Mike West takes helm as Glenwood Springs High School head football coach
Glenwood Springs Athletics/Courtesy graphic
Glenwood Springs High School on Wednesday announced the hire of Mike West as the new head coach for its football team for the 2024-25 season. The selection came after a thorough process with four potential candidates, including last year’s interim head coach, Eric Bollock.
West is no stranger to the football scene in Glenwood Springs. Having coached under Rocky Whitworth from 2012 to 2017 and with Pat Engel in 2018, his return to Glenwood Springs football marks a new chapter in his extensive involvement in the sport.
“I’ve been in the valley for 20 years,” West said. “This sport has been a part of my life for a long time and I am excited to get to work and put together a winning product.”
West reflected on his journey, which took him to the playing fields of Montrose High School, where he graduated in 1999, to his collegiate career at Western State College, now known as Western Colorado University.
After college, West’s passion for football took him overseas to play professionally in Finland during the summer of 2004. This international experience was a turning point, leading him to focus on his professional career in accounting upon his return.
Nevertheless, West’s love for football persisted, guiding him to contribute to Mountain West Youth Football and impact the lives of young athletes in New Castle.
“I am going to make these kids the best versions of themselves in the classroom, in the community and on the football field,” West said. “It starts in the classroom and the community. From there, my goal is to reestablish some stability and consistency in the program so we can go out there and win football games.”
Glenwood Springs Athletic Director Craig Denney expressed enthusiasm for West’s appointment and the positive impact it is expected to have on the team.
“We’re looking forward to our kids being excited about football again,” Denney said. “Mike knows his football and has a plan to bring this program back to where it has been in the past, but more importantly, he is going to elevate these players as men.”
West takes over from Bollock, who led the team as interim head coach to a 2-3 record in their last five games, including a playoff appearance. Bollock stepped in after the release of former head coach Hunter Holmes in October.
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