photo by Carlos Covarrubias

The softball team was the ranked 12th coming into the 2009 playoffs, and with the historically great season behind them, they were expected to do great things.  The tournament style was double elimination and the softball team was in a tough region with the top teams in the state competing against them.

On Friday the Spartans took on Silver Creek High School ranked 13th in 4A, and Palisade High School ranked 29th in 4A.  Although the Spartans played as hard as they could, they would lose to Silver Creek by a score of 15-2.  “We made a lot of mental mistakes; mistakes that we haven’t made for a long time now,” said Senior Captain and Pitcher Aryn Grywuiewicz who pitched her heart out in both games.  She noted that the team made base running mistakes, which took away chances for the Spartans to score.  Not only were the Spartans making mistakes, but they also couldn’t get any help from the umpires either.  The Spartans were able to take advantage of Silver Creek’s mistakes, but it wasn’t enough to get the win.

After losing to Silver Creek, the Spartans rallied themselves back up to take on Palisade High School.  The Spartans came in confident and played great the entire game and were up by one going into the ninth inning.  “We made a crucial mistake that gave them some momentum back,” said Grywuiewicz.  When it came time for the Spartans to bat they struggled, not getting many hits, and loosing the game 9-8.  “It’s heartbreaking and it’s going to take a while to get over this loss.  It is hard to end your season like this, but for us seniors it’s even harder because not only did we not win a state title, but also we will most likely never play with the same girls again.  We have some great memories to look back on this year and I am going to miss everything about this team,” said Grywuiewicz. For the five seniors: Lauren Kelsch, Morgan Bertram, Stephanie Warren, Shalece Jackson, and Aryn Grywuiewicz, their high school softball careers are over now.

“We had a good year, but not a great year,” said Head Coach Kyler Jackson, who is already planning for next year’s team.  “I plan to do more fundamental drills like base running and bunting, along with strength training and teaching more signs so we can steal more bases,” said Jackson, who also said that he is very proud of the season and his wonderful team, but is nonetheless disappointed on how it ended.  “We didn’t get beat by the other teams, we beat ourselves.  I feel that we should be playing for state right now, but we’re not.  The only thing we can do is learn from our mistakes and continue moving forward,” said Jackson.

photo by Carlos Covarrubis

On Tuesday October 6, the Spartan softball team took on the Lincoln Lancers at TJ, beating them by a score of 4-1.

The Spartans trailed 1-0 until Senior Captain Aryn Grywuiewicz hit a solid double to bring in the first run.  It wasn’t until the sixth inning when Senior Shalece Jackson hit a triple, scoring three runs.  Junior Lauren Jorgenson also had an impact on the offensive side, stealing bases throughout the game.   “They were a good team and posed a great challenge to us,” said Grywuiewicz, who also threw 11 strikeouts. The softball team played very well and limited their mistakes to a minimum.  Girls’ softball is the first team in Denver to win four consecutive city titles, and to win 29 consecutive league games.  “It was very exciting to accomplish this and we are ready for playoffs now. We feel like we can do anything, including win state,” said Grywuiewicz

With this game being the last regular season outing for the five seniors, Grywuiewicz, Morgan Bertram, Lauren Kelsh, Stephanie Warren, and Shalece Jackson, the game was very memorable.  “It is very emotional.  It made me think about my past four years spent playing on this field.  I will miss everything about this team, but our season isn’t over yet,” said Grywuiewicz.

Head Coach Kyler Jackson was happy with the win, but said,  “Our season isn’t over yet.  The win was nice, but we still have plenty of work to do in order to accomplish more of our goals, which includes winning state.”

On October 8, the Spartans took on the Kennedy Commanders at Kennedy High School in the freezing snow beating the commanders with a score of 17-2, and officially clinched their fourth consecutive city title. The weather didn’t seem to play a factor at all as the Spartans demonstrated with home runs coming from Seniors Morgan Bertram and Aryn Grywuiewicz.  Coach Jackson was very pleased with the win saying, “This is the way we needed to end our regular season, now let’s continue this momentum into the post season.”

The softball team had a tremendous regular season with a record of 14-5, winning their fourth consecutive city title, and remaining undefeated in league play.

