Franklin Jennings is familiar with the facilities at Rogers Heritage, even though they were technically a part of Rogers High when he graduated in 2001.
Jennings played soccer for the Mounties when their home was where Heritage is now that Rogers has two high schools. There was no way he could pass up the opportunity to return.
Jennings was recently hired as Heritage’s boys soccer coach after spending the past five seasons coaching Springdale High’s girls soccer team.
“The fact that I grew up just a couple blocks from the campus, played at that campus, graduated from that campus, to coach the men’s program at Rogers Heritage is kind of a dream come true for me,” Jennings said. “I always wanted to be back in Rogers and be back on that campus.”
Jennings saw progress last season while leading Springdale to a winning record. He said transitioning from girls soccer to boys soccer won’t be an issue since he has experience coaching boys club teams and men in adult leagues.
“It’s not going to be much of a transition for me. The transition was coaching girls, which was interesting,” Jennings said. “I learned a lot from coaching girls, but I’m definitely ready to be back in the boys game.”
Springdale athletic director Wayne Stehlik said Monday he’d like to have Jennings’ replacement hired as soon as possible, adding “we’re continuing to evaluate candidates.”
Stehlik said a listing for the girls soccer coach with the Lady Bulldogs has been posted on the school’s website.
Jennings said his decision to accept the Heritage position was made easier by the fact he and his wife have family and friends living in Rogers. Of course, his childhood ties to the school also had an impact.
“I played for Rogers High School, but it was at the Heritage campus,” Jennings said. “So, I guess my allegiance is kind of to the old campus because I grew up just a couple of blocks from there.”