New coaches to start Moran fall sports Aug. 1, 6
New head coaches have been named for both the Moran Bulldogs and the Lady Bulldogs, just in time for them to get organized and ready to go for the start of the fall sports season.
Harley Ethridge, who coached in Oglesby in 2017, is the new athletic director and head boys coach.
Dakota Fowler has been reassigned from some of her classroom duties to take over PE and girls athletics, and will be the Lady Bulldogs’ head coach.
“Coach Ethridge is an experienced and successful six-man coach and we are excited about his arrival,” said MISD superintendent Danny Freeman. “He has been part of the coaching staff on three state champion teams, one runner-up team, seven teams that made it to the semifinal round, and 11 district champions. He has a wealth of experience from other schools, and we hope that continues at Moran.”
Ethridge coached at Oglesby (2-7) in 2017, and previously was at Follett and Richland Springs.
Girls Coach
Fowler graduated from McMurry University in May of 2017, and taught second grade at MISD last year. Before graduating from college she taught at Stepping Stones and at Mother’s Day Out in Albany.
Fowler played both volleyball and softball at Albany High School.
“This will be my first year to coach!” Fowler said. “I will be the head coach of all girls sports.”
According to Fowler, 12 girls are expected to play on the Moran varsity volleyball team, and seven on the junior high squad.
Two-a-Days
The high school volleyball team will begin two-a-days on Aug. 1, and will take to the court to scrimmage Rotan just two days later on Friday, Aug. 3.
Moran plays volleyball in the mixed 1A and 2A district 6 along with Albany, Hawley, Newcastle, Ran-ger, Strawn, and Woodson.
The Bulldogs start football two-a-days on Aug. 6.
Because of UIL realignment, they were moved from District 11-A and are in District 6-A with Blackwell, Loraine, and Trent this season.
Former Coaches
Lee Lewis, who coached the varsity football team to back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in Moran history during his two years as athletic director has accepted a position at Breckenridge ISD.
Kelsey Strickland will continue to teach math at MISD, but stepped down from the girls head coach position.
