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| Orrick chosen as head SHHS football coach |
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| News - Community News | |||
| Written by Gene Morris | |||
| Wednesday, 04 February 2009 08:00 | |||
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There was a time when the Spring Hill High School football team was a force to be reckoned with in the Frontier League. Anthony Orrick, who was announced as the new head coach last week, would like to lead the Broncos back to their former glory days. “I know there was a time when Spring Hill was a force in the Frontier League, and I want to get that back,” Orrick said in his office Friday. “I don’t want us to be a walk in the park anymore.” While he takes on the new position, Orrick is not new to Spring Hill or the Broncos’ football program. Orrick has been the defensive coordinator the past three seasons under coach Dave Coopman, who resigned from coaching duties this past fall. Orrick is a graduate of Blue Valley and Fort Hays, where he played linebacker. He teaches physical education at Spring Hill High School. “I’m thrilled,” Orrick said. “It is something I have always wanted to do. I am totally elated for this opportunity and to be able to do it at this school. The administration has done an outstanding job. They are very supportive of what we do. “I have enjoyed my time here,” he said. “I already know the kids. I have built relationships with a lot of the parents.” The community is invited to get to know the coach during a meet and greet planned for 7 p.m. Feb. 24 in the high school commons area. Orrick wants the community to be involved and share in the pride of building the Spring Hill Bronco football program with him. “I found that it is important to get the community behind you,” he said. “I really want to make Friday nights a special experience. I want it to be an event for the kids and everyone in the community.” Orrick said there was nothing like the Friday nights, playing linebacker for Blue Valley. “My playing experience was incredible,” he said. “I want our kids to experience the thrill of game night, making it to the playoffs and making a run in the state playoffs.” The goal is a lofty one for Orrick, putting the Broncos right up there with the perennial league powers. “You got Paola, Louisburg, Baldwin and Gardner all advancing in the playoffs and competing for a run at state,” he said. “That’s where we want to be.” To put a winner on the football field, it is not just about putting a team together but building a program, Orrick said. “I’m interested in building a football program and not just a team,” he said. “We have some great athletes here and a lot of them are walking our hallways.” Orrick has already been walking the halls with them, reaching out to the players to sell his program and offering them an opportunity to share in Bronco pride on the football field. “I’m out there recruiting in the hallways,” Orrick said. “I found out I got the job officially on Monday (Jan. 26) and have been in the halls ever since.” The response has already been overwhelming, Orrick said. A football players team meeting held last week was attended by 50 prospective players. “Those are soon to be sophomores, juniors and seniors,” he said. Orrick said those numbers are a good foundation. He is also interested in having football camps to generate excitement at the middle school level. “I want to get our middle school kids excited about becoming a Bronco,” he said. Anthony and Beth Orrick live in Spring Hill. The couple have two children, Max, 6 months, and Luke, 19 months.
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