2A District 7 Baseball Tournament

NJC auto show happens this weekend

***Press Release***

Darrien Allison to reign as queen of the event

By Barbara Baker

Members of the Northeastern Junior College Auto Techs Club have been busy for weeks now pulling together the annual Auto Show which will take place this weekend, April 5 and 6 at the college’s North Campus. The entries have been collected, the shop is being cleaned out and ready for move-in and the queen has been crowned.

This year’s royalty honors go Darrien Allison, a freshmen elementary education major from Flagler, CO who was chosen by the club to wear this year’s sash and crown. Allison, who says her only other experience as a queen was being a prom queen, is excited about her role in this year’s event. She will be at the show to greet the crowd and will be helping hand out trophies on Sunday at 3 p.m. during the awards presentation.

“I’m really excited about just seeing the people who come to the event,” Allison said. “My grandpa who lives in Arizona has always done some of this kind of thing, taking old cars and restoring them and showing them at shows. I am just amazed at how beautiful they are and how detailed the craftsmanship is to make them back how they were.”  This year’s queen, who prefers to just be called “D”, was encouraged by some of the Auto Techs Club members to apply to be the queen this year.  Since coming to Northeastern, she’s been active in the theatre department’s improve group and she has a role in this weekend’s college play, Almost, Maine which will be performed on April 4, 5 and 6^th at the Dorothy J. Corsberg Theatre in E.S. French Hall.  She was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Chapter honor society on campus this past Sunday evening. D plans to continue her education at University of Northern Colorado when she is done at Northeastern.

The Auto Show will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning and will continue until 9 p.m., reopening again on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. and closing at 3 p.m. with an awards presentation at 3 on Sunday.  Cost of the event is $3 for adults and $1 for children age 12 and under.

This year’s show, which happens at 318 Hagen Street on the college’s North Campus will also feature a model car show and a toy show which is being put on by the college’s Diesel Power Club. The Diesel Power Club will also be running concessions at the dual shows. Unlike past year’s, this year the students sought out some sponsors for the event. S and S Auto, Wolf Auto and EB Autos all put some resources toward the event and are helping finance this long-running event.  

Spectators should expect to see some beautiful vintage cars as well as some brand new models. There will be classics, street rods, hot rods. Every year there tends to be something that hasn't been on display before. Those who attend are asked to vote for the car they think should win and a People’s Choice Award is presented at the end of the event.

An NJC baseball game will be taking place on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons when the Plainsmen take on Otero Junior College. Plainsman Park where the field is located is adjacent to the automotive technology building where the auto show happens.  With play productions taking place on the main campus at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings, April 4 and 5^th and a matinee at 3 p.m. on Sunday and the auto show and baseball happening out on Pioneer Road, there’s no reason why you shouldn't come in contact with Northeastern and its students sometime this weekend during all of these events that are open to the public.

Sterling Xpress to Play First Mountain Collegiate Baseball League Game May 30th

***Press Release***


January 22, 2014. Sterling, Colorado. The local Mountain Collegiate Baseball League (MCBL) steering committee announces that the Sterling Xpress will play its inaugural home game at Northeastern Junior College (NJC) Plainsman Field on May 30, 2014. Sterling Xpress joins the Casper (Wyo.) Cutthroats, the Cheyenne (Wyo.) Grizzlies, and the Northern Colorado (Johnstown) Toros for the 2014 MCBL season. Games will be played through June and July with an average of 24 home games and 24 away games, plus exhibition games.

The MCBL is a summer collegiate baseball league with teams in Colorado and Wyoming. Each team features top collegiate baseball players from around the country – many who will go on to careers in professional baseball. Teams are operated on a for-profit basis like a professional minor league baseball team, providing players an opportunity to play under professional conditions: using wooden bats and playing before fans and pro scouts in quality facilities.

The team ownership consists of Tom Kiel, John McKnight, Levi Williamson, and Alex Wright. The owners have named Bryan Shepherd, NJC Plainsman Baseball Coach, as the Xpress General Manager. Player recruiting is underway and the team roster will be announced this spring. Players will be housed by local families during the summer season.

The Sterling Xpress owners are coordinating field improvement plans with NJC and are funding the addition of field lights that will be installed this spring. This major improvement kicks off future plans of developing a sports complex on the Plainsman Field site for all levels of community-wide sports activities.

A media event will be scheduled soon to announce the team’s logo, ticket information and game schedule.

For more information, contact Marilee Johnson, Tourist Information Center, at (970) 522-8962 or sterling@kci.net.

