Category Archives: Fall Sports

Cross Country Runs Arizona

December 10, 2013 LT Media Leave a comment

Boys’ cross country packed their racing shoes and sandals in anticipation of balmy temperatures for the Nike Cross Regionals – Southwest in Gilbert, Ariz. Unfortunately, sweatpants replaced sandals with the uncooperative weather consisting of low 50s and buckets upon buckets of rain.

The team lineup included freshman Scott Johnson, sophomore Josh Miller, junior Zach Wood, junior Brayden Quinn, junior Dillon DeSalvo, and senior Zach Goering. The boys left for the meet early Friday morning, Nov. 22, and returned that Sunday, Nov. 24, a day after the competition.

Despite the end of the cross country season four weeks earlier, many runners still chose to run the postseason race. “I felt motivated to run for my coach,” sophomore Josh Miller said.

The race consisted of 1,128 male runners from Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico. The male racers were divided into four open groups and one championship level. The boys ran in the third open race.

While for some competitors the unusually frigid Ariz. weather exhibited an obstacle, the Legend boys, use to the chilling temperatures, still raced well with Miller even obtaining a personal best time of 17:55.88.

“The lower altitude made it easier to run since I felt refreshed. The lower altitude probably even contributed to my personal record time,” Miller said.

Besides training and competing, the boys still had time to hang out and chill in the hotel hot tub. “The highlight of my trip was just getting to spend time with my team,” Miller said.

Team is definitely a word the boys would use to define their cross country program. “We all run together and perform better because we are friends and a team,” Miller said.

For a video of the race check out http://usa.milesplit.com/meets/147232/videos?id=45222.

Fall Sports, Football, Sports

Legend vs Douglas County

November 6, 2013 LT Media Leave a comment

By Mason Albrechtson

Last week’s Varsity game– Legend vs. Douglas County– ended poorly for the Titans, with a final score of 64-34 Douglas County. Though the Legend offense speed did its job well and the field kickers made it tough for Douglas County, the season still ended for the Titans.

Junior Peyton Remy (6) was at the top with his pass yardage, totaling out at 368 yards, most of those coming from a 218-yard pass to senior E. Cherrington (10), a pass that was the highlight of the game. Senior Cody Dengal (87) was also an MVP, making some impressive runs and rushes with a total yard coverage of 135.

Legend Varsity will be back next year, and Douglas County will take on Fairview at 11 p.m. on Nov. 8.

Fall Sports, Softball, Sports

Playing the Field

October 25, 2013 LT Media Leave a comment

By Lindsay Baumgartner

Photo by Lindsay Baumgartner

magine you have been on fall break for a while. The leaves are changing and the weather is getting colder by the second. You decide to travel to the state softball tournament to cheer on your Lady Titans as they compete against some of the toughest teams in the state. The sun is beating down; you can smell sunflower seeds and hot dogs.

It’s the end of the first game and you are nervous for the softball girls. Grandview is up to bat. The girl swings at the magnificent pitch and lobs the ball to first base. And just as she starts running you see Liz Hersey standing with her foot on the base, softball in glove, smiling—victorious.

The Forum caught up with extremely busy senior, Liz Hersey, between softball games at the State tournament Oct. 19 at the Aurora Sports Complex. Hersey has been playing softball for over 10 years and has developed a very strong connection with her team and her coaches. “This year has been hard,” Hersey said, “Especially knowing that every bat I swing and every ball I catch could be the last one.”

And Hersey was right. The Legend girls’ softball team fought until the end and won second place in the tournament.

“My favorite memory so far is becoming co-league champions with Rock Canyon. And of course being able to compete at state,” said Hersey.

And although the softball season has ended, Liz Hersey isn’t done making her mark quite yet. “As well as playing softball, I also throw shot put and discus for track. The biggest difference is that softball is all about the team and track is about the individual.” Hersey said.

Hersey truly knows what it’s like to sacrifice to keep the future bright. “I have never had to choose between softball or track and school. But there are times that I have to skip hanging out with friends to keep up with my school work or practice. It’s all about give and take, and that’s why I am on track to becoming a valedictorian,” Hersey said.

