by By Ben Nichols
As I sat in a local restaurant in Denver, a casual conversation about high school football turned into a profound journey through one of Colorado’s most resilient sports programs. A man mentioned the significance of Saturday high school games, which piqued my curiosity. My search for the biggest game of the weekend led me to Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado—the defending state champions. With a few calls Friday evening, I secured my spot for what turned out to be more than just a football game.
The following afternoon, I headed to Jeffco Stadium, where the Columbine Rebels faced Cherokee Trail in a high-stakes playoff matchup. The winner would advance to the Elite Eight, but the game was already steeped in emotion. Just the day before, Columbine’s head coach, Andy Lowry, tragically lost his wife. In solidarity, the coaching staff wore shirts that read “Lowry Strong.” This game was more than football; it was a testament to resilience.
Columbine’s signature wing-T offense stood in stark contrast to Cherokee Trail’s spread formation. But as the teams battled on the field, my attention shifted to the community surrounding the game. During halftime, I struck up a conversation with a man who shared the story of Columbine’s first state championship team—a team etched into history not just for their athletic prowess but for their role in healing a grieving community.
A Team Born in Tragedy
In 1999, Columbine High School became a symbol of national tragedy after the events of April 20, which claimed the lives of 12 students and one teacher. Among the victims was Matt Kechter, a member of the football team. That fall, Columbine’s football program embarked on a journey of recovery, dedicating their season to Kechter’s memory. Their determination and resilience resonated far beyond Littleton, capturing the attention of a nation in mourning.
Under the leadership of Coach Andy Lowry, the team defied the odds. Their only loss that season came against Pomona, a setback that galvanized their resolve. Week after week, their scores were not only reported locally but also on national news, as their story of perseverance became a beacon of hope.
The 1999 season culminated in a 21-14 victory over Cherry Creek in the state championship game. Each of their 13 wins was a tribute to the 13 lives lost earlier that year. For the players, the victory was deeply personal; for the community and the nation, it was a symbol of strength and recovery.
A Legacy of Hope
The 1999 team’s impact extended far beyond the football field. In 2018, they were inducted into the Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame, solidifying their place in history. They demonstrated that, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, a community can come together to find hope and resilience.
As I reflected on this legacy during the game, it became clear that Columbine football is more than a program—it is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and inspire. For Coach Lowry and the 1999 team, their victories were not just on the scoreboard but in their ability to unite a grieving community and a nation.
Columbine Today
The Columbine Rebels of 2024 carry that legacy every time they take the field. Their journey on that Saturday night against Cherokee Trail, like so many others, was fueled by a history of resilience. For those who know the team’s story, every game is a reminder of the power of sports to heal, inspire, and transform.
That night, as the Rebels fought for their place in the Elite Eight, they honored not only their coach’s personal loss but also a legacy forged in perseverance—a legacy that continues to define Columbine football and the community it represents.
