As the temperatures near Powell High School [PHS] continue to drop, basketball, wrestling, dance, and boys swimming have begun their regular season.

The boys and girls wrestling teams started practice on Nov. 25. They would begin the notorious Hell Week to prepare for their tough three-month season. Knowing winning doesn’t come easily, the team is preparing for difficult matches.

“Everybody’s going to have to put in their part because everyone’s points matter,” sophomore wrestler James Emmett said. “I’m really excited to see what I can do. I feel like I have a really good shot at winning in my season.”

Along with the guys, the girls’ wrestling team initiated their first season as a separate team. Though a female’s bracket has always been in play, PHS promoted special education teacher Mr. David Holland to be the head wrestling coach, specializing in teaching the girls’ team.

“[Holland] set a pretty good standard,” junior wrestler Allison LeBlanc said. “I’m happy to have him because he’s experienced and knows what he’s doing.”

The basketball teams also started their seasons on Nov. 25 with tryouts. 26-0 was the Panthers record during the 2023-2024 season, but this year they look to capitalize on the team they have now. 

“[Last year’s] team is in the past, we shouldn’t try to be any other team than ourselves,” junior boys basketball player Abel Teten said. “I think we have a lot of potential, I’m confident that we can turn our practice into performance and that we’ll be a team throughout the season.”

The Lady Panthers have similar expectations for their team after a heartbreaking loss in the playoffs last year.

“The team is ready to kick off the season [on Dec. 12] and try out our new plays,” senior girls basketball player Alexa Richardson said. “We are looking forward to seeing what this season brings.”

Moving forward to the studio, the PHS Dance team will continue to perform at competitions after showing out during halftime of the football season. The dancers will travel to Casper, Wyoming, for their Wyoming High School Activities Association [WHSAA] State Spirit Competition on Jan. 23.

“I think we’ve worked hard for these few months of practice and I hope it pays off,” senior dancer Brittney Wambeke said. “I would love to see the team do good at state and bring home another trophy.”

Now diving to the pool, the boys’ swim and dive team started practicing on Dec. 2. The group is driven for personal records despite being heavy underdogs.

“We’ll stay competitive with most teams during our meets,” senior boys swimmer Luke Legler said. “I think most people on the team will improve, and we’ll definitely have a sizable portion go to state.”

One more sport will begin its inaugural season come January. However, they had their first team meeting on Dec. 3. The PHS Indoor Track team will initiate their third year as an individual team. Practices will begin during the early stages of the new year on Jan. 6.

“I think it is very possible for both of our teams to get a trophy this season,” English teacher and Indoor Track Assistant Coach Mrs. Tracy McArthur said. “As always, we look to help athletes find an event that they will love and be successful in to help the team.”