Fleming Wildcat senior Jeremy Richhard-Kind played one game for his team this year.  Then, after being thrown from his car in a single car accident in March, confining him to a wheelchair.  That was not going to stop him from being in the dugout during this final game against Holly.  One of his coaches rolled him out during the team introductions and he fist bumped each member of the team and stayed out there during the National Anthem.

May 17th 2013: Fleming Wildcats senior Jeremy Richhard-Kind (7) fist bumps a teammate during pre game introductions of the CHSAA 1A Baseball final against the Holly Wildcats at All Star Park in Lakewood, Colorado

After the teams headed back to the dug out, Richhard-Kind, with the help of his teammates, was placed on a bench right up next to the field so he could watch every minute of the game.  Now, this was my first time at this field.  And to tell you the truth, I think it might have been the first time I have gotten out of my car in Lakewood.  I had no idea what the field would give me for shooting, but as soon as I got there, media boxes were chalked out on the field for me.  I decided to have some fun with this game.  My main camera was my 7D with my 120-300 2.8 lens on it, and I set my 1D Mark II with 70-200 2.8 lens up on the Fleming dugout as a remote, pointing at third base, and I took my classic 1D, that 4 megapixel beast with my 24-70 2.8 lens on it for grab shots of the players.  I got some good stuff from my 1D and my 7D, but I rushed too much with the remote and did not have it zoomed in or pointed just right, so out of about 80 images, I got about 4 decent ones.

May 17th 2013: Fleming Wildcats senior pitcher Tyler Vandenbark (23) shows some flex in his bat as he swings at the ball in the CHSAA 1A Baseball final against the Holly Wildcats at All Star Park in Lakewood, Colorado

Now, before we talk more about the game, I want to point out the photo above.  These are metal bats.  Look at that flex.  A 1/3200th of a second shutter speed helped me catch the flex here.  Ok…back to the game.

The weather was good for the most part.  It was a beautiful day for baseball.  Clouds did roll in for a little while, and it spit some rain for a few minutes, but it did not last and the sun was back out very quick.  The Holly Wildcats jumped out to a 3-1 lead over Fleming in the third inning off of a 2 run triple.

May 17th 2013: Fleming Wildcats senior pitcher Tyler Vandenbark (23) slides head first into second base on the steal in the CHSAA 1A Baseball final against the Holly Wildcats at All Star Park in Lakewood, Colorado

A different thing I found out here in Colorado, all baseball games are 7 innings.  I would have thought State would be 9 innings.  In Alaska they play both 7 inning games and 9 inning games, but here, just 7 (unless there is a tie of course).  So that threw me off my game plan.  My plan was to shoot from the 3rd base side for the 1st three innings, then move to the 1st base side for 4-6.  Then, for the 7th and 8th, I was going to go shoot from behind the backstop to get shots of the pitchers, and wander around and get some crowd shots, then get back on the field for the 9th and be able to rush the field for the celebration.  But, as I was heading to the gate to go get my pitcher shots, the announcer said it was time for the final inning…  Whoops.  So I stayed on the field.

May 17th 2013: Fleming Wildcats senior pitcher Tyler Vandenbark (23) throws the ball in this photo illustration during the CHSAA 1A Baseball final against the Holly Wildcats at All Star Park in Lakewood, Colorado

It took me about an hour to combine 5 photos to make the photo illustration above of Game MVP Tyler Vandenbark of Fleming.  I got the idea after seeing a similar shot in this weeks Sports Illustrated.  Click on the photo to see a larger version.

So we were going into the 7th inning tied 3-3.  Fleming had tied the game up with two runs in the fourth inning, but both teams went scoreless in the 5th and 6th innings.

May 17th 2013: Fleming Wildcats senior Tanner Serrato (9) connedts with the ball in the CHSAA 1A Baseball final against the Holly Wildcats at All Star Park in Lakewood, Colorado

In the top of the 7th, Fleming, the visitors for this neutral site game, were up first, and took a 2 run lead.  They got caught in a run down (second of the game), between 1st and 2nd.  In the first rundown, earlier in the game, it was a Holly player that got caught between 1st and 2nd, and he was not too happy with how hard the tag was applied, and ripped his helmet off on the field as he stared down the Fleming infielders.  But the run down in the photo below went smoothly with no animosity shown.

May 17th 2013: Fleming Wildcats senior Trevor Chintala (25) gets caught in a run down during the CHSAA 1A Baseball final against the Holly Wildcats at All Star Park in Lakewood, Colorado

So, with Fleming leading 5-3, Holly needed to plate two runs to head into extra innings, and 3 to win their first ever state baseball championship in their first appearance in the final game.  But it was Jeremy Richhard-Kind day.  He had been on the edge of his seat in the dug out as MVP Vandenbark struck out the last two Holly batters.  Now, I was expecting the standard dog pile on the field, but it did not happen.  Instead the Fleming team went over to the dugout, got Richhard-Kind out of his seat and into his wheelchair and rolled him over to give Holly the end of game handshakes.  Then when the Championship trophy was handed to Fleming, it was accepted by Richhard-Kind who promptly raised it over his head as his team surrounded his wheelchair.

