For the past 16 years, the name Dougie has meant a lot to all Colorado College athletes. Doug Payton has served for over a decade and a half as CC’s head athletic equipment manager. He has watched athletes, coaches, and even sports come and go at CC, always ensuring that players have the necessary equipment for their chosen sports. But, according to all who know him, he is much more than what his job title suggests.
From his wall of shame, to his Popsicle days, to his laugh and his smile, Doug Payton has become an icon in the athletic department. He will be sorely missed after his retirement at the end of this year.
When Payton began his job as equipment manager after selling his own insurance company, he didn’t think much of it.
“I told them, I’ll give it a couple weeks to help you out. Well, that was 16 years ago. I just stuck it out and loved every second of it. I fell in love with the place. I just love the students,” said Payton.
Payton could never stay away from athletics for long, having a love of sports that started at a young age.
“I must have been seven or eight when my dad took me here to Colorado College to see my very first football game,” said Payton. “I couldn’t believe how big the players were. And after the game was over I turned to my dad and said ‘Dad, I’d like to play that sport.’”
Payton went on to play college football at Colorado University and even played professionally.
Clearly a total natural in an athletic environment, Payton can be found at all times of the day with a smile on his face.
“I’m really fortunate because I get to be a part of every team,” said Payton. “Coaches coach their team, but I get them all. I get to be a member of every team. It’s really fun.”
And in fact, Payton thinks fun is the most important part of any sport.
“That’s the big word for me, fun,” said Payton. “Athletics is fun. If you’re not having fun then I’d recommend not to play.”
Payton makes sure that the athletes have fun every day. Any player is sure to remember await his hot chocolate and Popsicle days.
“As soon as it gets warm in spring I dress in all white and get in the golf cart and I’m the good humor guy passing out my popsicles. I’m just a big kid. You know, this is serious stuff, but you’ve got to have fun,” said Payton.
As his retirement nears, Payton and his wife plan for their move to a Utah community for active seniors. They also look forward to the bucket list they’ve been writing over the past few years, with golfing at St. Andrews, Scotland and riding a train from Vancouver to Calgary at the top of their list.
In their spare time they will volunteer with animals, which is another passion for the couple. But no matter where he is or what he’s doing, Payton promises he will keep his CC pride.
“I got a little golf cart there that I’ll get customized with all CC stuff on it so I can low ride around with my quad sound kicking in,” said Payton. “The biggest thing I’m going to take from here is memories. I can see my wife and I sitting on our patio overlooking Lake George with our pitcher of margaritas just reminiscing about all the people we’ve met here.”
And as he prepares to leave, he urges players to remember that the most important thing about their time at CC will be the people they meet. After 16 years of smiles, there are sure to be hundreds of CC athletes grateful that Dougie was one of those people.