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Denver Broncos pride runs deep in Eagle

Nearly every kid at Brush Creek Elementary School in Eagle donned Denver Broncos gear Feb. 3 to shoot a "go team" internet video. Eagle won the online vote to bring the Mile High Salute to Fans Tour to the town on May 13. It will be a chance to interact with players, cheerleaders, coaches and the mascot, Miles.
Special to the Daily |

Mile High Salute to Fans Tour:

Durango: April 22

Montrose: April 23

Salida: April 24

La Junta: May 6

Eagle: May 13

EAGLE — Trevor Story and the Colorado Rockies have cooled off and the Avalanche are watching the NHL playoffs from home, but, thankfully for football fans, the Broncos are still riding high off hoisting the Lombardi trophy at Super Bowl 50 in February.

The ride continues as the fourth annual Mile High Salute to Fans Tour is coming to Eagle on Friday, May 13, after the town won a fan vote online.

“I think the Broncos fans that live here in Eagle are just as enthusiastic as those that live on the Front Range or in Denver,” said Amanda Jessen, of Bonfire Brewing, “and it’s really exciting that our small little town is going to be recognized for that.”



As part of the five-stop tour, a group of cheerleaders, players, staff members and Miles the mascot will come to Eagle for a celebration that is free and open to the public, as well as some kind of youth support initiative.

“I think the Broncos fans that live here in Eagle are just as enthusiastic as those that live on the Front Range or in Denver, and it’s really exciting that our small little town is going to be recognized for that.”Amanda JessenBonfire Brewing

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“The Broncos recognize and appreciate all fans across the state of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region,” Ted Santiago, the Broncos’ director of marketing said in a press release. “While they may not all be able to cheer on the Broncos in person, these fans are important to the success of the organization, and we’re doing our part to bring the team to them.”



Fans will be able to take photos and get autographs with members of the Broncos during the visit and the town will receive a city-specific Broncos world champion sticker.

“It’s very exciting,” said Anne McKibbin, the mayor of Eagle. “You don’t get the Super Bowl champs coming through town every day.”

The online voting ended Friday, and Eagle beat out finalists Castle Rock and Colorado Springs for the Salute to Fans visit. Broncos fans in Eagle took to social media to spread the word of the contest and get the most votes online.

ORANGE CRUSH

The blue and orange runs deep in Eagle. Days before the Super Bowl, nearly every kid at Brush Creek Elementary School donned Broncos gear to film a “go team” internet video.

Physical education teacher Shelli Fullhart organized the shoot, and she wore Broncos attire every day from the time the playoffs began to the time Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset.

Fullhart was a major organizer for the online voting, said Amy Cassidy, marketing and events coordinator.

After making videos for each playoff game and one after the Super Bowl victory, “we were just so fired up here at Brush Creek Elementary School,” Fullhart said.

The teacher saw the Broncos were looking for one more stop on the tour and took the initiative. She filled out the nomination form, which was time consuming, she said.

“I just got out and told everyone on social media to spread the word like crazy to nominate,” Fullhart said. “It spread like wildfire and everyone nominated Eagle.”

With the school currently on spring break, Fullhart said she’s been making calls to try to spread the good news.

The town also has a new trustee who isn’t a Broncos fan, so “this might be our chance to convert him,” McKibbin said.

The Broncos are still working out the details of the trip. For more information, go to http://www.denverbroncos.com/fans/salute- to-fans-tour.html.

Reporter Ross Leonhart can be reached at 970-748-2915 and rleonhart@vaildaily.com. Follow him on Instagram at colorado_livin_on_the_hill.


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