I have been with the Standard Democrat sports department since 2007. I took over as sports editor in May of 2011 and have been slightly crazy about sports since I can remember. I attended Southeast Missouri State University and Scott County Central High School. I co-created our sports web show "The Last Word" and my two children, Elijah and CJ. I was married to my wife, Angie, in May of 2014. I love to golf, I am an avid NBA2K gamer and root for the Fighting Irish on Saturdays.

Kennett to receive double dose of Pixley

Posted Thursday, May 22, 2014, at 1:50 AM

Arlen Pixley will be joining his brother at Kennett.

The former New Madrid County Central head football and wrestling coach has accepted a position with Kennett as their new defensive coordinator, assistant wrestling and track coach. He will be alongside his brother, Aaron Pixley, who is currently the head football and head wrestling coach.

"It's an exciting time," Arlen Pixley said. "I'm very happy to be working with my brother because we work very well together. He knows my strengths and weaknesses just like I know his strengths and weaknesses. I'm very happy for the opportunity."

Arlen will join his brother Aaron who will enter into his second year as Kennett's head football coach after 13 years at Dexter High School.

"It's going to do nothing but help us," Aaron Pixley said about his brother. "He brings a lot of experience and he's worked very hard to get where he's at right now. He's a tough love guy and I know he'll bring a lot to our football program."

Pixley has spent the last 15 years at New Madrid County Central. For the last 10 years he's been the head football coach.

"It was a great experience," Pixley said. "A lot of great athletes have came through there and I'm glad to be a part of that time. Hopefully, I'll be able to use that time, learn from it and apply it at Kennett."

This won't be the first time that Arlen and Aaron Pixley will work side-by-side. Aaron Pixley left New Madrid County Central in 2000 to take over the Dexter football program. The Pixley brothers, who also played football together at Dexter High School, worked together at NMCC for two years.

"As the defensive coordinator I'll be able to focus all my effort and energy on one side of the ball," Pixley said. "I'm a defensive guy and I've always prided myself on defense. As a head coach you're always engrossed in so many other details and I know that Aaron wants to have a multiple look on defense so it should be a good gig."

"We've worked together in the past and it's kind of one of those deals where you wish you would have known then what you know now," Aaron Pixley said. "He'll put the kids first and I'm excited to get to work with him again."

Arlen Pixley will also help his brother pioneer Kennett's first varsity wrestling program that will begin next season.

"They've had a youth wrestling program for a while and we know that it's going to be supported," Pixley said. "Kennett is all about coming together and supporting it's programs. It's definitely an exciting time."