FOOTBALL: Catoosa bolsters staff as Indians prepare for move to Class 3A

A new classification brings new opportunity, and Catoosa is adding fresh faces to help seize it.

>As the Indians prepare for their first season in Class 3A after nearly two decades in 4A, coach Sal Guerrero has strengthened his staff with three additions: veteran assistant Jason Cochran, former Catoosa standout Aedan Taft and Robert Boyles.

>The hires come at a pivotal time for the program.

>Catoosa is 10-30 since Guerrero took over in 2022, but that record comes with significant context. The Indians have battled low roster numbers while navigating what has arguably been the toughest district in Class 4A.

>District foes Wagoner, Cushing and Grove have all made deep playoff runs during that stretch, while Fort Gibson and Miami have emerged as resurgent programs.

>This fall, however, Catoosa drops to Class 3A after competing in 4A since 2008.

>The move gives the Indians an opportunity to compete against schools closer to their enrollment size, though the road will still be challenging. Catoosa's new district includes perennial power Metro Christian along with defending Class 2A-I state champion Jones.

>To help usher in the new era, the Indians have assembled a coaching staff with a blend of championship experience, local ties and collegiate backgrounds.

>Leading the additions is Cochran, who arrives after spending the past season at Coweta.

>Before that, he helped build Muskogee into one of Oklahoma's premier programs, contributing to the Roughers' rise from perennial contender to state champion.

>"His passion for developing student-athletes, commitment to excellence and proven success make him a tremendous addition to the Catoosa family," the school said in announcing the hire.

>The Indians also welcomed home Taft, a Catoosa graduate returning to coach at his alma mater.

>Following his playing career with the Indians, Taft competed collegiately at Midland University in Nebraska before returning home to begin his coaching career.

>School officials said his playing experience, work ethic and familiarity with the community make him a valuable addition to the program.

>The third addition is Boyles, who also joins Guerrero's football staff as Catoosa continues preparing for preseason workouts.

>While fewer details were released regarding Boyles' background, the Indians announced his hiring alongside the other offseason additions as part of the program's efforts to strengthen its coaching staff. Boyles also served as an assistant coach during the boys basketball team's run to the Class 4A state tournament earlier this spring.

>With a new classification, new district and three new coaches, Catoosa hopes the additional experience on the sidelines will help position the Indians for success as they begin a new chapter in Class 3A.

>The Indians will look to use the offseason to build momentum before opening what they hope is the start of a turnaround under Guerrero and his expanded coaching staff.