When Stephen King was five years old, he and his family moved to the United States from Venezuela and rented his aunt’s house in Gilpin County. Venezuela’s loss was Gilpin County’s gain as he went on to become one of the most accomplished and decorated athletes in Gilpin County High School’s history.

At the age of seven, he began playing Mountain Area Midget Football. When he was in seventh grade, his team went undefeated and won the Carnation Bowl. The next year they won it again.

By the time King began his athletic career as an Eagle at Gilpin County High School, he was already a seasoned football player showing flashes of brilliance. As a freshman starting at the wide receiver and cornerback positions, he helped his team reach the playoffs for the first time in over 20 years.

That winter he applied his skills to the hardwood. His dogged defensive play, 3-point shooting, and fast-break abilities earned him league honors in each of his four years playing varsity basketball. Called a “natural track athlete” by Coach Craig Ball, King holds school records in the Boys 100m Dash, 200m Dash, 330m Hurdles, 4 x 200m Relay, and Long Jump.

In the autumn of 2018 the new football field and track was completed. Stephen was the first player to score a touchdown on the field with a spectacular 70-yard kick-off return. His prowess on the gridiron continued, playing almost every position on the field at one time or another. His coach compared him to the USC and New Orleans Saints great Reggie Bush who was capable of scoring whenever he touched the ball by way of run, pass, punt or kick-off return. No matter how many points the Eagles may have trailed, they were always in contention as long as King was in the game.

Midway through Stephen’s sophomore track season, the school received an order of hurdles. He took to them like a duck to water when Coach Ball suggested he give them a try. King ended the year capturing a silver medal at the State Championships in the 300m Hurdles to complement his ever-expanding trophy case.

During a Covid-shortened football season his senior year, Stephen rushed for over 1,500 yards, averaging; more than 200 yards per game, outpacing the next best running back in the league by 300 yards. Even with all the accolades, he cites the favorite part of his career as playing alongside his best friends Blake Boulter and Nolan Lindberg.

Similarly, when he made his final official appearance as an Eagle Saturday, June 26, at the State Championships where he won medals in the 100m Dash and 300m Hurdles, what he valued most that day was beingapartoftheBoys4x400mrelay team that placed sixth.

Not just an exceptional athlete, Stephen was a great student as well. His keen interest in math and science led to his decision to attend the Colorado School of Mines in Golden on an academic scholarship this coming fall.

Sad to have ended his time at Gilpin County High School, he is realistic about his future and ready to move on. If the past is any indicator, he is certain to excel in all his undertakings that lie ahead. We thank him for all the thrills and wish him the very best.

King related that if he could have a single wish granted it would be to participate in one more contest in each of his three disciplines. At least in part, his wish will come true on Friday, July 9, at the Colorado 8-Man All-State Football Game in which he will be the running back. The contest is being held at Gilpin County Stadium for the first time, where his talents will be showcased in front of the hometown fans and others from around the state. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.