Editorial:

New faces abound as college, prep sports ramp up

Posted 8/15/19

While the start of the 2019-2020 school year is still a little ways away, practice for fall sports has begun in earnest for the teams at Northwest College and Powell High School.

And while …

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Editorial:

New faces abound as college, prep sports ramp up

Posted

While the start of the 2019-2020 school year is still a little ways away, practice for fall sports has begun in earnest for the teams at Northwest College and Powell High School.

And while changes on the rosters of the fall sports teams are as ineveitable as the changing of the seasons, this year will feature several new faces in the coaching ranks as well, both at the college and high school level.

At NWC, it’s a brand-new look for the men’s and women’s soccer programs, as men’s coach Ben McArthur and women’s coach Aaron Miller begin their tenures at the helm of their respective programs. Both teams welcome in a host of new athletes, from as close as down the road at PHS and as far away as Japan, Spain, Brazil and South Korea. Both teams opened their 2019 seasons with a scrimmage against North Idaho College on Wednesday.

Lady Trappers volleyball is hoping for a return to national prominence under new coach Valerie Rivera, with a pair of former Lady Panthers among the nine new recruits who will take the court for NWC this season. The team is in its second week of practice, and will open the 2019 season in Casper Aug. 23.

At PHS, the tennis and the golf teams began practice Monday, with the the Panther golfers opening their season at the Powell/Cody Invitational Thursday and Friday. Tennis coach Joe Asay’s teams aren’t far behind, hosting matches next Monday and Tuesday against non-conference opponents Green River and Rock Springs.

The rest of the PHS fall sports begin practice Monday, Aug. 19, and the Tasha Miller era will officially begin for Lady Panthers volleyball. Aaron Papich is back for his second season at the helm of Panthers football, and though some talented seniors from last year’s squad have moved on, there are plenty of talented returners and young up-and-comers ready to take their place.

The final new face associated with PHS athletics this fall is actually a familiar one. Longtime coach Scott McKenzie has taken over as the PHS athletic director, as former AD Tim Wormald moves into his new position as principal.

“This is the best time of year ... kids are back, and the halls and the courts and the gym are busy again,” McKenzie said earlier this week. “We have great senior leaders in all of our activities, and the underclassmen are all very athletic. We’re hoping for a great year in all areas.”

All in all, it looks to be an exciting few months for our local fall sports teams, and there will be plenty of opportunities for fans to get out and support our local programs.

The Tribune will continue to strive to provide the best, most up-to-date coverage of our local teams, and we look forward to capturing the new school year in stories and photos.

It’s a journey we always look forward to taking, and we hope you’ll come along for the ride.

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