By Madison Shaw
Originally published in the Left Hand Valley Courier on June 4, 2025
Members of NHS's inaugural and second Hall of Fame classes stand together after this year's ceremony. Pictured (l to r) Biff "Bruce" Warren, Mike Moat, Sue Prahl, Mabel Miyasaki, Terri Ward, and Elise Cranny. Not pictured: Paul "Tiny" Koehler and Debbi Stapp, who was inducted alongside her late husband, Art Stapp, in 2024. (Madison Shaw/Left Hand Valley Courier)
On Sunday, June 1, members of the Niwot community gathered in Niwot High School's auditorium for the annual Night of Champions celebration. After the student-focused portion of the evening, NHS principal Eric Rauschkolb transitioned to the second inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Olympian Elise Cranny, former professional baseball player Mike Moat, and longtime school supporter Mabel Miyasaki were each recognized for the profound impact they have had on Niwot High School, the Niwot community, and beyond.
For Rauschkolb and Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Joe Brown, the evening was about more than athletic excellence. It was a tribute to the values of perseverance, humility, and heart.
Elise Cranny: Champion Shaped by Niwot
Cranny, a 2014 graduate, returned to the same stage where she once performed in the Niwot Elementary School talent show. "Fifth grade Elise wouldn't have believed me if I told her she would be back here over 10 years later," she said, "standing on the very same stage to be inducted into the Niwot High School Hall of Fame."
A two-time state track champion in high school, Cranny swept the 800-, 1600-, and 3200-meter races in both her junior and senior years, helping lead the Cougars to back-to-back state titles. She went on to run for Stanford University, where she earned 12 All-American honors, and has since represented the U.S. at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.
Cranny credited her coaches, including Jason Hartman, Doug Duffy, Angelina Ramos, Sam Patterson, and especially Coach Maurice "Mo" Henriques, with helping her see what was possible for her. She recalled arriving at her first track practice while also planning to play soccer, only for Coach Mo to tell her "his honest thoughts about where this whole running thing could take me. And he wasn't wrong."
Cranny spoke about what the school gave her, including "lifelong memories, some of my very best friends, and lessons that allow me to handle the ups and downs of life with grace, grit, integrity, faith, and humility." Now back in Boulder County as a professional runner, she trains on the Niwot track, where she says she feels "safe and most at home."
"To current students sitting out here tonight," she said, "your story is being written right now...Don't ever underestimate where this school, your roots, and your hearts can take you."
After Cranny's remarks, Rauschkolb remarked, "She talks with our student-athletes all the time, gives them advice and answers their questions. She's such a humble person who gives back."
Mike Moat: From the Mound to Mentorship
A 2000 NHS graduate, Moat pitched the Cougars to three consecutive state championships from 1998 to 2000, a stretch that included a one-hitter as a sophomore and a perfect game during his senior year.
"Legendary high school pitcher," Brown said in his introduction, noting Moat's All-Conference, All-State, and All-American honors and the prestigious Bauldie Moschetti Award in 2000.
Moat was drafted by the Texas Rangers out of high school, but chose to attend San Diego State University on a full scholarship, where he became the first pitcher to start a game under Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn. He later played professionally for the Chicago White Sox organization.
"Trust me, you will remember this forever," Moat told student-athletes during his speech, congratulating them on their achievements. He expressed gratitude for the Hall of Fame honors and reflected on the people who supported him throughout his career. "I want to express how grateful I am for my family, my teammates, my coaches, and all the fans who have supported me through the years."
He gave special thanks to Coach Alan Schultz, who reminded him to "be a bulldog." Now a coach for both his son's 14U baseball team and his daughter's 12U softball team, whose players were both in attendance along with several former teammates, Moat said, "They have challenged me beyond belief."
He closed with a heartfelt shoutout to his wife, Lori, his parents, teammates, coaches, and mentors. "This Hall of Fame induction is a testament of your unwavering support. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart," he said. "This is a moment I will cherish forever."
Mabel Miyasaki: A Constant in the Crowd
"Mabel was more than just a fixture at Niwot High School," Rauschkolb said. "She was its heart and soul."
Miyasaki began working in the school cafeteria during the 1978 school year and became known for her spirited presence at Niwot sporting events, where she handed out candy, cheered loudly, and baked cakes for the teams. She supported more than just athletics, attending concerts, plays, and academic events for years.
At 100 years old and living with dementia, Miyasaki was in attendance at the Hall of Fame ceremony. After Rauschkolb's remarks, determined to stand on stage in front of everyone, she pulled herself up the stairs and waved to everyone in the crowd.
"She was everywhere," her daughter Meri said. "In the cafeteria, every sporting event, and just about every activity in between. I could not get away from her."
Longtime family friend Ron Stedman described her as "feisty" and "ornery," recalling her sense of humor and consistent support. "If it was a bad day, she was the first one with an arm or a shoulder and a smile," he said. "She was truly the heartbeat of Niwot High School for many years."
Cranny, Moat, and Miyasaki join Paul "Tiny" Koehler, Sue Prahl, Debbi and Art Stapp, Terri Ward, and Bruce "Biff" Warren as members in the growing Niwot High School Hall of Fame.
For those interested in submitting nominations for future Hall of Fame inductees, please visit www.nhs-cougars.com/hof/.
