Bob Caviness was known for being a tireless worker for high school sports and getting things done.
He probably was most noted for his devotion to track and field and was a fixture in his favorite sport for almost 60 years, first as the founder and director of the Aurora Relays and, after he retired from teaching in 1992, as custodian of the state’s high school track and field record book.
High school sports in Colorado lost a champion advocate June 5 when Caviness died at age 83 of a heart attack shortly after surgery for lung cancer at Aurora Medical Center South.
A celebration of his life is scheduled for 3 p.m. June 28 at the Colorado Community Church, 3651 S. Colorado Blvd.
“He was a stickler in making sure our state track and field records were current and accurate,” said Bert Borgmann, assistant commissioner of the Colorado High School Activities Association. “He always was there for us when we had our state championships in wrestling and track and field. He gave his time in a lot of our activities, and we appreciated everything he did.”
If there was one characteristic that enhanced Caviness’ energy, it was his positive attitude.
He got up early and mowed the lawn at his house on the day of his surgery.
“He was very positive about everything and expected to walk out of the hospital in a couple of days,” said his daughter, Marla Caviness-French.
Caviness turned his attention to his signature event in 1957 when the University of Denver abruptly canceled its high school relays meet. He rushed to put the first Aurora Relays together, and 15 teams christened the event that would become the leadoff competition of the year.
During their duration, the Aurora Relays attracted most of the top prep track and field athletes in the state.
After eight years on the staff at Aurora High School, Caviness moved to Aurora’s Hinkley High School when it opened in 1963.
He finished his 59th year of coaching in Colorado this spring as a volunteer coach at D’Evelyn High School in Jefferson County.
Caviness-French joined her father’s profession and completed her 21st year in coaching this spring, also as a volunteer coach at D’Evelyn. Two of their high jumpers qualified for the state championships, a meet both Bob and Marla attended in late May.
Caviness and his wife, Lois Jo, also raised Chihuahuas for 50 years, and Caviness was a multibreed dog show judge.
The family is establishing a “Bob Caviness Memorial Scholarship” in lieu of flowers.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
