FORT SMITH HIRES NEW ATHLETICS DIRECTOR

Michael Beaumont had just finished shaking hands, mugging for pictures and talking up his family when he got to the meat of the order — how to keep Northside and Southside in the same ZIP code. Beaumont was introduced Monday night as Fort Smith’s new athletics director. There are schedules to complete, officials to hire and coaches to meet. And there is the matter of keeping the two high schools in the same league. This spring, the Arkansas Activities Association announced Northside would remain in the 6A-Central for the duration of the 2020-22 athletic seasons, with Southside getting moved back in the 6A-West. “This is a very serious matter,” Beaumont said. “You have a lot to think about with Southside and Northside, two premier athletic programs.” A graduate of Brookland High School, Beaumont built a strong resume that included stints with Houston Nutt at Arkansas and Ole Miss and most recently as the director of operations for the University of Tennessee women’s basketball team. In addition, Beaumont coached at the University of Central Arkansas and, for five years, served as the head baseball coach and assistant football coach at Lincoln. It was here where he developed a kinship with Nutt, who drove in Beaumont’s hiring Monday. “I am very excited to be part of the Fort Smith Schools program, which is so rich in history, pride and tradition,” Beaumont said in a statement. “I know the district has excellent teachers, leaders and coaches. I feel truly humbled and blessed to join the Fort Smith team.” Nutt, in fact, was the one who actually tipped off Beaumoint about the Fort Smith opening. “It’s kind of funny. I was talking to Houston one day about the director of athletics is open in Fort Smith. He (Nutt) knew I was wanting to move into administration, having been at the college level all these years,” Beaumont said. “So I did a little research. A lot of these coaches, we knew them because we’ve recruited a lot of these kids on the basketball side and the football side. A lot of my colleges knew these coaches.” Beaumont picked up the telephone and reached out to the 4-7-9. “We made some calls to see what exactly was going on, Beaumont said. “I thought I would apply and take a shot. I was hoping they would pick me, and I had an interview, and here I am.” Beaumont and his wife, Susan, who are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this year, will soon be planting roots in Fort Smith, which he revealed already had a family connection. Beaumont’s mom, Connie, and dad, Wayne, were married at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fort Smith. Beaumont’s dad coached and served as a principal, he said. “I’m excited about this opportunity,” Beaumont said. “Just to be a part of this community, the four junior highs and the two high schools, what an incredible opportunity.”

FORT SMITH HIRES NEW ATHLETICS DIRECTOR

KEVIN TAYLOR

Times Record | 7/30/2019

PHOTO CREDIT: Jamie Mitchell