BRYAN PETERS, Rocky Mountain * Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Football. * Grade-point average/class rank: 4.06/27 of 564. * Athletic honors: Three-year football team captain, All-Colorado quarterback Rocky Mountain News and Denver Post, state Gatorade Player of the Year, winner of Denver Post Gold Helmet, Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year; Undefeated career pitcher for three-time state baseball champions earning All-state honors in career as pitcher and third baseman; Louisville Slugger Pre-season All-American, listed among top 100 preps in nation by Rawlings and MaxPreps. American Legion MVP in state tournament; honorable mention all-league in basketball and Academic All-state. * Academic honors: National Honor Society, awards of excellence in AP Calculus, AP Geography, AP Statistics and AP Environmental Sciences; National Technical Honor Society. * Citizenship: School Link Crew, Respite Care volunteer, Adopt-A-Family Program, Windsor Tornado Relief volunteer. * College: University of Nebraska (May 22, 2009)
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DENVER -
There was a moment of silence when Rocky Mountain's Bryan Peters received his phone call telling him he was the winner of the 2009 Fred Steinmark High School Athlete of the Year Award. "I can't believe it, " Peters said. "I was just happy to be nominated. There are a lot of great athletes before me and it's crazy to be with them. This is such a huge honor."
But certainly one well-deserved.
Peters is the third winner from Rocky Mountain of the Steinmark Award, which is being presented for the 38th year and now sponsored by the Colorado High School Coaches Association. The Award is presented annually for excellence in athletics, academics and citizenship. The other winners from Rocky Mountain were Shelly Greathouse (1994) and Sara Hunter (2004).
"I owe all my success to my parents, teammates and coaches who have always been by my side guiding me through all my accomplishments," said Peters, who excelled in baseball, basketball and football. "My sincerest thanks to all. Although sports are my biggest passion in life, I have greater expectations for myself in the classroom."
And excel in the classroom Peters did. He graduated 24th of 564 students in his class at Rocky Mountain with a 4.06 grade-point-average earning honors, among others, in Advanced Placement Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Geography and AP Environmental Studies.
Peters, whose only B in high school was as a sophomore in Spanish Level III, is a member of the National Honor Society, scored a solid 27 on the ACTs, is a National Technical Honor Society member and was a state finalist for the Wendy's Heisman, that not only takes athletics into account, but academics as well. "Sports have been a stepping stone to many other aspects of my life such as my close group of friends, my work ethic and my perseverance," said Peters, who will enroll at the University of Nebraska in the fall. "On the field, I am not the biggest, most robust player out there, but my hard work and determination makes up for some of my weaknesses."
But weakness on the athletic fields and in the classroom are difficult to find. After a trio of state championships at Rocky Mountain in baseball, coach Scott Bullock said Peters will be hard to replace.
And when it came to baseball, Peters was virtually unbeatable. And the word unbeatable is appropriate for his appearances on the pitchers mound for the Lobos as he was 21-0 in his career for the three-time state champions. Not only that, he never batted below .436 at the plate while earning his All-state honors. Among his many accolades on the diamond, Peters, who played third base when not on the mound, set six school records, was named a pre-season All-American in several publications including Louisville Slugger and Rawlings, Rivals and MaxPreps.
"As a student athlete Bryan has been outstanding to coach," Bullock said. "It really is hard to imagine Rocky Mountain athletics without him. He has been phenomenal for us in three sports and more importantly has done it with class at all times. As an athlete Bryan is obviously very athletic, but his athleticism is second to his toughness and leadership.
"I can honestly say I don't think I have every coached a more complete package on the field," Bullock said. "He really just has a knack in willing his teams to victory. He has had tremendous success in his time at Rocky Mountain, but as a person is extremely humble."
Peters definitely stood out in baseball, but his exploits on the football field are likewise quite impressive. He was a team captain for three seasons under coach Mark Brook, was the All-Colorado quarterback for both the Rocky Mountain News and Denver Post, the Front Range Player of the Year, Gatorade Player of the Year and Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year. He capped his football career by winning the Denver Post Gold Helmet Award.
