Parnell resigns as Wildcat football coach, Weldy to step up
Shown above, left to right, are Cassville High School football coaches, Clay Weldy and Lance Parnell. Parnell has announced his resignation as head coach; Weldy has been selected to take his place.
November 24, 2021
Mindi Artherton
Since joining the staff in 2008, Clay Weldy quickly became a leader in the Cassville Wildcat football program. Beginning July of 2022, he will hold the title of “Head Coach.”
During the November Board of Education meeting, the board accepted the resignation of current Head Football Coach Lance Parnell and selected Weldy to lead the program during the 22-23 season.
“Coach Parnell has dedicated nearly 25 years of his career to Cassville Wildcat football and played a key role in making this program one of the most respected programs in the state,” said Doug Martin, Cassville R-IV Athletic and Activities Director. “We are looking forward to Coach Weldy continuing this strong tradition of success and know he will do a great job for our student athletes.”
Parnell has only resigned as the varsity football coach. He will continue to be employed by the district.
Parnell became a member of Wildcat Nation in 1998 when he joined the district to teach physical education and to coach quarterbacks and defensive backs. In 2002, he was named Defensive Coordinator for the Cats and Head Coach in 2013.
“I have been coaching football for 26 years,” stated Parnell. “I have loved every single minute of coaching the game that I love. It is time to move on to a new challenge, and I am excited about that.”
Weldy is no stranger to Wildcat football. After coaching a short time at Buffalo, he joined Cassville R-IV in 2008 coaching quarterbacks, running backs and receivers. He was promoted to Offensive Coordinator in 2012.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve as Head Football Coach of the Wildcats,” said Weldy. “Cassville has been home to my family for 14 years and we are looking forward to being a part of Wildcat football in this capacity.”
Weldy, and his wife, Susan, are both graduates of Aurora High School.
Mindi Artherton
Since joining the staff in 2008, Clay Weldy quickly became a leader in the Cassville Wildcat football program. Beginning July of 2022, he will hold the title of “Head Coach.”
During the November Board of Education meeting, the board accepted the resignation of current Head Football Coach Lance Parnell and selected Weldy to lead the program during the 22-23 season.
“Coach Parnell has dedicated nearly 25 years of his career to Cassville Wildcat football and played a key role in making this program one of the most respected programs in the state,” said Doug Martin, Cassville R-IV Athletic and Activities Director. “We are looking forward to Coach Weldy continuing this strong tradition of success and know he will do a great job for our student athletes.”
Parnell has only resigned as the varsity football coach. He will continue to be employed by the district.
Parnell became a member of Wildcat Nation in 1998 when he joined the district to teach physical education and to coach quarterbacks and defensive backs. In 2002, he was named Defensive Coordinator for the Cats and Head Coach in 2013.
“I have been coaching football for 26 years,” stated Parnell. “I have loved every single minute of coaching the game that I love. It is time to move on to a new challenge, and I am excited about that.”
Weldy is no stranger to Wildcat football. After coaching a short time at Buffalo, he joined Cassville R-IV in 2008 coaching quarterbacks, running backs and receivers. He was promoted to Offensive Coordinator in 2012.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve as Head Football Coach of the Wildcats,” said Weldy. “Cassville has been home to my family for 14 years and we are looking forward to being a part of Wildcat football in this capacity.”
Weldy, and his wife, Susan, are both graduates of Aurora High School.