[ad_1]
Branson High School hired a new football coach with strong ties to southwest Missouri, the district announced Friday.
Aaron Hafner started his coaching career at Webb City High School. He served as the defensive coordinator during the school’s 2000 State Championship team.
He is currently the head football coach for Olathe Northwest High School.
“We are excited to add Aaron and his family to the Branson community,” said David Large, activities director at Branson High School, in a news release.
“We had 55 applicants from 12 different states and Coach Hafner really rose to the top as we went through the process. We are excited to have someone who has had
success on both the high school and collegiate level.”
He added: “He is very respected among his peers and known for developing and building programs. Aaron is a great addition as a coach and a teacher
for Branson schools, and we are glad to have him as a Pirate.”
More:Future of the Ozarks: Hollister High School siblings ranked No. 1, 2, 3 and 4 in senior class
More:New Ozarks history book shares struggle between ‘mythmakers’ and ‘boosters’ in region’s modern life
Hafner will replace Anthony Hays, the former coach at Springfield’s Parkview High, who resigned the position in December.
Before taking the Olathe job, Hafner was head coach at Republic High School, where he won two district championships.
He also served as offensive coordinator at William Penn University in Iowa.
According to a news release, the Statesmen offense was a top 5 rushing offense in the nation from 2008-2012, and during the 2010 season set a NAIA national record for rushing yards in a season.
Hafner is a native of Frontenac, Kansas and played football at Southwest Baptist for three years.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and secondary education from Pittsburg State University in Kansas and a master’s degree in business leadership at William Penn University.
He will teach physical education at Branson High School.
Hafner and his wife, Katy, have two daughters; a college graduate, Allie, and a high school senior, Andie.