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    <title>DS - Sports</title>
    <category>DS - Sports</category>
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    <description>Latest local news from The Durango Herald.</description>
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    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/dolores-cross-country/</link>
        <title>Dolores cross-country</title>
        <description>High school facing low numbers, middle school excels</description>
        <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2015 17:20:52 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[High school facing low numbers, middle school excels While the Dolores high school cross-country team is still battling injuries, the middle school runners are coming on strong. At the John Thornton Invitational in Blanding, Utah on Wednesday, Tyler Cutrone finished 4th out of 71 runners with a time of 11:13. Zander Eichner and Tim Wyman followed in 24th and 25th, and Maya LaMunyon finished 47th out of 80 runners in the girls’ middle school race. “She just keeps getting better,” head coach Nick Kohler said in an e-mail. “Her time of 17:32 was very good for her.” The high school boys were led by freshmen Phillip Hufman (20:28) and Brennan Hite (20:31), who finished 14th and 15th, with fellow freshman Cael McHenry (22:15) finishing 32nd. The Bears then raced at Pagosa Springs on Saturday, with Tim Wyman (13:20) leading the middle school boys with a 19th-place finish and Zander Eichner (13:46) finishing 29th. The high school varsity teams were down to just Brennan Hite and Teegan Hite. Brennan finished in 20:04 for a 28th-place finish on the boys side, while Teegan placed 26th for the girls with a time of 24:40. The Bears will stay close to home this weekend and race in Mancos at the Chicken Creek Challenge, on Saturday, Oct. 3 beginning at 9 a.m.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/bears-football-dominates-newcomb-42-0/</link>
        <title>Bears football dominates Newcomb 42-0</title>
        <description>Pejsa racks up 16 tackles; Medina scores 3 touchdowns</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2015 19:22:25 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Pejsa racks up 16 tackles; Medina scores 3 touchdowns The Newcomb Skyhawks were introduced to Dolores freshman Forrest Pejsa on Friday. And early in the third quarter, Newcomb defensive back Nicholas Tsipai was individually greeted by the first year linebacker during a punt return. It's most likely a meeting he'd rather forget. As the Skyhawks punted from their own 37-yard line, Tsipai was the first Newcomb player off the line. He tore downfield in pursuit of Dolores returnman Tristen Medina, who had taken Newcomb's previous punt 51 yards for a score. But as soon as Tsipai crossed midfield, he was obliterated by Pejsa, who put the 145-pound player on his back in a hurry. It was one of the many plays on the evening during which Pejsa dominated, on his way to a team-high 16 tackles, including six tackles for losses. Pejsa and the Dolores defense hounded Newcomb relentlessly. Sophomore Tylin Yarbrough swam, ripped and bulldozed through Newcomb's offensive line to blow up plays and pressure the quarterback, finishing with six tackles. And sophomore Talon Zwicker patrolled the field from his linebacker position, recording 10 tackles. "Our defensive line was attacking pretty good," said head coach Chris Trusler. "And then our linebackers, on blitzes, were making tackles in the backfield." The Bears blanked the Skyhawks defensively, and offensively, they did as they pleased. Tristen Medina showed out with his second consecutive game with three touchdowns - one rushing, one receiving and one on a punt return - and quarterback Jalen Balderrama threw more passes than he had all season. "Against Newcomb, we wanted to show other teams, and ourselves, that we're able to pass the ball," Trusler said. "And we did a good job of that." Balderrama was 16-26 for 169 yards and two touchdowns, one on a two-yard pass to Josh Corbitt and the other an 11-yard strike to Medina. The Dolores backfield split carries again, as it has since running back Branden Donaldson went down with a broken collarbone in week one. Balderrama rushed for 49 yards and a touchdown, Josh McCoy ran for 24 yards, Gage Reynolds had four carries for 14 yards, Zwicker ran for 38 yards and a score, and Medina had two carries and a touchdown. But Trusler expects the backfield by committee to change against Salida on Friday. "This week we're going to settle on one guy to lead the charge at halfback," he said. "And the other guys will sub in." Trusler plans for senior Josh McCoy to get the bulk of the carries against Salida. McCoy has 145 yards rushing on the season, but he's averaging a whopping 9.1 yards-per-carry. He may have himself a heyday on Friday against a Salida defense that has allowed over 500 yards rushing in the last two weeks combined. The Bears (2-1) and Spartans (1-2) will kickoff at 7 p.m. Friday at Salida High School.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/bears-shake-off-rust/</link>
        <title>Bears shake off rust</title>
        <description>Volleyball wins first game in nearly two weeks</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2015 19:22:23 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Volleyball wins first game in nearly two weeks The Dolores volleyball team came out rusty against the Mancos Blue Jays on Tuesday evening. Dolores gifted Mancos a free point before the game started by turning in an incorrect lineup sheet, and then Mancos junior Nicole Hess served the Blue Jays to an early 7-0 lead before Dolores head coach Gina Hollen called timeout. "Just to try to get them to refocus, to move on," Hollen said of the early timeout. "Don't worry about what we just did, let's focus on: The ball is coming to me, what am I going to do with it." Some of the Bears' early missteps may have stemmed from jitters, but they could have just been out of rhythm after not having a game for nearly two weeks. "It probably did," Hollen said when asked if the time off had any impact. "Because we've just had a week straight of practices and not having that competition." Dolores went on a 4-0 run after the timeout, but Mancos rode its early lead to a 25-19 win in game one. Senior Larissa Umberger and sophomore Cameron Elder jump-started the Bears in game two with back-to-back spikes, and sophomore southpaw Josie Majors kept Mancos defenders guessing by sprinkling in off-speed hits. The young Dolores team got clicking in its second contest and took the game 25-19. After finding their footing in game two, the Bears commanded games three and four to easy wins. In the third contest, Umberger went on a 9-0 serve streak. Elder and freshmen Aryelle Wright and Tatum Majors contributed to the run with spikes, and sisters Josie and Tatum Majors came up with big blocks at the net, leading to a 25-11 victory. Tatum Majors put her stamp on the fourth game. "She's a pretty consistent passer," Hollen said of Majors. "And then you saw the serves, she's consistent in that regard." Majors began serving with Dolores trailing 3-4, and she continued serving until the score was 16-5 in favor of the Bears. After her 13-point run - and a handful of Mancos errors - Majors closed out the game with a spike to give Dolores a 25-9 win, taking the match three games to one. Hollen explained how Umberger's run in game three and Majors' streak in game four turn the game in Dolores' favor. "It just keeps the momentum and the energy level on our side, forcing the other team to make mistakes," she said. After dropping game one, the Bears seemed to find their groove, winning the next three to improve their season record to 4-1. They will look to carry their momentum into their next matchup, on Thursday, Sept. 24 at Norwood at 4 p.m.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/thin-xc-team-runs-at-ridgway/</link>
        <title>Thin XC team runs at Ridgway</title>
