Midnight on the Field
Under the cover of darkness, Aspen High football players gathered on Maroon Creek Road for a midnight practice that began just after midnight on Monday. The session capitalized on early access granted by the Colorado High School Activities Association, allowing the team to work on routes, defensive schemes and cardio while traffic remained minimal.
More than 40 athletes stayed late, some dragging groggy parents onto the field, to refine their skills before the season officially opened. Rising senior Yale Gieszl highlighted the effort by drilling a 53‑yard field goal, a moment that underscored the team’s willingness to push limits despite the unconventional hour.
A Culture of Commitment
Head coach Bryce Sandoval has long preached that "how you start is how you finish," a mantra he carried from his days in New Mexico. His emphasis on early preparation frames the entire program’s mindset, blending discipline with a collective sense of purpose.
Senior Tenn Wesner noted a palpable shift in team culture, saying players now want to be part of something bigger and are willing to invest effort for one another. Samuel Henderson echoed this sentiment, pointing to an intensified summer preparation that he believes will translate into on‑field performance.
Looking Ahead
The Skiers confront a compressed calendar. A week of practices was lost to Experiential Education trips running from Aug. 17‑21, and their midseason bye week was eliminated, forcing early‑season intensity to compensate. League realignment replaces former rivals Moffat County with new opponents Gunnison (No. 33), Montezuma‑Cortez (No. 21) and Pagosa Springs (No. 13).
Despite finishing Sandoval’s first season at 2‑6 and losing eight seniors — including Dylan Mika, the 2025 Aspen Daily News Male Athlete of the Year — the roster is brimming with fresh talent and determination. The home opener against Summit is scheduled for Sept. 4, followed by matchups with Delta (Sept. 11), the Wyoming Eagles (Sept. 25), Pagosa Springs (Oct. 9) and Basalt (Oct. 24). The team’s goal is clear: translate early‑morning grit into a strong, competitive season.