AURORA – The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) announced its 35th Hall of Fame class, the Class of 2024, earlier this month. Dive in now to learn more about each of the inductees.
The Class of 2024 includes:
- Kevin Land (Jefferson County School District) – Athletic Administrator
Kevin Land has had a significant impact on Colorado athletics and activities as the athletic director for Jefferson County School District. Under his leadership, the district has seen substantial growth in its athletic programs, fostering an environment that promotes student participation and success. Land has been instrumental in enhancing facilities, implementing comprehensive training programs and prioritizing student-athlete health and safety. His commitment to excellence in sports education has earned him respect within the community, including the highest levels of recognition at local, league, state and national levels.
- Jessika Stratton Caldwell (Coronado) – Girls Basketball
During her time at Coronado High School, Jessika Stratton Caldwell was a four-sport student-athlete, participating in basketball, cross country, tennis and track, with basketball being her standout talent. Her skills led her to being recognized as the Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior, paving the way for an impressive collegiate career at Baylor University. Beyond high school athletics, she participated in Student Leadership, Honor Society and her school newspaper. After coaching at the college level, Caldwell now coaches girls basketball and teaches at Valor Christian, where she helps students find success both on and off the court.
- Nate Solder (Buena Vista) – Football
Nate’s athletic career began at Buena Vista High School, where he was a standout football player, excelling as a tight end and linebacker. His talent earned him a scholarship to the University of Colorado, where he transitioned to offensive tackle, a move that would define his career. After being named a consensus All-American, Solder was drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He went on to win two Super Bowls with the Patriots before joining the New York Giants. Throughout his career, Solder was known for his strength, leadership, and perseverance both on and off the field.
- Katelyn Kaltenbach Conlon (Smoky HIll) – Cross Country and Track & Field
Katelyn Kaltenbach Conlon was a dominant force in cross country and track, winning eight state titles for Smoky Hill High School 2001-05. As a freshman, she won her first state championship as a member of the school’s 4x800m relay team. From there, Kaltenbach Conlon went on to win seven more state championships across both sports, including sweeping the four big-school track titles in the same season (800m, 1600m, 3200m and 4x800m relay). Known for her competitive edge and consistency, she would win the Foot Locker Cross Country National Championship in 2003. Kaltenbach Conlon continued her running career at the University of North Carolina, where she would score at the NCAA Championships.
- Megan Kaltenbach Burke (Smoky Hill) – Cross Country and Track & Field
Megan Kaltenbach Burke was a standout cross country and track athlete who won four-straight cross country titles from 1999-2003 and led Smoky Hill High School to the cross country team championship in 2002. A 15-time state champion in both sports, she set several records in long-distance events and won the four big-school track titles in the same season (800m, 1600m, 3200m and 4x800m relay). Her dominance in high school earned her recognition as one of the top prep distance runners in the country, as she twice won the Nike Indoor National Championship in the 3200m. Kaltenbach Burke continued her athletic success at the University of North Carolina, where she helped the DMR team set a new American record in 2007. She concluded her collegiate career as a two-time NCAA champion, a two-time All American, and a two-time All-ACC performer.
- Bob Caton (Highlands Ranch, Denver West, Mullen) – Boys Basketball Coach
Bob Caton had an extraordinary coaching career in Colorado high school boys basketball. He amassed over 550 wins as the head coach at several schools, including Manual, Denver West, Aurora Central, George Washington, Highlands Ranch and his final stop, Mullen. Throughout his career, he made 14 trips to the Great 8, had six final four appearances and led two of those schools to state title game. Known for his ability to build powerhouse programs, the Denver West graduate was inducted into the Colorado High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2018. Caton’s leadership, emphasis on teamwork and tactical prowess has earned him recognition as one of Colorado’s top high school basketball coaches.
- Darryl Miller – Significant Contributor
Darryl Miller is a prominent figure in Colorado’s sports medicine community. Recognized for his contributions to athlete health and safety, he has extensive experience in injury prevention and rehabilitation, and has played a vital role in developing programs that support student-athletes across the state. He’s worked as a medical volunteer for USA Wrestling since 1993 and was the director of the high school outreach program at the University of Colorado-Denver from 1988-95. He’s also served as the Secondary Education Instructor of athletic training/emergency medicine and Director Sports Medicine for Denver Public Schools and was the Vice President of the Colorado Athletic Trainers’ Association and Licensure Committee in Colorado. Miller’s leadership and advocacy for sports medicine best practices have established him as a respected mentor and educator in the field.
- David Hall – Official
David Hall is a highly respected basketball official, known for his extensive experience and dedication to the sport. He has officiated numerous high school and collegiate games, including more than 45 NCAA Division I conference tournament championship games, 33 NCAA Division I Tournaments, two NCAA Final Fours and the 2000 NCAA National Championship game. In addition to his collegiate experience, he’s conducted over 100 camps in four western states and trained over 7,000 officials. He’s also spent time as the Basketball Coordinator of Officials with the Scenic West Athletic Conference and as the Denver Area Draw Manager, where he assigns all of the high school varsity games in the Denver metro area. Earning a reputation for fairness and professionalism on the court, Hall has played a significant role in developing future officials and is recognized for his contributions to Colorado basketball.
The contributions of these eight exceptional individuals have made a lasting impact on high school activities and athletics. This esteemed group embodies the core values of the Association and reflects its vision of promoting excellence in academics, activities, and athletics, and will officially be inducted into the CHSAA Hall of Fame in a ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 at the Douglas County School District’s Legacy Campus (10035 S Peoria St., Lone Tree 80134). Tickets and event details are available through this link.
In addition to the Class of 2024 inductees, CHSAA will also recognize the following special award winners:
- RBG Impact Award: Cassandra Tafoya (Abraham Lincoln)
- Bert Borgmann Distinguished Service Award: Darryl Abeyta (Primero) and Cindy Abeyta (Primero)
- Tom “The Bomb” Robinson Award: George Demetriou
- Colorado Tradition Award: SCHEELS
For more information on the CHSAA Hall of Fame and the Class of 2024 inductees, please visit www.CHSAANow.com or contact Rashaan Davis (rdavis@chsaa.org).