Sterling MCBL Expansion Team Continues to Progress

***Press Release***

June 11, 2013. Sterling, Colorado.    As plans for a Sterling expansion team with the Mountain Collegiate Baseball League (MCBL) for the 2014 baseball season move forward, the 2013 season is currently underway by the league.

            Teams within the league this summer include the Casper (Wyo.) Cutthroats, the Cheyenne (Wyo.) Grizzlies, the Colorado Springs Blue Sox and the Northern Colorado (Johnstown) Toros.  Games are played through June and July with an average of 24 home games and 24 away games, plus exhibition games. Championship playoffs are scheduled for Aug. 1-3 at a location to be determined later.

            With the recent start of their season, the MCBL teams have expressed enthusiasm “for exciting home games” and “new competition to compete against.”

            The local steering committee for the Sterling team believes the opportunity for an expansion team here would provide significant economic development contributions to the community from visiting teams and their fans shopping, eating and spending the night here. Future plans involve the development of a sports complex on the Plainsmen Field site with partnerships between Northeastern Junior College, the City of Sterling and other athletic organizations.

            “The local steering committee continues to work on the details for the Sterling expansion team next summer,” said Laurie Jones, Logan County Economic Development Corporation. “The committee members are excited to help bring this opportunity to Sterling and look forward to the first pitch of the 2014 season.”

            For more information, contact Tourist Information Center Coordinator Marilee Johnson at 970-522-8962 or sterling@kci.net.          

Sterling Recreation Division holding Rockies Baseball Skills Challenge June 15

The City of Sterling Recreation Division will host the Rockies Baseball Skills Challenge on Saturday, June 15.  The challenge is free and open to boys and girls ages 6-13 (as of December 31, 2013).

Age classifications are as follows:

• 6-7 year olds
• 8-9 year olds
• 10-11 year olds
• 12-13 year olds

Boys and girls will have separate divisions.  The Rockies Skills Challenge will be held at Tiger Field at Sterling High School.

Registration forms are available in advance at the Sterling Recreation Center, 808 Elm Street in Sterling, Pro Sports at 119 N. 3rd in Sterling, or participants can register the morning of the competition between 9:30 and 10am.

Rockies Baseball Skills Challenge is a baseball competition that allows youngsters to showcase their talents in base running, batting, and throwing, with scores based on speed, distance, and accuracy.

Top scorers from each age group advance to a sectional competition, and top scorers from the sectional competition advance to the State Championship August 10 in Lakewood.

For more information, or to receive registration information, please call the Sterling Recreation Division Office at 522-7882 Monday-Friday.

Sterling awarded Mountain Collegiate Baseball League franchise - seeking sponsorhips

***Press Release***

            With the recent announcement by the Mountain Collegiate Baseball League (MCBL) regarding the unanimous award of a franchise to Sterling, a local steering committee spearheaded by the Logan County Economic Development Corporation has been seeking input from the community. Committee members are encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive feedback received.

            The committee has until Feb. 15 to make a final decision as to whether or not a Sterling team would be able to enter the league by this summer’s baseball season. There is a potential owner/owner group currently forming and, with support from Northeastern Junior College, evening games would be played at Plainsmen Field.

            However, the addition of lights to the field - at an estimated cost of $156,000 for the erection of lights and poles - is necessary to complete the franchise development. The steering committee is actively pursuing funding for this. Sponsorships for $26,000 are being sought for the six new light poles at the field. Sponsors will receive naming rights for their pole.

            “This is not only a good economic opportunity for Logan County and the City of Sterling, but it’s a great way to connect with the youth of the community through free camps and training sessions put on by the MCBL players,” said Bryan Shepherd, NJC head baseball coach, and potential manager for Sterling’s MCBL team. “This league showcases players who often move on to careers in professional baseball, putting Sterling on the map as where they started their career.”

            The MCBL is a summer collegiate baseball league with teams in Colorado and Wyoming. Each team features top collegiate baseball players from around the country – many who will go on to careers in professional baseball. Teams are operated on a for-profit basis like a professional minor league baseball team, providing players an opportunity to play under professional conditions: using wooden bats and playing before numerous fans and pro scouts in quality facilities. The eight-week schedule includes 24 home games and 24 away games, plus exhibition games. Generally, each team’s general manager will work to find each player on their team a local host family to provide them accommodations in a safe, comfortable family environment at no charge.

            The local steering committee believes the opportunity for an expansion team in Sterling would provide significant economic development contributions to the community from visiting teams and their fans shopping, eating and spending the night here. Future plans involve the development of a sports complex on the Plainsmen Field site with partnerships between Northeastern Junior College, the City of Sterling and local school districts.

            According to Karl Holden, MCBL Commissioner, “I am very excited and proud to have the opportunity to bring a Mountain Collegiate Baseball League team to the Sterling and Logan County community. This league caliber of baseball will provide fun and affordable family entertainment to your community.

