Opinion

Up and down el Rio Blanco: Staying positive when losing

My wife asked me the other day if I thought the world was upside down. Even after spending a weekend watching several losses, I quickly replied “no.” I’m not sure I convinced her but I didn’t hesitate when I answered, because although there were losses over the weekend, I saw a lot of friends and family along the way, which keeps my spirit and world upright.
I traveled to Denver last weekend to watch our local high school basketball teams play in regional tournaments, then to Colorado Springs to watch a former local graduate wrestle in an NCAA Division I regional tournament. On the way home, my wife contacted me about the loss of one of my favorite people.
Friday I went to watch the Rangely girls’ and boys’ basketball teams play at the University of Denver. Eight regional tournaments were being played around the state, Meeker’s boys’ and girls’ teams  were playing at the same time, in the same city, about 30 minutes north of where the Rangely teams were playing. Each regional tournament featured four teams in each gender bracket, only the champion of each would advance to the “elite eight,” the state tournament held in Pueblo.
Both Rangely teams lost Friday but as I was walking out to my vehicle, I saw someone walking up the sidewalk, bundled up with a hockey stick strapped to her back.
“Kandice,” I said.
“Hey Bobby, what are you doing here?”
It was Kandice Torno, many of you may remember her. She used to live in Rangely and worked for the rec. district and CNCC. Kandice is very athletic and a talented photographer who used to submit photos and articles to the Herald Times.  She was playing goalie for a Steamboat Springs team against a DU team that night. The chance meeting took my mind off the losses and made me smile, keeping my world upright.
I had gotten word that the Meeker boys also lost but the Meeker girls won and would be playing in the championship game the next day.
My daughter Haylee and her family, which include two beautiful grandchildren, live in Fort Morgan and were going to be in Denver Saturday, so we made plans to meet before the Meeker girls tipped off. Well, they got a late start and I got lost trying to find the school (Standley Lake High School), where Meeker was playing, we had to postpone our meeting so I wouldn’t miss the game.
Meeker lost the game and I got lost again trying to meet up with Haylee but they found me and we got to spend a little time together. Once again, keeping my world upright.
I then drove to Colorado Springs and spent the night with my in-laws, which I honestly enjoyed. My oldest grandson lives with his mother in Colorado Springs and Sunday morning his mom dropped him off and the two of us drove to the United States Air Force Academy to watch Joe Leblanc, who wrestles for the University of Wyoming, compete in the Western Regional tournament. We watched Joe win his semifinal match. I took my grandson home and came back to watch Joe lose in the championship match. Joe, a two-time All-American, will still compete in the NCAA Division I national tournament in Pennsylvania next week. And I got to spend time with my oldest grandson, so my world is still upright.
Traveling home with my lifelong friend Tad Sullivan, a sign at the junction of I-25 and C-470 said westbound I-70 was closed at Silverthorne, so we decided to spend the night in Denver. Coming home Monday, my wife texted me that our friend Judi Brown had passed away. Judi lost a long, hard-fought battle with cancer but left her kindness and wit behind, with two wonderful grown children, several grandchildren and many memories. What a special lady she was, I miss her already, but I will always remember her.
When I did finally get home, I walked into our coffee shop and running toward me was my other grandson, the only grandchild I hadn’t seen over the weekend.
“Pop Bob,” he said, before giving me a big hug, lifting my spirit and keeping my world upright.

By BOBBY [email protected] wife asked me the other day if I thought the world was upside down. Even after spending a weekend watching several losses, I quickly replied “no.” I’m not sure I convinced her but I didn’t hesitate when I answered, because although there were losses over the weekend, I saw a lot of friends and family along the way, which keeps my spirit and world upright.I traveled to Denver last weekend to watch our local high school basketball teams play in regional tournaments, then to Colorado Springs to watch a former local graduate wrestle in an NCAA Division I regional tournament. On the way home, my wife contacted me about the loss of one of my favorite people.Friday I went to watch the Rangely girls’ and boys’ basketball teams play at the University of Denver. Eight regional tournaments were being played around the state, Meeker’s boys’ and girls’ teams  were playing at the same time, in the same city, about 30 minutes north of where the Rangely teams were playing. Each regional tournament featured four teams in each gender bracket, only the champion of each would advance to the “elite eight,” the state tournament held in Pueblo. Both Rangely teams lost Friday but as I was walking out to my vehicle, I saw someone walking up the sidewalk, bundled up with a hockey stick strapped to her back.“Kandice,” I said.“Hey Bobby, what are you doing here?”It was Kandice Torno, many of you may remember her. She used to live in Rangely and worked for the rec. district and CNCC. Kandice is very athletic and a talented photographer who used to submit photos and articles to the Herald Times.  She was playing goalie for a Steamboat Springs team against a DU team that night. The chance meeting took my mind off the losses and made me smile, keeping my world upright.I had gotten word that the Meeker boys also lost but the Meeker girls won and would be playing in the championship game the next day.My daughter Haylee and her family, which include two beautiful grandchildren, live in Fort Morgan and were going to be in Denver Saturday, so we made plans to meet before the Meeker girls tipped off. Well, they got a late start and I got lost trying to find the school (Standley Lake High School), where Meeker was playing, we had to postpone our meeting so I wouldn’t miss the game.Meeker lost the game and I got lost again trying to meet up with Haylee but they found me and we got to spend a little time together. Once again, keeping my world upright.I then drove to Colorado Springs and spent the night with my in-laws, which I honestly enjoyed. My oldest grandson lives with his mother in Colorado Springs and Sunday morning his mom dropped him off and the two of us drove to the United States Air Force Academy to watch Joe Leblanc, who wrestles for the University of Wyoming, compete in the Western Regional tournament. We watched Joe win his semifinal match. I took my grandson home and came back to watch Joe lose in the championship match. Joe, a two-time All-American, will still compete in the NCAA Division I national tournament in Pennsylvania next week. And I got to spend time with my oldest grandson, so my world is still upright.Traveling home with my lifelong friend Tad Sullivan, a sign at the junction of I-25 and C-470 said westbound I-70 was closed at Silverthorne, so we decided to spend the night in Denver. Coming home Monday, my wife texted me that our friend Judi Brown had passed away. Judi lost a long, hard-fought battle with cancer but left her kindness and wit behind, with two wonderful grown children, several grandchildren and many memories. What a special lady she was, I miss her already, but I will always remember her.When I did finally get home, I walked into our coffee shop and running toward me was my other grandson, the only grandchild I hadn’t seen over the weekend.“Pop Bob,” he said, before giving me a big hug, lifting my spirit and keeping my world upright.

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  • Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
  • Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
  • More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
  • 🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
  • The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
  • Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
  • Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
  • The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
5 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce! Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues! @bailey_waldref_rew 💚💚💚 Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! #locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
8 hours ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier. “For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.” Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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