Coaching Changes

Over the past 3 months, the WCA athletic department has been put in the position of dealing with a series of departures from a number of respected members involved in Westminster athletics. So far, six coaches and athletic director, Todd Zell, have decided to pursue opportunities at other schools.

Football: Head Football Coach, Cory Snyder: On Tuesday April 12th, coach Snyder parted ways with the Westminster football program. Through the five seasons as head coach, Snyder transformed a mediocre team into a class 4 state contender. He went 44-7 making it to three state quarterfinals, and 1 state semi-final. Offensive coordinator, Chris Pederson has been named Snyder’s replacement, and will look to continue the tradition of success that Snyder built.

Hockey: Head Ice Hockey Coach, Tom Canfield: In his six season’s as head coach, Canfield went 86-37-4 making it to three state quarterfinal games. Similar to Snyder, Canfield revitalized a struggling hockey program, raising the bar for Westminster hockey. Coach Canfield left a legacy for WCA hockey and his leadership and intensity will be missed.

Basketball: Head Coach Doug Coleman: After three seasons as Westminster’s head coach and thirteen years in the basketball program, Coach Coleman will not be be returning as a coach next season. Coach Coleman has been a staple to the program, from his years developing middle schoolers to his time with varsity. He lead his team to a state quarterfinal appearance in 2015, one of the most successful seasons in WCA history. We thank Coach Coleman for his service to the Westminster community and basketball program.

Assistant/ JV BB head Coach. Ladon Champagnie: Perhaps one of the most beloved coaches at Westminster, Coach Champagnie is moving on to greater opportunities as he took the head coaching job at Bishop DuBourg. “Champ” was on staff for a district championship, and his energy will be missed both in the basketball program and around the school.

Tennis: Head Tennis Coach, Adam Barbee: During his three seasons as head tennis coach (men’s and women’s) Barbee sent players to state for both singles and doubles, capturing a doubles state championship. Additionally, he has led teams to district championship for both men’s and women’s. He will be missed next year, and we wish him all the best.

Head Softball Coach, Mallory Rohlfing: Even though Mrs. Rohlfing is not leaving Westminster, she is still stepping down as coach for the softball team. She has been the head coach for two years now. In those two years, she and her team won a District Championship with a very successful season in 2015. She will be returning to Westminster next year as the ninth and tenth grade principal.

Arguably WCA’s most significant loss to the athletic department this year is Coach Zell. He has led Westminster sports for 5 years and will be moving to Columbia this summer. Some of his best memories include “the success on the field with the  seven state championships. Yet, I think more importantly, the day to day interactions with the kids will always be one of my favorite memories.” Coach Zell came to WCA for his children to be involved in the Christian environment. Coach Zell will be an assistant executive director for MHSAA overseeing baseball and softball. He will also be working with an initiative called Why We Play which is trying to get schools to understand the purpose behind high school athletics. “It’s more about the development of the entire student as opposed to just the scoreboard. The scoreboard is important, it’s important to try and win, but there is also a whole lot more lessons that can be learned. With everything I have learned at this school and my career at other schools, I have learned a lot. I now have the opportunity to leave a longer footprint. I carry with me the mission of Westminster and that’s to engage the world and change it for Jesus Christ. Being able to do that at a state level is very important to me.” Coach Zell has a great opportunity to do exactly the things he says. We will miss him but we wish him all the best on his future adventures.