“Many people do not realize that just about every Major League Baseball player who has played in the NCAA has played in a summer collegiate league,” Holden said. “Kirk Nieuwenhuis of New York Mets and Stephen Vogt of Tampa Bay Rays have both played in our league on the Fort Collins Foxes from Azusa Pacific University in California. Many of the host families may have the opportunity to have a future major league player stay with them.”

Holden noted, “MCBL teams often will hold youth baseball camps to work with kids throughout the summer to teach baseball skills. The players come from around the nation to play baseball in your community. The Sterling community can expect family members and friends to come watch players throughout the season. The Sterling team will also be able to place local kids with NCAA eligibility on the team.

“MCBL teams also have the opportunity to get involved with community activities,” Holden added. “One of the things I enjoy every year is to see kids in local communities being inspired by MCBL players. If the Sterling and Logan County community embraces and supports this team, it will be successful for years to come.”

Along with Sterling, approval was also given to Eagle/Vail for a MCBL franchise team. Existing teams include the Casper (Wyo.) Cutthroats, the Cheyenne (Wyo.) Grizzlies, the Fort Collins Foxes, the Colorado Springs Blue Sox, the Colorado (Golden) Bobcats and the Northern Colorado (Johnstown) Toros.

For more information, contact Laurie Jones, assistant, Logan County Economic Development Corporation, at 970-521-7196 or assistant@sterling-logan.com.

Rockies Baseball Skills Challenge June 16 in Sterling

The City of Sterling, Recreation Division, is hosting the Rockies Baseball Skills Challenge on Saturday, June 16.  The Challenge will be held at the S.B.O. Complex - Legion Field, which is located north of the Sterling High School.  The competition begins at 10am.  Pre-registration begins at 9:30am.

The competition is free and open to boys and girls ages 6 through 13.  Registration forms are available in advance at the Sterling Recreation Center, 808 Elm St., Pro Sports at 119 N. 3rd, or participants can register the morning of the competition from 9:30-10am.

The Rockies Baseball Skills Challenge is a baseball competition that allows youngsters to showcase their talents in batting, throwing, and base running.  Scores are based on distance, accuracy, and speed.  Participants may participate in rubber/molded cleats or tennis shoes.

The top finishers from each age group advance to the Sectional competition in July.  Sectional winners may advance to the State Championship held in August at Coors Field.

For more information or to receive the registration information, please call Dennis or Sue at the Recreation Division Office at 522-7882 between 8am and 5pm Monday-Friday.

Participants will register for one of the following age classifications (age as of 12/31/12)
*6-7 year olds
*8-9 year olds
*10-11 year olds
*12-13 year olds

NJC’s Reno awarded Jake Clifton Scholarship

***Press Release***

Denver pitcher gets first ever memorial award

During its year-end athletic awards night, Northeastern Junior College recognized a number of athletes for their exceptional performance this past year in men’s soccer, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s softball and men’s baseball. Among the awards presented was the Jake Clifton Scholarship Award.

Jake Clifton was a left handed pitcher who was a stand-out at Pueblo County High School. He had signed and planned to play baseball at Northeastern beginning the fall of 2011.  However, just weeks before he was to begin his college playing career, he tragically drowned.  Not only was this a huge loss to his family, but it was equally devastating for NJC.  Jake had significant potential to make his mark in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Division I, Region IX. In addition to being a talented pitcher, he was a student of high character, knew how to work hard and showed a  toughness both on and off the field.  In his honor, members of the NJC team wore his initials on their caps and dedicated their season to him. It was a pretty good season, ending one loss away from a trip to the national tournament.

In Jake’s  memory, his family established a scholarship at the college in his name. It will be awarded annually to a returning sophomore player that exhibits Jake’s  same characteristics.  The recipient of this inaugural memorial scholarship is Ryan Reno, a left-handed pitcher from Denver, CO.   Reno is studying firefighting at Northeastern.

Another significant scholarship in Jake’s name is being awarded each year in Pueblo through an Evolution Baseball program which operates in that part of the state for players ages 8-18. Bob Norris of T-Cross Ranch of Colorado Springs,  a friend of the family, established The Jake Clifton T Cross Memorial Scholarship shortly after the player’s death. Jake Clifton had attended Mesa Ridge High School in Colorado Springs for two years before his family moved to Pueblo. He had been a very accomplished athlete in Colorado Springs  and had played baseball, basketball and football for Pueblo County High School as a junior and senior.

