One month into his new job as Durango District 9-R athletic director, Ryan Knorr is already realizing the importance of having a streamlined process for how Durango High, Escalante and Miller Middle schools’ athletic programs will operate, to have equal support from the district as well as the community.
Knorr, who was hired in May but started last month, is hopeful that a clear, defined process will lead to success at both the middle and high school level, and will provide student-athletes with the best athletic experience possible. He previously served as athletic director at Overland High School in the Cherry Creek School District in Denver.
“One of the most important things is finding a way to streamline process from the middle to high school level,” Knorr said. “Last week, we had a meeting with the other middle school athletic directors, and it was a bit eye-opening that there were three different ways of doing things, and it’s the way it’s always been. Getting both Miller and Escalante on the same page with DHS is a huge reason why this position was created; to have a comprehensive model for where the kids in the middle school are ready for high school. When a kid registers for a sport in middle school, it should be pretty close to the same experience as to when they reach high school.”
Knorr said future steps include using similar terminology and play-calling systems that would eventually trickle down to youth-level teams.
“One of the coolest things about this job is seeing a 7-year-old wearing a Demons jersey; it’s so unique now in high school sports,” Knorr said. “There’s a community where the kids are going to go to that school. Up in Denver, we’d have kids that should be here or there, but they’re playing on a different team. It’s kind of a broken community of athletics at most Colorado high schools. To be able to play with that here, we really should use it to our advantage, and to have all the kids on the same lockstep as they enter high school.”
While Knorr stressed the importance of supporting a “true feeder school and sports program,” one of the biggest tasks at hand will be to manage the athletic budget for the district. It has come under scrutiny after district officials failed to raise enough funds last year to pay off the loan for the Durango High stadium.
“There was a compensation committee that was put together, and they were able to give raises to all of the head coaches, which is amazing,” Knorr said. “The district understands how invaluable our head coaches are, and they’re going to put their money in what they value ... The coaches are getting a raise, but the overall budget hasn’t really changed at all.
“With the stadium, we’re allocating that money early on, and so it’s like I have a square peg that I’m trying to fit into a round hole in terms of making it work. But, I have to say, 9-R has been incredibly supportive in saying, ‘Alright, here’s the challenge, let’s try and figure out solutions.’ I’m not on an island on that, but at the same time, we have to re-think how we spend money. Whether it’s how we travel, who we schedule – there’s solutions that we’re trying to work in order to maximize what we have.”
An additional goal that Knorr has set is to increase community engagement.
“I foresee the community coming together more than it is now, and I’m already super impressed with the way they’ve supported the athletic community with booster club meetings and other gatherings,” Knorr said. “To me, it shows that this town values athletics, so I foresee a more streamlined process of engaging the community and supporting us. Whether that’s a personal relationship with me, which I hope it is, or a simple way of asking, ‘How can we help out?’ I want them to feel welcome to come in and talk if they want to help and support.”
He is hopeful all of these factors will play a role in developing state championship-caliber teams.
“I don’t think it’s crazy to say that within our division, we should be an exemplar model for how athletics are run, from the middle school to the high school, we should be the model,” Knorr said. “That will look like, and has to be, that kids who come in and participate have an amazing experience. Obviously, excellence is a part of this. You should be training and practicing to win a state championship. If you’re not wanting to do that, you’re probably missing the boat of what competition is all about. But, through the process, kids should have an amazing experience in our district.”
In the immediate future, with most fall practices set to begin Monday, Knorr also announced coaching changes at DHS. John Bernazzani will lead the Demons’ softball team after previous coach Missy Fundora stepped down, while social studies teacher Todd Jolley will take the reins of the DHS boys tennis team. Alan Batiste, who was the previous coach, will remain as head coach for the boys basketball team.
“I’m just super excited for the seasons to start, and seeing our kids compete, that’s the next big thing,” Knorr said. “It’s just such a unique opportunity, and this is an opportunity to strengthen a community’s engagement with the high school, from sixth grade to their senior year.”
bploen@durangoherald.com
