Highlands Ranch Herald 1112

November 12, 2015 VO LUM E 28 | IS S U E 51 | FREE

A salute to those who serve: Area veterans tell the stories of their military service in a special four-page package. See Pages 17-20.

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Highlands Ranch elevates its game New training facilities offer variety for local athletes

By Alex DeWind adewind@coloradocommunitymedia.com There’s a facility for competitive strength training. There’s one with boot camps for young athletes. There’s an institute for sports vision conditioning. And a gym with hourlong classes for those with busy lifestyles. In the past year, at least 10 athletic gyms have opened in Highlands Ranch, a reflection not only of how active the community is but also of a fit state. “Colorado, in general, breeds athletic,

health-conscious people,” said Kate Criswell, a fitness and nutrition trainer in the area. The state has continuously been in the top 10 healthiest states. This year, it was ranked eighth by America’s Health Rankings. And Highlands Ranch’s demographics support the growth in sports facilities. It’s easier for athletes to get training in places on the outskirts of Denver such as Highlands Ranch, said Jay Albright, surgical director of the Sports Medicine Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado. “It’s also a young, vibrant community” he added. “A lot of families are moving to the area.” Fitness continues on Page 7

Members power through a boot camp at D1 Sports in Highlands Ranch, which has become a popular spot for fitness facilities . Photo by Alex DeWind

HEADING TO VICTORY

School board must blend old with new Incoming members will replace three incumbents By Mike DiFerdinando mdiferdinando@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Mountain Vista’s Brent Lackey, left, and Arapahoe’s Griffen Hampton go up for the ball. Lackey scored one of the goals as the Golden Eagles went on to win 2-1 over Arapahoe in the 5A state quarterfinal on Nov. 7 at Littleton Public Schools Stadium. For more on the game, turn to Page 28. Photo by Paul DiSalvo

Despite philosophical differences in their approach to education, board members on different sides of the election campaign are pledging to work together in the best interests of students. Newcomers David Ray, Anne-Marie Find more Lemieux and Wendy Vocoverage of gel, who defeated incumthe Douglas bents Kevin Larsen, Craig County School Richardson and Richard Board election Robbins, bring different on Page 3. ideas — particularly on the school district’s reform policies — to the previously like-minded board. On Nov. 4, the day after the election, Doug Benevento, board of education vice president, released an emailed Benevento statement. “While last night’s election results did not represent the choices I would have preferred, the voters have spoken clearly and I want to congratulate the winning candidates,” Benevento said. “The new board has obvious Lemieux differences but we all care for our kids and our schools. In the coming days and months, I hope we can unite and move forward around that common sentiment.” Benevento said he hopes to work with new board members on issues — such Ray as school finance and safety — that are important to all in the district. Ray, who served as a teacher and principal in the district for 25 years, said the newly elected members of the board look forward to working with current members as well. He also said Vogel that they are not opposed to Election continues on Page 13