![At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3077-1200x900.jpg)
![All smiles. The group poses for a photo with last year’s book, “This is Our House,” along with their award for third Best in Show. Meikle, who was an Editor-in-Chief for the yearbook last year as well, holds both and stands at the center of the group. “That was an amazing feeling, going and grabbing the third place award,” Meikle said. “All of it paid off. I cried so much over that book, being able to receive [the award] was one of the highlights of my high school career, it was like the coolest thing ever.”](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/8bookpose_philly-1200x800.jpg)
After 25 years of coaching at West Linn High School, Ron Chappell announced to his players at a special meeting this morning that he would be retiring as Head Coach of the football team. After leading the team for 17 years, Chappell’s decision seems sudden.
“Well, I’ve been coaching football for 33 years. I played football in college and I just feel like it’s time for me to take some more time for myself and for my family,” Chappell said. “I consider it more of a change of role than anything else; I’m not quitting or resigning. I’m just changing roles. I will continue to teach here at West Linn High School and support our football team in any way that I can.”
Chappell looks forward to relaxing during the vacation. “I would like to have the opportunity to travel during vacation time. Football as a head coach is a year-round job and is very intensive, especially in the summer,” Chappell said.
Chappell plans to stay involved with the football program activities.
“My plan for the first year is to be here as a support role to support whoever the new coach is and help through the transition with the players and the coach,” Chappell said. “I think in the future I may like to coach again, maybe as an assistant coach.”
His admiration for the team is evident as he reveres his past teams with pride.
“The thing that’ll stick with me is the relationship with the players, how proud I am of them. The success they’ve had, not only in the football field but as people,” he said. “In the classroom, their academic excellence, and as a coach as old as I am to see the players come back with their families and to really see their success. That’s something that’s really special to me.”