May 17th 2013: Fleming Wildcats senior Jeremy Richhard-Kind (7) hoists the Colorado State Championship trophy over his head with his teammates surrounding him after his team defeated the Holly Wildcats 5-3 in the CHSAA 1A Baseball final at All Star Park in Lakewood, Colorado

As the team posed for the championship team photo, a plan was hatching.  When the photo was done, the team took control of Richhard-Kind’s wheelchair and ran him around the bases.

May 17th 2013: Fleming Wildcats senior Jeremy Richhard-Kind (7) holds the Colorado State Championship trophy during the team photo after his team defeated the Holly Wildcats 5-3 in the CHSAA 1A Baseball final at All Star Park in Lakewood, Colorado

In the photo bellow, snagged with my 7D and 120-300 lens as I was gathering my remote and backpack, the team was running with Richhard-Kind towards 3rd base, but that is where the help ended.  From third to home, Richhard-Kind rolled the last 90 feet himself.  One last time around the bases for this senior.

May 17th 2013: The Fleming Wildcats run wheelchair bound senior teammate Jeremy Richhard-Kind (7) around the bases after defeating the Holly Wildcats 5-3 in the CHSAA 1A Baseball final at All Star Park in Lakewood, Colorado

Congratulations to the Fleming Wildcats on winning the 2013 Colorado 1A Baseball Championship, and congrats to the Holly Wildcats for making it to the final game for the first time ever.  One note on the Holly team, they had one player, Alex Rodriguez, who they called A-Rod.   After spending 20 years in Seattle, I had the urge to throw a wad of monopoly money at him….  Mariner fans will understand.

To view and purchase photos from this championship game, please visit MaxPreps.  To purchase the Photo Illustration above, please contact me directly.

Another reason I do not like shooting swim meets is because pools are typically very dark places.  Requiring flash, strobes, or super fast/expensive gear.  Now, if I had a 1DX and a 200mm f2.0 IS lens, I probably would not complain about how dark the pool is, but when you have to shoot at ISO 3200 or higher just to get 1/500th of a second, and are restricted on when you can use your flash (not during starts, not during diving), it can be a bummer.

The other reason I really do not like shooting swim meets is because of the amount of people .  Pools can have very limited space on the deck, and with teams, coaches, parents, officials, timers, and who knows who else will be wandering around.  Trying to find a location you are not in the way of the officials or timers, not in a position to fall into the pool, or finding a place that you are not blocking the spectators.

Oh, and the water everywhere.  You are going to get soaked, from sitting on a wet deck, to being splashed by the swimmers in the pool, to the humidity.

That all being said, very close to where I live on Friday night was a Jeffco League swim meet for the boys.  So I headed over to shoot it for MaxPreps.  Wow…all my fears in one place.  Dark pool, water splashing everywhere, overly crowded, and super humid.

Let’s see if I can remember the schools that were there.  Lakewood was hosting, I believe, Ralston Valley, Arvada West, Pomona, Wheat Ridge, Green Mountain, Columbine, Conifer, D’Evelyn, um….and two other schools.  Lots of teams.  I have not heard who won the meet yet, and I have not seen any results, so, just enjoy some photos.

So, unless I get a request, I doubt I will shoot swimming again for a long time.

To view and purchase photos from this meet, please visit MaxPreps.

May 8th, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustang junior Brenna Marinez (17) jumps over the downed ThunderRidge Grizzlies freshman Erin Speer (12) in the CHSAA 5A Soccer Playoff game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

At least it was not snowing.  But it was cold, and wet.  I decided almost as soon as I got there I would not stay for game two.  The weather was making the pitch slick and muddy in spots, but that made for some exciting play.

May 8th, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustang junior Brenna Marinez (17) and ThunderRidge Grizzlies freshman Sanela Hodzic (21) chase after the ball in the CHSAA 5A Soccer Playoff game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

I must apologize.  Between the rain and wind, and learning a new sharpening style for Adobe Lightroom, these are not my best shots, although, I know I am more critical on my own photographs than anyone else.

May 8th, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustang junior Maddie Allensworth (5) and ThunderRidge Grizzlies freshman Mealii Enos (14) battle for control of the ball in the CHSAA 5A Soccer Playoff game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

It poured the entire first half.  The girls were soaked and cold, but they were fighting through and while no one scored in the first half, it was some really good soccer.  One thing I noticed right off, the main official was not calling flops or dives unless it was real, real convincing.

