Bayou announces new A.D. and football coach

By Kristy Kitchings

Bayou Academy is pleased to announce the hiring of Jimmy Hicks as the Athletic Director, Head of Football Operations and High School Head Football Coach.

Hicks is a graduate of Freed-Hardman University in Henderson, TN and brings a wealth of knowledge to the position from his time as a player and coach.  

“We are extremely excited about the appointment of Coach Hicks as our new Athletic Director and head football coach,” said Board of Director President, Bob Reed.  “His wealth of experience is sure to continue the great success of our football program.  Coach Hicks is also someone who is extremely familiar with our tradition of excellence and will continue to build

on that as we look to the future.”

Hicks comes to Bayou Academy from Heritage Academy where he served as offensive coordinator for the varsity team along with other duties.  Hicks aided leading the Patriots to the 2012 State Championship Title in AAA Division 2.    He served as the head football coach for Tunica Academy from 2009-2012.  He holds a coaching record of 28 wins and nine losses in his career.

“My wife and I lived in Tunica for a little over three years and we fell in love with the Delta and I have always had a great respect for Bayou Academy over the years.  At some of the different schools I have coached at we played Bayou and I always wanted the opportunity to be a part of the school,” said Hicks.

“I am looking forward to getting to know the boys.  I became a coach to make a difference in the lives of young men.  My goal is to teach them what is right and wrong both on and off the field and wins and losses will come and go.  I truly want to be a good role model and make them productive citizens.  I want to make an impact on these young men,” added Hicks.

Hicks gets his coaching passion from his father who was a public school coach and the two reunited during Hicks time in Tunica as his father served as defensive coordinator.  “I look forward to working with Coach Steve Hitt and Coach Will Reed.  I have met with both of them and am excited about next season,” added HIcks.

Hicks has recently met with the parents and players of the junior high football team but states that he is waiting until the baseball season is over before meeting with the varsity team.  “I respect that these kids play more than one sport and I do not want to interrupt their season,” said Hicks.

According to the Colts new skipper he already has a plan of action for the summer and getting to know “his boys”.   “I am really excited about this summer.  We are going to take the summer to really get to know each other.   We are going to build some team unity and as a new coach we need to do some serious team bonding,” added Hicks.  

Hicks already has plans in motion for the varsity Colts this summer with a seven on seven program that will consist of 20 summer games.  “We plan on taking the team to the University of Mississippi and hopefully our plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi will fall into place.  We are also going to join a Delta league and even host a game or two at Bayou.”

Hicks is married to his wife Jarae and they have five daughters Carley ( 15 ), Cheyanne ( 10 ), Lala ( 8), Bella ( 3 ) and Sophie ( 1 ).