        <description>Two varsity runners finish 13th and 27th</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2015 19:21:57 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Two varsity runners finish 13th and 27th The Dolores cross-country team was shorthanded during the Ramble at the Reservoir race at Ridgway State Park on Saturday. With Brennan Hite and Tegan Hite - the No. 1 one runners for the boys' and girls' teams - out due to illness, the Bears had only two varsity runners compete. Freshman Phillip Hufman finished in 13th place (22:05), and sophomore Cael McHenry was 27th (24:51). Dolores Middle School runners had better finishes, with Tyler Cutrone placing sixth out of 79 runners with a time of 15:13. Zander Eichner and Tim Wyman finished neck-and-neck for 20th and 21st place with times of 16:57 and 17:01. The lone middle school girl was Maya LaMunyon, and after missing the start of the girls' race, she ran with the boys. Head coach Nick Kohler said the mishap ended up being, "a blessing in disguise," and that LaMunyon's time of 22:00 would have been good for around 30th place out of 57 runners. The Bears have two races this week. First in Blanding, Utah on Wednesday, Sept. 23, then to the Pagosa Springs Classic on Saturday, Sept. 26.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/upcoming-2/</link>
        <title>Upcoming</title>
        <description>Football Friday, Sept. 25 @ Salida at 7 p.m. Volleyball Thursday, Sept. 24 @ Norwood at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 @ Ridgway at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1 @ Pagosa Springs at 4 p.m. Cross-Country Saturday, Sept. 26 @...</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2015 19:21:41 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Football Friday, Sept. 25 @ Salida at 7 p.m. Volleyball Thursday, Sept. 24 @ Norwood at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 @ Ridgway at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1 @ Pagosa Springs at 4 p.m. Cross-Country Saturday, Sept. 26 @ Pagosa Springs Classic at 9 a.m. Middle School Volleyball Thursday, Sept. 24 Home vs. Mancos, 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 Home vs. Nucla, 4 p.m. Football Friday, Sept. 25 @ Salida at 7 p.m. Volleyball Thursday, Sept. 24 @ Norwood at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 @ Ridgway at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1 @ Pagosa Springs at 4 p.m. Cross-Country Saturday, Sept. 26 @ Pagosa Springs Classic at 9 a.m. Middle School Volleyball Thursday, Sept. 24 Home vs. Mancos, […]]]></content:encoded>
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    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/blue-jays-football-wins-at-del-norte-20-6/</link>
        <title>Blue Jays football wins at Del Norte, 20-6</title>
        <description>Mancos bounces back from opening loss, heads into homecoming 2-1</description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2015 18:13:59 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Mancos bounces back from opening loss, heads into homecoming 2-1 After losing their first game to Norwood, the Blue Jays have bounced back with wins over Rangely and, on Friday, a 20-6 win at Del Norte. Penalties contributed to Mancos' slow start on Friday against Del Norte, but once they settled in, the Blue Jays commanded the game. "We struggled in the first half," said co-head coach Josh Gardner. "The first half was ugly. We came off the ball hard for the first series, then we shot ourselves in the foot again." After getting things on track, the Mancos defense continued its stifling ways, holding Del Norte to just six points on the day. "Our defense as a whole played pretty good," Gardner said. "We've been pretty consistent." Sophomore free safety Kaleb Hargraves forced a Tigers turnover, recording an interception in his second consecutive game. "He had a really good game," Gardner said of Hargraves. "He's doing a good job reading the quarterback." On the offensive side, the Blue Jays dominated the game on the ground. Senior quarterback Drew Morgan led the team with three rushing touchdowns, and junior running back Axel Bonde also tallied a rushing score. The Blue Jays are now 2-1 heading into their Homecoming matchup with Sanford (0-4). "Sanford's tough," said Gardner. "They've always been tough since I've been here." Gardner said the Blue Jays' game preparation this week will be the same as always, but that the difficult part will be keeping his team focused during the festivities of Homecoming week. "They're pretty excited about homecoming in general," Gardner said of the team. "We make a pretty big deal of Homecoming at school. My challenge for them is to stay focused."]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/dolores-volleyball-improves-to-3-1/</link>
        <title>Dolores volleyball improves to 3-1</title>
        <description>Bears take down Dove Creek in 3 games</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2015 19:13:46 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Bears take down Dove Creek in 3 games The Dolores volleyball team improved its record to 3-1 after a win at Dove Creek last Thursday. The Bears dispatched the Bulldogs 25-19 in the first game, and freshman Aryelle Wright put the stamp on game two with a spike to win 25-16. "Tatum Majors had a couple of good serve streaks that helped us get some leads in game on and game two," head coach Gina Hollen said. The third game of the evening was a much tighter affair. At one point, Dolores led 19-13, but Dove Creek mounted a comeback to tie the game at 22. The game continued back-and-forth into extra points, but key blocks by senior Larissa Umberger helped the Bears escape with a 26-24 victory to take the match in three games. "Controlling our passes was huge," Hollen said. "And they're starting to gel a little bit and trust each other." The Bears have been on a hiatus since, but they will be back in action at Mancos on Sept. 22 at 4 p.m. Bears take down Dove Creek in 3 games]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/harriers-compete-in-sunset-classic/</link>
        <title>Harriers compete in Sunset Classic</title>
        <description>Durango hosts night cross-country run</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2015 19:13:41 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Durango hosts night cross-country run Dolores cross-country teams found themselves running at night last Friday at the Southwest Sunset Classic in Durango. While the middle school race took place first with the sun still up, varsity teams ran in the dark with the course lighted by glow sticks. Head coach Nick Kohler said the weather was perfect for a night meet and that the races were a lot of fun. Teegan Hite finished 27th with a time of 23:14, and Kohler said that in a meet with larger schools, only one 2A runner completed the race quicker than Hite. As for the boys, Brennan Hite led the team with a 32nd place finish (19:39), with Phillip Hufman in 37th (21:57) and Cael McHenry in 51st (21:57). "We were short-handed due to sickness and prior travel plans, but I was pleased nonetheless," Kohler said. "The competition at this race was as good as we will see for the year." The middle school runners hit the course earlier in the afternoon, with 135 runners competing. Tyler Cutrone led Dolores with a 18th-place finish (12:18), Tim Wyman finished 38th (13:13), and Xander Eichner placed 68th (14:06). "Overall I was happy," Kohler said. "The runners are learning about position at the start of a race and how important it is for them to get out quick or they find themselves blocked in with runners who may run a slower pace." The Bears' next race is the Ramble at the Reservoir at Ridgway State Park on Friday, Sept. 18.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/bears-maul-cougars/</link>
        <title>Bears maul Cougars</title>
