Posts from May, 2022

Eastern Wyoming College held the 73^rd  annual commencement for candidates on May 13, 2022 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. There were 182 graduates. The graduates from the Fall 2021, Spring 2022 and Summer 2022 semesters are as follows:

From Torrington, WY:  Darius Bayona, Miyaca Beaman, Kylee Brooks, Dustin Buckmeier, Katelyn Calhoun, Gage Correa, Shain Cunningham, Harley Feagler, Ryeann Geschwell, Joseph Gunderson, Patricia Hankins-Masterson, Jonathan Jolly, Tyler Juma, Jenna Kaufman, Sarandon Keeran, Tyler Kihlstrom, Danielle Krueger, Madeline Leach, Aedan Liggett, Daniel Mackey, Colson McDowell, Braden Mechem, Jaycee Myrtle, Kyla Odermann, Robert Pedro, Bailey Powell, Karissa Rayhill, Myah Reigier, Grant Rehor, Meranda Richards, Ruby Speicher, Brody Staman, Tyne Stokes, Matthew Vanatta, Alexis Wheeler, Bailey Woster

From Banner, WY: Charles Tickel

From Casper, WY: Alex Braunsroth, Mariah Frisby, Catherine Glaza, Cynthia Hayford, Shaelyn Sims, Russel Sprecher, Kayla Stetz, Michael Tiemersma

From Cheyenne, WY:  Rachel Cunningham, Janelle Curry, Janelle Grant, Tyce Holmes, Donovan Johnson, David Mack, Vanessa Van Arnam

From Douglas, WY: Madison Borowski, Hunter Christensen, Jonathan Cook, Kaleb Cropper, Josette Dziardziel, Ashley Ferns, Susan Frausto, Makayla Haptonstall, Aiden Harvat, Kylie Hoffer, Madisyn Matthews, Paige Payton, Jacqueline Perez, Jesus Ramos, Rebecca Rasmussen, Chris Schellinger, Levi Stoneking, Brandy Swisher, Matthew Szumada, Kalle Voeller, Jimmie Warren, Lily Wells, Eric Winslow

From Elk Mountain, WY: Freddie Wagner

From Evanston, WY: Tharyn Barker, Colter Camphouse

From Glenrock, WY:  Katelyn Cathcart, Alicia Powell, Ashley Puryear

From Guernsey, WY: Mariah Barstow, Marlin Davis, Allison Lockman

From Hartville, WY: Macoyia Stoneking

From Hawk Springs, WY: John Mogle, Ashley Shimic

From Kemmerer, WY: Eliza Despain

From LaGrange, WY: Irene Johnson

From Laramie, WY: Rylie Heggie, Steve Peden, Gabrielle Schwindt, Justin Wetstein

From Lingle, WY:  Holly Ayers, Callie Fritzler, Ashley Riley

From Lusk, WY: Karen Baer, Kade Clark

From Moorcroft, WY: Elizabeth Anderson, Lynsey Gray, KyAnna Petz

From Newcastle, WY:  Haley Barker, James Box, Jonathan Clark, David Friend, Travis Harp, Bobby Jones, Timothy Martinez, Autumn Mills, Kayley Munoz, Andrew Nollen, Chris Oakes, John Reynolds, Gina Romano, Isabella Spencer, Edwing Vargas-Ramirez, Jonathan Volpi

From Pine Haven, WY: Katie Cuthrell

From Riverton, WY: Izabelle Leyva

From Sheridan, WY: Tyrell Christensen, AdMarie McGuire

From Sundance, WY: Levi Ellsbury, Maddison Reynolds

From Ten Sleep, WY: Anna Watson  

From Veteran, WY: Kirsty Catlin

From Wheatland, WY: Joseph Clamp, Seth DeWitt, Catherine Evans, Chloe Heer, Heidi Kennedy, Patrick Kernan, Breanna Miller

