Castle Pines Athletics basketball team the “Red Sharks,” show off their basketball medals after finishing the season. The team of four and five year olds is coached by Castle Pines resident Rob Terry, ( Photo by Shannon Terry)

Submitted by Lane Roberts, Castle Pines Athletics

Castle Pines Athletics wrapped up its first basketball season on February 12. Fourteen teams of local children enjoyed the new program at the DCS Montessori School.

The local recreational youth sports league, which typically provides outdoor field sports and camps, offered basketball in Castle Pines for the first time this year, thanks to the DCS Montessori School. The 11-week basketball program featured nine games for children ages four years old to fourth grade.

For preschool and kindergarten coach Rob Terry, having a local program during the winter months was a huge plus.

“Castle Pines Athletics Basketball was a great experience for our son. Not only did he enjoy the opportunity to play in a well-organized league, more importantly he was able to get an introduction to the game of basketball with kid’s his own age and from the same community,” said Terry. “His teammates are now friends that he will be going to elementary school with this fall. The confidence he has developed from recognizing his ability to get better with a little hard work and practice is invaluable. I believe sports can teach and foster many valuable attributes with guidance and access, so a huge thank you to the DCS Montessori School for allowing us to use their gym. Being able to watch the kids play makes it that much better, not only for our son, but for us as a family.”

By adding basketball this year, Castle Pines Athletics was able to offer sports in Castle Pines year-round. Many families search for a way to keep children active during the winter months, and this program was a great fit for local families.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed tee-ball and soccer in the spring and fall. Having our basketball program during the long break between the other seasons allows our kids to stay active and connected throughout the year,” said Castle Pines Athletics Coach Jeff DePasse. “We also have enough time off between seasons to focus on other extracurricular activities so it really is a perfect balance for families.”

Both Terry and DePasse are residents of Castle Pines and have coached with Castle Pines Athletics since the program first began in the spring of 2009.

The new basketball program brought back veteran coaches, as well as a few new faces. Special thanks to the following parent coaches: Preschool and Kindergarten coaches – Shannon Cosart, Jeff DePasse, Scott Miller, and Rob Terry; First and Second grade coaches – Clint Fisch, Justin Holderness, John Ogden, Chad Petersen, John Pettygrove, and Mark Quam; Third and Fourth grade coaches – Jean Barrick, Jason Dudley, Bill Nicholson, and Tom Rennell.

Castle Pines Athletics would also like to extend a tremendous thank you to Dr. Andrew Dunbar with Castle Pines Orthodontics and to Geoff Newman of DAZBOG Coffee for continuing to support this program.

Castle Pines Athletics plans to offer basketball again next winter, and plans to add a program for fifth graders. Learn more about Castle Pines Athletics at www.castlepinesathletics.com.