RANGELY | For the first time in seven years, boys high school golf is back on the course at Rangely High School.
Leading the revival is head coach Clark Edwards, a 2008 Rangely graduate who has called the town home nearly his entire life—except for a few years in Arizona, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Professional Golf Management from the Golf Academy of America. It was there that he sharpened his skills and deepened his passion for teaching the game.
“I’ve loved this sport since I was six years old,” Edwards said. “To now be in a position to give back and help build something meaningful for these kids and this community—it’s really special.”
Edwards brings both competitive playing experience and a teacher’s mindset to the program, which is fielding a team this fall for the first time since 2018. His goal this season is to lay a strong foundation, both technically and culturally, as the team gets back into the swing of high school competition.
“We’re starting fresh, so it’s about developing the fundamentals, building confidence, and creating a team atmosphere these players can be proud of,” he said.
Several of the athletes are brand new to competitive golf, and Edwards is focused on meeting each player where they are while preparing them for tournament play across northwest Colorado. The team’s schedule includes several regional meets, giving the Panthers a chance to gain experience and grow as the season progresses.
Edwards and his wife, Norian, have been married for nine years and are raising their two sons—Brooks, 5, and Xander, 2—in Rangely. As a family, they’re excited to support the program and be part of its return.
The Rangely community has rallied around the team’s revival, offering enthusiasm and support.
“The support has been phenomenal,” Edwards said. “The school, especially Kyle Boydstun, has been instrumental in getting the program off the ground, handling logistics and providing encouragement. Utah Gas Corp deserves a huge thank you for their generous donation, which gave us the financial boost we needed. The parents have been fantastic too—many of them are golfers themselves, so they’re excited and fully behind the team’s revival.”
The team currently has six athletes signed up, with hopes of adding more before the school year begins. Edwards said his goals for the season are centered around development, competition, and most of all, enjoyment.
“Competitively, I want the team to play their best at tournaments and have fun while doing it—golf is more enjoyable when you’re in the mix,” he said. “I believe a few of our players have a real shot at qualifying for the state tournament. Developmentally, my focus is on building confidence and skills so they can grow as golfers and enjoy the sport long-term.”
The Panthers open their season Aug. 7 at Cedaredge. Edwards said the team is focusing on the fundamentals as they prepare for their first tournament.
“We’re emphasizing the basics: understanding the rules of golf, practicing proper etiquette, and building a love for the game,” he said. “For newcomers, we’re focusing on creating a supportive environment where they feel comfortable competing. Regular practice sessions and mock tournaments will help them get a feel for the real thing.”
Looking ahead, Edwards hopes this season is the beginning of something lasting.
“My vision is to build a sustainable program that lasts for years—one that my own young sons can join when they reach high school,” he said. “I want to grow the team by fostering a love for golf in the community, encouraging more kids to try it, and creating a culture of commitment and improvement. With continued community support, I see Rangely boys golf becoming a source of pride for the town.”
With renewed energy, a dedicated coach, and strong community backing, Rangely boys golf is back on course. As the Panthers tee off for their first season in seven years, the message is clear: Rangely golf is here to stay.
By JARED HENDERSON |