From Yoder, WY:  Tara Hutchison, John Lessard, Timothy Love

From Anchorage, AK: Tucker Dishman

From Sacramento, CA: Quincy Taylor

From Whittier, CA: Sarah Pate

From Aurora, CO: Alyssa George

From Colorado Springs, CO: Marcus Johnson

From Dinosaur, CO: Tiffany Holmes

From Gill, CO: Cheyanne Nielsen

From Holyoke, CO: Lauren Bergner

From Kersey, CO: Sterling Wolfe

From Littleton, CO: Matthew Veen

From Longmont, CO: Samantha Baumann

From Wellington, CO: Baily Coombs

From Wiggins, CO: Trae Jordan

From Council Bluffs, IA: Chloe Madrigal

From Idaho Falls, ID: Kayden Toldson

From Louisville, KY: Malik Frederick

From Alliance, NE: Konnor Farritor, Mikayla Moreno, Brionna Schafer, Evan Schoeneman

From Bridgeport, NE: Santiago Ramos

From Broken Bow, NE: Colby Harris

From Burwell, NE: Hanna Huffman

From Chadron, NE: Alexys Fernandez, Vance Haug, Kade Moore, Rachel Sauser-Smith

From Gering, NE: Kaylee Gannon, Kaitlyn Jacobs, Kyle Marsh

From Kilgore, NE: Coby Mosher

From Kimball, NE: Jared Barnes

From Minatare, NE: Daniel Hiltgen, Jaqueline Sanchez, Trayton Travnicek

From Mitchell, NE: Corbin Batt, Justin Chasek, Kaden Kallsen, Tristyn McKiney, Jonathan Pieper, Kailey Pinney

From Rushville, NE: Kaden Vincent

From Scottsbluff, NE: Parker Yost

From Tecumseh, NE: Levi Dorsey

From Ardmore, SD: Tristan Hunter

From Belle Fourche, SD: Austin Crotteau

From Hot Springs, SD: Morgan Madsen

From Farmington, UT: Brendan Thomas

The Community Education office at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington is offering a tennis camp June 27-29 at the GCSD #1 tennis courts. The cost of the camp will be $35.

Torrington High School Tennis Coach Lauren Shields will be the camp instructor.

For Juniors (ages 6-10) the Net Generation Tennis approach will be followed. The courts are small, the racquets are kid-sized, and the instruction is age-appropriate. Net Generation adds fun, fitness, and conditioning activities that work on agility, balance, coordination, footwork, and reaction time, all while learning the game of tennis. Bottled water will be provided. This camp will be from 8:30-9:45 a.m.

The Intermediates (ages 11-15) tennis camp will start each player at their level and work on skills accordingly.  Whether you are a beginner or already have some skills, there will be a group for you.  The focus will be on forehand and backhand shots, serving and volleying, and the rules of the game.  Tennis techniques will be incorporated into fun games. Bottled water will be provided. This camp will be from 9:45-11:00 a.m.

To register for this class or others, contact the EWC Community Education office at 307.532.8213 or 307.532.8323 or stop by to visit them at 3200 West C Street in Torrington.

Ms. Buffy Kelly, 2022 EWC Foundation Distinguished Alumni

Ms. Buffy Kelly has been named Eastern Wyoming College’s 2022 Distinguished Alumni.

Kelly earned her Associate of Science degree from EWC in 1994 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wyoming in Medical Technology. She then earned her Master of Science degree in Leadership from Southwestern College.

Her professional career began as a medical technologist in the laboratory at Platte County Memorial Hospital in Wheatland, Wyoming. She later worked at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center and in 2013 moved into healthcare consulting.

Kelly is currently a partner/managing director for Chicago based Huron Consulting Group in their healthcare practice. In her present position she leads large performance improvement engagements in healthcare systems across the United States.

Growing up in Goshen County Kelly watched EWC Coach Verl Petsch and his volleyball teams, attending volleyball camps and made it a goal to be a part of Coach Petsch’s program.

After graduating from Southeast High School in 1992, Kelly attended EWC on a volleyball scholarship and played for Coach Petsch.

“Coach and Bonnie (his wife) always treated us like family and 30 years later, they still do,” Kelly said. “For all their athletes they have been there for us through the good times and the bad.”

She credits the small classroom sizes and instructors at EWC who “truly cared” if you were in class each day, because they wanted to see you succeed, as reasons for her success. The school was a “great stepping stone to build confidence before moving onto a larger university.” “Dr. Peggy Knittel, Dr. Lorna Hunter and Verle Punke are (EWC) instructors that I still think back on and know that I would not be where I am today in my professional career if it was not for them,” Kelly said.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is awarded yearly by the EWC Foundation to an alum who has exemplary achievement in their profession, academic activities, and in community and civic service.