Rockies Baseball Skills Challenge June 11

***City of Sterling Press Release***

The City of Sterling, Recreation Division, is hosting the Rockies Baseball Skills Challenge on Saturday June 11th. The Challenge will be held at the S.B.O. Complex - Legion Field, which is located north of the Sterling High School. The competition begins at 10am. Pre-registration begins at 9:30am.

The competition is free and open to boys and girls, ages 6 through 13. Registration forms are available in advance at the Sterling Recreation Center at 808 Elm Street, Pro Sports at 119 N. 3rd, or participants can register the morning of the competition from 9:30-10am.

The Rockies Baseball Skills Challenge is a baseball competition that allows youngsters to showcase their talents in batting, throwing, and base running. Scores are based on distance, accuracy, and speed. Participants may participate in rubber/molded cleats or tennis shoes.

Top finishers from each age group advance to the Sectional competition in July. Sectional winners may advance to the State Championship held in August at Coors Field.

For additional information call the Sterling Recreation Center at 522-7882.

Participants can register for one of the following age classifications:
6-7 year olds
8-9 year olds
10-11 year olds
12-13 year olds
*(Participants age as of 12/31/11)

2A District 7 Baseball Tournament

May 6/7 @ Yuma High School

Friday Schedule
#1 Holyoke - bye
#4 Akron vs. #5 Sedgwick County @ 12pm
#3 Wray vs. #6 Burlington @ 2:30pm
#2 Yuma vs. #7 Wiggins @ 5pm

Saturday Schedule
Semifinal 1 @ 11am
#1 Holyoke vs. #4 Akron/#5 Sedgwick County
Semifinal 2 @ 1:30pm
#3 Wray/#6 Burlington vs. #2 Yuma/#7 Wiggins

Championship Game @ 4pm

Top 2 teams advance to regionals May 14

Fort Morgan Falls to Sterling in 5 Innings

Matt Godo had the lone Mustang hit as Fort Morgan fell to Sterling 10-0 in five innings in Tri-Valley play on Wednesday. Sterling starting pitcher Josiah Lindstadt went all five innings, striking out 4, walking 3, and stranding all 5 Mustang baserunners for the win.

Fort Morgan starting pitcher David Garcia had a 1,2,3 first inning, but struggled after that, allowing 5 runs in the 2nd inning, and 3 runs in the third before being replaced by Michael Fitzsimmons. Garcia would take the loss for Fort Morgan In his lone inning of work Fitzsimmons allowed 2 runs. The Mustangs committed 3 errors defensively, while the Tigers had 2 errors.

Leading the way for Sterling was Brenden Diaz, who had 4 runs driven in, 2 runs scored on two hits. Brayden Guenzi also drove in two runs for Sterling.

Fort Morgan (10-2 overall, 5-2 in Tri-Valley play) will host Sterling (6-4 overall, 2-4 in Tri-Valley play) for a 4pm affair on Thursday.

Pitching

FM – David Garcia (L) 8R (5ER), 6H, 4K, 2BB, 1BK, 3IP
FM – Michael Fitzsimmons 2R (2ER), 3H, 1IP
Sterling – Josiah Lindstadt (W) 0R, 1H, 4K, 3BB, 1BK, 5IP

Batting

Fort Morgan

Nick Garver 0-3, K
Matt Godo 1-3
Michael Fitzsimmons 0-2 (reached on error)
Aaron Anderson 2BB
Tim Gettman 0-2, K
David Garcia 0-2 K
Cole Frisbie 0-1, BB
Trent Ruder 0-2
David Mendez 0-2, K

Sterling

Reed Wolfley 1-3, RBI, 2K
Larry Pancetta 0-2, SAC
Jake Baker 2-3, RBI, R
Wyatt Nelson 1-3 (reached on error)
Courtesy Runner Jay Kiel 2R, SB
Luke Englehaupt 1-1, 2BB, 2R, RBI, SB, 2B
Brenden Diaz 2-2, SAC, 4RBI, 2R, 2B
Jordan Suter 0-2, K, R (reached on error)
Lucas Lindgren 0-1, BB, R
Brayden Guenzi 2-2, RBI, R

2 days in: thoughts on the Rockies

1) The defense is good...really good
2) This team looks like it can play both ways, ie close low scoring or outscore you (even though they lost game 1)
3) Did I mention the defense is good?
4) 2 starters with finger issues in 2 games is not a good trend...lotion sponsorship opportunity?
5) Huston Street still scares me,  but I went through the Brian Fuentes era so I'm prepared
6) The defense is good
7) Can we give Betancourt some Red Bull before he goes out?  I understand controlling the tempo on the mound, but this is a bit much.
8) Tulo will hit...hopefully soon
9) Netta's new approach looks good; I credit the pornstache
10) Finally, the defense is good