Football: Gentry hires Ernest as coach

The Gentry School Board approved the hiring of Paul Ernest as the Pioneers' new football coach at a meeting Monday.

Ernest, 42, was chosen from more than 30 applicants for the job. He replaces Brian Little, who resigned in December, but will remain at Gentry as the athletic director.

Ernest has been coaching for 14 years, the last five as an assistant football coach at Nashville, including the last three as offensive coordinator. He also spent nine years at Horatio, including eight as the head coach.

He recalled facing Gentry in the playoffs at Nashville a few years back. The players and fans made a good impression, Ernest said.

"It seemed like the visitors side was just as packed if not more than the home side," Ernest said. "That was my first experience with Gentry. They traveled well, and I thought the kids played hard, showed some class and character.

"I felt like this was an opportunity to do some good things. I'm excited about the chance to be a head coach again. I turned down some jobs that didn't feel right. I believe this is a good fit for me and my family. We are excited about it."

Ernest's wife is Jennifer, and they have four boys, ages 16, 12, 8 and 6

Ernest was also told Gentry had upgraded its fieldhouse recently. That was an understatement. He loved seeing the 43,000-square-foot Pioneer Activities Center, which was opened in late 2013.

"When I walked in there, there's just a commitment level that doesn't happen everywhere," Ernest said.

Ernest, who also serves as the softball coach at Nashville, isn't sure when he will be able to transition to his new job at Gentry. He wants to make sure his obligations at Nashville are met.

"We're trying to figure out the fastest way to get me up there right now," Ernest said.

Sports on 02/25/2015

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