[New post] Eaton’s trio of defending fall sports state champions prepare for title defenses under unusual circumstances
Bobby Fernandez posted: "Eaton volleyball teams coached by Gwen Forster are no stranger to the feeling of entering a season as the defending state champion, with a big, prominent target on their back. They're done just that six other times in the past 10 years. But that gen"
Eaton volleyball teams coached by Gwen Forster are no stranger to the feeling of entering a season as the defending state champion, with a big, prominent target on their back.
They're done just that six other times in the past 10 years.
But that general feeling is about the only thing familiar about the circumstances in which the Reds are beginning this fall's season.
For starters, they're facing the unusual circumstance of defending their state title just three months after securing it. Eaton played volleyball this past spring, rather than this past fall, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, because of ongoing construction on a new Eaton high school building, the Reds are beginning their title defense before their players even return to school on Sept. 7. And, they're having to practice outside of the familiar confines of their normal home venue.
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - MAY 13:Eaton's Ainslie Ross (5) attacks past Sterling's Kaylee Johnson (13) during the Eaton Reds 3A girls volleyball state final match against the Sterling Tigers at The Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs May 13, 2021. The Eaton Reds defeated the Sterling Tigers 3-1 to claim the 3A girls volleyball state title. (Alex McIntyre/Staff Photographer)
And, even though Eaton's two other fall season defending state champions — the football team and softball team — had a bit more time to prepare for this season's title defenses, they, like the volleyball team, are also having to make adjustments because of the on-campus construction.
A year ago, the Reds football team had to compete in a severely shortened season after months of not even knowing if, and when, it would even have a season.
The season began for Eaton on Oct. 9 — nearly two months later than normal. It ended with the Reds capping a 7-2 season with a 28-21 win in the Class 2A title game over Lamar on Dec. 4 at the Neta and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl on the Colorado State University-Pueblo campus.
"I wish I could say (this season) was going to be more normal," Eaton football coach Zac Lemon said. "Now, we may not have to deal with COVID (protocols), but we do have to deal with construction. Players aren't back in school. So, it feels like summertime football for them. And, we don't have a practice field."
PUEBLO, CO - DECEMBER 04:Lamar's Blake Buxton (15) makes a catch before he is brought down by Eaton's Dirk Duncan (44) during the Eaton Reds game against the Lamar Savages in the CHSAA Class 2A State Football Championship at Neta and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl at Colorado State University-Pueblo in Pueblo Dec. 4, 2020. The Reds defeated the Savages 28-21 to claim the 2A state title. (Alex McIntyre/Staff Photographer)
Because of the construction, Lemon's squad is having to practice in the outfield of the school's baseball park.
The Reds secured their second football title in program history, their first since 2000, this past season.
While the football team adjusts to practicing on a baseball field, the volleyball team was able to begin practicing in the high school Wednesday. But, rather than practicing in their main gym as they normally would, the Reds are limited to conducting all practices — varsity and sub-varsity — in their auxiliary gym.
Furthermore, Eaton has had a bit less time than normal to physically and mentally prepare for its title defense after wrapping up its previous season May 13 rather than in November — as it would have if this past season took place in the fall like normal.
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - MAY 13:Eaton's Ahana Leffler (1) attacks as University's Taylor Viken (3) and University's Katie Bauer (13) leap to block during the Eaton Reds 3A girls volleyball state semifinal match against the University Bulldogs at The Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs May 13, 2021.(Alex McIntyre/Staff Photographer)
New leaders are needing to step up quickly after the Reds graduated four seniors from this past year's 3A title team.
"I've been pleasantly happy and impressed with the leadership of my upperclassmen," Forster said. "It feels like the (previous) season just ended and we're turning around, having to be ready to go again. We've done a great job mentally preparing for that."
About two months before the Reds won their second football title, Eaton's softball team won its first 3A state title in program history, capping an 18-2 campaign.
This season's softball squad is also facing many of the same challenges as the football and volleyball teams, practicing and competing in the midst of heavy construction.
AURORA, CO - OCTOBER 10:Eaton's Blayke Duncan (1) arrives safely at home to score after being batted in by Eaton's Sadie Ross (22) during the Class 3A Softball State Championship between the Eaton Reds and the Lutheran Lions at Aurora Sports Park in Aurora Oct. 10, 2020. The Eaton Reds defeated the Lutheran Lions 5-1 to claim the state title. (Alex McIntyre/Staff Photographer)
But even with a whole other set of unusual circumstances this fall, coaches of all three teams aren't exactly complaining.
Reds softball coach Dale Hughes said his team is just excited to be back in action with hopes of defending its state title — a sentiment Lemon and Forster echoed about their own teams.
"The energy and focus have been good," Hughes said. "We know we graduated a lot of good players from last year. So, we do have challenges ahead of us. But, we're excited to have a full season and as close to a normal season as we are used to."
Bobby Fernandez covers high school sports for the Greeley Tribune. Reach him at (970) 392-4478, by email at bfernandez@greeleytribune.com or on Twitter @BobbyDFernandez.
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