Summit High School’s football program endured a challenging 2025 campaign, finishing with a 1‑9 record that left the Tigers searching for a turnaround.
A Fresh Start
Enter David Joyce, the newly appointed head coach, who returns to the Colorado scene after a stint leading Battle Mountain High School. Joyce arrives with a reputation for demanding intensity and a clear vision for rebuilding the squad.
Joyce emphasizes that talent alone won’t dictate success; instead, he is instilling a culture of relentless effort, disciplined technique, and collective responsibility.
The roster blends returning stalwarts such as offensive lineman Mariano Trujillo, middle linebacker Wyatt Lyman, and quarterback Axel Knipp with promising newcomers. Among them, senior Ty Carter, an all‑state transfer from Texas, brings Division I interest and adds depth to the backfield.
The Tigers open the season on Thursday, August 27, hosting Skyview High School before hitting the road for contests in Pitkin County against Aspen Skiers, Niwot, and Glenwood Springs. A mid‑season showdown with Palisade High School, currently fourth in the state’s 3A classification, will serve as a benchmark for the team’s progress.
Joyce’s expectations are high, projecting over 30 players will report for practice, a sign of growing enthusiasm. He believes the early games will reveal the team’s readiness and allow the staff to fine‑tune strategies before the regular season culminates on October 30 against Wheat Ridge High School.