Northern Colorado Owlz host first-ever game as franchise, earn win

2022-09-24 03:23:17 By : Ms. Lorna Guo

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GREELEY, CO - JUNE 01:Alex Jackson (2) of the Northern Colorado Owlz hits during the Northern Colorado Owlz home opener against the Rocky Mountain Vibes at Jackson Field in Greeley June 1, 2022. The Owls defeated the Vibes 10-4. (Alex McIntyre/Staff Photographer)

GREELEY, CO - JUNE 01:Christian Griffin (24) of the Northern Colorado Owlz pitches during the Northern Colorado Owlz home opener against the Rocky Mountain Vibes at Jackson Field in Greeley June 1, 2022. The Owls defeated the Vibes 10-4. (Alex McIntyre/Staff Photographer)

GREELEY, CO - JUNE 01:The Northern Colorado Owlz look on from the dugout during the Northern Colorado Owlz home opener against the Rocky Mountain Vibes at Jackson Field in Greeley June 1, 2022. The Owls defeated the Vibes 10-4. (Alex McIntyre/Staff Photographer)

GREELEY, CO - JUNE 01:Fans enjoy the game during the Northern Colorado Owlz home opener against the Rocky Mountain Vibes at Jackson Field in Greeley June 1, 2022. The Owls defeated the Vibes 10-4. (Alex McIntyre/Staff Photographer)

There were a few technical difficulties — that’s what happens when a sports franchise starts from scratch — but fans came out, kids wanted autographs and it was a generally good inaugural home game for the Northern Colorado Owlz.

The Owlz (1-5) won their first game of the season and home opener, 10-4, against Colorado Springs’ Rocky Mountain Vibes (1-6) after an eight-run third inning.

It felt good. They’d struggled in the first series, unable to earn a victory, so it was the first one as a franchise. Even with the imperfections, there was a sense of relief and joy. The dugout was full of energy afterward.

“Oh, it was big. That was the main thing in the locker room,” pitcher Christian Griffin said of getting on the field and finally winning. “With us starting off slow, you know, I just wanted to give the boys a chance to win with everything I got.”

The Owlz recorded 11 hits in the game, including a triple in the third. Griffin recorded four of the team’s 11 strikeouts.

The front office staff is still working through game day processes, and there were some issues with the live video. Future Legends Complex in Windsor — the Owlz’s permanent home — is still under construction, too.

The Owlz hoped to play their inaugural season last summer, but things had to be postponed due to COVID-19 concerns.

Even with the setbacks, it was nice to finally host a game day.

Casey Katofsky, executive director of operations with Future Legends Complex, said the team expected to have fans. The staff has been watching ticket sales and monitoring social media engagement. Seeing them cheer in the stands and wearing Owlz gear? That feeling is hard to actually imagine.

“These are the people that have been waiting to have professional baseball in northern Colorado,” Katofsky said. “It’s a very humbling experience, and it’s very exciting. We want to keep the momentum going.”

Katofsky’s father, Jeff, is a co-founder of Future Legends and owner of the team. It was announced in 2020 that the Owlz, previously based in Utah, would move to Windsor.

Even though the Owlz were established in Orem, everything has virtually started over. The group has built a roster, a coaching staff and hired many new employees.

In fact, Griffin said the team added several new members and he met them for the first time Wednesday.

Griffin played in the American Association, which is on the same level, and spent most of his college career at West Alabama. He moved to northern Colorado several months ago when the team started spring training.

He’s pleased with the group. Manager Cory Snyder has emphasized the importance of winning and doing things the right way. That’s the kind of squad Griffin wants to be part of.

“As a whole, we just mesh well. Everybody’s a good guy,” Griffin said. “That’s one thing (Snyder) also preaches. For everybody to get here, you had to have a reference with, like, two old coaches. The No. 1 thing he looked for was good character guys. We have good character guys, and we’re bonding well.”

Katofsky said things remain a work in progress. There will likely be more bumps and more challenges. From a leadership standpoint, though, he feels confident that things will continue to improve.

The goal is to win, Griffin said. They want to put on the uniform, get on the field and play. It might take some time to get into a groove, but the expectations are high.

He hopes fans will continue to show interest and rally behind the Owlz.

“Keep coming out. We love the support. That’s the biggest part,” Griffin said. “I appreciate you guys looking out for us and being here. It’s the biggest part. Keep on coming out. We need more and more every time.”

Northern Colorado will play at 4:05 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, while the Sunday game is set for 1:05 p.m. The remainder of the series will take place at UNC’s Jackson Field.

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