"Having the opportunity to coach Bryan the past four years has been a tremendous pleasure," Brook said. "He has given me the chance to understand just exactly why I coach. He is the type of young man to put others needs and desires in front of his own and his leadership is second to none. He does not lead by passionate speeches, or cheers, yet by example of hard work, discipline, caring and tenacious competitiveness."
Peters also earned all-conference honorable mention and was named Academic All-state in basektball under coach Bruce Dick.
One wonders how athletes like Peters, the other Steinmark winners, finalists and nominees find time for any thing other than athletics and academics. But they do.
Peters has been active in Rocky Mountain's Lobo Angel Fund, the school's Link Crew and Adopt-A-Family Program. But there is more.
"Like Steinmark, I have always felt that it was essential to volunteer and give back to the community," Peters said. "Some of my most rewarding volunteer work has been the experiences I have had with the kids at the Respite Care Center and our car wash to raise money for the victims of the Windsor tornado." And those are some of the reasons Rocky Mountain Counselor, Chrystal Kelly, has been so high on Peters.
"Bryan is one of the most honorable, humble, and conscientious students I have ever known," Kelly wrote in her nomination letter. "He sets high standards for himself in the classroom, on the playing fields and in his extracurricular activities. He does not seek the spotlight or demand respect, he receives both through his daily actions. And, his volunteer accomplishments mirror his successes in the classroom and on the playing fields."
Math teacher Todd Pfeifer also found himself challenged by Peters.
"Bryan challenged me on a daily basis to explore the true meaning behind the mathmatics we were learning in class and their practical applications," Pfeifer said. "He is the type of student that every teacher dreams of having in his or her classroom. He is among the most ambitious students I have ever met and is the consummate academic and athletic leader in our school."
Said Brook in conclusion, "Bryan has a future filled with excitement and success. His positive approach and competitive nature towards life will yield him many great things in and out of the classroom."
OTHER 2009 BOYS FINALISTS Andrew Berberick, Mullen Brian Ford, Alamosa Stryker Lane, Norwood Zachary Short, Salida
Jacob Stewart, Rocky Mountain
OTHERS NOMINATED Terrance Alletto (Ponderosa) Evan Appel (Dakota Ridge) Al Brown (Yuma) Zachary Casias (Cheyenne Mountain) Joseph DeMoor (Buena Vista) Bryant Elrick (Flagler) Zach Grossnickle (Denver East) Ryker Haddock (Longmont) Kent Herman (Hi-Plains) Sam Hutchinson (University)
Kevin Johnson (Falcon) Arturo Maltos-Garcia (Brush) Dalton Madsen (Northglenn) Reed Miller (Greeley West) Patrick Murray (Kent Denver) Parker Orms (Wheat Ridge) Christian Parkinson (Lutheran-Parker) Wes Rickman (Falcon) Colby Riodennoure (Rocky Ford) Andrew Roberts (Lyons) Tony Ryerson (Vail Mountain) Jared Sander ford (Dayspring Christian) Dakota Stonehouse (Glenwood Springs) Willy Strazza (Kent Denver) Justin Tjaden (Julesburg) Chase Toft (Genoa-Hugo)
Past recipients of the Fred Steinmark High School Athlete of the Year Award:
1972: Dave Logan, Wheat Ridge 1973: Gary Washington, Colorado D&B 1974: Darryl Monasmith, Burlington 1975: Tim Roberts, Arvada West 1976: Mike Edwards, Kennedy, Tom Reed, Fruita Monument 1977: Mike Hendricks, Burlington 1978: Steve Needens, Brush 1979: Kevin Baird, Cherry Creek, Craig Kaiser, Merino 1980: Jerry Kersey, Rye 1981: Tom Southall, Steamboat Springs 1982: Stein Koss, Durango 1983: Rick Wheeler, Cherry Creek 1984: Todd Tyrell, Arvada West 1985: Terry Taylor Jr., Rangeview 1986: Pat Manson, Aurora Central 1987: Brett Quigley, Lakewood 1988: Fred Harris, Montbello 1989: Scott Phillips, Lewis-Palmer 1990: Kent Kahl, Fort Morgan 1991: Justin Armour, Manitou Springs 1992: Greg Jones, Kennedy 1993: Jeff Singleton, Broomfield 1994: Scott Elarton, Lamar 1995: Brad Schick, Gunnison 1996: Matt Rillos, Golden 1997: Kyle Howell, Kent Denver/Grand Junction Central 1998: Derek Applewhite, Brighton 1999: Kevin Singleton, Broomfield 2000: M.J. Flaum, Northglenn 2001: Tom Hubbard, Limon 2002: David Hall, Akron 2003: Dustin Sprague, Holyoke 2004: Jeff Byers, Loveland 2005: John McGuire, D'Evelyn 2006: Dex Cure, Wray 2007: Brian Hendricks, Burlington 2008: Kevin Williams, D'Evelyn
But certainly one well-deserved.
