26 years of impact: Rocky Mountain celebrates Coach Tim Jones

During their final home wrestling competition of the season Thursday evening, Rocky Mountain High School paused to recognize longtime coach Tim Jones for his years of service, honoring a career that may be nearing its conclusion.

Athletic director Tobee Christiansen shared that Coach Jones began his coaching journey as a graduate student.

“Coach Jones started his coaching career in 1989 at MSU Northern as a grad student,” Christiansen said. “After nine years coaching in Utah, he uprooted his family and moved to the big town of Cowley, Wyoming.”

That move marked the beginning of what Christiansen called a lasting legacy at Rocky Mountain High School.

“Since coming to Rocky Mountain, Coach Jones has built a legacy of 26 years coaching wrestling,” he said.

Christiansen noted that wrestling was only part of Jones’ impact on the school.

“He’s coached football, track and golf, if asked,” Christiansen said with a smile, “mostly because he wanted more tee time. He also spent 19 years coaching cross country.”

But the recognition went far beyond a list of sports.

“Coach Jones is not just a coach,” Christiansen said. “He’s a mentor, a counselor, a brother, a husband, a father and a grandfather.”

As part of the ceremony, Christiansen invited the crowd to take part in the moment.

“For his years of service to Rocky Mountain Middle and High School,” he said, “we’d like everyone who has been coached by him, taught by him, or influenced by him in any way to please stand.”

Coach Jones was then presented with a plaque recognizing his 26 years of dedication to Rocky Mountain wrestling and the wider school community.

“And whether retirement comes now or later,” Christiansen concluded, “we hope you enjoy the golf, enjoy the wrestling and enjoy retirement.”