Rowell to step down as head football coach at end of season

The Comanche football team will be looking for a new head football coach after the season. Superintendent Julie Bills shared the news with the Comanche Board of Education at its regular session on Oct. 11.

Bills said that Rowell had informed her he has decided to step away from the head coaching duties.

The Indians, who have suffered through injuries to several key players this season, are currently 2-5 overall and 1-3 in district play and are in jeopardy of missing the playoffs for the first time since Rowell took over the program in 2019.

The Indians finished with a 7-4 record last season. their best record in several years, which included a pair of thrilling come-from-behind wins against Lone Grove and Frederick.

Rowell currently has an 18-21 overall record as head coach.

Also during the meeting, the board approved various routine consent agenda items which included the approval of the September regular meeting minutes. The treasurer’s report, supplemental appropriation, activity fund report, and encumbrances were also approved.
The board also approved a contract with Duncan Public Schools for the transportation of a student to the Oklahoma School for the Deaf in Sulphur.

Superintendent Bills reported on the October parent-teacher conferences. She shared that the conferences were conducted through a blend of virtual, phone, and in-person formats, with in-person preferred by most parents.

Bills reported on the accomplishments of various student groups. The board was informed that softball had competed at state last week. This was their second consecutive state appearance since 1989.

“The girls were very determined and I am proud of their effort and the efforts of the coaches,” Bills said. “They played hard in the first round and represented the school and the community in a positive manner.”

Bills shared that The Pride of Comanche Marching Band has had a successful beginning of the year and will participate at the Regional Marching Contest at Lawton on Oct. 18. The academic team has had several wins during the seasons and will compete for the opportunity to go to the regional meet in the upcoming weeks.

The Comanche cross country girls had a first place win at Frederick and both the girls and boys are preparing for regionals. Regionals will be on Oct. 22 and the state meet is scheduled for Oct. 29.

In other business the board approved a new policy addressing sexual harassment of students. This policy is required to meet accreditation standards.