“I also want to recognize my parents, Stanley and Adele Smith, and the huge impact they have had on my life. My parents never missed a game in my high school career and never missed a home game in my college volleyball career,” Kelly said. “They have become adoptive parents for volleyball and basketball players at EWC ever since I played here and they, along with other adoptive parents in Goshen County, continue to play a large role in helping student athletes feel at home and be successful in the community.”

Kelly was honored at the 2022 EWC graduation ceremony held May 14, in Torrington, Wyoming. She still lives in Wyoming with her husband of 26 years, Clay, and has two children, Rachel and Chance, who are students at the University of Wyoming.

Eastern Wyoming College and Fitness Center will be closed Monday May 30, 2022 in observance of Memorial Day. Offices and Fitness Center will reopen on Tuesday May 31.

Eastern Wyoming College in Douglas, will be closed Monday May 30 in observance of Memorial Day. Offices will reopen on Tuesday May 31.

Judd Wisener, new volleyball coach at EWC

Judd Wisener has been named the new Eastern Wyoming College Women’s Head Volleyball Coach.

“I’m excited to have Judd join the EWC athletic staff and look forward to working with him as he leads our volleyball program,” Eastern Wyoming College Athletic Director Tom Andersen said. “Judd will bring enthusiasm and energy to the program.”

Wisener was the head volleyball coach at the University of South Carolina Sumter where he set up and established the school’s first ever volleyball program. He has worked as an assistant coach for Coastal Bend College in Beeville, Texas, volunteer assistant coach at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, and worked many years as a college camp coach at many universities in Texas with the most recent at Texas A&M University.

As the assistant coach at Coastal Bend College, Wisener helped lead the Cougars to a post season appearance in Region XIV. During that time, his athletes also received multiple academic awards off the court.

“I love the fact that academics (at Eastern Wyoming College) are pushed and lived alongside athletics,” Wisener said. “The volleyball program is in a great region that is very competitive and I cannot wait to bring my expertise to the program and see what we can do in the coming years.”

Wisener received his Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology, with a minor in English, from Texas Tech University in 2016 and his Masters of Science in Kinesiology from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2019.

He brings a wealth of experience to the table from both the collegiate and club levels. On the collegiate side he has coached at Stephen F. Austin State University, Coastal Bend College, and the University of South Carolina Sumter. On the club level he has coached the East Texas Juniors Volleyball Club in Nacogdoches, Texas, at Guns Up Volleyball Club in Lubbock, Texas, and Frisco Flyers Volleyball Club in Frisco, Texas.

During his two years as the volunteer assistant coach at Stephen F. Austin State University the Ladyjacks claimed the Southland Conference regular season title. While on the staff, the Ladyjacks earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2018 and NIVC in 2017.

His playing experience includes time with the Texas Tech men’s volleyball club team where he helped lead the team to the title of 2015-16 Most Improved Club of the Year. Wisener was a two-year starter for the team while doubling as club president. He also plays in his free time in different leagues around the United States.

“I would like to thank Tom Andersen and the hiring committee for their confidence in selecting me as the next Head Coach at Eastern Wyoming College,” Wisener said.  “Go Lancers!”

Wisener will lead the Lancers onto the court for the team’s first match against Western Nebraska Community College on Wednesday, August 24 at WNCC, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

Team (left to right) Thomas, Coach Smith, Johannes Lindstrom, Newell, Harry Walsh (asst coach), Joshua Wiese, Russel Sprecher

EWC sophomore standout, Brendan Thomas finished tied for 10^th place at the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Division I men’s golf championship held in Odessa, TX. Thomas finished with a four round score of 287. His finish is a record breaking high for the Lancer program.

Brendan Thomas receiving the flag for his finish

“We were in a great position after day 1 and 2 to crack the top 10 but let things slip a bit on Thursday and Friday. Overall we had a solid tournament and I’m very proud of how they battled each day,” said Coach Zach Smith. “Having Brendan place tied for 10th in the nation was by far the best individual finisher we’ve ever had at that national championship. It was fun to see him receive the flag from the hole of the place he got at the ceremony after everyone finished. He has worked hard all year and it finally paid off on the biggest stage. I’m going to miss the guys that are moving on but I’m excited to bring in a new crew for next year.”

