Rangely, Sports, Stories

Kurt Douglas, a man of many talents

(Above) Brad Douglas (brother), Marsha Douglas, Quinton Kent, Courtney Kent, Kylee Kent, MarGene Lyon (mother), Vicki Douglas, Jimmy Bruck, Kurt Douglas, Tiffany Douglas. Front row: Brooke Douglas, Heather Bruck, Jason Bruck, Tyler Bruck.
RANGELY I With winter sports well underway, who knows more about the operations and work involved than long-time teacher, coach and athletic director Kurt Douglas. He taught for 32 years, coached for 27 and served as the athletic director for approximately eight years.
Douglas began his career in Crowley County in 1975 where he was an assistant baseball coach for six years, an assistant boys’ basketball coach for two years and then the head coach. He then went to Rocky Ford High School where he was the head baseball coach for 13 years, earning two trips to the state finals. He was the assistant girls’ basketball and football coach for a combined 12 years as well. While in Rocky Ford he served two years as president of the Arkansas Valley League and served on the baseball committee for Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) for two terms.
Douglas began his stint in Rangely in 1994 as the business teacher, FBLA advisor, and girls’ basketball coach. He coached the girls for nine years and the baseball team for five. He was a member of the executive committee for CHSAA and served as the West Slope League president for two years.
He was Rangely’s athletic director for five years and did an outstanding job making the student athletes his top priority. In his career Douglas has led three teams to state and participated in four all-state games—two in baseball and two in basketball.
When asked about coaching in Rangely he said, “It was great, Rangely had great support.” Of his trips to the state tournament, Douglas said, “We were the team farthest from the site and there were more people in green in the stands then any of their opponents.”
His dedication to the kids in Rangely was and is evidenced by his continual involvement with the programs. Current girls’ basketball coach Jimmie Mergelman said, “He is a great mentor. He still comes in to work with the girls and comes to all the games. The kids love him. In fact, he covered practice for me the week some took off between state volleyball and the start of basketball.”
In his career as a teacher and coach he was proud to coach his three daughters: Heather, Tiffany and Courtney. Heather now lives in Latin, Utah, and has three boys. Tiffany resides in Logan, Utah, and Courtney lives in Rangely with her husband, Quinton Kent. Kent is the assistant girls’ basketball and middle school coach. The couple has two children.
Douglas currently substitute teaches and was happy to cover daughter Courtney’s fourth-grade position while Courtney was on maternity leave. Teachers in Rangely frequently request Douglas as a sub for his reliability and excellence.
When asked about the opportunity to coach and teach he said, “You learn a lot more about them and they about you when you interact outside the classroom, the kids get the opportunity to see you are human.”
Endless interaction through coaching, officiating and simply being involved is perhaps the key to his longevity in his field. There is seldom an athletic event in Rangely where he is not volunteering in some capacity to ensure the best environment for the student/athletes.
If not at an athletic event, substitute teaching, or working construction, Douglas enjoys fishing. He enjoys fishing with former Meeker business teacher Steve Harman and others at Lake Powell, Flaming Gorge and any other hot spots. He also has the big job of being a grandparent to his five grandchildren.
Kurt Douglas is an outstanding example of integrity and commitment and his service to education is equaled by few. In a profession that is not always conducive to longevity, he proved hard work and sincere involvement for the kids is a recipe for success. He managed to be an inspiring teacher and coach, as well as an outstanding representative for CHSAA and the leagues he participated in, as well as raising an outstanding family.
His career has certainly been appreciated by Rangely and his former schools and is highly respected by fellow teachers and coaches. His teams were always competitive and well-prepared, which brought tremendous admiration from opposing coaches. Kurt is truly among an elite group for his years in service, his success and his overwhelming dedication to kids.

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Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
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Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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3 days ago
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4 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
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6 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
6 days ago
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