Six Monarch High School athletes signed their letters of intent Wednesday morning in the auditorium for Monarch’s celebration of National Signing Day.
The ceremony, run by Athletic Director Lani Nobles, saw the signings of runner Taylor Floming (Committed to Montana State), tennis player Justin Nguyen (Nebraska Kearney), volleyball player Kendall Peterson (Lynn), and football players Jamie Falloon (Northern Colorado), Austin Beswick (Colorado Mesa), and Cole Watson (Hope College).
Monarch coaches spoke to the audience about their respective players, and each player had a minute to say a few words of thanks to their coaches, families, and others.
Beswick, who will play offensive line in college, was very thankful for his time at Monarch. “I’ll forever remember this place. [Being here] was an incredible experience,”
Bravo and tennis coach Mary Prassa took time to rave about the athletic prowess of their athletes. “Justin has been our number one player for three years, which is a huge accomplishment,” Prassa said. “He only lost to one other player this season.”
Bravo excitedly recounted two of Falloon’s most important kicks: one that gave Monarch the victory in last year’s quarterfinal game against Broomfield, and the kick that clinched Monarch’s state championship title in December.
Watson was praised for his success on and off the field. Bravo said he had the highest GPA on the team as the starting quarterback. “Character and integrity are the words I’d use to describe Cole,” Bravo said.
Cross country and track coach Kent Reider praised Floming for her work ethic and making the team better. “The year before Taylor started at Monarch, we got 12th place at state…Her last two years, we were back-to-back 5A state champions.”
Nobles, who played volleyball in college herself, said Peterson “was one of the shining stars of the team” throughout high school.
The ceremony was a send-off for the athletes in large part, as Nobles repeatedly urged all six of the players to remember Monarch and even come back to visit. She also called for younger athletes in the crowd to take these six as examples. “I’m challenging you to be sitting up here one day.”
