Basketball is a Pantle Family Affair

The Pantles have been an integral part of Encampment basketball over the years and now a new generation of Pantle family members are excited to uphold the tradition.

Currently there are four members of the Pantle family involved in basketball in Encampment. Kevin Pantle, first year head coach for high school girls basketball, coaches with his daughter Micaiah, a 2018 Encampment graduate and player.

Luke Pantle, assistant coach for boys high school basketball and 2015 Encampment graduate and player, reviews and discusses the game with his mother, Ann Pantle, a past Encampment coach for junior high and high school girls basketball. Their time, energy, and commitment to Encampment basketball has had a profound influence on the younger generation of Pantles coaching in Encampment.

When asked about coaching with his daughter, Kevin Pantle’s modesty and commitment to Encampment basketball was apparent.

“I love seeing young kids’ enthusiasm in coaching basketball and it’s great to pass the legacy to my children,” said Kevin. “Micaiah has been great.”

Micaiah, a volunteer coach, has been very thankful for the opportunity to coach with her dad.

“Listening to one another and throwing ideas back and forth has been great,” said Micaiah. “The communication between us has been very good.”

This energy and commitment to Encampment basketball was also acknowledged by Ann and Luke Pantle. Ann mentioned “having the opportunity to know the students outside of the classroom and watch them develop into good solid basketball players” was a key reason for coaching.

She recognized, however, that her successes are a team effort.

“Luke has helped me study and understand the strategies of basketball and this has helped me be a better coach,” said Ann.

Luke Pantle, a former high school coach in Walden, Colorado, realizes that being a Pantle means he has support, despite family competition, whenever he needs it.

“We are always trying to one up the other family member,” said Luke.

The Pantle’s family dedication to Encampment basketball has influenced many generations of students and players.

Eckerley Pickett, a junior on the Encampment girls team, said that, for students and basketball players in Encampment, “family means caring about every person, something the Pantle family believes strongly in. This will stay with me forever.”