Bob Jones welcomes new girls basketball coach

Andre Reynolds sits as Bob Jones principal Robby Parker formally introduces him as the new Bob Jones girls basketball coach. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Reporter

MADISON – The Bob Jones Patriots didn’t have to look far for its new varsity girls basketball coach, tapping former Patriots assistant Andre Reynolds for the lead role. Reynolds replaces Danny Petty, who left in July to become the new boys varsity coach at James Clemens.

Reynolds, 36, was officially introduced to his new role on August 7 by athletic director Luther Tiggs, who was replaced by Petty at James Clemens.

“It’s very exciting for me and my family,” Reynolds said. “Some of the things you set goals for in your life, and then when you actually get to accomplish one of those goals it’s a major accomplishment for me.”

Before serving under Petty the past two seasons at Bob Jones, Reynolds was the assistant coach for Athens High School’s boys varsity team from 2008-12. A graduate of Dothan High School, Reynolds received his undergraduate from Athens State University and his master’s in physical education at Jacksonville State University.

Bob Jones principal Robby Parker spoke with enthusiasm about the team’s future with Reynolds.

“We’re not going to miss a beat,” Parker said. “We hired coach Reynolds to come a couple of years ago, and the reason we hired coach Reynolds is Coach Petty wasn’t going to be with us forever…we hired coach Reynolds so we would be ready.”

Reynolds added he wasn’t surprised Petty left his position, but he thought it would be in the form of retirement, not leaving to “a rival school.”

“But I understand and he felt like he still had some more years that he wanted to coach,” Reynolds said. “He always told me I was ready to be a head coach, so I’m honored.”