CHSAA Historical Snapshot

In May of 1921, a group of superintendents and principals met in Boulder, Colorado, and organized the Colorado High School Athletic Conference. The purpose of this organization was to better regulate and develop the interscholastic school athletic program.

There were nine local associations or leagues by the time the first constitution was printed: Northern, North Central, Northeastern, Western Slope, Suburban, Southeastern, Arkansas Valley, South Central and San Juan Basin.

R.W. Truscott, Loveland, was elected temporary president and J.C. Casey, Eaton, temporary secretary. John C. Corey, Principal of South High, Denver, was a member of the first Board of Control and the second president. He resigned because Denver did not see fit to join the Conference at that time. James H. Wilson of Rocky Ford was then elected president to succeed Corey.

In 1924, the Colorado High School Athletic Conference joined the National Federation of State High School (Athletic) Associations and has been an active member ever since. That Federation is now known as the NFHS.

In 1943, the name of the organization was changed to the Colorado High School Activities Association so that all interscholastic activities might come under its administration and supervision.

The minutes of the Board meetings record vividly the gradual growth of the Association in both members and functions, until it is now in a position to play a major role in the organization, development and supervision of all the many activities carried on among high schools.

In 1924-25 there were nine leagues in the Conference with a total of 80 member schools. Now, there are 33 local associations with more than 360 member schools in the Colorado High School Activities Association. The CHSAA member schools have a combined enrollment of almost 230,819 high school students. The Junior High/Middle School Division, formed in 1969, represents an additional 46 schools.

Current Commissioner Mike Krueger, the 10th Commissioner of the Association, and his staff of nine administrators and eight support personnel are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Association. Joe Brown, of Niwot, is the 65th President of the Board of Directors.