Beaming with pride, Coach Kamarr Arnold accepted the 7th grade Boys’ Basketball Fort Smith City Championship plaque as his players leaped up and down in excitement. In a sign of respect and showmanship, the boys shook hands with their Ramsey Rams opponents and held them up by telling them, “Good job.” Fans and parents cheered as the Raiders gathered for a victory team photo.

Coach Arnold’s sports-oriented family inspired him to become a P.E. teacher and coach.

“Being the youngest of four siblings, I had the opportunities to look up to my two older sisters and one older brother Kevin who is currently the Head High school boys Coach at Arkoma High school,” Coach Arnold said. “I have always looked up to him on a lot of different things in life. Also, my cousin James Youngblood mentored me by showing me the ropes in this education field and helping me get my first coaching job. James is just a stand-up guy and always just a phone call away whenever I need advice.”

Before coming here, Coach Arnold taught P.E. for nine years at four elementary schools – Moffett, Cavanaugh, Ballman, and Carnall; and assisted in coaching boys’ basketball at Sallisaw High School.

Coach Arnold likes being able to return to the place where he once was a student and Dr. Hinkle was his coach.

“I am grateful that Dr. Hinkle gave me the opportunity to help lead the next generation of Raiders, which really tells me he believes in and trusts me,” Coach Arnold said. “That’s what is special. He could’ve hired any coach to fill the position, but he gave me a great opportunity, and for that, I will forever be grateful.”

Reaching and relating to all of his students has been Coach Arnold’s biggest challenge as a P.E. teacher.

“I never want them to feel left out and not valued,” Coach Arnold said.

Believe it or not, outside of school, Coach Arnold enjoys watching sports or going to sporting events with his wife Sabrina and son Kyler.

“I have been around sports all of my life,” Coach Arnold said.