        <description>Bears score quickly and often in 62-6 win over Monument Valley</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2015 19:13:40 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Bears score quickly and often in 62-6 win over Monument Valley The onslaught began at 7:02 p.m. The referees waited for the sun to dip below the rocks on the west side of the stadium and shade the field before they whistled for the kickoff between the Dolores Bears (1-1) and Monument Valley Cougars (0-2) on Friday evening. From then on, it was all Dolores. The Bears scored in less than four minutes on their first possession, with a 55-yard drive capped off by Jalen Balderrama's 3-yard touchdown scamper. They found the end zone again less than five minutes later on a Gage Reynolds 21-yard touchdown rush. Leading 14-0 at the end of the first quarter, Dolores tacked on another score on the first play of the second quarter with Tristen Medina's 11-yard run. Dolores proceeded to kickoff, recover their own kick, and score again in one play when Balderrama connected with Medina on a 53-yard pass. The clock read 11:43 when Tommy Nelligan kicked in the extra point to make it 28-0 Dolores. The Bears scored 14 points in 17 seconds to start the second quarter. "We told the kids coming in there that we wanted to score quick and score often," said head coach Chris Trusler. "We wanted to dictate their defensive play and their offensive play by what we did." The game continued with the Bears defense stuffing the Cougars offense and forcing turnovers, and the Bears offense scoring at will. There were multiple contributors on both sides of the ball. Kyle Biery was constantly in the Cougars backfield and had three sacks and seven tackles. Talon Zwicker chipped in two more sacks on his way to a team-high 10 total tackles. Balderrama and Tylin Yarbrough each had interceptions, and Yarbrough took his to the house for another six points. Offensively, the Bears grinded out 259 rushing yards by splitting carries with multiple backs. Senior Josh McCoy led the team with 102 yards rushing and one touchdown, Reynolds had 41 yards and two touchdowns, Zwicker ran for 25 yards, freshman Skieler Grooms ran for 41 and a score, and quarterback Balderrama had 40 yards rushing and the first touchdown of the game. Then there was Tristen Medina - the Swiss Army knife - who impacted the game on offense, defense and special teams. He could have even driven the bus. Medina set the Bears up for scores early on by returning punts deep into Cougar territory and giving them a short field. Occasionally he would punch it in himself, once on an 11-yard rush and later on a 53-yard reception. And when he wanted to score but Monument Valley had the ball, he simply took it away and ran into the end zone, as he did by intercepting a Monument Valley pitch on an option and running 46-yards for his third touchdown. "Medina definitely lit the spark this week and did a good job as a leader on the field," Trusler said. After the 62-6 dismantling of Monument Valley, Trusler praised his defense and credited the man making the calls. "Coach Biard has done a great job this year calling the defensive plays," he said. "And we're just getting fine-tuned for league play." Dolores has two more non-conference games remaining until league play, starting with Newcomb (1-2) on Friday, Sept. 18. "We don't know anything about Newcomb," Trusler said. "So we've just got to go and execute better than they do." He would like to work on the passing game a bit more, but he plans to continue to share touches in the backfield. "We're going to split the carries up and just see who produces the best," he said. "Once we get into league, then hopefully we should know who's going to carry the workload. But for now, we're going to switch up the duties."]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/upcoming-5/</link>
        <title>Upcoming</title>
        <description>High School Football Friday, Sept. 18 Away vs. Newcomb, N.M., 7 p.m. Volleyball Tuesday, Sept. 22 Away vs. Mancos, 4 p.m. Cross-Country Friday, Sept. 18 Ramble at the Reservoir @ Ridgway State Park, 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23 John Thornton...</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2015 19:13:22 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[High School Football Friday, Sept. 18 Away vs. Newcomb, N.M., 7 p.m. Volleyball Tuesday, Sept. 22 Away vs. Mancos, 4 p.m. Cross-Country Friday, Sept. 18 Ramble at the Reservoir @ Ridgway State Park, 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23 John Thornton Invitational @ Blanding, Utah, 3 p.m. Middle School Football Thursday, SEpt. 17 Home vs. Monticello, 5 p.m. Volleyball Saturday, Sept. 19 Quad @ Nucla, 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24 Home vs. Mancos, 4 p.m. High School Football Friday, Sept. 18 Away vs. Newcomb, N.M., 7 p.m. Volleyball Tuesday, Sept. 22 Away vs. Mancos, 4 p.m. Cross-Country Friday, Sept. 18 Ramble at the Reservoir @ Ridgway State Park, 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23 John Thornton Invitational @ Blanding, Utah, 3 p.m. Middle School Football Thursday, SEpt. 17 Home vs. Monticello, […]]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/first-cross-country-meet-pleases-coach/</link>
        <title>First cross-country meet pleases coach</title>
        <description>Varsity, freshmen &apos;ran great,&apos; Kohler says</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2015 19:20:56 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Varsity, freshmen 'ran great,' Kohler says Dolores cross-country runners laced up for their first race of the season on Wednesday at the Loyd's Lake Classic at Monticello. Head coach Nick Kohler said that being the team's first meet, he was pleased with the results. Tyler Cutrone stood out for the middle school team, placing third out of 104 competitors and improving his time from last year by over a minute. Zander Eichner and Tim Wyman also ran well for the younger squad, finishing 15th and 20th. Maya Lamunyon was the lone middle school girl runner, and her finishing time was nearly two minutes faster than last year, earning her a 71st-place finish. The high school group also impressed Kohler, with senior Teegan Hite finishing in 5th in her first ever cross-country race for the Bears. The boys team was led by a trio of freshman, Brennan Hite, Phillip Hufman and Cael McHenry. Hite placed 17th (19:40), Hufman in 24th (20:09) and McHenry 38th (21:24). "I was very pleased with our varsity boys," Kohler said in an e-mail on Monday. "As I had hoped, the three freshman ran great." The Bears will be back in action on Friday, September 11th at the Southwest Sunset XC Classic in Durango.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/dolores-loses-lb-donaldson-in-38-6-loss-to-coal-ridge/</link>
        <title>Dolores loses LB Donaldson in 38-6 loss to Coal Ridge</title>
        <description>Linebacker likely out for season with broken collarbone</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2015 19:20:54 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Linebacker likely out for season with broken collarboneDolores junior Tristen Medina runs with the ball during the Bears' 38-6 loss to Coal Ridge on Friday.Sam Green/Dolores Star With 3:42 seconds left in the first quarter and the score tied at zero, Branden Donaldson took flight. After dropping into coverage from his linebacker position, the Dolores senior moved toward his left, mirroring Coal Ridge quarterback Jackson Sargent as he rolled out. Sargent released a pass intended for his receiver breaking toward the sideline, but Donaldson had already jumped the route and begun his leap. Diving in front of the Titans receiver, Donaldson intercepted the pass, pinning it to his chest as he careened into the white paint marking the 10-yard line on the field. He immediately popped up with the ball, showing that he had completed the catch. But then he grabbed at his arm with his shoulder slouching. Donaldson had picked off the Coal Ridge pass, but he had broken his collarbone in the process, likely ending his season. "When you lose one of your key players, it affects