May 8th, 2013: ThunderRidge Grizzlies sophomore Grace Hoffman (16) heads the ball in the CHSAA 5A Soccer Playoff game against Ralston Valley at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

Keeping the ball dry was impossible, so throw ins and headers were an adventure at times.  Many of the headers did not seem to go exactly where they were intended, and the throw ins were not as accurate, but both teams were giving all they had.  It was win or your season is over.

May 8th, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustang freshman Alaina Snedden (7) flies into intercept a pass by ThunderRidge Grizzlies senior Maddie Shelton (25) in the CHSAA 5A Soccer Playoff game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

Both teams were going back and forth with a lot of scoring chances, but neither team could find the back of the net.  The teams went into half time tied 0-0.

May 8th, 2013: ThunderRidge Grizzlies senior goalkeeper Kristen Rossi (00) needs help tying her shoes from senior Maddie Shelton (25) in the CHSAA 5A Soccer Playoff game against Ralston Valley at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

It was more of the same in the second half.  But, right as the second half started, the rain stopped for a while, and never really came back too hard.  Which was nice, but it was still very cold.

May 8th, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustangs junior Shae Sellers (3) heads the ball in the CHSAA 5A Soccer Playoff game against ThunderRidge Grizzlies at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

The girls continued through the second half unable to net a goal either way.  So, for this game we were going to go into overtime.  In overtime, Ralston Valley had a breakaway down the field.  The ThunderRidge goalie came out to block the shot on goal.  The ball flew up the field a bit, and the RV player who shot the ball made some contact with the goalie, who flopped, and looked for the foul call.  As I said earlier, the official was not calling dives or flops.  While she looked for the call, a trailing Ralston Valley player had the ball drop right in front of her and she launched it into the back of the net for the game winning goal.  RV heads to Ft. Collins to play Saturday, ThunderRidges season is over.

May 8th, 2013: ThunderRidge Grizzlies sophomore Katie Desch (8) jumps over Ralston Valley Mustang sophomore Sam Bedenger (12) to head the ball in the CHSAA 5A Soccer Playoff game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

To view and purchase photos from this game, please visit MaxPreps

My first thought was a straight on shot.

I loved the sky, but this just did not do justice to what I was envisioning.  So I headed over to the corner of the concourse level.

I can just imagine the shot above with players on the pitch, stands full of fans, blue sky, green pitch.  So I think I have found it.  The first shot above is about 16 or 17 shots stitched together, this one is about 7 shots.

Now to the game.  This was the first time I had been to a Toronto game since the Blue Jays played the Mariners in the Kingdome over a decade ago when I sat in the row behind Toronto’s bullpen, talking to Randy Meyers who played little league with my brother way back before we first moved to Alaska (around 35 or 36 years ago!)  I knew nothing about the soccer team from north of the boarder.   I typically look at rosters right before the game to see if there are any names that stand out to me, and I come up with a plan of what I want to get.  No one really jumped out at me, so I decided that I would shot the Rapids the first half, and stay in that same location for the second half and get Toronto on offense.

May 4th, 2013 – Colorado Rapids midfielder Nick LaBrocca (2) uncorks a shot on goal in the first half of the MLS match between the Toronto FC and the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO

The clouds kind of rolled in a bit, so it was even, but dull light for most of the fist half.  The Rapids had a lot of great shots attempts but just could not convert in the fist half of play.

May 4th, 2013 – Colorado Rapids midfielder Brian Mullan (11) makes a quick move down the line with the ball in the first half of the MLS match between the Toronto FC and the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO

I was noticing a bit of focusing issues during the first half, and fought through them.  I think part of my problem is I got so use to shooting with my 1D cameras, I am use to how well and accurate they focus and the 7D is just not a 1D camera.  I need to spend more time watching the play unfold in front of me.  If I would have had a 1.4x TC I would try shooting with my 1D Mk II instead of my 7D and use the 7D for grab shots with a wider lens.

May 4th, 2013 – Toronto FC midfielder Luis Silva (11) attempts to clear the ball away from Colorado Rapids midfielder Shane O’Neill (27) in the MLS match between the Toronto FC and the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO

It seems like the AF was getting messed up on peak action.  I would lock focus and track it fine until the peak action took place.  Then it would jump focus.  This is what is making me think it is the difference between the 1D series and the 7D series.  45 focus points (more on the newer 1D’s) compared to 19 focus points makes a difference.  Granted, I do not use all 45 points, but the AF system is just so much more advanced on the 1D series.  Anyone want to drop me $3K for a 1D Mk IV?  Tell you what, you buy me a 1D Mark 4, and I would do a free portrait sitting with you for life.  One portrait shoot a year from now on.  Family photo?  Newborn through their wedding?  We can make it happen.  Ok, back to the game.

May 4th, 2013 – Toronto FC midfielder Matías Laba (20) attempts to keep Colorado Rapids defender Chris Klute (15) away from the ball in action during the MLS match between the Toronto FC and the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO

My corner was seeing a lot of action.  I was getting some pretty good shots when I grabbed focus.  So, after I headed up to the media room before halftime to download and transmit my photos to NewSport, I took a look at my 105mm filter on the front of my 120-300 lens.  It was filthy.  Had kind of a film on it.  So, I took it off for the second half, and my keeper rate did improve, but it still was not to the level I wanted.

