HOT SPRINGS, Ar. — Hot Springs Lakeside stayed at home to find its new varsity head football coach. Former Liberty-Eylau all-stater Garren Rockwell was promoted recently, filling the big shoes of Jared McBride.
Rockwell served as the Rams’ defensive coordinator for six seasons. Prior to that he coached with the late David Ream at Waxahachie High School. Liberty-Eylau won the Class 3A Division I state championship in 1999, and Rockwell was one of the leaders of the Leopards’ defense at linebacker.
Rockwell was also a graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas-Monticello, where he played for four years. The Boll Weevils were 8-3 his freshman year.
Rockwell already made a few changes
“We’ve changed a few things up, and I’m in the process of finding a defensive coordinator,” said Rockwell. “Josh Bradley, who is from Nashville (Ar.) will be the offensive coordinator. Jeff McBride — Jared’s older brother — is the new quarterback coach. Jared McBride is working with youth sports and assisting Athletic Director Darin Landry.”
Jared McBride will still be a resource to rely on for the varsity football team. McBride set several records for the Nashville Scrappers, and played football for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
McBride didn’t leave an empty cupboard for Rockwell and his staff. Both Lakeside’s freshman and eighth grade teams were unbeaten in 2022.
Rockwell is married (Gina) with three children, 11-year-old Gabby; 9-year old Garren Jr.; and 7-year-old Gracelyn. His parents are Kenneth and Iwona Rockwell of Texarkana, Texas.