Andy Lowry Leads Columbine Rebels to Undefeated Season and Sixth State Championship
Key Points
- Andy Lowry, the 2023 Denver Post All-Colorado Coach of the Year, led Columbine to an undefeated season and won his sixth state championship in 30 years as the head coach.
- Lowry's team achieved this feat by upsetting four-time defending champion Cherry Creek in the title game, despite having a roster with zero FBS scholarship offers, emphasizing a "junkyard dawg" mentality.
- Lowry faced emotional turmoil, grieving the death of his niece and dealing with his wife Janet's ongoing battle with bone cancer.
- Despite these challenges, he found strength in his faith and his football team, drawing perspective from his own experiences to empathize with his players and their families.
- The Rebels finished the season 14-0, with their only true scare coming against Arapahoe, marking a career win No. 300 for Lowry.
- Lowry's coaching style and the team's success were attributed to their well-oiled, run-oriented, double tight-end offense, and their ability to adapt, exemplified by the QB's performance in critical moments.
- Lowry's dedication to refining the team's offense was highlighted, including annual trips to Alaska for tips and insights to enhance their playing style.
- Despite graduating 23 seniors, Lowry is committed to rebuilding for the 2024 season, emphasizing his passion and vocation for coaching.
- Other finalists for Coach of the Year included Mike D. Gabriel of Holy Family, Jared Yannacito of Ralston Valley, Jeff Giger of Erie, and Jesse German of Green Mountain.
Read more at The Denver Post
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