The CaveCub Greats
Since North Middle School was built in 1966-1967, the success of our athletic programs have been built on the unwavering dedication of nearly 200 coaches. Their hard work, passion, and commitment to our young athletes have created a legacy that truly embodies our saying: "Respect the Past, Represent the Future."
This page is a tribute to all those who have shaped Cave Cub athletics, and we are especially proud to recognize a special group: "The CaveCub Greats." The following coaches have dedicated a decade or more of their lives to mentoring and guiding our athletes, leading them to victory and beyond. Their enduring impact is a testament to the spirit of North Middle School.
A look back: North Middle School's Coaching legacy
As we delved into the rich history of North Middle School through its yearbooks, starting from the 1952-1953 school year, we uncovered some interesting facts! Did you know that North Middle School was originally Grants Pass Junior High, located in the English Building in the old Grants Pass High School? It wasn't until the 1967-1968 school year that our current building welcomed its first students.
Our search for "The CaveCub Greats" has revealed some gaps we're working to fill. For instance, Track & Field wasn't regularly documented in yearbooks until the late 90s, and consistent recognition was rare until the 2010s. We also found that many older photos don't always feature coaches or list their names.
We're striving for a complete historical record, and while we're not quite there yet, we hope you'll enjoy reminiscing as you look through the names we've gathered and recall the time you spent with these dedicated coaches.
Here are those coaches with 10 or more years of service towards CaveCub Athletics!
30+ Years of service
Ken Berg, 32 years
Craig Vohland, 31 years
25+ Years of service
Jason Wright, 27 years
Margo Findley, 25 years
20+ Years of service
Mike Tripp, 24 years
Ron Maxwell, 23 years
Travis Reese, 23 years
Bill Bigelow, 21 years
Val Vinyard, 21 years
Jim Erickson, 20 years
Ron Maurer, 20 years
Keith Woodward 20 years
15+ Years of service
Eli Bland, 18 years
Joyce Loomis, 18 years
Otis Johnson, 16 years
Louis (Lou) Maurer, 16 years
Gordon Howerton, 15 years
Charlie Nelson, 15 years
Jim Wills, 15 years
10+ Years of service
Doug Ely, 13 years
Jordan Kasler, 13 years
Garey Mark, 13 years
Larry Moynihan, 13 years
Dan Coulter, 12 years
JJ DeForest, 12 years
Stacy Ely, 12 years
Kelvin (Kelly) Lemons, 12 years
Charlotte Reese, 12 years
Jennifer Titus, 12 years
Ray Williams, 12 years
John Detwiler, 11 years
Helen Lehnerz, 11 years
Brian Scharpen, 10 years