PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • August 6, 2020

Red hot Rockies Starting college during lead the West a global pandemic The hot hands full speed. Through that have powered Sunday’s 9-6 win BHGHCO Collegian the Rockies opening over the San Di- begins his next chapter surge of wins in this UP ego Padres Charlie high-pressure short Blackmon had 10 season are those of hits and 7 RBI in 34 their pitching staff. plate appearances, He is a recent graduate of They have grabbed batting .353 with 1 Aurora Central High School. BY B.T. GALLOWAY In a few short weeks, he will the early lead in the BATTER homerun, 2 doubles. Western Division was be headed to State thanks to the quality outings on another long ball tear University. He’s wanted to of their four starters German launching 4 homeruns in 29 go there for as long as he can Marquez, , Jon plate appearances. Another remember. His brother is a Gray and plus performer has been first CSU graduate. I sat down who have a combined ERA baseman Daniel Murphy with him (via phone) and of 2.0. who is batting .364 vwith 8 asked him what moving to It’s apparent in this ear- hits in 22 at bats including a CSU during a global pandem- ly going that each of these homerun. Not surprisingly, ic looks like. guys began to fade after the biggest additional plus The move into campus housing will begin during about 80 pitches. But not in the lineup has been vet- th to worry. The Rockies have eran slugger Matt Kemp. the week of August 16 . The built a powerhouse bullpen Appearing mainly as the university has dedicated the that can carry them the rest designated hitter he’s batting entire week to this process in of the way. That group in- .385 with 5 hits in 13 at bats order to break up the number cludes the resurgent Daniel which include 2 homeruns. of people arriving at one time. Bard, former Miami Marlin It’s been slow going so far Classes will begin on August th Isai is headed to Colorado State University reliever , Carlos for the big bats of Nolan 24 . Estevez and Jairo Diaz – all Arenado (.235). Isai is beyond excited and of this relief corps feature (.263) and Ryan McMahon he expressed that he cannot social distance learning and talks about the responsibility a tricky three-pitch mix (.242). Fear not. Before this believe it is finally here. He online classes. Either way, of handling himself, explor- with high 90s fastballs. The season progresses much fur- remembers beginning Spring Isai is excited for this tangi- ing on his own and getting to only negative news is that a ther these three will be heard Break in March, unsure of ble campus experience. He know life as an adult. shoulder strain suffered by from big time. whether he would ever be knows that not every starting While he remains unde- would be closer Wade Davis For the next month the physically going back to high Freshman has this opportunity clared, he is considering both has sent him to the 14-day Rockies have their work school once quarantine began. in 2020. He also cannot wait bio-medical and electrical IL. We were also saddened cut out for them. They’ll College seemed so far off. to get involved in campus engineering. Whatever his to hear that Mr. Reliable, be playing 25 games in the But time has flown and here activities and the community. choice, this amazing young will be out for 26 days including a 3-game he is, done with Summer and Living in Fort Collins will be man will succeed at whatever the rest of the season due to series in LA with the Dodg- setting out to begin his future. a new freedom for him. He he dreams. I asked him what recurring blood clots in his ers. This long trek begins He says it feels his best advice throwing arm. on Friday with a trip to unreal at times. is for the other At the plate, the Rockies Seattle for a weekend series Preparing for current schol- have been powering up but with the Mariners at T-Mo- college living is ars, working are not yet anywhere near bile Park. slightly differ- towards grad- ent nowadays. uation and With technology, college ac- Colorado Ballet announces you’re able to ceptance. His cancellations and updates to find a compati- words of wis- ble roommate ahead of time, “Prioritize dom not only showcase who its 60th Anniversary Season through an app called Room- he is, but also - as I quickly Sync. With this app, Isai was relayed them to my daughter Boggs. “The Nutcracker was our first produc- The Nutcracker and Ballet aligned with different profiles building who is just beginning high tion 60 years ago, so it’s very difficult for us to MasterWorks Canceled & that matched his interests and school - very sound