A8

Photo courtesy Sally Capistrant

Top: The 77 members of the Pagosa Springs High School class of 2016 pose in their cap and gowns recently — a school tradition that anticipates the coming commencement ceremony. Right: Members of the senior class participate in a new tradition of walking throughout Pagosa Springs Elementary School while being greeted by the school district’s youngest students.

77 set to graduate from Emergencies, fires keep responders busy Pagosa Springs High School

By Marshall Dunham Staff Writer

Emergency management entities across Archuleta County had a busy weekend, responding to several different types of calls.

On Thursday, May 26, emergency management services got a call about a kayak that had been pinned upside down in the East Fork of the San Juan River.

According to Pagosa Fire Protection District (PFPD) Wildland Coordinator Karn Macht, Archuleta County Emergency Management Director Thad McKain requested that

the PFPD respond to the scene for the possibility of a swift water rescue.

Around 12:39 p.m., a maintenance truck and a rescue 1 truck were dispatched to the scene with six personnel on board, with three of them being volunteers, Macht explained.

As the PFPD made a plan to get down to the river to recover the kayak, Archuleta County Combined Dispatch informed rescue teams that it had contacted several local raft companies and had learned that the kayak had been ditched by an

By Randi Pierce Staff Writer

“It’s a giant leap for all mankind but for us it’s just a simple step.” — Yelawolf.

The 77 members of the Pagosa Springs High School class of 2016 are set to participate in the annual rite of passage that is graduation Saturday, June 4.

This year’s valedictorian is Brooke Bowdridge, and Miah Pitcher is the salutatorian.

Senior class officers are as follows: Andrew Cersonsky, president; Gus Palma, vice president; Regan Richardson, secretary/treasurer.

The senior class motto is the above quote from Yelawolf, while the class chose black and gold for its colors, forget-me-nots for the class flower and “Sounds of Change” by Dirty Heads for the class song.

The commencement ceremony is set to begin at 10 a.m. at the school.

For more on the graduation, see next week’s issue of The SUN. randi@pagosasun.com

SUN photo/Randi Pierce

■ See Emergencies A8

School board considers sale of property

By Terri Lynn House Staff Writer

The Archuleta School District (ASD) Board of Education held a work session on May 17 to hear a presentation from Warren and MaryAnn Sackman pertaining to “a proposed development that will serve the disabled adults in Pagosa Springs.”

While in the conceptual stage, the 35-acre plan for Continuing Life Community (CLC) is proposed to include housing for disabled adults, a recreation center and rehabilitation center referred to as a community center, a preschool/day care, affordable housing for the elderly along with trails and more. The mechanics of the plan are still a work in progress.

The CLC would be a nonprofit, and there would be no for-profit entities located on the property.

The Sackmans have made an undisclosed verbal offer to ASD to purchase a 36.76-acre piece of school district property referred to as the “Vista Property” for the proposed development.

According to Archuleta County Assessor Natalie Woodruff, the school district’s property is bordered by Park Avenue and Vista Boulevard across from the new Veterans Memorial Park.

Woodruff said the property was deeded by Fairfield Eaton Inc. to Archuleta County in August of 1985 with deed restrictions in place limiting usage of the ■ See School A8

Illustration courtesy Reynolds Ash + Associates

Still in the conceptual stage, the proposed 35-acre plan for Continuing Life Community includes housing for disabled adults, a community center, a preschool/day care, affordable housing for the elderly along with trails and more. The Archuleta School District is considering an offer to sell a piece of deed-restricted property for the proposed development.

Gravel pit hearing to be held Wednesday SUN photo/Randi Pierce

Members of the American Legion Mullins-Nickerson Post 108 fire their rifles during Monday’s Memorial Day service held at Hilltop Cemetery. The service was one of two the post held to honor the U.S. soldiers who have died while serving their country.

By Marshall Dunham Staff Writer

On Wednesday, June 8, the Archuleta County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a gravel pit on County Road 500 (Trujillo Road).

The gravel pit would be called

the “Two Rivers Pit” and would be located at 12500 County Road 500.

