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Different site, same Keller

Track conditions force move to Bayfield

The results sheets still will say “Ron Keller Invitational.”

They’ll just be printed from the press box above Wolverine Country Stadium in Bayfield.

The Durango High School track isn’t in good enough shape to host the Ron Keller Invitational this year, so the Demons are taking the show down Highway 160 to Bayfield.

“Our track is, it’s old. It needs to be replaced,” DHS assistant coach Johnny Bertrand said. “There’s places on the track where the track is coming up. Bayfield is generous enough to let us host there, and they have a nice facility. Hopefully next year we’ll be back in Durango for it.”

Don’t be mistaken, though, it’s still the Ron Keller and still kicks off at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Eleven area teams will compete: Centauri, Del Norte, Dolores, Dove Creek, Mancos, Monte-Vista, Montezuma-Cortez and Pagosa Springs will join Bayfield, Durango and Ignacio.

“We have it maxed out at 12 teams, and usually it’s maxed out,” Bertrand said.

The change in venue has made an impact on the DHS track team, however. The Demons plan to honor their seniors like any other program hosting its final home game of the season. They’ll just have to do it in Wolverine Country.

“It’s kind of a bummer just because we don’t get the home crowd,” said DHS senior Emily Fogel, daughter of Dennis and Janet Fogel. “But it’ll be good.”

Hosting the meet in Bayfield won’t diminish the impact Keller made on Durango’s running program or the Demons’ desire to honor him. Keller was inducted into the CHSAA Hall of Fame last season after leading the Demons from 1978 to 2002. He still serves as the Demons’ hurdles coach and provides input and assistance to anyone who asks.

“It really means a lot to have a meet named after him and to be able to participate in it and hopefully do well,” said DHS senior John Lee, son of Debbie and John Lee Sr.

Keller’s impact even reaches beyond the students to Durango’s coaching staff.

“Even after he’s retired, he comes out five days a week to work with the hurdlers, and every time I listen to him, I learn something new,” Bertrand said. “You can ask him to help out with any event, and he’ll come over and he’ll do stuff for him. It’s nice to honor him. He spent so much time working with the kids, working with athletes. It’s nice to have that named after him to recognize all the work he’s done with Durango running.”



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