May 4th, 2013 – Toronto FC midfielder Luis Silva (11) shows off some fancy ball handling in the first half of the MLS match between the Toronto FC and the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO

I was determined to get that great shot from this game though, and bellow was the start of what could have been a killer shot.  Silva had the ball and was grouped up on by the Rapid’s O’Neill and Sturgis.  As Sturgis came out with the ball, Silva got tangled up with O’Neill and took a convincing dive that would have been great, until another player closer to me walked right in front of me.  Dang it.

May 4th, 2013 – As Colorado Rapids midfielder Nathan Sturgis (24) breaks away with the ball, midfielder Nick LaBrocca (27) fouls Toronto FC midfielder Luis Silva (11) during the MLS match between the Toronto FC and the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO

Bellow was another shot I have been dying to grab.  A good ball on head shot, but, the 7D did not track it well (it was kind of a grab shot and I did not give the camera enough lead in to lock focus before the ball hit, but I did get it).

May 4th, 2013 – Toronto FC midfielder Darel Russell (16) heads the ball in the second half of the MLS match between the Toronto FC and the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO

The second half was not going good for either team until Toronto made a blunder that allowed Edson Buddle to score in the 86th minute for the winning goal.

May 4th, 2013 – Colorado Rapids midfielder Shane O’Neill (27) kicks the ball away from Toronto FC midfielder Reggie Lambe (19) in the second half of the MLS match between the Toronto FC and the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO

It was a great game, but I need a full stadium with perfect weather for the shot I want.  And I will get it.

All photos are available for media use only HERE.

May 3rd, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustangs senior midfielder Sierra Cymes (11) controls the ball in the Mustangs game against the Pomona Panthers at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

Being the last regular season game, seniors for both teams were recognized.  And it gave me hope for a great run next season for Ralston Valley.  They were graduating only one player, Sierra Cymes, pictured above, is the only player who will not return next season as she heads to college.  The future looks bright for Ralston Valley if they keep this group together.

May 3rd, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustangs sophomore midfielder Nicholle Knopp (11) and a Pomona Panthers player fight for control of the ball in their game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

This was the Mustangs game all the way.  Most of the first half the ball was all over in front of the Panthers goalie, narrowly missing the goal a couple times.  But Ralston Valley could not find the back of the net, carrying over their non-scoring streak from the game the day before.

May 3rd, 2013: A Pomona Panthers player chases after the ball in the game against the Ralston Valley Mustangs at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

In the second half though, things changed.  The Mustangs Shae Sellers (bellow), cleaned up a shot attempt for a goal of her own, and freshman forward Alaina Snedden added a goal to give the Ralston Valley girls a 2-0 lead over Pomona.

May 3rd, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustangs junior defender Shae Sellers (3) and a Pomona Panthers player chase after the ball in the game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

Pomona played a good game, but they just did not get the scoring chances that Ralston Valley was getting and they were unable to net any balls, giving the Mustangs their last win of the regular season.

May 3rd, 2013: A Ralston Valley Mustangs player and a Pomona Panthers player chase after the ball in the game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

This was a much better game than the day before.  Fans were into the game, players were having fun, but playing hard, even the officials were getting a workout and having a good time.  It was just a great game to close out the regular season.

May 3rd, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustangs junior defender Shae Sellers (3) takes a free kick in the game against the Pomona Panthers at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

Unfortunately for the Panthers, who fell to 3-9-2 for the season, it was another loss.  The Panthers seemed to be plagued by injuries for the season, and just could not match up one on one with the Mustangs, but it looked like there were quite a few seniors graduating for Pomona, so next years team should have a different look depending on who fills up the vacant varsity positions.

May 3rd, 2013: A Pomona Panthers players attempts to keep the ball away from Ralston Valley Mustangs junior defender Taylor Lawerence (6) in the game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

But one thing I thought was cool, was one of the seniors for Pomona, the captain of the team, had her arm in a cast.  But she was not going to miss her last high school game.  Especially not the last game against Ralston Valley.  She is pictured bellow with her arm wrapped in bubble wrap.  She was not a major impact, played a little in the first half, and closed out the game on the field, got a couple touches of the ball on defense, but that was about it.  But seeing her run around, and go after the ball, she showed that she just wanted to play the game.  Good luck to her and the other seniors in the future.

May 3rd, 2013: A Pomona Panthers senior captain was not going to let having her arm in a cast keep her from taking the field in her final game against the rival Ralston Valley Mustangs at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

To view and purchase photos from this game, please visit MaxPreps.

