WOODWARD — Former assistant coach Jessica Wyant has been named the interim varsity head coach for the Woodward-Granger softball team.
Wyant takes over for former head coach Owen Hunter, who suddenly resigned his position Sunday.
A former player on successful ADM teams, Wyant brings plenty of experience on the diamond to the Hawks despite her youth. The 2014 ADM graduate now teaches fourth grade at Woodward Elementary in Granger.
The Hawks fell to Ogden Monday in her first game as skipper, dropping the team to 0-11 and 0-5 in WCAC play. Despite the setback, Wyant is confident a young Hawk team has a much brighter future ahead.
“I am very confident that we will improve as the season goes on,” she said. “We are still young, but what I like about the girls is their attitude. It would be real easy to get down, but they are staying positive and trust that things will get better.”
For the short term she will be assisted by W-G wrestling head coach Dave Smeltzer, who has volunteered to lend a hand, as no other assistant coach is on staff.
“I appreciate Dave helping,” Wyant said. “Our AD, Matt Eichhorn, has said he will help as he can, and I know some of the parents will probably chip in when and where we need them.”
“The key is to not focus on where we are but where we can go,” she said. “I am happy for the opportunity to help these girls continue getting better.”
W-G visits Madrid tonight before hosting Pleasantville for a varsity twin bill Thursday. The revamped W-G Classic is on tap for Friday and Saturday, with the hosts playing Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln at 12 p.m. Friday and Council Bluffs Lewis Central at 10 a.m. Saturday. They will conclude the event with the traditional 2 p.m. Saturday meeting against Perry.