the whole team," said head coach Chris Trusler. "A kid like Donaldson is not replaceable," he said. "I mean, he was our punt returner, kick returner, long snapper, running back and linebacker." Donaldson made his mark defensively with the early interception, and the Bears defense hung tough without him. Sophomore Talon Zwicker prowled the field, racking up 7Â½ tackles, which included three for losses, and senior Jalen Balderrama and junior Tristen Medina each pulled down interceptions. Offensively, before exiting the game, Donaldson had four carries for 22 yards. Trusler tried out multiple replacements in search of a running back to fill in for the 2014 Southern Peaks League All-Conference selection. Senior Josh McCoy rushed for 19 yards, sophomore Austin Hackney ran for 16 and Zwicker and freshman Skieler Grooms also got carries, with the team rushing for 101 yards. The Bears had players step up, and while they missed Donaldson's presence both offensively and defensively, their Achilles heel was their special teams. They gave up a touchdown on a punt return in the first quarter, and had three punts blocked, giving the Coal Ridge offense a short field. The first blocked punt led to an 11-yard touchdown pass for the Titans, and they turned the second and third into drives that culminated in rushing scores. The Bears' mistakes led to points, but they only trailed 19-0 at half. "The kids fought the whole game," Trusler said. "They didn't give up. At halftime we were down 19 to nothing, but the game was still in reach. Coal Ridge just came and executed better than we did." Dolores hung around, behind 19-0 entering the fourth quarter, but the Titans piled on three scores in the final frame to go ahead 38-0. The Bears' found the end zone on their final drive, after Balderrama hooked up with Zwicker for a 25-yard gain and an 11-yard carry by Grooms set them up in the red zone. Then, Balderrama found junior Tristen Medina on a 24-yard touchdown pass with less than ten seconds remaining. Medina finished with four catches, 49 yards and the Bears' lone score, and Balderrama passed for 92 yards, one touchdown and an interception. "This week we've just got to fix some mental errors," Trusler said after the 38-6 loss. "Make sure the offensive linemen know who they've got to block in different scenarios, things like that." The Bears will travel to Monument Valley, Utah on Friday for their first matchup against the Monument Valley Cougars (0-1) at 7:00 p.m. "This will be our first time against them," Trusler said. "We really don't know very much about them. I think they're about equal in size, as far as players, that we are. But I think we're going to do well against them."]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/volleyball-takes-third-in-shiprock/</link>
        <title>Volleyball takes third in Shiprock</title>
        <description>Umberger makes all-tournament team</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2015 19:20:49 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=912D4971-E0A7-42A4-A6C9-C7574A54E259&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Umberger makes all-tournament teamTop row, left to right: Sierra Schwartz, Alyana Frasier, Josie Majors, Aryelle Wright, Cameron Elder, Larissa Umberger, Tatum Majors, Harlie Valdez. Bottom row, left to right: Coach Gina Hollen, Kelley Matthews, Brianna Milligan, and Autumn Seebert.Courtesy photo The Dolores Bears got off to a slow start in the Shiprock tournament last weekend. But after falling to Shiprock in three games (10-25, 20-25, 12-25), the Bears bounced back and won their final six. They defeated Shiprock Northwest in three straight sets (25-7, 25-10, 25-18). Then, they closed out their weekend by taking down Hot Springs in just three games (26-24, 25-17, 25-19). Dolores placed third in the tournament, and senior Larissa Umberger was named to the all-tournament team. The Bears volleyball team's next match is scheduled at Dove Creek on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 4 p.m. Umberger makes all-tournament team]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/purgatory-looking-up/</link>
        <title>Purgatory looking up</title>
        <description>Replacement of slow lift among $5 million in planned upgrades</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2015 19:42:15 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=D737A381-E148-4EF9-895A-9695354A8ADB&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Replacement of slow lift among $5 million in planned upgrades For Purgatory Resort's new owner James Coleman, replacing the notoriously slow-moving Legends Lift 8 is only the first step of his long-term vision that looks to improve the ski mountain. "We want to make it the best resort in Colorado for both locals and destination visitors," Coleman told The Durango Herald. "We plan on making lift improvements and adding new trails every year. We're trying to give skiers what they want, and that's a better, more fun mountain. That's the baseline of why people come up here. We really believe in that." This summer's estimated $5 million enhancement project includes dismantling the plodding, three-person Lift 8, which used to take about 13½ minutes to climb 5,000 vertical feet. The new, high-speed four-person lift, complete with padded seats, will traverse that same distance in just five minutes. This week, crews will continue to pour concrete for two of the tower foundations at the top of the mountain, and then begin the terminal foundation. After that, the new towers will be assembled in the resort's parking lot, and helicopters will lift and install them in the next two weeks. Purgatory officials hope to have the 97-chair lift ready to go by early November. Mike McCormack, senior vice president of mountain operations, said the new lift will start at the bottom of the mountain and climb to the top nonstop, as opposed to the old lift, which had a mid-way transfer. The original 1965 chairlift will be kept in storage for eventual repurposing. "A lot of people are going to be disappointed they're not going to be able to feed the gray jays," said McCormack, referencing the fact the lift moved so slow, skiers would feed birds, also known as camp robbers, on the way up. McCormack, about to enter his 34th year with Purgatory, said he doesn't expect there to be added traffic as a result of the faster lifts. The resort also added two new trails off of Ray's Ridge and bolstered its snowmaking capabilities there. "We've done a number of improvements throughout the years but never the lift," McCormack said. "That's going to be a big difference." All across the community, skiers and snowboarders expressed relief the antiquated lift would be taken down, and getting to the top would take about one-third the time. "I think it's a really great deal for the skiers," former ski patrol member Paul Folwell said. "There's a lot of new terrain they can open up. The only problem is at 76, I really liked the slow chair." Folwell was one of the first members of Purgatory's ski-patrol team, and even in his mid-70s, he still skis the mountain each winter. Taking in the views and having long conversations on the old chairlift were pleasures, but he said he understands the resort needs infrastructure updates. "Skiing is a competitive business, and you have to keep up. And this is one of the things people expected," he said. "It's a different sport than it was in 1965, so the new lift is necessary to attract skiers." Even the business community heralded the new lift. Sarah Rome, owner of Cliffside Ski & Bike on U.S. Highway 550, said any improvement to Purgatory intrinsically helps her business. "The better Purgatory does, the better all of us in the ski industry here will do," she said. "They are the one controlling the game, really. And we are really looking forward to see what this new ownership means to our whole community. We're excited." Coleman has long been invested in Purgatory Resort. He said it was the second mountain he ever skied on, and his family continually