Sports

Interview by Makenna Bass

How does it feel to be the head coach?

“I feel very honored, and I think that we have great female athletes in the school, and this will be my first time coaching girls, so I’m very excited.” - Coach Fox 

What kind of team culture do you hope to build?

“I think that having a group that works together and is willing to work hard is important. Our culture with having both Coach Fox and Coach Jewell coaching football will definitely help.” - Coach G

Odessa High School Football Riding Into District Championship

By: Donavynn Southall

The gym echoed with sneakers and determination as the Bulldogs opened their first practices of the year, building the foundation they hope will carry them deep into the season. 

The majority of the team is working for a district championship during late January, early February.

“I want to win the district championship and drop 300 points on the season,” Cooper Pugh, freshman small forward, said.

Tristen Janes, junior point guard, is hoping the team wins 14 games. He is focusing on improving his shooting and ball handling this season.

“I am working on my defense and my ability to score on the ball and off the ball,” said Pugh.

A strong group of repeat varsity members leads the team. Parker Padilla, sophomore point guard, feels Janes and Cole Westerhold, junior, are two of the most competitive. 

“[The] most competitive player is either me, Cole Westerhold, or Cole Chapman because we always work really hard at practice and all want to win and do good this season,” Pugh said. 

Janes also felt he was a very competitive player. That competitive spirit is something these players have been developing from a young age. 

Janes announced the reason he started playing basketball was that his parents got him into it when he was young.

“I got into basketball because when I was younger, I would go to the basketball courts and play pickup basketball, and it grew on me,” Pugh said. 

Braden Kantner, junior point guard, said, “My parents put me in basketball when I was a young age, and watching all the pros play made me want to be just like them.”  

Beyond their commitment to winning a district championship, the players are committed to their teammates. Kantner is thankful for his team, as is Janes. 

“I’m grateful for my teammates and my coaches who have helped me throughout the years,” Pugh said. 

The Varsity boys are currently 3-1, with their next game on 12/16 vs St. Joseph. JV boys are 1-1 and play Excelsior Springs 12/19.

Beyond the Buzzer

Boys Aim for Back-to-Back

Girls Tennis Serves at State

By: Lucas Martin and Donavynn Southall

Picture Provided by: Logan Seals

The Odessa High School girls' tennis team is headed to the state tournament. With a season built on consistency and teamwork, the Lady Bulldogs are set to represent their school on the biggest stage of the year.

 For singles player Kaylyn Seals, junior, success starts with strategy. “My playing style is definitely strategic,” she said. 

“I like to think through each point and use my strengths.” K. Seals’ biggest weapon is her powerful serve.

 K. Seals’ goal at state is simple but determined: “To win at least a match,” K. Seals said.

K. Seals has been practicing daily and focuses on staying positive throughout long matches. “If I keep my mindset right, I can push through anything.”

The doubles duo of Aliyah May, sophomore, and Lola Walter, junior, found their rhythm early in the season. “We started playing together at the beginning of the year and just clicked,” May said. “We communicate well and hype each other up between points.”

May prefers sticking with one partner. “I like consistency; switching it up makes me mad,” she joked. 

Their state plan is to play to their strengths: “I’m better at high balls, and Lola’s great at hitting hard down the line,” May explained. 

With strong teamwork, focus, and Bulldog pride, the girls are ready for the challenge. 

Leaders in Cheer

By Morgann Lorenz and Makenna Bass

Leadership plays a big role on the OHS Cheer Team, where returners set the tone for hard work, positivity, and teamwork both on and off the mat.

For Lilly Hotmer, senior, being a leader means giving her best every single day. “It’s about showing up and putting in the most effort you can, no matter what, always giving 100%,” Hotmer said. 

Hotmer leads by example through her attitude and encouragement. “I try to keep the energy positive and use encouraging words,” she added. 

She tries to motivate the team especially through tough practices, where she focuses on keeping a positive mindset and lifting up others.

Ella Garcia, sophomore, works hard to make sure every teammate feels included and supported. “I try to talk to everyone and be nice to everyone,” she said.

 When it comes to helping newer or less experienced members, she focuses on building their confidence. “I tell them the positive things they do and things to help them get better,” Garcia explained.

Tinley Maschmeier, freshman, said the example the leaders have set, has taught her a lot about perseverance and teamwork.

 “I’ve learned to persevere by watching how the leaders handle challenges and performances,” Maschmeier shared. “They encourage people and make us feel supported and motivated.”

Together, the OHS Cheer Team’s leaders and rookies show what teamwork truly means, lifting each other up, staying positive, and always giving their all for the team.

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

Girls Golf Drives their way to State

By: Aliyah May

Picture Provided by: Kyleigh Tye

State bound for the first time since 2020, Anna King, senior, and Danni Montes, freshman, are setting a new standard 

On October 20-21, Montes finished in 33rd place, and King finished in 83rd out of 90 girls at state, which took place at New Bloomfield 

“I was nervous going to state, but once I got on the course, I was completely fine,” said Montes 

The players going to state weren’t the only ones nervous, their teammates were also nervous and cheering them on.

