CHERRY VALLEY - The Cross County School District is thrilled to announce the hiring of Van Paschal as the new head coach for the Thunderbirds, With an extensive coaching career spanning 39 years, Coach Paschal brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to Cross County’s football program.
Coach Paschal has secured an impressive 246 career wins, making him the winningest active coach in the state of Arkansas. He has coached his team into the playoffs 26 out of 34 years as head coach. In 2009 he led Monticello High School to a state title and guided his team to a state runner-up finish in 2011 at Barton High School. He also added four conference titles while at Wynne High School.
Coach Paschal comes to Cross County from serving as the head coach at Heber Springs High School where he led his team to the playoffs for the first time since 2018, but before that worked from 2017-2022 at the Wynne School District.
“I appreciate the opportunity,” said Coach Paschal. “It’s one of those things that, honestly, I didn’t see coming, but after much prayer and walking through the doors we believe as a family that God is leading us back to the Cross County area and the Cross County School District. We are excited for the opportunity to be a T-Bird and to come in and establish a great program and bring a state championship to Cross County.”
Coach Paschal has been married to his wife, Lisa, for 38 years. Together they have five children, Tyler Paschal, Hope Wells, Hannah Cooper, Rebecca Paschal, and Rachel Paschal.
“Coach Paschal comes to us with a long and successful career in Arkansas High School football,” said Superintendent Dr. Nathan Morris. “We look forward to the future of our football program and the many other positives that his experience will bring to our district.”
The Cross County School District is confident that Coach Paschal will bring a passion for developing student athletes to the Thunderbird program. Coach Paschal will be meeting with the football team today.