Kiefel is New Cardinal A.D.

WAITSBURG - Fall is closing in, and the Cardinal sports program is getting ready for the new school year.

On August 3, Waitsburg Middle School and High School coaches participated in an orientation led by the district's new athletic director, Gabe Kiefel.

Kiefel joined the Waitsburg School District as a middle school math and science teacher in 2014. He is now the science teacher at the high school.

As AD, he will bring his experience from coaching high school football, middle school basketball, and track. He started as an assistant football coach in 2015 and took over as head coach in 2023.

"Really, when an AD does their job well, nobody notices. The right people are in the right places at the right times. The focus then is on the event. I hope my time as athletic director allows players and coaches to focus on playing and coaching, not on other logistical details," said Kiefel.

"My goal as a football coach has been to build the premier football program in the state, and now as athletic director, this extends to building the system through which coaches and players can achieve that goal in their respective sports. Such success depends on healthy communication and attention to detail. Wish me luck," said Kiefel.

Following the orientation, the fall coaches met with parents and athletes to prepare for the volleyball, football, and cheerleading seasons. Practice for cheer starts on August 17, football on August 19, and volleyball on August 24.

The Waitsburg Booster Club invites students, parents, and supporters to meet the fall season sports teams at the Cardinal Kickoff on September 8. The free event at the Elementary School multi-purpose room will feature music, good food, and plenty of Cardinal swag. Doors open at 6 p.m., and food will be served at 6:30.

While at the event, become a Cardinal Booster by paying your annual dues. Dues are $25 for a family. Members get Cardinal swag at a discount and are entitled to vote for Booster Club officers and board members.

2026 WHS Football Schedule

Varsity Game Time 7:00

Date Opponent

Aug. 28 @ Pomeroy Jamboree

Sep. 4 Sunnyside Christian

Sep. 11 Yakima Tribal

Sep. 18 Liberty Christian

Sep. 25 @ Touchet (3 p.m.)

Oct. 2 Pomeroy (Homecoming)

Oct. 9 Dayon (Senior Night)

Oct. 16 @ SJE

Oct. 23 @Teko-Rosalia

Oct. 30 Wheat/Grape Crossover

Nov. 6 North/South Crossover

Nov. 13 1st Round State

Nov. 20 Quarter Finals

Nov. 27 Semi-Finals

Dec. 4 Finals

2026 WHS volleyball Schedule

JV 5:00, Varsity 6:00

Date Opponent

Mon. Aug. 24 First Practice

Tue. Sep. 1 @ SJE

Wed. Sep. 2 Colton (no JV, V-4:30)

Sep. 2-6 Walla Walla Fair

Sep. 10-13 Columbia County Fair

Mon. Sep. 14 @Oaksdale (V only)

Tues. Sep. 15 @Dayton

Wed. Sep. 16 Pomeroy

Sat. Sep. 19 @ Touchet (JV-1:00, V-2:30)

Tues. Sep. 22 Lacrosse

Thur. Sep. 24 @GarPal

Mon. Sep. 28 @Prescott

Tues. Sep. 29 SJE

Thur. Oct. 1 @Colton

Mon. Oct. 5 Prescott

Thur. Oct. 8 @TR

Sat. Oct. 10 Touchet (10:00)

Tues. Oct. 13 Dayton

Wed. Oct. 14 TR

Thur. Oct. 15 @ Pomeroy

Sat. Oct. 17 @ Lacrosse

Tues. Oct. 20 GP

Thur. Oct. 22 Oaksdale (Senior Night)