In the locker room at halftime, the Football boys sat sadly on the hard wooden benches until Coach Andrew Jenkins walked in.

“I know we’re struggling, but let’s discuss the game plan,” he said. The boys leaned in and listened closely.

With the second half about to start and the boys’ spirits renewed, Coach Jenkins said, “Let’s keep fighting to the end! You’ve got this!”

The Ozark, Arkansas, native earned a Bachelor’s degree in K-12 Health and Physical Education with a Coaching License from Arkansas Tech University.

Previously, Coach Jenkins taught 7th grade Math and coached Football at Northridge Middle School in Van Buren. At Melbourne High School, he taught 7th and 8th grade Science, worked as the junior high offensive coordinator and high school defensive line Football coach, and coached Girls’ Track coach for grades 7-12. For three years, Coach Jenkins taught 7th and 8th grade Health and 6th and 7th grade Math at Bryant Middle School. He also worked as the offensive and defensive line Football coach and special teams coordinator, head 7th and 8th grade Boys’ Track coach, as well as head 7th grade Football and Track coach.

One thing Coach Jenkins likes about Kimmons so far is the students.

“I feel like I have created a good rapport with them,” Coach Jenkins said.

The impact his teachers and coaches made on Coach Jenkins inspired him to become a coach.

“I saw how much they impacted my life, and I wanted to impact students’ lives just as much,” Coach Jenkins said.

The biggest challenge Coach Jenkins has faced as a teacher is making sure that his student athletes have confidence in themselves.

“Throughout this school year, I have seen on a few different occasions that my students do not believe they can succeed at certain tasks or succeed against certain teams,” Coach Jenkins said.

Coach Jenkins’ favorite memory is winning a state championship in his second year coaching at Bryant.

Outside of school, Coach Jenkins loves to spend time with his family and friends.

“I love to ride four wheelers, play sports, and listen to music,” Coach Jenkins said. “Nothing is better than spending time with my wife Callie and our 8-month-old daughter Laramie and watching her grow up though.”