“I was a little nervous, but I knew that they would do amazing because they are amazing.” said Kyleigh Tye, junior player.

To cope with the anxiety of playing, many players have traditions to make them more comfortable and feel more at peace.

“I use the same ball almost every game,” said King.

Despite the nerves, the team was also very excited and looking forward to seeing how state would go.

“I was super excited to get two players to State. This was the first time I had a girl go to state since I took over the golf program,” said Evan Pingel, golf coach.

Along with pre game traditions, some players have post game traditions. Montes stated that she gets ice cream or boba after every game to motivate her to do better. While Tye likes to listen to music to calm her nerves. Along with coping skills, the team as a whole has just improved in their playing style altogether.

“We have improved a ton over the years. Three of the members of the team including Anna just started playing golf three years ago. That season we only won a single match and none in MRVC. This year we finished 9-7 and finished 2nd in the MRVC tournament,” said Pingel.

This year’s golf team has improved a lot. Tye stated the team improved not just as a team and growing closer, but all of them have improved individually. King stated she improved with her drive, which she says is pretty good.

“I can actually hit the ball,” said Emelia Unruh, junior player, jokingly.  

This year has motivated the team to strive to improve more and more. Even planning to practice during the off season.

“I would like to improve my distance on all of my clubs, by going to a golf ranch and practicing,” said Montes.

Along with improving, the team has also been motivated to work to go back to state in the next following years. Unruh claimed Montes and she would go to state together next year.

“Out biggest task ahead is continuing our success,” said Pingel, “Hopefully we can get some more girls to give golf a chance and join in on the fun and success.”

Girls golf is on the road to success in the upcoming years. All of the players are motivated and excited for the next season to start and are determined to go even further. The team is hopeful for more motivated players to join along for the ride and to help strengthen and push the team as far as it can go.

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

Fired Up for Playoffs

By: Kenzie Reynolds and Amiya Powell

Picture Provided by: Jenna Ponak

The Odessa Bulldogs have found their rhythm at just the right time, powering into the playoffs with confidence and determination. 

After a dominant regular season, the Odessa Bulldog football team is heading into the playoffs as MRVC champions ready to have their cleats back in the turf.

Players say their success comes from preparation, leadership, and a shared passion for the game.

Carson Tilden, senior linebacker, addresses what is keeping the team motivated throughout this  season. “Having love and passion for the sport is what drives us,” Tilden said. “We’ve really come together and learned how to play for each other.” 

The team’s chemistry and bond continues to stand out both on and off the field. Aiden Moreno, senior, left tackle, explains what a big impact the team captains make on these fearless Fridays. 

“Honestly, all the captains make the biggest impact,” Moreno said. 

“They’re our offensive and defensive leaders, and every night they’re going out there putting up numbers and a performance.”

The Odessa Bulldog football team believes their experiences throughout the season have helped shape their identity and resilience. With determination, unity, and a growing confidence, this team has its sights set firmly on the championship and they don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. We can agree that the stakes are clear and high. Kade Carroll, senior defensive linemen, announces, “A win in this upcoming game would hold so much excitement for the team and program” Carroll said. “It would bring us one step closer to winning it all.”

Lady Dawgs Headed to Districts

By: Emery LaBoube and Addison Jowett

Picture Provided by:

The Odessa Lady Dogs softball team is headed into districts after a season of hard work, growth, and determination. The team prepares for the high-stakes games ahead, and players are reflecting on the work that brought them here.

Bella Blackaby, a sophomore, is the team's starting pitcher and one of the team’s standout players. emphasized the effort that has gone into both the physical and mental preparation. “We have put in a lot of hard work at practice and also have prepared ourselves mentally,” she said. When asked to describe the team to us in one word this season, Blackaby didn’t hesitate: “Determined.”

One moment that stands out to Blackaby this season came during the final regular-season home game. “The excitement in knowing all the hard work paid off when we beat Oak Grove really sticks with me,” she said.

Keely Byrd, senior, shared her motivation as the season enters its final stretch of games. “Knowing that it’s my last year, I’m more motivated to try my best and give it my all because I know I can’t do it next year,” she said.

Byrd also highlighted a teammate who has risen to the occasion. “Emery LaBoube, especially being such a young sophomore on the team, has really stepped up. She’s our catcher and the loudest person on the team, always telling people where they need to go and what to do. That leadership is something very important for us.”

Reflecting on the team’s growth over the season, Byrd added, “I feel like we have become a lot more trustworthy of each other. We know where each person can play and how far another person can go. We trust each other and don’t have to worry if someone will make a play.”

With a combination of determination, teamwork, and leadership from both seasoned and younger players, the Odessa Lady Dogs are ready to give their all this postseason.

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