Timms accepts BIC girls coaching position

Riverside graduate Tyler Timms, 32, accepted the position of Buffalo Island Central girls basketball coach following a special called board meeting Tuesday evening at the school.

“I talked to Tyler two years ago about coming to BIC,” said Superintendent Gaylon Taylor. “He showed interest then but was not ready to make the move. He has had a very successful career at Cossatot River. I like the fact he is born and raised in Northeast Arkansas and has deep family roots here.”

Timms graduated from Riverside High School in 2006 and went on to graduate from Arkansas State University, in Jonesboro, in 2012. He is the son of Diane Fletcher and Trent Fletcher of Jonesboro and Steve Timms of Lake City. Timms served as junior and senior girls basketball coach at Cossatot River school, at Wicks, in western Arkansas for seven years, two years as head coach.

“I built the girls basketball program at Cossatot River and take great pride in their success as a team,” Timms said. “They have another great year coming up, with six of their best seven players coming back. It was tough to leave them when they are winning but I have the desire to get back home and be near family and friends. BIC students have great potential and I consider this a great opportunity to be where I want to be.”

The Cossatot River girls team went to the 2A state tournament three times, won conference five times, and had 83 victories under Timms' leadership.

Taylor asked Timms if he would be approachable as a coach and parents always wanted to stay in touch. Timms answered with a resounding “Yes.”

“I have always been connected with parents and team members, by phone and text,” Timms said. “The parents need to trust me and will come to know I will be honest with them. I have always worked hard to motivate the players to give their best, and my record shows that. This job is a personal commitment to me, and I expect good things coming from our program next year. Even though we will work hard, I feel the team will have fun doing so.”

“We have had a revolving door with coaches this past few years and are looking for stability,” said board member Justin Hawkins. “We have a building situation and want to see our girls program get back strong. We need commitment to build for the long term.”

“The way I see it, I have only had one job in seven years,” said Timms. “Northeast Arkansas is home to me. I consider this opportunity an excellent one, and I have no intention to leave.”

“We have had a lot of turnover in two years,” said Taylor. “We have never asked anyone to leave in a win and loss situation. I know you are very professional and have a good reputation. I encourage you to be interested in students at the elementary level. They have a variety of interests in a variety of things. I hope you can motivate them early to take interest in playing basketball. Don’t worry about getting pressure to win, just work hard every day and give us your best.”

Timms has a 12-month contract as the new girls basketball coach.

BIC board members plan for school to open school again on April 17 as formerly planned.