The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Todd Souvenir has taken over coaching duties for the Wahkiakum Mules boy's basketball team, making this the first time in 18 years that Coach Bill Olsen hasn't shown up for practice.

"I find myself with too many irons in the fire," Bill Olsen said on Monday. "I knew one day this would come. I couldn't give the boys 100 percent and I didn't want to shortchange them.

"It's a good time for Todd to take over. He and the team will not miss a beat; we worked together for so long. It should be a smooth transition."

That being said, the team has been practicing for a week, and Olsen already misses the students and drills.

Souvenir, a Wahkiakum High School alum, has been Olsen's number two man for six years, coaching JV after coming up through the ranks coaching his own son, Shane, and his classmates as they played youth basketball and NAU.

"It's exciting," Souvenir said of his new role. "A good opportunity. I think I understand the challenges that come with being head coach. Hopefully the rewards are worth it."

Diana Zimmerman

Members of the Wahkiakum Mule basketball team run drills in practice this week.

Marc Niemeyer, who was formerly the head coach of a girl's basketball team, is stepping in as the JV coach this year.

"It's good to have Marc, and his experience to help me through the process," Souvenir said. "Especially this first year."

Other than that, just like everything else, it's just a work in progress.

This year, 18 boys turned out to play basketball. They are a young team with three seniors, only one of whom has had much varsity experience. They aren't very tall either, so they will have to play to their strengths. Souvenir has an eye on developing their defensive skills.

"We play in a tough league," Souvenir said. "We definitely have some tough games in front of us."

Simply put, it's too soon to tell.

The boys begin play at home on Thursday, December 12, against Adna.