When Bovina hired Ramiro Carmona to replace Coby Emery in mid-July, that was the final stamp on 15 new faces who will take over programs across the Amarillo-area.
Highlighting the heavy shift was small school powers, Canadian and Stratford. The Wildcats said goodbye to legendary coach, Chris Koetting, who retired after 13 seasons with 165 wins and three state championships after announcing he was diagnosed with early-stage signs of Alzheimer’s.
Canadian quickly moved from within, announcing defensive coordinator Andy Cavalier as Koetting’s predecessor. The transition was easy as Cavalier, who was the head football coach at his alma mater Pampa from 2006-2008, has led the Wildcats defense for the past 10 years.
“I truly wish the circumstances were different,” Cavalier said. “This is coming about from difficult situation for a good friend, and I wish things were different. But I’m humbled and honored to have this opportunity. Canadian has been a special place the last 10 years for myself and my family. I’m thankful this is where life has taken us, and I’m excited us, and I’m excited for the future.”
Cavalier is excited this time around and ready to continue the Wildcats proud tradition into the future.
“I’ve been a part this community and this program for a while now,” Cavalier said. “I learned a ton from coach Koetting, and I think I have a good understanding of what it takes to play at a high level consistently with a great group of players. Every place I’ve been I’ve learned a lot and I’m thankful for every coach I’ve worked with. I’m proud to be in this position and I’m excited to attack it.
“It’s been a good transition,” Murphy said. “It’s been an education for sure, but there is a lot to be thankful for. We have a tremendous staff which makes my job easier and nothing is going to change.”
Sherwood inherits a very young Raider squad that lost 40 seniors but is optimistic about the tradition Randall has established and he’s ready to get to work.
“I’ve must have used the word excited more than I can count,” Sherwood said. “I wasn’t looking to leave, and it just happened. I want to make sure I stay extremely grounded. We just want to keep the excitement going and the expectations don’t change. This school won a Lone Star Cup and it’s a great place to be. I’ve had great support and we built a great staff.
Rounding out the new football coaches in 2023 will be Rowdy Freeman who takes over for Sherwood at Caprock – David Biddler, Booker; Dane Hamrick, Borger; Ramiro Carmona, Bovina; Louis Kelley III, Boys Ranch; Aaron Wampler, Clarendon; Steven Smith, Darrouzett; John Anderson, Follett; Kurt Haberthur, Gruver; Cole Underwood, Perryton; Nate Skelton, Shamrock; Jeff Smith, West Texas High.