Three state championships at RCHS
Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) athletics have a lot to be proud of these days. For the first time in school history, three Jaguar teams took 5A title championships in the 2023-2024 season. It was first-time wins for both boys cross country and golf and the sixth state championship for poms. The school honored the athletes at a winter assembly in January.
Poms
The poms squad won its sixth state championship. They defeated defending champion Cherry Creek High School, scoring 88.95 in the finals to claim their third title in the last four years. RCHS poms are seven-time national medalists and will compete in the national competition this month.
Poms has the most state titles at RCHS. This season, the team competed in a three-day competition at the Denver Coliseum to defeat defending champion Cherry Creek High School (CCHS). The Jags scored 88.95 in the finals to claim their third title in the last four years. In addition, poms has two runner-up titles.
“As our Principal Andy Abner says, it was a GREAT day to be a Jaguar! We have never been able to recognize three state champions at one time, so it was a major milestone for Rock Canyon,” said poms coach Christina Leone.
Cross Country Boys
The cross country boys team won the state championship with an average finish time of 16:11 and a finishing score of 96 points. The Jags ran for the win with a nine-point victory over perennial rival Mountain Vista High School.
The cross country boys team beat Valor Christian High School and perennial rival Mountain Vista High School (MVHS) at the regional meet to qualify for a spot at the state championship in Colorado Springs.
With an average finish time of 16:11, and a finishing score of 96 points, the Jags ran for the win with a nine-point victory over MVHS.
“The biggest challenge we faced was rebuilding after losing three of our top eight runners to graduation,” stated Coach Dan Davies. “We had some talented, but inexperienced athletes who needed to step up quickly. They, along with our top three returning varsity runners, started laying the groundwork last June. The hard work that took place over those next five months, along with outstanding leadership from our seniors, plus having everyone believe in the process, were key in winning state.”
Boys Golf
The boys golf team played in the two-round tournament for the state championship winning with 440 strokes – five strokes ahead of Cherry Creek and Cherokee Trail high schools.
Since the boys were freshmen, golf coach David Vahling knew he had a winning foursome. And he was right. The boys, now seniors, played in the two-round tournament for the state championship in Fort Collins, winning with 440 strokes – five strokes ahead of CCHS and Cherokee Trail High School.
“We knew the boys would have to play their best to beat four other very capable teams,” said Coach David Vahling. “After some rough holes and losing our lead, they responded with determination and exceptional play on the last five holes to regain the lead and win the 5A championship.”
