High school fall sports seasons kicked off with energy in the Roaring Fork Valley, as teams from Basalt and Roaring Fork high schools competed in cross country, soccer, and volleyball events. On August 23, 2025, the combined Basalt-Roaring Fork cross country team hosted the annual Longhorn Invitational at Crown Mountain Park in El Jebel, drawing runners from across the region and highlighting strong individual and team performances amid the push for state tournament spots.
Cross Country Stars Lead the Pack
The Longhorn Invitational marked a strong start for the combined Basalt-Roaring Fork cross country squad, with over 100 athletes tackling the five-kilometer course under clear skies. This event, a staple in the valley’s sports calendar, showcased emerging talents and set the tone for a competitive 2025 season, where teams aim to build on last year’s successes, including several athletes qualifying for state meets.
Basalt senior Towler Scott stole the show in the boys’ race, clocking a personal best of 16 minutes and 26.48 seconds to claim first place. He edged out Soroco’s Nick Clark by 11 seconds, demonstrating improved pacing and endurance from his training over the summer. The Longhorn boys finished second overall among six teams, thanks to consistent efforts from the top runners.
For the girls, Basalt placed third out of six teams, led by senior Addison Raymond’s 10th-place finish in 22:12.22. A tight pack of Longhorn runners followed, showing team depth that could prove vital in upcoming invitationals. Coal Ridge dominated both boys’ and girls’ team titles, but the local squads held their own against strong competition.
Nearby, Colorado Rocky Mountain School athletes also impressed. Junior Max Peterson finished 21st in the boys’ race with 21:27.42, while sophomore Kayla Steele took seventh in the girls’ division at 21:50.46. In the middle school 2.5K race, young talents like Carbondale Middle School’s Everett Conklin (19th, 11:29.32) and Ross Montessori’s Tillie Vickers (third, 11:03.58) hinted at a bright future for valley running programs.
Boys Soccer Season Opens with Tough Test
Roaring Fork High School’s boys soccer team hit the field on August 22, 2025, facing Crested Butte on the road in their season opener. The Rams fell 2-0 to the Titans, who reached the 2A state semifinals last year, but showed defensive grit that kept the game close until late goals sealed the result.
This loss drops Roaring Fork to 0-1, yet the team remains optimistic about rebounding. Last season, they made a strong push toward the 3A state tournament, and players like returning forwards and midfielders are expected to drive the offense. Coach insights from preseason practices emphasize better ball control and faster transitions to counter skilled opponents.
Upcoming matches offer chances for redemption. The Rams host rival Basalt on September 3, a game that often draws big crowds and intense play. This local derby could boost momentum, especially with the state tournament berths on the line by mid-October.
| Team | Record | Key Opponent | Next Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roaring Fork Boys Soccer | 0-1 | Crested Butte (L 0-2) | vs. Basalt, Sept. 3 |
| Basalt Boys Soccer | TBD | Season Start Pending | at Roaring Fork, Sept. 3 |
Girls Volleyball Battles in Early Tournaments
Roaring Fork’s girls volleyball team dove into action at the Glenwood Springs Demon Invite on August 22-23, 2025, facing a slate of tough opponents. The Rams dropped straight-set matches to Glenwood Springs (9-25, 17-25), Meeker (22-25, 23-25), and Pagosa Springs (22-25, 15-25), before splitting with Rifle in a 2-1 loss (25-19, 23-25, 12-15).
Now at 0-4, the team earned its first set win against Rifle, a positive sign of growing chemistry among players. Key contributors included strong servers and blockers who kept rallies alive, drawing from last year’s experience where they improved their win total significantly.
The schedule ramps up with road games at Steamboat Springs on August 26 and North Fork on August 28. The home opener on September 2 promises fan support to fuel a turnaround. Coaches note that early-season tournaments like this build resilience, crucial for district play leading to state qualifiers.
Upcoming Games and Season Outlook
As fall sports progress, Basalt and Roaring Fork teams eye key milestones. Cross country squads prepare for invitationals like the Eagle Valley meet in early September, where team scores could influence state rankings. Soccer and volleyball aim to rack up wins in league play, with the Colorado High School Activities Association monitoring progress for playoff seeding.
Experts predict a competitive season, bolstered by community support and youth programs feeding into high schools. Recent trends show valley teams excelling in endurance sports, with cross country numbers up 15 percent from 2024, according to local athletic directors.
- Top cross country goals: Qualify full teams for state meet in Fort Collins.
- Soccer focus: Improve scoring efficiency against top defenses.
- Volleyball strategy: Enhance serving accuracy to win more sets.
Fans and families can track live updates through school apps and local broadcasts. Share your thoughts on these early results in the comments below, and spread the word to support our young athletes.