May 2nd, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustang junior defender Shae Sellers (3) handles the ball in the game against the D’Evelyn Jaguars at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

But my excitement to shoot D’Evelyn quickly faded.  During the National Anthem, with the fans all standing and being quiet, and the Ralston Valley team standing, facing the flag, the D’Evelyn team spent the entire anthem laughing, joking and talking.  I even heard their coach tell them to be quiet, but to no avail.  Please, show some respect.  Be quiet for the 2 or 3 minutes.  And then, during the game, I could not believe the amount of negative chatter coming from the fans, mainly D’Evelyn fans, but enough from the RV fans too that the Mustang’s coach asked the parents to not say anything if it was not positive.  Did not stop the D’Evelyn fans though.

May 2nd, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustang senior midfielder Sierra Cymes (11) and D’Evelyn Jaguars senior Kendall MacCagnan (19) battle for the ball in the game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

It was a game that was similar to the D’Evelyn game I had shot earlier in the season against Wheat Ridge, where the whole game, Wheat Ridge maintained control of the ball and the game, but D’Evelyn scored out of no where to win.  In this game, Ralston Valley had the clear advantage on the field.

May 2nd, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustang freshman midfielder Alyssa Kaiser (24) controls the ball in the game against the D’Evelyn Jaguars at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

It just appeared that D’Evelyn was going to have a tough time all game with the Mustangs, and Ralston Valley had a lot of opportunities to get on the board first, but they could not find the back of the net at all in the first half.

May 2nd, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustang freshman midfielder Alyssa Kaiser (24) attempts to get around D’Evelyn Jaguars senior Kerry Carmody in the game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

But the Mustangs also held the D’Evelyn Jaguars scoreless in the first half, so going into the second half, everything was even.  When the second half started, Ralston Valley kept up the pressure on the Jaguars.

May 2nd, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustang sophomore midfielder Nicholle Knopp (21) watches as the ball comes down in front of her in the game against the D’Evelyn Jaguars at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

However, again, out of nowhere, D’Evelyn found the back of the net to take a 2nd half 1-0 lead over the home team Mustangs.  The Mustangs came back with a few scoring chances, but were unable to tie the game up when D’Evelyn blasted another ball into the goal to take a 2-0 lead.

May 2nd, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustang junior midfielder Maddie Allensworth (5) watches as teammate Brenna Marinez (17), a junior midfielder/defender heads the ball in the game against the D’Evelyn Jaguars at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

Time was running out for the Mustangs.  But while they were struggling to find the goal, I was having a great game.  There was a lot of action taking place right in front of me.  I set up at midfield because the grass was just too saturated by the melting snow, and this gave me a good opportunity to catch both teams offenses and defenses, and potentially grab some good header shots, like the one above.

May 2nd, 2013: D’Evelyn Jaguars junior Emily Garnier (15) takes a free kick in the game against the Ralston Valley Mustangs at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

What drives me crazy is the fact that I can come out to NAAC for a soccer game, or over to any of the high schools for a baseball game, get some great sharp shots (it is real tough to weed the shoot down to the 250ish shots for MaxPreps), but then I go to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park for a Rapids game, and struggle with autofocus all game long.  I just don’t get it.

May 2nd, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustang freshman midfielder Alyssa Kaiser (24) and D’Evelyn Jaguars senior Olivia Hoffman (8) go after the ball in the game against the D’Evelyn Jaguars at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

But regardless, I really enjoy shooting Ralston Valley, it was too bad that they had to suffer a loss, but D’Evelyn did find the back of the goal where as the Mustangs just could not do it.

To view and purchase more photos from this game, please visit MaxPreps.

My view of ASD went way down when a new sports opportunity for girls was introduced a few years ago.  Flag Football.  The only reason this sport was added was because it was cheap.  At the time Alaska introduced Flag Football only one other state had it as an official sport, and they called it Powder Puff Football.  It disappointed me because flag football is not a sport any of the girls who play could potentially get a college scholarship for and continue their education as a college flag football player.  The NCAA does not offer Flag Football.  Instead, lacrosse could have been added.  There are many colleges with both boys and girls lacrosse teams, and it is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation.  Not only that, but it is a sport that could easily be played on any field at any high school, keeping AFS (is it still condemned?) free for football, and it is a sport that could easily be played in the Dome.  But another sport that ASD could have brought in instead of flag football was field hockey.  Another sport that the NCAA supports, like lacrosse, and it might actually be more beneficial to girls ice hockey than any other sport.  Getting the girls on the field for field hockey without all the ice hockey pads and skates could have potentially generated interest in girls ice hockey.  Alaska is a hockey state (Aces, Seawolves and Nanooks) and hockey, field hockey, and lacrosse give the girls that chance to continue playing in college and help with the cost of college with the potential for partial or full scholarships.  But, no.  Lets add flag football and then lets drop girls hockey because it is broken and we do not want to give the girls that want to play that opportunity.

