The 2014-2015 school year is just getting started, but the game schedules are already set for the fall lineup of sports, which include football, volleyball, and cross-country.
High School Football
The current high school football roster has 14 boys, eight of whom are freshman and sophomores. Because of the small number of participants, the team will play only a junior varsity schedule this year. Dean of Students Jerry Rhoades states, “This year, we have a young team, with only two juniors and four seniors. We are going to be looking to the upper class members to show leadership and take the team forward.” Head Coach Kenny Hayes continues, “Playing the JV schedule will allow the kids to play other teams at their level.” Patagonia Union High School will host two football games this year. The first is against Hayden High School on Thursday, September 11; and on Thursday, September 25, the Lobos will face off against Fort Thomas High School.
Middle School Football
The middle school football team has 11 players and is coached by Michael Quiroga. Quiroga explains, “The team is very young, with most of the players in seventh grade. This is going to be a year of building skills and learning teamwork. There are only two teams in the River Canyon League, and this year we will be playing Little Red and Elgin.” The schedule is still in formation.
High School Girls Volleyball
The girls high school volleyball team has a roster of 14 and will have eight home games. The first week features three games: Academy of Tucson on September 10, Hayden High School on September 11, and Ray High School on September 12. On October 2, the Lady Lobos play Valley Union; on October 6, they play St. David High School; and on October 9, they face off against the Academy of Tucson for the second time.
All the home games will be in the high school gym and will start at 4 p.m. for the junior varsity and 5 p.m. for the varsity.
Middle School Girls Volleyball
This year there are 15 middle school volleyball players, and Coach Luke Bentley is excited about the team’s prospects. He elaborates, “We have a roster of 15 girls, which is enough for an A and a B team. All the players are eager to improve their skills and compete at their highest level.”
Cross Country
Cross country is sporting a team of nine. This is the largest number of students ever to sign up for cross country, and Head Coach Jim McMahon is pleased with the growth of the program. He explains, “Patagonia is a great place to run, with all the hills and the trails at 4,000 feet elevation. We are getting lots of support from the school, including the new half-mile track around the ball fields. This is only the fourth year of the program, and we are amazed by the support and enthusiasm of the students. Last year we had Brooks Shoes as a sponsor, and we are hoping to get a similar arrangement this season.” There are four meets scheduled this year against Benson, Rio Rico (two), and Bisbee, and all of them are away.
Chess
The chess team has 13 high school students and will host a tournament at the school on Saturday, October 4, at 7:00 a.m. The team had its first competition at the Ratings Tournament the weekend of August 23, and Coach Gilbert Melanson was pleased with everyone’s performance. “Every player won two or more games. That is a first for our team. Most kids have to learn and adjust to the competitive chess environment, and it is not unusual for students to not do well in the beginning of the season. We are off to a great start, and I am looking forward to working with these students as the season unfolds,” Melanson commented.