Page 36 - All Arkansas Preps 2020

36M Sunday, June 28, 2020 | All-Arkansas Preps | Advertising Supplement to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
COACH OF THE YEAR
ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE FILE PHOTOS
BUCK JAMES BRYANT HIGH SCHOOL
>> WHY HE WON
In his four seasons as Bryant High School’s head football coach, Buck James has lost just eight games. He couldn’t remember how many games he won, saying it is easier to remember the losses than the wins.
“It is my setbacks and failures that keep me humble,” James said.
For the first time in school history, the Bryant Hornets finished the season undefeated and captured the school’s second-straight Class 7A state championship by defeating North Little Rock High School — again — at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
“First, we have really good players, and second, we have a really good coaching staff,” James said. “We also have good administrators and parents who allow us to coach.
“It all works together. It doesn’t just happen. You can’t be lucky; you’ve got to be good.”
For his leadership, James is this year’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Arkansas Preps Coach of the Year.
“It is really a great honor, and I was really surprised it happened,” James said.
“It’s about as prestigious an honor that one of our coaches can earn,” said Mike Lee, athletic director for the Bryant School District. “Coach James has come on the scene and, with his leadership, has branded our athletic department with #Be212.
A motto that James brought to the football team, #Be212 is connected with the boiling point of water to power a train. Once the water reaches 212 degrees, steam from the water can power a train, but it is that extra degree that makes a difference.
“It is another honor for Bryant athletics, for sure. He is a tremendous leader and visionary. One of his greatest attributes is his ability to attract and keep a consistent staff in place.”
Lee said there are many variables that play into the school’s success.
“No. 1 is our school board, and the administration supports [James] and supports the way he goes about his business,” Lee said. “Our parent group has 100 percent bought in, and that’s huge, and I have to give most of the credit to the athletes.
“It has all paid huge dividends. All of those ingredients have mixed together well, and it has been a very successful concoction, for sure.”