Damon Mussman recognized for NECO League Sports in Northeast Colorado
- Media Logic Radio
- Nov 17, 2025
- 1 min read
On Sunday afternoons at Fort Morgan Middle School, the sound of bouncing basketballs brings girls from across northeast Colorado together weeks before their school seasons even begin. It’s part of the NECO League Sports (Northeast Colorado League Sports) — a volunteer-run program that has become a lifeline for young athletes in rural communities.
In towns like Brush, Akron, and Yuma, gym space is limited, and youth numbers are often too small to run local leagues. NECO helps bring those teams together under one roof. Coaches say it gives players a rare chance to compete and grow between seasons.
Behind it all is founder Damon Mussman. He spends his weekdays managing Wickham Tractor Company, then handles everything for NECO on the side — scheduling games, coordinating coaches, securing gyms, finding referees, and keeping the league running smoothly.
What started as a way to help his own kids has grown into a regional program serving nearly 2,000 student-athletes in fall volleyball, fall girls’ basketball, and winter basketball leagues.
Coaches say the impact is bigger than the sport: kids learn teamwork, work ethic, and confidence — lessons many families would otherwise have to travel hours to find.
Mussman says the full gyms each weekend keep him motivated. He hopes the league continues spreading to new communities across the Eastern Plains.
For his dedication to rural athletics, Denver’s Channel 7 has awarded Damon Mussman the ‘Denver7 Everyday Hero’.
“I did this for the kids,” he says. “Still do it for the kids. I love every second of what I do.”