Peters is the third winner from Rocky Mountain of the Steinmark Award, which is being presented for the 38th year and now sponsored by the Colorado High School Coaches Association. The Award is presented annually for excellence in athletics, academics and citizenship. The other winners from Rocky Mountain were Shelly Greathouse (1994) and Sara Hunter (2004).
"I owe all my success to my parents, teammates and coaches who have always been by my side guiding me through all my accomplishments," said Peters, who excelled in baseball, basketball and football. "My sincerest thanks to all. Although sports are my biggest passion in life, I have greater expectations for myself in the classroom."
And excel in the classroom Peters did. He graduated 24th of 564 students in his class at Rocky Mountain with a 4.06 grade-point-average earning honors, among others, in Advanced Placement Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Geography and AP Environmental Studies.
Peters, whose only B in high school was as a sophomore in Spanish Level III, is a member of the National Honor Society, scored a solid 27 on the ACTs, is a National Technical Honor Society member and was a state finalist for the Wendy's Heisman, that not only takes athletics into account, but academics as well. "Sports have been a stepping stone to many other aspects of my life such as my close group of friends, my work ethic and my perseverance," said Peters, who will enroll at the University of Nebraska in the fall. "On the field, I am not the biggest, most robust player out there, but my hard work and determination makes up for some of my weaknesses."
But weakness on the athletic fields and in the classroom are difficult to find. After a trio of state championships at Rocky Mountain in baseball, coach Scott Bullock said Peters will be hard to replace.
And when it came to baseball, Peters was virtually unbeatable. And the word unbeatable is appropriate for his appearances on the pitchers mound for the Lobos as he was 21-0 in his career for the three-time state champions. Not only that, he never batted below .436 at the plate while earning his All-state honors. Among his many accolades on the diamond, Peters, who played third base when not on the mound, set six school records, was named a pre-season All-American in several publications including Louisville Slugger and Rawlings, Rivals and MaxPreps.
"As a student athlete Bryan has been outstanding to coach," Bullock said. "It really is hard to imagine Rocky Mountain athletics without him. He has been phenomenal for us in three sports and more importantly has done it with class at all times. As an athlete Bryan is obviously very athletic, but his athleticism is second to his toughness and leadership.
"I can honestly say I don't think I have every coached a more complete package on the field," Bullock said. "He really just has a knack in willing his teams to victory. He has had tremendous success in his time at Rocky Mountain, but as a person is extremely humble."
Peters definitely stood out in baseball, but his exploits on the football field are likewise quite impressive. He was a team captain for three seasons under coach Mark Brook, was the All-Colorado quarterback for both the Rocky Mountain News and Denver Post, the Front Range Player of the Year, Gatorade Player of the Year and Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year. He capped his football career by winning the Denver Post Gold Helmet Award.
"Having the opportunity to coach Bryan the past four years has been a tremendous pleasure," Brook said. "He has given me the chance to understand just exactly why I coach. He is the type of young man to put others needs and desires in front of his own and his leadership is second to none. He does not lead by passionate speeches, or cheers, yet by example of hard work, discipline, caring and tenacious competitiveness."
Peters also earned all-conference honorable mention and was named Academic All-state in basektball under coach Bruce Dick.
One wonders how athletes like Peters, the other Steinmark winners, finalists and nominees find time for any thing other than athletics and academics. But they do.
Peters has been active in Rocky Mountain's Lobo Angel Fund, the school's Link Crew and Adopt-A-Family Program. But there is more.
