MEEKER | This past weekend, four Barone Middle School football players represented their community on a bigger stage, earning invitations to the prestigious Colorado Youth Football Invitational at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
Seventh graders Lucas Simpson and Matteus Rykhus, along with eighth graders Thomas Theos and Gael Rodriguez, were selected to participate in the all-star event, which brings together top middle school talent from across the state.
The group’s experience began Friday and concluded Sunday with the all-star games, where players showcased their skills against some of Colorado’s best. The seventh-grade game was played at 3:30 p.m., followed by the eighth-grade game at 6 p.m., both held inside the indoor practice facility at CU Boulder and streamed live for viewers.
For Simpson, the opportunity was both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking at first. “I was super excited and a little nervous,” Simpson said.
Despite being a seventh grader, he embraced the chance to compete at a high level. “It feels great to play with and against the best players from around the state. It was an amazing experience,” he said.
Like many players at the event, adjusting to a new team in a short amount of time proved to be a challenge.
“Adjusting to the new playbook in a short amount of time and adjusting to different players and their playing style,” Simpson said.
Overall, Simpson said the experience was one he hopes to build on moving forward. “Meeting new friends and to keep competing at a high level,” he said.
For Theos, being selected to the invitational carried special significance.
“There were only 60 eighth graders chosen, and it is an honor to be a part of that small group,” Theos said. “The majority of the teams were from the Denver area, so it is pretty cool that four of us represented Meeker.”
Theos said the level of talent at the event created a shared sense of responsibility among players.
“Yes, but because it is the top eighth graders in the state, everyone on my team contributed to having a leadership role,” he said.
Playing at the University of Colorado’s facilities also left an impression.
“CU Boulder has very impressive facilities,” Theos said. “The practice fields had plenty of space for two teams of each grade and the indoor practice facility was a perfect place to host the combine and games.”
Heading into the weekend, Theos said his focus was on improving key aspects of his game.
“I was looking to learn how to improve my technique and coordination,” he said. “My coaches were great at giving me advice and helping me adjust.”
Theos also credited his background in Meeker for preparing him for the opportunity.
“Playing Mustang football and middle school football helped me learn the basic skills I needed to be accepted into CYFI,” he said. “I am looking forward to continuing to sharpen these skills and learn more as I enter Meeker High School this fall.”
Rodriguez said his path to the invitational started months before the event, when he decided to apply with the encouragement of a friend.
“When I was first introduced to this camp by my good friend Teus and his family, me and my mom put together some of my best highlights from the middle school season and sent it in as my application,” Rodriguez said. “It took several months for the results to come back, but when they finally arrived, I found out they picked me in the first wave.”
Rodriguez said he was excited for the opportunity but understood he would have to earn his place. “I was very excited, but I also knew my position wouldn’t just be handed to me,” he said.
Competing against top talent was one of the biggest highlights of the weekend.
“The most exciting part of my experience is playing with some of the best eighth graders in the state,” Rodriguez said. “I knew it was going to be a great opportunity to improve my game and play with better competition.”
Adjusting to a new team presented its own challenges.
“The main challenge I faced playing with a new group is being as contributive as I am in my own town,” he said. “As all my teammates have a lot of talent, I struggled to stand out as one of the best.”
Rodriguez said his motivation comes from representing his hometown on a bigger stage.
“What motivates me the most about playing in big events like this is the ability to be successful out of my small hometown,” he said.
Looking ahead, Rodriguez has clear goals as he prepares for the next level.
“My goals as I head into high school ball is to be able to play my role on the team,” he said. “I know high school will be a lot harder than any football game I have played in before, but I believe if I can play my role at my position, I can help the team improve.”
He also shared a personal goal for his high school career. “Another one of my goals is to play a varsity football game with my brother,” Rodriguez said. “I have always looked up to him as a little kid, so being able to play with him for his last high school season would be a dream of mine.”
The invitational provided a unique opportunity for all four players to compete at a high level while representing Meeker and gaining valuable experience as they prepare for their future high school careers.
From left, No. 3 Lucas Simpson, No. 10 Matteus Rykhus, No. 5 Gael Rodriguez and No. 26 Thomas Theos pose for a photo during the Colorado Youth Football Invitational this past weekend at the University of Colorado’s indoor practice facility in Boulder.