Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … This year marked a historic milestone for athletics at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, as both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams competed in the Colorado 2A state playoffs for the first time in school history.
The boys’ team advanced to the regional championship after defeating Dayspring Christian Academy in Greeley, Colorado. in the first round before falling to Heritage Christian Academy of Fort Collins, Colorado. The girls’ team also qualified for the tournament but lost in the opening round to Heritage Christian.
While Campion Academy has been a member of the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) since 1997 and has frequently qualified for postseason play, the school had historically declined to participate in state tournaments because tournament games were generally scheduled during Sabbath hours.
In the early 2000s, however, CHSAA began making accommodations for schools and students who observe the Sabbath, including Jewish and Seventh-day Adventist participants. These accommodations allow schedules to be adjusted when possible so that teams can compete without conflicting with their religious beliefs.
Even with those accommodations available, Campion had not yet taken part in state tournaments. In 2008, after the boys’ basketball team won four consecutive Northern Front Range League titles, then–athletic director Troy Beans requested permission for the team to advance to the state tournament. At the time, the school board voted against the proposal, choosing instead to prioritize academics and limit the extension of the athletic season.
The conversation resurfaced again in 2025 when the boys’ basketball team once more qualified for state play. That year, the school board approved participation in state tournaments as long as games could be scheduled outside Sabbath hours and did not conflict with major school religious activities. However, the opportunity was ultimately declined due to a scheduling conflict with Campion’s annual spring break mission trip.
The boys’ soccer team became the first Campion team to take advantage of the policy change in the fall season, competing in the state tournament and making school history, even though they only went to the first round.
This winter, the boys’ basketball team built on that milestone. After winning their opening-round game, the Cougars advanced to the regional championship and finished the season with a 14–5 record, ranking 14th out of 58 teams in Colorado’s 2A division.
Campion principal Kaleb Leeper expressed pride in the teams and the example they set.
“I am proud of our athletic teams not only for the level of competition they demonstrate, but especially for the Christian character they show on the court,” Leeper said. “Their example reflects the strong leadership and dedication of our coaches and athletic director.”
Campion Athletic Director Caleb Jahn emphasized how meaningful it was to see the school finally able to participate while still honoring its beliefs.
“I would like to acknowledge CHSAA and their willingness to accommodate our religious beliefs,” Jahn said. “They have been very receptive to our participation and have ensured that we will not encounter scheduling conflicts.”
Jahn also expressed appreciation for the teams Campion faced during the tournament. “Our playoff opponents have been gracious in accommodating our schedule to allow us to observe the Sabbath,” he said. “This achievement is a collective effort, and I am honored to be a part of Campion Academy during a time when our students have the opportunity to showcase their talents to the wider community.”
CA senior student Izuchi Nwankwo also had a standout season. Nwankwo set a new Campion Academy single-season scoring record with 417 points, surpassing the previous record of 360 set by Brit Sigh in 2001. He averaged 21.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game.
With these first state tournament experiences behind them, Campion Academy looks forward to future opportunities to compete at the state level while continuing to uphold its mission and values.
“Athletics are just one part of the broader Campion Academy experience,” Leeper said. “Programs in drama, music, and campus ministries also challenge students to grow in their abilities, develop responsibility and excellence, and build strong Christian character. With so many opportunities, balancing busy schedules can be a challenge, but our shared goal remains the same—to glorify God in all that we do.”
—Jill Harlow is Campion Academy Communication director. Photos supplied.
