The Colorado High School Activities Association announced on March 11 that it will recognize participants from the first girls basketball state tournament as part of the event’s 50th anniversary celebrations this Saturday.
This recognition highlights the progress made in girls high school sports since CHSAA officially sanctioned girls basketball in 1976, following the momentum created by Title IX and local leaders. Before this, opportunities for female athletes were limited and inconsistent.
In the inaugural championship games held in 1976, Campo won against Prairie in Class A, Wray defeated Palisade in Class AA, and Golden topped Westminster in Class AAA. The first tournament drew more than 4,000 fans to Arvada High School, signaling a new era for girls’ team sports in Colorado. “Girls basketball in Colorado continues to build leaders, strengthen communities and inspire the next generation, and the Colorado High School Activities Association is honored to celebrate these inaugural championship participants this weekend,” said CHSAA.
The association will hold ceremonies at three locations before Saturday’s state championship games. Coaches and team members from Campo and Prairie will be recognized prior to the Class 1A game at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Wray’s championship team will be honored before the Class 2A game at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Players and coaches from Golden’s AAA champions and Palisade’s AA runners-up will be recognized at Denver Coliseum ahead of the Class 5A final.
Over five decades, girls basketball has grown significantly across Colorado. The upcoming ceremonies aim to honor those who paved the way for future generations of student-athletes.
