Letters To The Editor, Meeker, Opinion

Letter: Out-of-town support for Coach Hallie Blunt

Most of you may know me. By the time I get done with this, you will know what’s on my mind. This is in regards to the coach Blunt issue. I may be a bit slow; it takes a few days to get the paper. But where are your school board members’ heads? Kids work hard to get what they want. Most importantly, in the classroom. If they don’t have grades no matter what their skill level they don’t play. So why should it be different on the floor of a gym? Or out on the mat, football field, and golf, does it matter what sport it is? Yes, some kids may go home and cry they didn’t make varsity, for whatever the reason may be. But you can’t expect the coach to make every kid their No. 1 ball player. Yes, every coach has their favorites. But they have them for a reason. Maybe one kid excels in the classroom and still plays sports, maybe not with the skills as others ahead of them. Could he or she be a favorite? High school is about competing. If you have a kid that is at a great skill level, but can’t play with the team, how does that help the team? This whole thing stems from some kid or kids going home and saying, “oh, the coach doesn’t like me.” I have never been around a coach at any level that doesn’t put out the effort for any kid that struggles or is not as good as the other kids. Sometimes I was on that side of the coach. My skills in some cases sucked. That’s part of life. Try harder. My parents didn’t listen if I said the coach didn’t like me. Or a teacher didn’t like me. They told me to try harder! Now, I don’t have kids of my own. But I know my brother and sisters would never tell their kids, yeah, you’re right, you should be out there starting every game. They don’t blame the coach! If you look, there is most likely a reason they’re not playing. Maybe they goof off in practice. How many parents or school board members go and watch that? I could go on and on here, but seriously, pull your heads out. Don’t blame the coach. Yes, we all have our pasts. If that was a problem, maybe the board should have addressed it then. Not use it as an excuse later. Somebody’s kid went home crying. Sorry, you’re in high school now. It’s not all about you. It’s about your team and winning. Not everyone gets a ribbon. Not everyone is a winner. But with hard work you can achieve more. Deal with it. That’s what high school sports are about. If your kid didn’t make varsity, look and see why, before pulling strings and blaming the coach.
Freshman level: Build your skill level, learn what it takes to be competitive, learn how to be a teammate, and work as a team.
JV level: Hone in on those skills, bust your butt and try to show your coach you have what takes to move to the next level.
Varsity level: Win. If you can’t win, make them work for it. Try harder next time. Be as competitive as you can to win for your team and yourself. This isn’t for everyone. Some want to win state and that’s it. Some want to pursue their skills to the next level. Others just want to have fun competing. Whatever reason, it is to win!
This is my last statement. Growing up in Meeker, I have seen coaches come and go. The good ones stay and make their stand. Then through small-town politics, the town destroys them. I have had one of the best coaches in the state win and win again just to be stripped of everything they worked for. Another coach, who I didn’t compete under, but he did the same thing, work and win. Mrs. Blunt appears to be the same thing. I know she is competitive and I know she likes to win. That is why you put her in the position. If you let the small-town politics get rid of her for trying to put the best team out to win, I’m sorry. I’m sorry your kid’s feelings are hurt. Buy them a ribbon. Maybe that will make them feel better. I know when I lost, it was my fault. I didn’t get a ribbon. I was told to try harder.
To the ones who did this to this coach, here is your ribbon. I hope when you don’t get re-elected, or your kids don’t have what it takes under the new coach, maybe you can tell them to try harder. Oh, and maybe you can get your ribbon as you walk out the door.
Time for Meeker to give up on the small-town politics. And hurt feelings. You got rid of a coach that taught kids how to win with work. Not how to win with skills.
Granted, the coach should be upheld to the same standards as the kids. I feel the school board has let everyone down on all levels by not addressing these issues at the time. But by waiting to use other excuses and feelings to base a decision that wasn’t justified. Or, if it was, the paper sure didn’t give it out. Other than, “This is how we feel.” If you have a problem, take it head-on. In the board’s position, tell the people why you made these choices. You’re there for the public, not your personal feelings. Ask the people what they think. Get more than one opinion. And be held accountable for your decisions. The coach has done that. As for myself and others, I find the board’s actions silly, for the fact they hide behind the next fall-guy when his turn comes around. I wish I was there to help vote some new people in.
I hope two other friends of mine who coach in your town don’t have to go through the same thing. I know one of them very well, also a basketball coach, who hears all the same comments from parents. And he works on every kid as hard as the next. He takes the unskilled and helps them be skilled. The kids that struggle, he helps. The kids that want to do better, he helps. Now, stand behind your coaches and help them. Not every kid gets a ribbon. If they try, they will find it within themselves first, and may go on to achieve great things.
Thank you for hearing my outside view.
Garrett Morris
Parachute

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  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
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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.
  • 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
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor 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.
  • 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.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
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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.
2 days ago
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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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Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
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Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
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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.
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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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The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
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