returned throughout his childhood. He traveled between Texas and Colorado but always dreamed of owning the ski spot. Ten years ago, when he moved his wife and two children to Durango, that hope started to become a more realistic possibility. "It's near and dear to my heart," he said. "It's a big part of my life." Coleman closed on the sale of what was then Durango Mountain Resort in February from the previous managing partner, Chuck Cobb, and the Duncan family. The Duncans and a group of local investors were the original owners in 1965. In his first order of business, Coleman changed the name back to Purgatory. "Like many of the locals and our longtime guests, I've always known this mountain as Purgatory, and with next winter being our 50th anniversary, we believe it's appropriate to officially change the resort's name back to Purgatory," he said at that time. Since the purchase, Coleman has been putting in motion a master improvement project that was headed by Cobb in the early 2000s. However, those plans stalled when the 2008 recession hit, and only minor upgrades have been made since. Purgatory's 50th anniversary celebration is important, and Coleman said he understands a thriving ski area is essential to local skiers and ski business. He said he hopes the mountain will get better year after year. "It all works together," he said. "It's really important that the community does their part, and we do ours. The foundation of skiing is trails and lifts. That's the starting place for us, and we'll make additional improvements from there." jromeo@durangoherald.com James Coleman's ski areasJames Coleman is a managing partner of three other Southwestern ski areas: Snowbowl in Flagstaff, Arizona; Sipapu near Taos, New Mexico; and Pajarito in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Including Purgatory Resort, he has invested $10 million in upgrades this year across his ski operations. A new 'Power Pass' is offered this year that provides unlimited access to all four Coleman resorts. 'For the first time, guests will enjoy unlimited access to some of the best terrain in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona - all on a single pass,' Coleman said. 'Purgatory, Arizona Snowbowl, Sipapu and Pajarito make up the largest ski-area collective in the Southwest, and we're committed to making these resorts the best in the region.' Jonathan Romeo]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/upcoming-11/</link>
        <title>Upcoming</title>
        <description>Football Friday, Sept. 4 Home vs. Coal Ridge Kickoff @ 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11 @ Monument Valley, UT Kickoff at 7 p.m. Volleyball Friday-Saturday, Sept. 4-5 @ Shiprock Tournament Thursday, Sept. 10 @ Dove Creek at 4 p.m. Cross...</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2015 19:42:09 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Football Friday, Sept. 4 Home vs. Coal Ridge Kickoff @ 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11 @ Monument Valley, UT Kickoff at 7 p.m. Volleyball Friday-Saturday, Sept. 4-5 @ Shiprock Tournament Thursday, Sept. 10 @ Dove Creek at 4 p.m. Cross Country Friday, Sept. 11 SW Sunset Classic @ Durango at 6 p.m. Football Friday, Sept. 4 Home vs. Coal Ridge Kickoff @ 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11 @ Monument Valley, UT Kickoff at 7 p.m. Volleyball Friday-Saturday, Sept. 4-5 @ Shiprock Tournament Thursday, Sept. 10 @ Dove Creek at 4 p.m. Cross Country Friday, Sept. 11 SW Sunset Classic @ Durango at 6 p.m.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/bears-host-coal-ridge/</link>
        <title>Bears host Coal Ridge</title>
        <description>Season-opener is no scrimmage</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2015 19:41:39 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=F6CA1F7D-C5E4-46E3-9167-51693CB81BA1&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Season-opener is no scrimmageTrusler Zero week is over. Last Friday, the Dolores Bears hosted the Dove Creek Bulldogs in a friendly scrimmage that allowed both teams to get a final run in before their first games this week. While the scrimmage allowed for Dolores head coach Chris Trusler to note areas that need improvement, he wants to ensure that his players amp it this week. Going into their first game, Trusler wants the Bears at full speed, not scrimmage speed. "The big thing we've got to work on is our aggression," Trusler said. "We've got to want it more than Coal Ridge this week." Trusler and the Bears have been working on correcting minor aspects this week, but he has also stressed conditioning. "They're a much bigger school," he said. "So they're going to have more guys on the sideline to give breaks." The Bears will spend the week gearing up for their first game. Then, on Friday, Sept. 4, they will host Coal Ridge with kickoff at 7 p.m. Season-opener is no scrimmage]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/bears-cross-country-program-growing/</link>
        <title>Bears cross-country program growing</title>
        <description>Bears enter fourth season</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2015 19:41:36 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=6847DA8F-61AF-40BB-AA50-A71541E374E7&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Bears enter fourth seasonThe track team that went to the state meet in May will contribute some runners to the cross-country team this season, including Teegan Hite and Tristan Holgate. Top row: Kelly Charles, Danika Noyes, Sierra Schwartz, Larissa Umberger, Olivia Wright, Teegan Hite, Nichole Kibel, Taylor Elder, and Jessica Schliesser. Bottom row: Tristan Holgate, Guy Wallace, Mikeal Ford, Brandon Donaldson, and Tristan Medina.Brooke Elder/Contributed photo Entering its fourth year, the Dolores cross-country program is still young. But it's growing. Last year, head coach Nick Kohler had around 10 runners out for cross country, and to start the 2015 season he has 16. As for the middle school teams, there are two girls and seven boys out. While the girls cannot score as a team with only two members, Kohler hopes for them to do well individually. But he believes the boys' middle school team will be strong. "I want these middle school boys to be in the top three as a team everywhere we go," he said. The high school teams are built similarly. The girls' team is comprised of seniors Teegan Hite and Kit Kelly. Although it is the first time running cross-country for each of them, Kohler believes their track experience will translate, and he envisions big things for Hite. "I think she'll go, and be all-state," Kohler said of the senior. "I think you've got to be top 15 at state to be all-state, and I think she's got that much talent." The boys' high school squad is young, but the head coach isn't worried. "As freshman, you don't know how they'll do," Kohler said. "But our four freshman are very good." "I think Brennan Hite and Phillip Hufman, those two, I don't know if they have a chance to go to state because they're freshmen," Kohler said. "But they will be going I bet you by next year. And they're going to do well and place well in all the meets we go to." Brennan Hite, Phillip Hufman, Cael McHenry and Andrew Primeau are the four freshmen, and junior Tristan Holgate is the final member of the Bears' group. The team will head to Monticello for the Lloyd's Lake Classic on Wednesday, September 2 for their season-opening meet.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/girls-to-host-night-golf-tourney-in-cortez/</link>
        <title>Girls to host night golf tourney in Cortez</title>