Originally, the hearing was held in February, but had been continued to June 8 after the applicants, C&J Gravel, of Durango, asked the planning commission for a continuance ■ See Pit A8

Index Opinion Letters Obituaries Lois S. (Scottie) Gibson Cynthia Rozell Business County’s unemployment rate falls to 3.6 percent

A2 A3 A5

A7

Outdoor A14 Forest Service plants 600 trees around Williams Creek Campground Sports A15 Xterra Turkey Track Trail Run kicks off GECKO’s summer race season Public Notices A15-A19 PREVIEW Live Performers SUDOKU

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BoCC approves funding additional staff Sheriff’s office to add 3.5 FTEs – A7

The Pagosa Springs

PAGOSA SPRINGS, ARCHULETA COUNTY, COLORADO 81147

Council, commission members sought Requirements to fill town positions outlined – A6

SUN

www.PagosaSUN.com

50¢

VOLUME 108 — NO. 41, THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

Two arrests made in cold case

By Randi Pierce Staff Writer

SUN photo/Terri House

SUN photo/Randi Pierce

Thirty-four years ago, Stewart Eric Simmons rolled into town with the traveling carnival.

In the following months, Simmons, a 20-year-old U.S. Navy sailor who had gone AWOL (absent without leave), and his female companion, Margaret Ann Walden, known as Margo, a 39-year-old waitress, would be murdered, their bodies found along the banks of the San Juan River in the fall of that year.

Last Friday and Saturday, 34 years later, two people were arrested for their suspected involvement in the 1982 murders — one in Arizona and the other in Archuleta County.

Antoinette Marie Palmer, 58, was arrested by the Mesa Police Department (MPD) in Mesa, Ariz., Friday morning, July 1, said Detective George Barter of the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO).

Palmer went by the name Tina Madrid when she lived in Archuleta County, Barter said.

Then, late the following night, a second arrest was made “deep in Archuleta County,” with Martin Mar-

By Marshall Dunham Staff Writer

SUN photo/Marshall Dunham

Index Opinion A2 Letters A3 Obituary A4 Ken Knight Business A5 Club 20 to hold summer policy meetings Sports A11 Pagosa Duathlon to help survivors of violence Outdoors A13 July events at Chimney Rock National Monument Public Notices B1-B7

The Fourth of July in Pagosa Springs is known as a time of year with a lot going on, and this year was no exception, with the parade, fireworks, carnival, rodeo, concerts, plays and more.

Town agrees to pay to train police officer candidate

By Jim Garrett Staff Writer

At the suggestion of Police Chief William Rockensock, the Pagosa Springs Town Council unanimously agreed at its meeting Tuesday, July 5, to pay for training of a police officer candidate in exchange for a commitment to serve as a Pagosa Springs police officer for a minimum of four years.

The candidate will be selected by the police department and will be hired initially as a civilian employee. Training will be provided at the Southwest Regional Law Enforcement Academy in Mancos, Colo., for the required 15 weeks, beginning this August and continuing through Dec. 17.

Rockensock explained that the police department has been consistently understaffed, having one vacant officer position

throughout the last four years. Although new officers have been hired to fill the vacancy on three occasions in that period, he reported the longest period of staffing with a full complement of officers as a result has been only three months.

According to Rockensock, the problem appears to be economic. Tuition, fees and expenses for the law enforcement academy amount to over $8,300. Since the town has required new officers to be certified graduates before becoming eligible to be hired, before council’s action on Tuesday, applicants have had to pay the expense out of pocket.

Rockensock related that, as recently as 2009, when the department advertised to fill a vacancy typically it would receive 20 or more applications.

■ See Police A8

Walden

Madrid (Palmer)

Martinez

tinez, a 70-year-old lifelong county resident, being arrested, according to Barter.

The pair are cousins by marriage, the detective said.

After an initial investigation in 1982, the case of the double homi■ See Arrests A8

BoCC, town council hear update on courthouse

SUN photo/Randi Pierce

SUN photo/Randi Pierce

Simmons

A courthouse update was presented to those in attendance of the joint work session of the Pagosa Springs Town Council and the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) the morning of June 28.

“We’ve gotten a final report back from Reynolds Associates with several different scenarios on several different parcels with several different options,” explained County Administrator Bentley Henderson.

“We’ve actually enlisted them to take a look at one more alternative, and that is a piece of property that is essentially on the west side of Hot Springs and north of the Community Center. We’ve talked with some folks about a potential swap of our parcel that’s on the east side of Hot Springs for this one that’s on the west side.”

Henderson went on to explain that the parcel on the west side of Hot Springs Boulevard would be easier to build on and was more flat than the other.

“For the same acreage, it has a greater utility to it, because the slopes aren’t so steep,” said Henderson, later adding that Reynolds Ash and Associates would be assessing the property soon.