Overall, the Lancers finished the tournament in 16^th place at 1189. Individual scores by rounds and placings are listed in the chart below.

Remington Newell receiving his long drive award from David Johnson, President of the Golf Coaches Association of America for NJCAA

Remington Newell won the long drive competition which was held the night before the tournament began with a drive of 389 yards.

Coach Smith was also recognized as Coach of the Year for District 1.

Jake Clark

After twenty-five years at the helm of the Eastern Wyoming College Lancer Rodeo Team, Coach Jake Clark is making a change. He has decided to retire from coaching and return to the classroom where he will teach science and math for the College.

“I have truly been blessed to be the Rodeo Coach at EWC for the past 25 years. It has been an honor to be a part of so many students’ education and rodeo careers. This is a decision my family and I did not take lightly and is one we just made as a family,” said Coach Clark. “I am able to return to teaching full-time and am excited to take this new opportunity at EWC. I would like to thank the college, the community and my family for all of their support over the years. I am looking forward to continuing to do great things for this community and EWC. I will complete my coaching duties through June and will continue helping with any college rodeo needs until the position is filled. I know EWC Lancer Rodeo student athletes will be blessed with a great new coach for the future.”

EWC officials will officially open the Rodeo Coach position later this week with hopes of having a new Coach in place by July.

“Jake is an icon at Eastern Wyoming College and throughout the Central Rocky Mountain Region, the tremendous job he has done with our rodeo program is unmatched,” shared Tom Andersen, Athletic Director.  “The vast number of rodeo student athletes that he has coached, mentored and influenced are indeed fortunate individuals.   I will miss working with Jake, but we are very fortunate that he will still be on campus and continue making everyone around him better.”

During his tenure as head rodeo coach, he coached 112 College National Finals Rodeo qualifiers, hosted the Rodeo of the Year nine times and won several Coach of the Year awards.

Information regarding the new coaching position will be available on the EWC website at ewc.wy.edu.

Tim Larsen, Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Fitness Center Director

Eastern Wyoming College is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Larsen to the position of women’s basketball coach and fitness center director.

“We are excited to have Coach Larsen take over as the head coach of our women’s basketball program,” said Tom Andersen, Athletic Director.  “I am confident he will continue the strong tradition of EWC Women’s basketball, and I look forward to working with him.”

Larsen received a bachelors in psychology from the University of Phoenix in 2012 and graduated from Ohio University in 2018 with a masters in sports and recreation sciences.

His coaching career began in 2011 at Tohono O’odham Community College as an assistant coach for men’s basketball. In 2012, he started the inaugural women’s basketball program at TOCC. Larsen began working at Arizona Youth Partnership in drug and alcohol prevention in 2015. That is also the same time he began coaching with the Tucson Rattlers, girls AAU program where he has coached for the past seven years. In 2017, he returned to TOCC as an assistant athletic director and associate head coach for men’s basketball. Larsen was then hired as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Pima Community College in 2020 where he was a part of the team that finished 8^th in the country at the National Tournament and made it to the conference finals the very next season.

“I am very excited to be a part of the Eastern Wyoming College Lancer community,” said Larsen. “I am looking forward to building new relationships and continuing to build a competitive program of which the community can be proud. I believe our program should be a family atmosphere with players who like to work hard both on the court and in the classroom.”

Larsen’s wife of nine years, Bronwyn, and their seven-year-old daughter Brooke, are all looking forward to the move to Torrington.

Eastern Wyoming College is pleased to announce that the connection with the National Student Clearinghouse for student transcripts has been re-established. The connection had been impacted by the cyber-event which took place in June 2021. Beginning Monday, May 9, 2022, the EWC Records Office will no longer be sending paper transcripts of student’s grades to transferring colleges and universities, potential employers and others. The agreement with the National Student Clearinghouse will allow for the issuance of transcripts electronically which will decrease the time necessary for sending and receiving transcripts. The cost of this service will be $7.25 per transcript which will be paid to the Clearinghouse.

Students can access the National Student Clearinghouse directly for transcripts or they may use the transcript link on the EWC website at ewc.wy.edu.

With this change, EWC joins all of the other Wyoming Community Colleges in issuing electronic transcripts. When ordering transcripts from the Clearinghouse, students will have the option of sending and/or receiving them electronically, in paper format or the pick them up at the EWC Records Office on the main campus in Torrington.