Coaches with the innate successful gene and record-breaking stars are the lifeblood of Arnold athletics.
At present is an element two of the Information Herald's “Excessive College Athletics Mount Rushmore” sequence. The sequence will characteristic all six Bay County colleges, highlighting the numerous and quintessential figures of every faculty's athletic applications.
Rising dynasty9 Years Undefeated, How Arnold's Weightlifters Turned 'One Group, One Household'
The final heroic secondFinest for final: Arnold wins state soccer title after goalie saves final shootout shot
The gamers and coaches who grace the mountain are decided by the impression they’ve had on this system, the group and extra. We on the Information Herald worth our readers and would love to interact you.
Every article is accompanied by a ballot the place you possibly can vote for somebody who you assume can be appropriate for a fifth place on the mountain.
James Hale
The primary soccer coach at Arnold, Hale set a outstanding precedent in his 13-year tenure. Ending with an 80-52 file, he coached the Marlins to their first postseason berth in 2003. Hale reached the area semifinals 3 times and in 2008 led Arnold to an 11-1 file, successful Coach of the 12 months from Nationwide Excessive College Federation. College Coaches Affiliation.
Hale helped coach 40 soccer gamers to signal scholarships and in addition served as an assistant coach on the Marlins weightlifting groups that gained state championships in 2006 and 2007.
Jonathan Hammond
Hammond constructed the Marlins soccer program to be a Bay County and statewide staple. The Marlins defeated Gulliver Prep to win their first state title in 2020. Arnold completed the season undefeated with a 25-Zero-2 file and has been thought of “the crew to beat” ever since. 4 years later, Hammond led the Marlins to 2 extra state title appearances, successful the second final season.
Arnold hasn't misplaced to a Bay County opponent in six years and was ranked the No. 1 crew in Florida this winter. The latest graduating class was probably the most profitable with an 87-Four-6 file, two-time FHSAA state champions, four-time Bay County champions, three-time district champions and three-time regional champions.
Donka and Joshua Flaig
Successful a state weightlifting title at Arnold feels nearly inevitable, particularly while you're beneath the steerage of Donka and Joshua Flaig. The teaching pair constructed a dynasty in each women and boys weightlifting, culminating in damaged FHSAA information and a number of state championships.
The Marlins have gained 9 straight women state titles and gained three Class 2A state championships from 2018-21. The boys crew has gained six consecutive district titles and lately topped a state champion in conventional lifting with Probability Jenkins, who gained gold within the 169-pound class.
Jeremy Hester
At simply 5-foot-6, Jeremy Hester performed 4 occasions his dimension at operating again. A two-time letterwinner in weightlifting, three-time letterwinner in monitor and three-time letterwinner in soccer, the 2008 soccer season was a profitable 12 months for Hester. As a sophomore, he was all-around, dashing for two,305 yards and 39 touchdowns. The historic 12 months earned Hester all-county and all-state honors.
He completed his senior season dashing for 1,479 yards and 17 scores, incomes a three-star rating as a prospect within the class of 2010. Hester dedicated to Southern Mississippi, the place he was used primarily as a kick returner, however he completed his profession dashing for 514 yards and three touchdowns.
Banji Bamidele is a sports activities reporter for the Panama Metropolis Information Herald. He could be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or by way of X, previously generally known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.