“We do have a list of some potential project timelines and community meeting times that we’re looking at, but we’re trying to work that around our budget schedule ... but once we get this information back from those guys then we can finalize our public meeting schedule and start getting the word out.”

Henderson later reported, “The board has indicated that they are interested in trying to whittle these ■ See Courthouse A8

Photo courtesy Jeff Monafo

With wildflowers in full bloom throughout Pagosa Country, insects of all types are easy to spot, such as this butterfly spotted recently.

A14 — The Pagosa Springs SUN — Thursday, September 22, 2016

Volleyball

Lady Pirates record three league wins

By Jim Garrett Staff Writer

Last Saturday, the Pagosa Springs High School girls’ volleyball team traveled to Alamosa for a “tri,” a new Intermountain League format involving three teams, with two matches each, at one site.

The league has scheduled the tri format for three Saturday dates this season to reduce travel. Last Saturday was the Lady Pirates’ first.

In their back-to-back matches, coach Connie O’Donnell told The SUN, the Pagosa squad “fought hard and came out on top of both.”

The Lady Pirates first triumphed over the hosts in a tight contest, besting Alamosa in straight games, 25-22, 25-21 and 25-19. They then squared off with Monte Vista and duplicated the feat by a comfortable margin, scuttling their foe 25-10, 25-13 and 25-14.

On Tuesday night, back at home, the Lady Pirates did it again, vanquishing Montezuma-Cortez. This time, however, it was a five-game tussle, 25-18, 23-25, 25-6, 21-25 and 15-5.

The week’s three matches were the first in the league this season for the Lady Pirates. Overall, their record now stands at 8-1. The team is currently ranked fourth in the state in Class 3A.

Alamosa

Of the tight victory over the Mean Moose, O’Donnell said Pagosa “really wanted to win” to avenge a loss from last year.

“In our league,” she said, last year Alamosa “was the closest in

state rankings to us.”

Winning in just three games was a “bit surprising,” the coach said, “but we just really dominated the match.”

O’Donnell also noted the fine play of junior Faith Ahlhardt. The outside hitter “had an outstanding match,” she said. “She only missed one serve, played defense like a champ and put the ball down when she hit.”

Statistics from the match were not available at press time.

Monte Vista In their victory at the Alamosa tri over their rivals from Monte Vista, also known as the Pirates, the Pagosa side was in control throughout.

The play was not as tightly contested as in the Alamosa match and O’Donnell said, “we were able to dominate.”

She noted that the Lady Pirates’ effective “serving really stood out.”

Taylor Jones collected five aces against Monte Vista, Morgan Lewis and Megan Farrah notched three each, and Ahlhardt two. Haley Mitchell also served effectively for Pagosa, with only one error charged, against 10 good serves.

For the match, Ahlhardt, Farrah and Jones were the Lady Pirates’ leaders in kills, Morgan Lewis and Teagan Stretton in assists, and Farrah, Ahlhardt, Isabelle Pajak and Addie Thompson in service returns.

Montezuma-Cortez

Of the home win over the visiting Panthers, O’Donnell said, “I’m really proud of this team.”

The coach noted that factors including a line-up change required the Lady Pirates to adjust on the fly, but the team is “like a family and they take care of each other.”

In the first game, Cortez started fast, benefiting from some Pagosa errors and jumping out to a 3-6 lead. But the errors evened out as the set progressed and Cortez was unable to match the home side at the net. At 15-13, a long run of effective serving by Morgan Lewis including two aces carried the Lady Pirates to a big lead, 23-13. A back and forth exchange of points followed, leading to Pagosa’s 25-18 win.

In the second set, the visitors began to play more effectively at the net with several kills and blocks.

The Lady Pirates were hurt by several infractions called at the net, and the Panthers prevailed 25-23.

But the Lady Pirates stormed back to take the third game 25-6 behind several stretches of effective serving by Mitchell, Ahlhardt and Jones, who sent deliveries hard and deep into the Cortez court, often at the feet of the Panther’s returners.

Aided by strong play at the net by Lewis and Farrah, as well as Ahlhardt and Jones, the Lady Pirates overpowered their foe.

But in the fourth set, Cortez bounced back, winning 25-21.

Throughout the set, the Pagosa side was again plagued by errors.

Whatever the problem, it was promptly corrected by the Lady Pirates between sets. The Pagosa side jumped out to a quick 12-2 lead in the fifth set, with good serving and a flurry of kills by Ahlhardt,

Jones and Mitchell. The match then ended on an ace served by Jones, with a final fifth set tally of 15-5.

