Come November, the Waldron Activity Center will have a facelift of sorts after some coaching changes for the Bulldogs. There will be some familiar faces in Josh Atchley and Tracie Adams, in addition to some fresh faces in Zak Terwilliger and Erica Richardson. However, all the coaches in the office will have new titles from a season ago.
Former Head Boys Basketball Coach Josh Brown left to take over the boys basketball program at Mansfield, which was the first domino to fall. Moving up from Junior Boys and over from Senior Girls, Josh Atchley will take over the boys program that has won an impressive 75 games over the last 3 seasons with a pair of conference championships and a district title a year ago. Coach Atchley is entering his 6th year of coaching at his alma mater after three years at Ozark and a season at Mena. “Excited. That’s the only word that comes to mind when thinking about taking over the boys program here where I learned the game from guys like Jeff Crumpton, Stewart Adams, and Brad Johnson. I’ve spent the last five years working alongside Josh Brown, which forces you as an individual to match his effort and energy on a daily basis. I am so appreciative of every one of these guys who have been a part of this program since I’ve been back and look forward to continuing to build on the standards that are here. Let’s #FlytheW!”
The basketball journey that Tracie Adams has experienced is unmatched. After graduating from Havana High School she went on to play collegiately at Ouachita Baptist, before serving as the university’s head coach. From there, basketball took her to the University of Texas-Pan American, as she became the youngest Division 1 head coach in the country, to Stephen F. Austin University, then to Waldron as the boys and girls head coach. Coach Adams has “been there and done that,” when it comes to the game of basketball and after an 18+ year hiatus, she is excited about the challenge of taking the reins of the program that she once led. “I’m excited and inspired to continue adding pieces to the foundation that Josh Atchley and Lady Bulldog Basketball have built. I look forward to working hard and seeing our players strive to maximize their potential.” Coach Adams was the head junior girls coach this past season, but will add both senior high and 7th grade to her expanded role.
Zak ‘Twigs’ Terwilliger will don the orange and black for the first time as he begins his coaching career as the 7th and Junior Boys basketball coach for the Bulldogs. “I’m excited to build a strong relationship with my team as they work hard and grow as young men and athletes. Also, to begin my coaching career with a former coach is very exciting!” A product of Mena High School, Coach Twigs was a member of Coach Atchley’s first-ever basketball team and now he begins his career alongside his former coach. “My dudes are going to enjoy playing for Coach Twigs. He possessed a high basketball IQ as a player and now you see that spill over into his coaching. He has an eagerness and desire to be a Bulldog and help develop these young men,” added Coach Atchley.
Coach Adams will add a new face for the Lady Bulldogs as well. Erica Richardson will step in to assist all the girls teams, as she has in years past with track and now looks to bring some coaching over to the Lady Bulldogs basketball program. A graduate of Sheridan High School and the University of Arkansas, Coach Richardson has spent the last four years as a math instructor at Waldron High School but is looking forward to assisting with basketball as well. “I am excited to continue building an environment that motivates our athletes to work hard and become successful both on and off the court. I love coaching track here in Waldron and I am grateful for the opportunity to coach basketball too! Go Ladydogs!” Despite this being her first opportunity to coach basketball, she has extensive knowledge from a kinesiology background, which will be beneficial. Coach Adams added, “We are lucky to have young educators in our school that look forward to a challenge and ways to impact our student-athletes in multiple ways. Not sure if Coach Richardson understands what exactly she is getting into but her eagerness to be a part of this program is awesome!”
As for now, the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs are doing what most programs are across the state and that is practicing and working, in anticipation of being ready to go November 9th when the Indians of Caddo Hills visit the WAC! Even though this has been a summer of change there is one thing that is a constant, and that’s the fact that when the lights come on in the WAC…..Waldron basketball will be ready!
