Soto: The Institution

Class, integrity and character.

These are words not often found in this day and age when describing individuals, but there is a man known by just about anyone who has met him to have these attributes. His name is Dario Soto, but to most-friend, student, player, parent or colleague-he is known respectfully as Mr. Soto.

After coaching basketball for nearly 60 years, Mr. Soto finished his coaching career on January 11 at Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) High School on the court which bears his name.

Mr. Soto did not give more than a couple hours notice of his impending retirement from coaching basketball because he didn't want a fuss.

"I am up in age and the second half of the schedule was all traveling," Mr. Soto explained. "I have had some health problems, so rather than going through all the trouble of traveling the last part of the schedule, I just said 'I have had enough.'"

When HEM principal Steve Priest made a presentation in a quickly thrown together ceremony between two games being played that evening, Mr. Soto nodded his head, said thank you to the audience giving him a standing ovation and walked back to his bench.

There were tears in the eyes of more than three quarters of the crowd attending the game between the junior high teams of HEM and Rock River as they watched Mr. Soto shake hands with the players and opposing coaches for the last time. 

"He did basketball with my kids, from when they were really little," Rose Vaughn, RNB State Bank - Hanna Branch Manager, said. "He was so patient and so good with all the kids. I really liked him. How couldn't you?"

Work your hardest for him

"He was just one of those coaches that didn't have to tell you to work hard, you wanted to work your hardest for him," said Matt Love, current Saratoga resident and former Medicine Bow High School student. "He was someone you didn't want to disappoint."

Love played for the Medicine Bow Wranglers from 1987 to 1990 and remembers his coach being very nervous before games. He would pace in the locker room, although he would try his best to not let the team know.

"We all knew, but pretended not to," Love said. "He didn't care about stats and it is funny because my son (Teegan) did pretty well here when he played at Saratoga. When he hit 1,000 points last year, he asked me how many points I scored during my career and I told him I didn't know because my coach didn't care about stats."

Love remembers Mr. Soto starting him as a freshman. According to Love this was big deal and some parents and upperclassmen were not happy. One day, Love told his coach he didn't need to start.

"He told me not to worry about the flak, that it was his deal," Love recounted. "He said 'You deserve to start and you are going to be on the floor. He stood by you, so you stood by him."

Love said Mr. Soto loved to "run-n-gun" his teams and when they went to the State Championship in 1994, the team was known as the "Runnin' Wranglers" throughout the State.

Love said his brother played on that team and he remembers it was exceptionally fast. Love remembers, along with Mr. Soto enjoying the rock band Heart at practices, he also played jazz. Mr. Soto would do a special dance sometimes during the jazz sessions which made the team laugh.

"Anyone who ever saw the little dance he did knows exactly what I am talking about," Love said. "He really is such a special person."

Mr. Soto grew up in Pine Bluffs, where he was born.  When Mr. Soto was in high school in the early 1950s, he was not interested in elective agriculture programs. So, he and a couple other male students took typing class. It would serve him well later in life. After graduating from high school, Mr. Soto went to a community college in Arizona where he played football for a year. Funds were tight for the young college student and in 1954 he joined the United States Navy.

His typing ability led him to be placed in communications where learned Morse Code. While in the Navy, Mr. Soto was stationed in the Philippines for two years. He remembers being on a basketball team in his communications division where an amusing story unfolded.

Mr. Soto said it was the year the Olympics were in Australia and the base he was stationed on decided to get a team together which would contest some of the Olympic teams. Mr. Soto was encouraged to try out by friends because he was so good. When he tried out, he was the only "white hat" (enlisted). All the others were officers. When they selected the team, Mr. Soto was told by the officer in charge he was good, but not big enough.

Word passed quickly about what happened and, when the communications team played the officers, the crowd started yelling at the officers, 'You aren't big enough'. Mr. Soto said it was a funny moment hearing all the shouts.

A court full of memories

Basketball would give him more moments to remember as he got older.

Upon leaving the Navy, he went to the University of Wyoming, graduating with a major in social studies and a minor in physical education. He started his teaching career at Ft. Laramie, lasting three years before he came to Medicine Bow. He has lived there since.

Mr. Soto taught kindergarten to seniors in high school in northern Carbon County from 1967 to present. He had winning teams in basketball and football at Bow Basin High School and adult residents who grew up in the communities of Elk Mountain, Hanna and Medicine Bow speak reverently of the P.E. teacher. He was recently re-certified to teach until 2023.

His coaching career has encompassed almost 60 years. He has coached over 600 games with a nearly .500 win percentage.

