Roughriders Have High Hopes in 2023
Following a playoff appearance last year, Southwest will look to build off of that this season. Head coach of the Roughriders, Christian Arterburn, entering his fifth season at the helm, will have a nice group coming back too."We will be returning some key guys in our skilled positions this year. Nathan Rippe and Hunter Blume are both 3-year starters for us that will be returning."
Rippe will be one of the top players to watch in the area, and could be one of the players to watch across the entire state in the 6-man ranks. "Rippe has shown that he can throw the ball or run it; he’s a tough dual-threat quarterback," added Arterburn.
Blume last season was utilized in short-yardage situations for the Roughriders, but look for his role to expand. He had 313 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago. "Blume is a very smart and physical power back for us," Said Arterburn.
Another ball carrier to watch for will be Mitchell Stritt. Stritt only had 30 carries but averaged 11.5 yards per tote, totaling 346 yards and four touchdowns.
On the defensive side, junior Trenton Williams will be flying all over the field. He had 77 tackles last year.
Southwest is in the D6-4 District with Arthur County, Brady, Paxton, Wallace, and Wauneta-Palisade.
Southwest will start the season on August 24th at South Platte.
Individual Success on the Docket for Southwest
Head coach for the Roughriders, Mackenzie Slaten will have a small squad on her hands and they will strive to improve their times each week.
Returning for his senior season is Austin Thompson; he placed 14th at the RPAC meet.
Southwest Looks to Seek Return Trip to Lincoln
Despite the loss of a pair of four-year starters that were extremely productive players, the Southwest volleyball team is planning to reload after its RPAC Tournament Runner-up finish a year ago and Class C2 State Tournament berth a year ago.
The Roughriders return six starters from last season's 27-win squad and the team will look to its one senior to carry a leadership role.
Bryn Lampe is a three-year starter at setter and delivered 865 assists last season. She'll have some familiar faces to deliver the ball to in middles Kyra Nelms and Anikka Nelms as well as Atleigh Nelms, who has started multiple years at right side. Each of those three had at least 100 kills last season.
Payton Truksa didn't see as much time last season, but has started a number of matches two seasons ago as a freshman and newcomer Anastasia Gallegos will likely fill another hitting role at the pin. The Roughriders also return their libero, Allison VanPelt, who had 364 digs a year ago.
Head coach Kim Barnett said she is confident the Roughriders will replace the missing offensive production. The key for the Roughriders will be how well they pass.
"Last season gave our young players the experience they need to fill (those two graduated players') positions," said Barnett. "Getting the opportunity to play for a conference championship and the State Tournament has felt our desire to make a return trip this season."
New Coach to Lead the Way for the Roughriders Golf Squad
For the Southwest Girls Golf Team, they will be under the direction of a new head coach. Dennis Hengen, who has been at Southwest for many years, will be in charge of the program. Hengen has coached for nine years at Southwest, but this will be his first time coaching the Girl's Golf Team there.
The Roughriders will have a young team according to Hengen. He mentioned Ella Cure and Abbie Sedlochek will be the two main golfers for Southwest. For the Roughriders, they will be a team that will improve and find their way as the season goes along.