A Kansas high school football program has found its new head coach, bringing in Travis Rauh from Montana. Rauh, who previously held the same position at Laurel High School, made the difficult decision to move closer to family in Kansas.
“The intrigue in Kansas is in part because I have family there,” Rauh noted. He added, “I”ve been to the Kansas coaching clinic at least 10 times.” The transition was challenging for him, especially during his farewell meeting with the players at Laurel. “It was incredibly tough…horrible meeting with the Laurel players. I enjoyed building relationships with the kids and watching them grow as young men,” he reflected.
Challenges Ahead for Circle High School
The Circle Thunderbirds are coming off a tough season, finishing with a record of 1-8, which included a streak of eight consecutive losses. The team endured a close defeat of 20-13, followed by losses of 41 and 47 points. In contrast, Rauh experienced notable success at Laurel, achieving a 25-8 record over three seasons and securing playoff appearances each year. Under his leadership, Laurel won eight, nine, and eight games, and competed for the Class A Montana state football title against Billings Central in 2024.
Rauh”s Impressive Coaching Background
Before his tenure at Laurel, Rauh spent over 20 years coaching at Townsend, where he recorded a 123-67 record and led the team to a Class B Montana state football championship in 2014. “I expect Laurel to do well,” Rauh stated confidently. “They are in a great situation. They know if they work hard, they will become good players. They are going to play some really good football in the next few years.”
Looking ahead, the Thunderbirds are set to return sophomore quarterback Cole Wilbur, who threw for 650 yards and four touchdowns in eight games last season. Additionally, they will welcome back leading rusher Jason Smith, a sophomore who accumulated 669 rushing yards and six touchdowns, achieving four 100-yard games.