Mr. Soto was inducted into the Wyoming Coaches Hall of Fame in 1985 (Plaque No. 59). At the time of his induction, he was well known for his success in basketball and track. He had six district championships, one regional championship, three state runner up titles and two state championships and was the Wyoming Coaches Association Class B and C Track Coach of the Year in 1972.

Mr. Soto retired from teaching in 1993 but, after two years, found himself coming back to help Medicine Bow Elementary School as a substitute.  During this time, he was still coaching. Eventually, Elk Mountain and Medicine Bow elementary schools needed a P.E. teacher and Carbon County School District No. 2 (CCSD2) asked him to take the position. Since then, he has been teaching the schools along with coaching.

Mr. Soto has been successful before and after he tried to retire. He was Conference Coach of the year in 1985, 1986, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2004 and 2005. In 1994 he was Head Coach of the South All-Star Team and Wyoming Coaches Association Coach of the Year.  He won the Regional Championship for HEM in 2005.

"When I first started coaching, there were not a lot of kids in Ft. Laramie," Mr. Soto recollected. "Then I came to Medicine Bow and the thing these places had in common was that there wasn't a lot for these kids to do but play football and basketball. I enjoyed teaching these sports, so coaching became a part of my life."

More Mr. Sotos

His way of coaching inspired all those around him, whether they were the kids, colleagues or parents.

"Mr. Soto is a gentleman and an amazing human being. He helped build the character of two to three generations of young men and women in the schools he has been involved in," Karen Patton, former CCSD2 Nurse, said. "He teaches them not only what it is like to try and win the game, but what it is like to be a good loser. He teaches the big picture. I think our kids were lucky to have him as a coach. When he was coaching my sons, they were very proud to be with him and to take care of him. You look at the kids that have grown up under his influence and they are leaders of their communities. They volunteer for different jobs and boards. I attribute a lot to Mr. Soto. He set a bar and he told them, "You have to hit that bar, I am not lowering it for you and you have to meet that expectation. He is very strict, he expects the kids to toe the line and the kids respect that. In today's society we could use more Mr. Sotos." 

Shelly Cooper, a former Medicine Bow Elementary teacher, commented, "What a great run he has had and he loved every minute of it. He has no idea how many lives he has touched on and off the court.  I am thankful that I can call him my coach, colleague and friend." Although Medicine Bow High School or Bow Basin are no longer around, there are plenty who have stories about his years as coach of the teams."He is awesome and Medicine Bow was blessed having him," Kenda Colman, former Medicine Bow resident, said. "He was not only an excellent coach, but an excellent teacher who really worked with every kid to make them the best that they could be."

She remembers when her son Kevin, former mayor of Medicine Bow, was playing for Mr. Soto. She was a vocal parent at games and one day Mr. Soto asked her to be a scorekeeper. She agreed but soon found out she had to stay silent during games. She asked Mr. Soto if that's why he had asked her to scorekeeper.

"He smiled at me and said 'exactly'," said Colman.

She said when her son was on the team after practice was over, Mr. Soto wouldn't let them leave the gym until they hit five free throws in row. Colman said the kids didn't mind because they wanted to please their coach. Colman's story is typical. When Mr. Soto's name is mentioned to those he coached, taught or touched, all say his kindness made a person want to do their best around him.

A statewide legend

"I want to offer my congratulations and heartfelt thank you to Coach Soto.  His commitment to kids and the state is unparalleled," Governor Mark Gordon said Friday. "What a remarkable career and what a tremendous legacy over his 60 years of coaching. I wish him well."  

When Representative Liz Cheney heard about Mr. Soto's retirement from coaching last week she said, "Across Wyoming and America, there are quiet heroes in our communities who make an indelible mark on the lives of so many. Dario Soto is one of those individuals and we all should recognize and be thankful for his decades of work as he hangs up the whistle for a final time. His track record as both a coach and an educator is unmatched and the positive impact he had on Carbon County will endure for years to come as his students and players continue to go through life. I want to offer him my most profound appreciation for all that he has done for the state of Wyoming, extend my deepest congratulations to him on a remarkable coaching career, and wish him well." 

On Monday, both Wyoming senators had words for Mr. Soto.

"Nearly everyone can point to a teacher or coach who had a profound and positive impact on their life. For students in northern Carbon County, Coach Dario Soto is at the top of the list," said Senator John Barrasso. "The beloved physical education teacher and head junior high basketball coach at Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) has inspired thousands of students throughout his nearly 60-year career. While his coaching skills and trophy case are legendary, it's Coach Soto's commitment to good sportsmanship and Wyoming values that makes him an incredible role model for his students. Congratulations Coach Soto on a remarkable coaching career and thank you for your dedication to generations of student athletes in Wyoming."