Here in Colorado, where I moved last July, they do not have girls ice hockey yet, but they do offer girls lacrosse, field hockey, soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball, alpine skiing, and more.  No non-NCAA sports.  And some of the sports that do not have the large turn outs yet, they combine schools.  Similar to what ASD did with girls hockey, one school will have a hockey team (or a lacrosse team, gymnastics, or field hockey), and if your school does not offer that sport, you are able to try out for the team at the school closest to you with a team.  So a boy’s hockey team for one high school might actually have players from up to 6 schools on it.  Now, while Colorado has close to 50 high schools for every one high school in Alaska, this is still something ASD could consider for girls hockey.  ACS, Birchwood Christian, Eagle Academy, any of the small schools in the Anchorage/Eagle River area, could have been invited to participate.  Bartlett could have been combined with East and West.  Diamond could have been combined with Service and South.  The girls could still have their chance.

But by dropping high school hockey for girls, not only is ASD taking away the potential opportunities for the girls in the school district, more than likely, they will kill girl’s hockey for the Fairbanks teams and the Mat/Su teams.  Taking away 4 girls teams will make it pointless for Fairbanks to come down for one or two games against Valley teams, where they could have come down for 5 or 6 games.  Plus, the coaches that are out of jobs now, less games for officials, and less ice time needed at the different arenas.  Unfair to everyone except ASD.

And while the district may say that turn out has been down, I know of a lot of girls who never played hockey before going out for and making the team.  The opportunity was there, and they grabbed it, and had fun.  And now you take it away.

Now, if I was there in Alaska, I would team with the girls at CHS and ERHS to help them try to get hockey reinstated, but since I am in Colorado, there is little I can do.  One thing I can do is this.  I have photos from quite a few Chugiak and Eagle River sports photos from the last 9 years (Football, hockey, wrestling, volleyball, soccer, baseball, basketball up until the 2011/12 seasons) on my high school sports/youth sports web page at www.digital-eos.com.  I will donate a portion of all the sales from ALL Alaska High School sports purchased to Alaska High School Girls Hockey to help get them back on the ice.  This could be just a couple dollars to thousands.  It all depends on you.  The more you purchase, the more money I will donate to the girls to keep them playing.  So visit www.digital-eos.com today.

April 30th, 2013: Columbine Rebel junior Donny Ortiz (3) swings at a pitch in the game against the Ralston Valley Mustangs at Ralston Valley High School

The home team Mustangs jumped on the board first with 1st inning home runs by senior Daniel Skipper and junior Jacob Gallegos after holding Columbine scoreless in the top half of the inning.

April 30th, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustangs junior Jacob Gallegos (27) watches the ball sail over the fence for a home run in the game against the Columbine Rebels at Ralston Valley High School

Both teams could not cross a runner in the second inning, but Columbine took a 1 run lead in the top of the third inning but Ralston Valley came right back and tied the game up in the bottom half with one run.

April 30th, 2013: Columbine Rebel junior Donny Ortiz (3) puts the bat on the ball in the game against the Ralston Valley Mustangs at Ralston Valley High School

In the 4th inning, Columbine added 3 runs to take a 6 to 3 lead over the home team Mustangs and they held Ralston Valley scoreless for the next two innings.

April 30th, 2013: Columbine Rebel junior Austin Anderson (24) slaps at a strike in the game against the Ralston Valley Mustangs at Ralston Valley High School

With a 6 to 3 lead going into the 6th inning, it looked like Columbine was going to have no trouble capturing the win, and after the top half of the inning, the Rebels tacked on two more runs, leading by 5 runs going into the bottom half of the frame.

April 30th, 2013: Columbine Rebel senior Logan Smith (34) attempts to throw a runner out at first base in the game against the Ralston Valley Mustangs at Ralston Valley High School

It was going to take a massive offensive attack from Ralston Valley to catch up, but in the bottom of the 6th inning, they put on a scoring blitz, crossing the plate 4 times to come within 1 run of the visiting Columbine team.

April 30th, 2013: Columbine Rebel senior Logan Smith (34) slaps a bunt down the third base line in the game against the Ralston Valley Mustangs at Ralston Valley High School

In the top of the 7th inning, the Mustangs held Columbine scoreless, keeping their hopes alive to tie or win the game in the bottom half of the last inning.  The Rebels, however, had their own ideas, and kept the Mustangs from getting anyone home and captured the road win, 8-7.

April 30th, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustangs 6′-10″ senior pitcher Daniel Skipper (23) delivers a pitch in the game against the Columbine Rebels at Ralston Valley High School

The most impressive player for me was from Ralston Valley.  6 foot 10 inch senior Daniel Skipper.  He had a towering home run in the first inning, and while he gave up some late inning runs when he took the mound to pitch, once he settled in, he was a tough pitcher.  I can only imagine being a batter facing this 6′-10″ hurler.

