Take Me out…
LA VETA- The La Veta Redskins will open their 2008 baseball season this afternoon at four pm in Cotopaxi. Twenty young players, including two young ladies, Kyndall Alvarez and Sami Willhoite, have been practicing since the beginning of March for the upcoming season. According to Coach Tim Thomsen, the team has been practicing in the old gym, mostly due to inclement weather and a muddy field. “The batting cages have been set up, but it’s hard to hit and catch pop-ups.” The team should have a great season with the return of seven starters.
…To the Ballgame
SWINK- The Panthers of John Mall opened their regular baseball season last Saturday in Swink, losing a double-header to their league rival. The Lions’ pitching held the Panthers at bay; the Lions gave up three hits in the first game, but allowed several walks in the second which provided the Cats their two runs. On the other hand, the Panthers had trouble with their pitching, giving up 19 hits in the two games.
On Sat. Mar. 22, the Panthers will travel to Del Norte for a double header beginning at 10 am.
Archuletta places fourth
PUEBLO WEST- John Mall High sophomore Clayton Archuletta participated in the Freshman/Sophomore State Wrestling Tournament March 8 held at Pueblo West. Wrestlers from across the state met in this tournament which saw grapplers from 2A-5A wrestle one another. Archuletta won his opening bout but was defeated in the semi-finals by Joshua Clark-Martinez of Frederick (3A). In his consolation match, Archuletta lost to Jordon Smith of Platt Valley (4A) in an 11-5 decision, giving Archuletta fourth place.
JM Junior Grapplers
WALSENBURG- The John Mall Junior High played host to seven teams from Southern Colorado this past Saturday. These young grapplers are preparing for the Rocky Mountain Nationals in Denver this Friday and Saturday. Wrestlers from both Walsenburg and La Veta fared well.
La Veta placed five first-place champs: Zach Brunelli, Adam Ortivez, W.D. Arnold, Blake Warren and Austin Taggart. Tyler Polk and Eric Griego took second-place honors and Jonathan Sanchez took third.
John Mall was equally successful. Andre Ortiz captured first place and is undefeated this season, (15-0). Also finishing in first place were Michael Smithy-Helms, Berrie Archuleta, and Benjamin Smithy-Helms. John Paul Vigil and Ruben Gallegos finished second. Fourth-place honors went to Jason Sims, Jacob Pino and Deborah Aguirre.
