PATRICK SCHMIEDT Star-Tribune staff writer | Posted: Friday, May 9, 2008 12:00 am
Two new faces will be gracing Wyoming's Class 5A football sidelines this fall.
Scott Robinson, who has nearly three decades of coaching experience, has filled the vacant head coaching position at Evanston, while Wyoming newcomer Jeremy McCormick has filled the open position in Riverton.
Robinson had spent some time coaching in Star Valley and Jackson before coaching stints in Idaho and Arizona, according to Evanston Activities Director Kay Fackrell.
Robinson fills the spot of veteran coach Don Dinnel, who retired after last season. Evanston went 8-3 last year and finished as runners-up in Class 5A.
"I really think that we felt like with our last search, we hired a mature coach with Dinnel and I really think that's kind of why we went in the same direction," Fackrell said. " … We feel like we've got a good young (coaching) staff, so we also kind of felt like his tutelage would be very beneficial to them (too)."
Fackrell said Robinson has spent 29 years as a football and wrestling coach, most recently as the head wrestling coach in Snowflake, Ariz. He had applied for the Evanston football head coaching position three years ago when it was filled by Dinnel.
McCormick has spent the past 10 years as the head coach at Paonia High School in Colorado, compiling a 45-25 record.
"He looks like a guy that's going to take care of the little things and has a good understanding of kids and also the game of football," Riverton AD Keith Bauder said. " … He gets more out of the kids than what's probably expected."
McCormick takes over for Brant Nyberg, who resigned after six seasons. Riverton went 1-7 last year and hasn't had a winning record since 2004.
"It'll be exciting to see what he can bring in and hopefully he can bring in a new era of Wolverine football," Bauder said.
Both new coaches will also teach at their respective high schools. Robinson will teach science at Evanston, while McCormick will teach math at Riverton.
Laramie's head coaching position, created when Neil Waring resigned in December, is the only one still open in Class 5A.
n LOVELL HIRES FOOTBALL COACH: Ken Boatwright will be the new football coach at Lovell.
Boatwright most recently was a coach in Missouri, but Lovell AD Ina Hubbell said Boatwright is familiar with the Bighorn Basin.
"He started his teaching career in Deaver, coached at Powell (and) Riverton," Hubbell said. "He's been around."
Boatwright will be the first hire on a completely new staff. He takes over for Troy Pittman, who was fired in October amid allegations of indecent liberties with a child.
Hubbell said Boatwright's commitment to discipline was impressive.
"He is very strong on discipline and team-oriented," she said. "One player's no better than the other. He's very team-oriented."
n LANDER'S RAGAN WINS REGIONAL AWARD: Lander senior Eric Ragan has been named a section winner of the "National High School Spirit of Sport Award." The award, given by the National Federation of State High School Associations, recognizes individuals who exemplify sports ideals, according to a news release.
Ragan was one of eight section winners nationwide. He competed on Lander's golf, basketball and track teams, helping the Tigers win two state golf championships and a basketball state title. He missed most of his junior year with a shoulder injury.
He is also Lander's student body president and works with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
n SIGNING ON: Central Wyoming College has added three more Wyoming recruits to round out its volleyball team, including Abby Pollart from Powell, Lynzee Crosland from Kemmerer and Dixie Warren from Star Valley. … Riverton's Jeri Jacobson has signed to play basketball at Central Wyoming.