Chase Kistler Hired as Powell Football Coach

In a swap of head coaching roles, Powell boys' basketball coach Chase Kistler is now taking over as head football coach.

WyoPreps was alerted by sources close to the Panthers program. The news was first reported by the Powell Tribune and confirmed by Powell High School Athletics Director Scott McKenzie on Friday.

Kistler has served as an assistant football coach with Powell for the last 12 years. He has coached the quarterbacks and defensive backs. He was the offensive coordinator for the past year-and-half, transitioning into the role during the 2018 season. The Panthers went 7-5 in 2019 and made a run to the Class 3A state championship game before falling to Star Valley.

At the same time, Kistler has been the head boys' basketball coach in Powell. According to wyoming-basketball.com, he went 65-103 with four state tournament appearances. Powell was the Class 3A boys' runner-up in 2018.

McKenzie said, “While we may be losing a quality basketball coach, we are gaining a new head football coach to continue the legacy that Powell Football is known for in the state. Chase has worked under three solid head coaches over the years and is ready to put his stamp on the program. Chase has college-level experience as a player, which will carry over to the gridiron and the successes to come. We can’t wait for the fall season to arrive, and watch the product that Chase and the staff will put on the field!”

Kistler replaces Aaron Papich, who stepped down to find a full-time teaching position elsewhere. Papich has since found a job in Casper and been hired as an assistant coach at Kelly Walsh High School.

Powell's search for a new boys' basketball coach is underway. McKenzie said they will first look within the district for the new coach.