Little Rock Christian Academy
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Little Rock Christian Academy Announces New Athletic Director

January 24, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dr. Gary Arnold (501) 868-9822

Little Rock Christian Academy Announces New Athletic Director

LITTLE ROCK, AR (January 24, 2008) – Little Rock Christian Academy Head of School, Dr. Gary B. Arnold, announced the appointment of Johnny W. Watson as the new LRCA Director of Athletics, beginning July 1, 2008. In addition to assuming the athletic director responsibilities, Mr. Watson will continue to serve as head football coach.

 “After conducting a national search, we discovered the best candidate to be one of our own.” said Dr. Arnold. “He brings the skills and expertise needed to lead our Warriors to championship character and achievement in every sport and season.  This is a man with solid Christian character who is committed to the whole student experience.” Coach Watson accepts the leadership baton from retiring director Dewey Pennell.

 Born in Camden, AR Watson attended Camden Fairview High School and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Arkansas University. Completing both his Master’s Degree in Education as well as Principal & Administrative Certification at the University of Central Arkansas, Watson’s coaching reputation grew over the next decade in the areas of football, basketball, tennis and track at Paragould, Fordyce and Jacksonville high schools. From 1980 – 1985 Coach Watson (“J.W.”) served as Athletic Director for Fordyce High School. From 1986 until 2005, “J.W.” enjoyed a successful tenure as Athletic Coordinator at Jacksonville High School, continuing as head coach in football, baseball, track and tennis.

Johnny Watson joined Little Rock Christian Academy in 2005 as head football and track coach. The 2007 football season culminated a victorious 5A conference title for the LRCA Warrior football team as well as earning second place in the state finals competition.

Named 5A Coach of the Year (2007) by Hootens/State Farm and the Little Rock Touchdown Club, Coach Watson was also named All Arkansas Coach of the Year from the Democratic Gazette, and High School Coach of the Year from Arkansas 360 Magazine.  He received the U. S. Army High School Leadership Award, given only once a year to a national leader or coach, becoming the only Arkansas coach to receive this award.

In his new position Watson will be responsible for recruiting coaches and athletic staff, as well as ensuring that the Athletics Department operates under regulations set forth by the Arkansas Activities Association.  The LRCA Athletics Department employs 21 full-time and part time coaches as well as directing over 400 student athletes.

Regarding his new role, Coach Watson says “My goal is to inspire a shared vision for the Athletic Department, one that is biblically based and inspirational to athletes and coaches alike. I hope to enable our athletes to achieve their personal best for the glory of God, celebrating each athlete’s unique abilities along with fostering team accomplishments…I am honored to have been selected as Athletic Director at Little Rock Christian Academy”.

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Past president of the Arkansas High School Coaches Association, Watson has been active in the March of Dimes Walk-America, Relay for Life, Jacksonville Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs and Sports Council and Youth Baseball. A member of the Second Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Watson and his wife, Marilyn, are parents of 4 children and 1 grandchild.  

Little Rock Christian Academy is an independent, non-denominational, Christian private school. A student population of 1250 in grades K4 – 12th, Little Rock Christian is celebrating its 30th anniversary of strong Christian academic, athletic and art programs.

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