Denver Repeats at 6th Annual Colorado Border War

John Stegner, Jr.
January 28, 2016
Denver, CO

Once again the Arapahoe Tennis Club hosted the Denver vs. Boulder “Border War”. The hallowed grounds of the club had seen the addition of a fifth court since the last battle. Expanding the event was discussed for weeks in advance of the big day, but the increasingly creative smack-talking kept the decision sidelined. Boulder and Denver captains were busy grooming their rosters and finally agreed that each team would have 14 players this year, increasing the match count by two.

There was a sense of déjà vu when the big day finally arrived and players began exchanging texts about the weather forecast. Last year, play had to be stopped in the first round and the event rescheduled as a big storm rolled in. With new heaters at the club and no more than a couple of inches expected, it was go time.

Following the traditional team photo, review of the rules, and back-handed compliments, the players took the courts.

As play began, the snowflakes increased in number and at what seemed to be an exponential rate. The wet balls and blinding steam rising from the courts seemed to have little effect on the Denver players. They were clearly in their element and, in what seemed to be a blink of the eye; the first round was in the books. Denver had won 5 of the 7 matches and had a commanding lead.

Fortunately, pizza had arrived, the keg had been tapped, and the snow let up. Boulder had a brief chance to regroup. Going into the second round refueled and with their backs against the wall, Boulder mounted a rally and the tension was on the rise as Denver saw their hard-earned lead begin to dwindle. With one match remaining on court and the clock approaching midnight, Boulder had won 4 of the 6 matches in the second round, but alas it was not going to be enough. Even if the 7th match went to Boulder, the set differential had the Sapporo Cup trophy firmly in Denver’s hands. It was time to call it. As the players retreated to the warmth of the clubhouse a chant of “Back To Back” began to increase in volume.

Congratulations to Denver MVPs Matt Kranich and Cary Hodges as well as Team Captains Matt Assini and Derek Bond.

Head to head, Boulder maintains a 4-2 lead in the war’s history, but this win by Denver has made it clear that the rivalry is in its infancy. Boulder may lead in the overall count, but Denver now has the momentum.

Team Denver (left) Vs. Team Boulder (right)

Congratulations to Denver MVP’s Matt Kranich & Cary Hodges	Team Denver Wins!
Round 1 - Snow is a Factor!	Traditional Victory Drink from the Sapporo Cup Trophy