In a year dominated by COVID-19 news, Denver Athletics provided major stories of their own. There were a host of individuals and teams that created lasting memories and achieved historic milestones for the Pioneers. And yes, there were some major losses as well. Below, we selected some of the key events that shaped the ‘Year of COVID-19’.
- Pioneer hockey avenges Frozen Four loss by sweeping UMass-Amherst (4-2, 4-3) at Magness-Arena.
- Bobby Brink goal extends DU unbeaten streak against Omaha to 18 games.
- Denver all-American gymnast Linzee Brown tears achillies tendon in final floor pass for #5 Denver before COVID-19 season cancellation.
- Denver women’s hoops stun South Dakota State University, 72-62, in Brookings, S.D. led by interim head coach Kayla Ard.
- DU rising hoops star Ade Murkey goes off for school record 42 points and 11 rebounds in a 90-78 loss to South Dakota State in Brookings, South Dakota.
- DU athletics adds womens Triathlon, a new sport led by seasoned triathlete Barbara Perkins.
- Hockey team captain Ian Mitchell signs contract with the Chicago Blackhawks and foregoes senior year.
- Former hockey head coach George Gwozdecky honered as a member of DU’s 2020 Athletic Hall of Fame Class.
- NCHC announces Omaha Pod for the start of the conference hockey season.
- COVID-19 pushes volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer to spring season from the fall.
- DU ski team national championship quest ends one-day short as NCAA cancels championships on the final day of competition.
- Denver regains the Gold Pan against Colorado College going 2-1-1 during the regular season.
- Denver extends the Tenzer Streak to 19 seasons of 20+ wins with a 5-2 win against St Cloud State.
- DU Chancellor Jeremy Heafner reaffirms ‘Pioneers’ nickname October 21st.
- DU women’s golfer Anna Zanusso ties all-time NCAA record firing a 61 at the Westbrook invitational tournament in Peoria, Arizona.
- DU loses dynamic leader, influential trustee and major athletic contributor and supporter in Joy Burns.