Merrell Declares ‘Year Of The Lobo’

“Any wrestler going to state should get a medal,” he said as he acknowledged wrestlers Cole Mortensen and Wacey Wood, who took first at state, and Thomas Frost, who took sixth, as well as the basketball team.

This is the Year of the Lobo because SHS students are not just athletic champions, Merrell explained, but they perform academically, the music program continues to shine, a Skills USA team won a state championship and the football team was the state runner-up. Snowflake Junior High School is also tops in the area.

“These programs are extremely important for us to provide a well rounded education,” said Merrell. “You have to provide academics, but also provide areas for students to grow as well.”

“All of our students have the opportunity to be a part of a group that they can compete in and find skills outside of the classroom,” he said. “We’re proud of all our students, whether they end up with a trophy or not.

“Hopefully, the trophy is a highlight of their lives, but, hopefully, it will propel them through their lives,” said Merrell. He jokingly noted that if any SHS graduates get rich and come back to build a complex, the district would name it after them.

The superintendent expressed pride in students because they are not just athletes; they give back to the community.

“The teachers and players represent themselves, our families and our school,” said Merrell. “Other communities are very impressed with the support we have of our sports.

“We’re very pleased with all our students and their activities,” he continued, thanking the community for its great support of the district’s students and the student/athletes. “It’s nice to see a community come together.

“It is pretty neat for our school community and our community at large,” Merrell concluded.