SWEETWATER COUNTY – On the athletic field, it does not get any more competitive than Rock Springs vs. Green River. But for a couple years, the two communities have combined forces to see success on the soccer field.
This year, the High School Avengers brought home the gold medal in Jackson. Members of this year’s team includes, Front, Shyanne Kirkwood. Second row left to right; MaryRebecca Shafe, Elizabeth Hamilton, Maddi Miskulin, Margaret Hamilton, Caitlin Stout, Caroline Hamilton, and coach Tina Rodriquez. Back left to right; Alyssa Bedard, Kayliegh Hymas, Jade Arnell, Zoe Turner, Moran Heydenburg, Elayna Wendal, Paula Williams.
One Year Ago
With players choosing different sports, often times, teams are left without enough players. This usually leaves players who are dedicated to their sport behind because they cannot find quality competition.
Noticing this last season, the coach of the Avengers, Hector Guzman and the coach of the Spurs, John Hartley, decided to merge the teams. It was a great match and it got very serious in the spring when for the first time in almost a decade, a Sweetwater County U14 girl’s team was invited to the Far West Regionals.
The coach committed the team to many tournaments to prepare for the regional tournament. Although they did not win a regional title, the ladies scored many goals and the goalie was able to block many as well.
The team lost many girls because of the age restriction and half the team moving on to high school play. However, the success the team had the prior year led to another key piece of the puzzle being added this year.
Tina Rodriquez, the assistant coach for the Green River Lady Wolves. stepped in this season as head coach of the Rock Springs Avengers. The team gained many valuable players from both communities and Coach Rodriquez was successful in blending the team into a powerful force.
The ladies competed in the Jackson Fall Classic last weekend and brought home a first-place medal. The tournament marked the last time the girls will play together before they put on either a Wolves or Tigers jersey in the spring.
