Rising from the Ashes: This High School Team Battled a Raging Wildfire, Now They're Back for Vengeance!

Last season, the Tongue River Eagles football team faced an opponent that wasn't on their schedule: a raging wildfire. The devastating Elk Fire threatened their community, derailed their season, and left a scar that went far deeper than any loss on the scoreboard. Now, with the smell of fresh-cut grass replacing the memory of smoke, the Eagles are back on the field, and they have more to prove than ever before.

The 2024 season was one the team would rather forget. A final record of 2-6 saw them miss the playoffs, but the numbers don't tell the whole story. One of those losses wasn't a defeat on the gridiron; it was a forfeit. With the Elk Fire blazing just six miles from the school, officials had no choice but to cancel classes and all athletic events for a week. Practices were halted, momentum was shattered, and the team was forced to concede a game without ever taking a snap.

But a new season brings new hope. Practice for the Eagles officially kicked off yesterday, along with other non-4A teams across Wyoming. While state regulations mean the players can't don their full pads until Thursday, the energy is palpable. This isn't just the start of another football season; for Tongue River, it's a chance to reclaim their identity and leave the chaos of last year in the rearview mirror. It's a symbolic first step in rising from the ashes of a season turned upside down by disaster.

When asked about his ambitions for the year, Head Coach Steve Hanson didn't talk about championships or state titles. His goal is far more fundamental, yet it speaks volumes about what his team endured. He simply wants "at the very least, a normal season." After a year of uncertainty, fire alerts, and canceled games, the simple rhythm of a predictable football season—practice, preparation, and Friday night lights—is the biggest prize of all. It’s a powerful testament to the team's desire for stability and a fresh start.

The Eagles' journey back to normalcy begins soon. They are set to travel to Sheridan for a scrimmage against one of the Broncs' JV teams in just over a week. Fans, however, have circled Friday, September 5th, on their calendars. That's when Tongue River will host their official home opener against Thermopolis, a game that promises to be an emotional and powerful return to the field. Meanwhile, their rivals at Sheridan High School are already into their second week of practice, setting the stage for a competitive season across the region.

For the Tongue River Eagles, this season is about more than just wins and losses. It’s about resilience, community, and the healing power of sport. They battled a force of nature and are back on their feet, ready to prove that the fire within them burns brighter than the one that threatened to destroy their season.