Get to know the coaches behind the bench of the Vernal Oilers! 🏒
In this episode of The REC REPORT, host Cheryl Meier sits down with head coach Ryan Howes and assistant coach Dominik Griessmer to talk about their hockey journeys, what brought them to Vernal, and the incredible culture they've built together.
From 2x’s national championships to making the move into a more competitive league, Ryan and Dom share what it takes to build a successful team, develop young athletes, and create an environment where players grow both on and off the ice.
But the Oilers are about more than wins and losses. Hear how team culture, billet families, community support, and a shared passion for the game help make Vernal feel like home for players from around the world.
Whether you're a longtime Oilers fan or new to the game, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the people and passion that make Vernal hockey special!
🎧 Tune in and get to know the people behind the Oilers!
 
Host: Cheryl Meier
Guests: Ryan Howse & Dominik Griessmer
Creative Director: Becca Summers
Assistant Producer: Niki Harman
Edited By: Krisi Summers
Recorded at: V6 Media
Audio Engineer: Coby Coonradt
Produced by: Summer Creative Agency
 
Visit the Uintah Rec Center in person at 610 South Vernal Avenue Vernal, UT 84078.
Check us out online at: recreation.uintah.gov, 
Facebook: Uintah Special Service District 1
Instagram: uintah_recreation
TikTok: ussd1utah
Youtube: @UintahRec

On this episode of The REC REPORT, host Cheryl Meier joins Lesha Coltharp, Director of Tourism and Events for Uintah County, to go behind the scenes of Dinah Soar Days — Vernal's signature celebration of hot air balloons, dinosaurs, and community spirit.
Now in its ninth year, Dinah Soar Days featured a record-breaking 52 hot air balloons, more than 45 additional events, and an incredible 804 people dressed as dinosaurs, setting a new Guinness World Record!
Lesha shares how Vernal became known as Dinosaurland, Cheryl shares the story behind the community's successful world record attempt, and both discuss how strong partnerships between local organizations, businesses, and residents make an incredible festival like this possible.
From hot air balloon flights and the Dino Dash to live music and downtown celebrations, discover what makes Dinah Soar Days so special and how one community keeps making history together!
 
🎙️ Hosted by Cheryl Meier, Director of Uintah Special Service District 1
🦖Featuring: Lesha Coltharp, Director of Tourism and Events for Uintah County
 
Visit the Uintah Rec Center in person at 610 South Vernal Avenue, Vernal, UT 84078
Check us out online at: recreation.uintah.gov 
 
Host: Cheryl Meier
Guest: Lesha Coltharp
Creative Director: Becca Summers
Assistant Producer: Niki Harman
Edited By: Krisi Summers
Recorded at: V6 Media
Audio Engineer: Coby Coondradt
Produced by: Summer Creative Agency

Running 129+ Miles. Over 31 Hours. Brutal Heat. One New Record.
In our very first episode of The REC Report, Cheryl Meier sits down with Cort Dixon, the 2026 McCoy Flats Death Race winner and new record holder.
The McCoy Flats Death Race is part of the Uintah Rec Race series and attracts endurance athletes from around the nation. This grueling endurance race was held in Vernal, Utah, challenging runners to push their physical and mental limits across the rugged terrain of the McCoy Flats. With demanding conditions, relentless terrain, and hours of running, the race is designed to test just how far an athlete can go.
Cort Dixon takes us inside the grueling endurance race. From training and mental preparation to the heat, exhaustion, support crew, and the moment he realized he'd broken the previous record. He also shares what running 129 miles taught him about his limits and what he'd tell anyone who thinks they could never do something like this.
🎙️ Hosted by Cheryl Meier, Director of Uintah Special Service District 1
🏃 Featuring Endurance Athlete, Cort Dixon
Visit the Uintah Rec Center at 610 South Vernal Avenue Vernal, UT 84078
Check us out online at: recreation.uintah.gov