        <description>The Dolores High School girls golf team will host a fundraiser at Conquistador Golf Course on Friday, Aug. 28. The team is putting on a Night Glow tournament, with tee-off scheduled after sunset and golfers using glow-in-the-dark balls. Registration begins...</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2015 23:34:30 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Dolores High School girls golf team will host a fundraiser at Conquistador Golf Course on Friday, Aug. 28. The team is putting on a Night Glow tournament, with tee-off scheduled after sunset and golfers using glow-in-the-dark balls. Registration begins at 7 p.m. and costs $50. Registration includes green fees and a glow ball, but space is limited to 26 teams. Teams can play a two-person scramble or foursome, and there will be food and prizes. The Dolores High School girls golf team will host a fundraiser at Conquistador Golf Course on Friday, Aug. 28. The team is putting on a Night Glow tournament, with tee-off scheduled after sunset and golfers using glow-in-the-dark balls. Registration begins at 7 p.m. and costs $50. Registration includes green fees and a glow ball, but […]]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/volleyball-preview-a-new-year-with-the-same-goal-bears-hope-to-return-to-denver/</link>
        <title>Volleyball Preview A new year, with the same goal Bears hope to return to Denver</title>
        <description>The 2015 Dolores volleyball team.Jardyn Angell/Dolores Star The Dolores volleyball team’s 2014 season ended in Denver. And they’d like to return. After claiming district and regional championships, the Bears traveled to Denver, where they fell in the state tournament. But...</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2015 23:34:29 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=398E7396-E386-449F-AAB7-D01D257F7B6B&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[The 2015 Dolores volleyball team.Jardyn Angell/Dolores Star The Dolores volleyball team's 2014 season ended in Denver. And they'd like to return. After claiming district and regional championships, the Bears traveled to Denver, where they fell in the state tournament. But the 18-8 season was a success. Now, co-head coaches Gina Hollen and Tiffany Hill are working with an entirely different team. "We're going to be pretty young this year," said Hill. "A lot of freshman and sophomores." Dolores graduated three players, Taylor Elder, Beth Brown and Kelly Charles, and outside hitter Courtney Blackmer moved. But returning senior and team captain Larissa Umberger is back at setter. She and junior Harlie Valdez will look to lead the young team, with sophomores Josie Majors, Sierra Schwartz and Cameron Elder bringing valuable varsity experience. "We're young stacked," Hill said. "But I think we have a good athletic group coming up. They're upbeat and very coachable players that I think will surprise people." The young team has been putting in the time, attending open gym and individual and team camps this summer. The Bears took second in the medium division at the Fort Lewis volleyball camp. Last weekend, the team took part in a pre-season scrimmage in Pagosa Springs. Although score wasn't kept, the team scrimmaged against Pagosa Springs, Bayfield, Del Norte, Centauri and Ignacio. "The girls did pretty well," said Hollen. "Passing seemed to be a strong point for us - which was good." The scrimmage was the last competition before the regular season starts. The team will travel to Shiprock for a season-opening tournament Sept. 4-5. Although the 2015 Bears look much different than last year's squad, they have similar goals. "I think state is always a good goal to look at," Hollen said.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/bears-look-to-fine-tune-in-dove-creek-scrimmage/</link>
        <title>Bears look to fine-tune in Dove Creek scrimmage</title>
        <description>The Dolores Bears football team has at least one more week to prepare for the 2015 season. On Friday, Aug. 28, the team will host Dove Creek for a scrimmage. “We’re doing it for both teams to get some reps...</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2015 23:34:26 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=D7BD41E5-077B-4C74-B1C5-C51EA704282D&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Dolores Bears football team has at least one more week to prepare for the 2015 season. On Friday, Aug. 28, the team will host Dove Creek for a scrimmage. "We're doing it for both teams to get some reps in, full-contact against another team," said Dolores head coach Chris Trusler. "It's a great opportunity for both programs to fine-tune their offense and defense to get ready for the first real game in week one." Although Dove Creek plays 8-man football, the Bears will accommodate the visitors in order for both teams to benefit offensively. When Dolores is on offense, Dove Creek will play 11 men on defense, and when Dove Creek runs its offense, the Bears will take three men off the field and play only eight men defensively. Trusler sees the scrimmage as a chance to make final changes before the regular season. "We're going to work on the little things," he said. "Making sure the guys are in the right formations, that they're making the right reads. It's a great time for us to make corrections." Senior running back Branden Donaldson expressed a similar view. "We're going into it mainly to learn," he said. "To work on some stuff and get tuned in for Coal Ridge. It will be like a more intense practice." Fellow senior and quarterback Jalen Balderrama had a different opinion. "I think of it as a regular game," he said. "Football is football. We're going to go in with that mindset, and we're going to come out with a W."]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/all-nighter-softball-tournament-raises-3000/</link>
        <title>All-Nighter Softball Tournament raises $3,000</title>
        <description>McCoy family donates money to Children&apos;s Hospital</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2015 17:52:01 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=9102A1FE-3417-444D-BD64-0F256F936510&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[McCoy family donates money to Children's Hospital The man dressed as a clown at the Southwest Softball Complex this weekend was Bill McCoy. McCoy lives in Dolores, works at High Country Transportation and is a volunteer firefighter - but the clown's name is Hero. Hero can be found making people smile during Braiden's All-Nighter Softball Tournament, and he was present this weekend during the fourth annual event. The tournament started in the summer of 2012, when McCoy's cousin Misty Smith, and her husband, Mike Smith, learned that son Braiden had acute myeloid leukemia - a type of cancer that affects blood cells. To fight the disease, Braiden underwent four rounds of treatment including blood and platelet transfusions. During the third round of Braiden's treatment, McCoy had an idea. "I decided I'd try to throw something together to raise money," he said. He spoke with his cousin Misty to ask what he could do to help, and the two decided on a softball tournament. McCoy went about organizing the tournament. He got insurance, reserved fields and officials and promoted the tournament. In the first year, the event raised over $3,000 to help the Smith's with the cost of fuel and lodging during Braiden's treatment, as well as medical bills. In November 2012, after four rounds of treatment and a four-day stint in the Intensive Care Unit, Braiden was declared cancer free. With Braiden in remission, McCoy thought little about organizing another softball tournament,but teams that had participated contacted him and said they'd had fun and would like to do it again. McCoy considered another tournament with the proceeds going to a different local family affected by AML or another illness, but it led to him partnering with the Children's Hospital of Colorado, and the event has continued since. The occasion is a family affair. Misty and Mike help organize and McCoy's mother Kathy Ronquillo sells homemade salsa and shrimp caldo, with those proceeds going to the Children's Hospital as well. This year during the fourth annual tournament, there were ten men's teams and five women's teams that participated. Some were local teams, but some came from parts of New Mexico and Arizona. The competition began with round robin pool play all night Friday and bracket play on Saturday, with teams staying overnight in the parking lot in RVs, tents or in cars. They raised over $3,000 for the fourth consecutive year, with the proceeds going to the Children's Hospital to support families with children diagnosed with AML leukemia, cancer, heart disease or failure and other illnesses. McCoy hopes the tournament continues to grow, but he plans to keep hosting regardless. "If we can make one or two kids smile," he said, "then it's worth it." One of the ways McCoy brings joy is by helping families financially, but the other is when he transforms into Hero the clown. McCoy didn't choose the name for his alter ego. But it's fitting.]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/bears-football-looks-to-rebuild/</link>
