Jeff Cole is in his 25th season as head coach of the South Loup boys basketball team and is joined by assistant coaches Mike Weverka and Joel Karg. The coaches have enjoyed many great moments over the years, and Coach Cole reflected on the accomplishments of the 2022-23 season.

“The boys had a tremendous season last year going 18-5 and winning the MNAC Championship. Unfortunately, we had the top three teams in the state in our sub-district and we eventually lost to the State Runners-Up, St. Pat’s, in subdistricts,” said Cole.

This year’s Bobcat team is being led by several returning letter winners, including seniors Trey Connell – 1st Team All-Conference, Cache Gracey – 1st Team All-Conference, and Joey Sallach. Other returning letter winners are juniors Harper Johnson and Caleb McFate, and sophomores Conner Paulsen, Dylan Pandorf, and Crew Witthuhn.

In addition to the returners, Coach Cole said the team could benefit from a new addition this year in senior Rio Remund. “He’s a two-time state-qualifying wrestler who’s had to give up wrestling due to a shoulder injury,” Cole explained. “He’s a big, strong kid that once he gains more confidence and experience will really help us as the season progresses.”

While the team has set some goals for their season, Coach Cole said that is not their main focus. “All we ever ask of our kids is to play hard, play smart, play together, and have fun,” he shared. “If they accomplish those things, everything else will take care of itself!”

Cole said the biggest strength of this team is the fact that “we have a lot of guys that have played a lot of basketball together.”

“We have three guys who are multiple-year starters and hopefully their experience pays dividends this season,” Cole added. “If we can get them to focus and accomplish the goals stated above, it could be a very special season.”