Branson High School has named its new head football coach; dipping into the Springfield Public Schools system to hire Parkview’s Anthony Hays. The hiring was approved Thursday night’s Branson board of education meeting.
Hays replaces Dan Henderson who announced his retirement in December after spending 29 years in coaching with three of these years as Branson’s head football coach.
“It’s very bittersweet for me,” said Hays. “I love ‘the View’ but this was a great opportunity for my family that I couldn’t pass up. Saying goodbye to these kids here was the toughest moment of my career.”
Hays just completed his sixth season with the Vikings. While at Parkview, he was named the Springfield Quarterback Club Coach of the Year in 2014 and the Ozark Conference Coach of the Year in 2012. His teams advanced to the district championship games in 2012 and 2014. Prior to Parkview, Hays was head coach at King City from 2008-2011 where he led his teams to three consecutive playoff appearances and won two district championships.
“We are pleased to announce that Anthony Hays has joined our Pirate family,” said David Large, BHS activities director. “He brings energy and fresh ideas to our district and our program. His teams have achieved great success and we look forward to a promising future for Pirate football.”
“Branson offers the best facilities, great administration, and a one high school community,” said Hays. “I also love the challenge of turning a program around and this gives me the chance to do it against some of the best competition in the state.”
Springfield Public Schools Athletic Director Randy Stange will begin a search for the new Parkview coach immediately.
