Kent Denver Athletics Launches "Showdown Series" with Colorado Academy

This year, KDS Athletics was thrilled to announce a new and exciting chapter in the storied sports rivalry between Kent Denver and Colorado Academy. Tuesday, January 23 marked the beginning of the Showdown Series—a special event that will take place each sports season featuring crosstown matchups between the Sun Devils and Mustangs across many teams.

The inaugural event took place at the University of Denver and featured three thrilling matchups back-to-back-to-back between the two schools in varsity boys basketball, varsity girls basketball and varsity ice hockey. Huge crowds from both schools filled Hamilton Gym and Magness Arena to see a trio of top 10 ranked teams compete against one another. Colorado Academy narrowly pulled off two close wins in basketball, while Kent Denver ended the night with a 2-1 win in hockey. 

“The Showdown Series is a perfect opportunity for our two schools to build community through sport in a healthy, competitive environment,” said KDS Athletic Director Jeff Hollway. “We’ve heard from many alumni through the years about the positive, lasting memories that are created each year through this rivalry. Scheduling multiple games in one or two days—all at one location—has only added to the tremendous buzz and support for our student-athletes across all sports.”

The first Showdown Series this month was a great way for Kent Denver students, employees, families and alumni to come together as a community and cheer on the Sun Devils! Check out our highlight video from the event below, and see more photos in our January 25 Viewpoints gallery. 

Also, mark your calendars for our spring and fall Showdown Series events! Our spring event will take place April 12 at Colorado Academy. Then, in the fall, Kent Denver will host a series of games with CA over Homecoming Weekend September 13-14. Go Sun Devils!