SILOAM SPRINGS — For the first time since Bryan Ross arrived on the Siloam Springs football staff in 2004, the Panthers are entering a season without any turnover on its football coaching staff.

Ross, the third-year head coach, will return all of his assistant coaches from the 2010 season.

Ross will be the team’s offensive coordinator and playcaller along with his head coaching duties. Assistant Troy Coke is the team’s defensive coordinator.

Longtime defensive line coach Dwain Pippin returns as does offensive line coach Ritchie Mathis.

Wide receivers coach Tad Davis, quarterbacks and ninth grade coach Jonathan Johnson, ninth grade defensive coordinator Justin Blanchard, seventh grade coach Jason Bowen, seventh grade assistant and varsity secondary coach Chuck Jones, and secondary coach Jacob Gill all return as well.

“First time that’s happened since I’ve been here,” Ross said. “I just think it’s huge when you’re talking about stability. The kids are comfortable with their coaches. They know what to expect. It cuts down on the amount of unknowns.

I think if you go back andlook at the good programs over the years, it seems like there’s been stability with the coaches.

“I think it’s one of the best things that we have going for us this year.”◊◊ ◊

The Panthers also will be enjoying a new fieldhouse at the brand new high school, as well as a turf practice field.

“It’ll be a new setup for everybody. It’s kind of exciting,” Ross said. “There’s always questions that go with that, but I think it’s something to look forward to.”

Ross said he’s looking forward to being able to walk out the door and onto thepractice field.

The Panthers will have a classroom in the fieldhouse that can be used for watching game film along with board work.

All in all, it’s an optimal setup, Ross said.

“It’s just better everywhere,” Ross said. “I think the kids will really enjoy the closeness of the field. We know the turf’s going to be hot, It’s going to add 15 degrees. But once you get into September, October, bad weather days, you’re not going to lose valuable practice time to the elements.

“The only thing that can knock us off that turf is lightning or if it becomes incredibly hot. Hopefully we’ll avoid that this year.”

The practice field is expected to be completed in mid-September.

Sports, Pages 55 on 08/31/2011