Hot Springs Trojan football fans will now be greeted with the likeness of Joe C. Reese when they pass the press box at the stadium thanks to a new plaque installed Tuesday morning.
The plaque was revealed to the public during halftime last Friday, when it was presented at midfield with members of Reese's family.
In addition to the likeness of Reese, the plaque reads, "In Memory of Joe C. Reese -- A man committed to Hot Springs School District, its students, athletics, and facilities. He always wanted the best competition, strived for excellence on and off the field, and had pride in being a TROJAN." The plaque also notes his years of service as a coach (1970-1998) and on the board of education (2007-2013).
"Dad gave his heart and soul to Hot Springs High School," said Reese's son, Brad, who is now athletic director at Heber Springs. "He loved being a Trojan. He worked tirelessly to see that these kids had the best of everything or what they could afford and get it for them, so they could be successful."
Hot Springs Athletic Director Rodney Echols said the decision to present the plaque was to show how much Reese meant to the district.
"We wanted to honor the late Joe Reese and what he's done for the school district for over 40 years," he said. "He was coach here, athletic director, admin and, most importantly, served on the school board for six years. We just kind of wanted to show the family that we're still thankful today for all his service that he provided the district and this community.
"Being here seven years, I've heard stories of 'when Joe Reese was the football coach,' 'when Joe Reese was in admin,' how he made these young men act right, was very successful on the football field. I had the chance to meet his daughters tonight, and I've known Brad since I've been here. He's one of the guys Hot Springs misses dearly, and we're thankful for everything he's done for the district and everything he's contributed to help (us) be where we are today."
Reese had a storied career at Hot Springs, serving as defensive coordinator for the Trojans for eight years starting in 1970 before he was promoted to head football coach. He also served as head track coach for the first nine years of his career.
With Reese coaching the Trojans' defense, the team reached the state finals his first three years at the school, winning in 1970 and sharing the 1972 title with Jonesboro. The Trojans also reached the title game in 1976.
Taking the helm of the Trojans, he led the team to four conference titles, reaching the state semifinals in 1979. In 1984, the Trojans received the state's No. 1 ranking before falling in the playoffs.
Reese stepped down as coach following the 1990 season, becoming the district's athletic director and, later, dean of students. In 1991, he was named the Arkansas Activities Association's Athletic Director of the Year.
Prior to coaching at Hot Springs, Reese played football and basketball at Little Rock Central, and he attended LSU on a football scholarship before transferring to Arkansas Tech. He was then drafted to play for the Green Bay Packers by coach Vince Lombardi.
In 2006, Reese was elected to the Hot Springs School Board, where he served for six years. While on the board, he helped bring about the construction of the new press box and the initial turf for the stadium along with other facility construction, repairs and renovations.
Echols recalled the first time that he met with Reese as the new head basketball coach seven years ago.
"I remember the first time I met him," he said. "He set down with me, and the first thing he told me was he wanted me to change not only the basketball program but he wanted me to have an impact on the culture of athletics as a whole, and that was seven years ago.
"In the position I am now, having an opportunity to work with his son, Brad, some and get insight from him and knowledge of being a successful athletic director. We chatted for about 45 minutes tonight on just AD stuff. We got off talking about 'dad.' To him, Joe is dad; to me, Joe Reese was a guy who welcomed me to Hot Springs with open arms seven years ago and told me not to ever change in what I came here to do, and that was change the culture of basketball -- make sure my kids were disciplined and make sure they cared about grades."
Brad noted his father was a no-nonsense man, and he was expected to be a leader early on in his athletic career.
"I would not change a thing," he said. "Dad was tough. He expected me to lead, even as a sophomore. I had to do right in the classroom, out in the community. If I messed up and he didn't take care of it where the other kids could see it, that just set a bad example. I appreciate the times that he was onto me and made me into the person I am today.
"I'm a high-discipline, high-character person. Dad didn't mince words, and I don't mince words either. I don't believe in wasting anybody's time. Somebody told me the other day I'm the kind of person that if you don't want to hear the truth, then go eat a doughnut if you want it sugarcoated. Dad was the same way. At least you knew where he stood. He was an upfront, honest guy, high-character, and he loved the kids. Everything he did was for these kids here at Hot Springs High School."
A statement read in Reese's honor during the presentation says, in part, "Coach Joe Reese had a 'special' bond with Hot Springs School District and its employees. He was proud of the district and its nurturing environment for students, its focus on academic excellence and its community involvement. He was more than an employee and a board member, he was a 'friend' to the district."
Brad said that while the Trojan football team has "run on some hard times," he feels there is good right around the corner.
"I think coach (Darrell) Burnett may be the right man at the right spot to get this thing turned back around and get the numbers back out where Hot Springs will be a major player on the state level," he said. "They obviously have the community support because of what they did with the field and the track and the facilities out here. I think coach Echols will do a good job as athletic director. I'm excited for Hot Springs High School and what they can do, and I know dad is smiling."
Echols said his hope is to live up to what Reese asked of him, especially now as athletic director.
"Now, in the role that I am, I can try to pass that along to coaches I have on my staff and have coaches pass it along to their kids," he said. "He's had a hand in everything that's been going on here since I've been here, but most importantly he's had his hand in this district for over 40 years. I guarantee he's had an impact on the majority of the kids lives.
"I had a chance to coach kids whose parents played for Joe Reese, and all I've heard is great stories. It means a lot to be able to present a bronze plaque that will be hanging here behind the press box signifying this is Joe Reese Stadium. It means a lot to us, and we just wanted to show that we're grateful for everything that he's done here for the district."
Sports on 09/19/2018