Killer Company's: What to think about with CO Outdoors

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Good afternoon and hello!

I know it's been a while since you've seen me, but I've been out and about lately, spending much of that time inside Lloyd McMillan Gym covering a basketball game or coaching.

That's right, I took up coaching and manned the bench for Montrose High School's boys basketball C-Team. We had our final game on Tuesday and finished the season 12-4.

My favorite part was seeing how much the players developed their skills as the season progressed — the C-Team campaign is mostly a developmental one for freshman and the kids did get better. That was great to see.

I've been telling others how unique it's been to cover Montrose High School sports after attending MHS. It feels even more unique to play in a program (boys basketball), cover it professionally and then serve as a coach in it. Quite a journey if you ask me.

I'm especially curious to see their evolution as basketball players when they play at the varsity level, which is currently 21-0 and playing for win No. 22 tonight (more on that later).

But before we get into it, did everyone enjoy the Super Bowl? The endless crypto commercials were mind-numbing, but I thought the game was competitive. Halftime show was fun, too.

What was your favorite Super Bowl moment? Share with me at josuep@montrosepress.com.

More Colorado Outdoors announcements expected to come soon

If you've been following our coverage, you'll know that Maslow Academy announced plans to expand to the Flex Buildings within Colorado Outdoors and a new outpatient medical center will be built on the campus.

We're expected to receive even more announcements in the coming weeks. Reminder: 10 tenants signed leases for the Flex Buildings, but only Maslow, Trattoria Di Sofia and Montrose Angers have announced.

Though it won't go in at Flex, don't forget about Shelter Distilling: the owners took some time to speak with me and are excited about the venture.

Big picture? Each announcement could potentially add to the attractiveness of relocating a business to the campus. Entrepreneurs know being located within walking distance of a hotel (the planned Marriott) is a bonus.

It adds intrigue, too, to the Basecamp Apartments. People might look more into moving there if they know how close they'll be to different businesses.

That's all important considering the financial stake in Colorado Outdoors. As of Jan, 10, 2022, the Montrose Urban Renewal Authority's expenses to date total $11.5 million, and its promissory note amount is a hair over $13 million.

Tax increment financing is expected to repay the millions worth of notes issued. (I wrote a recent breakdown of financial projections that gives a clearer picture on that.)

With each announcement, and each groundbreaking, MURA moves a step closer to seeing it all pay off.

Montrose boys basketball aiming for 23-0 regular season

As I mentioned, Montrose boys basketball has a chance to improve to 22-0 tonight with a win over Grand Junction Central. It would be their seventh league win and 10th win on the road this season.

But forget about the streak for a second, which is undoubtedly impressive (there are just two undefeated teams left in all of 4A). Since last season, the boys program is 39-1. They haven't lost a regular season game since Feb. 4, 2020. That's ages in the world of high school basketball — health, ineligibility (classroom comes first) and a younger core can stop a streak.

The boys' last loss came against Mead in the 4A state title game, which was the first time the program reached the championship in 70 years.

Make no mistake, this core at the front of this run will be remembered - Luke Hutto, Trey Reese, Fletcher Cheezum, Ashden Oberg, Javier Esparza, Cody Proctor (and Jordan Jennings last season).

Montrose coach Ryan Voehringer has them playing at a high level, and they've taken time to reflect on the streak, but their eyes are on another playoff run and title shot.

"We've enjoyed every second of it," Cheezum said after the team reached 20 wins, reflecting on their current run. "We're not done yet."

Before you go..

* If you haven't checked out NABUR, head to nabur.montrosepress.com. MDP's Sean Flannelly catches you up on the latest in Montrose and you have a chance to offer your thoughts and opinions with others. Tag me on there if you have any questions.

* We reported on OHS girls wrestlers Nicole Koch and Aby England qualifying for state but didn't realize until later that Sadie Corn and Lynessia Duran also qualified. All four wrestled today at the Ball Arena in Denver, which served as milestone moments for them as girls wrestling made its debut at the venue this year.

* I saw "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" recently, and if you're a fan of the original, I think you'll like this one. It's fun, well-acted and has some heart. I'm looking forward to watching "Uncharted" and "Jackass Forever" at the Fox Theater soon.

Have a great evening!

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