Josh Castles always felt like Rider was home. 

This year it really became home to him because two of his three kids come to Rider. Josh’s daughter Lauren Castles is an assistant volleyball and girls soccer coach as well as history teacher. Josh’s youngest son Joe Castles is the Raiders’ starting quarterback and also plays basketball. 

“It’s a proud moment, she’s doing what I’ve done for years and years,” Josh said. “Now we get to do it together, I think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Josh Castles became the head boys basketball coach last spring and is also an assistant football coach. He coaches his son in both basketball and football and he also coached his other son Jed Castles in football at Rider back in 2018-19. Josh had been an administrator at Archer City, but he got out of that to coach his sons. 

“I’m so glad that he got to do this and he’s here,” Lauren said. “This is why he got out of admin to coach my brothers, and it’s just unreal this is happening.” 

Lauren has been a head volleyball coach before at Wichita Christian, but she is new to Rider this year. However she’s always wanted to come to Rider.

“Rider has always been my dream job, my dream place to be and I’ve tried to come in the past,” Lauren said. “It wasn’t just the right timing for me, and the fact that it’s the last year and I finally made it work.” 

Joe Castles is the starting quarterback as a sophomore and plays on varsity for basketball too. In four games this year, Joe has thrown for 461 yards and seven touchdowns with zero interceptions. His goal for the 2023-24 season is not to beat himself up about every little thing. 

He plans on playing at the next level in college football and hopes he can get the chance to. He also said coach Robby Wood has helped him improve as a quarterback and a man. 

“I’m really excited this year,” Joe said. “I think we are going to do a lot of good things and I just can’t wait till the future.”

Although Wood is helping him improve, Joe said his dad and head coach Marc Bindel are hard on him too, but it also helps him get better. Joe also said he is hard on himself. 

Both Lauren and Joe came from much smaller schools than Rider. Joe came from Archer City which is Class 2A, and Wichita Christian is a private school that has about 50 kids in high school. Adjusting to Rider is a big difference for both in different ways. 

“It is a huge culture shock, and it feels like a different world, but it is such a good change,” Lauren said. “I needed this so I’m just trying to enjoy every little thing.” 

“It’s a little different-size wise, but I think it helps me and I get to play with these awesome guys I have around me and I’m glad to be here,” Joe added. 

Even though they came from a smaller school, Josh enjoys having his kids come to school with him because he can coach his son, and work with his daughter and watch over both of them at school. 

“The fact that I know where they’re at and they’re safe, and if we need each other, we are here but that goes for anybody,” Josh said. “But for family, that’s a great feeling.” 

Josh’s wife Julie also returned to coach at McNiel this year. Not only is the family returning to Rider special for both parents, but it’s even more special for Lauren because it’s her first time at Rider while being the last year.

“It feels like I’m a senior because this is the last of everything and I’ve always loved this place,” Lauren said. “It’s been special because I grew up here with my dad coaching, and it’s amazing I’m here for the last year and I wish I would’ve come sooner.”

The Castles just don’t want to rush the school year because it’ll be the last of it and nobody is ever coming back. They also want to soak it up together and have no regrets. 

“I hope it’s just a good special year, and we don’t rush it and we don’t take anything for granted because this is a special place,” Lauren said. “The fact that it’s closing is so sad so I want everything to count and have no regrets for me, for the kids, admin and faculty.”

💪 Stud Alert!

"Parkway" Joe @JoeCastles10 has been efficient through 3 games!

7 TDs and 71% completion! #RecruitTheROHO | #LOBO | #OFOT pic.twitter.com/71PGbGJ8mM

— Rider Raider Football (@raiderfball) September 11, 2023