Spring sports will jump into action as two new coaches step in to fill the shoes of those previous. Track and boy's tennis will both receive new head coaches this year. Faculty member and previously-assistant coach Vic Downs will become the head of track, and Linfield graduate Wes Gabrielson plans to lead the tennis team.
The recent stepping-down of last year's coaches Jim Barks, for track, and Casey Rich, for tennis, has created different feelings of optimism among athletes and teachers alike who are looking forward to a new experience this year.
Downs, cross country coach and previous assistant coach for track, is looking forward to being the new leader for MHS's team.
"I hope to have a positive effect on the team," Downs said. "I want to continue what [Barks] was doing, and add my own signature onto the team. We've been together for 21 years, and I plan to keep on going and continue what he's been doing, in addition to adding my own ideas."
As Downs leaves his position as assistant coach and takes a larger role on the team, others will come and fill the spot he'll leave behind.
"We're going to have some volunteers help us with coaching, but I can't confirm anything yet. I know a guy who helped us out before, Matt Dressel, will be helping again."
Barks will still be an assistant coach, according to Downs, but will not be in charge of the team as he was before.
"Barks isn't retiring from coaching entirely, he's just retiring from being the head coach. He'll still be helping us out at times," Downs said.
Track runners can look forward to an exciting new season influenced by a different style of coaching.
Boy tennis players will also receive a new coach this spring. The team's responses to the change were positive as well, and many athletes are looking forward to a new season with a new coaching perspective.
Sophomore Jesse Stahl, a key player of the team, has high hopes for the future.
"It's going to be a fun season. Having a new coach will take some to adjust to but Wes Gabrielson, the new coach, is highly qualified and a nice guy," Stahl said. "We lost a lot of seniors last year, so it will be a building year and we have a new coach with a lot of experience to help us though the season."
Another member of the boy's tennis team thinks the change will provide new ways for players to look at their game and different ways they can improve. Junior Chris Colvin also sees the new shift as a way to get better.
"I think it's great that Mr. Rich is taking time off to spend with his kids. Also, the new coach looks like he is going to do a great job. Having a new coach will be good because we'll be able to get a whole different perspective on ways to play the game and get better," said Colvin.