"Like Steinmark, I have always felt that it was essential to volunteer and give back to the community," Peters said. "Some of my most rewarding volunteer work has been the experiences I have had with the kids at the Respite Care Center and our car wash to raise money for the victims of the Windsor tornado." And those are some of the reasons Rocky Mountain Counselor, Chrystal Kelly, has been so high on Peters.
"Bryan is one of the most honorable, humble, and conscientious students I have ever known," Kelly wrote in her nomination letter. "He sets high standards for himself in the classroom, on the playing fields and in his extracurricular activities. He does not seek the spotlight or demand respect, he receives both through his daily actions. And, his volunteer accomplishments mirror his successes in the classroom and on the playing fields."
Math teacher Todd Pfeifer also found himself challenged by Peters.
"Bryan challenged me on a daily basis to explore the true meaning behind the mathmatics we were learning in class and their practical applications," Pfeifer said. "He is the type of student that every teacher dreams of having in his or her classroom. He is among the most ambitious students I have ever met and is the consummate academic and athletic leader in our school."
Said Brook in conclusion, "Bryan has a future filled with excitement and success. His positive approach and competitive nature towards life will yield him many great things in and out of the classroom."
OTHER 2009 BOYS FINALISTS Andrew Berberick, Mullen Brian Ford, Alamosa Stryker Lane, Norwood Zachary Short, Salida
Jacob Stewart, Rocky Mountain
OTHERS NOMINATED Terrance Alletto (Ponderosa) Evan Appel (Dakota Ridge) Al Brown (Yuma) Zachary Casias (Cheyenne Mountain) Joseph DeMoor (Buena Vista) Bryant Elrick (Flagler) Zach Grossnickle (Denver East) Ryker Haddock (Longmont) Kent Herman (Hi-Plains) Sam Hutchinson (University)
Kevin Johnson (Falcon) Arturo Maltos-Garcia (Brush) Dalton Madsen (Northglenn) Reed Miller (Greeley West) Patrick Murray (Kent Denver) Parker Orms (Wheat Ridge) Christian Parkinson (Lutheran-Parker) Wes Rickman (Falcon) Colby Riodennoure (Rocky Ford) Andrew Roberts (Lyons) Tony Ryerson (Vail Mountain) Jared Sander ford (Dayspring Christian) Dakota Stonehouse (Glenwood Springs) Willy Strazza (Kent Denver) Justin Tjaden (Julesburg) Chase Toft (Genoa-Hugo)
Past recipients of the Fred Steinmark High School Athlete of the Year Award:
1972: Dave Logan, Wheat Ridge 1973: Gary Washington, Colorado D&B 1974: Darryl Monasmith, Burlington 1975: Tim Roberts, Arvada West 1976: Mike Edwards, Kennedy, Tom Reed, Fruita Monument 1977: Mike Hendricks, Burlington 1978: Steve Needens, Brush 1979: Kevin Baird, Cherry Creek, Craig Kaiser, Merino 1980: Jerry Kersey, Rye 1981: Tom Southall, Steamboat Springs 1982: Stein Koss, Durango 1983: Rick Wheeler, Cherry Creek 1984: Todd Tyrell, Arvada West 1985: Terry Taylor Jr., Rangeview 1986: Pat Manson, Aurora Central 1987: Brett Quigley, Lakewood 1988: Fred Harris, Montbello 1989: Scott Phillips, Lewis-Palmer 1990: Kent Kahl, Fort Morgan 1991: Justin Armour, Manitou Springs 1992: Greg Jones, Kennedy 1993: Jeff Singleton, Broomfield 1994: Scott Elarton, Lamar 1995: Brad Schick, Gunnison 1996: Matt Rillos, Golden 1997: Kyle Howell, Kent Denver/Grand Junction Central 1998: Derek Applewhite, Brighton 1999: Kevin Singleton, Broomfield 2000: M.J. Flaum, Northglenn 2001: Tom Hubbard, Limon 2002: David Hall, Akron 2003: Dustin Sprague, Holyoke 2004: Jeff Byers, Loveland 2005: John McGuire, D'Evelyn 2006: Dex Cure, Wray 2007: Brian Hendricks, Burlington 2008: Kevin Williams, D'Evelyn
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