Of the numerous individuals who have contributed to the Montezuma-Cortez High School football team’s success this season, Casey Coulter is one of the most recognizable.
Now in his fourth year as head coach of the Panthers, Coulter has made a name for himself as a solid schemer who relates well with his players.
A kicker at Mesa State College from 2001-2004, Coulter spent two years on the Mesa State coaching staff after graduating from college. Coulter eventually arrived in Cortez and took over as head coach of M-CHS before the 2011 season.
Realizing that turning around the Panthers football program would be no quick task, Coulter implemented a new weight-training program, installed a new game plan and did everything he did to change the Panthers culture.
“I think a lot of people come here and they are going to change a lot of stuff,” said the M-CHS head coach. “My first two years, that’s what I tried to do, and it was really tough.”
After M-CHS finished with a 1-9 record in each of his first two seasons, the Panthers showed progress during the 2013 season and finished with a 3-7 record. The M-CHS football team then moved from Class 3A to Class 2A.
“Once (players) knew that we had dropped to 2A, they knew they had a shot,” said Coulter. The work ethic, the leadership … it all kind of blossomed.”
Prior to this season, Coulter installed a run-heavy offense designed to take advantage of his senior-laden offensive line, senior tailback Randy Haley and senior quarterback Jonathan Walck.
“The offense we’ve put in, there are a lot of twists in it,” said Coulter. “I have asked a lot of our quarterback (Jonathan Walck) and our running back (Randy Haley). They have both done an outstanding job.”
Coulter said that the experience, though it has been a uphil climb, has been gratifying. He emphasized however, that this year’s success has stemmed from the work of M-CHS players and support from the local community.
“(Our success) has been awesome for me, but it is more awesome for the kids, the community, the parents and the people who have been supporting us for years,” said Coulter. “I couldn’t be more happy with what we’ve accomplished.”