Wild Times and Tough Choices
In the wild world of American sports and wildlife, two stories recently made headlines that reveal the complexity of our values and decisions as a society. One involves high school football glory in Colorado, while the other sheds light on a shocking act of animal cruelty in Wyoming. Both tales highlight the passion and the darker impulses that can emerge when humans interact with nature and competition. Let’s kick things off with the Cherry Creek Bruins, who just opened their 2025 high school football season with a bang—literally. The Bruins came out swinging against Regis Jesuit, pounding them into submission with a jaw-dropping 45-10 victory. Honestly, this game was decided before half the spectators even settled into their seats. Senior running back Jayden Fox was the star of the night, racking up three touchdowns and showcasing why he’s bound for UConn. The Bruins’ defense was no slouch either; they stifled Regis Jesuit’s offense at every turn, leaving their opponents gasping for air. And here’s the thing: Cherry Creek isn’t just playing for this season; they’re gunning for their eighth straight Class 5A title. With a roster overflowing with Division I talent, it’s hard to ignore the potential for greatness. Coach Dave Logan pointed out some areas that need work—like too many missed assignments and a passing game that was off-kilter. But let’s face it, after a win like that, minor tweaks seem like just a footnote in a glorious victory. As the Bruins continue to dominate, it raises a question: should we just sit back and applaud, or is there a risk of taking their success for granted?
Their upcoming schedule includes out-of – state teams, promising tough challenges that could either make or break their championship hopes. Fans are excited, but there’s always that nagging concern: can they keep the momentum going against tougher opponents?
Now, shift gears to Wyoming, where we find ourselves grappling with a far more disturbing narrative. Cody ROIerts, a local man, has been indicted on animal cruelty charges after allegedly running down a wolf with his snowmobile, then parading the injured animal at a bar before killing it. This isn’t just a freak incident; it’s a stark reminder of the often fraught relationship between humans and wildlife, especially in a state where laws allowing for the killing of wolves can seem shockingly lenient. The grisly details of this case—photos of ROIerts with the wolf, its mouth taped shut—have sparked outrage across the nation. Many are calling for a tourism boycott of Wyoming as a way to protest this kind of behavior and the leniency shown in ROIerts’ initial slap-on – the-wrist penalty for illegal wildlife possession. But here’s the kicker: despite this public outcry, tourism in Yellowstone National Park surged to record levels in
2024. That’s insane!
It seems like the beauty of the landscape can overshadow the darker actions of some of its residents. So, what’s really going on here?
On one hand, you have high school athletes pouring their hearts into a sport that teaches teamwork, discipline, and the thrill of competition. On the other, you have an individual who took a life without respect for the creature’s intrinsic value. It’s a stark contrast, and it begs the question of what we prioritize as a society. Are we more invested in the glory of sports or the ethical treatment of animals?
Both stories show that our passions can lead us to incredible highs and gut-wrenching lows. For the Cherry Creek Bruins, their journey is full of potential, excitement, and youthful exuberance. For ROIerts, his actions could lead to serious legal consequences and a community deeply divided on how to handle wildlife. As the season unfolds for the Bruins, let’s hope they rise to the occasion and maintain their focus both on and off the field. And for the wolves in Wyoming, let’s keep pushing for a conversation about compassion and conservation. Because, in the end, whether it’s a touchdown or a tragic act, we all share this world together, and how we choose to treat each other—humans, animals, and even our competitors—says a lot about who we are.
