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Monday, October 12, 2026 at 11:32 AM
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Miller steps down as boys basketball coach, Knutson named as successor

07/28/2022 03:15 AM
Miller steps down as boys basketball coach, Knutson named as successor
Fernley coach Derek Miller shouts instructions during the Northern 3A championship game against Elko last February. Photo by Michael Michaelsen for the Fernley Reporter

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

After 12 years at the helm of the Fernley High School boys basketball program, Derek Miller has stepped down as head coach.

Miller informed his team following their loss to Boulder City in the State Tournament in February that he was retiring as a coach.

Miller spent 12 seasons as head coach of the Vaqueros, although there was no season in the 2020-21 school year because of Covid-19 shutdowns.

Miller led the Vaqueros to the State Tournament twice, in 2017 and 2022 and to the playoffs eight times overall, including the last seven years in a row. He finishes his career at Fernley with an overall record of 141-146, and 82-80 in league play.

He came to Fernley after several Silver Stage, and coached in Montana for several years before that.

Miller hopes to coach youth basketball, and also plans to be able to follow his son, Drew’s career as he begins playing Division I baseball at Louisiana-Monroe. Another son Grant, graduated from Fernley this spring, and a third son just finished seventh grade.

Coming off a state tournament appearance and several promising young players in the program ready to make an impact at the varsity level, Miller said he is leaving the program in good shape.

“The program is in a real good spot,” he said. “I like where it’s at.”

 Miller also said he feels comfortable leaving the program to Knutson, who played under Miller and graduated in 2012, then played at Southern Oregon University and was a graduate assistant coach at Nevada before joining Miller's staff as an assistant

Upload date: 07/28/2022 03:15 AM
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Comment author: CH Comment text: I want to start a betting 'pool' for the October, November, and December closures: 1. A dent in the pool slide. 2. A failed breaker. 3. A pebble loose in the water part (replacing all concrete) 4. Hurricane Polo makes a sudden turn and blows off the roof (again). With soft muscles after 7 months of no swimming, the only health left is my sense of humor :) Comment publication date: 10/1/26, 11:18 AM Comment source: Fernley Pool Renovation Moves Forward, One Test at a Time Comment author: PFB Comment text: Why can't you guys find competent contractors.. For a large municipal facility like the indoor-outdoor Fernley Swimming Pool located at 300 Cottonwood Lane, a complete ground-up commercial build or major structural renovation typically spans 6 to 12 months or longer when factoring in large-scale engineering, public municipal permitting, specialized commercial HVAC/roofing, and health department inspections. The current renovation has been- The Fernley Swimming Pool has been closed for approximately six to seven months since late February 2026 for a major roof replacement and facility renovation. Now you sat October. Soooo 8 months for a new roof. The picture shows no other renovations. Comment publication date: 9/17/26, 7:14 PM Comment source: Electrical problem delays Fernley pool opening Comment author: P Comment text: Relative of the Mayor is to over see this site. Anyone who knows Fernley KNOWS this is more of the who you are related to and know business in this town. VOTE THEM ALL OUT AND THE CALIFORNIA TRANSPLANTS. Comment publication date: 9/16/26, 10:31 PM Comment source: Lift Station Failure Released Untreated Sewage Comment author: Christopher Walsh Comment text: Could you look into the strong recurring smell around Fernley? It smells like sewage and it can be bad enough that people don’t want to be outside or open their windows. It would be helpful to get an investigative journalist help the Fernley residents get a clear answer from the City, NDEP, and any involved facilities. I was really disappointed that the smell was not disclosed by my realtor when I moved here. I enjoy Fernley and am seeing the improvements that are being made. With Appreciation Comment publication date: 9/12/26, 2:49 PM Comment source: Sewage spill near City of Fernley Municipal Well 9 Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry Comment author: R Conley Comment text: Is the deputy receiving any additional training or reinforcing prior training? Comment publication date: 9/5/26, 10:08 AM Comment source: Inmate escapes from Fernley substation
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