SIMPSON TAKING OVER SOFTBALL PROGRAM

Chad Simpson was officially named the head coach of the Booneville Lady Bearcat softball team during Tuesday’s February meeting of the Booneville School Board.

An assistant coach for the Lady Bearcats the past four seasons, Simpson replaces Ronnie Denton, who stepped away from the program voluntarily.

Denton, who leaves the program after seven years, and who also coaches basketball and cross country made the decision to leave the program a couple of weeks ago.

“It was with a lot of praying and discussing it with my family,” Denton said of his decision to step away. “I just decided I need to spend more time with my family and also the military is asking more of me each year.

“I think the program is in great shape and I always like to leave things better than I found it. This is a talented group of young ladies and they will continue to do great things on the softball field and off.”

Simpson, who also coaches football for the Bearcats, is a 2012 graduate of BHS. Besides being the junior high defensive coordinator and senior high quarterbacks and outside linebackers coach, Simpson also teaches eighth grade history.

Simpson will be assisted by Bailey Stringer, who has helped on a volunteer basis the last two years.

“I’m very excited. It will definitely help with Coach Stringer as my assistant,” said Simpson. “She knows a lot of softball. She played on the college level in two really good places. We’re both really excited to get started.”

Simpson inherits a squad looking to replace four starters from a 26-2 team that reached the quarterfinals of the state tournament.

The cupboard is hardly bare. Simpson has a familiar face in the circle in junior Lexi Franklin, who recently verbally committed to play in college for Pittsburg State in Pittsburg, Kansas.

“Obviously in softball if you’ve you got a phenomenal pitcher that tends to help you out big time, but not only is she a really good pitcher but she’s a really good bat for us also,” said Simpson. “She’s kind of a quiet leader. When she’s going really well, everybody is going well with her.”

Also returning are Roni Tillery, who started as a freshman, and seniors Leigh Swint, Karmen Kent, and Layla Byrum.

Swint was in center field last year but may be moving into the infield. Though one was shortened by COVID, Byrum will be a four-year starter at shortstop.

All of the returning starters are also suited up for the Lady Bearcat basketball team and will have almost no transition time.

“You get them back and you have to play the next day,” said Simpson. “When you’re replacing four starters we’re going to have to mix and match to find the best lineup,” said Simpson.

Another senior Simpson is expecting big things from is Teagen McMaster, who has committed to UAFS to cheer.

Simpson also inherits a schedule that includes games with Greenwood, Mayflower, Pea Ridge, Lincoln, Mansfield, Gentry, and Gravette as well as a tournament he will host on April 1.

“Coach Denton made the schedule. We’re excited because there’s some good teams that we’ll play and that’ll get us ready for the state tournament, and our conference has a few good teams also,” said Simpson.

The season begins on March 2 at Waldron.

Simpson and his wife, Hannah, have two children, a 5-year old daughter and a three-month old son.