Cole Walker, a Camdenton alumnus and former 2005 State Championship player, has been named head coach of the Lakers for the 2026 season, taking over a program that finished 3‑8 a year ago.
A culture rooted in physicality
Walker returns to the same fields where he once chased victories, bringing with him a deep understanding of the school’s culture of physicality, teamwork and community pride.
The roster will feature eight offensive and seven defensive starters, including quarterback Michael Maschino, who threw for 1,965 yards and 15 touchdowns last year, and wide receiver Quenton Krewson, an honorable‑mention all‑conference selection.
Defensive stalwarts such as Cole Ginnings and Levi Purk will anchor a unit that emphasizes toughness, while the coaching staff adds specialists Andrew Nolting on the offensive line and Matt Holt overseeing the secondary.
The Lakers open the season on August 28 against Heritage (Ark.), a matchup that will test the new leadership early in the schedule.
Walker has set a simple mantra: every game must start 1‑0, a goal that reflects the team’s focus on attitude, effort and physical dominance as they chase a return to district and state contention.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, the hiring resonates with alumni and local fans who see in Walker a living link to the program’s proud history and a promising future.