KEARNEY- Kearney High School has announced that Matt Connot has been selected as the next Head Baseball Coach for Kearney High School. Connot spoke with KRVN’s Jon Willis.
Hogue expressed his excitement about the hiring of Matt Connot, “We are thrilled to have Matt joining the head coaching ranks at Kearney High School. His passion for the game of baseball and future commitment to developing a program that will focus on player development and competing at a high level will only lead to the overall success for our spring baseball program,” said Ryan Hogue, KHS AP/ KPS Activities Director.
Connot has 20 years of experience coaching high school and Legion baseball in Kearney and Lincoln. He has been a varsity assistant coach for the Bearcats since the program’s inaugural season in 2019. “I am honored to have been chosen as the head baseball coach at Kearney High School,” said Connot. “I am excited to continue to work with our student-athletes to help them grow as players and people and add whatever I can to the incredible program that Coach Archer has built here in Kearney.”
Connot takes over a Kearney High School baseball program that has a rich history of success. The team has made two of the three state tournament appearances since the program’s inception and has helped produce numerous collegiate players during those years.
“I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that has been established at Kearney High School,” said Connot. “We have a talented group of players, a community that supports Kearney baseball and I am confident that we can achieve great things together.”
Hogue went on to state, “A lot has changed in the last 5-6 years with the landscape of baseball in the Kearney community. It was important for us to find a head coach that will embrace the baseball community at all levels and partner with many to streamline a philosophy and common mission to achieve all of the goals we are striving to achieve as a community.” Hogue stated that Kearney High School is also very excited about the future co-op with Kearney Catholic. “Together, we will combine our baseball talent to compete at a high level and strive to meet the highest of program goals now and in the future. The future of baseball in Kearney is going to be fun to watch.”
Connot has a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Education. He currently teaches science at Kearney High School, and before that, he taught 7th-grade science at Horizon Middle School.
Connot replaces Brad Archer, who will step down as Head Baseball Coach following the conclusion of the spring season.
CONNOT COACHING EXPERIENCE
Kearney High Baseball
· Varsity Assistant Baseball Coach – 2019-present
o 2019 District Title, State Tournament appearance
o 2022 State Tournament appearance
Kearney Legion Baseball
· Head Post 52 Junior Legion Baseball Coach – 2011-present
· 2016 State Champions
· 2017 State Champions
· Assistant Runza Senior Legion Baseball Coach – 2008-2010
· 2010 State Runner-Up, Regional Tournament appearance
Kearney High School Football
· Volunteer – 2009
Lincoln Pius X High School Baseball
· Head JV Baseball Coach – 2005-2007
Lincoln Pius X Legion Baseball
· Head Sandhills Publishing Junior Legion Baseball Coach – 2003-2007