Date    Opponent    Played at    Time     Result
Mon      08/24/09    Overland High School    Thomas Jefferson High School    4:15PM    W 17 -1
Mon 08/31/09    Rock Canyon High School    Thomas Jefferson High School    3:30PM    L 2 – 11
Tue 09/01/09    Valor Christian High School    @ Valor Christian    4:00PM    W 16 – 0
Fri 09/04/09          Palisade High School    @ Peach Fuzz Tourney    3:00PM    W 2-1
Sat 09/05/09    Palisade High School    @ Peach Fuzz Tourney    9:00AM    W 11-1
Sat 9/5/09    Fruita    @ Peach Fuzz Tourney    11:00AM    L 9-0
Tue 09/08/09    Falcon High School    @ Falcon High School    4:30PM         W 1 – 0

Wed 09/09/09    Woodland Park School District    Thomas Jefferson High School    3:30PM    W 14 – 1
Thu    09/10/09    Montbello High School    @ Montbello High School    4:15PM    W 19 – 0

Thu 09/17/09    Fort Lupton High School    Thomas Jefferson High School    4:00PM    W 3 – 2
Sat 09/19/09    LaJunta High School    @ La Junta High School    12:00PM    L 3-1
Sat 09/19/09    La Junta High School    @ La Junta High School    2:00pm    L 4-1
Tue 09/22/09    Denver North High School    @ Denver North High School    4:15PM    W 22-3
Thu 09/24/09     George Washington High School    G.Washington High School    4:15PM    W 14-0
Tue 09/29/09    Denver East High School    Thomas Jefferson High School    4:15PM             W 5-4
Thu 10/01/09     Denver West High School    All City Field    4:15PM    W 14-1
Tue 10/06/09    Abraham Lincoln High School    Thomas Jefferson High School    4:15PM    W 4-1
Thu 10/08/09    John F. Kennedy    All City Field    4:15PM    W 17-2

photo by Rebecca Holt

On Tuesday evening, the TJ softball team played against Denver East at TJ and beat the Angels in exciting fashion 5-4, scoring the winning run in the seventh inning.

With the Spartans trailing the entire game, Junior Angleine Almagure hit a triple to drive in Junior Casey Edelman. “The game was very intense, and it’s only preparing us for those tougher games down the road.  It was scary though, because at one point it seemed like East was going to take away our chances of our fourth consecutive city title,” said Aryn Grywuiewicz. Aryn threw 15 strikeouts setting a new TJ record! “It felt great to play that well, but I’m fortunate enough to have a great team and coach who believe and support me all the time,” said Grywuiewicz.

Even though the softball team played a great game, Head Coach Kyler Jackson still feels that the softball team has room for improvement by fixing the mental mistakes, and continuing to work hard in practice.

On Thursday evening, the Spartans took on the Denver West Cowboys at All City beating them 17-3.  The Spartans had a good offensive night with a triple from junior Lauren Jorgenson; nonetheless the players said they struggled defensively making the same mental mistakes, overthrowing balls and not making the right defensive plays. “We’re underestimating our opponents and it’s showing in our play.  The line between being cocky and confident is being crossed,” said Grywuiewicz. The Spartans have no problem of taking advantage of their opponents’ mistakes, but they still feel they need to grow mentally with their own play, and with two more games left in the regular season, the softball team is looking to pull it all together.  “If we continue to play like this, we will struggle in the post season,” said Grywuiewicz.

“I’m becoming nervous because were still making the same type of mental mistakes and things aren’t changing,” said Senior Morgan Bertram. “This team is a family, and I don’t want our season to end with disappointment.”  The softball team’s next game is against Abraham Lincoln High School on Tuesday here at TJ at 4:15.

photo by Rebecca Holt

The Spartans played very well against Denver North High School, beating the Vikings by a score of 23-2.  The Spartans had confidence and expected the win, especially since they had defeated the Vikings handily last year.

The Spartans only played three innings because of the mercy rule, which states that if a team is up 20 runs after three innings, then they must stop play and just call the game.  The Spartans’ batting was excellent with two grand slams coming from Junior Angeline Almagure and Senior Shalece Jackson.  Senior Aryn Grywuiewicz also hit a solo home run.  “This game felt like a practice to us, and we used this game to work on the things that as a team we struggle with,” said Grywuiewicz.

