By NICHOLAS KIMBALL

Staff writer

All three of Centre’s varsity sports this fall — football, volleyball, and cross-country — have new coaches.

Football

Centre alumni Thieen Antoszyk steps into his first year as coach with returning assistant Jason Stika.

“I am excited to be working with,” Antoszyk said.

Three players return from last season: sophomore Micah Carlson, junior Owen Wingerd, and senior Daniel Rziha.

Other seniors on the roster this year are Andrew Madron and Robert Spohn.

“Our goal this season is to make the playoffs,” Antoszyk said, “but to do this we have to work together as a team.

“Success in this game depends more on the teamwork of all eight players on the field than it does on the skill of any one player.

“A team that plays together produces something much more powerful than each of its members.”

The Cougars will rely on traditions, but as the season progresses, Antoszyk is planning to add a few new ones.

Centre will open its season at home this Friday, playing Canton-Galva.

Volleyball

Three seniors lead the team this year: Olivia Carlson, Shae Marshall, and Hailey Barton.

“We believe we will have around 11 players this year, of which eight will be underclassmen,” coach Emily Hutchison said.“We have two new freshmen on the team this year.”

The Cougars’ goal will be to improve by getting better each day they play.

“We look forward to coming together as a team under our great senior leadership,” Hutchison said. “We are excited for the start of the season.”

Centre opened its season at home Tuesday against Wichita Classical and Inman.

The Cougars’ next game will be on the road Tuesday in Solomon.

Cross-country

A first-year coach this year, Camrin Wleczyk is thrilled to get to work with returning runners from last year: Seventh grader Aaron Carlson and senior Kaitlynn Bina.

“Bina is our only senior and is looking to make it back to the state meet,” Wleczyk said. “She is looking to place at the state meet and better her times from last year.”

The game plan is to get better with every practice and see finish times lower at each meet.

“Each athlete has their goals for the season, and we are going to work our hardest to complete these goals,” Wleczyk said.

Wleczyk hopes to add a more runners.

The Cougars’ first will be on the road Thursday in Abilene at Great Life Golf and Fitness.