The Durango School District 9-R Board of Education has officially approved the renaming of the track at Durango High School to “Coach Keller Track” in honor of longtime coach and educator Ron Keller. The decision, made during the board’s Jan. 28 meeting, recognizes Coach Keller’s profound impact on the school’s athletics and the Durango community.
The renaming follows a letter of support submitted to the board, advocating for this tribute to Coach Keller’s dedication to DHS student-athletes. The board first discussed the proposal at a special meeting on Jan. 14 before voting to approve the change at the Regular Meeting on Jan. 28.
“He is a transformative figure who has had an immeasurable impact on generations of students, athletes, and the broader Durango community,” said Durango High School Principal Dr. Jon Hoerl in a letter to the board. “Keller’s contributions to DHS athletics and academics span decades, embodying dedication, integrity, and success both on and off the field.”
Keller’s success includes eight state championships and seven runner-up finishes in cross country. Over 33 teams qualified for state competitions, while numerous athletes earned state titles in both track and cross country. Keller is also instrumental in the sustained success of the girls cross country team, which won the league championship 21 out of 23 years under his leadership. Keller is the only DHS coach to be inducted into the CHSCA Hall of Fame (2014). The annual Ron Keller Invitational Track Meet at DHS is also named in his honor.
“I'm just lost for words,” Keller said. “It's definitely an honor and just something I never thought about. It never entered my mind until I found out about it. So I was honored but also shocked that something like that happened and it isn't just me, it's everybody. It starts with the parents, the administration, supporting programs for us, understanding the geographic situation we have in Durango and the classifications that we have. All that stuff is very important.”
Keller has been training local runners since he stepped down as Durango’s cross country head coach. He’s helped senior Sofia Voss recover from multiple calf surgeries and has trained Xavier Sutherlin, one of Durango’s top male track and field athletes.
His success extends beyond titles and accolades. Keller takes immense pride in helping students achieve their dreams. Many of them have received collegiate scholarships under his guidance, and one student made two appearances at the Olympics.
“It was never just about winning – although winning is a natural outcome of his approach,” wrote Hoerl. “He builds lifelong relationships and creates a sense of family among his teams.”
A formal dedication ceremony will likely be held during the Ron Keller Invitational Track Meet on April 19 at Durango High School.
