Dankers resigns as Glacier wrestling coach

Ross Dankers, the wrestling coach at Glacier High School the last 12 seasons, has resigned from that position, Glacier activities director Mark Dennehy announced Thursday.

Dennehy made the announcement in an email; he attached his own statement along with a resignation letter he received Thursday from Dankers. 

“It is with a mix of emotions that I formally submit my resignation,” Dankers wrote.  “After 12 incredible years, I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to lead this program and work alongside so many dedicated student-athletes, supportive families, and committed colleagues.” 

Reached by phone on Thursday, Dankers said spending more time with wife Sara and his kids — fifth grade, second grade and preschool — was a major reason for stepping down. 

“I love the sport of wrestling, love the kids and coaching them,” he said. “Doing that at “Glacier was pretty special. It was a great 12-year run, but I'm looking forward to having a little less busy holiday season and looking for other ways to contribute at Glacier.” 

The Wolfpack program started slowly under Dankers but trended up the last six seasons; the boys were 10h at the State AA meet in 2020 and 2021, ninth in 2022, seventh in 2024 and sixth the second weekend of February. 

The girls rose from 15th in 2021, the first season their sport was sanctioned by the MHSA, to fourth in 2022 and ‘23. They were fifth this past season, thanks in no small part to three-time individual champion Kaura Coles. 

Coles’ brother Nico is a two-time champion and Dankers coached two more individual champions in Teegan Vasquez — he won four titles — and Justin Gibson. 

In all Dankers had 42 state placers. The Wolfpack boys won 116 duals. 

“Ross has been a fixture in AA wrestling and will be missed,” Dennehy’s statement reads. “Despite the narratives of a few, Ross is a man of elite character who always does the right thing and has taken care of kids. The hours and dedication to the program will be difficult to replace and we are grateful for his expertise, vision, resilience and grit.” 

Dennehy and Dankers were named in a federal lawsuit alleging they, Kalispell Public Schools and others connected to the wrestling program retaliated against the parent of an athlete for reporting sexual assault involving the team in the 2021-22 school year. 

Dennehy noted that Dankers will stay on as leader of Glacier’s Health Enhancement Program and continue his duties as assistant track and field coach and public address announcer at Glacier’s home football games. 

“First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the athletes who have given their all to this program,” Dankers’ letter reads in part. “Your hard work, dedication, and resilience have been inspiring, and it has been an absolute privilege to coach you. The lessons learned on the mat — discipline, perseverance, and teamwork — will serve you well beyond the sport, and I am honored to have been a part of your journey.” 

He went on to thank his assistant coaches, his wife and Dennehy. 

“I am also deeply appreciative of Mr. Dennehy and the administration at Glacier High School for their trust and support, as well as the incredible families who have stood by this program,” he wrote. “Your commitment to our athletes and to the sport of wrestling has helped build something truly special. 

“Being the head wrestling coach at Glacier has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”