As a whole, the 2013 fall sports season was a tough one for Montezuma-Cortez High School sports teams. No team recorded a winning record, no team qualified for state, and competing for victories on a regular basis proved to be a difficult task.
That said, the season provided its share of impressive highlights, outstanding performances and lasting memories. Below is a recap of each team’s performance.
FOOTBALL TEAM
IMPROVES
Finishing with a 3-7 record on the year, the M-CHS football team looked played better than it has in years. Losses were still common, yet the team’s ability to remain competitive represented an improvement over recent years.
Highlighting the team’s season was a two-game winning streak, which included a 20-19 home victory over Eagle Valley and a 41-21 win over Moffat County on the road.
On the offensive side of the ball, the team was led by junior quarterback Jonathan Walck who threw for 847 yards and nine touchdowns while running for 563 yards and give touchdowns.
Defensively, Randy Haley paced the Panthers with 93 tackles, two interceptions and five fumble recoveries.
VOLLEYBALL TEAM
INCONSISTENT
Over the course of their 9-15-1 season, the M-CHS volleyball team never found its rhythm. At times, the team played well, yet more often than not, the group looked out of sync.
Leading the Panthers in nearly every statistical category was junior Naomi Pennecoose who recorded 738 kills, 231 digs, 41 aces and eight blocks.
“At the end, we just couldn’t get the job done. That has been our MO all season,” said Panthers’ head coach Barbara Chappell following her team’s final game of the season, a five set loss to Eagle Valley.
GOLF TEAM ENJOYS
SOLID SEASON
Although the M-CHS golf team was unable to secure its fourth consecutive regional title and a berth to state, one of the area’s most successful programs put together another strong season.
In addition to tournament wins in Cortez on Aug. 21 and Pagosa Springs on Aug. 22, senior Jakob Rudosky finished first overall in the West Slope Regional Tournament and fifth overall in the 4A state tournament.
“I think we had a nice season,” said head coach Micah Rudosky.
SOFTBALL TEAM
STRUGGLES
The 2013 season proved to be a difficult one for the M-CHS softball team, which concluded the year with a 2-17 record.
Highlighting the year were back-to-back victories over Eagle Valley on Sept. 28.
“We’ve been working hard all season and our wins showed that things are starting to come together,” said junior Brenna Leonard following her team’s second victory.
TENNIS TEAM
MEDIOCRE
During the 2013 season, the M-CHS tennis team was able to win a few matches, but unable to compete with top teams.
Finishing fifth in the 4A Region 8 Tournament, the Panthers were led by the No. 1 doubles players Todd Underwood and Ford Wegner, who finished third in the regional tournament.
“I was disappointed with the results, but happy with the performance of the boys,” said head coach Dan Wood following the regional tournament.
CROSS COUNTRY
TEAM PROGRESSES
Results-wise, the 2013 season was not a great one for the Panthers cross country team as the team rarely finished far above last place in their meets.
The team did see individual improvements, however, as nearly every runner ran a best time at some point during the season.
Highlighting the season for the Panthers was standout junior Rachel Demby, who finished 10th overall in the region and 82nd overall in the state.
“Our improvement does not necessarily show up in the team standings, but I think that our kids are working hard,” said head coach Paul Koops.
SOCCER TEAM HAS
DIFFICULTIES
The 1-14 season record was not pretty, but believe it or not, the M-CHS soccer team looked much improved.
Highlighting the season was a 7-0 opening season victory over Bayfield and a hard-fought 1-0 loss in Durango.
Tying for the team lead in points for the Panthers were Andrew Laymon (3 goals, 4 assists) and Manual Martinez (5 goals).
“We’ve made huge steps in improving the score and improving our play,” said Sean Fitzgerald. “We just need to build on that for next year.”