Athletics Update

Athletics Update

By Max Christensen III

With an absence of most fall sports from the 2020-21 calendar, Snow College Athletics looked very different this year. However, the spring athletics season was full of activity and success, with teams playing in national championship tournaments and the national finals.

With a very talented roster, Snow College Volleyball finished with a great 26-3 record. The Lady Badgers ended their season at the NJCAA National Championship Tournament, where they ultimately lost 3-1 to Iowa Western Community College in the finals. “The word I would use for this season would be ‘phenomenal,’” said Head Coach Jeff Reynolds. “It was a longer season with a lot of distractions, and the girls stayed focused from August to May. That was phenomenal.” They finished ranked No. 2 in the nation. The program will see a new coach next season, as Reynolds heads to Lander University in South Carolina.

The football team had one of the best seasons in school history. They ran the table with an undefeated regular season, giving them a chance to play for the national championship. They ended up losing just 29-27 to Hutchinson Community College. “The word of the season is ‘exciting,’” said Zac Erekson, first-year head coach. “From COVID testing, to winning games, to going to the national championship, there was never a dull moment.” The team dealt with COVID-19 a lot, having people out every week except the first and last weeks of the season. The team finished ranked No. 2 in the nation. They look to return with a lot of talent in the fall.

Finishing at 10-4-1 under the direction of Charles Long, another first-year head coach, the men's soccer team completed a competitive season this spring. The team also made history by becoming the first men's soccer team in school history to get a bid into the NJCAA National Tournament. They eventually lost to Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), the 2021 national champions. Coach Long summarized the season with the words “hard work.” “With injuries affecting us, we had hard-working guys who needed to step up,” he said. When asked how they became the first men’s team to reach nationals, defender Takum Hepworth said, “The mindset. The boys were willing to put the team first. Everyone came to practice every day to work … Our coach played a big part too.” The team finished ranked No. 5 in the nation.

The women’s soccer team went 12-4 on the year and reached the semifinals of the National Tournament. They, like the men, lost to the eventual national champion, Tyler Community College. “’Bonding’ is the best word I can use for this season. The girls were a family, and they learned how to play under extreme pressure situations,” said Long, who also coaches the women's team. Midfielder Alaina Pestana echoed that thought by saying, “The bond that [we] had with each other was a huge impact that influenced our success. I call those girls my sisters, and we ride for each other.” The team finished ranked No. 4 in the nation.

The softball team finished the season with an overall record of 17-30. They always played with a lot of heart and also had to overcome the adversity of health issues and other challenges. “One word to describe our season is ‘memorable,’” said outfielder Katie Tanner. “Everything was different, but we found out how to make the best of it. There’s no better place to play junior college softball. I’d recommend it to anybody.” The softball program looks to bring a lot of that talent back next year, with a new head coach, Chad Carpenter, to lead them.

With a predominately freshman roster, the men’s basketball team wrapped up the year with a winning season. Their record was 16-8, and seven of those losses were to either the College of Southern Idaho or SLCC. When asked for a word to describe the season, Head Coach and Athletic Director Rob Nielson said, “The word for me is ‘extended.’ Everything was longer. The season was longer, practice time was longer, and it gave us more time to improve. It was longer, but better.” He also mentioned how the longer practice time as an advantage, since the team wasn’t really affected by the virus. They have the potential to be very good next year, with the addition of a few key pieces and the overall experience of the returners.

Women’s basketball had a good overall season, as they were able to compete for a conference championship. They saw a lot of ups and downs throughout the spring. Coach Mike Russell said, “The types of players and people in our program are what salvaged our season. I’m so happy we got to play.” This was one team that COVID-19 did affect, as it hit them right at the end of their season. They had two key players who missed the conference tournament due to the virus, and two more got injured while they were there. The team still represented Snow College very well. “Special” is the word Coach Russell used to describe their season. Russell will be moving on to Syracuse High School to coach the boys’ varsity team.

The rodeo team finished No. 4 in the regional men’s team standings and No. 5 in women’s team standings. Twenty-six athletes represented Snow College during the regular season, with Cole Stewart and Joao Miranda representing Snow in the postseason at the College National Finals Rodeo. Cole finished 26th in the nation in bareback riding, while Joao finished just inside the top 35 for team roping. “’Grateful’ is the word of the season,” said Coach Kendra Bagley. “We’re so grateful we got to compete in a regular season and national finals. We are grateful for a school that supports us and gives us the opportunity to rodeo for them.”

Despite COVID-19, Snow College esports competition was able to continue with NJCAAE during both fall and spring semesters. All of the teams worked incredibly hard and qualified for the playoffs. The highlight of the year was the Rainbow Six Siege team playing for the national championship and coming in second. Coach Landon Peterson used “dedication” to describe the esports team. “I’m so grateful for the professionalism and dedication of our student-athletes,” he said. “We’re looking forward to an incredible season this year!”

Snow College is anticipating a full 2021-22 athletics schedule with fall and spring sports, including the introduction of men’s and women’s wrestling. For more information on Snow College Athletics, visit www.snowbadgers.com.