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Luke Graham

Luke Graham's column appears Mondays in the Steamboat Today. Contact him at 970-871-4229 or e-mail lgraham@SteamboatToday.com.

Steamboat Springs — Fall sports are back and in full swing. With one week of practices down, local prep coaches already have a better idea of how their respective teams will fare. They also know which players will key the success of their teams.

Here's a look at some of the local high school athletes who should make substantial impacts this season:

Steamboat Springs High School

- Football: Carl Steele

The senior will be expected to protect quarterback Austin Hinder's blind side. Steele is a three-year starter, and if he can give Hinder time to throw to the Sailors' many weapons, a big year could be ahead.

- Soccer: Connor Birch

The senior goalkeeper is the unquestioned leader of the team. He also establishes an identity to make the back third Steamboat's strength. If Birch plays like he has previously, the Sailors offense should eventually catch up.

- Volleyball: Colleen King

In a wide-open Western Slope League, King is the best player. If she can continue where she left off last season, Steamboat should be primed for a run at a league title. King is so versatile, she could be the best setter and hitter in the league.

- Cross-country: Gus Allen

The senior is expected to lead a young team. If the Sailors can run with a pack mentality, they have a decent chance at making the state meet. Allen, who has been training all summer, will be a big part of that.

- Golf: Alan Capistron

Although only a junior, Capistron might be the key to the season for Steamboat. The Sailors have Kaelen Gunderson and Scott Ptach near the top of the leaderboard at every tournament. If Capistron can cut those final few strokes off his game, Steamboat could send the team to state.

- Tennis: Jamey Swiggart

Judging by his summer performance, Swiggart should compete with just about any player in Class 4A. After getting acquainted with No. 1 singles as a freshman, Swiggart is primed for a deep run at the state tournament.

Hayden High School

- Football: Jake Walker

Maybe the fastest player in Routt County, Walker will be expected to shoulder much of the load for the Tigers this year. Hayden lost a ton of talent to graduation, and a 1,000-yard season from Walker would do a lot to make up for that.

- Volleyball: Rachael Koehler

Much like the football team, Hayden's volleyball squad was bitten hard by the senior bug. But in coach Greg Johnson's up-tempo style, Koehler is set to have a huge season.

Soroco High School

- Football: Cody Miles

In eight-man football, the best athlete on the field usually has the biggest day. And Miles usually is the best athlete on the field. The quarterback and linebacker should add to his impressive numbers from last year. He's the type of player who can win games by himself.

- Volleyball: Lauryn Bruggink

Only a sophomore, Bruggink already is one of the best athletes in South Routt. With a volleyball team that struggled last season, Bruggink will be expected to provide solid play and energy.