Liz Hersey is proof that it is possible to play a sport and have a 4.0 GPA. “All you have to do is work hard and make your grades a priority, and then everything else will come,” said Hersey. For Hersey, the seven months she has left at Legend High School are inspiration to keep up her hard work and possibly get into her dream school—Baylor University in Texas.

All About Liz:

Favorite class- Psychology

Favorite book- “Hunger Games”

Favorite teacher- Mrs. Henderson

Favorite dessert- Oreo milkshake

Favorite color- Green

Favorite movie- “Silver Linings Playbook”

Favorite Disney character- Simba

Favorite season- summer

Favorite candy- Smarties

Favorite sports team- Denver Broncos

Fall Sports, Softball, Sports

Grand Slam: Softball Team is runner-up at state

October 25, 2013 LT Media Leave a comment

By Lindsay Baumgartner

The Legend High School girls’ softball team took second place at the state tournament held at Aurora Sports Park.

The Lady Titans faced Grandview in the first round of the tournament Saturday, Oct. 19, winning 13-8. Wet, snowy weather delayed the tournament’s start from Friday to Saturday.

With only a few minutes in between games, the team then took on their co-league champions, Rock Canyon. They won that game 6-1.

The following day, the girls were up bright and early, back at Aurora Sports Park to compete in the semi-finals, and soon after, the championship game. The Lady Titans first played Fossil Ridge and with some teamwork, wound up winning 9-4.

Their championship game had finally come. The Titans fought hard, but ended up losing to Legacy High School, 4-6.

“There were feelings of sadness when we lost the game, but also feeling of being so proud,” Coach Shelly Boyd said. “The team chemistry of this group of girls is indescribable. They worked hard all season, supported and encouraged each other, and showed the state of Colorado they are for real. The sadness comes from knowing that we have the talent to win that ball game and for my seniors they will not get that opportunity to show that again.”

Coach Boyd not only has feelings of sadness and pride for her team as a whole, but also in knowing that her seniors will be leaving next year.

“You never know what a year can bring, but speaking of the team I have right now, we are going to be losing five amazing seniors who brought leadership and passion to our team and that will be hard to replace,” Boyd said. “We had a season in which everyone liked each other and we were able to put all of our focus on our goals as individuals and as a team.”

Cross Country, Fall Sports, Sports

Liggett to Compete in State Cross-Country Meet

October 25, 2013 LT Media Leave a comment

Sophomore Catherine Liggett fights heer way to the front of the pack at the start of the Arapahoe Warrior Invitational Aug. 30. Photo courtesy of Sherry Rast

By Rachel Pearson

Catherine Liggett set a new personal and school record for Girls’ Cross Country Saturday when she placed eighth at the Regionals Meet. Being the only runner from Legend to move on to the State meet, she will represent the school when she runs on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the State meet in Colorado Springs.

“It’s going to be a lot different to not have my teammates with me at the start line on Saturday,” Liggett said. “It’s nerve wrecking to know I will be competing without them.”

Despite not being able to take the rest of her team with her, she knows they will support her as she runs for the State meet.

“Even though they didn’t need to, they still came out to practice with me and push me to run my hardest,” Liggett said.

Making it to State has been this season’s goal for Liggett. When she realized that she was one of the top 15 runners to move on to State, she felt a great sense of relief.

“It was reassuring to know all the preseason and season’s hard work had paid off.” Liggett said. “The whole season’s work and preparation relied on that one race.”

But just being in the State meet will not be enough for Liggett. She hopes to do well enough so that she reflects the name of Legend.

“I want to represent my team, my school, and my family,” Liggett said. “I want to get Legend’s name out there and make it school people know about.”

Liggett realizes that her success is not solely through her work. She finds motivation through other’s doubts.

“When others say you can’t run a certain time or get a specific place, your only reaction should be to turn around and say ‘watch me’,” Liggett said.

Fall Sports, Sports, Volleyball

Legend vs. Chaparral Volleyball Game

October 25, 2013 LT Media Leave a comment

Senior Kennedy Haupt goes for a spike against the Chaparral blockers. The rivals faced off Oct. 15 in the Coliseum and Legend beat the Lady Wolverines in four games. Photo by Becca Garbrick

By Emma Jones

Even though it was Fall Break, the Coliseum filled up for the Legend vs. Chaparral volleyball game on Oct. 15. The fans did not go home disappointed as Legend beat their crosstown rivals in four sets.

