AURORA – Wellington, last year’s 2A state runner up, is off to a strong start in 2025 with a 4-0, including a 27-15 win last week over Timnath in the Canvas Classic at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins.
For his efforts, Travis Peeples has been recognized as CHSAA’s Broncos Tackle Football Coach of the Week.
Throughout the season, a Broncos Coach of the Week will be named each week for both tackle football and flag football. Then, at every Broncos home game this season, during a pregame, on-field recognition ceremony, the Denver Broncos will celebrate a group of the Coach of the Week honorees.
Q&A with Wellington High School Head Coach Travis Peeples
Q: What is the most rewarding part of coaching?
A: I think I’m a little old school, we run a traditional offense and defense, we’re demanding, and we set the bar really high. But I’ve also learned that every kid needs something different. You have to motivate them in different ways, and it’s not always one-size-fits-all. I grew up in Miami, where my dad coached youth football and my high school coach, Dennis LaBelle at Miami Columbus, inspired me. Then I played quarterback at UCF for Gene McDowell. Those men, along with my dad, really pushed me toward coaching. Over 31 years, I’ve built my own style, picking up philosophies from a lot of great coaches, and adapting them to what fits best for
my kids.
Q: You grew up in Miami and played quarterback at the University of Central Florida. How did that experience shape your understanding of the game and your approach to coaching?
A: College was a whole different level of preparation. Back then, the NCAA limited us to 20 hours a week with coaches, so everything else, lifting, film study, workouts, throwing in the summer, was on us. That taught me discipline and accountability. As a head coach now, I put those same expectations on my players. It’s not just what we do in practice. They run, condition, lift, study film, and even take care of academics with tutors outside of practice. That’s part of being all-in on building a program.
Q: Wellington is one of the northernmost high schools in Colorado. What challenges have you faced building a program here, and how have you overcome them?
A: We started from scratch with just ninth- and 10th-graders four years ago. A lot of those kids could’ve gone to big, successful schools in Fort Collins, so I had to sell them on a vision for something new.
Now, four years later, that vision has become reality. Our players talk about how we’re a family, how it’s year-round work, how it’s about Friday nights under the lights in a small town. And the community has rallied around us as we’ve had 3,000 people pack our stadium, and the town itself is only about 9,000. That’s been one of the most rewarding parts.
Q: You had a long run at Frederick High School. How did that experience influence your coaching at Wellington, especially in terms of community engagement?
A: At Frederick, every player gave back 10 hours of community service every summer, painting houses, mowing lawns, working with Habitat for Humanity, all kinds of projects. I wanted to bring that to Wellington, but at first my kids were too young to drive. Now that they’re older, we’re putting it into place here. This summer we’ll have groups of players out giving back. That’s important to me, because football is about more than wins and losses. It’s about showing the community that you care.
Q: Last season Wellington went 10-3, won seven straight, and reached the 2A state championship game. What made that team so special, and how are you carrying that momentum forward?
A: That was our first senior class, and those 13 kids stuck together from the start. They could’ve gone to bigger schools, but they stayed, and they worked harder than anyone. We also do something unique with film. Every Tuesday and Wednesday we film practice, 30 minutes offense, 30 minutes defense. The players grade themselves at night, and then we go over it together before practice the next day. By the time Friday comes, we’ve already “played” our opponent twice. That preparation made us sharp every week.
Q: This year’s roster features new and returning talent. Who are some of the leaders that stand out?
A: We’ve got a four-year starter at quarterback, Tanner Gray. He’s 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, and he’s already drawing Division I interest. He plays both quarterback and defensive end, and as a captain, he sets the tone for our entire program. On the line, Ezra Batjargal has really stepped up, he just picked up an offer from Adams State. We’ve also got AJ Shedenhelm, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound lineman who gives us a lot of power up front. Offensively, Tanner McLean is a 6-foot-5 receiver who’s a big target for us, and defensively, we’ve moved Ethan Thurnes to middle linebacker. He’s a coach’s dream, tough, smart, and consistent. The best part is that all of this is built on continuity. Our middle school, C team, JV, and varsity all run the same offense and defense. So by the time kids reach varsity, it’s second nature. That’s why even as we graduate players, the next man up is ready to step in.
Q: Wellington is known for its tough defense and powerful running game. How do you instill that physical mindset?
A: We preach toughness every day. We hit sleds, flip tires, pull sleds, and do board drills that teach leverage and leg drive. We want to establish that we’re more physical than our opponent. In the weight room, we lift heavy Monday through Thursday: squats, bench, cleans, arms. The only light day is Friday. We actually get stronger as the season goes on, and that’s a big part of our identity.
Q: The Eagles’ rise has been fast. What strategies have helped you build buy-in from players, parents, and the community?
A: It starts with standards: compete for state championships, excel in the classroom, and have a plan after high school. From there, it’s about accountability. I don’t lie to kids, if they’re not meeting the standard, I tell them. If they are, I praise them. We compete in everything, but it’s about competing the right way with toughness and respect. And we film everything, so there’s no hiding. If I tell a lineman to take a six-inch step and he takes twelve, we correct it. Not to tear him down, but to help him reach the standard. The kids know I’m rooting for them, and that builds trust.
Q: As a father, husband, and coach, how do you balance family and football? And what legacy do you hope Wellington football leaves?
A: I’ve always made balance a priority. My wife is a principal, my kids play football, and I make time for my family on weekends. Saturdays I break down film at home, and Sundays we meet as a staff for just a couple hours. As for legacy, I want the young coaches on my staff to carry it forward. I’ve been at this for 31 years, and I tell them: everybody knows 70 to 80 percent of the game, but it’s the details that separate you. Treat kids with respect, hold them accountable, and set the standard high. I truly believe the future of Wellington football is already in the building. We’ve got coaches in their 20s and 30s learning the craft, and I see potential head coaches in that group. On top of that, we’ve built continuity from middle school through varsity, so our players grow up in the program, already knowing the system and expectations. That makes the transition seamless year after year. For us, the standard is always chasing a state championship. I haven’t won one yet, but the pursuit of greatness is what drives us. That’s the legacy I hope Wellington football carries on.