"Mr. Soto is a pillar in the Medicine Bow, Hanna and Elk Mountain communities. His commitment to the students of those communities will pay dividends for decades to come," Senator Cynthia Lummis said. "Congratulations on all your achievements the past decades and know that you will be missed on the basketball court. I wish you well as you continue to be a positive influence on students in our great state of Wyoming." 

A few Carbon County local leaders also put in their thoughts this past week."He is a wonderful person," Medicine Bow Mayor Sharon Biamon said. "He has helped every kid that has ever gone to Medicine Bow, Elk Mountain and Hanna and he cares about the kids. He is a treasure and we are blessed he lives here."

"He is a super guy," Hanna Mayor Lois Buchanan said. "I have been on the bus with him going to games and he is inspirational to be around by how he talks to the kids. I don't know anybody that doesn't have a kind word to say about him other than maybe opposing coaches, and I don't even think that happens."

A legendary love of kids

"It's always about the kids," former Medicine Bow High School teacher Jeanette Fisher said. "He meant so much to the town and to the state. He doesn't ever talk about Dario; he always talks about others, but not himself."

Fisher is just one of many who reiterate how much he cared for the kids.

"All my memories of Dario include how much he cared about all kids," retired HEM teacher Sue Tlustos said. "When he talked about his teams, he talked about the individuals and what they had accomplished. He was always centered on giving kids confidence."

Colleagues who work with him now have the same observation."He truly is an institution, not only in Wyoming but in the country,"

HEM Principal Steve Priest said. "We had a teacher in Medicine Bow and her dad was helping her move stuff into the classroom and Mr. Soto came in. After he left, her father said to her, 'Do you know who that is? That's Dario Soto. He is famous for his coaching in Wyoming. Everyone knows him.' It is true. So many people know and love Mr. Soto."  

CCSD2 Superintendent Jim Copeland also had glowing words for Mr. Soto."I am very thankful that I had my career and Mr. Soto's career paths crossed these past eight years that I have been at Carbon County School District No 2," Copeland said. "He has had a long and distinguished career and is very well respected in the area, which I found out very quickly. My working relationship with him, has been nothing but positive. He is a positive role model for students and coaches and his work ethic is unsurpassed and I very much respect that."

Copeland said he felt blessed he got to know Mr. Soto.

"My background as a teacher and an administrator on the campus level has been in the junior high and middle school level and that is the level he has been coaching since I have been in the district," Copeland continued. "I can guarantee that if you are going to spend time with junior high and middle school students, that age group you have to be very patient, or you will not be very successful. That age group is not for everyone, but it was for Mr. Soto and I have to say I admire his positive attitude and good spirit." 

Russ Wiggam, HEM athletic director, has known Mr. Soto since 1986.

"The man is nothing but class," Wiggam said. "Whether it is kids or parents, they all love him. The entire state knows about him and he is an amazing individual. I am going to miss seeing him on this court."

Zack Scott coaches HEM football and is the assistant basketball coach. He is also the P.E. teacher for Hanna Elementary School and has known Mr. Soto for most of his life.

"Mr. Soto coached my dad (Vernon Scott), me and my brother and my sons. I played for him in the state championship in 1994 where we got runner-up and my father also played for him in a state championship game and got runner-up. Playing under him in those games proved a small Wyoming town can have the dream. He was an amazing coach and was always there when I needed him," Z. Scott said. "He is not only an institution in Carbon County but in my family. He is a great guy and I wish him all the best and Wyoming basketball won't be the same."

For many, it has been difficult to find the words to talk about the impact Mr. Soto has made.

"I've been thinking about what to say about Mr. Soto and it's hard because there is so much to say, but words seem inadequate to describe how great he is,"  Courtney Priest, Medicine Bow Elementary School secretary said. "It's an honor to work with Mr. Soto and an even greater privilege to know him and call him my friend.  He coaches because he loves the game, and more importantly because he loves the kids.  Many of them will not realize how he's touched their lives until they are adults and can fully appreciate his contribution to their youth."

