Every so often, a student-athlete arrives at a small-town high school and transforms that school’s culture. School spirit evolves into more than just a phrase, students proudly pack the stands on fields and in gyms, and the local supermarket buzzes with talk about the school’s teams.
On many levels, the transformation is exactly what makes high school athletics so special, and in the halls of Mancos High School, such a transformation appears to be happening thanks to sophomore standout Caden Showalter.
To fully appreciate the impact that Showalter is having at Mancos High School, one must begin with an understanding of the sophomore’s physical gifts, which have rendered him a force to be reckoned with on courts and in the field at Colorado’s Class 2A level.
Powerful arms extend from Showalter’s broad shoulders and beneath a developed upper body extend powerful legs on top of quick feet capable of lateral movement and dexterity normally found in much smaller men.
Throughout his freshman season as a starter on the Mancos High School basketball team, Showalter consistently overpowered opponents in the paint and snatched rebounds out of the air on his way to team-high averages in points (16.6 per game) and rebounds (12.6 per game).
Showalter’s physique continued to power him through an impressive sophomore season during which he averaged a team-high 15.8 points per game and pulled down a team-high 13.6 rebounds per game while helping his team to a 15-7 overall record and an appearance in the Class 2A Region 8 Tournament.
“It felt great after not even making it to districts last year to qualify for regionals this season and give our seniors and our first-year coach a sense of what we could actually do,” Showalter said. “You work so hard during the offseason, and to see that hard work pay off is special.”
While Showalter’s physical gifts have become most familiar to fans as a result of his work on the basketball court, coaches and fellow competitors around Colorado have become increasingly aware of the sophomore’s power as a result of track team performances in the discus and shot put events.
Competing most recently at the Center Invitational in Monte Vista on March 16, Showalter took top honors in the discus (135 feet, 1½ inches) and the shot put (44 feet, 8¾ inches) and a few days after the event, spoke of the possibility of one day winning a state championship.
“I think I have a lot of things to work on, but I hope I can stay competitive and pull off a championship,” Showalter said. “It’s going to be tough, but with hard work, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.”
While Showalter remains focused on his current track season, as well as his basketball future, coaches and fans around the state have become increasingly aware of the sophomore as evidenced by recent awards that have been bestowed upon him.
Shortly after the conclusion of the basketball season, Showalter was named first team all-conference for the San Juan Basin League and last week, he was named to the Colorado High School Activity Association’s all-state team for Class 2A.
Showalter was also selected to play in “The Show,” which is an all-star game that is composed of the Top 20 student-athletes from Colorado. The game took place at Metro State University on March 24.
“It makes you feel good inside because it verifies that the hard work that you put in during the offseason is falling back into your hands,” Showalter said, when asked about the postseason recognitions. “This year, I was physical aggressive and mentally stable throughout the games and that paid off.”
While Showalter’s efforts on the court and in the field have been well documented and recognized, the impact he has had on his school and local community extends far beyond his athletic achievements.
Such impacts have included an increased willingness by teammates and local opponents to work out in local gyms where, throughout the summer, Showalter and his friends can be found shooting baskets and honing their skills.
Showalter has also become a fixture at local prep sporting events where he can often be seen cheering and encouraging players from Montezuma-Cortez High School, Dolores High School, and Dove Creek High School.
As for his goals, Showalter said that he would like to one day compete at the college level as either a basketball player or a track athlete. The sophomore noted that he motivates himself by watching others and setting high goals.
“Watching great players in college, I see the level that I want to be at, and I just strive for that,” he said. “I just keep pushing to get better and potentially be better than the best.”
When not practicing basketball or tossing heavy metal objects, Showalter can be found fishing at local lakes or enjoying the many outdoor attractions that the area has to offer. Asked to explain some of the reasons for his success, the immediately mentioned his family.
“My parents have always been really supportive of what I want to do,” Showalter said. “They’ve never made me do anything, but they always support me. I just really appreciate them, and I always keep them real close because if I ever need to talk to anyone, they will be there.”
Like many athletes his age, Showalter will have room to grow and improve in coming years, while simultaneously continuing to positively impact those around him and inspire members of his community.
As if to recognize the responsibility that comes with being a quickly rising star, Showalter concluded his interview with The Journal with words of encouragement to young people in Montezuma County who may be striving to one day be in his shoes.
“I would say to find a good group of friends and go and play basketball or another sport that you enjoy whenever you can,” Showalter said. “Have fun and enjoy it. If you really want to get good, just keep playing.”
