For many years, Columbine, Chatfield and Dakota Ridge High Schools shared the same youth development program. During the youth football season, a team was composed of young men from all three high schools.

Since Colorado is a choice-enrollment state for incoming freshmen, Dakota Ridge High School felt this could have an impact on its enrollment. With a little guidance and leadership from high school athletic administrators and coaches, the Dakota Ridge Youth Sports Association was created in 2003.

In addition to the concern about freshmen enrollment, there was another district-wide factor. In the 1990s, middle school athletics were eliminated due to significant budget cuts. As a result, the natural district feeder program no longer existed, and the sports association was now seen as an alternative. read more at nfhs.org