(April 25, 2024)—We are thrilled to announce that a long-time member of the Harrison Central High family will now take over as the Red Rebels’ head football coach. Coach Nekemia Rich has over 24 years of experience coaching and playing football. He spent the majority of his coaching career at Harrison Central.
“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to lead Harrison Central High School’s football program,” said Rich. “This opportunity is bigger than football. It’s an opportunity for me to impact the lives of young men and equip them with knowledge that carries them way beyond their playing days at Harrison Central High School. Having spent the past 19 years at Harrison Central, it has become home for me. I love working at HC because of the bonds that I’ve created with the students, athletes, faculty, staff, administration, and most importantly, the community.”
Coach Rich was a standout athlete on the high school, college, and professional level. Rich believes he has the skills and background to be successful in leading a high school football program.
“I will produce an energizing and creative learning environment that will motivate and encourage student-athletes, just as I have always done,” said Rich. “With the level of athletic talent being produced at HCHS year in and year out, I’m confident we can produce championship results in football.”
Coach Rich joined the Rebels football program in 2004. He currently serves as the Rebels’ athletic coordinator. He is also the assistant football coach, head boys/girls track and field coach, and assistant basketball/head JV coach.
Below are some of his coaching career highlights:
- Selected as the defensive coordinator of the 2016 Max Emfinger All-American Bowl Game
- Selected as the defensive backs coach for the 2013 Max Emfinger All-American Bowl Game
- Instrumental in leading HC to one of the school’s most decorated seasons and hosting the first-round playoffs in 2009
- Mississippi Boys 6A Coach of the Year in track and field (2014)
- Mississippi Boys 6A Track and Field Champions – first time in school history (2014)
- Responsible for 39 Harrison Central student-athletes signing football scholarships
Along with his coaching responsibilities, Rich taught U.S. Government and World History and is currently teaching Driver’s Education at HCHS. As an educator, he was named the school’s “Teacher of the Month” in 2008, 2012, and 2016 and the Kiwanis Club Teacher of the Month in 2016.
Coach Rich received his Associate of Arts degree from East Mississippi Community College, his Bachelor of Science degree at Mississippi State University, and his Master of Education degree from William Carey University.
One interesting fact about Coach Rich is that he played professional Arena Football with the Tupelo Fire Ants from 2001-2003. Through his experience as a football player, coach, and educator, Rich wants to foster an appreciation of the benefits of sportsmanship, personal achievement, and teamwork among his student-athletes.
“Student-athletes have discovered that a strong work ethic not only will boost performance on the playing field, but will also boost performance in the classroom, work, and home. It is important to not only coach, but to mentor student-athletes while developing the whole student.”
Congratulations to Coach Nekemia Rich! We are looking forward to an exciting 2024-25 Rebels football season! Go Rebels!!!
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