JCHS
On Wednesday Junction City High School announced the hiring of three new coaches.
Shambrea Steele, JCHS's new J-Stepper head coach, is currently finishing up her student teaching in Wamego, KS and will graduate this May from Emporia State University with her bachelor's degree in elementary education. Steele will begin teaching this fall for USD 475 as a kindergarten teacher at Seitz Elementary.
“I cannot wait to start getting to know the dancers and get back to sharing my passion for dancing with our team," Steele said.
JCHS graduate Aryus Jones is the new Blue Jays wrestling coach. Jones currently teaches and coaches at Blue Valley High School in Overland Park, KS.
“I am very proud to be home in Junction City once again. This is truly a childhood dream of mine to be able to return to my city and lead young people into successful futures. I have coached and wrestled all over the country but there is no place like JC. This community is a big part of who I am today and I am truly blessed and beyond excited to get to work with athletes and students. Go Blue Jays!”
After graduating in 2017 from JCHS, Jones went on to wrestle at Fort Hays State University. Jones was formally ranked 7th in the nation of NCAA Division II, 2020 NCAA Championship qualifier (COVID cancellation year), 3x Academic All-American.
Jones received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice and is currently finishing up his master’s in special education. Jones will be teaching in the special education department at JCHS at the start of the 2023-2024 school year.
Conor Reilly is the new Lady Jay basketball coach. Reilly has been the head women’s basketball coach at Hutchinson High School where he has focused on building a reputation for creating a positive, supportive, and disciplined team environment.
“Throughout my time as head coach, my teams have gone 52-32. I am incredibly proud of the progress we made together and the many accomplishments we achieved. Through hard work, dedication, and a relentless focus on growth and improvement, we became one of the top teams in the league. I look forward to working with the Lady Blue Jays and building something special in Junction City.”
Reilly holds a bachelor's degree in education from Bethany College and a master's degree in administration from Fort Hays University. Reilly will begin teaching in the Social Studies Department at JCHS at the start of the 2023-2023 school year.