They have been inseparable since their early years of grade school, so Bryan Peters and Jake Stewart sharing the male student-athlete of the year award is nothing new.
The two three-sport stars of Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins, along with superlative swimmer Kirsten Milberg of Rock Canyon in Littleton as the female student-athlete selection from the 2008-09 school year, were featured Tuesday night at The Denver Athletic Club’s annual banquet.
The Denver Post program, in conjunction with The DAC and 9News, chose the three seniors after 34 weeks of selections that highlighted in-state high-schoolers who excelled in academics, athletics and character.
“It’s great to share it,” Stewart said.
On a night when The DAC honored former George Washington star and Nuggets premier guard Chauncey Billups as its professional athlete of the year, Peters and Stewart were recognized for their unique accomplishments and were the first co-winners of the award.
Both played the same three sports — football, basketball and baseball — and employed team and individual teamwork in an era of specialization.
In football, Peters was The Denver Post Gold Helmet winner as a quarterback; Stewart was the state’s premier wide receiver and returner. In basketball, Peters played guard; Stewart used his athleticism at forward. And in baseball, where they led the Lobos to three consecutive Class 5A championships, Peters was 21-0 in his career on the mound, batted second in the order and played third base; Stewart hit third, played center field, was the team’s closer and was selected in the 14th round of the draft by the Philadelphia Phillies.
For Milberg, her decorated career was considerable. Her entries into state annals include 10 championships in assorted individual and relay races as well as a 4A team title for the Jaguars.
“It was exciting,” she said.
Peters (headed to Nebraska), Stewart (Stanford) and Milberg (Denver) each surpassed 4.0 in grade-point average and were active in community and school affairs.
The Denver Athletic Club also honored Heidi Boerstler as DAC legend; Phillip Pankey, lifetime achievement; Abigail Rose Stevens and Cameron Allan as Kidz athletes of the year; Blake Dowling and Patrick Murray as youth athletes of the year; Sarah Clark, Olivia Syptak and David Ramsden-Woods as club athletes of the year; and Ellen Hart and Fred Duboc as masters athletes of the year.
Neil H. Devlin: 303-954-1714 or ndevlin@denverpost.com
