By Meghan Reilly and Zach Brooks
The AHS boys basketball program is under renovation. With five dominant starting varsity seniors graduated from Atlantic High School and the resignation of coach Steve Blazek after 27 years, new head coach Alan Jenkins is ready to make his mark. Jenkins, son of former girls basketball head coach Don Jenkins and chemistry teacher Nancy Jenkins was named head coach of the boys basketball team last summer.
Atlantic’s boys basketball program has had a fair amount of success in the past. In the previous two seasons, the squad finished 41-6, leaving high expectations for this coming season. According to sophomore Ryan Hawkins, “We work hard every day to prepare ourselves for the many big games we’ll have this season.” Hawkins also said that the team anticipates to “shock” people because of the situation they’re in with few players having varsity experience.
An aspect from past seasons that will unquestionably be returning to games is the boisterous student section. In past seasons, the AHS student section has been known across the Hawkeye Ten Conference to support the Trojans loudly and proudly. Sophomore Darien Mills said, “Last year, it was rather strong and intense. It got kids excited and loud.” A strong, consistent student section will hopefully be one facet that will keep the Trojans rolling steady during the 2013-2014 season. The AHSfuel program has increased the number of students participating as spectators.
The Trojans will open their season away, Dec. 6, at Saint Albert Catholic, and will host the Red Oak Tigers Dec. 10 in the AHS gymnasium at 7:30 pm.
For more information about the boys basketball season, visit the link below.
http://www.hawkeyeten.org/g5-bin/client.cgi?G5genie=470&G5button=807&school_id=70
