Hayden High School celebrated two senior athletes Wednesday who have committed to further their athletic careers at the collegiate level this fall. 

During a high school awards ceremony, Hayden’s Abbie Blackwell and Ethan Silva signed their letters of intent. Blackwell will be joining the Shotgun Team at Hastings College in Nebraska, while Silva will wrestle at Benedictine College in Kansas. 

Blackwell has been a member of the Colorado A.I.M. Junior Team since 2022, being honored as captain in 2025. She was nationally ranked 28th in 2024, having registered 12,000-plus targets. Most recently, Blackwell and her team won the LADY 1 team state championship. 

Blackwell’s time in the range has earned her several awards and trophies throughout her career, including hitting 100-straight in singles, 50-straight in doubles and 99 out of 100 in doubles. 

“Abbie is also a proud member of our Hayden FFA Chapter, and we are so proud of everything she has accomplished and can’t wait to see her success at the next level,” said Hayden High School Principal Lanc Sellden. 

Silva’s love for wrestling began as a youngster growing up in Hayden. His commitment to the sport, particularly over the last four years, has made him a leader in the school. 

Silva is also a four-year football player for the high school and competed in a couple years of track and field. Beyond athletics, Silva is a member of the National Honors Society and Student Council, and excels in academics. 

At the award ceremony, Silva was also recognized as the Hayden High School Athlete of the Year. 

“Ethan’s well-rounded achievements both on and off the mats speak volumes about his character and work ethic,” Sellden said.