April 30th, 2013: Columbine Rebel senior Logan Smith (34) attempts to throw a runner out at first base in the game against the Ralston Valley Mustangs at Ralston Valley High School

During the game it started to spit some rain, and the lighting was all over the place.  We had sun, overcast, backlight, side light, a very tough outing exposure-wise, but I made due, and came back with some decent images.

April 30th, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustangs junior Mitch Robinson (16) runs to third base after a ball reaches the outfield in the game against the Columbine Rebels at Ralston Valley High School

The ball field at Ralston Valley is nice too, with great views of the foothills, and most of Arvada.  A very pretty surrounding, much better than parking lots and roads.

April 30th, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustangs junior Jacob Knipp (5) connects with the ball in the game against the Columbine Rebels at Ralston Valley High School

To view and purchase photos from this game, please visit MaxPreps.

April 29th, 2013: Wheat Ridge Farmers senior defender Kayla Blosser (5) kicks the ball away from D’Evelyn Jaguars sophomore Taylor Hager (5) in the game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

For most of the first half it appeared that Wheat Ridge was in control of the game, spending most of the first half in front of the D’Evelyn goal.  In fact, while the ball was down on that end, I had a visitor come sit down next to me.

April 29th, 2013: A rabbit watches the soccer game between the Wheat Ridge Farmers and D’Evelyn Jaguars prior to running onto the field at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

This rabbit came out from under the bleachers and sat down next to me and watched the game for a couple minutes.  A lot of younger kids were getting all excited about the bunny.  But no sooner did it set down and get comfy…

April 29th, 2013: A rabbit sprints onto the the soccer field during the game between the Wheat Ridge Farmers and D’Evelyn Jaguars at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

it took off onto the field, ran into the Wheat Ridge goal, then ran to the other side of the field and hid under the other set of stands.  So exciting!  My first rabbit shoot!

April 29th, 2013: Wheat Ridge Farmers senior midfielder Macee Broer (10) passes the ball past the defense by D’Evelyn Jaguars senior Olivia Hoffman (8) in the game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

Wheat Ridge jumped on the score board first, but before the end of the half, D’Evelyn tied the game up.  Honestly, it was not looking good for D’Evelyn, and just out of the blue they scored.

April 29th, 2013: Wheat Ridge Farmers freshman forward Susan Whitney (11) outruns the D’Evelyn Jaguars defense after the ball in the game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

In the second half, Wheat Ridge kept the pressure up on D’Evelyn, but the Jaguars had stepped it up too.  Neither team was able to find the back of the goal in the 2nd half, so we went into overtime.  No more bunny sightings.

April 29th, 2013: Wheat Ridge Farmers freshman midfielder Frankee Broer (14) and D’Evelyn Jaguars freshman Aubrey Sotolongo (23) battle for control of the ball in the game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

This was my first time seeing either team, and I was really impressed with the play on both sides in the second half and in overtime.  A lot of physical play, but only one yellow card for a hard hit.  The refs, for the most part were letting the girls play soccer.

April 29th, 2013: Wheat Ridge Farmers senior midfielder Elise Boisnard (12) stiff arms D’Evelyn Jaguars senior Kendall MacCagnan (19) in the game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

When the clock ticked down to end overtime, we were still knotted up at one all, so we were heading into a second overtime frame.

April 29th, 2013: Wheat Ridge Farmers senior midfielder Elise Boisnard (12) fires a shot off past the defense by D’Evelyn Jaguars senior Kendall MacCagnan (19) in the game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

It continued to be a physical game, to the point that maybe the officials should have stepped in a little more than they did.  But they continued to play and let some physical play go.  Like an old basketball coach I had, “No blood, no foul”.  Wheat Ridge had plenty of chances to get that golden goal, but just could not capitalize on the openings.  Missed shots wide, or right at the Jaguar goalie just kept the game going.

April 29th, 2013: Wheat Ridge Farmers senior midfielder Macee Broer (10) breaks towards the goal past the fallen D’Evelyn Jaguars junior Emily Garnier (15) in the game at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

Even the 1st OT break away above by Wheat Ridge senior Macee Broer could not find the back of the net.  But then, out of the blue, from outside the box, D’Evelyn senior Madi Hall launched a shot past Wheat Ridge goalie, senior Carly Manahan to win the game.  D’Evelyn players dog piled on top of each other in celebration as the Wheat Ridge players fell to the ground, partially from exhaustion, mostly because of disappointment after dominating the game except for two, out of nowhere D’Evelyn goals.

April 29th, 2013: Wheat Ridge Farmers senior goalkeeper Carly Manahan (1) collapses to the grass after allowing the game winning goal past her in the game against the D’Evelyn Jaguars at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado

Now, something that I did not expect, and did not have a good angle to grab happened, and it happened twice.  I have seen video before, I have heard stories about it, but in all the soccer games I have photographed, i had never witnessed it.  During two throw ins at the other end of the field, a D’Evelyn player did a proper flip throw in.  I did get some shots of the second throw in, but these are a heavy crop that I turned into a small movie that you can see HERE.

