You could see the disappointment on the faces of some of the coaches at Virgin Valley High School Monday morning as turnouts were low for most fall sports programs. Whether it is weather related, heat or families of student athletes are still vacationing, coaches are hoping for a bigger turnout at evening practices. Student eligibility is another issue, as some students need to get last year’s grades improved. Football coach Chris Sawyers has been able to increase his squads by personally contacting prospective players.
Poor Turnout, for Boys Soccer Program, Greets Head Coach Bob Snell
Shaking their heads in disbelief, Coach Bob Snell and assistant coach Mike Pletzke were not pleased at the first day’s turnout for soccer. Only 19 players began two a day workouts for Coach Snell who is in his thirteenth year with the VVHS soccer program. The program needs at least 30 players to field a junior varsity team. Of the nineteen players, only two have varsity experience. They are returning starters Gabby Medina and Juan Ulloa, the remainder of last year’s 18 man squad.
“I hope we don’t have to skip a year of J.V. soccer. We look like an expansion sports team,” said Snell. “I am pleased with the freshman group this year. There is talent there. Someone has to step up to lead the team as we have little senior leadership. With realignment, we now play with the big boys,” added Snell.
Let us hope the coach is right and the turnout is greater for the evening session. To participate in the ‘Mesquite Cup’, players must have ten days of practice under their belt including today. The ‘Dawgs, won the 3A Southern Zone last year and finished up with a 13-9-3 record. A late call from Coach Snell confirmed he had 24 players for the evening session.
Turnout Low for Girls Soccer Program
Coach Scott Trimming greeted approximately 22 prospects the morning of the first official day of practice. There were nine freshman and nine sophomores plus two juniors and two seniors.
“We should have additional number of players showing up during the week. Returning are seniors Karson Bryant and Samantha Cunningham who made the 3A Southern Zone All-League Team. I’m looking to fill 16 varsity and 16 J.V. spots. I’m excited about the number of younger players coming in who are motivated and show a lot of potential,” said Coach Trimming.
Volleyball Program Has Great Turnout!
Coach Ilona Robison’s volleyball first day of conditioning exercises went well as 35 prospective girl volleyball players signed in that morning. Robison expects another 6-10 players to register to play this year. She hopes to improve on last year’s 7-18 season.
Returning starters are Alora Bonner on the front line and setter Nikkie Arquette, Kirstan Tanner and Jasmine Plover bring additional experience, but no one is assured of a spot. “I have a good nucleus of freshman players who will help immensely this year. We had 20 of the kids play club ball this summer which gave us a lot of experience. I’m excited about the realignment, as it will give us a lot more meaningful games. I’m excited about our prospects this year,” said coach Robison. The Bulldog Ladies will start the season playing in a tournament in Las Vegas on August 24-25.
Boy’s and Girl’s Tennis Coaches Very Excited, About This Seasons Prospects.
Initial tryouts were light during the first morning for boy’s tennis coach Jon Felix and girl’s coach Kelly Siwek as 7 players each showed for official practice. Both coaches were upbeat as they felt more players will sign up later in the week. “This is only our fourth year with a tennis program. We are still building the program. We improve each year and I am so excited to play Boulder City and Moapa High Schools in meaningful games this year. The realignment will be good for our program,” said Felix. Jared Nicholson and Zack Scamann should battle for the top of the ladder.
Kelly Siwek’s team will be counting on K.C. Anderson to lead her squad. “Her form has improved greatly in the last year and I am so excited to see her here. Our players have a good attitude and should improve their play as we progress. Some of our new players have never played tennis but are good athletes,” said Siwek, adding,” I’m so excited to see our realignment schedule.”