Husky cagers start season with intensity

The Huskies are focused this season and are already working toward their goals. They have 26 athletes out including nine returning seniors. “Of those nine seniors, six of them saw some pretty decent varsity time last year and we are hoping to capitalize on that investment,” said Coach Kirby Winland. “As a team, we have set a goal to make it to the state tournament after failing to achieve that last year. This is going to be a good goal for us to work toward and will definitely help us grow throughout the season.” 

Burlington finished last season with an overall record of 14-11 and a conference record of 6-2. They lost two games at the regional tournament, keeping them from advancing to state. Winland believes the Huskies have their work cut out for them this year, but they have a focus to help them get there. 

“We are going to have a tough region to get through on our journey to the state tournament,” he said. “Saratoga, Farson, St. Stephens, Encampment, Meeteetse and Basin are all teams that on any night can come to play and make getting a win difficult. If you add Burlington to that list there would be seven teams that could all put a couple of games together at regionals to make it to state. Because of this, we are going to have to work harder than ever as a team, to play like a team. Our focus this year so far has been ‘WE not ME,’ constantly trying to find the best options in practice both defensively and offensively to help us become the best team we can be.” 

The Huskies have added alumni Mickey Maroni to the coaching staff this season. He will be taking over responsibilities of the C team. “Mickey brings optimism and energy to the program and we all believe in him and want to help him as he gets involved with the coaching world,” said Winland. “Dale Cook will be our JV coach this year and will be helping in varsity practice as well.” 

The Huskies are headed to Saratoga and Encampment for the Carbon County Classic Tournament on Friday and Saturday.