A welcome back is a necessary for North Platte High’s “new” head football coach, Rice used to be coach for NPHS back in 2009, and he’s decided to make a come back. “I’m glad I’m back, it was a great experience before,” said Rice.

Rice was born and raised in Bradshaw, Nebraska on a dairy farm. High school was full of sports for Rice, he was involved in football, basketball, and track. But his passion was always football. After high school he went and played in Kearney and took a head coaching job at Ness City, Kan. right after college.

Rice plans on helping the football program not just physically but mentally, “My number one thing is leadership, day one we’re looking for the guys that are putting in the work in our program. Hard work pays off, hard work is rewarded,” said Rice. Starting next year there’ll be a restructured weight room for the team. “I’m big into testing, we’re gonna test you out continually, we’re gonna give you chances to break personal records, and get new maxes,” Rice tells the football boys planning to play in the 2018 season.

“I’m just excited to be a part of it, and look forward to trying to just build on the tradition, Bulldog football, is important to the community of North Platte.”