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Burkie Wynkoop: Recognize Don Guffy

To the editor:To the editor:

To the editor:

RE: The article printed in the Daily Press April 30, 2016. (Former Moffat County High School Coach Roman Gutierrez Headed for Hall of Fame)

Roman Gutierrez, Moffat County High School Wrestling Coach, (1982 to 2013), headed for Hall of Fame recognition. Congratulations on your well deserved award Coach Gutierrez, however, I feel there has been a grave injustice in not recognizing your assistant coach, Don Guffy. He was very instrumental in the success of Moffat County High Schools’ wrestling program through his time, dedication, devotion and love of the sport.



I’d like to share a brief history of Craig’s wrestling program. In 1973 Burkie Wynkoop (myself) and David Perez started the Pee-Wee Wrestling program. Dave’s job moved him a way from the Craig area after several years, and I continued with the program for seven more years. In 1980, wrestling Coach Don Guffy stepped in to continue the Pee-Wee Wrestling program. The 1985 Moffat County High School Wrestling State Championship Team had many wrestlers that went through our Pee-Wee programs.

I was an assistant wrestling coach at Craig Middle School for 16 years, (1974 to 1979), and (1992 to 2003). Head Coach Don Guffy, at the Craig Middle School, had a 15-year “run” of being the Wrestling District Champions in our Middle School League. I watched and learned many things from Coach Guffy over the 11 years of assisting him. Coach Guffy was instrumental in molding mental toughness, basic skills, and the desire to win in his seventh and eighth grade wrestlers. These wrestlers went on to the high school wrestling program and set numerous records at the state level, and won five state championships (1985,1994, 2001, 2003, 2004).



The Hall of Fame award should be awarded to Coach Roman Gutierrez, AND Coach Don Guffy.

I have a problem with the lack of recognition for Guffy. He was your assistant for nearly 30 years. You should have given Coach Guffy recognition for the many years of dedication to the Moffat County School Wrestling Program. While working at the middle school, he was in a great position to inspire and encourage middle schoolers to go out for the High School Wrestling Program. Coach Guffy should have been recognized by name and given credit for his many years of dedication and love of wrestling. I believe there are numerous former Moffat County Wrestlers, parents, and fans who feel the same way I do.

I feel the 25 years of being a high school wrestling official, 15 years middle school assistant wrestling coach, and the many volunteer hours in the high school wrestling room, give me the insight to speak out for the lack of recognition Coach Guffy should have received.

Coach Burkie WynkoopCoach Burkie Wynkoop

Coach Burkie Wynkoop

Battlement MesaBattlement MesaBattlement Mesa


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