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40 °F Forecast | Road Cams Friday, November 26, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Menu Guide How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Passport to the Rogue Valley EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend November 23, 2004 Familiar face guides Panthers’ ‘O’ linemen Prep Notebook By DON HUNT Mail Tribune Andrew Petersen had finished football practice at South Medford High School last August in preparation for an alumni game. As he headed to his car, Petersen stopped by the office of South Medford head coach Bill Singler to say hello and look into the possibility of becoming a volunteer coach for the high school team this fall. "We may need you for more than that," Singler said. A couple weeks later, Petersen filled a void as the Panthers’ offensive line coach. It’s hard to imagine a younger full-time assistant coach in the state than the 19-year-old Petersen, who was a starting two-way linemen for South Medford two years ago. "He’s learning on the fly, but he’s part of the South Medford family and we’re thrilled to have him on our staff," says Singler. "He brings loyalty, enthusiasm and commitment to our program, and he has a desire to become a great coach." Advertisement Petersen is less than two years older than many of the seniors on the team — he started alongside current Panther tackle Noah Brennan in 2002 — but he commands respect because of a maturity that belies his age. "He’s always under control and he really relates well to kids," Singler says. "He knows what they’re going through mentally and emotionally because he was one of them two years ago." Petersen played under former Panthers offensive line coach Greg Baker and gleaned much of his football knowledge from him. "Most of the drills I use and the technique I teach come from him," Petersen says. "He also had a way with kids that could lift you up and bring you down in one breath. "I owe a lot to coach Baker, but I’ve also learned a lot from the guys on this staff this year." Petersen works for a company that delivers food to the juvenile center in Medford and the work center in Talent, but he hopes to return to school next year and eventually become a teacher. "I’d like to become a strength coach," he says. SOUTH MEDFORD also has a first-year defensive line coach in John VanBuren, and his resume wasn’t much longer than Petersen’s. Prior to helping out as a volunteer with the South JV team last season, VanBuren’s only previous coaching experience was at the Pop Warner level. "He proved to us last year that he was deeply involved and dedicated to the profession, and when the D line job came open this year, we knew he’d be a good fit," Singler says. "John is one of those guys who never misses a practice or a meeting, and, like Andrew, has a strong desire to learn. "It’s interesting how these young guys have stepped in with hardly any experience, but we’re 10-1 and in the state quarterfinals, and we’re pretty darn tough up front, so they must be doing something right." YOU’LL NEVER confuse Singler with Fred Astaire, but the South Medford coach did a pretty fair dance routine in the Panthers’ locker room following their victory over McNary. With music blaring, senior defensive end Kantrell Collins was dancing on top of a bench when Singler suddenly pushed him off, jumped on the mini stage and began boogeying like it was 1969. "You ain’t got nothin’ on me, Kantrell!" Singler shouted as other players clapped, cheered and nearly died from laughter. Whether or not the Panthers win the state title this season, it’s hard to imagine another team having more fun. THERE WASN’T MUCH for the Oregon Ducks to feel good about following their 50-21 loss to Oregon State Saturday as the they were outplayed in virtually every aspect of the game. And so it was rather ironic that former North Medford High standout David Faaeteete would have his brightest moments during such a dark day for the team. Faaeteete played part of the third period and much of the fourth in his most extensive action of the season. The 6-foot- 2, 299-pound freshman registered two tackles for losses and put heat on OSU quarterback Derek Anderson on a couple of other occasions. It’s unfortunate that Faaeteete wasted a redshirt season considering he played so little this fall, but that limited experience will come in handy next season when he battles for a starting position. Reach reporter Don Hunt at 776-4469, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities