By Chris Parker
Bolivar has a new head coach in Robert Clardy this season. Clardy comes over from Southwest Baptist University where he was the head coach since 2015 and left as the program’s all-time winningest coach.
The timing felt right for Clardy to step away from the college ranks.
“There were a lot of factors that went into it, but I’ve known a lot of the high school players since they were kids,” Clardy said. “I have three children working their way through the district and have been able to watch and root for these players for years. It felt like perfect timing for me to step away from college and invest into this football program and community.”
He will look to guide Bolivar to its first district title since 2013. Depth and culture will be focuses for Clardy.
“Bolivar has had some very successful seasons that just fell short of the district championship,” Clardy said. “I’m just trying to focus on what we can do to take this program to another level. Participation numbers have been on the decline here recently, so that was a top priority. Depth is a huge factor when you’re competing late in the season for a championship run, and adding numbers will help that. Also, setting a culture for not just our players but all age groups. That relationship is extremely important for sustained success and growth for years down the road.”
Attitude is everything will be a rallying motto for Bolivar.
“I want everyone associated with our program to show up day after day with a great attitude,” Clardy said. “Our AIE motto (Attitude is Everything) is the driving force behind everything we do on a daily basis, and not just for football. I believe that a positive and confident mindset is crucial for success on and off the field. How you do anything, is how you do everything, and our players have bought into that this summer in all facets.”
Offensively, six starters return to an offense looking to attack.
“We want to be known as an attack style offense that makes defenses react to us and cover all 53 ⅓ yards sideline to sideline,” Clardy said.
Chapel Banner returns as the starting quarterback going into fall practices. Banner threw for 1,422 yards with 20 touchdowns last season.
“(Banner) did a great job stepping into that role during the season last year,” Clardy said. “He’s a great leader, and I couldn’t ask for more from him and his work ethic. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a player that puts in as much work as he does on his own time.”
The running game must replace 2,000-yard back Gardner Casey. Cyrus Jackson along with Kolt Hill and Koven Parks have all had good summers at running back.
Evan Nickels and Hunter Kozlowski return on the perimeter at wide receiver. Nickels had 30 catches for 606 yards and nine touchdowns on his way to first-team all-conference honors last season.
Kozlowski is poised for a breakout season.
“Hunter Kozlowski has shown us a lot of athleticism and what he can do on a football field,” Clardy said. “He seems to always be around the football and big plays happen.”
Lucas Pock returns at tight end.
“Lucas Pock has worked extremely hard in the weight room and it’s showing out on the football field,” Clardy said. “(He) has developed more into a tight end that cannot just be a receiving threat, but a good blocker in the trenches.”
The offensive and defensive lines will be led by Owen McCullah. McCullah was a first-team all-conference and third-team all-state offensive lineman who allowed no sacks with 88 pancake blocks last season. He was a second-team all-conference honoree on the defensive line with four sacks and two fumble recoveries.
“The offensive line will be led by senior Owen McCullah up front. He’s one of the best lineman in the area and has brought all of the others to another level with him,” Clardy said.
Seniors Logan Bunn, Aiden Essary and Sam Harless will also be on the offensive and defensive lines. Harless was is coming off a second-team all-conference selection on the offensive line.
In all, six starters return on defense as well.
Cale McCurry, Bunn and Hill will see time at linebacker.
The secondary will feature Brylin Stigers, Will Niven, Waylon Cooper, Evan Mortenson and Kozlowski.
Clardy expects the senior class to set the tone this season.
“Our senior class is full of a bunch of kids that know hard work,” Clardy said. “They’re not afraid of any challenge, and I think that has rubbed off on all of our other players. I’ve only been around them for a few months but have been very pleased with the toughness and resilience our seniors have shown their teammates.”
Bolivar hosts a jamboree on Aug. 22 with Cassville, Willard and Parkview. The Liberators open the regular season at home on Aug. 29 against Osage.
“I want to see our culture continue to move in the right direction,” Clardy said. “I want our players to enjoy coming to practice and being a part of something that’s bigger than themselves. If we can get better every week and build our program from 3-12, I’ll see that as a success going into my first year.”
