(Stephen Priest/CHSAANow.com)
DENVER — For Mark Engesser, the basketball coach, winning back-to-back state titles was a thrill. For Mark Engesser, the father, getting to share those state titles with his son was special.
After watching the Lions squeak out a 35-33 victory last night in the Final Four round against an extremely tough, disciplined squad in Lutheran High School, there was some concern as to how CSCS would fare against No. 8 seed Alamosa, even from the likes of the Lions’ coach.
“I was terrified,” Engesser said. “Alamosa is such a tough team and they play so hard. Even before the state tournament, I listed the teams that play the hardest in the state to my guys, and they were one of them.”
Fear must have been an undeniable motivator Saturday night as coach Engesser and his Lion squad went on to defeat Alamosa 57-43 in a game they controlled throughout and dominated in the second half.
“It’s amazing, I really didn’t expect it,” coach Engesser described after the win. “It’s so hard to repeat, I didn’t expect it, but of course we wanted to and I can’t believe we did it.”
But beyond winning tonight’s game and achieving back-to-back state championships, the best part about this win is Engesser was able to share it with his son, junior Justin Engesser, just as he did last year.
“It’s unbelievable, he’s the best coach in the state,” Justin said. “It’s even better that I get to celebrate it at home with him too, he’s just a great coach and he’s so committed. He watches film until 4 a.m. some days. He’s the hardest worker on the team, more so than any player. He’s a great dad.”
The father-son duo will have one more year together next season, but even with that luxury ahead of them, it was all about enjoying the moment on Saturday.
“We’re going to enjoy (it) and try our best (come next season) and see what happens,” Justin said. “That’s what we did this year.”
For the Lions, Saturday’s win marks the fourth boys basketball title in school history.