Mule volleyball team filling some big shoes

The Wahkiakum Mule team is trying to fill some big shoes.

Graduation last June took the leading hitters and an all-league setter. Retirement took a coach with college experience and success at Wahkiakum, Patty Anderson.

Long-time assistant Coach Jeff Rooklidge has stepped into the head coach role.

"No one applied for the head coaching job when we posted it," he said. "I wanted to stay as JV coach, but I decided to move up. I won't be able to fill Patty's shoes. It's a daunting task, but she taught me a lot. Former head Coach Joyce Wilson also came out of retirement to assist."

The Mules won't have a lot of height, but they'll have quickness and some good experience, Rooklidge said.

Jordyn Wirkkala, Ashley Helms, Halie Boyce and Blaine Land are returning starters.

"The team has a lot of enthusiasm. They came into practice in good shape."

The Mules open play next week.

With some schools changing classification, the Central League teams will play each other home and away this year.

"It's a really tough league," Rooklidge said. "Napavine is huge. Mossyrock peaked at the end of the season and made a good show at state. Toutle Lake is a traditional power. All the teams will be really competitive."