On Thursday the Spartans took on the George Washington Patriots at George Washington, and defeated the Patriots 14-0, scoring six of those runs in the first inning.  Everybody played top-notch ball, both offensively and defensively.  The Spartans are 2-0 in league play, and with teams aware of that, they are out to beat the Spartans.  The Spartans are playing well, but Head Coach Kyler Jackson still expects more from the softball team.  “Even though we’re winning, I feel that we are not winning the way that we should.  We still have a lot of work to reach our full potential and play more consistent,” said Jackson. Try to support the Spartans as they take on the Denver East Angles on Tuesday, September 29, at TJ at 4:15.

Date    Opponent    Played at    Time     Result
Mon      08/24/09    Overland High School    Thomas Jefferson High School    4:15PM    W 17 -1
Mon 08/31/09    Rock Canyon High School    Thomas Jefferson High School    3:30PM    L 2 – 11
Tue 09/01/09    Valor Christian High School    @ Valor Christian    4:00PM    W 16 – 0
Fri 09/04/09          Palisade High School    @ Peach Fuzz Tourney    3:00PM    W 2-1
Sat 09/05/09    Palisade High School    @ Peach Fuzz Tourney    9:00AM    W 11-1
Sat 9/5/09    Fruita    @ Peach Fuzz Tourney    11:00AM    L 9-0
Tue 09/08/09    Falcon High School    @ Falcon High School    4:30PM         W 1 – 0

Wed 09/09/09    Woodland Park School District    Thomas Jefferson High School    3:30PM    W 14 – 1
Thu    09/10/09    Montbello High School    @ Montbello High School    4:15PM    W 19 – 0

Thu 09/17/09    Fort Lupton High School    Thomas Jefferson High School    4:00PM    W 3 – 2
Sat 09/19/09    LaJunta High School    @ La Junta High School    12:00PM    L 3-1
Sat 09/19/09    La Junta High School    @ La Junta High School    2:00pm    L 4-1
Tue 09/22/09    Denver North High School    @ Denver North High School    4:15PM    W 22-3
Thu 09/24/09     George Washington High School    G.Washington High School    4:15PM    W 14-0
Tue 09/29/09    Denver East High School    Thomas Jefferson High School    4:15PM
Thu 10/01/09     Denver West High School    All City Field    4:15PM
Tue 10/06/09    Abraham Lincoln High School    Thomas Jefferson High School    4:15PM
Thu 10/08/09    John F. Kennedy    All City Field    4:15PM

photo by Carlos Covarrubias

Friday night the softball team played well against Ft. Lupton High School winning 3-2.  It was a close game until Junior Angeline Almagure hit the winning RBI.  Aryn Grywusiewicz continued her great pitching, throwing five strike outs.  “We worked together as a team,” said Morgan Bertram.

On Saturday, the softball team played a double header against La Junta High School at Otero Junior College softball field. The softball team had ten minutes between the games.   The Spartans didn’t seem to have it for either game, losing their first game 3-1, with Grywusiewicz scoring the only run, and the second game 4-1, with Morgan Bertram scoring the only run.  The softball team committed too many routine and costly mistakes.  In the second game played, the Spartans were leading 1-0 until the sixth inning, but just couldn’t hold on.  “These two games were huge, and losing them both the way we did was the most upsetting part of the season yet.  So now all we can do is win league and hope our standing in regional are what we need,” said Grywusiewicz.

Now that the non-conference games are done with, the Spartans are looking to win their fourth consecutive league championship.  They play their second league game against the North Vikings at North High School at 4:15 on Tuesday, September 22.

photo by Rebecca Holt

On September 4th, the softball team went up to Grand Junction to play in the Peach Fuzz Softball Tournament.  They had their ups and downs, yet finished the weekend with a record of 2-1.

The tournament started on Friday evening, when the girls played an intense game against Grand Junction.  The girls came prepared, scoring early with doubles from Senior Aryn Grywuiewicz and Junior Lauren Jorgenson. The softball team won that game 2-1.

