Sports

New Coach New Vision

By Amiya Powell

Picture by Keely Byrd

With a new head coach leading the way, Odessa football team sets its sights on long-term success, starting with a strong foundation this season.

Odessa football team has a fresh start this year with Coach Brett Jewell taking over. This is Jewell’s first time leading a team, and he wanted to begin his coaching career at a smaller school like Odessa.

“I wanted a place where the players really care about their sport,” Jewell said. 

After researching the team and talking with Coach Mark Thomas and others in town, Jewell says coming to Odessa was an easy choice.

Jewell says the team’s biggest strength is their physical style of play. “The kids have really taken on my personality on the field. We look to run through people’s chest every chance we get,” he said.

The team is also improving in key areas like the offensive line and getting healthier as the season goes on. Jewell told his players he doesn’t mind penalties, as long as they don’t lose their aggressive spirit. “Let it fuel you,” he said.

The coach wants to build a team culture like a family where players hold each other accountable and expect more from themselves. “The players’ goal is to be state champions,” Jewell added.

Players agree they have already improved this year. Senior Amaury Powell said, “We’re more locked in, having fun, and we can talk to our coaches about real concerns.”

But there are still things to work on. Captain Cole Westerhold, junior, said, “We need to cut down on dumb penalties, stop arguing, and work more as a team.”

The team stays motivated by keeping high energy, especially with music pumping in the locker room. 

Powell said, “We turn each other up after big plays.”

The new coach has changed the way the team plays. “He doesn’t like old school football. He’s always in a good mood and encourages us,” Powell said.

Coach Matthew Van Hocke, also new this year, praised the team’s hard work. “The boys put in a lot of work over the summer and care a lot about the town and Odessa’s legacy,” he said.

Van Hocke added that the team has grown, with a bigger roster and strong leaders as captains. “We’re really fast and strong,” he said.

When asked about coaching for the first time, Van Hocke said, “I’m having a great time and learning a lot every day. Coach [Will] Fox and Coach Jewell are wizards.”

With new coaches and fresh energy, Odessa’s football team is ready to make an impact this season.

Swinging for Success

By: Kenzie Reynolds

Picture provided by: Evan Pingel

Danni Montes, freshman golfer, set a new individual record at the September 16th Golf Tri vs Harrisonville and Center.

Montes, second place medalist, set a new individual record with a score of 42.

“I felt happy and excited after setting a new record for myself,” said Montes.

Following Montes’s success was the Odessa Girls Golf Team, setting a new team record with a score of 193. This beat the previous record held of 195 set back in 2018. 

As bulldogs fell fast into October, girls' golf finished third overall at a massive September 30th match featuring seven teams. The Lady Bulldogs took a massive swing at rivals Warrensburg, Center, and Oak Grove. 

Let's just say our lady dogs did not miss.

Golf scored a second-place victory at the conference and will take aim for a district title on Monday, October 13. 

New Girls JV Tennis Team

Lady Bulldogs Set Goals to Reach State Championship Title

By Emery LaBoube and Makenna Bass

Photo by: Kayla Smith

Lady Dogs Softball team has kicked off the 2025 season strong, already 9 games in with 5 wins and 4 losses. The team has big goals for this season, setting their sights on a state championship. 

Micheia Gutierrez, 2nd year head coach and 7th year coaching total, is focused on the team's success on and off the field.

“My biggest goal first and foremost is for everybody to be able to look back and really have memories that were enjoyable about high school softball,” says Gutierrez. “But softball-wise, like winning games and stuff, I would really love to win conference again and make it past the district championship this year. That would be my ultimate goal.”

Like Gutierrez, Keely Byrd, senior shortstop, has a goal of not only winning a district championship, but making it to state. 

 “I think that we will perform really well as a team. We are getting a lot better about using our teammates and learning how we all interact,” Byrd said. 

Kenna Pierson, sophomore outfielder, has been leaning on the experience of Kiley Thomas, senior outfielder.

Pierson filled the second base position on varsity last year and is making the shift to outfield this season. Thomas is a veteran outfielder.

Lady Dawgs' motto for this year is “All In.”

“It means a lot of things, but for me I feel like it's more so everybody buying into the program and willing to work hard together, no matter what, and doing everything they can at whatever job they have on the team. I think that's all in,” Gutierrez said. 

The Lady Dawgs are on the road to having a good season with their positive mindsets, strong goals, and a good start to the season. Their “All In” motto has been encouraging every player on the team in school and on the field, and the team is working hard on pushing themselves individually and all together.

Eyes on Nationals

Soccer Puts in Work on a New Season

By: Addison Jowett

Picture By: Avery Marble

OHS boys soccer is blazing through the season with a new set of leaders, a new coach, and a lot of adjustments to work through. 

Marc Crowley, stepping into coaching for the first time, admits the transition came with challenges, but has been a smooth ride thanks to the support from Head Coach Garrett Slaughter and the players. The team already had strong bonds, so coaches were able to build on that foundation.

"I'm new to the sport, but both Coach Slaughter and the players have brought me in and helped me adapt well,” Crowley said.

Crowley’s favorite part so far has been getting to know the new players and working closely with student leaders, combining his prior soccer knowledge with new insights from Slaughter to become the best coach he can be.

Sebastian Alejo, senior forward and team captain, emphasized the critical role of team chemistry both on and off the field. 

"Team chemistry is very important to be able to play to our best ability," Alejo said. 

The team’s main goal this season is clear: to get a district championship. Alejo believes the key to success lies in strong communication and is looking forward to the district championship run.

Connor Gaage, senior defender, highlighted that the biggest challenge so far has been maintaining high energy before and during games. "We thrive in high-energy situations," he said. 

Gaage also praised the team's biggest strength, "The defense is very strong and works together as a unit."

Slaughter shares the excitement and ambition surrounding the season. He pointed out the difference in this year’s team compared to last year. 

"We have a really vast range of talent this year. The returning players know my expectations, so slowly we’re building our program’s culture based around the team culture on and off the field," Slaughter said.

Slaughter praised the team’s positive attitude and remarkable work ethic. "For the most part, everyone’s attitudes are positive. The familiarity makes coaching a lot easier. Some players show up early and stay late just to get an extra workout," he said.

With a blend of a new coach, strong leadership, and a family-oriented team, this season is looking like a big one for the Bulldogs, and supporters will be rooting for them all the way to the district championship. A goal the team as a whole is set on. 

Miles of Success: 

Cross Country Team Breaks Records One Stride at a Time