Starting the game, each senior Lady Titan was recognized on Senior Night. Regardless of being rivals, the ladies displayed sportsmanship and class, by supporting the Chaparral senior girls by giving them each a flower.

Watching the varsity girls warm up, there was a feeling in the air that the Ladies would finally beat Chaparral, a tough team to beat since they won state both 2010 and 2011.

The Coliseum Crazies stood in silence as they waited for the first five points. As soon as the Titans hit the first five, the stands went wild. Winning the first set at 29-27, the girls had to win three sets to finally beat our rivals.

After a strong start the ladies continued to play hard, winning the second set 25-23. The only victory for Chaparral was the third set, at a close score of 18-25.

Keeping their heads held high, the Lady Titans continued to power through in the fourth set of the night. The last set was even more intense than the rest. Knowing if the ladies won, they would be beating their rivals. And the ladies dominated, taking the win at 25-21.

“At first there were quite a bit of nerves, but once everyone got settled in, we played our game,” said senior Meg Householder.

Sophomore Laura Williems and senior Nikki Kennedy lead the charts with 10 kills each. Senior Kenzie Busick, junior Sophie Brennan, and sophomore Kasie Gilfert each served up an ace. And defending the net senior Nikki Kennedy had eight total blocks.

The Crazies went wild, filling the Coliseum with cheers.

“It felt really good, and it showed what we are capable of,” junior Maille Pierce said. “We were all really excited for the win.”

“Beating a rival team, it’s a feeling I have never felt before. Knowing we have worked so hard to get somewhere over the years and we finally did,” sophomore Hannah Martellaro said.

“It was the most amazing feeling in the world. I also beat them when I played on JV, but those two games were totally different. I can’t even explain how I felt I had so many emotions going through me. And all I knew is I was so proud of my team and everything we have done to earn that. And there isn’t anybody else I would rather share it with,” senior Amy Daubenspeck said.

The Lady Titans hard work and team spirit has really paid off, helping them earn a win against our biggest rival school. Come support the ladies this weekend for their tournament at Legend.

Boys Soccer, Fall Sports, Sports

Kicking It In Different Places

October 25, 2013 LT Media Leave a comment

The varsity soccer team lines up for the pledge at the start of the Sept. 26 homecoming game. The lost to Mountain Vista, 1-0.

By Aubree Clark

The boys varsity soccer left for St. Louis for the last games as a team this season. They left on Oct. 2 and came back Oct. 6, playing three games against the top national teams.

“The games didn’t go as well as we hoped, but we got to see what the top national teams look like so that was good for us. It was good for the boys to see that,” head coach Jordan Ivey said.

This trip was different for Ivey as now a head coach. “It was a little different as a head coach than just an assistant. As a head coach you don’t realize how much planning and worrying is put into it. The boys were really good though, we didn’t have any issues,” Ivey said.

Although the games didn’t go as planned, everyone had a lot of fun. “My highlight was the Fifa tournament that was held in my room and also Armando soaking coach Walsh’s shoes in the bathtub,” senior Eric Smith said.

Sophomore Brian Waite also agreed. “I also really enjoyed the Fifa tournament we had on the last night since I was the champion and beat both Coach Ivey and Coach Walsh,” Waite said.

“The whole trip would be my highlight. It was great to watch the team come together. There were no cliques; they just all became brothers. It was a good team bonding experience,” Ivey said.

The varsity team ended the season with a 3-8 league record. The team is losing eight seniors, but they are ready to come back next year with a new team and new opportunities.

Fall Sports, Football, Sports

Banner Chasers

October 25, 2013 LT Media Leave a comment

By Caleb Friginal

Tonight the Titans will take the field with a chance to secure the first football league championship in school history. Legend will travel down to Castle Rock to take on the 3-5 Castle View Sabercats.

The Titans will be lead by junior quarterback Peyton Remy, who leads the state in touchdown passes with 24 on the season. Remy is also second in the state in passing yards with 1,896.

