The Harrison Goblins football program is entering a new era following the official hiring of veteran Arkansas coach Van Paschal. During a special school board meeting on Monday night, the Harrison School District approved Paschal as the 23rd head coach in the program's history. His appointment brings a high level of experience and a proven track record of success to the community.
Paschal arrives in Harrison with a distinguished career that spans several decades. Harrison marks the tenth school he has coached in Arkansas, highlighting his ability to adapt and succeed in various environments across the state. With 264 career victories, Paschal is recognized as one of the most accomplished high school coaches in Arkansas history.
His career is highlighted by two state championships: the first achieved with Monticello in 2009 and the second with Cross County in 2025. In addition to these titles, Paschal has spent 36 years as a head coach, leading his teams to 29 playoff appearances and securing numerous conference championships. This consistency demonstrates his ability to build and maintain competitive programs regardless of the classification or roster.
Beyond the win-loss column, Paschal is highly respected by his peers and statewide organizations. He has received multiple coach-of-the-year awards and has been selected to lead prestigious all-star games. This combination of longevity and professional recognition suggests that Paschal will provide the Goblins with the steady leadership and expertise needed to elevate the program.
With his deep roots in Arkansas football and a history of championship-level success, Van Paschal is well-positioned to lead the Harrison Goblins toward a bright and competitive future.
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North Arkansas Performing Artists Coalition (NAPAC) / The Harrison Post