Kobe Bryant is a State Games veteran. So are Mike Mussina, Roy Jones Jr., Nancy Kerrigan and Tab Ramos. Even Rusty LaRue, a former Chicago Bulls player, lined up at the Games.
Since 1978, the State Games have been determining bragging rights across America. They will do the same this week in Colorado Springs for the State Games of the West, the annual, Olympic-like competition that fills various venues with competitors in 33 sports. The Games run Thursday through Sunday.
The State Games of the West will present some of the best amateur athletes in the mountain states and beyond. Some highlights to look for:
• Mason Finley, a senior-to-be at Buena Vista High School, has smashed the overall state high school discus record and the state meet record. And he owns the Class 3A shot put mark. The 6-foot-8, 330-pound thrower has quickly made waves nationally. He is inching toward the national high school record of 234 feet in the discus. Although he can’t officially set that mark this weekend, he will be aiming for future Olympic attention.
“It’s so touchy when you get out there in the ring,” Finley said in May. “Just a little thing can make you or break you.”
• Beau Morgan, who starred as an Air Force quarterback from 1994-96, is a perfect example of State Games determination. Long out of football, the 32-year-old Morgan will compete in track and field in the 100- and 200-meter sprints and the long jump.
As the first player in NCAA history to twice run and pass for more than 1,000 yards in a season — he had three games of more than 200 yards rushing during his AFA career — Morgan will participate for pure competition.
• Missy Franklin, at age 13 the second-youngest swimmer at the recent U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha, also will compete. The Centennial eighth-grader will be joined by 14-year-old Bonnie Brandon of Centennial, who made the semifinals in the women’s 200-meter backstroke in Omaha. They will be looking to improve their times in the State Games.
• Derek Parra, a speedskater who earned gold and silver medals at the 2002 Winter Olympics, will headline the State Games’ opening ceremony Thursday at the World Arena.
Nick Groke: 303-954-1015 or ngroke@denverpost.com
State Games of the West
Where: Various sites in Colorado Springs
When: Thursday through Sunday
Events: 33 sports, from archery and bowling to weightlifting and wrestling
Stakes: Champions qualify for the 2009 State Games of America, also in Colorado Springs
Opening ceremony: 7 p.m. Thursday at Colorado Springs World Arena
FISTFUL OF FUN
Hand it to the Rapids.
At some point in the past century, an industrious someone figured out the inherent unfairness to “Guess which number I’m thinking of.” For tiebreaking and decision-making purposes, “Rock, paper, scissors” became a much more competitive game.
That competition will expand Sunday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City when the Rapids host a Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament before the MLS team’s matchup with the Columbus Crew that night.
The tournament, starting at 3:30 p.m., will pit dexterous hand mavens against each other for a chance at prizes. And the $20 entry fee includes a Rapids-Crew ticket.
Check to register and to get more information.
TV GAME OF THE WEEK
Worth the wait.
The plan was for ESPN to televise an All-Star Game doubleheader, with Major League Soccer’s stars the anchor, followed by Major League Lacrosse’s show at Invesco Field at Mile High.
But when a scheduling quirk caused MLS to move its game back a week, MLL was all alone last Thursday. The Denver Outlaws’ Ryan Powell scored six goals, leading the West all-stars to a 31-15 rout of the East.
The MLS game — a Thursday clash in Toronto between the stateside stars and West Ham United of the English Premier League — also has Colorado connections. Rapids midfielders Christian Gomez and Pablo Mastroeni will play for the MLS all-stars. The game airs on ESPN at 5 p.m.
BEAR CREEK LAKE BECKONS
Park yourself here.
Whether an oasis in the city or a temptation toward westward wilderness, Bear Creek Lake Park at Morrison Road and C-470 is the nearest and largest natural park to Denver. Its 2,600 acres offer opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping and more.
It’s worth it, then, that Lakewood will go all out in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the park. The celebration starts today and runs through Saturday. But the real kicker is Friday’s Grin and Bear It Adventure Race, starting at 6 p.m.
Made for families and fun, the race will pit teams of two through three stages: water crossing, running and mountain biking. The run goes 2 to 3 miles, the biking 6 to 7 more miles. Easy, right? Check for more information.
CURLING CLINIC
Instruction at Ice Ranch.
It takes more than some shuffleboard experience to excel in curling. And like the other, more active sports, it takes years to master the game enough to earn an Olympic medal.
But every curler starts somewhere.
In anticipation of the USA Curling Olympic Team Trials, scheduled for February in Broomfield, the Metro Denver Sports Commission is taking action to teach people how to curl with a “Learn to Curl Night” on Thursday in Littleton.
The clinic, at the Ice Ranch (841 Southpark Drive), also will be hosted by the Denver Curling Club, so top instruction will be available. Check for more info.