For the match, Farrah, Ahlhardt and Lewis all had a dozen or more kills for the Lady Pirates. Farrah and Jones each turned in three blocks.

Jones had five aces and Lewis and Farrah three each.

Ahlhardt and Farrah led the way with 20 or more digs each, while Addie Thompson contributed nine.

Lewis and Stretton each had 18 assists, while Farrah, Thompson, Isabelle Pajak and Ahlhardt were the leaders in service returns.

O’Donnell appraised the team’s work against Cortez with the comment that “our passes were not on target. That’s the big thing we need to work on. We need to pass better to the setter, so that we can use the three hitters that we have in every rotation.”

But, she praised the Lady Pirates’ defense, which “played great.

They are truly great at getting to balls that most people would have deemed impossible.”

Noting the unevenness of the team’s play against Cortez, O’Donnell concluded, “the fact that we were able to fight through the tough times together and come out on top says a lot about this team.”

Upcoming matches for the Lady Pirates will be at Aztec High School this afternoon, and at Centauri High School in La Jara for a league match on Saturday.

The Aztec Tigers currently stand at a record 6-5 on the season. The Centauri Falcons have a 6-1 record, and are 2-1 in the Intermountain League.

Soccer

SUN photo/Randi Pierce

Megan Farrah hits a smash into the opponent’s court in the Lady Pirates’ victory at home against Cortez on Tuesday. The Pirates will be looking to improve their record today in Aztec and Saturday against Centauri in La Jara.

Golf

Pirate golf team takes third at regionals, qualifies for state

By Randi Pierce Staff Writer

SUN photo/Randi Pierce

The Pirates’ Maverick Miller fires off a successful shot around the Alamosa keeper and a defender in the first half of Pagosa’s 2-1 victory at home last Saturday. The Pirates improved to 3-2 with the win.

Pirates soccer beats Alamosa and Cortez, faces Telluride next

By Jim Garrett Staff Writer

The Pagosa Springs boys’ soccer team tackled Alamosa at home on Saturday. The Pirates bested their Intermountain League (IML) rival 2-1 with a dominating effort belying the close score.

Then, on Tuesday, the Pirates completed a successful week with another league victory on the road at Montezuma-Cortez, 3-2.

After a rough start for the season, the twin triumphs gave the Pirates a 3-2 league record, putting the team in the thick of the fight for league honors.

Alamosa The Saturday match started and continued with the Pirates attacking the Mean Moose goal, but initially without results.

In the first several minutes, a Pagosa free kick bounced off the cross bar, and the Alamosa keeper turned in good saves on a header, a corner kick and then a long blast by striker Leo Witschurk from the middle. Later, a Pirate shot caromed off the goal post, and several

Pagosa crosses to the goal mouth were smothered by the Alamosa defense, now packed into the goal area.

Finally, in the 25th minute of the match, the Pirates broke through the Alamosa ranks, when Maverick Miller rushed down the right side through defenders and launched a powerful shot. When the keeper made an excellent save, but could not control the rebound, Miller pounced and struck the ball into the net for a hard-won lead.

In the meantime, when the visitors were able to win possession, they could seldom get out of midfield to generate dangerous scoring opportunities. When they did break out, their attacks came to naught, as Pirates’ defender Keaton Anderson and his mates took balls away and sent them back upfield toward the Alamosa end.

More Pagosa attacks followed, but despite another shot off the Alamosa goalpost and more good opportunities on corner kicks, the half ended with the Pirates up only 1-0.

Early in the second half, however, Pitcher Lindner, Miller and

Witschurk combined effectively to advance the ball out of midfield into the Alamosa end, setting up Josue Castaneda, who scored on a great shot from the middle, high to the right corner of the net.

More opportunities followed for the Pirates, as Miller, Witschurk and Castaneda pressed the attack, but the Alamosa keeper stood tough, turning in several more good saves.

Additional Pirate shots went wide or were blocked by defenders packed in front of the visitors’ net, and a strong free kick by Witschurk sailed over the crossbar.

Pagosa could not score again.

Then, in the waning moments, an Alamosa player gained possession in the Pirates end and dribbled across the field in front of the goal.

His shot then found the Pagosa net, just inside the right post.

The Pirates held on for the 2-1 victory.

Afterward, coach Lindsey KurtMason lamented that the Pirates had “lots of good opportunities, but didn’t finish.”

Still, he said that everybody was contributing, and praised the team for “coming together” after its dif-

ficult start to the season.