        <title>Bears football looks to rebuild</title>
        <description>The Dolores Bears football team has some holes to fill. “We’re going to have to replace five starters on offense and five on defense,” said head coach Chris Trusler. The biggest blows are losing last year’s leading tackler, Kellen Gatke...</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2015 17:51:13 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Dolores Bears football team has some holes to fill. "We're going to have to replace five starters on offense and five on defense," said head coach Chris Trusler. The biggest blows are losing last year's leading tackler, Kellen Gatke and leading rusher, Mikeal Ford to graduation. Gatke was a 2014 first-team all-conference selection, Southern Peaks League player of the year, first-team all-state and led class two in tackles, and Ford rushed for 617 yards and four touchdowns last year. But head coach Chris Trusler is hoping that returning players like Branden Donaldson, Jalen Balderrama and Austin Hackney can fill the void. Donaldson returns for his senior season after leading the team in receiving yards, finishing second on the team in rushing with 464 yards and three touchdowns, and being named to the Southern Peaks League all-conference team. He'll also have a major impact defensively, after recording 62 tackles in 2014. Joining him for a final go-round is Jalen Balderrama, who will be back under center for the Bears. Balderrama and Donaldson established a connection last season, and Balderrama will have other weapons to choose from in sophomore Austin Hackney and junior Tristen Medina. Trusler also expects contributions from newcomers. Incoming transfer student Andrew Davis will join junior Riley Syra on the offensive line, and freshman Forrest Pejsa will see action at full back. While the team has depth and a solid mix of upper classmen and young players, Trusler believes their biggest strength is - their strength. "We've had record numbers this year in the weight room," he said. "We've only got about three guys on the entire roster that bench press less than 200 pounds, and that includes freshman. So team strength is at an all time high and we couldn't be happier." Trusler explained how players began lifting weights and preparing for the season as early as February, and continued to work throughout the summer. He believes that their commitment is largely responsible for the team's improvement, from their 1-7 record during his first season as head coach, to last year's 4-5 finish. And the goal is to keep riding the momentum. "We want to improve and be better than we were last year," Trusler explained. "Each year we've gotten better, and we want to finish higher in our league this year."]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/girls-host-night-tournament/</link>
        <title>Girls host night tournament</title>
        <description>The Dolores High School girls golf team will host a fundraiser at Conquistador Golf Course on Friday, Aug. 28. The team is putting on a Night Glow tournament, with tee-off scheduled after sunset and golfers using glow-in-the-dark balls. Registration begins...</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2015 17:51:12 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Dolores High School girls golf team will host a fundraiser at Conquistador Golf Course on Friday, Aug. 28. The team is putting on a Night Glow tournament, with tee-off scheduled after sunset and golfers using glow-in-the-dark balls. Registration begins at 7 p.m. and costs $50. It includes green fees and a glow ball, but space is limited to 26 teams. Teams can play a two-person scramble or foursome, and there will be food and prizes. The Dolores High School girls golf team will host a fundraiser at Conquistador Golf Course on Friday, Aug. 28. The team is putting on a Night Glow tournament, with tee-off scheduled after sunset and golfers using glow-in-the-dark balls. Registration begins at 7 p.m. and costs $50. It includes green fees and a glow ball, but […]]]></content:encoded>
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    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/mancos-and-dolores-team-up-to-prevent-sports-injuries/</link>
        <title>Mancos and Dolores team up to prevent sports injuries</title>
        <description>While Mancos and Dolores high school athletes enjoy the last week before fall sports practices begin, coaches and administrators are busy preparing for the upcoming seasons. With safety as the primary concern for both Dolores athletic director Jimmie Lankford and...</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2015 16:19:16 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[While Mancos and Dolores high school athletes enjoy the last week before fall sports practices begin, coaches and administrators are busy preparing for the upcoming seasons. With safety as the primary concern for both Dolores athletic director Jimmie Lankford and Mancos athletic director Heath Showalter, the two have partnered to put on a coaching clinic for their athletic staffs. On Wednesday, coaches from both schools will meet at Dolores High School to take part in a clinic led by trainers from Mercy Regional Medical Center. The event will educate coaches on athletic taping, injury prevention and concussion awareness. Noting the importance of the safety of student-athletes, Showalter also announced that there will be a trainer from Mercy Sports Medicine present at all Mancos High School home football games this season. "It will benefit our players," Showalter said. "But also the visiting team's players." While Mancos and Dolores high school athletes enjoy the last week before fall sports practices begin, coaches and administrators are busy preparing for the upcoming seasons. With safety as the primary concern for both Dolores athletic director Jimmie Lankford and Mancos athletic director Heath Showalter, the two have partnered to put on a coaching clinic […]]]></content:encoded>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/17th-annual-escalante-days-race-set-for-saturday/</link>
        <title>17th annual Escalante Days race set for Saturday</title>
        <description>The 17th annual Escalante Days Mountain Bike Race is scheduled for Saturday, August 8th. The race, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Dolores, will begin at 9:50 a.m. from 6th and Central. There will be three different courses with prizes...</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2015 19:31:06 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[The 17th annual Escalante Days Mountain Bike Race is scheduled for Saturday, August 8th. The race, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Dolores, will begin at 9:50 a.m. from 6th and Central. There will be three different courses with prizes for each class. The expert course is 35 miles, sport course is 21 miles and beginner course is 13 miles. All courses ride along Boggy Draw Trail. The registration fee is $40 and interested riders can register online at www. Active.com until 11:59 p.m. on August 6, or register in person the day of the event between 8:00-9 a.m. for $50. The 17th annual Escalante Days Mountain Bike Race is scheduled for Saturday, August 8th. The race, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Dolores, will begin at 9:50 a.m. from 6th and Central. There will be three different courses with prizes for each class. The expert course is 35 miles, sport course is 21 miles and […]]]></content:encoded>
