This digital story recording was created in conjunction with the Smithsonian's Museum on Main Street program and its Stories from Main Street student documentary initiative, called "Stories: Yes." The project encourages students and their mentors to research and record stories about small-towns and rural neighborhoods, waterways, personal memories, cultural traditions, work histories, as well as thoughts about American democracy. These documentaries are then shared on Smithsonian websites and social media.
Students at Bismarck High School collaborated students in the Public History program at Ouachita Baptist University, to explore the history of the high school’s athletic teams and supporting organizations. They located many photographs and conducted oral history interviews with two of the school’s athletic coaches.
Speaker 1 (00:08): We're recording now. So this is the Coach Jolly interview. So I guess we'll just get started. So how are you involved with Bismarck sports?
Coach Jolly (00:18): Well, currently I'm the head football coach, I have been for the last two years and also the head wrestling coach.
Speaker 1 (00:25): Okay. And, so in the time that you've been at Bismarck, what are some of the achievements that stick out to you?
Coach Jolly (00:33): Well, for me personally, a few things. In my time being here in football, we've made the playoffs three years, which is always exciting time. Also, in the wrestling program, we've finished as a state runner-up and have had multiple All-State wrestlers, which is always fun. I know we've seen success in other sports. In the 2016-'17 school year, the girls golf team were state champions.
Speaker 1 (01:04): Okay. So who are some rivals, I guess you could say, who are some main, not enemy, but just in a friendly competition way, opponents?
Coach Jolly (01:16): Well, I would say our biggest football rival is Center Point. Every year we play them the last game of the year. There's a trophy awarded at the end of the game. That came about I think around five years ago. I think in 2011 or '12 is when that came about. We're real close in proximity, a lot of the kids know each other, so there's a very healthy rivalry between those two sports in football.
Speaker 1 (01:57): Okay. And also, who else would you recommend we should talk to for information on stuff like this?
Coach Jolly (02:04): I would say probably one of the best sources for football wise would be Coach Wooton. He was coach here in the '80s, won multiple conference championships. I believe he's the winningest all time coach at Bismarck. He's retired now, but he still lives in the community. He volunteers up at Helping Hands there on Highway Seven.
Speaker 1 (02:32): Okay. Well, thank you for doing the interview and stuff.
Coach Jolly (02:32): That's it?
Speaker 1 (02:32): Yes, sir. That is.
Asset ID: 2021.09.04.b
