At Hackett, Coach Matthew Whitset drove a morning bus route, coached multiple sports including bowling, and taught Health and Science in grades 7-12 for seventeen years. Here, he is the new head coach for 7th grade boys’ athletics, including football, basketball, and track.

Coach Whitsett’s father inspired him to teach.

“My dad taught at Chaffin for many years,” Coach Whitset said. “One of my coaches at Van Buren, Coach Wolfe, inspired me to get into coaching,”

With his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health from the University of the Ozarks, Coach Whitsett hopes to make a positive impact on students.

“I feel like, as a teacher, that is our job,” Coach Whitset said.

Right now, Coach Whitsett’s biggest challenge as 7th grade football coach is the heat.

“We have not been able to get outside much, and it’s hard to practice inside,” Coach Whitsett said.

So far, Mr. Whitset has had a great experience at Kimmons.

“I love the kids,” Coach Whitset said. “There are some very good, respectful students here.”

Outside of school, Coach Whitset enjoys nature.

“I love to trout fish and go floating,” Coach Whitset said. “My dad used to take me hunting and fishing.”

One surprising fact about Coach Whitset is he likes to sing Karaoke and is a die-hard steelers fan.

“I played on the 1996 Van Buren football state championship team and have coached two bowling state Champions,” Coach Whisett said.