Saturday the softball team continued their winning ways by destroying Cortes 11-1.  The girls controlled the game, and everybody played wonderfully, including a three-run home run from Grywuiewicz.  However, the softball team’s win streak was stopped after playing against Fruita Monument.  The Spartans lost 9-0.  The softball team played as hard as they could and had three chances to score, but Fruita was just too much to handle. “It was upsetting of course, but it was a good learning experience for us.  They were a very good team, and they showed us that we still have a lot of work to do before the playoffs,” said Grywuiewicz.

After the Peach Fuzz tournament, the softball team played against Falcon at Falcon High School. The softball team knew that it would be a tough game, especially after losing to Falcon last year by one run. It was a tough game, and the softball team had to rely on their great defense, but they were able to come away with the victory, winning 1-0.  This was one of the softball team’s most emotional victories this season, because this was the revenge for the loss suffered last year by the seniors.  Grywuiewicz had an amazing game throwing, recording 12 strikeouts.  In the bottom of the sixth inning, Senior Morgan Bertram hit a triple to score in Jorgenson. “This was an amazing win for us, especially now since this is the point where our season really kicks off,” said Grywuiewicz.

On September 9th the softball team beat Woodland Park, winning 14-1.  The girls scored 13 of their 14 runs in the first inning alone!  Grywuiewicz continued her terrific pitching, throwing 8 strikeouts.  Though the game was an easy win for the softball team, they still continue to stay humble and work hard everyday.  “They have beaten us for the past two years now, and it just felt great to beat them in our senior year,” said Bertram.

Thursday night, the softball team went to Montbello for their first league game.    The softball team beat the Warriors 19-0, clinching their third consecutive win and bringing their record to 7-3.  The softball team is heating up and still has tough games ahead of them, but they are focused and continuing to work hard everyday.

The girls did well both offensively and defensively with three grand slams coming from Grywusiewicz, Bertram, and Jorgenson.  It appears that all that hard work is finally paying off for the Spartans.  Grywusiewicz threw a perfect game and still has plenty of heat for the second half of the season.

The softball team’s next game is against Ft. Lupton at TJ; and with a lot of time between now and the next game, the softball team will have some of the most intense practices of the year; they will work on hitting and defensive plays to make sure that they are ready to go against Ft. Lupton.  After losing last season, Ft. Lupton is a team that wants revenge for last year.  Make sure to go support the softball team on Thursday as they take on Ft. Lupton.  The game will be played on September 17, and will start at 4:00 pm.

Morgan Bertram at the plate for the Spartans. photo by Rebecca Holt.

Last year the softball team ended their season with disappointment and unfinished business.  But now it’s a new year and the girls and their coach have high expectations for the upcoming season.

Last year, the softball team finished with a regular season record of 14-7, and they were eliminated during regionals.  With all of the starters returning from last year, the softball team’s expectations are going to be very optimistic this season, especially for senior Pitcher and Captain Aryn Grywusiewicz.  However, Aryn is not the only returning senior. Lauren Kelsch, Morgan Bertram, and Stephanie Warren are all returning seniors, as well.  State is not the only thing on these girls’ minds, though. Winning Districts and their fourth consecutive City Championship is job one for these ladies.  “I believe that we can definitely do it again. Kennedy is tough, but I believe we that can take them,” said Grywusiewicz, who said she plans on stepping up her game by throwing strikes more consistently, and demonstrating her leadership skills both on and off the field.

Head Coach Kyler Jackson fully believes in his team’s abilities.  “From top to bottom all the girls are great softball players. We have no weak players on this team.”  Coach Jackson believes that his team can take city once again and become one of the top five teams in the state. The Spartans are currently ranked 7^th.  Coach Jackson also believes that his team has the ability to qualify for state this year.  Jackson had his softball team playing all summer long, including an all-star team that took second in state and third in regionals.

Being the best team that coach Jackson says he has ever had in softball, the girls are looking to do big things this year, so make sure you Spartans get out there and support the girls’ softball team.