To view and purchase photos from this game, please visit MaxPreps.

April 27th, 2013: Grandview Wolves sophomore Katie Sengenberger (5) makes a pass near the Ralston Valley Mustang’s goal in the game at Ralston Valley High School on Saturday morning in Arvada, Colorado

I got up to Ralston Valley High School, not knowing where the LAX field was.  I had a good idea, but with a track, softball field, baseball field, soccer field, tennis courts, and a utility/football field, I really had no idea where to go.  I saw some firemen doing group training on the track/football field, so I assumed this was not where I needed to be, and I knew the softball field was not going to be converted for LAX, but there is a field between the softball and baseball fields next to the tennis courts and I assumed this would be it.  But when I noticed no one walking that way I decided to drive to the upper back parking lot and I was glad I did.  The game was taking place on a field behind the baseball field that I was not sure was ever used.

April 27th, 2013: Grandview Wolves senior Taylor Arnold (10) receives a pass in the game at Ralston Valley High School on Saturday morning in Arvada, Colorado

There was a big net behind the goal on the school side of the field, and a large wall separating the field from the road and train tracks behind the school.  On the baseball field side, there was a hill where most of the parents were sitting on lawn chairs or standing around, and on the opposite side of the field was where the teams and scorekeeper were set up at.  I could see the school trainer, who I have gotten to know a little bit through basketball and hockey season, and decided that would be a good place to start trying to figure out what I was getting myself in to, so I walked over to where the Ralston Valley team bench was.

April 27th, 2013: Grandview Wolves senior Taylor Arnold (10) attempts to carry the ball past the defense by Ralston Valley Mustangs freshman Olivia Sandoval(28) in the game at Ralston Valley High School on Saturday morning in Arvada, Colorado

Like any sport with balls being thrown around, you need to keep yourself aware of your surroundings.  A lot of LAX balls being tossed around and I took one to the ankle, but it had rolled in the grass for about 10 yards, so it lost most of it’s momentum.  I started chatting with Lindsey, the RV trainer, and watching the girls warm up, trying to get a sense of what was going on.

April 27th, 2013: Grandview Wolves junior Alexis Petrarca (8) runs past the Ralston Valley Mustang defense with the ball in the game at Ralston Valley High School on Saturday morning in Arvada, Colorado

I knew in a way, lacrosse was kind of a cross between soccer and hockey, but quickly learned there is a little football, and basketball in it too.  I learned quickly about the multiple offsides zones, but I am still struggling on the inner and outer boxes around the goal.  I would assume these are similar to the two boxes in soccer, but not entirely sure.

April 27th, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustangs senior Bella Battistelli (23) looks to pass the ball after collecting it in the corner of the field in the game against the Grandview Mustangs at Ralston Valley High School on Saturday morning in Arvada, Colorado

I could not have asked for better weather either.  The sun was out, there was a little bit of a cool wind, but it was just lovely out, and with a 10am start, the sun was not too harsh.

April 27th, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustangs senior Jenny Adams (33) attempts to make a move with the ball past the defense by Grandview Wolves sophomore Katie Sengenberger (5) in the game at Ralston Valley High School on Saturday morning in Arvada, Colorado

It is a quick sport to shoot, and it can be difficult to follow the ball through the viewfinder.  My goal was to get nice close ups of the girls tossing the ball and catching the ball, but some of the cuts, and collisions were pretty nice to capture too.

April 27th, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustangs freshman Olivia Sandoval (28) launches a shot at the Grandview Wolves goal in the game at Ralston Valley High School on Saturday morning in Arvada, Colorado

Ralston Valley went up on Grandview early and took a 7-1 lead in the first half .  I know LAX games can be very high scoring, and the way the coaches were talking at halftime, I figured that even with a 6 goal lead, they were not confident that 6 goals was going to be enough.  I was starting to fall into a rhythm shooting, and was feeling pretty good about this sport that I had never shot before.

April 27th, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustangs junior Carly Lichty (29) drives into the zone to attack the Grandview Wolves goal in the game at Ralston Valley High School on Saturday morning in Arvada, Colorado

In the second half things went well for my shooting, and for the home team Mustangs.  I captured some good second half images, and the Mustangs out scored the visiting Wolves held Grandview to 3 goals and tacked on 8 more goals to win the game 15 to 4.

April 27th, 2013: Ralston Valley Mustangs junior Maddie Stanley (7) runs the ball up field past the defense by Grandview Wolves senior Serena Johnson (16) in the game at Ralston Valley High School on Saturday morning in Arvada, Colorado

I do not know if I will get a chance to shoot another LAX game this season.  Not every school has LAX, like hockey, but if I get a chance to hit RV for another game, I will.  To view and purchase photos from this game, please visit MaxPreps.