As fall sports came to an end, winter sports are gearing up for their seasons. There are many athletes participating in the numerous sports offered at Emporia High, including boys and girls basketball, wrestling, and boys swimming and diving. Alongside many new athletes, there are also some new coaching staff. 

Lee Baldwin (head coach) is ready for his first season coaching boys basketball at Emporia High. This will be his fifteenth season coaching and eighth as head coach. Gearing up the season, Baldwin sets goals for the team.

“[My] main goal [is] to be competitive on a nightly basis. Be a team that others dread playing,” Baldwin said. 

Through competitive practices that show the players’ determination, the boys basketball team is ready to show what they got.

For girls basketball, Carolyn Dorsey (head coach) is returning for her tenth season as head coach. After a remarkable 2021 season, Dorsey is looking to return to the state tournament. To Dorsey the players are just as important off the court as they are on.

“We want to push past that to excellence. We do that in a positive culture where we celebrate each other and raise each other up. It’s more than basketball, it always has been. It’s about raising young women that can make it in the cruel, harsh world; and not just make it, but be successful in it. Our players are loyal and we are to them. When you have everyone fighting for the common goal, great things can happen and that is what we have witnessed the last several years and years before. We play hard, we play smart, we play together,” Dorsey said.  

Another returning coach is ready for her eighth season. Jamie Dawson (head coach) is excited to begin the swim and dive season. Some of the returning athletes are looking to again make it to state, but it’s the process of getting there that will give all athletes lifelong memories.

“Swimming is something that you can do for a very long time in your life to remain active and healthy,” Dawson said.  

Whether athletes are looking to stay ready and conditioned for other sports in their offseason or compete with the intention to make it to state, Dawson is ready to help everyone travel far and exceed their goals. 

Other sports beginning include wrestling and bowling. Shawn Russel (head coach) will coach girls wrestling while Brook Medrano (head coach) will coach the boys. Bowling will be coached by Amy Dawn (head coach).