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    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/the-bear-necessities/</link>
        <title>The Bear Necessities</title>
        <description></description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2015 19:31:04 -0600</pubDate>
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        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/teams-to-raise-money-during-escalante-days/</link>
        <title>Teams to raise money during Escalante Days</title>
        <description>Both the Dolores middle school and high school football teams will hold fundraisers during Escalante Days this weekend. Coach James Biard and the middle school football team are joining with the middle school girls basketball team for their event. The...</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2015 19:30:56 -0600</pubDate>
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        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Both the Dolores middle school and high school football teams will hold fundraisers during Escalante Days this weekend. Coach James Biard and the middle school football team are joining with the middle school girls basketball team for their event. The two teams have had a tree donated to be planted next to the Josh Everin Memorial and will be selling raffle tickets, with the chosen winner to have his/her name included on the plaque dedicating the tree. They will also be raffling off handmade goods included knives, hatchets and a lamp. The teams will donate part of the money raised to either Wounded Warrior Project or the Disabled Veterans Foundation, then the football team will use funds for shoulder pads and the basketball team for shooting shirts. Coach Chris Trusler and the high school football team will be working at the concession stand at the softball fields in Dolores during the tournament on Saturday and Sunday. They will be selling baked goods, hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks, with money raised going towards new equipment and to aid with the cost of the football fieldhouse renovation.]]></content:encoded>
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    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/bears-still-at-work/</link>
        <title>Bears still at work</title>
        <description>Dolores football players choose to put in voluntary practice time</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2015 14:49:34 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=6F3FFA97-99E1-4719-826B-B36D8D36D6D6&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Dolores football players choose to put in voluntary practice timeSkieler Grooms pulls in a pass as Forest Pejsa defends during Dolores' speed and strength training on Thursday.Sam Green/Dolores Star Football season doesn't officially start for another two-and-a-half weeks. But don't tell the Dolores Bears football team. "We've been going since February," coach Chris Trusler said as he watched players run routes last week during the team's workout. Starting in February, Dolores players arrived at school at 6:00 a.m. to lift weights before classes. They have continued to work this summer during football camp and 7-on-7 scrimmages, as well as speed and strength training every weekday at 5:00 p.m. Complying with CHSAA regulations, all offseason training is voluntary, so the athletes are not required to participate. Instead of putting themselves through conditioning drills under the beating sun, students could have chosen to escape the heat and simply relax at home playing video games. But they didn't. The significance is not lost on Trusler. "They've got to buy into the program and buy into the system," he said. "And they have. These kids have worked really, really hard." Trusler credits his players' commitment to working out during the offseason as a contributing factor for the team's improvement. After a 1-7 finish during Trusler's first year in 2013, the Bears improved to 4-5 last season. And he expects the team to be better this year. The Bears will continue voluntary speed and strength training throughout the summer until practice officially begins on August 17. Then, Trusler will put players through two-a-day practices beginning at 5:00 a.m. And they won't be voluntary. But Trusler will likely see the same sweaty faces he's seen since February: The group of committed athletes working hard to improve - even when they don't have to.]]></content:encoded>
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    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/middle-school-football-camp-focused-on-new-offense/</link>
        <title>Middle school football camp focused on new offense</title>
        <description>Bears begin to install new offense</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2015 14:49:30 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=06B39EE0-959F-4C0D-BF7D-818269BA0D79&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Bears begin to install new offenseMiddle school football coach James Biard speaks to players during the team's football camp.Jardyn Angell/Dolores Star Dolores middle school football coach James Biard spent the week instructing about 20 sixth, seventh-and eighth-graders during the middle school football camp. Biard said that many of the middle school players have been attending weightlifting sessions all summer, but the three-day camp this week allowed him to explain and begin to install the new offense. With the camp concluding on Thursday, players will have a week off before practices start on Aug. 11. Bears begin to install new offense]]></content:encoded>
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    <item>
        <link>https://tj.durangoherald.com/repeat-winners/</link>
        <title>Repeat winners</title>
        <description>Cow House Auction wins Ranch Rodeo as fair kicks off</description>
        <pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2015 14:49:02 -0600</pubDate>
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        <media:thumbnail url="https://imengine.public.prod.dur.navigacloud.com/?uuid=8074ECDB-249A-4E48-979A-C7D36E7DF864&#038;function=thumbnail&#038;type=preview&#038;source=false&#038;width=600&#038;height=400" />
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Cow House Auction wins Ranch Rodeo as fair kicks off The members of the 16 teams entered in the 2015 Ranch Rodeo sat silently atop their horses on Saturday night. Then, as the final note of The Star-Spangled Banner rang from the speakers at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds, the cowboys and cowgirls released shouts of excitement. The first-place prize of $3,000 had been announced, and each team had a shot to prove itself superior in events that tested skills like roping, branding, penning and loading. After winning the event in 2014, the Cow House Auction team from Kirtland, N.M., had the challenge of repeating as rodeo champions. And team members Shane Hatch, Wade Hatch, Phil Wiseman, Shawn Washburn and Rusty Herrera followed up last year's success with an even more impressive performance. Cow House completed the rodeo in 3 minutes, 11 seconds. The Avengers finished second at 3:52, and the Groundhog Bunch claimed third with a 4:11 finish. Cow House takes home its second consecutive Ranch Rodeo title, and the Josh Karsten Memorial Trophy. Although finishing second, the Avengers came together to win the Wild Cow Milking competition. Other winners on the evening included Sheldona Zwicker, whose Bay Mare was named Top Horse; Clint Wood, who was named Top Youth; and Jason Blackner, who was named Top Hand and awarded a handmade pair of stirrups, crafted by Steve Williams.]]></content:encoded>
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