Columns Jul 16, The date was July 6, and as usual, it had been a scorching hot day at team camp. The girls were ready to get off the asphalt and into the air conditioned cafeteria for the evening meal, and so was I. Practice did not end that day in the fashion that I had envisioned though. As we were winding things down, I noticed three familiar faces heading in my direction.
When I got close and saw the concerned looks on their faces, I feared something had happened to a family member back in Glenwood. Some firefighters may have been hurt. This was before the age of cell phones, so I told the girls what was up and we all raced into the dormitory and started to make our calls.
I will never forget the sight I saw approaching Glenwood as darkness had engulfed that July evening. Storm King Mountain looked like a large ball of fire had landed where a once serene mountain had stood. Bushes and trees along the north side of I were ablaze as I turned at the West Glenwood exit.
I ended up spending the night and watching the fire slowly die down on the east side of the mountain from the back deck of my home. The winds mercifully stopped fanning the flames. I was thankful my home was no longer in danger. As I headed back to Grand Junction the next morning to finish out the camp with the girls, I thought about the tragic events from the day before. I will never forget that time, or the brave young firefighters who helped to save this town.
The following are the top runners in the citizens and high school divisions. Jeremy Sisler, 20 minutes, 12 seconds; 2. Phil Dunn; 3. Chris Huerta; 4. Curt Leitzinger; 6. BJ Fessant; 7. Alcerro Williams; 8. James Parker; 9. Johnny Utah; Jeff Fletcher.
