Cowboy wrestling expectations
Dear Editor:
Having moved from Meeker in 2004 I have continued to enjoy following Meeker Cowboy athletics. During the 15 years I lived in Meeker beginning in 1989 I came to know and contribute to the community. Recently I’ve had the opportunity to watch the Meeker Cowboys in the regional and state wrestling tournaments and I have some observations and beliefs I would like to share.
I will start out by saying it has been impressive watching Meeker wrestlers and coaching staff make every effort to be successful in pursuit of a state championship. Expectations for Cowboy wrestlers are high. To not have elevated expectations will usually lead to mediocre performance and individuals not reaching their potential. Expectations when not realized can result in painful disappointments. Is it better to have low expectations of young athletes to lessen the likelihood of disappointment? Certainly not, at least in my opinion.
In real life not everyone gets a trophy. The prize is in the competing and committing to what it takes to be successful. Is there value in committing to a goal and yet not reaching the goal? Yes, the value is substantial in terms of personal growth. Not reaching the top of the podium in no way diminishes the accomplishment when an athlete prepares by putting in every effort to be their best.
Often the most meaningful things in life are the hardest to accomplish. The lessons learned are the true prize realized by those who work hard to meet the challenges of a difficult sport like wrestling. Value gained does not correlate with one’s won and lost record rather it correlates with the effort made and commitment to learn and improve.
Every wrestler I have talked to later in life touch on the experience of learning how to: 1) persevere and overcome hardship, 2) be self-reliant and set goals, 3) focus and commit to being your best, 4) keep going when the going gets tough, 5) work with and support others who are part of your team. Many mention how invaluable the support of family members was to help them be the best wrestler they could be. I have had this conversation many times since my competitive days which were long ago, and it always concludes with the recognition of these things being the key to success in life.
Meeker wrestling has value for the entire community in instilling energy and pride resulting in a wonderful level of support when Meeker fans are the most engaged in every venue. It should be noted also, the Cowboy wrestling coaching staff has a level of experience, expertise and dedication seldom found. Those coaches effectiveness pays dividends in program success and more importantly the take aways will support many young men as they grow up to be good people. Watching this program get better and better has been a lot of fun. Thanks to Meeker wrestlers and coaches for building such an excellent program as well as to the families and community.
Bill Hahnenberg
Former Meeker Resident
New residents: don’t forget to register for Colorado plates!
Dear Editor:
Lately there have been a lot of questions and upset customers who have moved into our county with out-of-state license plates they had just renewed or which have time left on that plate from the other state. The customer thinks that it is fine to go until the expiration on their out-of-state plates are expiring, when in fact this is incorrect. A person is considered to be a resident of Colorado after 90 days or when gainfully employed, per Colorado Revised Statute 42-3-103.
You must provide the motor vehicle department with documentation of the previous registration containing the dates of the previous registration or a bill of sale for any vehicle not previously registered. Evidence of Colorado residency may be a Colorado driver’s license or ID, property tax receipt, utility bill indicating the utility service start date, lease agreement or mortgage statement, voter registration card, college enrollment papers or student ID, tax records, pay stub or other Colorado employer-issued documents, government or court-issued documents.
When a customer waits to change their registration to a Colorado registration, there will be penalties. Please feel free to call the Clerk and Recorder’s office at 970-878-9460 if there are any questions regarding residency in Colorado.
Shawn Luce
RBC Clerk and Recorder
Residents urged to get involved with Artesia Fire Board
Dear Editor:
Five years ago the Artesia Fire Department was robbed by a trusted member of the community. She served in a position of trust as the treasurer of the board. With a calm demeanor, she was able to deceive the board members for over a year. She managed to deplete the general fund account and the firefighters donations fund account that had $10,000 in it. It took many fundraising activities by volunteer firefighters over two decades to build this account. Historically the fire chief has discretionary spending authority of this account. This has been used for food, water, hoodies, plaques and small equipment needs for the firefighters. The board was able to recover some of the funds that were stolen, pay overdue bills and continue operations. At some point, the board decided to place $5,000 back into a firefighter account from money that was reimbursed for her personal bills and training that she had paid for out of this account. Fast forward to now, the current board decided to rob this account again to balance their budget. I find this disgraceful. If the board can’t balance their budget without taking “donations” from the firefighters, then they must be spending money indiscriminately. It’s time to get involved, Artesia Fire District residents. It’s an election year and the board has four positions to fill (two-2 year and two-4 year terms). Get your self-nomination in today or tomorrow by 4 p.m. Details on the website at www.artesiafire.colorado.gov. You can also attend fire board meetings on the first Monday of the month in person or log into the website and attend by Zoom to let your voices be heard.
Colleen Zufelt
Artesia Fire District Resident
Thoughts expressed on opinion pages are exclusively those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Herald Times. You are welcome to submit signed letters on matters of local interest to [email protected], mail to PO Box 720, Meeker, CO 81641 or drop off at 304 4th St., Meeker. there is no charge.
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