EDITORIAL: Fall marks new beginnings for schools, sports

Posted 9/5/17

But with the end of one season begins the start of another, as students in Park County School District No. 1 and Northwest College are already settling into the familiar routine of the new school year. This year marks a new era for the school …

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EDITORIAL: Fall marks new beginnings for schools, sports

Posted

With another beautiful Wyoming summer winding down, folks in Powell and the surrounding area are looking toward the cooler months, as Mother Nature begins her yearly ritual of the changing seasons.

But with the end of one season begins the start of another, as students in Park County School District No. 1 and Northwest College are already settling into the familiar routine of the new school year. This year marks a new era for the school district, with the stepping down of longtime superintendent Kevin Mitchell. Mitchell began serving in that capacity in 2007, and told the Tribune in July that a highlight of his time in Powell was “working with tremendous school board members who have a sincere interest in being involved and work together as a team.”

Mitchell’s successor, Jay Curtis, formerly the superintendent of Meeteetse Schools, has already hit the ground running, and has the full support of his predecessor.

“I’m confident in his abilities, because I’ve seen him grow as a superintendent,” Mitchell said.

Changes abound in area sports as well, as teams from the middle school on up adjust to a variety of new coaches, players and experiences.

At Northwest College, it’s a brand-new look for the soccer teams, as men’s coach Stan Rodrigues and women’s coach Jessica Lum begin their tenures at the helm of their respective programs. Both teams welcome in a host of new athletes from all over the world (as well as quite a few from Wyoming), and with a pair of games already in the books, the Trappers and Lady Trappers are anxious to make their mark on Region IX. Lady Trappers volleyball hopes to build on a rich tradition of success under coach Shaun Pohlman and the NWC rodeo team will be off and roping this weekend, when they host their annual fall rodeo in Cody.

NWC’s Paint the Town Red kickoff celebration was a great success, as the college continues working toward its goal of making Powell a “college town.”

Football is underway at Powell High School, as are the seasons for tennis, volleyball and cross country. The Lady Panthers swim team welcomed a new coach in Bob Smartt, who brings 22 years of coaching experience to Powell. The PHS golfers have already completed their regular season, while the volleyball team got off to a hot start, winning the season-opening Riverton Invitational with a 7-0 record.

All in all, it looks to be an exciting few months for our local fall sports teams, and we encourage everyone to get out and show your support.

We at the Tribune take pride in covering our local schools and students and we’re looking forward to capturing the new school year in stories and photographs.

We hope you’ll join us.

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