“We won this game at the Coal Ridge tourney,” he said, where a week earlier, the team had started to believe in itself despite two tough losses.

The coach particularly noted the leadership shown by Tate Hinger, whom he said is a “great role model” and always “supports his teammates.”

For the Alamosa game, KurtMason lauded the play of Anderson on defense, whom he said was “outstanding” throughout the match.

But Miller was the player of the game, Kurt-Mason said. The speedy senior was credited with five shots on goal for the match, and was a force pressing the attack for the Pirates throughout the game.

“His serves on set pieces were outstanding,” the coach said, and, overall, he “created many scoring chances for us.”

Montezuma-Cortez

Following the Pirates’ 3-2 victory over the Panthers on Tuesday, KurtMason told The SUN, “we took the field with a purpose.” n See Soccer A15

For the first time in roughly a decade, Pagosa Springs High School will be represented by a team in the state golf tournament.

Despite being three strokes short of placing second in the Region 1 regionals Monday, all four Pirate golfers qualified for state individually, with coach Mark Faber explaining that means the golfers will participate both as individuals and as a team.

“They’ve worked really hard and it’s finally paying off,” Faber said. “I expect them to be competitive at state, I really do.”

The Pirates took part in the 16team regional tournament Monday in Colorado City at the Hollydot Golf Course, the team’s fifth tournament in 11 days.

Owen Severs led the Pirates at regionals, placing sixth overall (out of 60 golfers with valid scores) and shooting 83 — 12 over par.

Dane Kline was the next Pirate in the standings, tying with two other golfers for eighth place with an 85.

“Dane was probably as consistent as he’s been all year, which was nice to see,” Faber said.

Nathan Smith found himself in a four-way tie after shooting an 88, and Jonathon Robel shot an 89.

Faber said the team could have scored even better, but each golfer had a few holes cause him problems.

“I’m proud of all of them,” he said, noting that they didn’t give up.

Overall, the team (with three scoring golfers) shot a 256 (43 over par), landing the Pirates in third place, behind Alamosa (239, 26 over) and Manitou Springs (253, 40 over).

Two teams and 13 individual golfers advance to the state tournament from each region, Faber explained.

However, since all four Pirates qualified, they earned the right to play as a team.

Faber said it’s the first team he’s taken to state in probably 10 years, “which is nice.”

The state competition will take place Monday and Tuesday at the Saddle Rock Golf Course in Aurora, with the golfers playing 18 holes each day.

The course will be new to the Pirates, who will head up for a practice round on Sunday before delving into competition Monday.

Leading up to Monday’s regional competition, the Pirates played in a

number of tournaments over a short span, beginning with the Monte Vista tournament on Sept. 9.

At that tournament, the team finished second out of nine teams.

“They played pretty well,” Faber said.

Seven Pirates played in the tournament, though only three contributed to the team standings.

Severs led the Pirates on the day with an 80, followed by Smith with an 86, Robel with a 96, Kline with a 98, Jack Harker with a 97, Rolan Sanchez with a 90 and Devon Jacquez with a 99.

Faber said Severs’ 80 was his best round of the year, and highlighted the play of Severs and Smith at the tournament.

The following Monday and Tuesday, the Pirates played in back-toback tournaments in Durango.

Monday, the team played at Hillcrest Golf Course, where they battled not only the course, but also an hour-long lightning delay.

At Hillcrest, the Pirates were led

by Robel with an 88, followed by Ben Pargin with a 101, Sanchez with a 102 and Jacquez with a 120.

Due to the lightning delay, the day’s results were not yet available by the time they hit the road to return home.

The next morning, another crew of Pirate golfers were in Durango, this time at the Dalton Ranch course.

Smith had a “very good day,” shooting an 85 to lead the Pirates, followed by Severs with a 90, Kline with a 96 and Tanner Peart with a 99.

“Nathan played well,” Faber said.

“He just had a couple of holes that got him.”

Faber was also proud that all of the Pirates broke 100 on “a pretty technical, tough course.”

Again, the day’s results were not yet available by the time the Pirates hit the road home.

Then, on Sept. 16, the team was in Colorado City at Hollydot for the Rye Tournament, which also served as a warmup for the regional tournament on the same course.

Smith led the Pirates in the tournament with an 87, followed by Kline and Robel both shooting a 92 and Severs’ 93.

“They started playing better,” Faber said. “It’s kind of getting better as we go along. They let a few holes get away from them in that one that really cost them.”

The Pirates finished seventh out of 19 teams in that tournament. randi@pagosasun.com