According to InsiderRecruit Remy has gained interest from many division one schools which include Utah, BYU, Air Force, Boise State, Colorado, Wyoming, and Colorado State.

Senior wide receivers Elijah Cherrington and Cody Dengal are both having huge seasons catching passes. Dengal has racked up 32 receptions for 657 yards and nine touchdowns. Cherrington has caught 30 passes for 578 yards and eight touchdowns. Both are in the top three in receiving in the Pioneer League.

Legend will be up against a team that really likes to run the ball. The Sabercats average 144 yards on the ground per game, and are led by junior running back Erik Taylor, who averages just under 70 yards per contest.

The key for Castle View in this game will be stopping the explosive and exciting offense that the Titans present. Legend averages 36.8 points per game which is ten points higher than the national average.

If the Titans are able to pull out the victory tonight, they will be the new Pioneer League Champions. With a current 6-2 record, Legend is also looking at a top seed in the Colorado 5A State Playoffs.

This has been a breakout season for the Legend football program as before this season the Titan hadn’t posted over a .500 record. It will be a huge step forward if the Titans are able to advance deep into the playoffs.

Boys Golf, Sports

Out With a Bang

October 25, 2013 LT Media Leave a comment

Senior Beau Hombach takes a look at a putt at the Pride of Parker tournament on Sept. 27. Photo by Bethany Eveleth.

An athlete’s goal is always to win, but most importantly to win at the end of the season– leaving that year’s season behind with a bang, not a fizzle. And, boys’ golf did just that by winning their final tournament of the year, Pride of Parker, against rivals Ponderosa and Chaparral.

They played the Pride of Parker tournament at Spring Valley in Elizabeth on Sept. 28. The tournament started early that morning, with a shotgun tee off at 7:13. The players met early that Friday morning in the mist and fog of a cold fall day.

Even though that morning represented the many fall days to come for other fall sports, it was the last of the fall days these Titans would be playing. Golf often starts before school does and ends before all of the other fall sports. But does that mean that golfers spend less time playing, practicing, and working?

“I practice about 28 hours a week. Especially in the summer,” said varsity captain, senior Beau Hombach. “And that’s not including actually going out and playing. That’s just range time.”

A typical round of golf is 18 holes, which takes about five hours to play. Golfers spend countless hours on the course, hoping to shed a stroke or two off their score.

“It’s the most mentally demanding sport you’ll ever play,” said Hombach. “And it looks really easy until you actually pick up a club and try it.”

This year proved to be especially successful for Titan golf.

“We had some of our best place finishes this year. [We had] three sixth place [tournament] finishes, [whereas] in previous years we only had one sixth place finish,” said golf coach and English teacher Jay Nelson. “We finished sixth at regionals, which was also our highest ever.”

Even though the small team didn’t have any players qualify for state this season, Nelson has high hopes for the team.

“We’re looking forward to the future,” Nelson said. “We’re only losing two of twelve [players]. I’m thinking we’re going to be top five.”

One of the two seniors leaving Legend’s golf family is Hombach. The senior has been playing golf for three years.

“I never really took it seriously until sophomore year because I realized I have a talent for it,” Hombach said. “I’ve always loved the sport.”

Hombach plans to play college golf and would like to get a PGA tour card, but he knows it’s a long road, and simply says: “Golf is a rollercoaster.”

This is a roller coaster, however, that will be on the uphill for several years to come.

“I’m excited to hear about [my teammates] in a few years when they’re all seniors and playing really well,” said Hombach.

Boys Tennis, Fall Sports, Sports

Titans Reach State Tennis Tournament

October 25, 2013 LT Media Leave a comment

By Laura Babb

In any sport participating and making it to state is the goal of many athletes and high school sports teams. Making it to state requires hard work throughout the season and dedication to your sport.

On Oct. 10, 11 and 12 two tennis players, junior Michael Maxwell and sophomore Monroe Porter, represented Legend at the State Tournament after competing in Regionals. Both finished in the top five, with Porter placing fourth and Maxwell placing fifth. As a team, they finished 11th of 20 high schools.

Maxwell’s favorite memory from State was “winning my first match because I was nervous being at state.”

“Overall I felt I played descent. I had a really good season,” Maxwell said.