Even though Conifer High School’s last-minute 17-13 loss to the Evergreen Cougars on Saturday hit the players hard, both players and spectators still were winners.
Spectators had a better view of the game because of the generosity of the community, and players on both teams were given commemorative coins for their participation in this year’s Mountain Bowl, which was broadcast live on Fox Sports Network.
Tiered seating
The new seating at the Conifer High field was provided by local volunteers and has been a milestone dream for Conifer’s principal, Mike Musick. He said he hopes to see his vision of full stadium seating and lighting come true. Someday.
“This project would have cost the district $220,000,” Musick said. “But with the generous support from the community, the project was done for around $60,000.”
The manicured tiers make it possible for up to 2,000 spectators to watch the game from the steep hill that once was just rocks and grass.
Matt Walsh, principal of Evergreen High, said that even though EHS has a lighted playing field, he envies the Conifer accommodations.
“They’ve bumped up the ante,” Walsh said with a laugh.
The Conifer urban legend is that a district official said Conifer High would get a stadium … when pigs fly.
Pigs definitely were flying on Saturday, Musick told the crowd as he was given a surprise award before the game. He and his wife were summoned to the 50-yard line, and he was presented with a football signed by all the players in a small trophy case. Inscribed on the plaque, along with the customary event information, was the phrase, “When Pigs Fly.”
“What touches my heart is to see a home game at the high school,” Musick said.
Musick wants to have a place where the school’s games and graduation ceremonies can be held, so people won’t have to drive long distances for the events. The school held its first outside graduation on the field in May.
Volunteers make it work
The new design, excavating, seating area and handicap seating were donated by local businesses.
Peter Italiano of Evergreen, owner of Rubicon Management Solutions, designed the layout of the terraces, making sure the disabled areas were well constructed and easily accessible.
“Our daughter went to Conifer High, so we’re trying to help out the community,” Italiano said.
“It’s a challenge, the grade is steep, and the grade needs to be accessible,” he said. “Making it work is a challenge.”
Steven Sayler, owner of Sayler and Sons Excavating, was proud to help the school by donating time and equipment to implement the 200-foot-long, three-tiered design.
“We did it for the kids and for the community,” Sayler said.
Sayler’s wife, Corbi, said they are involved in the community and work to help keep Conifer High activities in Conifer.
“We did this because we used to have to go to Lakewood for home games,” Steven said. “It was our pleasure to help Dr. Musick fulfill his dream.”
Commemorative coins
In a large, heavy plastic bag, CHS assistant principal Tim McNerney carried 250 newly minted coins that were handed out to the Mountain Bowl players on both teams. The design was created by McNerney, but he said it was someone else’s idea to have the commemorative coin.
“The boss (Musick) said we needed a coin, so I made it,” McNerney said.
On one side of the heavy, gold-colored coin is the school’s academic crest. On the other side are images of both the CHS and EHS mascots. The coins, made of nickel, are about the size of a half-dollar. They are not dated, so they can be given to Conifer/Evergreen players at future games.
Hope despite the loss
Junior varsity coach Daryll Keeling spoke with the Conifer players after their disheartening defeat at the hands of the Cougars. The game was shown live on Fox Sports Network, and the Lobos fell on a last-minute touchdown pass. Keeling stood by his let-down Lobos, and he knows better results are still to come.
“It’s an extremely young team,” Keeling said. “We have only six seniors on the varsity squad, and our quarterback, Thomas Kim, is a sophomore.”
In the shadow of the loss, Keeling offered encouragement.
“We’ll be more experienced and ready next year,” he said.
This story ran in the November 10, 2010 edition of the High Timber Times
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