guidance. imagine a holiday season without it. We were he began messaging potential “Most important, take Giselle Postponed to 2021 looking forward to unveiling new sets and cos- your Colorado Ballet announced July 29 the roommates weeks ago. By advantage of concurrent tumes for our 60th anniversary performance, the time it came to choosing enrollment. If you can take cancellation of two productions in its 60th An- but now hope to unveil them for The Nutcrack- resume. niversary Season, as a result of the COVID-19 a roommate, he and his new college courses, make sure er in 2021. We are extremely grateful to all our friend were requesting to live you do, as that is free knowl- pandemic. All 2020 performances of Colorado patrons and supporters for helping to build Ballet’s beloved production of The Nutcracker with one another. Sounds like How edge and it will set you up to Colorado Ballet into the strong and vital orga- an incredible way to avoid be successful in college. You are canceled, along with the 2021 production nization it is today. We will get through these of Ballet MasterWorks. Giselle, originally slat- that move in awkwardness, will better understand what to difficult times together, and we will be back.” meeting for the first time, do you ed to take place in October, will replace Ballet expect. GPA does matter, but Previously scheduled for five productions amongst parents, siblings, MasterWorks, moving all performances out of so do things like AP courses at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Colorado tons of boxes and all your and being involved. Learn 2020. want to Ballet’s 60th Anniversary season will now fea- Walmart bags filled with the as much as you can. Be a “It is with a very heavy heart that we must ture three productions: The Great Gatsby(Fe- essentials you need when part of the community. Take announce the cancellation of The Nutcracker bruary 5 –7, 2021), The Wizard of Oz (March you’re on your own for the represent advantage of extra-curricular this season, as well as Ballet MasterWorks in 5 –14, 2021) and Giselle (April 9 –18, 2021). first time. His roommate also activities – sports, clubs, vol- 2021, which will be replaced with our post- Colorado Ballet’s 60th Anniversary season comes from a local Aurora yourself to unteering.” Isai goes on to poned season opening production of Giselle,” was originally scheduled to open October 9, high school, so they will have add, “Prioritize building your stated Colorado Ballet’s Artistic Director Gil 2020 with eight performances of Giselle and a lot in common. colleges? resume. How do you want to Boggs. “The safety of our dancers, staff and continue in November and December with Isai and his roommate have represent yourself to colleges? audiences is our highest priority, and we want 26 performances of The Nutcracker. Ticketing what is called a double suite. It’s important to decide that to ensure that everyone who experiences Col- revenue from these two productions was pro- While he is not completely It’s early on.” orado Ballet’s in-person performances in the jected to be between $3.5 and $4M. sure what that looks like, but I ended our conversation future is able to do so safely. We have worked Colorado Ballet’s dancers returned to work he mentions that the school is important wondering who was older and with all constituencies to evaluate every pos- this week, following their summer break, to taking precautions wherever wiser – me or Isai? He is an sible option. After many months of discus- begin class and rehearsals virtually through they can and upon move in impressive individual and the sions and monitoring the current state of the Zoom. They will be working on choreography they have packages for sale to decide team at BHGHCO looks for- COVID-19 pandemic, we have unfortunately for next year’s performances of Giselle. Addi- that include washable masks, ward to watching him achieve been forced to realize that we cannot safely tionally, Colorado Ballet’s staff and Academy hand sanitizer, gloves and that early every goal he sets for himself! conduct performances at the Ellie Caulkins teachers remain employed. The Raydean even a door opener so that no Support Isai and other Opera House for the remainder of 2020.” Acevedo Colorado Ballet Academy will offer student has to touch a door scholars like him by providing “This is certainly not the way we hoped virtual classes in the fall semester starting on handle. on.” school supplies and college to open our 60th Anniversary Season,” stated August 17, 2020. Classes will be a hybrid of dorm accessories at both responsible, in person – Isai bhghcolorado.org/wishlist