Coach V shares his experiences and philosophy on the value of athletic programs in Glenwood Springs, highlighting the importance of learning from setbacks and the community's investment in local sports teams.

$1.4 million — that's what the Glenwood Springs School District spends on athletic programs in a year. Coach V, a longtime coach in the area, knows the value of competition. He recalls a Little League baseball game where he lost control after a loss. His dad's response: "Why would I want to teach him that!" — a statement that still resonates with Coach V today.
Coach V's experiences, both as a player and a coach, have taught him to handle wins and losses with equal calm. But he admits the fire inside never stops burning. He remembers a devastating loss in 1995, where his Glenwood girls basketball team lost to Fruita Monument on a last-second shot. The memory still lingers, and he thinks about the two seniors he let down that day.
The community is invested in these programs, folks around here show up to games, cheering on their local teams. Coach V's approach to coaching is worth watching; he emphasizes the importance of not being broken by setbacks. Instead, he encourages people to regroup, learn from their mistakes, and move forward with purpose. This mindset is crucial for athletes, but it's also relevant for the community as a whole. When faced with challenges, locals can draw inspiration from Coach V's philosophy.
The Post Independent recently published Coach V's column, where he reflected on the words of Rudyard Kipling and President John F. Kennedy. Kipling's poem "If" cautions against treating triumph and disaster differently, while Kennedy's statement highlights the harsh reality of victory and defeat. Coach V's experiences have taught him to navigate these complexities, and his philosophy serves as a reminder that the true value of competition lies in the lessons it teaches.
Make no mistake, the community is invested in the success of its athletic programs. The Glenwood Springs School District's budget allocation for athletics is a testament to this commitment. As the community continues to support its local teams, it's worth considering the impact that coaches like Coach V have on the lives of athletes. His experiences have a lasting impact on the athletes he coaches.
Read that again: "Why would I want to teach him that!" - a statement that has stuck with Coach V for years. It's a phrase that highlights the importance of embracing failure as an opportunity for growth. The short version: Coach V's approach to competition is not just about winning or losing, but about the lessons learned along the way. As the community continues to support its local athletic programs, the values instilled in young athletes will have a lasting impact.
In the valley, folks take pride in their local teams. the Demons, the Rams, and the Panthers. Coach V has had a profound influence on the community, and the values he instills in his athletes are valued by all. The community's investment in athletic programs is not just about the money; it's about the values that these programs instill in young athletes. As Coach V continues to coach, his philosophy will undoubtedly inspire others. The community will continue to watch his teams with interest, and Coach V's commitment to his athletes and his community is unwavering. Coach V remains dedicated to his work, and one can expect his dedication to have a lasting impact on the community. The question is, what will be the lasting impact of his philosophy on the community? The community will have to experience it firsthand, as the years go by, to understand the full extent of Coach V's influence.