C. Priest made a point many who know him say; Mr. Soto doesn't realize how he touches people or how many.

"When you follow Mr. Soto and his team to their away games, it's like the 'Mr. Soto Celebrity Tour'.  There are always people who come up and talk to him; referees, school officials, parents. It's easy to see the respect they all have for him," C. Priest said.  "Two years ago, at the Junior High County Tournament, a gentleman came up to Soto and said 'I can't believe you are still coaching! You ruined my chance at a state title 40 years ago when you beat us at the state tournament,' referring to when he was a coach at Bow Basin High School.  Even those who he has beat in basketball respect him for who he is off the court."

Respect across the court

There are several coaches who have said this. Little Snake River Valley Rattler basketball coach Jack Cobb remembers about five years ago.

"I was coaching junior high basketball then and we were the number two seed and HEM was number one," Cobb said. "Before the game we visited for about a half an hour with Mr. Soto and it was a great visit. When it came time for the game, he made sure he got the home side of the gym because he was the number one seed and also it was the side we were comfortable and used to. It was great strategy and if I had been in his position and thought of it, I would have done the same. It shows his intensity never waned when it came to what was best for his kids. It was fun to coach against him. He made a major impact across the county and state over the years he coached. My hats off to him."

Les Dumire, basketball coach for Rock River High School, went up against Mr. Soto for 30 years."I remember when he won state with a 3-2 zone way before anybody was doing it," Dunmire said. "He was way before his time. His teams were shooting 3-pointers before they were called that. Medicine Bow was a small town with not many kids and him winning was like the movie "Hoosiers". He really was 20 years before his time. He was such a better coach than me and I stole many good ideas from him."

Mr. Soto's last game was against Rock River, coached by Heather Alexander; Dunmire's daughter. She didn't seem to mind he beat her team by 20 points.

"Mr. Soto has been a part of basketball as long as I have been in basketball; that started with me in junior high in Rock River. Basketball in this part of the state is Mr. Soto," Alexander said. "He is amazing and I have had a lot of fun going up against him these past couple years with the junior high teams. Every time you step into a gym to play basketball, he is the coach you aspire to be. He always has an extremely disciplined and in shape team. I think it is really cool I got to be the last coach he played against in his career."

Travis Ward, who was Mr. Soto's assistant coach for 10 years, has many fond memories of him. He suggested to the CCSD2 Board of Trustees the HEM gym be dedicated to Mr. Soto two years ago.

"Coach Soto always had someone come up and ask him if they remembered them. It didn't matter where we were at or how many times we had been to that gym. With being in education for 58 years, the amount of lives that he touched is amazing," Ward said. "He means so much to Medicine Bow and the Bow Basin School, I wanted to make sure we honored him the best way we could.  That is why we named our gym at HEM Soto Court.  He is a legend in the state and you would never hear a bad word spoken about him."Ward has many stories of Mr. Soto, as do many who have grown up around him."

The year he won the award from the National Coaches Association he wasn't going to go because it conflicted with a class reunion," Vicki Scott, proprietor of the Virginian Hotel, said. "It was more important for him to see his kids. He did find a flight that worked, but he wouldn't have gone. I was a student and cheerleader with his State Championship win in 1968. He was an excellent history teacher. He turned into a good friend and I have admired him as I watched him give to so many kids over the years. From teaching me to my grandchildren."

"He coached for three generations and that is amazing if you think about it," Vernon Scott, husband of Vicki and owner of the Virginian said. "He is in the field house at the University of Wyoming for his 300 wins and he has had a lot more wins since then."

According to past players and students, he never accepted mediocrity and he changed the way basketball was played in this part of the state. He was always the man who would stick up for you as Love recounted, and always watched out for his charges. Mr. Soto always wanted a kid to succeed and come away with great self-esteem.

"He is an incredible man and he has done so much for the kids in our communities," Hanna Fire Chief Mark Kostovny said. "He is a kind a compassionate man."

"He is a great guy," Hanna Public Works Director Larry Korkow said. "And he was a great coach."

When asked to give advice about coaching kids Mr. Soto said patience was the answer.

"These young junior high kids take time to learn and this requires a little patience," Mr. Soto said. "I get coaches want to win; I want to win too, but the kids on the floor are more important. Being patient will bring good things."

Mr. Soto can't be wrong given his phenomenal career. He will be missed by many, but Colman put his retirement from coaching into perspective.

"Now that he has retired, the honor of the HEM gym called Soto Court bestowed on him will make sure generations to come will know, as long as the school is there, that Mr. Soto was important to Wyoming basketball," Colman said. "Mr. Soto might be gone from the court, but Mr. Soto's name and spirit will always be there."

A fitting tribute to a man who has made Wyoming proud to call him a native son