    The team’s first match-up came against the 14-8 Cheyenne Mountain Indians, and after a long, hard-fought battle, came up short losing 21-3. Unfortunately, things would not get any easier for the ladies in the next game, as they then found themselves face to face with the Pueblo Centennial Bulldogs. An 8-0 loss to the Bulldogs would then end the season for the Spartans. The weather proved to be the ladies’ Achilles’ heal, as it was raining and cold, with a high temperature of only 42 degrees. “What kept us from winning state was our toughness – we didn’t suck it up and play through the weather,” commented Head Coach Kyler Jackson. “We are a great team, but we may be one of the worst cold weather teams,” added Jackson.   

    When all was said and done, the dominating Wheat Ridge Farmers, with an overall season record of 23-2, came out on top, winning the State Championship.

    Although the season came to a quick end, it should not overshadow the fact that the ladies had an excellent season under the leadership of coach Jackson. This last year was Jackson’s 11th year coaching softball, and third year leading the TJ Spartans. The team had a winning record of 14-7 and an unprecedented 8-0 record in conference play. When it comes to league play, it seems that the Spartans are unbeatable. After this year, the ladies are now on a 23 consecutive game winning streak in conference play over the past three seasons. “I think we improved as a team, and we proved to ourselves and other teams that we can play and compete on the same field as some of the better teams,” commented Junior Aryn Grywusiewicz.

    Much of the team’s success can be credited towards the strong numbers at the plate. Junior players on the team stepped up big. Catcher Lauren Jorgensen had a batting average of .439 on the season and 29 hits. “We seem to do pretty well on offense,” commented Jorgensen. “At times we seem a little inconsistent, so we should try and work on our consistency for next year.” Fellow junior and 2nd basemen for the team, Sarah Southard, surprised her teammates as she stepped up big and made hits when the team needed them.

    “Morgan Bertram and Sarah Southard definitely surprised me this year. Both players grew a lot and matured into great players,” said Jackson. Southard managed to bring in 28 runs for the Spartans and maintained a .408 average this season. Grywusiewicz also had a phenomenal year at bat with a .603 average and 31 runs batted in.

    Pitching was also a strong aspect of the teams’ defense throughout the season, led by Grywusiewicz on the mound. She threw an impressive 164 strikeouts throughout the year and through her 104 innings pitched she had a notably low 1.08 earned run average, allowing only 95 runs throughout the season. “I had the best season when it comes to both pitching and batting since playing at TJ,” said Grywusiewicz, who will enter her 4th year on the team, and looks forward to finally being a senior. “I will have a lot more control of the team as a senior and will be able to contribute more leadership to the team.”

    As for next year, with a relatively young team, Jackson believes they can only get better. “I think that we are a couple of top players away from being a serious contender in state,” said Jackson. “We had such a talented junior and sophomore class this year, we are hoping for a couple studs next year, as well. Almost all of our juniors, and at least three or four sophomores, will certainly be able to contend at the college level when the time comes,” Jackson said, praising future prospects.

    Not everyone will be coming back next year. For lone Senior Alexa Johnson, she will not get to return and play with her team. “I miss the team already,” Johnson said. “I will miss being with my girls and the intensity that we bring to the games.”

    In the off-season, Jackson has some big things planned for his team. “We are setting up some programs at the local batting cages so the girls can continue to practice their hitting during the winter,” he said. The big news is what Jackson has planned for spring break. “We are very excited this year to be able to compete in the Disney World Tournament in Orlando, Florida,” said Jackson. That’s right, this spring break the ladies will head down to Florida and play other softball teams around the nation. Included in the package is theme park privileges, so rest assured the team will be stopping by and having fun at some of the resorts at Disney World. “This has been a two year project, and I am really excited that this year we will be able to actually go [to the tournament],” said Jackson. “We will have a lot of fun and get to practice against some of the best teams in the country.” 

    Next year’s team will look to improve their game during this time off, especially in the area of team communication. “I feel that I personally need to work on better communicating when on defense, in addition to overall team communication when we play,” stated Jorgensen.

    Some of the girls will also work on their own personal weak areas until next year. “I could definitely improve on physically grounding the ball for next year,” said Southard.

    A graduating Johnson had some sound advise for the team next year, saying, “The team needs to forget about this year’s regionals and continue to play with the intensity that we finished off the season with this year.”

