“We’re building a culture,” senior basketball player Weston Rock said.
Culture building is a common goal of every winter sport in Abilene. This year is unique because the winter sports are trying to reach their goals with unexperienced, new faces. Preparation includes building team chemistry and a culture of success with a clean slate that adds a new challenge.
“We started preparing [last July]. We knew we needed guidance and leadership, and I think [the girls’ state qualifiers] are doing a great job,” head girl’s wrestling coach Curtis Rein said.
The girl wrestlers that made state last year aren’t the only group in AHS guiding younger kids to unleash their potential. Every winter sport has their hand in that cookie jar this year. AHS girl’s and boy’s basketball teams are a prime example of this as well. Last night at the high school’s scrimmages, both teams welcomed new faces to the varsity teams through live, on-the-court action.
“You see how good we can be having some of those younger girls step-up,” head girls basketball coach Shawn Herrman said.
The boy’s basketball team has newcomers that are contributing to varsity as well. Players like Jackson Green and Levi Evans will see their first substantial varsity minutes of their careers at AHS.
“We’ll keep rotating guys through and get some experience for some of those guys that haven’t played as much varsity,” head boys basketball coach Kyle Taylor said.
Former K-State player Taylor is beginning his first year as varsity head coach, following in his father’s footsteps at the helm of the AHS basketball team. Two former wrestling state champions Trey Hoerner and Courtney Strauss will begin coaching at AHS this year also. Head coach James Stout is pleased to have them on his staff.
He said on the Abilene High School Wrestling Facebook page, “Both are great with kids, love to coach, have a passion for the sport of wrestling, and were successful competitors ‘in their day’.”
Home openers for winter sports are coming soon. Support AHS basketball teams at home on Tuesday, Dec 10th and the AHS wrestling teams on Thursday, December 12th for their first home dual.
