Written by: Lucas Gebhart
It’s been nearly a decade since the Lake City football program put together a winning season, but with a fresh start not only in the coaches office, but in the locker room, 2023 represents an opportunity at a fresh start.
Last season was much like the previous eight – a 2-7 record and a last place finish in the Inland Empire League. Former head coach Brian Fulp resigned just a few weeks later, leaving the Wolves in a need of new coach.
By January, they had their man and Lake City alum Byron Hout took to Twitter to announce that he was leaving his college position at Idaho State for his alma mater.
“I can’t wait to get back home and begin transforming lives in a profession that I love,” he wrote.
Hout spent 15 seasons in college athletics and most recently served at Idaho State University under head coach Charlie Ragle as a Director of Football Operations. Ragle last just one season, and new Idaho State head coach Cody Hawkins planned to move Hout from a football operations role to a defensive assistant position.
Instead, Hout inherits a Lake City team who graduated most its talent.
“There are a lot of opportunities for players to step into key roles this year,” Hout said. “This will be a lot of players’ first games starting varsity next year and I am excited to see how they grow through the season.”
Senior wide receiver and corner Chase Laker is one of the few pieces back from last year. Junior tight end and middle linebacker Garrett Lenard is also back and senior linebacker Preston Demarre is expected to see a bigger role this year along with juniors SingSing Zhu (wide receiver), Michael Martindale (defensive back), Brayden Meredith (defensive back), Nik Calligan (offensive line) and Gabe Wullenwaber (linebacker).
One position that isn’t crystal clear just yet is starting quarterback.
“I’m not going to mention anything about QBs until camp is over,” Hout said.
The Wolves will open their season at 4A Lakeland August 25.