    When all is said and done, one thing is for certain: the softball ladies know how to have a good time. Jackson said, “I had a lot of fun this year and acquired many new softball memories. This may be my most fun year yet. There are just so many fun and crazy personalities on the team; it’s hard not to have a good time.”

    With a respectably close game against the Lincoln Lancers, the ladies pulled out a crucial 5-0 victory, continuing their successful winning steak. Soon after, the team smashed their next victim, the West Cowboys, winning 11-1.

    The big story, however, was the huge 11-1 victory over the previously unbeaten and 1st placed East Angels. Aryn Grywusiewicz held the Angels to only one hit on the mound and went 3 for 3 at the plate. Lauren Jorgensen added three hits and Sarah Southard and Morgan Bertram added two hits apiece. Head Coach Kyler Jackson credited the defense for much of the success. “Outstanding defense was turned in all around, but Lauren Kelsch made several run-saving plays at shortstop.” This win bumped the Angels down into second place, moving the TJ girls into that number one spot.

    With their most recent 11-1 victory over the George Washington Patriots, and only one game left, things couldn’t look better for the softball squad. This last win marks the 22nd consecutive league victory over the past three seasons for Jackson’s team.
Currently the ladies have an overall record of 13-5 and an even more impressive 7-0 record in league play. As of right now the girls are on a spectacular eight-game winning streak. It is apparent why the team is tough to beat, only committing 29 errors all season, compared to their opponents’ average of 46, and accumulating 149 runs on 174 hits.

    As soon as East defeated Kennedy it was official that the ladies had clinched their third straight city title, adding to the TJ legacy. The one remaining match this year against Denver North will not affect the team’s city title record. “This last match will be good practice for us, especially with state coming up,” said Jackson.

    The team will now focus on the State title. Jackson says that it will be tough, but it is definitely not out of the question. “There are four or five really good teams that will be really hard to beat who are in contention for the state title, but we will definitely be a threat to some of the better schools,” he said.

    Things are looking optimistic for the Thomas Jefferson softball ladies.

         As the team enters the second half of the season, and more importantly, inter-league play, it will be important to continue this momentum and win against their difficult, Denver Prep League rivals.
The softball squad has improved in all aspects of their game, and has out shined their opponents in many critical areas of play. In their 13 games this year, the girls have accumulated 103 runs, while their opponents have scored only a meager 58. The ladies also have an impressive 123 hits and 82 RBI. The leading batters for the Spartans are Aryn Gryusiewicz with a batting average of .525, Morgan Bertram is hitting .488, and Sarah Southard is close behind at of .455. “Sarah Southard has definitely been the biggest surprise for me this year,” said Head Coach Kyler Jackson. “The way she drives in runs is just unbelievable.” Jackson is taken aback for good reasons, as Southard has helped knocked in 18 runs.

     Perhaps even more impressive than Gryusiewicz’s batting record is the outstanding numbers she puts up when on the pitching mound. Gryusiewicz has recorded 117 strikeouts, and a notable ERA of only 1.30.

    
    In the team’s most recent contests, the ladies have been on a hot streak. After a close 2-1 loss to Falcon, the girls started kicking it into high gear, going on a winning streak that began with a 20-0 blowout over conference rival Montbello Warriors. The team then carried the momentum to their next two games, beating conference team South High School 15-0 and then winning again over Fort Lupton 10-2. Jackson stated, “Team unity can definitely be credited for our success. It is important to be close as a team.” With an impressive 14-2 victory over the North Vikings, the team is now shooting for five straight wins.

    Even with a winning record of 9-5, the schedule ahead for the team will certainly not get any easier, but Jackson and the girls are definitely confident. “It is important for us not to play down to our opponents’ levels, especially in inter-league play,” declared Jackson. The last six matches of the season are all with conference teams, so look forward to great upcoming matches against: Lincoln, Denver East, Denver West, George Washington, and Kennedy. With the season starting to wind down, and the playoffs in sight, there is one thing on everyone’s mind: the coveted city title.

9/18         Lincoln                                  @Lincoln              4 p.m.
9/23         Denver East                         @Denver East     4 p.m.
9/25         Denver West                        Home                    3:30 p.m.
9/27         George Washington           Home                    1 p.m.
10/3         Kennedy                               @Kennedy           4 p.m.