https://www.cuindependent.com/author/max-dacey/
As a student at CU, Max was studying communication but was unsure of the discipline he wanted to study. Part of his decision included joining the CU Independent, the newspaper for the College of the University of Colorado Boulder. While it was not Max’s calling, it taught him a lot about the importance of writing, fact-checking, and most importantly, editing.
CU students react to missing out on home football games in 2020
As COVID-19 continues to keep University of Colorado Boulder students online and away from one another, there is one aspect of being a college student that will be sorely missed by many students: the roar of Folsom Field on game day. Whether or not students came to CU to go to Folsom Field and scream “Sko Buffs,” there is no denying that attending a football game is part of the college experience.
Memories of watching Ralphie run and tailgating with friends will be missed dearly when the Buffs open up against UCLA on Nov. 7. It has been almost a year since the Buffs have played, with their last game on Nov. 30, 2019.
“I went to football games a lot when I was an underclassman,” said senior Garrett Like. “It was so much fun and a great experience. It was a great place to make friends.”
For upperclassmen, meeting friends at games and experiencing an environment made up of their proud classmates won’t be forgotten. With a few more years under their belts, upperclassmen were better able to accept not being able to see another game inside of Folsom Field. But if given the opportunity, Like said he wouldn’t miss out on another Buffs game.
“It was something I would love to do again before I leave,” Like said.
Some students, however, have yet to experience going to Folsom Field and dressing up in black and gold. The freshmen of 2020 have undoubtedly had one of the strangest transitions to college life and the absence of Saturday night lights will be a sore spot.
Freshman Max King said, “I came to CU excited to have the experience of a college football game and when COVID-19 is over, it is a priority on my list.”
Going to your school’s football games is often considered a tradition and a large part of why some students pick a school. Another new Buff, Daniel Araujo, said, :”I came to CU with the idea of seeing a game, and I feel like it is a big part of the experience.”
Even for freshman still learning the lay of the land at CU, Folsom Field is a can’t miss destination. With Folsom Field located near the center of campus, the few students still attending in-person classes, see the empty stadium sometimes on a daily basis.
“I didn’t know that Folsom Field was the name of the football stadium yet I knew what it looked like and that I wanted to go,” King said.
Sophomore running back Jaren Mangham has played just one year at Folsom Field but recognizes the importance of having fans in the stands.
“We love the fans,” Mangham said. “Obviously, we love the environment. I feel like whenever you play (at) home, the fans play a big part with the home-field advantage and stuff like that. Obviously, the younger guys wouldn’t be able to get that experience, but we got a job to do. Fans are no fans, we still (are) going to try to go out there and compete.”
CU football aims for fourth win against Arizona
The 3-0 University of Colorado Buffaloes are currently favored by seven points as they prepare for their clash against the 0-3 Arizona Wildcats on Saturday. CU is looking to snap a three game losing streak against Arizona dating back to 2017.
Looking at common opponents, both CU and Arizona have played UCLA this season with different results. The Buffs came away with a 48-42 win in week one and the Wildcats lost to UCLA, 27-10.
Last week, the Buffs won a low-scoring game against San Diego State, 20-10. The Buffs held San Diego State scoreless except for a touchdown and field goal in the second quarter. Colorado senior quarterback Sam Noyer was impressed with the Buffs’ defensive performance. “Our defense held their ground and they played amazing,” Noyer said.
With senior linebacker Nate Landman and the Buffs’ defense leading the way last week, CU aims to keep the intensity high against the Wildcats. Colorado defensive coordinator Tyson Summers said he has been impressed with Arizona’s offense and their ability to develop skill players but, the Wildcats could be without sophomore quarterback Grant Gunnell who suffered an injury in Saturday’s loss to UCLA. Freshman Will Plummer took over for Gunnell and threw for 151 yards and two interceptions last week. Regardless of who’s under center, Summers said the Buffs will have to play at their best.
The Buffaloes’ offense has certainly started off games with a bang. CU has scored 63 of its 103 points in the first half with the help of sophomore running back Jarek Broussard who has run for over 100 yards in each of his three starts. CU’s mobile QB Noyer had a learning experience against San Diego State last week, throwing his first career pick-six interception. Noyer moved on quickly and said,” It’s one of those moments (that) you don’t really dwell on it.”
Noyer went on to say how the best part of football is that every play is a new opportunity. Noyer also spoke of the new confidence and family feel that this Colorado team posses with first-year head coach Karl Dorrell.
“Their confidence is getting better, and rightfully so,” Dorrell said.
Colorado will face off against the Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on Dec. 5 at 5:05 p.m. MST. The game will be televised on Fox Sports 1.
The University of Colorado women’s soccer team kicked off the NCAA’s early signing period with four new recruits. Amongst them are national level players and recipients of numerous awards.
Head coach Danny Sanchez has begun his preparations for the team’s expected season in the spring while also looking towards the future of the program. Sanchez took advantage of National Signing Day, bringing some new flair to CU soccer.
From Hawaii, Phoenix Miranda is bringing strength in the midfield. With a 5-foot-9 height that will lead to a helpful advantage in the air, she could excel close to the net. Miranda has participated in US Youth National Team camps, was rated No. 40 by the IMG Academy Top 150 and was ranked as the 16th best defender in the country.
Sanchez talked about Miranda’s strengths in the midfield as leading the attack from behind. He also described Miranda as a “very good passer.” With a new member of the team pushing from the back, Miranda will certainly bring a sense of urgency and speed to the game.
From across the Atlantic, CU will gain a new attack player with a large amount of experience in her home of Glamorgan, U.K., Ellen Jones. Playing primarily in the midfield, Jones has represented her country at the U17, U18 and U19 levels. She got a taste of U.S. soccer playing against Team USA U17 twice.
Sanchez said her experience will be invaluable and as a new signing, CU soccer fans are excited for a new attack player to watch and help grow over the next few years. No other soccer Buff has hailed from the U.K. until Jones.
Sanchez continued his focus on his attack position, bringing in another attack with international recognition, Hannah Duguid. Sanchez said Duguid “will really bring a spark to our attack” and is “crafty on the dribble and a natural playmaker.”
Duguid comes to CU from Calgary, Alberta, and has already won several awards including the 2016 Top Female Player in HLSA International Camp and the 2016 Christine Sinclair award at the SKF Calgary Gothia Cup.
Sanchez did not forget about his defense and midfield, bringing in the highly talented Holly Hunter. Hunter, who was a member of the U.S. Deaf Soccer National Women’s Team, was a nominee for USA Soccer’s 2019 Player of the Year with Disability.
The superlatives only continue with Hunter. Sanchez highlighted her versatility as an outside back and as a holding central midfielder. Hunter comes from Temecula, California and played with some of the top teams in the state, the So Cal Blues and Legends FC.
While the status of Spring 2021 is still unknown, CU soccer supporters will have a lot to look forward to in its class of 2025.