News Summary

Benton School District welcomes Jerry Bridges as the new Athletic Director. With over three decades of coaching experience and a Hall of Fame legacy, Bridges aims to elevate Benton athletics to new heights. His proven track record will inspire student-athletes as he takes on this leadership role effective immediately.

Benton Welcomes New Athletic Director Jerry Bridges

The city of Benton is buzzing with excitement as the Benton School District has officially appointed Jerry Bridges as its new Athletic Director! This announcement came hot off the press during a school board meeting held on May 19. With a strong history and impressive accolades under his belt, Bridges is set to take the reins and guide the district’s athletic programs into a new era.

An Impressive Coaching Legacy

Bridges isn’t a stranger to success in the world of high school sports. Previously, he served as the head basketball coach at Cabot High School and made quite the name for himself. His coaching journey began in Cadot in 2004, where he nurtured young talents and turned aspiring athletes into champions. After dedicating 13 years to Cabot, he took a step back from coaching in 2018.

During his tenure at Cabot, he led the Cabot Panthers to victory in the 2016 state championship, marking a historic milestone for the boys basketball program by defeating Bentonville for the Class 7A title. With his experienced hand guiding the team, the Panthers not only celebrated this significant win but also created memories that will be cherished for years to come.

A Hall of Fame Inductee

In recognition of his accomplishments, Bridges has been inducted into both the Arkansas High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Cabot Panther Foundation Hall of Fame in 2023. This not only highlights his capability as a coach but also underscores his impact on young athletes throughout his career.

Rich Experience Across Classifications

Bridges has enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in education and coaching. With a collective 34 years of experience, including 31 years as a boys basketball coach, he has coached teams in four different classifications and successfully led them to state championship title games. Under his leadership, his teams have notched up an impressive total of three state championship titles along with two state runner-up awards.

Education and Family Background

Originally hailing from Hot Springs, Arkansas, Bridges graduated from Lakeside High School before moving on to become a four-year letterman in basketball at Ouachita Baptist University. With a passion for learning that matches his love for coaching, he also earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Central Arkansas in 1997.

Bridges comes from a deeply rooted coaching family—his father and siblings have all made waves in the coaching world. It seems that dedication to sports runs in the Bridges family, making Jerry a fitting choice for the athletic leadership role in Benton.

Future of Benton Athletics

Now, as he shifts gears to take on the challenges of being Athletic Director, the Benton School District looks forward to harnessing Bridges’ extensive experience and vision. His proven track record of excellence in coaching has set high expectations for the future, and the community is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

As Bridges begins this new chapter, one thing is for sure: under his guidance, the Benton School District aims to foster a culture of excellence in athletics, encouraging students and athletes to strive for greatness. With his leadership, collaboration, and passion for sports, the future looks bright for Benton’s athletic programs!

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