Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1159925
GRAVETTE — Stability used to be something upon which Gravette foot- ball fans could rely. From 2006-2017, the Lions had the same head coach and made the playoffs every year but one. Fast forward to 2019, and the program is welcoming its third head coach in as many seasons. Last year, under Doug Greenwood, Gravette finished 1-9 for the first time since 1998, missed the playoffs for the first time since 2006, and was on the losing end of six "mercy rule" games. Greenwood resigned during the summer, and just before the end of June defensive coordinator Kelby Bohannon was promoted to head coach to help right the ship and bring pride back to a program that has made several deep playoff runs in the last 15 years. Bohannon, who has extensive ex- perience as a de- fensive coordinator and position coach in Oklahoma ( Tul- sa Union, Bixby, Jay) watched the Gravette 2018 season unfold through the lens of an assistant and now tackles the challenge of bringing the Lions football program to the level of respectability expected. The first- time head coach knows there is a lot of work ahead of him and his staff but believes the foundation is in place to take the first step toward improve- ment. "I've learned a lot from the head coaches I've worked with and they have really impacted the way I've approached this first head coaching gig," said Bohannon. "I want to bring a lot of energy and passion into our program. I think that's the way I coach and want to seed that into our players. I want this program to be important to our kids and want them to take own- ership of it. I also want to bring some fun to our program. Kids are more willing to give back to a program that they love and enjoy being a part of." One of the first challenges facing Bohannon is low participation num- bers, which is something Gravette has not had to worry about during the last decade. "Unfortunately, low numbers in football is a trend that is happening across the region and country," said Bohannon. "We are not the only ones suffering through this issue. Going back to our philosophy, a big part of what we've tried to implement since the transition is 'fun' within the pro- gram. We laugh a lot as a team in be- tween reps and I think kids are getting some satisfaction out of playing. That type of culture has a habit of recruit- ing itself and we as a staff and team are working the hallways continuous- ly trying to bring others into the fold." Bohannon said the players on the team must have a realization of the fact there may not be much oppor- tunity for rest both in practice and during games. "The players have known for some time that they'll be asked to play a lot of snaps every Friday and they've embraced that and it's shown up in their conditioning," said Bohannon. "We talk about physical and mental toughness every day." Have a Great Year! Marion L. Harris, D.V.M. Jim Benson, D.V.M. Stacey Rodine, D.V.M. Monday-Friday 8-5 • Saturday 8-10 Large & Small Animal Work • Check Us Out On Facebook 17624 Hwy 72 W (East of Gravette) • CVACCPETS.NET 479-787-6284 Our goal is to provide Quality Service at a Fair Price 479-787-6757 OPEN MON-FRI 7:30-5 SAT 8-NOON 506 1st Ave SE, Gravette (479) 787-5258 arvest.com Member FDIC Arvest Bank is proud to support the Gravette Lions and the spirit of the team. We care about our community and are here to ll the needs of our customers in Gravette. Stop by and open an account today. WE LIONS FOOTBALL 2019 Football Preview 10C n Wednesday, August 28, 2019 Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer See Gravette on Page 11C Bohannan to bring pride back to Lions By Seth McKinzie Special to the Herald-Leader 11 • Mason Dagley 10 • Cy Hilger 36 • Keegan Addison 23 • Trenton Durham 5 • Ian Drake 32 • Isaac Dann 7 • Chace Austin 52 • Lane Wilkins Coach Kelby Bohannon