Press Release: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College Celebrates One Year of Varsity Athletics with New Gymnasium
DENVER — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College proudly marks the one-year anniversary of its new gymnasium, which has introduced varsity athletics to the school, enhancing opportunities for student-athletes. The state-of-the-art facility has boosted morale among students and increased school spirit, particularly noted by Joshua Aryeetey, a senior guard on the boy’s basketball team. “It really changed the whole morale of our school,” Aryeetey expressed, appreciating the added excitement of concessions and increased attendance at games.
Head Coach Nikki Weddle, who attended the school in the 1990s, reflects on the gym’s significance in fostering a full-circle experience. “You start seeing school spirit posters going up; just to bring back that high school feeling is dope,” she stated. Weddle, a former Miss Colorado Basketball, aims to instill her passion for the sport in her players, acknowledging the positive progress they are making this season with a current record of 3-2.
Weddle is dedicated to her players, offering extra training sessions before and after practices to help them hone their skills. Aryeetey praised her efforts, stating, “I’m very grateful to have her as my coach; she pushes us to be the best.” The $20 million gym, funded by Denver taxpayers, is not just a facility but an avenue for youth development. Aryeetey remarked on its impact, saying, “If we had programs like these earlier, I feel like a lot of my friends would’ve made better decisions.”
As the school and its athletic programs continue to grow, the new gym stands as a testament to community investment in student success.