Maxwell Looks to Grow with Youthful Group on the Gridiron
Following a 4-5 season and a first-round exit in the playoffs, the Maxwell Wildcats are looking for players to step up and fill some holes left by the senior class. "Losing a senior class of four means returning many players who saw significant playing time last season. We have a huge opportunity in front of us to improve on last year's playoff berth," said Eamonn Feeney, who is entering his 12th season as a head coach and his third at Maxwell.
What is encouraging for the Wildcats though is the cupboard is not bare. One of their top players from a year ago, senior Levi Huffman returns. In 2022 as a junior, Huffman rushed for 586 yards and had 10 total touchdowns. Huffman was also a key contributor on the defensive side with 50 tackles and two interceptions.
Other players that Feeney will look to make an impact are Kole Jones who is a do it all athlete and Jesse Reyes. Jones as a sophomore had seven catches for 218 yards and a trip of score. Reyes, will be a sophomore and they will look to him as the quarterback.
Maxwell is in the D1-10 District with North Platte St. Pat's Perkins County, Sandhills Valley, and Sutherland. will begin the season on August 23rd at home against Morrill.
Maxwell Returns Young Core but Optimistic About Future
Head coach for the Wildcats, Jarod Meinheit, is in his 15th year of coaching and is returning a young core to his team this season with the exception of one four-year runner. The team has runners who have one to two years of experience so Meinheit is optimistic about this season as long his athletes have put the work in over the summer.
Sophomore Keiliah Curtis is returning this year after a solid freshman season where she finished 20th at the RPAC meet and was able to qualify for the state meet.
Senior, Elio Nila is returning for his senior season and Meinheit expects him to be a top contributor this season. Last year, Nila finished 33rd at the RPAC meet. Max Robinson, a junior entering his second season is expected to have a solid season. Meinheit said that he has a taste and knows what it is going to take so he is looking forward to seeing what he can do this season.
Wildcats Looking for Growth this Fall
After winning six matches a year ago, the Maxwell volleyball team is looking for the next step of growth in its program this season.
The Wildcats will be a more experienced team this fall, returning six players from their varsity rotation last season with some expected contributors from a newcomer or two.
"We have some returning players I'm excited to see come back and some incoming freshmen that will look to make an impact," Coach Lori May said.
All-conference honorable mention Jocelyn Cheek returns after pounding 204 kills and 29 service winners a year ago. She added 69 blogs and 181 digs for the Wildcats.
Kristyn Cheek is also returning after posting 137 kills and 181 digs. Jenna Miller posted 70 kills a year ago and had 27 service aces.
Mau said Madelyn Flock is a rotation player that will likely transition into being the team's setter and Kylee Wyman will again serve as the team's libero. Victoria Quick will likely see a larger role this season and freshman Rylynn Quick will get a look as a freshman at middle.