Pullman goes in undaunted

It would be tough enough for Pullman to duplicate last year’s dream season in which the State 2A champion Greyhounds were 14-0, beating State 3A finalist Prosser along the way.

But now they play in a Great Northern League bolstered by the addition of three former 3A schools and in a stronger 2A classification statewide.

Welcome to head coaching, Bill Peterson.

Peterson replaces Bob Wollan, who left after three successful years to coach at W.F. West in Chehalis. W.F. West is now one of the new 2A schools. Wouldn’t it be something if Peterson and Wollan connected as playoff opponents?

“There would be a lot of southwest Washington people there,” Peterson said. “It would be a lot of fun.”

The two coaches were a package deal for 12 years, beginning their coaching together at Rochester on the West Side and coming to Pullman in tandem.

When Wollan took the job near his hometown, Peterson decided to stay put and continue what the two began.

“I have three sons and when we made the move one of my promises was that we would be here until the youngest graduates,” Peterson explained. “I just like it here. It’s a great fit.”

There are three colleges within 1 1/2 hours to occupy his time and tax his football mind. There’s hunting and fishing and there’s dry, hot weather.

“It’s better than the West Side. My feet are unwebbed for the first time in my life,” Peterson said.

The first-time head coach faces a challenge. Graduated, among 18 seniors, is the backfield tandem of JC Sherritt and Mike Thomas that ran roughshod over people. Gone is big-play receiver Ashton Gant and Aaron Pflugrad, whose coaching dad, Robin, left WSU for the University of Oregon.

“You don’t replace them,” said Peterson. “They are the biggest losses because they were so physical.”

Into the GNL come speedy and veteran Clarkston and Cheney, which have been 3A playoff perennials playing in the Greater Spokane League. The other newcomer from the GSL is young but talented West Valley. There are something close to 27 other former 3A schools, said Bantams coach Dave Curtis, not the least of them Prosser.

Peterson seems unperturbed.

“We knew it was coming and played up every year for that reason,” he said. “We played 3A schools and it was not that tough.”

Two of his sons – T.C., a senior, and Trevor, a junior – return from last year’s state title team. Also back is impact quarterback JT Levenseller and linemen Justin Wood and Joel Turtle. Several other players saw time during the season.

“Our system’s been pretty successful and me and Bob came up in it together,” Peterson said. “The nice thing is the kids know the system, too, so it’s an easy transition for them.”

The three newcomers who played in a predominantly 4A league, along with playoff team Colville, will presumably beef up the GNL. At least four teams are considered legitimate title challengers.

Deer Park coach Keith Stamps said, however, that no team will likely compare to Pullman from last year.

“I don’t think this league has a Pullman,” Stamps said. “They were as good a team as I have seen. They were just phenomenal.”

But Peterson said his Greyhounds are up to the challenge.

“We will compete every night and give our best effort,” he said. “The kids know what what’s on the line and what it takes to get to the west side.”